Critically compare and contrast the arguments of classical and modern Essay

Critically compare and contrast the arguments of classical and modern liberals regarding the role of the state - Essay Example Upholding individual rights and ensuring equality of opportunity are considered to be better than theocratic rules, absolutism and totalitarianism. This ideology arose in the Age of Enlightenment; out of dissatisfaction with the interference of the Church and â€Å"the comprehensive political control and regulation of economic affairs† (Balaam, 2007:7) that prevailed. A liberal state neither seeks to resolve the conflicts of people on various matters of faith and life, nor interfere in the market economy. Instead, it â€Å"provides a neutral framework within which citizens can pursue their diverse conceptions of the good life† (Honderich, 1995: 483) and live together. Classical liberals favour religious tolerance over a religious monopoly. All liberals seek â€Å"the best form of government which will permit the individual to pursue life as he or she sees fit† (IEP, 2006). Liberal ideas now dominate many parts of the world. The USA was founded on the very principles of liberty, freedom and equality. Freedom is considered an ideal, which is only possible if people are allowed to be autonomous. The value of freedom â€Å"has its roots not only in Rousseau’s and Kant’s political theory, but also in John Stuart Mill’s On Liberty†¦ [and is still] a dominant strain in liberalism† (SEP, 2007). Liberalism prefers a limited role of the state because the state is perceived to be abusive of individual liberties, which leads to tensions between the individual and the state. Liberals believe that the tasks performed by the government must be limited to â€Å"tasks that individuals cannot perform by themselves, such as establish a basic legal system, assure national defence, and coin money† (Balaam, 2007: 50). Adam Smith, concerned with state interference in the market system, was a proponent of this view when he stated that the government’s role should be restricted to only doing work that private

Woman in Yoruba Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Woman in Yoruba - Research Paper Example This art included the use of wood, clay, stone, ivory, bronze, copper, and brass as material for these visual art works. Provenance in African arts is often hard to prove. This is the same case in Yoruba art where the artist is not clearly identified as the author of that art work. Concepts of authenticity in African art is different by virtue of the African concept of ownership; the owner of that art work is the person who ordered or commissioned an art work and not the artist himself. This is further compounded by the fairly recent commodification of African art (Stokes, 1999: 10). Many art objects were sold and re-sold to different private individuals and museums as result. It is not surprising that quite often, real authorship is lost and very hard to trace indeed. Hints in public knowledge of the real author of an art work may impinge on the owner in terms of prestige, power, and success in the public persona arena (ibid.). This is why most of Yoruba art hardly reflects on the real authorship but rather emphasizes the ownership of it. One aspect of Yoruba art that is very prominent is the use of art works in religious worship. A number of Yoruba art works reflect the ritualistic traditions among the people and an art work shown as an example here is good symbolism of the central role of religion (see Fig. 1). Women in Yoruba society occupy an important role. Although most scholarly literature points to a male-dominated society, this is not the case as validated by their works of art. The women in Yoruba have acquired divine authority as shown in the arts (Abiodun, 1989:2). It is a significant deviation from the common misconceptions of male dominance. The women as depicted in Yoruba art are almost always calm, dignified, and possessed of divine powers. In Yoruba art, women are accorded as powerful but also as subordinates (Olajubu, 2003:105). The essence of most Yoruba art is to

Shopping online

Shopping online Chapter 1 Introduction 1. Research Background With economics development, more and more customers are shopping online which is not incurable way. The customers can directly go to web site and search some information and purchase products or any services which is basic for e-commerce. Moreover, consumer-purchases are mostly based on information of product how it shows out, such as pictures of product, quality information, delivery time and price etc ( Park Kim 2003, Kolesar and Galbraith 2000). As shopping online cannot tough or smell the products, therefore the web site and sellers reputation are very important which might be affected the consumers purchase making decision (Park Kim 2003, pp.16). As internet has already linked to all of countries, it effectively advances the business development and there is no limited for them. Internet is not only advanced telecommunications, but also appearance of e-commerce has helped advance the environment which promotes the globalisation of markets throughout the world (Aljifri, et al 2003, pp.130). Moreover, e-commerce shows that lots of benefits, for example, expend the information area, development and innovation the new technologies, do some promotion for product sales and other services, and also cooperation between those in a supply chain (Aljifri, et al 2003, pp.130 OECD, 1997). However, as it has grown and become an important tool for some, the most of people are still reluctant in indulging in this recent fact. It is not argued that consumers are not browsing through e-commerce sites altogether, it shows that is increasing however the number of people that actually purchase from these e-commerce sites is low. According to Croner (2000), the biggest barrier to e-commerce growth is nor technology, but peoples attitude towards it. Some consumers are still feeling online shopping is difficult to trust. According to Moseley (2000) e-commerce to be towards a viable market place and people should trust the internet. In the future, e-commerce will be dependant and also develop relationships between website and customers which can increase the creditable from website and more confidence from customers. In a recent survey by Commerce Net, (2000), the top business to consumer barriers identified fro growth of e-commerce worldwide were security and encryption, trust and risk, user authentication and lack of public key infrastructure, and legal issues. Global e-commerce, in its current embryonic state, cannot be overly regulated in order to promote innovation and growth. Yet measures need to be taken to implant trust between all parties in e-commerce. Atif (2002) recently proposed a system that utilizes a network based intermediaries designed to eliminate some of the transactional risks in conducting e-commerce transactions. He proposed the introduction of trust service providers (TSP) to act on behalf of all the parties involved in these transactions. Implementations of such systems will help to promote security within e-commerce transactions. Stories of criminal behavior in the e-commerce arena have created a stereotype for e-commerce that portrays the internet as an area of little governance and no true security. This stereotype has generated the lack of trust in electronic transactions and establishing trust highly depends on user perceptions. The concept of trust in e-commerce has influenced many scholars from many different academic areas, which are elaborated later in the study. Previous research has concentrated on the adoption of e-commerce (Yaholm et al., 1993; Thomas., 1994; Cheskin Research, 1999; Beale, 1999; Periera, 1999; Siyal, 2000) all reveal consumers do not trust the existing security technologies and the general e-commerce set up. Studies also displayed that customers are worried about the delivery of their products ordered via the internet and about fraudulent e-merchants (Cheskin Research, 1999;Beale, 1999). At the same time consumers are becoming more mature, sophisticated and intelligent, are demanding higher levels of product information before making purchasing decisions (Periera, 1999). Further research by Beale (1999) on e-commerce trust revealed that consumers are concerned about the privacy and protection of their personal information (including their credit card numbers, social insurance or security numbers and buying pattern history) when shopping online. Previous research in to e-commerce trust aimed to identify trust, loyalty and likelihood of online purchase as the focal points of the investigation (Swaminathan et al, 1999; Jarvenpaa Tractinsky, 1999; Jungwon et al, 1999). This study will also look into to these issues however at the same time it will attempt to provide further insight in to the factors that influence consumer trust online. This will involve examining the already proposed trust element of online vendors, from a consumer perspective, particularly focusing on the difference in purchasing demands between different ethnic origins. 1.2 Research objectives and questions The study will compare online demand between white (European) and Asians, which is explained in more detail later in the study. The study will aim to provide answers to the following research questions and objectives; Highlight from a psychological, business and consumer behavior papers the principles of trust. Examine the relative importance of trust in e-commerce. Identify and examine factors that determine consumers levels of trust towards the concept of e-commerce. Investigate the concept of online trust under different categories of consumers, i.e. according to education, computer experience, ethnic origin etc. Look in to vendor characteristics and reputation elements to explore how likely they are to inspire trust online. 1.3 Contribution of the study 1.4 Research structure This dissertation will be structured as below, Chapter 2 – Literature review Chapter 3 – Research methodology will be aimed towards an inductive approach, and will involve the following research processes: Review the current theory and research findings on the concept of online trust. Use existing theory and methodology in order to provide a method of investigation. Collect data and investigate in to factors by analyzing and presenting the findings. Use the research findings in order to improve or justify previous studies and provide further conclusions. To acquire the perceptions and attitudes of consumers towards the concept of online trust the research used structured questionnaires. This was achieved through a street survey taking place in Sheffield. The theoretical framework created to investigate the factors and the selected methods of investigation, (i.e. questionnaire design and sampling method) are explained in great depth in chapter three. Chapter two has concentrated on the theoretical background associated to the research subject, looking in to the concept of trust, online trust and factors that influence trust. This chapter also highlights in greater detail the security and privacy issues related to consumers. Chapter 4 – Data analysis and findings will present the findings which have been collected from the data sources, evaluate and discuss the findings in the context of this particular study. Data analysis of the research findings is found in chapter four, with constant reference to aspects related to the aims of the research Chapter 5 – It includes a discussion of the results with relation to research objectives. The findings will identify key elements that online vendors may want to focus upon in order to inspire trust, therefore recommendations are provided in this chapter. It also includes summarized research findings and the research limitations are acknowledged.

Preventing Bioterrorism Essay -- Biodefense, Biological Attack

September 11, 2001, signifies the most pivotal moment in United States history. It marks a great paradigm shift in the attitude of United States towards terrorism. Prior to September 11, policies to protect against terrorism were perforated with in fighting between government agencies, a lack of centralized intelligence sharing, and general surprise. This event marks the beginning of the largest growth in the United States intelligence community. The United States increased security all around the board, opened up and centralized its agencies, and began to prepare for new kinds of terrorist attacks. The country never experienced a bio-terrorist attack, and yet the threat is very real. From the Cold War, the United States fully understood the harm biological weapons can inflict. The attacks of September 11 demonstrate the preparation against domestic terrorist attacks and the damage terrorist can cause. As the United States continue to increase its security against terrorism, it is imperative it understands and prepares for a potential bio-terrorist attack. There are many events throughout which demonstrate the potential catastrophe a calculated bio-terrorist attack can create. The Black Death of the 14th century illustrates how quickly and how deadly a disease can spread. The plague originated in China and arrived via trade routes to Europe by the mid-14th century. By the end of the 14th century, the disease killed more than half the world’s population. The world witnessed its first case of biological warfare during the French and Indian Wars. British commander of the North America forces, Sir Jeffrey Amherst, ordered his troops to donate to Native Americans blankets infested with smallpox. As result, Native Ame... ...emonstrated the silent nature of such attacks and the damages they can exact on large populations. The plagues of the 14th century, the use of smallpox against the Indians, and the intentional Salmonella poisoning in the 1980’s exemplify this fact. The fall of the Soviet Union in the 1990’s along with other political events, resulted in vast amounts of bio-agents disappearing and falling into the wrong hands. Opponents claim it is too complex and requires too many resources to carry out large scale attacks; however, with biological weapons, a few infected people can spread the disease to thousands. The modern tactics of terrorism are unconventional, unexpected, and able to kill thousands. As terrorists become more organized and funded, it is essential that the United States increase its capabilities at preventing and defending against bio-terrorist attacks.

Important of cruise ships in my destination Essay

A cruise ship is a ship built for passengers,but mostly used for pleasure cruises.A cruise ship generally takes passengers on extended cruises with occasional calls in various places of interest.The cruise industry is the fastest-growing category in the leisure travel market; it plays an essential major role in the tourism sector. It is important for cruise ships to come to my destination/country because of the many benefits to be derived from such an endeavor.Cruise ship tourism generates revenue for my destination/country through tourists expending at (bars,restaurants,craft villages,shops,attractions,etc) per person head taxes and other fees.The foreign exchange from this benefit my destination/country gained greatly;it provides the government with well needed currency to support the country’s debt and to purchase goods and services from overseas.It increases the tax revenue of the government also.The taxes which are collected are used to improve the countries infrastructur e making my destination more seductive to future visitors.The cruise ship industry also produces employment for many workers at my destination.Persons are employed at the various ports where the ships dock.Jobs in restaurants,bars,hotels,entertainment facilities and more are also produced.They are also employed at tour companies,attractions, craft markets, and shops who sell to tourists.Security,transportation and farming jobs are also created.Accommodating cruise ships also allows for improvements to infrastructure such as port facilities; expansions to shipping ports allows for more greater ships to visit.Improvements are also done on public facilities.These improvements benefit my destination in the long run as they improve their overall standard and quality of life of the citizens living there.Cruise ship tourism also produces the possibility for  future stop over visitors.

Marketing A New Product Essay

CheapTees, Inc. is a small manufacturing concern committed to the production of quality t-shirts at reasonable prices.   Part of the marketing strategy is to enter the Christmas giveaways segment of the market by offering products to firms needing quality items, which are to be given away to treasured customers and colleagues or partners. As the recipients of the gifts are considered very important from the firm’s viewpoint, it is essential that the product offered be of superior quality but at an affordable price.   According to website of BigStitches.com, the prospects for the garment industry seem very bright, as in 2002, when there was a registered increase of 16% in nationwide apparel sales over the previous year. Statement of Need The company is aware that many firms need to give Christmas gifts to its precious clients and colleagues during this most joyful season, and as such, it is the goal of this company to focus on its new product, a t-shirt called CheepTees. On the average, a medium-sized firm spends around USD10, 000 in Christmas gifts alone.   The company hopes to service this need to save firms from the usual headache and discomfort in terms of shopping for these gifts and going to the process of wrapping them before giving them away. Demographics Demographics are the characteristics of work group, organization, specific market or national populations, such as individuals between the ages of 18 and 25. For this particular product, demographics play an important role in marketing and advertising (McConnon, 2006). Statistics related to lifestyle habits, education and health are important in marketing this product and just as important in trying to market this product to a specific generation, like for instance, the youth. Thus, it is important that the specific target group be spelled out clearly as well as the geographic marketing area to which they belong. There is a need to get the best data, so the latest and most recent ones must be consulted in order to make a proper marketing strategy (Social/Economic/Demographic Statistics for Marketing). Marketing Marketing people can work their way through these websites and get a good glimpse of competitors. Since there is a proliferation of T-shirts in the market, this product must have a unique quality all its own. For instance, the designs will be handmade and made according to the client’s specifications. The company shall also look into some marketing upgrade. The company will focus strictly on messages that tell customers clearly about the products and services and how customers can benefit from using them. The company shall concentrate its advertising on specific feature/benefit premise. The company shall take the unique feature that it is handpainted with the customers’ personal taste in design. Selling Methods and Channels As the customers change, so have the ways companies get their attention. Customers are unique individuals and the company knows how to target and spend only on media that will reach potential prospects. The company will use smart advertising where it shall carefully craft marketing messages for individual customer types, speaking of the features and benefits in terms that each customer profile would appreciate. Direct mail works, but so do other focused methods like telemarketing. Customers demand convenience, price, access and selection. That is why, the company will also venture into Internet marketing in the future.