Should Felons Be A Crime - 1391 Words

People who are felons have their rights and freedom taken away forever because they make a mistake in life. How is that fair? Think about this for a minute; if a person gets a trafficking charge or three DUI’s within five years, that person now has a felony record and is labeled a felon. As punishment the now felon are sentenced to prison for a time declared by a judge and on parole for some time. Though the time has been served a felon is still at large. One non-violent crime stays on your record forever? Some believe that just because a person committed a crime that all civil rights should be taken away. Why? The â€Å"felon† label, along with the negative social and legal implications that accompany it, is essentially blind to the severity of the underlying crime. The convicted felon definition, the individuals that comprise this particular class include all social economic, racial, ethic, and gender categorizations. Although the term felony commonly refers to serious crimes punishable by imprisonment for at least a year, or by death, it may include minor crimes (Saxonhouse, 2004). The convicted felons classification can be divided into two subcategories: Current felons- those who are currently incarcerated, on probation, or on parole; and ex-felons- those who have completed their sentences and are no longer under control of the criminal justice system. Both violent and non-violent felons are measured equivalents within the current and ex-felon groups (McGuire, 2014).Show MoreRelatedShould Felons Be A Crime?2174 Words   |  9 PagesEx- felons should have the right to vote. A felon is someone who has committed a serious crime. A felony is â€Å"a serious crime, characterized under federal law and many state statutes as any offense punishable by death or imprisonment in excess of one year† (â€Å"Convicted†). Felon disenfranchisement is â€Å"Disenfranchisement is the taking away of voting rights† (â€Å"-Felon†). Ex-felons having served their debts to society should be treated like humans and doing that they should have their God given right toRead MoreShould Felons Be Able to Vote Essay1369 Words   |  6 PagesShould Felons Be Able to Vote? â€Å"We let ex-convicts marry, reproduce, buy beer, own property and drive. They don’t lose their freedom of religion, their right against self-incrimination†¦ they can’t be trusted to help choose our leaders†¦ If we thought criminals could never be reformed, we wouldn’t let them out of prison in the first place (Chapman, Steve).† Many believe that felons should be able to vote due to the fact that they served their time in prison and already received their consequenceRead More9239: Statement Of Originality. Electronic Signatures Are1746 Words   |  7 PagesFleming Island High School US 141 Rachel Tavolieri 967 Should ex-felons be allowed to vote? Going to prison is a life changing experience for a human. Whether or not a person is changed for the better is the discussion that is open for debate. This then provokes the question of what rights ex-felons deserve to have. Voting is seen by some as a guaranteed right that government should not be allowed to touch, while other argue that committing a crime that is punishable by prison warrants the right permanentlyRead MoreA False Democracy : The Presidential Election1434 Words   |  6 Pagesconvicted felons’ votes are stolen by the government because of their criminal behavior. Each of the fifty states in the U.S. recognize numerous specific and confusing laws on whether or not felons deserve the right to vote after they complete their sentences, which leads to one fifth of all criminals losing their voting privileges once incarcerated. Despite the severity of disenfranchisement, the federal government has yet to release any national regulations clarifying this injustice. Felons should beRead MoreShould Felons Be Restored The Right?1735 Words   |  7 Pages Although felons are a criminal who have committed a dangerous crime by rebelling against the law and have been punished by politics and government of the United States the right not to vote; as a result they were denied of voting right. However, taking away the right to vote is like appealing against the constitution of the fourteen amendments which state that every person have the right to be free from discrimination and to have the equal of the law. Therefore, felons should be given the rightRead MoreThe Voting Rights Act Of 1965925 Words   |  4 PagesMany people may have heard the phrase, â€Å"if you do the crime, you have to do the crime†. What if the criminal actually does the time? Does that mean that the punishment is over? Is their debt to society paid? Some convicted felons may not feel this way when faced with criminal disenfranchisement. As it stands right now most states have restrictions on felons and voting. Florida, for example, requires you to wait 5 yea rs before a convicted felon can apply for clemency to vote (ProCon.org). Out ofRead MoreEssay on Crime and Punishment in the Elizabethan Age756 Words   |  4 PagesElizabethan Age for crime and punishment, you must research crime and punishment in that age, the laws and the acts. In the Elizabethan Age there were many different crimes. Each of those crimes had their own punishment or punishments. They were very strict about what they could and could not do in this age. If you have ever thought about planning a crime, you would have to really think about the punishment you would receive. To begin, the Elizabethan Age had many extremely different crimes that couldRead MoreEssay about Felon Disenfranchisement1043 Words   |  5 PagesThe root of Felon Disenfranchisement can be traced back to Greek and Roman laws. Where any person convicted of an infamous crime would lose his or her right to participate in polis. In Rome they would lose their right to participate in suffrage and to serve in the Roman legions. With the founding of the United States of America, the US Constitution gave the right to establish voting laws to the states. From 1776 - 1821 eleven states included felony disenfranchisement in their laws (Voter RegistrationRead MoreThe United States And The Civil Right Movement1594 Words   |  7 PagesStates (King, 2006) . In many states begin a felon come with obstacles both informal and formal in the lives of people with a felony convicted. In the midst of the growing civil right movement, the augmented by racially disparate law enforcement and corrections policies the word â€Å"felon† is commonly linked to the African American community. Having a felony conviction limited housing, employment and educational opportunities. The barriers that of begin a felon limited the accessing to opportunities thatRead MoreThe Voting Decision1534 Words   |  7 Pageshave completed their sentences and are no longer deemed felons. Disenfranchisement of such individuals an American citizens is morally wrong and that with the dismissal of disenfranchisement policies, the affect of enfranchising ex-felons would be beneficial for not only the community in which they reside, but the United States of America as a whole. Many of the common arguments towards disenfranchising felons is that they have committed a crime and by doing so lose the right to any political decision

Individual Assessment Cover Sheet / Plagiarism Declaration...

Individual Assessment Cover Sheet / Plagiarism Declaration Form This form must be completed and included with each assessment you submit for marking to the School. Although this assessment is submitted electronically, you must still complete and include this form with your assessment. Student Number: 201615848 Unit Code No.: BUS101 Unit Title: Accounting Assessment No.: Assessment 2 Lecturer: Dr. Zelko Submission Date: 25th November 2016 Declaration: I have read the School’s Policy on Plagiarism and Improper Conduct and all the materials pertaining to plagiarism. I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, this assessment is my own work, all sources have been properly acknowledged, and the assessment contains no plagiarism. I further declare that I have not previously submitted this work or any version of it for assessment in any other unit or award offered by the School, or any other institution, without first ensuring that an explicit provision has been made and that I have obtained written permission from the Deputy Head of School for doing so. (Documentation supporting this provision MUST be attached.) I have submitted this assessment to Turnitin.com and I am aware that the School may act upon the Turnitin result, to determine whether an incident of plagiarism has occurred. I understand that this assessment is the intellectual property of BMIHMS. I will not circulate or publish this assessment without prior consent from BMIHMS. YouShow MoreRelatedIndividual Assessment Cover Sheet / Plagiarism Declaration Form1871 Words   |  8 PagesIndividual Assessment Cover Sheet / Plagiarism Declaration Form This form must be completed and included with each assessment you submit for marking to the School. Although this assessment is submitted electronically, you must still complete and include this form with your assessment. Student Number: 201413649 Unit Code No.: MHE613 Unit Title: Conventions Management Assessment No.: 3 Lecturer: Ms Rajka Presbury Submission Date: 25th March, 2016 Declaration: I have read the School’sRead MoreIndividual Assessment Cover Sheet / Plagiarism Declaration Form8448 Words   |  34 Pages Individual Assessment Cover Sheet / Plagiarism Declaration Form This form must be completed and included with each assessment you submit for marking to the School. Although this assessment is submitted electronically, you must still complete and include this form with your assessment. Student Number: Unit Code No.: Unit Title: Assessment No.: Lecturer: Submission Date: Declaration: I have read the School’s Policy on Plagiarism and Improper Conduct and all the materialsRead MoreSchool Of Humanities And Communication Arts1126 Words   |  5 PagesAssignment Cover Sheet School of Humanities and Communication Arts Student Name Samson Kocholatharayil James Student Number 17455451 Unit Name and Number 101295 - Aesthetics Tutorial Group Thursday 1pm - 2pm Tutorial Day and Time Thursday 1pm - 2pm Session / Semester Spring 2014 Lecturer/Tutor Michael Symonds Title of Assignment Assessment 1 Length 1,500 Due Date 8th September 2014 Date Submitted 8th September 2014 Campus Enrolment Bankstown DECLARATION I hold a copy of this assignment if theRead MoreMpo Assignent Guideline4611 Words   |  19 Pages21129 MANAGING PEOPLE ORGANISATIONS ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES AND MARKING CRITERIA 1 CONTACT DETAILS FOR QUERIES Query Tutorial readings, marking guidelines, feedback, appeals, remarking, assessment extensions (one week from assessment submission date) Tutorial allocations, remarking (only after first consulting with the tutor), appeals (if it is an extension over one week), Special considerations, exam rescheduling and any other unresolved MPO queries Name Your tutor Email Read MoreFinance6839 Words   |  28 Pagesthan 9 years. Subject Overview The subject aims to develop an understanding of a representative range of issues in international finance and global financial markets. It covers topics such as sport and forward exchange rates, interest rate parity, currency hedging and exchange rate forecasting techniques. It also covers new developments in the international financial system such as eurocommercial paper and the internationalisation of the equity market. Introduction This subject extends financialRead MoreContribute To Advice To Council On Legislation Case Study1654 Words   |  7 Pagescouncil on legislation ASSESSMENT LGAGOVA501B Contribute to advice to council on legislation Participant Name: Tora Peana Council Employer: Bundaberg Regional council Manager/Supervisor Name: Gavin Steele Supervisor Signature: Present Position: Acting Executive Assistant Time in this Position: 7 Months Contact Phone No: 07 4130 4299 Email: tora.peana@bundaberg.qld.gov.au Declaration 1. 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If you understand what each of these words mean, it will help you to approach questions correctly (understanding these terms can also assist you with regard to HOW you approach your exam questions): TERM Identify Summarise Describe Explain GiveRead MoreSample Resume : Assessment Cover Sheet2171 Words   |  9 PagesAssessment Cover Sheet Learners must: †¢ fill out your details throughout this form †¢ enter your name in the signature field †¢ upload this sheet to the submission area at the front of your the related assessment †¢ retain a copy of your assessment Qualification Code BSB51915 Title Diploma of Leadership and Management Unit Code BSBDR501 Title Develop and Use Emotional Intelligence Learner Name Brodon Young Student ID Assessment No. 1 Title Develop and Use Emotional IntelligenceRead MoreBSBHRM405A Support The Recruitment Selection And Induction Of Staff2650 Words   |  11 Pagesï » ¿ BSBHRM405A Support the recruitment, selection and induction of staff Assessment Booklet Unit Code: BSBHRM405A Unit Title: Support the recruitment, selection and induction of staff Trainer Comments: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Read MorePatchwork Essay on leading and management in nursing5444 Words   |  22 Pagesï » ¿Coursework cover sheet Student Number (the 8 digit number on your ID card) 130026914 Module Code HSM 051 Module Name Leading and Managing in Professional Practice Word Count (actual number of words in main body of text) 2,010 Assessment Title Patchwork essay Year / Intake 2013 Nature of submission Please tick First submission X Resubmission Yellow sticker for a Student who has been diagnosed as having a Specific Learning Difficulty. Please make sympathetic allowances for spelling and

Children and Technology Free Essays

Ashraf Islam Okanagan College English 100-003 6 February 2013 Children and Technology Since the early Twenty First Century, there has been vast advancement in technology, particularly in the field of computers that are developing faster than even the blinking of our eyes. Simultaneously, technology has become a vital part of our daily lives. Most of our activities are the part and product of technology; starting from the way we receive our news through various websites and digital newspapers, paying bills online, sending and receiving email, and finding research information all on the Internet. We will write a custom essay sample on Children and Technology or any similar topic only for you Order Now More than 500 million people communicate and keep in touch with friends through online social networking (Hatch). As adults became increasingly more dependent and absorbed by technology, it is likely that the children of today have become enthusiastic users as well. Laptops and smart phones are being developed for children as young as five to ten years old. Since the minds of the children are complex and insensitive, there is indeed anxiety among many adults about how these technologies can bring about changes in children’s social life. As Hutchby and Ellis said â€Å"both ‘childhood’ and ‘technology’ to be accorded an unproblematic status, each treated as having a stable and self-evident existence as there is a straightforward impact of one upon another†(1). Specifically, children’s engagement with internet social sites and violent games has generated considerable concern and additionally mass media observations and discussion. There is an obvious argument that children’s exposure to these technologies will help them to cope with future challenges that they will no doubt encounter in their careers. While on the other hand, it is argued that children who are using technology are becoming more indolent, unappreciative and more prone to health related problem. Nonetheless, access to certain technology under proper guidance is a critical component for today’s children not only to gain a better grasp of modern education thereby preparing them for the future challenge but also to improve their social development and health. In the absence of proper technological knowledge, Children will not learn the skills that will essentially help them to compete in today’s world that is progressively more relying on new technological inventions. There have been several studies on the positive impact that technology has on children in the field of education. It has been observed that introducing SMART board technology in the classroom can act as catalyst to increase students’ motivation and to enhance communication between teachers and students. According to the result of a 40-year retrospective study done by Concordia University in Canada, introducing technology in the class does have a positive impact on younger minds. Newer and more sophisticated applications of technology produce even greater positive impact; iPads, for instance, enable portable creativity and make education fun, which is always a good sign (Techvibe). Professor Richard Schmid, chairman of the education department at Concordia said â€Å"Where technology does have a positive impact is when it actively engages students, when it’s used as a communication tool, when it’s used for things like simulations or games that enable students to actively manipulate the environment†(Techvibes). According to Dr. Joseph J. Kerski, who is an  Education Industry Curriculum Development Manager on the Education Team in Denver, Colorado, USA (Esri), implementation of the Geographic Information System (GIS) software in over 1,000 high schools across the nation has significantly increased students’ motivation, communication and learning, especially on the part of visual and non-traditional learners. Technology prepares students at a young age for the workforce. This skill is becoming more and more of a vital in our technically advanced society. According to the US Department of Commerce, sixty percent of jobs today require technological skills, and this is expected to increase to ninety percent in the next fifty years (Hatch). Today’s parents are more concerned about the emerging social networking sites that are occupying the minds of most of the children of this generation. Children getting expose to uncensored materials and sensitive issues on the internet and cases like online bulling and harassment which can cause devastated situation like committing suicide are likely to create such fear around them. However, new research in this regard has discovered that technology can actually act as a new medium for children to increase and maintain a good social connection among their relatives and friends. It can provide a virtual platform to shape their identity by demonstrating their knowledge and creativity. Sites like Facebook, Tweeter, MySpace, YouTube and Skype have become children’s new virtual park where they can make new friends, play games with each other and create new pages or videos to share their ideas and perception. In general, these social sites have become a way for people of all ages to connect and keep in touch with people they already know, instead of forming bonds with new people. This medium is also helping them to involuntarily improving their technological abilities by exposing them to various skills like communication, typing speed, hand and eye coordination, basic software knowledge and gathering information for research. Over use of these mediums can always be monitored and controlled by parents if they are concern about their children. Larry D. Rosen, PhD, Professor of Psychology at California State University, Dominguez Hills, who did a research on the impact of social networking sites on children, said â€Å"Parents are encouraged to assess their child’s activities on social networking sites, and discuss removing inappropriate content or connections to people who appear problematic. Parents also need to pay attention to the online trends and the latest technologies; websites and applications children are using (APA). It’s undeniable that these social media have changed the landscape of the socializing process especially among the young people and uses of these are likely to increase more in coming years. â€Å"Exergaming† technologies like Kinect and Nintando Wii that require players to perform physical activities in order to play a game have become popular in recent years not only among the children but also adults. Unlike traditional video games, which are more sedentary based, this new gaming technology requires lot of physical movement to win. Well known of these games are Wii Sports, in which children and adults can play virtual games, such as tennis and baseball, and Just Dance! for the Kinnect. A game highly geared toward exercise is Wii Fit Plus, which includes activities for yoga, aerobics, and balance improvement; it also allows users to chart their progress and see how well they are improving (Hatch). It also helps parents to spend some time with their children which are also an essential part of their social development. Even though exergames should not replace real life exercising, this new gaming technology is proven to be a new way to motivate children to do exercise more frequently producing a positive effects on health and fitness (FITDAY). With growing concern about children suffering from obesities, it is noteworthy that exergaming can significantly help by burning off some calories resulting in weight loss thereby improving body coordination and movements. Technology has become an integral part of our lives and society and it is likely to be there with us for the rest our lives. It will be ever evolving and advanced and keeping up and staying will be the challenge. Since everything in this world is some way or the other connected to technologies, considering technology a hindrance for today’s children is impractical notion. Indeed, technologies can have negative impacts but good parenting and proper guidance by teachers can help the children to gain the benefits out of the technologies around them. Since the children of this generation will be valuable resource for the future, proper use of technologies and getting the maximum benefits out these to prepare them for the future should be an important priority for all of us. Works Cited â€Å"Social Networking’s Good and Bad Impacts on Kids† American Psychological Association. American Psychological Association, 6 August. 2011. Web. 15 Feb 2013. â€Å"The Benefits of Exergaming for Kids† FITDAY. InternetBrands, n. d. Web. 15 Feb. 2013. â€Å"The Esri Education Team† Esri. Esri Headquarters,n. d. Web. 15 Feb. 2013. Hatch, Kristina E.. Determining the Effects of Technology on Children† (2011). Senior Honors Projects. Paper 260. http://digitalcommons. uri. edu/srhonorsprog/260 Knowlton Thomas. â€Å"Does Technology Have a Positive Overall Effect on Classroom Learning? Canadian Study Says Yes† Techvibe. Techvibes Media Inc. , 23 Feb. 2012. Web. 15 Feb. 2013. Mizen Phil ,  Ian Hutchby,  Jo M oran-Ellis,  Christopher John Pole,  Angela J. Bolton, ed(s). Children, Technology, and Culture: The Impacts of Technologies in Children’s Everyday Lives The Future of Childhood Series (illustrated). London: Routledge, 2001. Web How to cite Children and Technology, Essay examples

How does Bennett arouse our sympathy for Doris in A Cream Cracker under the Settee Essay Example For Students

How does Bennett arouse our sympathy for Doris in A Cream Cracker under the Settee Essay Alan Bennetts monologue, A Cream Cracker under the Settee manages to take a subject matter which is in itself dark and less than uplifting, and transform it into a touching, yet humorous insight into the life and thoughts of an elderly widow. The success of the monologue depends on the reader identifying with the central character and feeling sympathy for her situation. Doris lives alone. Thus Bennetts monologue immediately encourages the reader to empathise with Doris by focusing on an issue which is very important to many people: the fear of losing independence. This is first highlighted through the very mundane task of dusting the house. We can see this when Zulema, Doris home help, reportedly says: You are now a lady of leisure. Your dusting days are over. It is clear throughout the script that Doris has been very house proud. However she no longer has control in this area of her life as she is visited every week by her Social Services appointed home help. The way in which Doris describes her conversations with Zulema makes it clear to the audience that she feels Zulema has power over her therefore could force Doris into residential care at Stafford House at any time, apparently threatening, I am the only person that stands between you and Stafford House. Zulema is, in fact, blackmailing Doris, which increases Doris fear of losing her independence. Bennetts choice of name for the home help seems designed to render sympathy for Doris. Doris is from a generation who grew up in a time before immigration. She may feel she has little in common with the person, who now has full access to her home, due to a lack of common background. Doris refers to the change in society due to immigration when she says: Carpet sales in chapels now. Else Sikhs Society has changed a great deal from what Doris is used to. Religion no longer plays an important role in society; this would not have been the case in Doris day. Immigration has brought with it many different religions that were not around for Doris generation to experience. The audience can see from watching the television series Talking Heads, Doris facial expressions express a look of disgust whilst on the subject of immigration. This makes the audience aware of how strongly Doris views are on this subject. In spite of what appears to be a difficult relationship with Zulema, this is at least some sort of company for Doris. The audience cannot help but feel sympathy for Doris as we learn that she lives in a lonely world where the neighbours that she once knew have either died or moved away. The new generation that has now moved in seem to live in a parallel universe to Doris. Folk opposite, I dont know them Doris grew up around the time of the war when communities pulled together to help each other. However modern society is a lot more independent; it is now normal not to know everyone in your street. As Doris herself admits, she never gets any bona fide callers. Doris finds herself very lonely now she does not have her husband Wilfred, who complemented her in her obsession to clean and keep herself to herself, to talk to. Doris is now alone in the world with only her memories to keep her company. A Cream Cracker under the Settee is more effective because it is a monologue. Due to the monologue form Doris is able to tell the audience her true feelings that she may not have been able to if the production was not set out in this way. Bennett skilfully uses old-fashioned phrases in order to portray Doris as the seventy five year old lady she is. Hes spending a penny Tension and suspense in the novel Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel Garcia Marquez EssayLove God and close all gates I think this works very well, as Doris is being witty as well as stating what her religion is. Doris is saying that people should not be able to go around preaching about God is they are unable to complete a simple task such as closing a gate. By mentioning the gate, Doris is once again returning to her obsession with tidiness. In order to promote sympathy for a character the author must encourage the reader to empathise with their life and fears. In addition, a reader is more likely to feel sympathy for a character if they are perceived as likeable or at least admirable. Doris may no longer be physically fit but she remains mentally sharp. She attempts to retain her own high standards of hygiene in her house, without the Social Services home help or home hindrance as Doris refers to her, knowing. Whilst doing so she discovers a cream cracker under the settee. It is in the attempt to dust the top the photo of her and her husband, that Doris has the fall that eventually leads to her death. Even as she sits helplessly on the floor she does not complain or feel sorry for herself. In fact she reports the state of her leg as a fact. I can nip this leg and nothing Bennett ensures that Doris is perceived favourably as even at the finish she is too proud to admit that she needs help. She turns a policeman away, even though deep down she knows that she needs his help in order to survive; instead she chooses to allow herself to die alone, claiming, No Im all right. Although she has put up a battle, Doris is aware that she is unable to cope alone; therefore she will no doubt end up spending her final days in Stafford House. In this final act, perhaps Doris is able to recover some of the freedom of choice and independence that has been lacking in her life through recent times. Whilst readers may not choose to agree with Doris actions, few could fall but to admire her courage and to sympathise with her unfortunate situation. Bennetts message is very powerful throughout the monologue. The end leaves the audience feeling guilty that they part of that modern day society who could help someone just like Doris, but fail to find the time of day to fulfil their desired actions. Bennett skilfully includes aspects of an elderly persons life that are very close to the heart in order to make the audience aware of the very real situation. Before reading A Cream Cracker Under the Settee I did not realise why elderly members of the community I know are so stubborn about certain modern day issues such as immigration. I can now see why they find it hard to accept modern day society moral issues that I would not even class as an issue that needs to be raised. As the light effectively fades on the final scene, Bennett has transformed, in the space of a few short pages, the character of a crotchety old woman into that of a real person with depth of character and strength of personality. Doris has become known to us all as a person with thoughts, problems, and fears similar to our own. By the end, even though she sometimes appears to be too stubborn for her own good, the audience cannot help but sympathise with Doris as her life draws to a close before our eyes.

Charismatic Theology Mission in the Spirit

Introduction Theology should reflect a form that God chooses to manifest Him to humanity in the contemporary society. In that way, humanity is faced with the challenge whether there has to be Charismatic theology in the modern Christian society. In a bid to establish a theology, there must be talks concerning God, but this should be handled in a critical manner.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Charismatic Theology: Mission in the Spirit specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This translates that the apprehension of God generated becomes the formulae in tackling the dilemma the contemporary religious fraternity manifests to theology. Moreover, the theology that develops must also reflect the tradition of the religious fraternity from which it emanates. The theology must also mirror the manner in which God has been presented concerning the religious past1. Consequently, to be Charismatic entails how humanity ack nowledges the existence of the Holy Spirit. In practice, charisma entails receiving and presenting the works of the Holy Spirit to the contemporary society. In other words, Charismatic is a term referring to Christians who hold the notion that the doings of the Holy Spirit experienced in the early Church, such as miracles, tongue speaking, and healing, are also promises to the modern Christians. Therefore, to be genuinely charismatic, a doctrine should assume its meaning from the basis of the existence of the Holy Spirit as transcribed in the scriptures. Thus, a charismatic theology needs to consider the experience of the existence of the Holy Spirit as manifested in the Holy Scriptures2. It is only through the working of the Holy Spirit that a charismatic doctrine is established. Contrary to this claims, theology is seen to bring a misunderstanding about God and may fail to influence the believers. This paper seeks to show that the doctrine often spread within the Charismatic movem ent regarding self-imparted uniqueness, is widely uninformed and unbiblical. Since the movement accredits itself as sent by God to continue with his divine undertakings, it does not grant it a Christian experience. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the various controversies surrounding the Charismatic doctrine as well evaluate diverse opinions from different quarters sharing or refuting the claims of the Charismatic movement. Much attention will focus on St. Paul’s perspective of spiritual gifts as it is written in 1 Corinthians 12- 4. Eventually, this paper will assess whether the Scriptures affirm exceptional Charismatic gifts to the modern Church. Background information The proliferation of the Charismatic renewal can be traced in the early 1960s3. The idea of filling with Holy Spirit diffused swiftly via the mainstream denominations. Many conventional churches were highly influenced by the Charismatic renewal, and later independent Charismatic churches started to e merge. Currently, most Charismatics have shifted from the mainline denominations to independent Charismatic churches.Advertising Looking for research paper on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Following their break from the mainline denominations, these churches abandoned the doctrinal traditions that shaped them and then formulated others that guide the modern Charismatic. Following this freedom, the church started to transform in many ways. Apparently, charismatics of diverse faith and beliefs exist all over the world making it difficult to define the movement. Despite the fact that many people have joined the Charismatic movement, there are still problems that face this movement. Most Charismatic argues that their teachings supplement the traditional teachings. The distinctive contentions In the current decade, Charismatic Christians have experienced vast criticism by both Christians and non-believers. Jus t because the Charismatic movement or rather belief is widely spreading does not imply that its entire creed is justified. It is critical to consider the scriptures and examine the Church background in tackling the theological dilemma that is brought forth by the Charismatic values, practices, and beliefs4. It is highly disputable claiming of a second blessing or speaking in tongues as a proof of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Moreover, some of the gifts of grace and miracles are bizarre. In essence, the Holy Spirit dwells in the souls of all true believers, and this is not always evidenced by divine powers. The miracles manifested in the Bible were accrediting the scriptures. The â€Å"primary theological distinctiveness of the Charismatic movement includes speaking in tongues, the baptism in the Holy Spirit, the power of healing, and the importance of having a personal experience†5. These factors have contributed to the movement’s proliferation and popularity. Wh ile everyone cherishes growth and change, these two attributes cannot be employed as evidence for divine accredits. False religions and cults have also enjoyed massive growth and popularity. Regarding blessings and worldly possessions, Charismatics believe in a Christian life that is far much better than a non-Christian life. They claim that their faith leads them to riches, better health, and joyful lifestyle. However, it is clear that many Charismatics have good health, worldly possessions, and happiness6.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Charismatic Theology: Mission in the Spirit specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The promise of good health and material possession has made new converts eager to abandon their ways to join the Charismatic theology for a better life. Unlike Charismatics, Evangelicals indicate that God is not fascinated by worldly things. For Evangelicals, the Christianity should not entai l worldly possessions but heavenly wealth granted freely upon salvation. Thus, this claim is misleading for anyone to believe that the Christian faith will unconditionally result in wealth, happiness, and good health. Thus, Christians should expect it but the absence of such blessings should not mean the absence of God. Both non-believers and Evangelicals have condemned such focus on worldly riches as diverting believers away from heavenly riches promised in the Scriptures. Evangelicals hold that Christ is the light all Christians need and promise for worldly prosperity manifests serious theological error7. Common viewpoints held by Charismatics Undoubtedly, Charismatic Christians demonstrate a high knowledge of the Scriptures but they often fail to abide by its content. In most instances, Charismatic Christians rely on what they believe rather than what is written in the scriptures. During the apostolic times, those who joined the faith in Christ went through water baptism. However , they also expected to go through a second step involving baptism with Spirit. The baptism in the Holy Spirit was highly valued as it was evidenced by characteristics of the Spirit particularly tongue speaking. The many gifts of the Holy Spirit transcribed in the Bible are also promises of the modern Church. Charismatics believe there are steps followed for one to attain baptism in the spirit. First, full commitment to Jesus Christ’s will, continuous prayer for the gift, waiting for the gift patiently and by faith, glorifying God for the gift, and freeing the Spirit by glorifying God in an unknown tongue. According to 1 Corinthians, as a Christian praise God in tongues, his/her mind rests as the spirit engages in prayer8. Despite the view that the Christian may not comprehend with the mind the utterances one says; there is a clear communication with the Lord. Charismatics also believe that speaking in tongues is an authority that Christ bestows upon the Christians to express and exalt the Lord in a new language. Thus, this gift should be respected and encouraged in the church. Charismatics also view that speaking in tongues does not divide the Christian family since division is only brought by the sinfulness nature of man9.Advertising Looking for research paper on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Charismatics claim that the gift of healing is evidence that God exists, and there is the unquestioned truth about His word. Charismatics go further to show that the gift of miraculous healing is still availed to the modern Christian Church as it were in the first Church. However, since there is no ready reception in modern Church because of the influence of Western beliefs, Christians may not appreciate the divine intervention and the God’s healing. Tongue speaking Tongue speaking is a common practice to all Charismatics as well as Pentecostals. However, despite this being a common practice, there are variations in how these two denominations understand and define tongue speaking. Charismatics often believe in three varying applications of tongues. First, a massive number of Charismatics claim that speaking in tongues is the baseline proof of acquiring the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Charismatics believe that what transpired during the historical events as manifested in the teachings of Acts as extending to the contemporary Church. Second, â€Å"tongue speaking should be utilized in public worship for the elevation of the body†10. However, this tongue speaking must be meaningful and translatable to enhance clarity to all people. The comprehension that anyone experiences the baptism of the Holy Spirit should proof it by speaking in tongues is misleading since it blatantly contravenes the Bible. A third â€Å"use of tongues is meant for personal edification†11. In this case, tongue speaking is perceived as a personal connection language to God. These claims manifest a poor understanding of the Holy Scriptures. This assertion contributes to dividing the Christian family because not all Christians can speak in tongues yet they abide by the true word of God. Tongues are confirmed in various scriptures to be real languages rather than what Charismatics argue is special undefined personal prayer language. In most cases, it is agreeable that tong ues are meaningless to the listeners merely because they are presented in a foreign language. Thus, tongues should be translatable to bring meaning to the listeners. According to 1 Corinthians, 14:12-13, Paul emphasizes the need to interpret tongues12. In this passage, Paul claims that anyone who uses tongues edifies himself. The Charismatics misinterprets this passage since Paul is defining a person who uses tongues in public worship without an interpreter. However, tongue speaking in a Church without an interpreter does not benefit anyone and results to self-edification. Charismatics should ensure that what speaking in tongues is not viewed as a primary tool that every Christian must possess. Undoubtedly, it is essential to view tongue speaking as a foreign dialect but not meaningless utterances13. It is fundamental since it provides an objective criterion to establish if contemporary tongue speaking is valid or constructed utterances. Due to these contentions, many observers have called into question the authenticity of the Charismatic theology as a representative of the divine work of God. If contemporary tongues differ from the Biblical tongues, then it means that the Charismatic movement has abandoned true Biblical teachings. Unless, Charismatics can translate tongues, then tongues will have no impact in edifying the Church. Baptism of the Holy Spirit Spirit baptism is one of the cornerstone ratification of the Charismatic theology. Charismatics refer the Spirit baptism as an experience that one acquires following conversion. As evidenced in the book of Acts 11: 13-18, God is said to have poured out His Holy Spirit on the Gentiles, who had come to Him14. As shown in this passage, true believers in the early Church always acquired the baptism of the Holy Spirit free, but not as a reward gained, based on one’s doing. Contrary, Charismatics hold that Christians have to devote themselves in the course of seeking the Holy Spirit. Looking keenly at the events that transpired before the day of Pentecost, Jesus promised His disciples the Holy Spirit would descend to dwell in them. There were no requirements needed of the disciples before the Holy Spirit would pour on them. Jesus did not require them to pray or work hard for the gift of the Holy Spirit. There is no evidence in the Scriptures that some of the followers of Christ were declined the spirit due to inadequate preparation. The contemporary Christian Church should expect any gift from God, different or similar to those provided by the apostolic Church. However, with the massive spread of false prophets, it is critical for Christians to seek guidance from the Scriptures to know the true prophets guided by God. Charismatics admit that many members of the movement are taught the process of speaking in tongues, and others acquire the gift through prayer. During the apostolic times, tongue speaking was not learned or earned but God gave the gifts freely. However, training people to speak in tongues misleads the Christian community to believe of extraordinary need for having such gifts. The Holy Spirit shows Himself to the humanity through gifts with which He bestows the Christians. As mentioned in 1 Corinthian, 12: 8-10, such gifts include several tongues as well as the ability to interpret them15. These gifts are not meant for a particular group of believers, but rather to Christians who are given different gifts. The spiritual â€Å"gifts endowed by Spirit to every believer are meant to benefit the whole Church because Spiritual gifts are granted for the common good†16. Prophecy The question whether God is still communicating with the modern Church through direct revelation is debatable. The Holy Scriptures in the book of Acts 2, 10 and 19 interprets the gifts of prophesy, healing or raising the dead as historical events that happened in apostolic times. Charismatics have caused the controversy as to whether these gifts are provided by God to His p eople in the modern society. Charismatics still hold that believers â€Å"still experience direct revelation from God†17. Most Charismatics refute the claim that contemporary prophecies should reflect the Scripture. Consequently, Charismatics underrate the New Testament prophecy as a lesser revelation. In a bid to solve this controversy, it is essential to understand what prophecy is. True prophecy manifests the words of God passed to humanity via a prophet. Thus, a real prophet must speak the correct doctrine in the name of the real God. Additionally, all that is prophesied must happen with time. If a person proclaimed as a prophet and never makes a genuine prophecy, then there is no point to believe that person has a gift of prophecy. The Old Testament prophets manifested the qualities of real prophets because what they said happened. The teachings of Luke â€Å"present the story of the gifts of the Spirit as historical events and no attestation that such gifts are also pl edged to the future generations†18. However, the Church should expect that the Holy Spirit would provide it with the blessings that are required to develop the Church over years. Besides, God has other reservations for His people rather than those He gave the early Church. The contemporary Church must refrain from the assumption that because the Holy Spirit granted Daniel, the authority over Lions, the modern church should also expect God to provide such powers. Similarly, the modern Church should not argue that since the early Church had Christians with the gift of tongues, thus the modern Church must be endowed with matching gifts. When it comes to physical healing of the body, God wants Christians to focus on earthly ways that God has offered to for healing of the physically challenged. In this case, Christians are taught that they are yet in the existence of glory where pain and suffering will cease. Furthermore, Christians should never expect to undermine the control of G od, through prophecy or prayer. The Charismatics should refrain from thinking that they have the power to avoid suffering because they still live in a realm where sin and suffering are prevalent. Conclusion Even in the early Church, not all believers were granted with the gifts of prophecy or tongue speaking. Thus, the modern Christian Church must be cautious not to impart excessive concerns on such gifts. For instance, when tongue speaking is viewed as the key feature it results into a perception that undermines other benefits of the Holy Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit, the Christian fraternity is united to fellowship together in the glorification of God. Thus, it is lamentable that the Charismatics differentiate between those Christians baptized with the Spirit and other Christians. This divisive inclination fosters false belief that the former include a spiritually advanced cadre of Christians. The ultimate approach to determining a Spiritual gift should entail seeking whether i t builds the Church and abides by the written word of God. Christians should assess the impact that speaking in tongue has in building the Church. At times emphasizing on speaking in tongues might have negative effects to unbelievers for it might cause them think they are troubled. In many cases, these Spiritual gifts have been misused but these should not be used to discredit that such gifts exist. God has the power to bless the people with gifts that build the Church to future generations. Since they are no compelling Biblical evidence to discredit the existence of these gifts, it is upon the Christians to seek guidance from the Bible to understand genuine gifts. In a bid to reduce the confusion pertaining Charismatic theology, it is essential for Christians to learn from the Scripture and let it guide them in every matter. Bibliography Middlemiss, David. Interpreting Charismatic Experience. London: SCM Press, 1996. Mühlen, Heribert. A Charismatic Theology. London: Burns Oate s, 1978. Peppiatt, Lucy. â€Å"New Directions in Spirit Christology: A Foundation for a Charismatic Theology.† Journal of Theology 117, no. 1 (2014): 3-10. Pinnock, Clark. â€Å"The Work of the Spirit in the Interpretation of Holy Scripture from the Perspective of a Charismatic Biblical Theologian.† Journal of Pentecostal Theology 18, no. 2 (2009): 157-171. Poloma, Margaret. â€Å"Practical Theology: Charismatic and Empirical Perspectives.† Pneuma Journal 29, no. 2 (2007): 335-336. Quash, Ben. Found Theology: History, Imagination, and the Holy Spirit. Oxford: Bloomsbury, 2014. Spawn, Kevin. â€Å"Knowing the Holy Spirit through the Old Testament.† Pneuma Journal 30, no. 1 (2008): 174-175. Stronstad, Roger. The Charismatic Theology of St. Luke. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2012. Thomas, John. â€Å"The Charismatic Structure of Acts.† Journal of Pentecostal Theology 13, no. 1 (2004): 19-30. Williams, Rodman. Renewal Theology. Grand Rapids: Acade mie Books, 1988. Footnotes 1Heribert Mühlen, A Charismatic Theology (London: Burns Oates, 1978), 24-25. 2Lucy Peppiatt, â€Å"New Directions in Spirit Christology: A Foundation for A Charismatic Theology,† Theology 117, no. 1 (2014): 7. 3David Middlemiss, Interpreting Charismatic Experience (London: SCM Press, 1996), 41-42. 4Ben Quash, Found Theology: History, Imagination and the Holy Spirit, (Oxford: Bloomsbury, 2014) 76. 5Kevin Spawn, â€Å"Knowing the Holy Spirit through the Old Testament,† Pneuma Journal 30, no. 1 (2008): 174. 6Clark Pinnock, â€Å"The Work of the Spirit in the Interpretation of Holy Scripture from the Perspective of a Charismatic Biblical Theologian,† Journal of Pentecostal Theology 18, no. 2 (2009): 159. 7Margaret Poloma, â€Å"Practical Theology: Charismatic and Empirical Perspectives,† Pneuma 29, no. 2 (2007): 335. 8Poloma, Practical Theology, 336. 9Roger Stronstad, The Charismatic Theology Of St. Luke (Grand Rapids, MI: Bake r Academic, 2012), 65-68. 10Ibid, 71. 11Ibid, 71. 12Rodman Williams, Renewal Theology (Grand Rapids, Mich: Academie Books, 1988), 15-17. 13John Thomas, â€Å"The Charismatic Structure of Acts,† Journal of Pentecostal Theology 13, no. 1 (2004): 19-30. 14Ibid, 19-30. 15Stronstad, The Charismatic Theology, 19-20. 16Ibid, 72. 17Ibid, 78. 18Quash, Found Theology, 93. 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Performance Measurement Of Financial And Non Financial Results Accounting Essay Every organisation strive for good performance. Performance improvement considers organisational change where management of the organisation puts in place some projects to help boost the current level of performance. In this respect the programmes may completely change the organisation behaviour and conducts to allow the changes to take effect. Management aims to increase the organisational effectiveness and efficiency in delivering its products and services. As the matter of fact performance requires performance measures to evaluate the financial and non financial results. Thereafter performance gaps and future improvement actions are planned considering ethical aspects. Most organisations use performance indicators which serve as powerful approach to monitor and improve performance. Organisations use different methods and techniques they have developed to process changes for improvement purposes. Most of people measure companys performance by looking at amount of money the company has just made. They consider profit, ROI, revenues to be the measure for performance. The main problem of considering only financial aspects of the business is that these measures report the past actions that the company may have no immediate control. Taking an example of customer aspects, they are not directly covered under financial aspects. Focusing only on financial aspects may in the long run jeopardise the companys relationship with the customers and may look for their needs with the competitor company. In view of the above a more comprehensive and clear approach is needed that put equal weight and emphasis to both financial and non financial aspects. An approach that not only considers lagging indicators but also looks forward and consider leading indicators. This prompted the researcher to consider using the Balanced scorecard framework in evaluating the performance of the Local Authorities Pensions Fund (LAPF) and to recommend actions to improve the current level of performance. The research topic explains by itself, and aims to find out the performance improvements that could be achieved when LAPF opts to implement the BSC approach. Thus the topic covers two aspects; performance improvement and the Balanced Scorecard. Balanced Scorecard ( BSC) Approach As it is mostly known, the BSC strikes the balance between the financial and non financial measures of performance. In short BSC is a framework used for evaluating business performance of a company. Kaplan and Norton consider BSC as Organisational performance management tool. As will be reviewed in Chapter two,( section 2.3) BSC involves defining company mission, strategy and measures. These should be clear and agreed upon by the interested stakeholders. After the BSC is set management should try to understand the factors that cause change and fluctuations of the BSC. These factors are very important as will lead the organisation to fully understand where and when to spend to cover the performance gaps. The following diagram ( figure 1.1) shows a simple balanced scorecard template.( adopted from Kaplan and Norton,1992.) Financial perspective Internal process perspective Vision strategy Customer perspective Learning growth perspective Figure 1.1 Balanced scorecard template For each of the four perspectives, strategic goals that link with the vision and strategy are established together with the relevant measures. For a beginner like LAPF this simple structure is recommended to maximise the chances for successful implementation. As the BSC is a continuous approach, management may later wish to adjust the objectives and measures to reflect the current operating and economic conditions. Performance improvement cycle Performance improvement is a continuous process. It can be thought of as a cycle. Consider the following diagram ( figure 2) with the explanations below. Figure 1. 2 Performance Improvement Cycle Explanations Plan: The organisation needs to know what should be accomplished and plans strategically. Plans should be integrated and aligned with the corporate strategy. Management also should set the objectives and goals to achieve the corporate strategy. The process also involves defining responsibilities and communication means, identifying talented personnel to lead the execution process. Execute: The process involves putting the plans into actions. This entails the execution of the planned activities to achieve the budgeted profit and loss account, forecasted balance sheet and cash flow statement. Normally the plans are for a short time period covering one financial year. In most cases it is done in operational level. In this study the performance will be evaluated considering 2009/10 plan budget. Check ( measure): The organisation then measures the performance using the indicators already established. This involves comparing the realised performance with the budgeted plans. Without measuring the performance ,the organisation does not know whether changes need be applied to reach the budgeted goals or to change the goals for the year. Act: At this stage ,the organisation should think and decide on new ways that may result in improvement. Here changes are important but should be carefully considered if when implemented the results will be improvements. Brain storming takes place at this stage. It is also from this stage where management should find out the root causes of bad or unsatisfactory performance and identifies hurdles to success. As will be explained in chapter three (section 2.5) implementing changes pose a challenge to many managers. It is therefore recommended that a clear and systematic process be adopted to make changes successful. Performance improvement needs changes. In another words, this is the improvement methodology stage where management can think of improvement approaches such as BSC, Six Sigma, TQM, etc. 1.2 SPONSOR COMPANY PROFILE- The Local Authorities Pensions Fund( LAPF) The Local Authorities Pensions Fund (LAPF) is a social security institution established under the LAPF Act No 9 of 2006. This Act repealed the Local Authorities Provident Act No.6 of 2000.The difference is that the former Act no 6 of 2000 was meant only for Defined Contribution Plan while the existing Act No.9 of 2006 is for Defined Benefit Plan. LAPF as one of the six social security institutions in Tanzania was established with the objective of providing social security cover to the employees of the local government authorities, agencies and Institution owned by Local Authorities. As per the Tanzanian government regulation each of these six schemes was established by different legislation and covers a defined category of people or sector. LAPF has more than 70,000 members each contributing (on a monthly basis) a total of 20% of members basic salary (an employees basic salary), of which the employers share is 15% and 5% is contributed by the employee (member). Apart from the Head Of fice (in Dodoma region) the Institution has five Zone Offices throughout the country covering 4 to 5 regions for each Zone. Vision, To become one of the best provider of social security cover in Tanzania (LAPF Act) Mission Statement, To provide social security benefits with related services to its members. (LAPF Act). In summary, the following are the main functions of the Fund: Pay benefits to insured person Improve benefits payable under the Act Register persons required by the law to contribute to the Fund Safeguard members contributions and other Funds resources Invest contributions in less risk and high returns yielding investments 1.3 PROBLEM DESCRIPTION For years now LAPF uses financial measures in evaluating the success of the Fund. As the competition in social security markets becomes an intense and rapid development in business, reliance on financial measures becomes questionable. This results to some of the financial measures to be ineffective and inefficient in evaluating the Funds performance from its operations, e.g. how to measure customer satisfaction. Through the performance measurement system any Organisation gets a comprehensive view of how it is performing. LAPF as a performance-driven and achievement-oriented in a competitive social security industry, needs to maintain an efficient performance measurement system. The system is used to track the changes in overall performance. Thus, the researcher aims to propose the use of BSC framework as the approach that will be applied in evaluating and improving the performance of the Fund. LAPF may wish to adopt the BSC system in measuring its performance to solve the problem of ineffective measures of performance recently adopted. Thus at this initial stage the aim of the study is not to implement the BSC approach. Balanced Scorecard involves both financial and non financial performance measures. In 1990, BSC was established by Robert Kaplan and David Norton to complement financial measures.The technique has recently become famous and widely adopted by some Organisations due to the benefits derived from its implementation. The application of only financial measures to evaluate performance may not give a real picture on how the Organisation performs. This prompted these Organisations to switch their strategies in assessing their performance applying critical measures (both financial and non financial) in each of the four BSC perspectives. Thus balance scorecard helps management to understand a comprehensive picture of the business operations grouped into these four categories i.e. Financial, Customers, learning and growth, and internal process. LAPF as the first time user of BSC will have to choose relevant performance measures for each of the above categories keeping in mind the nature of its business. The adoption of BSC as a set of measures will help management in formulating strategy to achieve the Funds objectives. It is believed that BSC will bring about management revolution and will provide real insight in the operations of the Fund as both financial and non financial performance measures will be employed in evaluating the success of its operations. 1.4 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES The main objective of the research is to find ways of improving LAPF performance. To achieve this, the researcher will adopt the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) framework to evaluate the performance of the Local Authorities Pensions Fund (LAPF) .The performance will be evaluated in each of the four BSC perspective i.e. financial, customers (members), internal process, and Learning growth. In this respect the researcher will compare the expected planned performance (as per the LAPF policy, budget etc) with the current performance as perceived by employees and management (resulted from questionnaires and interviews). It should be noted that the researcher DOES NOT aim or plan for BSC implementation. Other objectives are as outlined below: To assess the level of BSC understanding among employees To build positive image of BSC in the eyes of LAPF management and staff To persuade the Organisation to adopt the BSC approach To propose a BSC structure relevant to the LAPF needs, objectives and operations To find out whether the Fund has another alternative method for improving the performance besides using BSC approach Lay down foundations for further research on improving performance measurement system. 1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS 1.5.1 Main Research Question What can be the performance improvement by implementation of the Balanced Scorecard(BSC)?The case of Local Authorities Pensions Fund in Tanzania (LAPF) 1.5.2 Theoretical research questions What is Performance Measurement? How can it be improved? What is Balanced Scorecard? How widely is Balanced Scorecard used? What are the benefits of using Balanced Scorecard? What are the problems and /or challenges in implementing the BSC? How to reduce the chances of BSC failure? What are the metrics for measuring performance? Are there any other tools for improving performance measurement besides BSC? How do they differ from Balances Scorecard? 1.5.3 Empirical research questions How does LAPF measure its performance? What does LAPF understand about the BSC? Is the approach known? To what extent? Is the proposed BSC relevant to LAPF operating environment? Will the LAPF management accept changes? How does employees and management evaluate the current performance of the Fund? (As per the proposed BSC framework) What are the benefits expected to LAPF from the proposed approach? What are the challenges in the process of improving the Funds performance? What are the efforts being adopted to improve the Funds performance? Any other alternative besides the proposed approach? 1.6 PROPOSED BALANCED SCORECARD FOR LAPF Table 1 below is a proposed BSC framework for LAPF as designed by the researcher. This framework stands as the main research area as it was used to evaluate the Funds performance. The questionnaire and interview questions were based on this framework to find out what should be the level of performance ( as planned by management), what is the current level ,and what should be done to improve the current level of performance. It is expected that the contents of the BSC ( goals and measures) may be adjusted after accommodating comments from the LAPF management and staff .This research does not cover implementation of the BSC, the decision on whether to fully implement the BSC approach lies with the LAPF management ,where the Fund will have to study and plan for the implementation process. THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES PENSIONS FUND PROPOSED BALANCED SCORECARD VISION: To become the best and most preferred provider of social security in Tanzania 1 Financial Perspective Actions ( Critical Success factors) Measures Invest the contributions received in a highly and secure yield investment ( Accurate investment decision making) -Return on Investment (ROI) Survive -Increase in premium Growth -Percent increase in Cash Flows Profitability -Return on Assets Effective cost reduction -Percent reduction in cost Risk Mitigation -Percent reduction in risk occurrence -Percent of loss due to risk Budget accuracy -Percent error in forecasts 2 Members Perspective Actions ( Critical Success factors) Measures Increase membership base -Number of new members registered Members satisfaction -Frequency of members complaints -Members Survey rating -Complaints response time -Timeliness of service -Service accessibility Provide seminar and education to members -Number of seminars conducted -Market share Attract more members and retain members -Number of new members -Increase in premium -Retention rate Increase Benefits Packages -Number of new packages -Lead time (time taken to introduce new package) Marketing LAPF and its products and services -Market share 3 Internal process Perspective Actions ( Critical Success factors) Measures Process capabilities -Percent reduction in payment cycle time Provide benefit package on time -Claim processing time Service improvement -Number of customer problems reported over a period of time Quality -Percent reduction in rework -Industry quality rating Effective reporting/information system -Average time for circulation information -System availability Percent of late reports -Percent of errors in reports Maintain inter departmental team work -Number of days to communicate feedback -Information circulation time 4 Learning and Growth Perspective Actions ( Critical Success factors) Measures Training to employees -Training time per employee -Number of employees trained Employee satisfaction -Employee turnover rate -Chances for empowerment and promotions -Level of freedom of opinion and suggestions -Percent of employees suggestions and recommendations put in action -Percent of complains about salary and incentives -Response time to employees complaints Continuous innovations -New products /service Opportunity level to show creativity Team building and effectiveness -Percentage of empathy level -Percentage achievement of goals Table 1.1 LAPF proposed BSC 1.6 .1 Strategic Mapping Strategic map shows the cause-and-effect relationship. Applying the four BSC perspectives, we are able to draw a cause -and -effect logic flow to show the relationship between them. In simple words it depicts the link that exists between the perspectives. It therefore outlines what a company wants to accomplish (financially and to members) and how to accomplish it ( through effective and efficient internal processes ,supported by competent, motivated and creative employees). Figure 1.3 below shows an example of strategic map relevant to LAPF operations. Revenue (Contributions) Cash flowFinancial Operating Costs Contribution Arrears Members complaints Members satisfaction Members Claim reprocessing Payment cycle timeInternal process Employees suggestions Employees competenceLearning Employees moraleGrowth Figure 1.3 LAPF Strategic Map Explanations: If LAPF employees lack incentives to boost their morale to work, it negatively affects the time taken to process members claims. In turn this brings members complaints that cause delay in submitting contributions in time. The ultimate effect of it is insufficient cash to operate,invest and pay other beneficiaries. Incompetency employees make errors in processing the claims that necessitate reworking the claims. This increases the operating costs that reduce the cash flow status. High employees morale, shorter payment cycle time lead to members satisfaction. In turn increases contributions that boost the cash flow. Low morale, ignoring employees suggestions and incompetent employees all together result to employees dissatisfaction. This may in turn prolong the payment cycle time, which results to members dissatisfaction. Eventually this results to delay in contributions which at the end affect the Funds cash flow. Note: Figure 3 shows only some few measures as indicated in the balanced scorecard. More measures can be added and a link with a logic flow be established to show the cause and effect relationship between the BSC perspectives. 1.7 ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS The research was conducted as per the LAPFs code of ethics. Participants were free, to control their own willingness to participate, contribute or even to withdrawal. Where confidentiality and anonymity was demanded the study adhered to this and make sure no harm, pain or discomfort is caused to any participant. Adherence of ethical issues in each stage of the research process from, data collection, analysis and reporting is my priority consideration. The Fund will be briefed of the research findings. 1.8 ROAD MAP This thesis comprises of five chapters. Chapter one: Consists of general introduction and the topic to be researched. It also contains brief explanations of the concepts found in the main research topic, i.e. Performance improvement and the balanced scorecard. Chapter two: Consists of all relevant literature concerning the balanced scorecard, performance improvement, and change management which is very important to consider before undertaking any programme to improve performance. I personally consider change management to be very critical and is influenced by several internal and external factors. From this chapter we will have an opportunity to understand stages that lead to successful changes. The common mistakes/errors done by the organisation when adopting changes ( which are the main causes of failure) as explained by John Kotter ,1996 are also found in this chapter. Moreover the chapter contains other performance management approaches beside the balanced scorecard and a review on how they relate or differ with the BSC. Chapter three: Comprises of methodological section. In short questionnaire and interview are the main sources of data collection for this research. In addition to this, it also includes sampling and respondents information. Chapter four: Includes the results and discussion thereof. It also includes analysis of data collected through questionnaire and interview. Chapter five: Explains the conclusions and recommendations based on the data collected. 1.9 LIMITATIONS This study has the following limitations; This research does not cover implementation of the BSC in LAPF. It is limited to the use of the proposed BSC framework to evaluate LAPF performance, where by the Funds objectives and their related measures are more specific. It is from the findings , conclusions and recommendations LAPF management may think and plan the implementation of this approach. The study is limited only to the Local Authorities Pensions Fund due to time and financial constraints. It does not cover any other firm in the social security industry in Tanzania, neither LAPF performance will be compared to preceding years performance The planned number of interviews to be conducted could not be reached as the targeted staff were out of the office for different reasons. In this regard the researcher decided to increase the number of questionnaires to be supplied from 30 to 40 in order to collect as many data as possible. The indicators and measurement tools in this study make use of secondary data in measuring performance. Secondary data may have inaccuracies. Inaccuracies in data could result in results which are unreliable and unsuitable for measuring performance and in achieving targets. Weights have not been placed on any particular dimension or goal area. LAPF priorities change with changing national Social Security needs and it may be necessary to accurately place additional weights on some dimensions to achieve the desired outcome.

Romeo And Juliet: Fate :: essays research papers

The only theme that tragedy reveals is that the noble and good must suffer. There is no lesson we can draw from tragedy that will help us avoid the fate of the protagonist. It is known that in Shakespeare’s tragedies the main characters die in the end. Romeo and Juliet being a tragedy, sets up a situation where we know that Romeo and Juliet are going to die in the end. There are many events that lead to their deaths. The Capulets and Montagues share the responsibility for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet because of each family’s stubborn refusal to end an enduring feud. If their feud could have been resolved the children of each family would not have shared this terrible fate. Friar Lawrence was also partially to blame through his actions in trying to help the couple. At the end of the story the Prince, is the only character who reminds everyone the reality of how Romeo and Juliet’s death occurred because of everyone’s faults. Romeo and Juliet didn’t even try to tell their parents, Lord and Lady Montague and Lord and Lady Capulet, about love between they shared for each other because they were afraid that their parents wouldn’t understand them. Perhaps the families would have understood, the problem is, we don’t know, because Capulet and Montague learned about their children’s love when they were already dead. If Romeo and Juliet were comfortable with telling their parents of their marriage then there would have been fewer complications regarding the marriage with Paris. If it wasn’t for the hostility between the two families then they wouldn’t have cost Romeo and Juliet their lives. The masque was the most important part of the story. Romeo was wearing a mask to hide his face. Since Juliet couldn’t see his face, it allowed Juliet to fall in love with him before she saw who it was. If Juliet had known Romeo was a Montague she would probably not have fallen in love with him. Juliet said: "My only love, sprung from my only hate! Too early seen unknown, and known too late!" (I-5) Juliet realizes that it was a mistake to fall in love with Romeo, because he is a Montague, but it is too late, because she is already in love. Friar Lawrence also had a big part in the story. All his good intentions, the play still ends in tragedy.

When Small Means Big: The Impact of Nanotechnology

A revolution in science and technology, which will significantly impact our daily lives, is looming in the horizon. The scientific community is now excited by changes that could be brought about by the multidisciplinary discipline of nanoscience and nanotechnology, which is comprehensively defined asâ€Å"[r]esearch and technology development at the atomic, molecular, or macromolecular levels, in the length of approximately 1–100 nm range, to provide a fundamental understanding of phenomena and materials at the nanoscale, and to create and use structures, devices, and systems that have novel properties and functions because of their small size. The novel and differentiating properties and functions are developed at a critical length scale of matter typically under 100 nm.Nanotechnology research and development includes integration of nanoscale structure into larger material components, systems, and architectures. Within these larger scale assemblies, the control and construct ion of their structures and component devices remain at the nanoscale†. (National Research Council 2002, cited in Dreher 2004).Although technically encompassing any device measuring at least 1,000 nanometers—a nanometer (from Greek ‘nano’, meaning dwarf) is one-billionth of a meter (The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004)—much of the work being done presently focuses on materials smaller than 100 nm (Gupta et al 2003) since it is at this level that materials exhibit unique physical and chemical properties that can be harvested to convey improvements to engineered materials (i.e. enhanced magnetic properties, better electrical and optical activity, and superior structural integrity) (Thomas & Sayre 2005).Ralph Merkle, as cited by Gupta et al (2003), noted that atomic configuration, to an extent, determines physical and chemical characteristics of materials, using as examples carbon in diamond, or silica from sand. From this perspect ive, the manufacturing techniques we are using today appear crude since we are moving molecules by heaps and mounds, and, therefore, are manufacturing devices that could still be improved for accuracy and precision (Gupta et al 2003). Nanotechnology, according to Gupta et al, aims to explore and exploit the possibility of designing at the molecular and atomic levels, and producing a generation of novel products that boast of greater strength, lighter weight and better precision (2003).Technically nanotechnology is not something new. Ball (2003) notes that nanoscale devices have been, and are currently being, utilized by organisms in their daily functioning. He cites, for instance, the proteins that serve as motors to flagella of motile bacteria, as readers and interpreters of the genetic code, or as miniature solar panels in plants that gather sunlight for photosynthesis (Ball 2003). The possibility of harnessing this potential within the environment and put them to practical use ha s been floated in the scientific community as early as the 1940s, when von Neumann forwarded the idea of manufacturing systems or machines that are capable of self-replication, which could potentially lower production costs (Gupta et al 2003).Richard Feynman in 1959, in an address to the American Physical Society entitled ‘There Is Plenty of Room at the Bottom’, advanced the possibility that, similar to what we are doing at the macroscopic scale, we could maneuver atoms to where we want them to be, and produce materials that would solve the problem of manufacture and reproduction (Buxton et al 2003; Gupta P et al 2003). In 1986, K Eric Drexler provided a picture of nanotechnological use in the future in his book Engines of Creation, where humans are utilizing self-replicating nanoscale robots in daily life processes (Ball 2003).The move from the drawing board to actual application, however, has been very recent—as evidenced by the relatively few nanotechnology pr oducts—fuelled by theoretical and laboratory progress which showed that, indeed, systems can be built from molecules and atoms maneuvered at the microscopic scale (Gupta et al 2003). L’Oreal recently introduced in the market sun creams that contain nano-sized grains of titanium dioxide, which absorbs ultraviolet light, but without the ‘smeared chalk’ appearance of regular creams (Ball 2003). This same technology, according to Ball (2003) was taken a step further when it was found that titanium dioxide particles become reactive when exposed to ultraviolet light, leading to the development of self-cleaning tiles and glasses—titanium-coated tiles and glasses that use the sun’s energy to burn up dirt stuck to their surfaces. In the filed of medicine, nanotechnology is currently being utilized with state-of-the-art technology to combat genetic diseases (Dunkley 2004).In addition to these, researches are currently undergoing, exploring the various possible applications of nanotechnology in various fields. For instance, in the medical sciences, the development of nanorobots could aid in precise, and rapid, cellular repair and regeneration, delivery of drugs at the site where it is needed, destruction of cancerous cells, or unblocking of clogged blood vessels (Dunkley 2004). The capacity to detect disease through alterations in body chemistry or physiology is also a possibility through nanotubes or nanowires coated with detector molecules (Buxton et al 2003). Molecular imaging, according to Buxton et al (2003) will also provide us with a view of the human body beyond gross anatomic structures, since this would utilize molecules that would home to tissues affected by specific disease processes. Environmental problems we face today, such as air pollution or oil spills, could be remedied through nanorobots designed to clean these toxic elements from the air we breath or the water we drink (Dunkley 2004).The material sciences will also significantly benefit from nanotechnology, with the promise of development of stronger and lighter plastics, computers with faster processors and increased memory storage, ion storage for batteries (which will improve performance), quick-charging battery cars, and fuel cells for motor-driven devices that are environment-friendly and energy efficient (Gupta et al 2003). Perhaps a bit too far in the future, Dunkley even forwards the idea that it might be possible, with nanorobots moving atoms and molecules, for us to create common and everyday things from our own backyard, moving manufacturing to the domain of the household with a wheelbarrow and a shovel (2004).Because of the great promise held by nanotechnology, governments worldwide are investing in nanoresearch, to further refine our understanding of this small world. Global investment in nanotechnology has been estimated to be â‚ ¬5 billion, according to the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering (2004). The E uropean Union pledged to spend â‚ ¬1 billion (Ball 2003), whereas Japan allocated $800M in 2003 (The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004). The United States is willing to spend nearly $3.7 billion for nanotechnology from 2005 to 2008, with nearly $500 million allocated for research funding (Dunkley 2004; The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004; Thomas & Sayre 2005).The considerable change nanotechnology can bring, as well as the huge sums of money governments worldwide are currently spending to make this a reality, has sparked some questions from various sectors on the impact of nanotechnologies, not only to the scientific fields to which it will be applied, but to the society in general. In the biological sciences, for instance, the primary concern is the possible toxicity exposure—and chronic exposure, at that—to nanoparticles can bring about, since these materials have the capability of interacting with cells and cellular organ elles, and hence, alter body physiology (Ball 2003; The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004).Dreher (2004), and Thomas and Sayre (2005) have recently reviewed the evidence on the health impact of nanotechnology exposure, and found that there is a paucity of evidence to encourage or preclude use of nanotechnologies in humans pending full investigations and detailed evidence supporting or debunking the same. Ball (2003) notes that, in the same way as new drugs or devices, nanotechnology must be viewed as a potential health hazard unless proven otherwise. Large scale production in the future would necessitate hazard-testing and human exposure assessment, to minimize risks (The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004).The significant economic impact of nanotechnologies, according to experts, may not be felt in the short-term, although this must be viewed with caution, since it is entirely difficult to predict what impact a developing technology that has n ot yet realized its full potential will have (The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004). The differing capacities of developed, developing and underdeveloped countries to participate in the nanotechnology race has also raised concerns that it might intensify the economic gap between these nations, leading to what is referred to as a ‘nanodivide’ (The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004). Finally, patenting of nanotechnology—which is advantageous since it would, though economic incentive, encourage other individuals to contribute to scientific progress—may stifle creativity or innovation when a broad one is granted (The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004).Another area of concern is military and defense capability. The development of new devices—pervasive sensors, improved clothing and armor, and enhanced information and communication exchange—could be viewed both as opportunities and threat s, depending on who uses them, and how they are used (The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004). But more than this, the Royal Society (2004) cautions that the secrecy coupled with development of technologies for defense use might fuel public distrust, and heighten the understanding that nanotechnology is being developed primarily, if not entirely, for military ends.Ethical issues pervading the socio-cultural impact of nanotechnologies are also a concern. For instance, development of new nanodevices may cause a significant change in employment patterns, role perception, education patterns, and eventually family life (Dunkley 2004). The end result, still according to Dunkley (2004) would be a shift in our present definition of inequality, poverty, and class, and finally, the way we construe society in general.If what Dunkley predicted would come true (i.e. manufacturing at our own backyard), then the capacity to produce would be entirely dependent on having the neces sary resources for this production, which brings to fore the concern of concentration of the harvests of nanotechnology in the hands of a few. Although nanomanufacturing could present the solution to hunger and homelessness, the question remains whether it will alter our perception of the material world where we move (Dunkley 2004).The possibility of devices being used to store personal information, although enhancing personal security on the one hand, also raises the possibility of violation of civil liberties, especially when collection and distribution of the same is made without the consent of the person involved, or access to these information could be limited to the hands of the few who could develop and control personal information databases or systems (The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004).Finally, the possibility of radical human enhancement, or the creation of humans in the future, through nanotechnology (in conjunction with biotechnology and informati on technology), though a remote possibility, still carries with it the burden of resolving whether these creations are really human, and whether they also possess souls like we do (Dunkley 2004). In the same vein, this new capability would radically change, if not totally abolish, our perception of religion and morality (The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004). On a lesser plane, the possibility of nanotechnology extending human longevity to hundreds of years will definitely alter our view of aging and death (Dunkley 2004).What, then, lies in store for us in the future with nanotechnology? Actually, no one can tell, since nanotechnology is but a frontier—which, to Melbin is a pattern of sparse settlement in space or time—or what Dunkley (2004) describes as relatively ‘unsettled and a wilderness waiting to be discovered’. Until such time, therefore, that the full potential of nanotechnology has been realized, or at least understood throug h research, we may endlessly speculate about how nanotechnology will affect our daily lives and society in general, who will benefit from its, what and capabilities will it provide us. The concerns, however, raised in this paper are valid considerations of the impact the future application of nanotechnologies will have, and this necessitates caution and vigilance on the part of all stakeholders.ReferencesBall P, 2003 (23 Jun), ‘Nanotechnology Science's Next Frontier or Just a Load of Bull?’, New Statesman, vol. 132, no. 4643, pp. 30-31.Buxton DB, Lee SC, Wickline SA, Ferrari M & for the Working Group Members, 2003 (02 Dec), ‘Recommendations of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Nanotechnology Working Group’, Circulation, vol. 108, pp. 2737-2742.Dreher KL, 2004, ‘Health and environmental impact of nanotechnology: Toxicological assessment of manufactured nanoparticles’, Toxicological Sciences, vol. 77, pp. 3–5.Dunkley RWS, 2004, ‘Nanotechnology: Social Consequences and Future Implications’, Futures, vol. 36, no. 10, pp. 1129-1132.Gupta P, Malhotra R, Segal MA & Verhaeren MYFJ, 2003, ‘Recent trends in nanotechnology’, in R Gulati, A Paoni & M Sawhney (eds), Kellogg on Technology & Innovation, Wiley, Hoboken, NJ, pp. 261-283.The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering, 2004, Nanoscience and nanotechnologies: opportunities and uncertainties, The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering, London.Thomas K & Sayre P, 2005, ‘Research strategies for safety evaluation of nanomaterials, Part I: Evaluating the human health implications of exposure to nanoscale materials’, Toxicological Sciences, vol. 87, no. 2, pp. 316–321.