5 Forces Model of Verizon Essay

Verizon’s wireline business, which includes the operations of the former MCI, provides telephone services, including voice, broadband data and video services, network access, nationwide long-distance and other communications products and services, and also owns and operates one of the most expansive end-to-end global Internet Protocol (IP) networks. Verizon’s domestic wireless business, operating as Verizon Wireless, provides wireless voice and data products and services across the United States using one of the most extensive and reliable wireless networks. The results of high competitive pressure could impact prices, margins, and hence, on profitability for every company in the industry. a. Sprint Nextel b. Cingular – AT&T wireless c. T-Mobile d. AOL e. Qwest f. RBOCs g. COMCAST 4. Bargaining Power of Suppliers – Low The term ‘suppliers’ comprises all sources for inputs that are needed in order to provide goods or services. If there is a market with much choice supplier choice, bargaining power will be less. There are many network equipment suppliers, which are suffered from the down telecom market. Having mature technologies also commoditize the products. As such, the bargaining power of suppliers has been weak. 5. Bargaining Power of Customers – Low The bargaining power of customers determines how much customers can impose pressure on margins and volumes. Since most of buyers are small (residential and small business users), they do not have much buyer power. Big corporations are better positioned to negotiate for discounts but industry consolidations of SBC acquiring AT&T and Verizon acquiring MCI have significantly reduced the available lternatives for these corporations and thus their negotiation power. PEST Analysis A PEST analysis is an investigation of the important factors that are changing which influence a business from the outside, these include: Political Factors †¢This includes government regulations and legal issues that define both formal and informal rules of the operation of Verizon. Economic Factors †¢This factor affects the purchasing power of consumers and the Verizon’s cost of capital. Social Factors †¢Cultural and demographics of the environment would affect the customer’s needs as well as potential market size. Technological Factors †¢This can lower barriers to entry, improve production efficiency and influence outsourcing decisions. ? PoliticalEconomicalSocialTechnology Stability of the internal/external political environmentEconomic growthPopulation growth rate Automation Trading agreementsInterest ratesAge distributionTechnology incentives employment lawsInflation rateCareer attitudesRate of technological change environmental regulationsBudget allocation Perception of technological change within the unit Trade restrictions and tariffsThe level of inflation 5 Forces Model of Verizon Essay Verizon’s wireline business, which includes the operations of the former MCI, provides telephone services, including voice, broadband data and video services, network access, nationwide long-distance and other communications products and services, and also owns and operates one of the most expansive end-to-end global Internet Protocol (IP) networks. Verizon’s domestic wireless business, operating as Verizon Wireless, provides wireless voice and data products and services across the United States using one of the most extensive and reliable wireless networks. High for fixed-line, low for mobile / broadband A threat from substitutes exists if there are alternative products with lower prices that are of better performance parameters for the same purpose. This could potentially attract a significant proportion of market volume and hence reduce the potential sales volume for Verizon. a. Vonage(Threat to Fixed Line service) b. Skype(Threat to Fixed Line service) 3. Competitive Rivalry between Existing Players – High This force describes the intensity of competition between existing players (companies) in an industry. The results of high competitive pressure could impact prices, margins, and hence, on profitability for every company in the industry. a. Sprint Nextel b. Cingular – AT&T wireless c. T-Mobile d. AOL e. Qwest f. RBOCs g. COMCAST 4. Bargaining Power of Suppliers – Low The term ‘suppliers’ comprises all sources for inputs that are needed in order to provide goods or services. If there is a market with much choice supplier choice, bargaining power will be less. There are many network equipment suppliers, which are suffered from the down telecom market. Having mature technologies also commoditize the products. As such, the bargaining power of suppliers has been weak. 5. Bargaining Power of Customers – Low The bargaining power of customers determines how much customers can impose pressure on margins and volumes. Since most of buyers are small (residential and small business users), they do not have much buyer power. Big corporations are better positioned to negotiate for discounts but industry consolidations of SBC acquiring AT&T and Verizon acquiring MCI have significantly reduced the available lternatives for these corporations and thus their negotiation power. Generic Strategy Verizon needs to make the technology customers have today work better through new, customer-friendly products, services, applications and solutions. As well as to invest in the broadband infrastructure that will give customers even better services in the future. â€Å"Competitive advantage can be obtained using three generic strategies; they are cost leadership, differentiation and focus. †¢Cost Leadership oVerizon is required to compete on cost because there are many wireless operators in Europe, reduce cost to increase subscriptions.

Character Developments: in Cold Blood

Character Development: Techniques Truman Capote used several techniques to develop the characterization of the killers in his book, In Cold Blood. But primarily, Truman Capote uses anecdotes to describe the characters of Dick and Perry. An anecdote being, â€Å"a short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person. † He does this by describing their child lives, and how they became who they are in the present.An example of how Capote described the character of Perry is: â€Å" He was seven years old, a hated, hating half-breed child living in a California orphanage run by nuns- shrouded disciplinarians who whipped him for wetting his bed. † Not only does he use anecdotes for describing Dick and Perry’s childhood but also their problems they face in their present lives at the time. Such as Dick’s sexual interests in younger girls, â€Å" He was sorry he felt as he did about her, for his sexual interest in female children was a failing of which he was ‘sincerely ashamed. ’† Or when Capote quotes Perry about the murder of Mr.Clutter, saying; â€Å" I didn’t want to harm the man. I thought he was a very nice gentleman. Soft-spoken right up to the moment I cut his throat. † This quote describes and confirms how Perry was insane during the murders that he committed. Capote uses this quote on purpose, because it describes how Perry’s intention was not to hurt anyone but it was a simple act of taking his frustration upon the Clutter family. Meaning that his anger was not because of the Clutter family, they just ended up receiving the end of Perry’s anger. In the story it seems as though the reader feels sympathetic towards the killers; Dick and Perry.Truman Capote does this mostly by describing the childhood of the killers, and what they went through as children that made a major impact on them now. Perry however, is more sympathized than Dick. It seems as though Perry had a ‘rougher upbringing’ than Dick did. For an example, when his sister sends him a letter of how disappointed she and her father are in his decisions. â€Å" Your present confinement is embarrassing to me as well as Dad – not because of what you did but the fact that you don't show me any signs of sincere regret and seem to show no respect for any laws, people or anything. Even though Perry made horrible decisions in his life, reading parts of this letter, sympathy can be a common emotion that the reader feels to see how much Perry was a disappointment to his family. Of course another key factor Capote used to gain sympathy from the readers was by writing them in the killers’ point of view. This way, you know more about the killers and their upbringing, and it makes you wonder if they really knew what they were doing.

Critical Analysis of Quality Management System Essay

1. Summary During the presentation, our group developed a quality management system for a higher educational library. It covered a quality management system model, quality management principles, quality management documentations, and advantages and disadvantages of this quality management system. 2. A result of presentation session See more: how to write a good critical analysis essay A quality management system(QMS) can be defined as: ‘A set of co-ordinated activities to direct and control an organisation in order to continually improve the effectiveness and efficiency of its performance.’ (businessballs, 2000) It can be seen as consisting of all components of an organisation which are dealing with the quality of services and products. A effective quality management system not only makes an organisation more efficient or customers focused, but also it will improve all processes from production to services in the organisation. The aim of developing this quality management system is to improve the service quality of a higher education establishment. The university library has been chosen to be implemented by this new quality management system. The university library, which combine with conventional production and online system, is an important part of higher education processes. As one of university community services, it finds out a unique way to measure and assess the procedures in order to ensure the quality of services offered to users and satisfy them. This QMS is based on existing quality management systems such as ISO9001:2008. And it starts with collecting customers’ needs and organisation’s needs in order to bring useful activities, follows a specific plan and customer focused strategy to fully make a use of involved people, resources and partnerships, and works out the processes which brings customers outputs such as products and services. Also, customers will give feedback which can be performed to analyse, measure and improve the whole system. For completing those procedures, the system also involves corrective action teams, sub processes system, measurement tools and gold targets strategies to make sure the entire system will be completely operated and under control. 3. Modifications and developments of QMS During the implementing phase, the biggest weakness of this QMS could be lack of communication between involved people in the organisation. According to this situation, the process communication will be involved in this QMS model. Also, about the documentation, this session will be more specific of how system will work under this QMS. †¢ Requirement Management 1) Customer needs Library should be aware of the customer demands and ensure the requirements are achieved to match the communications. For the university, the students and teachers’ requirements should be collected during all the phases of operating the library. This is based on communicating with customer in relation to requirements of environment, products and services. Therefore, a regular investigation or survey would be essential for library to understand the current and future requirements from students and teachers. 2) Organisation needs Library should care customer needs whether they are under organisation’s control or not, and combine with the organisation needs to increase the usability. It requires a balance between customer needs and organisation needs as how the library can present an effective arrangement of usability ans feasibility, so that it would meet all the requirements that customers want, but not over design for customers down to get lost. Also, a regular investigation will be achieved with customer needs changed. †¢ Strategy & Plan 1) Strategy Strategy is based on the customer needs and expectations and defines the environment management. It sets up a baseline of QMS that how to operate a library, clarifies the purpose and scope, and specifies the significant work environment for a library. And it is always a target during implementing the library. Every component in the system corresponds to one or more strategies. When requirements are maintained, relevant strategies will be maintained as well. 2) Plan The planning of QMS is carried out to reach the customer needs and integrate the maintenances during planning and implementing under strategies. For library, it presents all the requirements which combine with the strategies and operations that should be applied into this system. When changes take place, library staffs can figure out how to modify and keep the other components still working, so that the maintenance will not impact the entire library system. †¢ Resource Management 1) Involvement of people Library should ensure full of people participate in the QMS to product requirements in order to support the strategy. And the participation in library is about training and empowering staffs, develop the knowledge and full potential of working people, team working, and a specific plan of these activities to support the strategy and plan, so that staffs can work more efficiently and offer better products and services to students and teachers. 2) Resources & Partnership Library should manage the external partnerships and internal resources to improve the QMS. For the library, external partnerships includes university that belongs to, or companies that cooperates with. Internal resources includes infrastructure such as hardware: buildings, equipments, and materials, software: technology, information, and skills. This QMS will offer an way to library staffs of working more effectively and flexibly with those resources. †¢ Process Management Library should manage and improve the processes to support the strategy and validate the outputs of processes such as products and services. That means the processes are implemented and improved in order to realise the products and services to fully satisfy the customers and increase final value of satisfaction index or profit. For library, staffs should check all the processes whether work well or not, and products and services carefully in order to increase the quality. †¢ Communication Management ‘Communication is a two-way process. As well as the need to gain support from top management and the staff during the launch of a quality management project, it is also important to enable staff to provide feedback on how to improve its operation.'(eurogeographics, 2000) In the library, it requires staffs to carry out the easiest and fastest way to communicate with the others either to find out the support or bring feedback to develop the system. †¢ Customer Satisfaction Library should measure the performance whether it meets customer needs and continually improve the efficiency of QMS in order to enhance customer satisfaction. During operating the library, the feedback of customer should be collected usually to know what should be improved of QMS, and deliver a better operation. It also requires a regular investigation and survey to realise. 4. Advantages of QMS For this modified QMS, it shows more effective and flexible for operating. Also, it maximises the working potential and efficiency of staffs and minimises the waste of operating processes. Compared to rival system: BS EN ISO9001:2008, the advantages of this system would be: †¢ This QMS is developed for the higher educational library, it will adapt overall performance for operating the library, and benefit the continuous improvement of quality of products and services. Compared to ISO9001:2008, this system will be easier to establish and realise above achievements. †¢ Depending on ISO9001:2008, it requires the staffs supply a good quality of service, but does not mention how they can achieve that. In this QMS, it requires library staffs carry out full potential to empower and develop knowledge about this QMS, and train for team working to bring a better quality of services to students and teachers. †¢ ISO9001:2008 would bring a large cost to implement in a higher educational library. For this QMS, it will not need to change so much to fit current library, so that it decrease the implementation cost, reduce time and resources wastes, and increase management efficiency to reach next level. †¢ This library QMS will satisfy requirement management better than ISO9001:2008. It collects both customer needs and organisation needs and combines these two requirements in order to deliver a better performance not only for customers, but also for involved staffs and university. This process would obviously increase customer satisfaction. 5. Disadvantages of QMS However, the limitation of this QMS is developed for the higher educational library only. It will not fit for large commercial organisations. On the other hand, every QMS requires to improve continuously with the passing of time. It will increase the wastes of cost and time in any way. 6. Conclusion Quality management system provides a management framework and principles that library can fully control the system to deliver better products and services. Although a quality management system will bring such disadvantages to organisation, it is still an effective measure tool because of advantages being more than disadvantages. 7. Reference †¢ BS EN ISO9001:2008(2009):†Quality management systems – Requirements†, 4 – 8 BSI Standards Publication †¢ BS EN ISO14001:2004(2009):†Environmental management systems – Requirements with guidance for use†, 4 – 8 BSI Standards Publication †¢ Eurogeographics(2000) â€Å"HANDBOOK FOR IMPLEMENTING A QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN A NATIONAL MAPPING AGENCY†[online] Available from: †¢ Businessballs(2000) â€Å"Quality Management Systems†[online] Available from:

BUSSINESS ENVIRONMENT Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

BUSSINESS ENVIRONMENT - Thesis Example Tata Steel is the world’s sixth major steel manufacturing company. The company is commercially present in more than fifty countries and operates in more than twenty countries. The company was founded in Jamshedpur, India, in 1970 (Tata Steel, 2009). The company has extended its operation in investing in Millennium Steel (renamed Tata Steel Thailand), Corus (UK) and NatSteel Holdings (Singapore). The company has also extended its marketing and manufacturing network in Europe, the Pacific-rim countries and South East Asia. The company has the ability to manufacture over 30 million tones of crude steel every year. The company produces basic steel products and crude steel which is used in construction for the building through Tata BlueScope Steel, its venture with Australia’s BlueScope Steel (Tata Steel, 2009). The company’s external boundaries comprise of the political, economic, technological, legal and social boundaries in the market. The company has to take these challenges to seek maximum benefit from these boundaries. The economical condition for the steel industry in India was not that strong as compared to the economy of steel industry in other countries. But globalization made the economy of the country to grow as a result the steel industry in India also grew making Tata Steel to grow as it was the first private steel manufacturing industry in India and operating internationally with regard to the globalization policy. Tata Steel started to export in the foreign markets as well as venturing into the new market with collaboration and acquisition of different steel companies making the company grow in the world economy. History is evident that no other Indian steel company has developed and expanded as Tata Steel industry did. The company has huge capacity to produce enormous tone of steel for the world consumption making the company compete in the world as a

Innovation in Banking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Innovation in Banking - Essay Example The purpose of this paper is to explore the technological determinist view of banking and the way in which it is causing changes in the society and customer behavior. The term technological determinism was first coined by Veblen, a sociologist in America and had later recurred in the works of a number of researchers. The fundamental idea behind technological determinism is that technology cannot be influenced by cultural and political forces as it has its own predictable and traceable path. Researchers have also suggested that once a technology has been introduced then it begins to show its effect on the society and the society supports further technological development. Though technological determinism has received its own share of criticisms, it remains as one of the most popular concepts of the 19th century. Technological determinism has been pointed as the key source that is driving competition in the global market in the present era. According to the research conducted by Chandl er, it has been found that technological determinism is the main reason that causes historical and social changes at a macro and social level. It was also pointed out in his research that technological determinism has the power to produce psychological influences on the minds of the consumers. According to the research conducted by Smith and Marx, it was established that technology can act as a major driver leading the path in which organizations and society are expected to behave in the future as successive innovations are introduced in the society.

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

Theater - Article Example However, acting has numerous similarities with performances, which often take place in a single stage in front of a live audience. Both require professional actors with designed costumes in order to represent the script. Audience refers to the consumers of the works of art. This refers to the people who sit in theaters to watch live performances and refers to the people who either visit cinemas or purchase films to watch at home. The audience is a significant party in the development of films and acting since they constitute the market targeted by developers of such products. The audience often criticize a play or a film thereby challenging he developers to create better works with every of their productions. What is Performance? Performance refers to the art of playing specific scene as developed by a director. Performance requires an adequate number of characters and an effectively developed play. As such, each character therefore plays a significant role as stipulated by the script. Performances vary depending on the nature of the script. Each character plays independently but in tandem with the roles played by other character. Just as is the case with any other form of literatures, effective performances rely on the ability of the developers to create 3effective conflicts among the characters. The characters must relate appropriately and act naturally in order to develop a strategic conflict that sustains the plot of the performance. Most performances take place before an audience or during a shooting thus creating film. Theater refers to the stage where performances occur. The theater therefore forms the scene and setting for the action in a performance. Theaters are strategically constructed and designed in order to enhance the plot of the performances. The theater provides a stage for acting. This implies that a theater has all the

Strategies for Management Improvement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Strategies for Management Improvement - Essay Example These are what to sell and whom to sell (Stone, 2001). It is entirely related to the markets and products. In this matrix, there are four quadrants that represent four courses of action that could be considered while making any strategic decisions regarding the growth of the organization. The matrix is shown below. In this growth strategy, existing products of the organization are sold in the existing markets. There are four major objectives that could be achieved by adopting market penetration strategy. These are increasing or maintaining the current market share of the existing products, securing dominance in the growth markets, restructuring a grown-up market and finally increasing the usage of the existing products by the existing customers. Increasing or maintaining the current market share of the existing products: this objective could be attained by adopting more competitive strategies regarding pricing, advertising. Putting in more resources into personal selling might also be helpful in achieving this objective. Restructuring a grown-up market: Any mature or grown up market could be restructured by driving out the competitors. Innovative pricing strategies need to be designed so that the competitors consider the market as an unattractive one. Again extensive promotional campaign would work as a catalyst in the process. In the ‘market development’ growth strategy existing products are sold into new markets. Implementation of this strategy would include selling products in new geographical locations, establishing or finding new distribution channels and designing innovative pricing policies. One of the most effective growth strategies is introducing new products in the existing markets where the organization already has its presence. New competencies are required to develop in order to adopt this strategy. Organizations can either develop entirely new products or simply modify the existing products in order to get the attention of the customers in the existing markets.

How the phonograph transformed the arts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

How the phonograph transformed the arts - Essay Example The phonograph changed music from being a group experience to a personal thing since listening to music by some musicians was available on demand.   The phonograph allowed the recording of music that gave room for analysis of music. The development helped people to copy songs and listen to them again and again (Bearman, 2013). Although some quarters believed the development was a cultural disaster, the truth is that many people could listen to different types of music than they could have at any other time. There was also an impact on the musicians for they were compelled to think in a different way concerning how they wrote songs. Over the years, artists and professionals from different fields have subverted, abused and transformed the phonograph. Some of the notable public figures and institutions that have subverted the use of phonograph include Christian Ernest Marclay, Laurie Anderson, and NASA (the Voyager Golden Record). The irony behind the invention of phonograph history is that the device was not made with the intention of being used for music. Edison planned to use the cylinder as a device for business communication that could substitute the expensive use of stenography. The cylinder was also targeted at preserving in eternity the voices of people who had died (Kenney, 2003). Christian Ernest Marclay got an interest in record manipulation when he discovered a Batman record in a street. The interest was engaged when he listened to the pops, clicks and loops that came out of the record (Horwatt, 2013). At the point of the downfall of the phonograph as a medium of music, Marclay discovered a disposable material that could be used. Marclay’s interest in the performance of rock compelled him to move to the direction of the phonograph itself as an instrument of music. His experiments with the phonograph happened at a crucial time in the history of the technology since hip hop led to the Renaissance of the turntable into an

Job Satisfaction Ratings Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Job Satisfaction Ratings - Essay Example His innovative ideas have shaped the music and film-making industries (The trouble, 2008). As an innovative leader, he reportedly co-invented 103 inventions (e.g. Ipod interface) patented by Apple (The trouble, 2008). Steve Jobs has a vision and goals for the company and pursues them until they are realized. He applies a hands-on approach to management (The trouble, 2008). He has such a magnetic influence in the business circle that his presence in Apple affects the market value of the company. As a person, he can be viewed as persistent and determined on his goals that despite his previous unpleasant experience with Apple (removed from the company), he did not allow that experience affect him but instead, upon his return to Apple, he transformed it into a billion dollar venture with new product line-up. His leadership approach of working with more than a hundred employees (out of 25,000) from the cross-section of the organization for key ideas (Steve Jobs speaks, 2008) is a manifestation of a democratic or participative leadership (Leadership styles, 2009). These ideas are passed around for their comments and inputs wherein all angles of the ideas are explored and debated upon (Steve Jobs speaks, 2008). He can also be classified as a transformational leader that inspires his team to share his vision and sought out initiatives that can add a new value or input (Leadership styles, 2009). His infectious vision for innovation is shown with iPhone wherein he told his team to throw away what it was doing the previous year, start all over and work harder that caused his subordinates to rally behind him and sign them up for the new project (Steve Jobs speaks, 2008). Taylor (2009) characterizes him to belong to the Great Man Theory of Leadership because of his â€Å"CEO-centric model of ex ecutive power† which is archaic and inapplicable in the current state of business (para.

Electrical Systems Essay Example for Free

Electrical Systems Essay The purpose of this laboratory test was to make comparisons between theoretical and practical results and to develop a greater understanding of factors affecting the operation of complex AC networks. The results from the Series Parallel RC network have minimal errors, however the small differences are mainly due to slight machine and human error. The DSO should be turned on at least a day earlier to achieve steady values, therefore this not being done, could have caused some of the errors. When measuring the change in time, it is difficult to determine the exact point at which the curve crosses the line. Because there is two points to determine, the error is then doubled. These factors also affect the results of the RLC circuit, however the inductor causes the main errors in this circuit. At low frequencies, the inductor interferes with the signal generator, not only causing the values to be slightly wrong but also projects a graph that doesn’t completely represent a sinusoidal function. This causes the change in time to be incorrect and therefore the phase angle. The inductor is also the equivalence of a 24 resistor, which will consequently alter the results. Whilst measuring voltage, it is important that the component is connected to ground. The ground point is considered to have a voltage of zero and is therefore the reference point. If this was not the case and the component was not connected to the ground, there would not be a reference point of zero, rather the voltage of the terminal it is connected to. To measure the magnitude and phase without shifting the ground, a value could be directly read off the graph. The phase would be the same, as it is just compared to the current. Kirchhoff’s voltage law (KVL) can be proven if the voltage of the source is completely consumed through the circuit. Calculations, found in the appendix, prove that the series parallel RC network follows KVL, as the voltage consumed by the resistors and capacitors approximately equals the voltage supplied by the source. There is only an error of 2. 4% and a phase difference of half a degree, therefore it can be concluded that KVL holds for the measured values for this circuit. Calculations, found in the appendix, prove that the RLC Circuit follows KVL, as the voltage consumed by the resistor, inductor and capacitor approximately equals the voltage supplied by the source. There is only an error of 1. 02% and a phase difference of 0. 86Â °, suggesting that the circuit is an accurate representation of KVL. Kirchhoff’s current law (KCL) can be proven if the current leaving a node is equal to the current entering it. Calculations, found in the appendix, prove that the series parallel RC network follows KCL, as the current through IR2 added to the current through IC2 is approximately equal to the total current. There is only a 0. 647% error and a phase difference of 0. 903Â °, suggesting the KCL holds true for the measured values for this circuit. Calculations, found in the appendix, prove that the RLC circuit follows KCL. The current supplied by the source and the current through the resistor, inductor and capacitor are all approximately equal. The errors are 0%, 2. 3% and 7. 99% and the phase differences are 0Â °, 3. 15Â ° and 14Â °. This does suggest the KCL holds true but there are slight errors in our measurements. The large errors are either due human error, machine error of inductive interference. This laboratory demonstrates that results can be measured very accurately with simply resistors and capacitors but that inductors largely affect the circuit’s performance. Our results prove the DSO performs accurate measurements, but allowances need to be made for the inductors’ resistances and signal interference.

Business Essays Sustainability Business Corporate

Business Essays Sustainability Business Corporate Sustainability Business Corporate Executive summary Nowadays, the idea of sustainability has gained wider recognition by most corporates. And business operations are conducted mostly under the guidance of it, that is, satisfying our own needs without diminishing the chances of future generations. There is no denying that the term sustainability poses new challenges for business activities. Actually, any corporate expecting for long-term benefits must be responsible for environment and ecosystems and function in a ethical way. In the new sustainable era, more and more corporates have realized the importance of environmental policies and practices towards sustainability, expecting to reduce their footprints on environment. In order to better understand corporates sustainable development, the report will choose Nestle and Coca-Cola as study objects, both of which are famous food and beverage enterprises in the same industry. Through appropriate analysis and comparation in terms of their environmental policies and non-financial practices, the report is intent to achieve some conclusions summarizing their overall differences in the way they approach sustainability issues and provide certain kind of recommodations to improve their future sustainability performance. Introduction Business sustainability is a pro-active approach to ensure business long-term viability and integrity by optimizing resources, reducing environmental impacts while not compromising product quality, competitiveness and profitability. With the rapid development of business economy, environmental concerns have become of paramount urgency for all corporates, who are responsible a great deal for environmental problems. Quite simply, there are still many business having not taken ethics and social responsibility into consideration, thus destroying environment and their long-term benefits. Therefore, one of the greatest challenges today is to advocate sustainable forms of business and encourage all business assume social responsibility consciously. (Barry, N. P. 2000) Fortunately, when environmental crisis begin to affect business activities, when unethical behavirors begin to bring about side effects to business development, more and more corporates have realized the necessity to perform in a sustainable and ethical way, not only for its stakeholders but also for whole society, as well as for a sound future development space. And a series of polices and practices have been applied by corporates to thoroughly commit to doing more for society. Even though, it is not uncommon to see some corporates sacrificing potential of future generations , only to meet their present needs. Exactly, beyond meeting needs of customers and shareholders, corporates should function according to requirements of societal responsibility. Besides, business should acknowledge its societal role and can lead sustainability for both itself and society. Firstly, the report will review Nestle and Coca-Colas distinct environmental and ethical policies. Secondly, the report will analyze and compare the two corporates different sustainability practices. Then select another topicwaste disposal issues to futher discuss their special attention on corporate social responsibility and sustainable development. In the discussion, academic concepts, frameworks, industry standards will be used to support the views. Lastly, the report will give some suggestions and recommendations to Nestle and Coca-colas next-step sustainable development. Discussion and Analysis (1) Environmental and ethical policies Generally speaking, corporate environmental policies arise from urgent need of environment protection and improvement in social responsibility sense. Recently, most corporates have come to realize the importance of environmental and ethical issues in sustainable development. (Donaldson, T, Werhane, P.H. and Cording, M, 2002) Nestle and Coca-cola are two worldwide famous beverage corporates in food and agriculture industry. Though both of them set sustainability as one of development goals, either of them has distinct environmental policies. As the worlds largest food and beverage manufacturer, Nestle published Nestle Policy on the Environment in 1991 to state its long-lasting commitment on environmental issues for sound business practices. In business activies, Nestle complies with environmental businesss and regulations, participates in legislative and regulatory discussions, and fosters rational environmental businesss. On the basis of applicable legislation, Nestles internal rules are applied for the purpose of reducing environmental footprints and costs, for example, reduced energy consumption, fewer greenhouse gas emission and less water usage. To sum it up, basic principles in Nestle are in favor of long-term development commitments over short-term profits; respecting of diverse cultures; management based on ethical values and information recognition of consumers brand preferences and products requirements. And strict auditing and assurance standards are available to ensure ethical policies smooth application, with Corporate Business Principles, certified standards of ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 and ISO 22000. For competitive advantages, policy priorities have been given to environmental issues concerning natural resources preserve ,waste minimisation and recovery. In a word, Nestles sustainability policies designs are environmental and sustainable ,which are fit for all its business activities, ranging from research and development, supply chain, information, communication and training. Chart one: Nestles environmental performance indicators in Latin America As for Coca-cola enterprise(CCE), the worlds largest marketer, producer and distributor Coca-cola products, in 2007, CCE formally established CRS as a pillar of Global Operating Framework, intergrating it into everyday business operations. And this framework outlines srategic priorities to guide vision achievement. Besides, CCE also sticks to external standards, such as 10 priciples of the United Nations Global Compact, international management systems standards for quality (ISO 9001), environment (ISO 14001), and health and safety (OHSAS 18001). (Environmental Sustainabilty Index.2001) Its ultimate objective is to achieved full certiication of quality, environment, health, and safety by the end of 2010. Meanwhile, in July 2008, it published its third company-wide Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CRS) Report, announcing commitments in water stewardship, sustainable packaging/recycling, energy conservation, product portfolio/well-being, and diverse and inclusive culture. Water, solid waste and packaging, and energy are its environmental priorities. In order to better implement environmental policies, CCE also cooperates with suppliers, customers, consumers, community leaders and employees widely. And Environmental Management System (EMS) has been implemented and maintained to fulfill environmental commitment. Other than adhereing to applicable local environmental businesss and regulations, CCE environmental policies put emphasis on establishing objectives to measure environmental impacts, pollution prevention, and efficient use of resources. Furthermore, environmental projects and initiatives with local communities have been consolidated as one of the sustainable development policies. (2) Non-financial reporting practices Environmental protection is an integral part of business strategy. (Esty, Daniel C., Marc Levy, Tanja Srebotnjak, and Alexander de Sherbinin.2005)To fullfill its commitiments, Nestle firstly integrates environmental principles and policies across whole business. Then Nestle Environmental Management System has been applied for continuous improvement of environmental performance. Compared with ten years ago, in 2007, Nestle reduced direct greenhouse gas emissions by 16% and overall water withdrawal by 28% and invested about 100 million in environment-related industries and 170 million in new sustainable production facilities. Secondly, a great number of water conservation methods and water treatment plants have been implemented. And top priorities have been given to water consumption toreduce the amount of water used per kilo of food and beverage, because maintaining good water quality is vital to business interests. Thirdly, along its life cycle, Nestle aims to source sustainableraw materials, reduce energy consumption and minimise air emissions. Its sustainableproduct life cycleensures eco-efficiency, especially in by-products and waste management. For example, innovative packaging materials such as Plantic a biodegradable alternative to plastic , have been developed to reduce volum of packaging material used in bottled water. In additon, Nestle provides thousands of farmers with free technical assistance and infrastructure for greater yields of higher quality crops with fewer resources. About half of factories in rural third world have a profound impact on family income and life quality. Supply of safe raw materials and better end products is undoubtedly to gain consumers credit and preference. Brand value forms. Anyway, Nestle helps numbers of consumers for easy access to a safe, healthy and enjoyable diet through a sustainable way to eliminate dangerous trends and is committed to environmentally business practices. Sustainability is central to Nestle strategies and corporate social responsibility is reflected perfectly, added up with vested interests of shareholders. Nestles stainable environmental practices and shared values benefit not only its shareholders but also society. When it comes to non-financial practices in Coca-cola Enterprise(CCE), firstly, around CRS efforts, stakeholder engagement is strengthened to help ascertain key targets and chanllenges. It is stakeholders that urge us to pay special attention to sustainability issues. Customers expect CCE to manage social and environmental matters. Through collaborating with suppliers, CCE develops technology to reduce environmental impacts in supply chain, while at the same time persuades them to perform in responsible practices. Employees are educated for CRS goals. In addition, faculty,specialists and students in universities are involved to deepen sustainability considerations in theory. Secondly, good governance is fundenmental to make sustainable development come true. Corporate responsibility and sustainability committee is an organization responsible for significant social, ethical, and environmental concerns. Confronted with sustainability chanllenges, policymakers are sensitive to changes and new development area. For example, durning 2007,CCE chaired British Food Industry Sustainability Strategy Champions Groups on Water, which gave suggestions for Sustainable Food and Farming strategies. And Social, ethical, and environmental risks can be managed and evaluated in time. Thirdly, in the fields where business has greatest impacts, to minimize environmental footprint is stressed. In view of finite water resource, it is necessary to protect water source, watersheds and to improve water efficiency. By 2001,CCE will reduce plant water usage ratio by 10%. Beverage packaging consisted of alunimum, glass and PET is reduced and recycled to realize sustainability. In munufacturing, fleet, sales, marketing facilities, CCE makes endeavors to reduce carbon emmisions, improve energy efficiency and explore renewable energy , such as electricity and natural gas. Last but not least, a highly talented and diverse workforce is essential to sustainable development. A variety of training and earning opportunities and programs are provided to develop employees sustainable performance skills. Besides, healthy lifestyles, fair workplace, and appropriate rewarding are available here. (3)Waste issues For a long time, Nestle has worked with FareShare community food network and Ron Hulla waste managementcompany and FareShare1st has been created to dispose of surplus foodin a environmentally friendly way, through which remaining waste is reused or recycled for good quality food redistribution. As for CCEs wastewater , disposal process is operating according to applicable businesss and regulations. In 2007,CCE discharged 20 gigaliters of wastewater into municipal treatment plant. When municipal treatment facilities are not available, internal on-site treatment systems function under guidance of stringent wastewater standards. Just as Cola describes, 98% of solid wastes source from bottling process. Production waste includes empty ingredient containers, secondary packaging, film, glass, plastic, etc. Statistics show that in 2004, 76% of solid waste were recycled and reused, compared with 74% in 2003. Improved solid waste ratio and improved recycling ability suggest that various recycling programs have been applied to reduce waste. For example, Latin A mercians first PET recycling plant operated in 2005, with 25000 tons of PET recycling ability. In all, apart from economic profits, both of them work to conserve natural resources and protect environment through appropriate strategies concerning waste issues. As for manufacturing waste in bottling plants, raw materials reduction, solid waste minimization, and recycling increasement are best chioces. As for packaging waste in the marketplace, waste collection, recycling and recovery mechanism has been established to deal with them generated in production. Conclusion In conclusion, Nestle and Coca-cola are in the same food and beverage manufacture industry, although both of them begin to put sustainability development on the agenda, and plan to reduce production impacts on environment, their attitudes towards dealing with sustainability issues are different from each other. On a large scale, the reasons why differences appear lie in their distinguished customers and target groups. When Nestle coffee aims to create a kind of comfortable mood for those who want to taste, Coca-cola plans to satisfy almost all peoples basic needs for Coca. After all, as a f oreign beverage, coffee is not likely to adapt to domestic tastes. In this sense, different consumer groups determine different business policies, including choices in environmental policies. In the vision of sustainable development, Nestle sees it a comprenhensive concept, and defines it as the process of increasing access to higher quality products, while contributing to long-term economic and social development for not only recent generation but also future generations. A healthy profit is no longer at the expense of long-term business development. In Coca-cola, on the other hand, commitment to good citizenship is part of its business practices. And sustainable growth depends on the success in areas of profit, planet, people, partners and protfolio, of which being a responsible citizen makes a difference. In the way how to perform sustainable practices and business strategies, there is a framework for Creating Shared Value in Nestle , which embraces societal value and Nestls shareholder value. While Coca-cola provides a citizenship framework to guide its business in areas of marketplace, workplace, environment and community.( Whetten et al. 2002) In focus of sustainability chanllenges, water, health and wellness, and HIV/AIDS in Africa demand Coca-cola heightest attention. While Nestle believes nutrition, health and wellness as key issues, added up with human rights,sustainable production and community support. (Friedman M. 1970) Certainly, both of them give special attention to water usage. In the field of environmental management, in 1996 Nestle Environmental Management Syste (NEMS) was created and implemented throughout whole company to manage all environmental activities with good results. And Coca-cola follows The Coca-Cola Management System (TCCMS) externally benchmarked against ISO 14001, whose environment portion is called eKOsystem. The function of this system ensures environmental concerns are incorporated into everyday performances for efficiency improvement and costs reduction. Hence, Nestle and Coca-colas successful business tells the inspiring experience of their efforts towards limited growth, reduced environmental impacts and support of social and ecological goals positively. As a result of different brands and products, there indeed exists a great many differences between Nestle and Coca-cola in concrete environmental practices. As long as they are fit for their sustainable policies and business strategies, it is no necessity to assess wether their practices are good or not. Recommendations However, in some developing countries, Nestles business practices have been controversial and thought as unethical, in particular baby formula marketing, which led to widespread boycott since the 1970s. The boycott could be attributed to 1.5 million babies death each year on account of contaminated water mixed with milk. And the same thing is not uncommon in Coca-cola. In 2003, its soft drink was found by Centre for Science and Environment to have 30 times the permitted amount of pesticide residues. In India, Coca-Cola has also been accused of excessive water usage. Nutritionists even argue excessive consumption of soft drinks is harmful to young children because they have a lower intake of calcium, magnesium, ascorbic acid, and vitamin. Although Coca-cola has responded that its products meet minimum health standards and are strictly tested to remove potential contaminants before distribution, criticism or controversy ultimately result to sales decline to some extent. The year 2003 witnessed Nestles transgenic storm, which explained its indifference of public health safety and lack of basic social responsibility. In 2005, Nestles excessive-iodine incident marked its failure in public relations crisis, because the case took place after colloboration with Coca-cola, it would reduce confidence of dealers and consumers towards their co-production of liquid coffee. It is obvious that both Nestle and Coca-cola has not fully perform in accordance with sustainable principles. As for corporates in pursuit of profits, accecptance of environmental protection sense and sustainability idea is no easy task. (Werhane, P. H. and Freeman, R. E. 1999) Above all, in future development process, for sustained competitive advantages, their attentions should also be addressed on sustainability performance improvement. It is of great necessity for both corporates to make efforts to improve environmental performance facing up with emerging environmental challenges. The followings are recommodations for both corporates concerning future sustainability development. For one thing, needless to say, sustainability is still a basic principle, in other words, all business activities should aim to minimise negative effects on environment and keep a balance between economic interests and social and environmental concerns. For another, along supply chain of raw materials sourcing, manufacturing , packaging, distribution, marketing , to meet environmental commitment should always be kept in mind. For example, they should encourages suppliers to adopt most efficient and appropriate packaging materials to satisfy consumer requirements without jeopardising products quality. Whats more, sustainability and environmental management system (EMS) must be implemented and strengthened throughout entire business operation to ensure effectiveness of environmental policies and programmes, and to achieve compatibility with international environmental management standards, such as ISO 14001, the European Union Eco-Management and Audit,etc. In the future, their attention should be paid on environmental management structure enhancement, key sustainability activities measurement, ongoing performance reports, manage and forecast, and reliable environmental information communication. Besides, practical, aspirational environmental goals must be established annually. In addition, responsible leadership is inevitable to coordinate economic, social, and environmental goals,which means integrating ethical considerations into decision-making process . From the perspective of good governance , enterprise risk management (ERM) approach should be intergrated for a scientific sustainability-oriented decision-making process. Then, a skilled and responsible workforce is vital to realize sustainable objectives. Only if employees perform to their full potential, it is possible to attain superior development and future sustainable growth. Training and education should be provided for them to adjust to new sustainable expectations. And a safe fair workplace where they are respected and valued is another way for a empowered, well-trained and professionally team. Besides, in brands collaboration, in order to avoid similar incidents(Nestles unethical behviors bring disaster to Cola) , brand values and performance research before cooperation is i ndispensable. Finally, to be successful, both Nestle and Coca-cola must understand clearly stakeholders concerns. In CSR efforts, stakeholder engagement and coorporation mechanism should be strengthened, including suppliers, employees, NGOs, consumers, customers, investers, governments and local communities. Through engagement , valuable feedback can be received to help us better understand their requirements and how we can perform. For example, most consumers prefer to environmental healthy products. And through collaboration with suppliers, corporations can ensure them understand sustainable development expectations and engage them into environmental performances in supply chain.

Effect of Migration on Development of Northern Ghana

Effect of Migration on Development of Northern Ghana Migration has been an age-long activity which has been going on in different forms and continues to be a vital component of individual and societal development through acquisition and transfer of knowledge and resources. Migration is a global phenomenon which continues to dominate the scenes around the world, while some form of migration is been promoted for economic reasons, other forms face strict restrictions. Migratory movement within and beyond regional boundaries across has been enhanced through globalization and advancement in modern technology (Koser, K 2008). In Ghana migration is a common activity throughout all the regions, tribes and family with almost every single family having either an international migrant or internal migrant. This picture reflects in the Northern region of Ghana in a very alarming manner with many young and able bodies migrating to prominent cities in such of improved livelihood. Background of the study area. Northern region of Ghana lies between the two upper regions and the Brong Ahafo region and Volta region. It has Tamale as the regional capital with eighteen districts assemblies. The region is characterized by one rainy season with an annual rainfall of about 750 to 1050mm. The rainy season starts around May through to October and the dry season from November to April. The climatic conditions and vegetation type are classified under dry savanna, the regions environmental conditions are highly influenced by its proximity to the Sahara desert which account for the poor soil type dry weather condition. The economic activity which is predominant in the region is Agriculture; it employs about eighty percent of the population in the region. With one main farming season, as agriculture in Ghana largely depends on rainfall patterns, the region relies on its rain season for cultivation. The main crops grown in the region such as maize, millet, cowpeas, groundnut, sorghum, cassava, rice and yam are cultivated on subsistence bases. They mostly use labour intensive methods of farming with the simple farm tools and implement. The region has been behind its southern peers in terms of development for far too long. It is also viewed deprived with limited natural resources to fuel its development process. The south can boast of coastal resource, good soil, with rich mineral and forest resources that accounts for the attractiveness to colonial masters then and investors now. Therefore developments in modern infrastructure and economic activities have been centrally focused in the south which may be attributed to the frequent out migration from the Northern region to no other destination but to the south The region has historically been faced with out migration, since the pre-colonial era. From the colonial era the north served as labour pool where the needed labour force were fished out to feed the highly labour demanding south, in the mining and the cocoa industry. Males dominated migration then due to the physical demands of the job on the mines and farmers were mostly unskilled. Females were not of significance in terms numbers, those who migrated were mostly accompanying spouses or those migrating to reunite with spouses. Minimal female out migration from the north can also be attributed to the social-cultural factors such as marriage and family served as barrier in the past to female movement; life was viewed to be mostly around family and marriage. Males were regarded as sole bread winners of the family and females or women as dependents. However, recent trend of out migration involve more of younger females unlike in the past were female migration was usually for the purpose family reunion; it has been dominated by independently migrated young females. The female numbers from the north has been increasing dramatically and has taken centre stage of recent research into internal migration. Both males and females move to the cities, mostly without any special skills and work menial jobs as head porters, the males use four wheeled trucks in their work (Hashim, 2007). PROBLEM STATEMENT Internal migration in Ghana has become a means of harmonizing ethnic differences through interaction, cooperate work and inter-marriages. Migration from regions and districts seen as naturally, economically and socially deprived or deficient in terms of economic activities and basic social amenities to other regions and cities perceived as economically and socially endowed continues all year round in Ghana. Although these forms of movement to other highly rated regions to seek uncertain bright future cut across all regions in Ghana, but anyone may come to conclude that the northern region seems to have a very significant rate of migration ( Boakye-Yiadom and MacKay, 2007). The Northern region of Ghana has seen a massive exodus of youth into other regions for various reasons over the years. In recent years a new trend that has emerged involve young males and females who migrate to the cities of Accra and Kumasi in particular. Notable among these migrants are females who work as head p orters. These females face many challenges daily, exploited and live in deplorable conditions on the streets and slums of Accra and Kumasi. Their male counterparts are not exception as they face similar situation. This case study seeks to examine: i. the various motivating factors behind this migration trend. ii. the short and long-term effects migration on Northern Ghanas development. Literature Review Migration and development Development is wide and dynamic concept with divergent views and assumptions. The concept has been variously defined based on the discourse. Development is seen to be a process aimed at achieving specific targeted goals (Kingsbury, D. et al. 2004).It can be explained as a progressive socioeconomic process for empowering the poor to improve their livelihood(Sen, 1988). It is seen as a process which runs parallel to growth or improved situation livelihood. Migration Migration is defined broadly as a permanent or temporary change of residence. No restriction is placed upon the distance of the move or upon the voluntary or involuntary nature of the act, and no distinction is made between external and internal migration.(Lee E.S, 1966) Gender and migration Gender represents socially constructed masculine and feminine while sex is the biological determined categories of male and female. It then explains that ones sex is determined at conception but an individual gender identity develops over a life course and can fluctuate across a wide continuum of masculine and feminine characteristics. Nicholson (1995 in McDowell 1999:13), the differences between the two terms sex and gender sex is the biological differences between a man and a woman and gender describes the socially constructed characteristics of men and women. It is further explained that gender is the social organisation of sexual difference. It then follows that gender is the knowledge that establishes meaning for bodily differences. According to Moore (1988 in McDowell 1999:7) in analyzing what is to be à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬-a woman and the cultural understanding of the category, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬-woman vary through space and time and how those understandings relate to the position of women in different societies. To understand this we need to understand the concept of gender and gender relations: that is à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬-the different ways in which women and men and the accepted attributes of femininity and masculinity which are defined across space and time (ibid). She argues that gender is then seen from two perspectives: either as a symbolic construction or as a social relationship. Gender as a social relation and gender as a symbolic meaning are interconnected and mutually constituted (McDowell 1999:7). We all act in relation to our intentions and beliefs which are always culturally shaped and historically and spatially positioned. The appropriate behaviour and actions by women and men reflect and affect what they imagine a man or a woman to be, as well as women and men who are differentiated with age, class, race or sexuality, and these expected behaviour and beliefs change over time and between places (ibid). Gender role constraints is underpinned by the social expectation that womens main activities should be close to family care and household maintenance and the assumption that women will interrupt their working lives to care for children and elderly relatives (Tivers 1977 in Jenkins 2005:8). How has these gender role constraints affected married women with children who have left the home to migrate to a new environment to work in the informal economy to pr ovide for the household. The Gender and Migration Linkage Prior to the mid 1980s, migration was regarded as a male phenomenon (Sjaastad, 1962; Lee, 1969; Todaro, 1977; Lipton, 1980). Authors such as Stouffer (1976) and Oberai, (1983) assert that until most recently, the physical movement of people from one place to another for employment was predominantly undertaken by men. The Todaro (1969) and Harris-Todaro (1970) models, which are some of the earliest models of migration, also emphasize that internal migration occurs in a dual economy, in which the urban sector draws male labour force from the rural sector. Meanwhile, other aspects of rural-urban linkages such as the gendered traditional division of labour and farm and non-farm employment have often been overlooked (Roca, 1994:102). Migration was being seen by some researchers and scholars as gender-neutral because it deals with the process of movement of persons (Anarfi, 1982; Sabot, 1988).13 Meanwhile, migration is actually gender-structured because men and women migrate for different reasons, use different channels and most importantly, migration has different consequences for men and women in both sending and receiving communities (Chant Radcliffe, 1992; Silberschmidt, 1999; Potts, 2000). For those leaving, internal migration can result in either empowerment or, on the contrary, increased vulnerability and even victimization (FAO/UNFPA, 1991:23). Likewise, for those remaining, the departure of men and/or women from the household will have a specific influence depending on the migrants status and role within the household prior to migrating, such as being main wage earner, spouse, parent or young daughter or son (Fadoyomi, 1980). For a rural farming household, in particular, the consequences of migration depends on the socio-cultural and economic context, gender and age of migrant, position of migrant within the household, the agro-ecological environment, the type of migratory movement, whether it is temporary or permanent, and the employment possibilities and self-sufficiency of migrant, and the ability to send adequate remittances to maintain the level of farming prior to migration (Andersson, 2002:78-79). One of the major implications of rural-urban migration is that it is the most able-bodied, relatively young and educated persons that migrate from rural to urban areas. This process, therefore, leaves behind rural communities composed of women, children, the elderly and uneducated, who are faced with the tremendous challenge of sustaining their household livelihood and the rural economy effectively (Findlay Williams, 1990:65; Anh, 2003:79). 14 The predominantly male out-migration from rural areas may also bring about changes in the agricultural gender division of labour, as the migration process will invariably increase womens workload on the farm, thereby resulting in the feminization of agriculture (FAO, 1995; Deshingkar Start, 2003:99).15 The out-migration of men Discussion Internal migration within Ghana from north to the south has had a long history. Although all forms of migration takes place for specific reasons based on the experience of people from their places origin. There has been several debate on reasons the northern region is lagging behind in development, some attribute it governments neglect, conflict and unwillingness of investors to establish in the northern. All but one thing is has to be looked into critically is migration. The impacts of out migration from the northern region on both young males and females migrant as well as the northern region may reflect in the long term. For any region or place to develop, it will depend on how efficient the resources available to the area will be utilized. It may involve the assessment of disparities or minding the gaps in development between the sending and receiving areas of migrants. Gaps in educational level among the regions will likely determine the sector of the economy that could absorb the migrant. Poverty level in the north influence the trend of migration to other cities as has been estimated to have over two thirds of the population living below the poverty line. Various reasons that establish relationship between North- south migration and development in the northern region or the northern sector and the southern sector of Ghana, points to the development policy and plan during the colonial era. Although migration of migration is not only a problem with the northern region but most parts of the country, both males and females migrate internally and internationally. Out-Migration in other southern regions mostly differs in patterns and benefits. The north-south trend is characterize by young males and females ranging from ages thirteen and above to about 45 year. Between ages 13-25 form the core of the migrant, who are either school drop-out or without any special trade. Over ninety percent are engaged as head porters (Kayayoo) or truck pushers. Their job involves carting goods from the market that has been purchased by patrons to their preferred destination around the market area. Income from their activities is so minimal to even fully support them to maintain good standard of living. This forces some of the female migrant to resort to prostitution to again extra more income in order to survive. The males sometime join gangs to  Many migrant females are relegated to prostitution in destination areas because of  their lack of employable skills or due to gender discriminations of employment. Some have had to offer sex in exchange for jobs, food, shelter and protection, leaving them  prone to sexually transmitted diseases. Many young females who migrate from the Northern  and Upper regions of Ghana to the capital Accra, to work as head porters (Kayayei) live on the  streets. They are exposed to the vagaries of the weather and face constant risks of sexual assault,  theft of their meager earnings and rape. Many are forced into prostitution as a means of survival  (Apt, 1998). Besides the combination of low wages and the need to save and send home as  much money as possible leaves relegates many female migrants to a low quality of life where  their own personal needs and health may be neglected. It is estimated that about 45-55% of  refugee populations across the world are women. Many of these women refugees are exposed  to gender based sexual violence. They are victims of rape, forced impregnation and abortions,  sexual slavery and intentional spread of STIs including HIV/AIDS (UNFPA, 2004 Motivations for migration A research by Ghana Statistical service estimated that about 80% of the combined Northern Ghana population are living in poverty (Ghana Statistical Service, 2007). Therefore the idea to migrate by a family member is relief to the family. Moreover, the declining soil fertility, lack of access to arable agricultural land and the single farming season has also been a contributory factor. Again the peasant nature of farming means low dispensable income for families. The Increasing economic and infrastructure gap between the north and the south, increasing economic activities in the receiving cities is seen a factor for both male and female migration from the Northern region. Resource deficit and lack of income generation activities to support themselves and their relatives has partly influenced the migration (Anarfi and Kwankye, 2005). Movement from the north to the south to mainly cities of Accra and Kumasi may be due to the fact they have heard of these as the surest place to make it in life. The urge to diversify livelihood options as the region has fewer opportunities to offer the regard migration as an alternative source of livelihood. (Anarfi and Kwankye, 2005). Network of friends and relative, serve to link friends and relatives with jobs and assist them with all the information needed to establish them in the new location. Intermittent ethnic conflicts in the Northern region have forced people to migrate out of northern region to the south where the peace prevails with improved infrastructure for instants in 1994 the Kokomba conflict causes of people to move south wards. Those who migrated were mostly women and children when men were actively engaged in the conflict. Impacts of migration Remittances from migrant serves as an alternative source of income to families of migrant (Quartey,2006). Unlike international migrants, whose remittance form the bulk of family source of income and may also go into investment in business, housing project to mention but a few, remittances from internal migrants are usually for domestic support of parent healthcare, daily upkeep or childcare. The transfer channels use for transferring monies to family are usually informal through networks again, when a friend or relative is returning home. Migration changes hands in gender roles with traditional role of women in childcare where women with children leave them in the care of men, parents or relative (Oppong, 1997). Most often the children lack proper upbringing and care when the mother or both parent have migrated out. This usually affects child education and may be neglected when the parent fail to send in money to support the family (Parrenas, 2001) Migration may lead to lose of vibrant productive labour force that families and communities need most for production in the agricultural, craft and other labour intensive jobs. Thus lose of youthful contribution to development. (Awumbila Ardayfioà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ Schandorf , 2008) Challenges of migration Migrants to the cities of Accra and Kumasi face lots of challenges but females are the most vulnerable  world only a minority of women are granted refugee status (UNFPA, 2004). This is because  gender related causes of persecution are rarely accepted as valid grounds for refugee status. Also  women usually lack the literacy or educational clout to complete the usually bureaucratic  application process. (Caritas Europa, 2007). The participation of females in migration has led to  Migration in Ghana: Thematic Paper 2009 22  the development of a labour niche for females ( domestic work, childcare etc) characterized by  low wages, unfair labor practices and exploitation and exclusion of females form certain kinds of  work-often of the formal nature (Oppong, 1997). Poor Quality of Life Migrants, especially females tend to be the most vulnerable and they face many challenges and  tend to live under deprived conditions often times without access to social services in destination  communities. Conclusion Based on gender analysis and differences as well as diversity in family and economic status of males and females migrate may have similar motivation for migration but may have difference in the experiences. The region is losing valuable ingredient that needs to be restructured to enhance the development process in the Northern region. New interventions in the area of capacity building for the youth to improve the quality of life in the region needs be on the plan, and well executed. Educational campaigns on challenges migrants go through and the need to will help in the development process of the region may help reduce or stem the trend in the bud. Credit accessibility and at an affordable interest to assist farmer and others in private ventures could maintain the population flow. Improved infrastructure, terms of health facilities, roads, schools, potable water will help bridge the gaps in development that attracts the youth. Therefore the region may develop other gender related programs to help the youth and the region as a whole

The History of Welfare in America Essay -- Origins of Public Welfare P

Welfare has been a safety net for many Americans, when the alternative for them is going without food and shelter. Over the years, the government has provided income for the unemployed, food assistance for the hungry, and health care for the poor. The federal government in the nineteenth century started to provide minimal benefits for the poor. During the twentieth century the United States federal government established a more substantial welfare system to help Americans when they most needed it. In 1996, welfare reform occurred under President Bill Clinton and it significantly changed the structure of welfare. Social Security has gone through significant change from FDR’s signing of the program into law to President George W. Bush’s proposal of privatized accounts. The increase in industrialization in the U.S. during the 1820’s caused a rise in homelessness. Women made up the majority of the homeless population. During the beginning of the nineteenth century, private charities helped provide food and shelter for the homeless. Towards the end of the nineteenth century men became the majority of the homeless population. The federal government created â€Å"mother’s pension laws† which were protective labor laws that assisted poor women and children. Shelters required a work test for men to enter and only allowed them to stay for a limited amount of time. Charities did not help men in the nineteenth century (Homelessness in the United States). On October 29, 1929, the roaring twenties ended. The U.S. stock market crashed and the Great Depression began. Those who had invested in the stock market for retirement saw their investments disappear. President Franklin Roosevelt’s â€Å"New Deal† focused first on providing employment for the... ...for Children and Families. 6 Mar 2009. . â€Å"Medicaid Home Page.† 16 Sept 2004. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 6 Mar 2009. . Shields, Mark. â€Å"Messing with Social Security.† Cnn.com. 7 Mar 2009. . â€Å"Bill of Rights in Action.† June 1998. Constitutional Rights Foundation. 6 Mar 2009. . â€Å"Food Stamp Program.† 4 Feb 2005. Food and Nutrition Service. 6 Mar 2009. . â€Å"Women, Infants, and Children.† 1 Jan 2004. Food and Nutrition Service. 6 Mar 2009. . â€Å"The Future of Social Security.† Mar 2005. Social Security Administration. 6 Mar 2009. .

Of Course Theyre Worth It :: Sports Athletics Texas Essays

Of Course They're Worth It The year 2004 promises to be exciting for sports fans and sports figures alike! Let's look at the state of Texas for instance: sports fans in Houston have the opportunity to enjoy professional sports' greatest show, the Super Bowl, in February, and then the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in July. Sports fans in San Antonio will welcome back their NBA Champion Spurs, and fans in Dallas will most likely be filling the seats of Texas Stadium to cheer on America's Team once again. For the athletes who call Texas home, 2004 might not be as exciting as it is lucrative. Up the middle, the Texas Rangers organization will pay nearly $30 million for sub-par defense and a combined .250 batting average, and $21 million alone is wrapped up in one man, Alex Rodriguez. Despite being the fourth best team in the Western Division year after year, Mark Cuban's Dallas Mavericks have the highest payroll in the league with four players making over $10 million in 2004. I guess you don't have to be from Texas to make bank as a professional athlete, though. Those guys on the hard-wood are doing okay I suppose. Orlando Magic shooting guard Tracy McGrady will "earn" about $13.5 million in 2004. Jason Kidd of the New Jersey Nets will make close to $17.5 million while Pacer center Jermaine O'Neal will rake in about $18 million in 2004. Am I the only one who thinks this is ridiculous? If that isn't enough, just take a look at baseball. Guys like Shawn Green, Pedro Martinez, and Carlos Delgado will all make close to $20 million each in 2004. Is this fair? Do these guys really deserve that kind of money? Does it make sense that a teacher, someone who shapes the lives of so many other people, makes around $40 thousand a year while these guys make that in about three and a half innings of play or a few trips up and down the court? From a purely ethical standpoint, I think it's safe to say that professional athletes are not worth the millions of dollars they get paid each season, no matter how many points they score a game, how many boards they pull a night, or how many home runs they hit a season. However, from a purely economic standpoint, it's hard to argue that professional athletes who generate billions of dollars a year in revenue for their respective cities aren't deserving of that kind of money. Of Course They're Worth It :: Sports Athletics Texas Essays Of Course They're Worth It The year 2004 promises to be exciting for sports fans and sports figures alike! Let's look at the state of Texas for instance: sports fans in Houston have the opportunity to enjoy professional sports' greatest show, the Super Bowl, in February, and then the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in July. Sports fans in San Antonio will welcome back their NBA Champion Spurs, and fans in Dallas will most likely be filling the seats of Texas Stadium to cheer on America's Team once again. For the athletes who call Texas home, 2004 might not be as exciting as it is lucrative. Up the middle, the Texas Rangers organization will pay nearly $30 million for sub-par defense and a combined .250 batting average, and $21 million alone is wrapped up in one man, Alex Rodriguez. Despite being the fourth best team in the Western Division year after year, Mark Cuban's Dallas Mavericks have the highest payroll in the league with four players making over $10 million in 2004. I guess you don't have to be from Texas to make bank as a professional athlete, though. Those guys on the hard-wood are doing okay I suppose. Orlando Magic shooting guard Tracy McGrady will "earn" about $13.5 million in 2004. Jason Kidd of the New Jersey Nets will make close to $17.5 million while Pacer center Jermaine O'Neal will rake in about $18 million in 2004. Am I the only one who thinks this is ridiculous? If that isn't enough, just take a look at baseball. Guys like Shawn Green, Pedro Martinez, and Carlos Delgado will all make close to $20 million each in 2004. Is this fair? Do these guys really deserve that kind of money? Does it make sense that a teacher, someone who shapes the lives of so many other people, makes around $40 thousand a year while these guys make that in about three and a half innings of play or a few trips up and down the court? From a purely ethical standpoint, I think it's safe to say that professional athletes are not worth the millions of dollars they get paid each season, no matter how many points they score a game, how many boards they pull a night, or how many home runs they hit a season. However, from a purely economic standpoint, it's hard to argue that professional athletes who generate billions of dollars a year in revenue for their respective cities aren't deserving of that kind of money.

Numerous genetic and environmental factors contribute

Oldest sisters or baby brothers are more than simple labels on the family tree. Psychologists say that birth order affects all aspects of a child's personality. Birth order is defined as a person's rank by age among his or her brothers and sisters. A great deal of research has been devoted to the phenomena of birth order and how it impacts children within a family. Many differences in the behavior of siblings have been attributed to birth order.â€Å"Such differences range from general expressions of achievement to more specific behaviors including tendencies toward entrepreneurship, attainment of higher education and eminent occupational status, endorsement of unconventional ideas, and leadership of scientific revolutions, to name only a few. (Claxton, 1994) Birth order is not alone in the development of children’s personality traits. Numerous genetic and environmental factors contribute to differences among siblings.The different socialization patterns that children experie nce, based on birth order, can result in overt personality and behavior trait differences between firstborns and later-borns. (Claxton, 1994) Studies have related birth order to personality, intelligence, and vocational tendencies. Firstborns tend to be socialized by adults, where later-borns, have progressively more opportunity to be exposed to the socializing influences of older siblings. Adult-socialized firstborns are sometimes assumed to be more achievement oriented.Later-borns, experiencing a greater proportion of socialization are often characterized as more popular, more accepting of risk, and more independent of authority than firstborns. Such socialization differentials suggest qualitative differences between firstborns and later-borns in terms of behavioral and personality characteristics. (Claxton, 1994) Firstborns have a greater tendency than later-borns to be conformist and oriented toward authority and responsibility. As a special type of firstborn, only children tend to be highly motivated, self-confident, and achievement oriented.Only children are believed to be more accustomed to dealing with adults than are other birth positions. In contrast to firstborns, middle-borns have been generally described in terms of relatively greater orientation toward peers, group cooperation, and other social activities. The middle birth positions are often considered the most difficult, in part because middle-borns may receive less individual attention from parents. (Seff, 1993) Middle children may compensate by developing many non-parental relationships.Middle-borns often have excellent people skills and are good listeners, mediators, and negotiators, perhaps because they must navigate through a world of siblings who are both older and younger. A family's last born child is often believed to be favored by parents. Last-borns have been characterized as being especially vivacious and fun. (Claxton, 1994) Children in different ordinal positions experience differ ent socialization environments. Interaction with both parents and other siblings is affected by one's position in the sibling order.Firstborns tend to receive more parental attention, in terms of both support and control. They are also more likely to be given responsibility and control over younger siblings and to have higher expectations associated with their own performance. Children who report that they spent time teaching younger siblings had higher levels of reading and language achievement themselves. Such socialization experiences are the basis for the expectation or the perception that firstborns are more dependable, responsible, cautious, conservative, and have higher achievement motivation than later born children. (Parrot, 1992)The distinctive feature of the position of younger children in the birth order is that they are subject to more child-level interaction and are typically subordinate to the oldest child. Younger children (with the possible exception of the last bor n) receive less attention from parents, less encouragement, less responsibility, and lower expectations and have a harder time carving out a distinct niche for themselves in the family system. These tendencies are, of course, attenuated by a number of factors, including the number of siblings, the sex composition of the sibling order, and the spacing between positions.(Carter, et. al. , 2002) Firstborns may become conservative in their outlooks. Later-born children develop strategies of survival that may entail risk-taking and daring behavior. These differences in competitive strategies can generate personality differences across birth orders, and have lifelong implications. (Carter, et. al. , 2002) Part of the unique family environment is birth order. Although genetically related, siblings differ in age, experience, and in reproductive value to their parents. Differences between siblings growing up together can be magnified by contrast effects.First-borns tend to be more extraverte d and conscientious but less emotionally stable, agreeable, or open than are later-borns. (Revelle, 1995) Some variables are believed to affect the above descriptions. For instance, if there are several years between the first and second child, the second child will have some characteristics of a firstborn. Or, if the firstborn is a girl and the second a boy, the son will have some first-born characteristics because he is the family's first male offspring. Further, if there are more than four years between siblings, the next born takes on the traits of the oldest or first born.Sibling deaths, adoptions and blended families can also upset the traditional birth order. (Revelle, 1995) Studies have shown that while first-borns males may be more creative, the opposite is true for females, with later-borns being the highest in creativity. Test scores demonstrate that the highest creativity are found among first born males and later born females. According to Eisenman, it may be that first -born males receive greater intellectual stimulation in their family and this predisposes them to be high in achievement and creativity.While the first-born female may receive the same sort of intellectual stimulation, she may be restricted by both her birth order and gender. It is believed that that parents tend to be more restrictive toward their first child, and toward females in general. The first-born female may be exposed to a higher level of parental anxiety and also more restrictive parenting styles, because of being female. This is thought to inhibit creativity in first-born females and reduce the risk taking behavior often associated with creativity.â€Å"The first born male would also be inhibited somewhat by the overly strong parental concern, but overcomes this as far as creativity is concerned, perhaps due to the greater intellectual emphasis the first born male gets, as a child having only adult companionship in the family, until the birth of the second child. † (Boling, et. al. , 1993) Parents may be more aggressive with their approach to the first male child to achieve intellectually and academically. The first-born female seems to be over-socialized by parents, in response to their fear for the welfare of the female child.As a family grows, parents typically loosen up some of their controls, on both male and female children. The first-born female learns responsibility, usually in socially typical roles, having to care for her younger siblings. She may achieve well in intellectual and academic pursuits. But, the over-socialization may make her less likely than later born females to take risk, and thus may decrease creativity in the first-born female. (Eisenman, 2001) Birth order has been shown to have an effect on vocational tendencies as well.Firstborns' are shown to that require mechanical, technical, clerical or business system competencies, or toward positions that require leadership or persuasive skills. They may value economic and political achievement, their own as well as that of others. Firstborns are less likely to seek occupations which promote artistic, musical, dramatic, and literary interests, or involve a high degree of human and interpersonal relations activities. The later-borns gravitate towards vocation that are investigative, social, and artistic.â€Å"They would gravitate toward occupations that would utilize their scientific and mathematical abilities, promote their artistic, musical, dramatic, or literary interests, or involve interpersonal and human relations activities. Further, they are less apt to value political and economic achievements and more apt to value scientific, social, and artistic achievements. † (Lynch, 1980) Kevin Leman, author of The New Birth Order, notes in his book that 23 of America's 41 presidents were first-born or â€Å"functional first-born,† meaning the first male child.So were 21 of the first 23 astronauts the United States sent into space (the othe r two were only children). A much greater proportion of first-born end up in professions such as science, medicine and law, occupations that require analytical skills and hard-driving personalities. He also notes that an unusual number of comedians – such as Billy Crystal, Eddie Murphy, Drew Carey, Martin Short, Jim Carrey and Leslie Nielsen – are babies of their families, â€Å"funny people who got away with murder as kids,† he says. (Stewart, 1999) There are some theorists who propose that as families have gotten smaller, test scoreshave risen, because the intellect is higher. â€Å"SAT scores will continue to rise for the rest of the century. When today's 4-year-olds take the SAT 14 years from now, the average score will be even higher than it was in 1963 when the 40-point decline began. But then scores will probably begin to drop again. You see, after 1980, the birth rate began to rise and family size seems to be increasing. † (Hall, 1986) This belief is based upon confluence theory, proposing that because the intellectual development of a family is like a river with the inputs of each family memberflowing into it. Tests, which indicate intelligence, are dependent heavily on verbal ability. Then imagine the intellectual environment as providing a pool of words to the growing child. Adults contribute a large vocabulary to the pool and babies contribute nothing. The pool of words surrounding the only child at age 5 is different from the pool surrounding the second-born child of the same age who has a 7-year-old sibling. As families get larger, children's intellectual development suffers, and the effect is accentuated by birth order, the more older siblings aperson has, the lower his or her intellectual level because of the decrease within the family intellectual environment. (Hall, 1986) There are many additional factors that can influence intelligence. If there are higher numbers of adults present in a child’s daily life, as in an extended family, this may have an impact on verbal ability as well. Works Cited Claxton, R. P. (1994). Empirical Relationships between Birth Order and Two Types of Parental Feedback. The Psychological Record, 44(4), 475+. Retrieved November 29, 2006, from Questia database: http://questia. com/PM. qst?a=o&d=5001709131 Hall, E. (1986, February). Mining New Gold from Old Research; He Reworks Past Discoveries, Looking for Basic Behavioral Processes That Are as Fundamental as Biological Processes. Psychology Today, 20, 46+. Retrieved December 11, 2006, from Questia database: http://www. questia. com/PM. qst? a=o&d=5001684098 Parrott, L. (1992). Earliest Recollections and Birth Order: Two Adlerian Exercises. Teaching of Psychology, 19(1), 40-42. Retrieved November 29, 2006, from Questia database: http://questia. com/PM. qst? a=o&d=77521729 Revelle, W. (1995). Personality Processes. 295+.Retrieved November 29, 2006, from Questia database: http://questia. com/PM. qst? a=o&d=5000271 333 Seff, M. A. , Gecas, V. , & Frey, J. H. (1993). Birth Order, Self-Concept, and Participation in Dangerous Sports. Journal of Psychology, 127(2), 221-232. Retrieved November 29, 2006, from Questia database: http://questia. com/PM. qst? a=o&d=76932964 Steelman, L. C. , Powell, B. , Werum, R. , & Carter, S. (2002). Reconsidering the Effects of Sibling Configuration: Recent Advances and Challenges. 243+. Retrieved November 29, 2006, from Questia database: http://questia. com/PM. qst? a=o&d=5000598111Stewart, M. (1999, December 7). Order of Birth: Are Our Children Predestined to Be Serious First-Borns, Loyal Middles and Affectionate Babies. The Washington Times, p. 1. Retrieved December 11, 2006, from Questia database: http://www. questia. com/PM. qst? a=o&d=5001846400 Boling, S. E. , Boling, J. L. , & Eisenman, R. (1993). Creativity and Birth Order/sex Differences in Children. Education, 114(2), 224+. Retrieved December 11, 2006, from Questia database: http://www. questia. com/PM. q st? a=o&d=5000254689 Eisenman, R. (2001). Creativity, Risk Taking Sex Differences, and Birth Order.189+. Retrieved December 11, 2006, from Questia database: http://www. questia. com/PM. qst? a=o&d=5000944906 Lynch, R. M. , & Lynch, J. (1980). Birth Order and Vocational Preference. Journal of Experimental Education, 49(1), 15-18. Retrieved December 11, 2006, from Questia database: http://www. questia. com/PM. qst? a=o&d=95189117 Newman, J. , Pettinger, J. , & Evan, J. B. (1995). â€Å"My Big Sister the Town Supervisor†: Family Leadership Training Is Not Just for Boys. Sex Roles: A Journal of Research, 33(1-2), 121+. Retrieved December 11, 2006, from Questia database:

Assess the usefulness of functionalist theories in understanding religion today Essay

Assess the usefulness of functionalist theories in understanding religion today (33 marks) There are a variety of different definitions of religion including substantive definitions, which refers to focusing on the content or substance of a religious belief such as God, functional definitions, which refers to religion in terms of the social or psychological functions it carries out for the individual and there are also social constructionist definitions which focus on how members of society actually define religion. Functionalists hold a consensus view and argue that society requires both social order and solidarity in order for it to run smoothly, and religion is one way of providing this as it encourages shared norms and values. As previously mentioned, functionalists argue that social order and solidarity to run smoothly – Durkheim argued that there are four main ways in which religion maintains value consensus. One way is through the sacred and profane, he argued that sacred referred to things that are separate from society and create feelings of awe, wonder and fear whereas profane referred to things that were inferior with no real significance. Durkheim therefore argued that the only thing powerful enough to inspire people in the way religion does is society itself therefore meaning people are not worshipping their religion or god, but in fact society – this means that people unite under the same belief, spreading shared norms and values all over and therefore creating consensus within society. Another way in which religion helps to maintain value consensus is through Totemism – Durkheim argued that heart of all religions could be identified by examining its simplest form in the simplest type of society which he called a clan society. He carried out a study in Australia with a tribe with a clan system. (Arunta) This tribe consisted of a close knit community who carried out rituals together with involved the worshipping of a sacred totem, such as a plant of leaf that identifies the clan therefore creating a sense of social order and solidarity. Totemism is similar to the sacred and profane as it causes individuals to unknowingly worship society instead of a God or supernatural being, therefore again spreading shared norms and values. However, there are criticisms to this view; Worsley argues that there is no difference between the sacred and profane and his view of totemism would only apply to small scale communities with a single religion, but not larger scale communities with multiple religions as there are commonly conflicts between them, meaning there is no longer social order and solidarity. Malinowski argues that religion promotes social order and solidarity through it psychological functions, which helps individuals who are going through hardship therefore preventing them from going against society’s shared norms and values. Malinowski suggested two different types of situation in which religion helps to perform this role. One way is when the outcome is important but is uncontrollable – he compared the differences between two different ways of fishing when carrying out a study in the Western Pacific, he argued that lagoon fishing is predictable, safe and has a more successful method of catching fish meaning there is no ritual. However, when the islanders were ocean fishing, he identified it as more dangerous and uncertain which required the islanders to carry out rituals in order to ensure their safety whilst fishing. Malinowski argued that the ritual gave the islanders a sense of control and more confidence, again highlighting solidarity. The other situation was at times of life crises, this meant events that cause significant change such as birthdays, weddings, and death religion is useful as it helps bring little disruption. Similarly, Parsons argues that religion helps individuals to handle unforeseen events and uncontrollable outcomes. He identified two ways in which religion does this – one way is by creating and legitimising society’s central values but making them sacred. For example, in the USA, Protestantism helped make the American core values of meritocracy, individualism and self-disciple sacred. This therefore helps to promote social order and solidarity as the vast majority of Americans would have the same norms and values, creating little conflict and greater social cohesion. The other way is by answering people’s ultimate questions, such as who created the earth, and why do some people die young. It gives individuals a sense of security and makes people less likely to rebel against society. However, not all sociologists agree with the functionalists and their view of religion and its role. Feminists argue that the role of religion is to oppress women and help maintain patriarchy within society. One way in which religion maintains patriarchy is through religious organisations – these are significantly male dominated, for example, Orthodox Judaism and Catholicism do not allow women to become priests. Armstrong argues that this is evidence for the marginalisation of women in religion and society. Places of worship often separate the sexes, placing men on more holy ground with women sitting behind a screen. Women are also not allowed to preach or read from sacred texts. Additionally, menstruating women are not allowed to touch the Qur’an, this therefore reinforces patriarchy as women are forbidden from doing important rituals within their holy ground and are also discriminated against. Sacred texts are often focused on the actions of male gods and prophets and are commonly written by men. Women who are featured in sacred texts are commonly portrayed through stereotypes such as Eve, who caused the fall of humanity and expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Lastly, religious laws and customs ensure that women are given fewer rights than men, such as access to divorce, how many spouses they can have, decision making etc. In conclusion, there are a variety of different theories as to the usefulness of lack of in regards to religion.