Racial Harmony According to Martin Luther King Essay

Racial Harmony According to Martin Luther King - Essay Example He stated that he dreamt that "little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with the little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers." Direct Action. In one of his letters from Birmingham City Jail, he stated four basic steps to non-violent campaign: 1) Collection of the facts to determine whether injustices exist; 2) Negotiation; 3) Self-purification; and 4) Direct action. He saw these four basic steps of non-violent campaign as a systematic and rational approach to address conventional violent tension protests. In the same context, King explained that direct action is the non violent protest to negotiate with the reluctance of "city fathers," especially on civil rights issues. In King's view, non-violent direct action could create the same crisis and tension like violent protests - enough for a nation and its officials to pay attention to, like demand for the responsible party, marches, sit-ins, and the like. Biological Basis of Race and Conscience. In one of Martin Luther King's statements titled Trumpet of Conscience, he stated that "many people believe that the urban Negro is too angry and too sophisticated to be nonviolent," implying racial discrimination where black people are believed to be incapable of being diplomatic as to carry out non-violent direct action. ... He is therefore convinced that even very violent temperaments can be channeled through nonviolent discipline, "if the movement is moving, if they can act constructively and express through an effective channel their very legitimate anger." J. Philip Rushton, a psychology professor at University of Western Ontario, in his paper titled, Is there Biological Basis for Race and Racial Differences dated May 28, 2001, said that biological composition has to do with people race. He mentioned brain size, intelligence, temperament, sexual behavior, fertility, growth rate, life span, crime, and family stability. Rushton said, "On average, Orientals are slower to mature, less fertile, and less sexually active, and have larger brains and higher IQ scores. Blacks are at the opposite end in each of these areas. Whites fall in the middle, often close to Orientals." Rushton suggested in his findings that racial balance or harmony as biological basis is lacking or cannot be supported through the very material components of people, as people differences through biological aspects calls for classification such as race. This conflicts with the idea of racial harmony that King envisioned. However, King's principles were the results of his study of social history and philosophical views, as recorded by Doug Linder in Martin Luther King Letter from Birmingham Jail. Accordingly, Luther modeled after Socrates' enforcement of learning his concept of non-violence direct action for creating tension to achieve a certain goal. By this Luther believed that "in creating such tension, society will help men to rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights of understanding

The Destructors by Graham Greene Essay Example for Free

The Destructors by Graham Greene Essay The word ‘allegory’ means that which can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning. These are typically moral or politically based works of†¦ writing, in this case. †The Destructors† explores and focuses on the former rather than the latter- the aforementioned ‘morals’. This is majorly done using microcosms to reflect on the condition of England and its people within the actions and thoughts of the characters. It may sound a bit complicated at first, but basically the things that the characters in the story do and see are symbolic of the state of England at the time- after the second world war. Now, coming to the story itself- it follows the Wormsley Common Gang, a group of children living in Eastern London in 1956. The city is basically dreary, bleak, and lacks any type of warmth or compassion. Yep, it’s downright dreadful. â€Å"Beauty† is a thing of the past; unheard of! It is a word that belongs to the â€Å"class world†-which is now a joke, and â€Å"parodied†. This is where the new generation has grown up, and it is all that the children have known. Greene begins the story in an almost childlike tone of voice, and establishes the sense of innocence that should be present in all of the children. But then he goes on to introduce the â€Å"gang† and their lives, forcing the reader to wonder about the circumstances which have led to these young boys acquiring qualities of â€Å"danger†, of the â€Å"unpredictable†. Greene then answers this question, going on to explain that the story is set in the place that has been the worst for wear- having been dealt the worst blow in the war- and will continue to suffer due to the aftermath of the war. Here he refers to â€Å"the first blitz†; a period when London was continuously bombed and left in a state of disarray. Again, this is the environment that the children have been brought up in (not a very healthy one) without even the memories of the prosperous times that they missed. This- the memory of better times- is a key element in the story and will develop late r, so keep it in mind. The gang consists of several characters with highly contrasting attitudes except for one shared sentiment (I’m sure you’ll be able to identify it as the story progresses). The most fascinating character is probably that of T., short for Trevor, who is introduced as â€Å"the new recruit†- someone of little importance- who â€Å"never wastes a word† and is a typically silent, yet cunning member. However, there are â€Å"possibilities about his brooding silence† that give him an element of mystery. It is important to remember that one important factor which differentiates him from the others is that he is well educated- an uncommon trait- which is indicated by the fact that he correctly identifies the shared style of architecture of two different buildings: a house, and a church. Blackie is the leader of the gang in the beginning of the story. He is mature, practical, and a good leader, but lacks any form of refinement and is doubtful of his own capabilities. This is apparent when he replies to T.’s comment about St. Paul’s Cathedral with an indifferent â€Å"who cares?† Mike is the youngest of the group, very obedient and respectful, but only with the other gang members. He is not old enough to be scarred by the brutality of his city, but on the other hand he is not old enough to have formed a real bond with any of the other boys. He follows their orders not because he is driven to do so by motivation, but simply because he doesn’t know better- something we call naà ¯vetà ©. His innocence is the only somewhat comforting concept in a world where everything is broken and the one remnant of the past is the house of a man named â€Å"Old Misery†. This house had been built by Wren, whose most famous construction- St. Paul’s- had also miraculously survived the horrors of the war. This makes the house seem even more of a foreign entity in the boys’ lives. â€Å"Old Misery† is the man Mr. Thomas, who lives near the impromptu car-park where the boys meet each morning. He is actually well meaning and kind, but the boys, who have only learnt to be distrustful, struggle to cast him in a negative light. When Thomas gives them chocolates for no obvious reason, they naturally assume the worst of him for it and believe that they are being bribed to stop bouncing their balls on the walls of his house. Therefore, they devote the entire following day on doing just that- bouncing their balls on the walls of his house- something that only Mike is â€Å"young enough to enjoy†. The boys are obviously doing this out of spite for Thomas, and desire respect in the eyes of adults and the other gang members. Blackie once claimed that he had actually heard the first-blitz, but no-one notices that at the time of the bombing, even Blackie would have been only one year old. He said this in order to strengthen his position as the leader of the gang, and so the boys would respect him as an authoritative figure. T., whose name is actually Trevor, is referred to as T. but not because it is an endearment, but so that his ‘posh’ name wouldn’t set him apart from the other members of the gang. However, Thomas does not mind these antics, for in the children he sees his own childhood and he has hopes that they will someday renew his country’s former glory. This is extremely ironic, considering that their behavior towards him completely contradicts this. The boys’ lack of empathy can be quite a bit associated with their parents’ examples, who had been forced to live through the war, and as a result becoming bitter and shrugging off their responsibilities. For instance, T.’s father had â€Å"come down in the world† and his mother considered herself to be â€Å"better than others†. We assume that he has had an unloved upbringing. Mike’s parents tell him to go to church on his own, as his mother â€Å"felt ill† and his father was â€Å"tired† (after a late night of drinking!) Mike recognizes these excuses and his impressionable mind gradually becomes influenced by lies. The boys are, in essence, left by themselves, a nd without the guidance of their parents, become hateful and aggressive. Of all the members of the gang, T. is probably the most radical and frightening. At first, when he calls Old Misery’s house â€Å"beautiful† we are relieved to know that at least one of the children still appreciates beauty. Believe it or not, the other boys think the same thing, and rebuke T. for not stealing something while he had the chance. However, this statement is not one of appreciation. Far from it, it is an accusation! T. can identify beauty as something he never had a chance to experience, and he wants to make sure that no-one else appreciates it either. He decides to propose that the boys tear the house down, as Old Misery is leaving for the weekend. Not only does he become the gang’s new leader with this suggestion, (remember the common emotion the boys share? Well, it’s jealousy. They are jealous of anyone who has experienced the happiness and compassion to which they are strangers and, as revenge, they want to destroy the few things that act as reminders of the past or can be described as ‘beautiful ‘. Hence the name Destructors) and the â€Å"fickleness of favor† is symbolic of the changing opinions in the society of London at the time. When T. states that he doesn’t â€Å"hate† Old Misery, the reason behind his actions is unclear. But then he goes on to say how if he did, the demolition of his house would not be â€Å"fun†. He makes sure that the boys carefully destroy only the interior of the house, and goes so far as to burn all of Thomas’ savings! The efficient, militaristic manner with which the boys tear down the house is microcosmic of the efficiency with which Germany completely obliterated some parts of London. When Blackie enters the house at their first meeting, he immediately notices that the demeanor of the boys had changed from the â€Å"happy-go-lucky† ways of before to something greater than them all. He gets the impression of â€Å"organization†. â€Å"No-one speaks† and there is a sense of â€Å"great urgency† as they carefully destroy the innocent man’s house (Greene almost makes the boys seem similar to terrorists in this way). They work â€Å"with the seriousness of creators† and stating that â€Å"destruction is a form of creation† only further supports the sentiment that man has become increasingly destructive, almost to the point of self-destruction, after the horrors of war and the resulting bitterness. The words Greene uses to describe the condition of the house; â€Å"pillaged†, â€Å"ripped† and â€Å"smashed† are reflective of the appearance of the city after the bombings, and can also be linked to its description in the beginning of the story, where the entire lane was â€Å"shattered† and glass had all been â€Å"sucked out of the window frames†. When Summers, a skinny ‘yellow’ boy asks whether they have done enough, T. replies adamantly that they must utterly destroy the house until â€Å"there won’t be anything left†. They are later interrupted by Mike claiming that Old Misery is well on his way back, and T. states that â€Å"It isn’t fair† which is an ironic statement coming from him as Greene states that it â€Å"mimics the childhood he never had†. T. doesn’t want to leave the house as it is because there is still a possibility that it could be rebuilt, this time even more beautifully than before. T. struggles to remain composed, and it is obvious that his authority has started to crumble under the immediate threat of discovery as he â€Å"begs† the boys to â€Å"please† give him a chance to â€Å"fix† this, which is an interesting choice of words as T. lacks the ability to create and would obviously lack the ability to â€Å"fix† as well. Surprisingly, it is Blackie who steps up to help T. and this action clearly portrays how to people, no matter how different in ideologies and opinions, can work together to achieve a common goal (here, this goal is destructive).The boys devise a plan to keep Old Misery occupied and T. manipulates Thomas into following him to the loo, where he claims that a boy has fainted. The fact that Thomas follows T. not only hints at his trusting nature, but also his desire to help the boys to which they are oblivious. Not only does he do this, but T. even persuades Thomas to climb the wall of his own garden, even though he states that â€Å"It’s absurd†. His climbing over the wall shows a shift in control from the older generation to the younger generation, of which they take advantage. As Thomas opens the door of the loo, he is pushed inside and the door is bolted. As he sits inside, occasionally receiving food and blankets, Thomas is aware that due to the Bank Holiday, everyone would have gone out and his cries for help would not be heard. As he wonders what is happening outside, Greene explains how the older generation is now trapped; they can only sit idly as they watch the new generation destroying their legacy, unable to protect their home. Meanwhile, the boys continue to â€Å"penetrate† into the house, leaving it â€Å"gutted† (These words create an effect of a process like ‘dissection’ taking place). Greene describes the house as â€Å"balanced on a few inches of bricks† and this is apt to describe the state of Britain’s economy; â€Å"in shambles†. The fact that it is ultimately the driver who actually â€Å"destroys† the house shows that although the initial idea of destruction was the boys’, their plan is finally executed by the generation that is responsible for their destructive nature. The line â€Å"It’s nothing personal† is repeated twice in the story, once when Thomas is sitting in the loo, and once after the house has fallen, indicating that the driver did not feel the slightest hint of compassion for Thomas as he tries to control his laughter and for the children, who are responsible for the destruction of his house, it is an impersonal act borne of man’s aggressive nature. However, to Thomas, who can still remember the Britain of old, it is the loss of ties to the past and the annihilation of any hopes for the future for the second time; first to Germany, and second to the children of his own country, for which he had such high hopes. The final act of destruction demonstrated the transition of power over the generations, and expresses how the bitterness of war causes bitterness to fester in man’s heart until he becomes what he ought to despise.

Media Essay -- essays research papers fc

In the late Seventies, America became shocked and outraged by the rape, mutilation, and murder of over a dozen young, beautiful girls. The man who committed these murders, Ted Bundy, was later apprehended and executed. During his detention in various penitentiaries, he was mentally probed and prodded by psychologist and psychoanalysts hoping to discover the root of his violent actions and sexual frustrations. Many theories arose in attempts to explain the motivational factors behind his murderous escapades. However, the strongest and most feasible of these theories came not from the psychologists, but from the man himself, "as a teenager, my buddies and I would all sneak around and watch porn. As I grew older, I became more and more interested and involved in it, [pornography] became an obsession. I got so involved in it, I wanted to incorporate [porn] into my life, but I couldn’t behave like that and maintain the success I had worked so hard for. I generated an alt er-ego to fulfill my fantasies under-cover. Pornography was a means of unlocking the evil I had burried inside myself" (Leidholdt 47). Is it possible that pornography is acting as the key to unlocking the evil in more unstable minds? According to Edward Donnerstein, a leading researcher in the pornography field, "the relationship between sexually violent images in the media and subsequent aggression and . . . callous attitudes towards women is much stonger statistically than the relationship between smoking and cancer" (Itzin 22). After considering the increase in rape and molestation, sexual harassment, and other sex crimes over the last few decades, and also the corresponding increase of business in the pornography industry, the link between violence and pornogrpahy needs considerable study and examination. Once the evidence you will encounter in this paper is evaluated and quantified, it will be hard not come away with the realization that habitual use of pornographic material promotes unrealistic and unattainable desires in men that can leac to violent behavior toward women. In order to properly discuss pornography, and be able to link it to violence, we must first come to a basic and agreeable understanding of what the word pornography means. The term pornogrpahy originates from t... ...onse to Langton." Philosophy & Public Affairs. Summer 1992: 65-79. Jenish, D’Arcy. "The King of Porn." Maclean’s. 11 Oct. 1993: 52-56. "Did Sexy Kalvin Klein Ads Go Too Far?" Maclean’s. 2 Oct. 1995: 36. Kaminer, Wendy. "Feminists Against the First Amendment." The Atlantic Monthly. Nov. 1992: 111-118. Leidholdt, Margaret. Take Back The Night: Women on Pornography. New York: William Morrow and Company, Inc., 1980. Nicols, Mark. "Viewers and Victims." Newsweek. 10 Aug. 1983: 60. Russell, Diana E.H., ed. Making Violence Sexy: Feminist View on Pornography. New York: Teachers College Press, 1994. Webster’s Dictionary. Miami Florida. P.S.I. & Associates. 1987: 286. Weisz, Monica G., and Christopher M. Earls. "The Effects of Exposure to Filmed Sexual Violence on Attitudes Toward Rape." Journal of Interpersonal Violence. March 1995: 71-84. Whicclair, Mark. R. "Feminism, Pornography, and Censorship." Contemporary Moral Problems. ed. James White. Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN: 1994. White, Mary. "Women As Victim: The New Stereotype." Spin. Apr. 1992: 60-65.

Controlling Case study Essay

Abstract This paper studies management control design of supplier relationships in manufacturing, a supply chain phase currently under-explored. Compared to supplier relations during procurement and R&D, which research found to be governed by a combination of formal and informal controls, supplier relations in manufacturing are more formal, so that they could be governed by more formal and less informal controls. To refine the management control system and influencing contingencies, we propose a theoretical framework specifically adapted for the manufacturing stage. This framework is investigated by an in depth case study of the supplier management control of a Volvo Cars production facility. We identify three types of suppliers visualizing the associations in the framework and illustrating the framework’s explicative power in (automotive) manufacturing. Furthermore, the case contradicts that supplier relations in the manufacturing phase are governed by little informal control, because the automaker highly values the role of trust building and social pressure. Most notably, a structured supplier team functions as a clan and establishes informal control among participating suppliers, which strengthens the automaker’s control on dyadic supplier relations. Keywords: Management control; Supplier relationships; Manufacturing; Contingency theory; Case research; Automotive 2 1. Introduction In the current economic environment, characterised by globalisation and enhanced levels of competition, companies require an effective supply chain with inter-organizational relationships (IORs) to strive for sustainable competitive advantage. Not surprisingly, studies show that IORs have a high potential impact on organization performance (e. g. Anderson & Dekker, 2005). Literature, however, also argues that many IORs do not provide the expected benefits and are often terminated because of managing difficulties (Ireland, Hitt & Vaidynanath, 2002). Academics often propose that lack of coordination and opportunistic behaviour of partners are the two main reasons for the relatively high relationship failure rate (e. g. Dekker, 2004). Hence, management control systems (MCSs) are argued to play a critical role in preventing such failure, by establishing governance mechanisms to control the relationship (Ireland et al. , 2002). The fundamental goal of MCSs is to influence decision making in attaining strategic objectives (Nixon & Burns, 2005). In an inter-organizational setting, this implies creating bilateral incentives to pursue mutual goals. Already in the mid-nineties, scholars started calling for more attention for this topic (e.g. Hopwood, 1996; Otley, 1994), and have not stopped since (e. g. van der Meer-Kooistra & Vosselman, 2006). Consequently, inter-organisational MCSs have been studied from several angles, including outsourcing (e. g. Anderson, Glenn & Sedatole, 2000), inter-organizational cost management (e. g. Cooper & Slagmulder, 2004), partnerships (e. g. Seal, Berry, Cullen, Dunlop & Ahmed, 1999), strategic alliances (e. g. Dekker 2004), networks (e. g. Kajuter & Kulmala, 2005) and joint ventures (e.g. Kamminga & van der MeerKooistra, 2007). Yet, the main emphasis was put on relational collaboration during the first stages of the supply chain, namely procurement, which involves the make-or-buy decision, partner selection and contract design, and R&D. Although this historical focus is certainly justified, management control in a later phase of the supply chain, namely manufacturing, remains relatively under-explored (Cooper & Slagmulder, 2004; Langfield-Smith & Smith, 2003). However, purchased products and services for manufacturing account for more than 60% of the average company’s total costs (Degraeve & Roodhooft, 2001) and are subject to continuous improvement with suppliers, also requiring adequate management control. Therefore, this study illustrates how manufacturers design the MCS of supplier relations in the manufacturing phase of the supply chain, which we refer to as â€Å"manufacturer-supplier relationships† (MSRs). In other words, we abstract from 3  procurement and R&D influences. 1 Nevertheless, management control research on previous supply chain stages, offers a first theoretical insight into how a MCS for MSRs could look like. In particular, prior empirical research on IORs such as R&D collaboration (Cooper & Slagmulder, 2004), strategic alliances (Dekker 2004) and joint ventures (Kamminga & van der Meer-Kooistra, 2007) found MCSs that combine both formal controls, like outcome controls, and more informal controls, such as trust building. Also the execution of service outsourcing projects, like industrial maintenance (van der Meer-Kooistra & Vosselman, 2000), IT (Langfield-Smith & Smith, 2003) and accounting (Nicholson, Jones & Espenlaub, 2006) is governed by a combined MCS. So if we assume these findings to hold for other IOR types (external validity) and neglect potential characteristic differences, MSRs could be expected to be governed by a combination of formal and informal control as well. Yet, by taking into account differences between MSRs and other types of IORs, the MCS design could be different. In that respect, we argue that manufacturing is more formal than procurement and R&D. Indications for that argument and its consequences for management control can be found in the management control framework of Das & Teng (2001). Based on the variables in their framework2, task programmability and outcome measurability, it should be clear that for manufacturing both variable levels are high, or at least higher than in the case of procurement and R&D. Consequently, the framework indicates that formal controls are suited mechanisms to govern MSRs. This argument is strengthened by the type of knowledge usage in MSRs, for which organization literature provides a clear distinction between knowledge exploration and knowledge exploitation. On the one hand, it is argued that the first supply chain phases, think of procurement and R&D, aim at knowledge exploration, while the later stages, like manufacturing, primarily 1 Obviously, procurement and R&D do impact the manufacturing phase. Yet, as our aim is refining supplier MCS design in the  manufacturing phase, we deliberately exclude these influences. In terms of research methodology, this abstraction is put into operation by studying a MSR between a manufacturer facility and supplier facility only dealing with manufacturing, while procurement and R&D are handled by their respective mother companies (cf part three of this paper â€Å"research methodology†). 2 Although this framework was originally developed by Ouchi (1979) for use in MCS design within organizations, Das & Teng (2001) further adapted it for use in IORs. Task programmability refers to the degree to which managers understand the transformation process in which appropriate behaviour is to take place. Outcome measurability refers to the ability to measure outcome precisely and objectively. When outcome measurability is high/low and task programmability is low/high, formal outcome/behaviour control should be set up to govern the relation. When both dimensions are low, informal control is preferable, but when both measures are high, both outcome and behaviour control are suited control mechanisms (Das & Teng, 2001). 4  aim at knowledge exploitation. On the other hand, research shows that the exploration of knowledge is best governed by informal controls, while knowledge exploitation is most adequately controlled by formal controls (Bijlsma-Frankema & Costa, 2005). Thus, based on the characteristics of high task programmability, high outcome measurability and knowledge exploitation goals, MSRs could be expected to be governed by primarily formal controls with little informal controls. In other words, the literature offers different management control designs for MSRs regarding the informal control level. Therefore, this study investigates how the MCS of MSRs is designed and how important informal controls are in that design, in particular in IORs between an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and suppliers of outsourced manufacturing activities in the trend-setting automotive industry (cf Womack, Jones & Roos, 1990). An automobile is a complex product manufactured with thousands of components. Consequently, also this industry increasingly outsourced non-core activities and started relying on suppliers to create lower costs. To that end, a variety of supply chain management practices has been implemented, such as lean supply and continuous improvement. Yet, these induce the need for appropriate management control structures and bi-directional communication to organize and manage the relation (Carr & Ng, 1995; Scannell, Vickery & Droge, 2000). In that respect, one particular automaker, namely Toyota, is known for partnering with suppliers, transferring its expertise to help suppliers and installing softer forms of control including trust. To govern the search for continuous improvement in manufacturing, Toyota established the â€Å"Toyota Group† by means of a supplier association, an operations management consulting division and voluntary small group learning teams (Dyer & Nobeoka, 2000). However, practitioner literature (e. g. Automotive News/Automotive News Europe) describes several other automakers governing this search by heavily formalized supplier relations. Contrary to cooperation during procurement and R&D, manufacturing is argued to become much more demanding towards suppliers. Automakers increasingly transfer manufacturing risk and supply responsibility to first-tier suppliers, which results in suppliers delivering to very tight just-in-time and in-sequence schedules (Alford, Sackett & Nelder, 2000). As a result, OEMs install formal controls and supplier improvement techniques, which alert suppliers to the importance of ameliorating supply performance at lower costs. Hence, also automotive practice shows evidence of high and low levels of informal control. Therefore, this study specifically investigates how the MCS of automotive MSRs is designed. Yet, besides illustrating MCS design, this paper contributes to explaining MCS design of automotive 5 MSRs. To our knowledge, little inter-organizational management control research specifically investigated contingency theory’s explicative power in manufacturing. Naturally, several papers study influences on MCS design in production environments, like the impact of manufacturing flexibility (Abernethy & Lillis, 1995), customization and related interdependence (Bouwens & Abernethy, 2000), profit centre strategy (Lillis, 2002), production strategy, production technology and organization (van Veen-Dirks, 2006). However, these studies investigate characteristics explaining MCS design in one organisation, while our study focuses on inter-organizational relations. To that end, we propose a refined theoretical contingency framework based on recent inter-organizational management control theory, but specifically adapted for the manufacturing stage. This framework proposes several contingencies determining the level of risk, which is governed by different levels of management control techniques. In order to illustrate the validity of the framework in practice and answer how and why automakers design their MCS, we perform an in depth case study of the relations between a facility (VCG) of the international OEM Volvo Cars and a selection of its first-tier supplier facilities. The case study provides considerable evidence of three supplier types, namely batch, low value-added just-in-sequence and high value-added just-in-sequence suppliers, visualizing the associations in the framework between contingencies, risks and management controls. These controls include both formal and informal techniques, of which trust building and social pressure are highly valued. Most notably, VCG’s structured supplier team functions as a clan and establishes informal control among participating suppliers, which strengthens control on the OEM’s dyadic supplier relations. As our framework draws on case findings from other less formal IORs, it seems that our case findings offer more evidence of their external validity. That way, the findings contradict that informal controls play a minor role in automotive MSRs. In particular, VCG’s MCS, combining both formal and informal controls, is argued to be designed specifically to improve supply performance. The remainder of this paper is organized as follows. In the second part, we develop the theoretical contingency framework. The third part describes the case research methodology. The fourth part is the actual case study, which presents VCG, describes three supplier types by means of contingency levels and clarifies how VCG designed the MCS governing them. In the fifth part, we discuss our findings by comparing VCG’s management control with previous findings and elaborating on the significance of VCG’s supplier team. We conclude the paper with a summary of the main findings and some avenues for further research. 6 2. Theoretical framework In this part, we develop a theoretical contingency framework for MCS design of MSRs, which can be found in figure I. > Contingency theory originated with the aim of explaining the structure of organizations by particular circumstances. Later, management accounting researchers adopted and further developed the theory in order to explain the shape of MCSs in organizations (e. g. Chenhall, 2003; Luft & Shields, 2003). Therefore, contingency theory suits this study, regarding MCS design of MSRs and its explicative variables. The central concept of the framework is the level of risk a certain MSR runs. Inter-organizational management control theory proposes two types of risk, which result from five different situational antecedents, characterizing the MSR. Although we clarify both risk types separately, we stress the integrative interpretation of all contingencies jointly determining both levels of risk. Subsequently, this risk is governed by different management control instruments, either with a large or a small role for informal control. 3 2. 1. Performance risk The first risk type is performance risk, defined as the probability of not achieving the MSR objectives, despite satisfactory cooperation (Das & Teng, 2001). This type of risk is also referred to as â€Å"coordination requirements† (Dekker, 2004; Gulati & Singh, 1998) or â€Å"the mastery of events† (Tomkins, 2001). As the MSR objective concerns manufacturing as many products of the order book as possible, on time, with good quality at the lowest possible cost, performance risk is the risk of a supply chain interruption disturbing the realisation of this goal. Three contingencies related to technology increase this risk, namely complexity, task uncertainty and task interdependence (Chenhall, 2003). Yet as complexity and task uncertainty are highly related (Chenhall, 2003), the framework does not include complexity separately (cf Dekker, 2004). 3 According to van Veen-Dirks (2006), all situational characteristics and MCS characteristics are determined jointly instead of sequentially. Also Kamminga & van der Meer-Kooistra (2007) propose that the influence of contingencies is not determined by each antecedent as such, but by their interaction. In addition, they suggest studying control as an integrative concept, in which all control dimensions are incorporated. Consequently, we do not propose one-on-one associations between one specific contingency, one specific type of risk and one specific type of control, suggested to suit that risk type. Instead, our model simultaneously studies the associations between situational contingencies, risks and management control techniques, as put forward by the three boxes of figure I. The boxes of contingencies and risks are put together to stress their interdependence and joint impact on management control. 7 Task uncertainty relates to variability in transformation tasks and the available knowledge of methods for performing those tasks (Chenhall, 2003). This situational characteristic determines the measurability difficulty of output and activities (Kamminga & van der Meer-Kooistra, 2007; van der MeerKooistra & Vosselman, 2000), which increases with increasing levels of complexity of both the delivered product and its operational processes (Woodward, 1965). The first complexity is related to the added value of the product and gradually increases depending on whether the supplier delivers a standard component or an important customized module (Cooper & Slagmulder, 2004). The second complexity regards the added value of the production process and reflects the complexity of the supplier’s manufacturing processes needed to effectively produce and deliver products as required. Task interdependence refers to the degree to which subactivities of the value creation process have been split up and made dependent on each other (Dekker, 2004). In MSRs, this interdependence is sequential (Thompson, 1967)4, because the relation involves transferring the supplier’s output to the manufacturer’s input process. The level of sequential interdependence is impacted by the dependence level of the manufacturer’s operational performance on the supply quality (timeliness and product quality). Moreover, the interdependence level of a specific MSR is influenced by the production flexibility required from both parties and the manufacturer’s lack of precise knowledge to perform activities previously done in-house. 2. 2. Relational risk The second type of risk is relational risk, implying the probability of not having satisfactory cooperation because of opportunistic behaviour of the supplier, exemplified in shirking, cheating, distorting information and appropriating resources (Das and Teng, 2001). This type of risk is also referred to as â€Å"appropriation concerns† (Dekker, 2004; Gulati & Singh, 1998) or â€Å"the generation of trust† (Tomkins, 2001). Transaction cost economics (TCE) theory5 proposes three contingencies that influence relational risk and subsequently determine appropriate control: asset specificity, environmental uncertainty and transaction frequency (Williamson, 1979). Yet, as the manufacturer possesses no specific assets related to a certain supplier, at 4 Thompson (1967) identifies three levels of task interdependence from low to high, which influence the level of inter-organisational coordination and communication: pooled, sequential and reciprocal interdependence. 5 TCE argues that parties are only boundedly rational and behave opportunistically. Therefore, the total cost of outsourcing is the sum of both the supplied component costs and the transaction costs, including costs for negotiation, drawing up contracts, coordination, control and risk of opportunistic behaviour (van der Meer-Kooistra & Vosselman, 2000). 8 least not in the manufacturing phase of the supply chain, there is no lock-in to supplier opportunistic behaviour. 6 Hence, unlike uncertainty and transaction frequency, asset specificity does not influence supplier opportunistic behaviour in MSRs and is not included in our theoretical framework. Consistent with being a central contingency research concept, environmental uncertainty also forms a powerful characteristic of MSRs (Chenhall, 2003). In particular, this contingency relates to general market uncertainties and uncertainty about unknown future contingencies (Kamminga & van der Meer-Kooistra, 2007; Langfield-Smith & Smith, 2003; van der Meer-Kooistra & Vosselman, 2000). Because manufacturer and supplier interact under these uncertainties, both parties face changes over time, which require detailed contracts (Dekker, 2004). However, incomplete contract theory argues that there exist limitations in drawing up complete contracts, because all future contingencies can not be foreseen, are too expensive to foresee or are too expensive or impossible to contract upon (Gietzmann, 1996). Consequently, the combination of uncertainty and incomplete contracts leads to potential opportunistic behaviour of the supplier. According to TCE, more frequent interactions lower the possibility of opportunistic behaviour (Williamson, 1979). So, to preserve a positive relation between contingencies and relational risk, we could utilize infrequency as contingency variable (e. g. Anderson & Dekker, 2005). Yet, as we study MSRs with no connection to commercial negotiations determining the contract term, we include the antecedent relational stability aim. This contingency relates to the manufacturer’s aim of continued future interactions with the supplier and serves to build bilateral commitment (Cooper & Slagmulder, 2004). We argue that MSRs, in which relational stability is considered necessary and thus aspired by the manufacturer, are subject to higher relational risk. For example, if supplier switching costs are high due to high interdependence, high commitment from the manufacturer could incite the supplier to accept lower quality or delivery performance. Besides including a transaction environment characteristic and a transaction characteristic, we also incorporate a transaction party characteristic (Langfield-Smith & Smith, 2003; van der Meer-Kooistra & Vosselman, 2000). In particular, we include supplier knowledge importance, which encompasses the degree of importance for the manufacturer to know the supplier and to be able to assess characteristics, such as management competence, trustworthiness and willingness to share proprietary knowledge. Usually, this kind of assessment is done by means of first-hand or second-hand experience. Hence, we argue that when the 6 Obviously, suppliers do have specific assets in place, rendering them vulnerable to opportunistic behaviour from the part of the manufacturer. However, this study and the developed theoretical framework only focus on supplier opportunistic behaviour. 9 importance of supplier knowledge rises, the risk for insufficient or erroneous assessment and subsequent supplier opportunistic behaviour increases. 2. 3. Management control system Although MCSs have been conceptualised and categorised in various ways, the current management control literature has reached a consensus on two types of management controls, namely formal and informal control instruments (Langfield-Smith & Smith, 2003). Obviously, studying the usage of informal controls compared to formal controls requires both control types to be included in the theoretical framework. Formal controls are explicitly set up to coordinate the MSR and include outcome controls and behaviour controls. Outcome control involves the measurement and evaluation of the outcomes of operations against pre-defined outcomes or targets, by using several performance measurement techniques (Ouchi, 1979; Dekker, 2004). The most important outcome metrics for MSRs are percentage of defects, quality of delivered goods and on time delivery of goods (Gunasekaran, Patel & McGaughey, 2004). Behavioural control concerns the specification and actual surveillance of behaviour, by means of rules and standard procedures (Ouchi, 1979). Additionally, behaviour control includes evaluating compliance with pre-specified planning, procedures, rules and regulations (Dekker, 2004). Informal controls (also called social controls) are not explicitly designed, but are grown out of shared norms and values, shaped by frequent interaction, meetings and management attitude (Ouchi, 1979; Merchant, 1998). Especially trust building7 has emerged as a very important informal control instrument in inter-organizational MCSs (e. g.Dekker, 2004). While formal controls reduce the risk by altering the incentives for underperformance and opportunistic behaviour, trust mitigates risk by minimizing the fear of underperformance and opportunistic behaviour to occur (Das and Teng 2001). Therefore, we include three types of inter-organizational trust building, namely building contractual trust, competence trust and goodwill trust (Sako, 1992). 8 Contractual trust results from previous contractual relations or grows during the MSR 7 Rousseau, Sitkin, Burt & Camerer (1998, p. 394). Define trust as â€Å"a psychological state comprising the intention to accept  vulnerability, based upon positive expectations of the intentions or behaviour of another†. According to them â€Å"trust is not a behaviour (cooperation), or a choice (e. g. taking a risk), but an underlying psychological condition that can cause or result from such actions† (Rousseau et al. , 1998, p. 395; italics added). As such, trust in itself can not be a control instrument in the MCS of MSRs. Instead, the control techniques are the actions the manufacturer performs to create and build trust in the supplier. 8 Contractual trust is based on the expectation that the supplier will keep promises and comply with agreements made, whether these10 (Sako, 1992). Competence trust is increased by previous good performance, i. e. good quality and delivery results. Moreover, competence trust results from buying activities from reputable suppliers or transferring competences to the supplier. Additionally, product and/or process certification and process standardisation enhance competence trust (Sako, 1992). To develop goodwill trust, Sako (1992) identifies shared values and norms as necessary, but insufficient, as transaction parties also need to show the willingness to be indebted to each other. Gulati (1995) stresses creating and growing an inter-organizational bond of friendship to trigger goodwill trust (Gulati, 1995). Other possible goodwill trust initiators are interactive goal setting, trustworthiness reputation and a long term relationship (Dekker, 2004). Next to these specific trust building mechanisms, the literature also proposes an important overall trust building technique, namely close interaction, based on mutual interests and established by means of joint decision making and joint problem solving via a joint relationship board and/or joint task groups (Das & Teng, 2001; Dekker, 2004). 9 Besides trust building, MSRs can be governed by another type of informal control, which Ouchi (1979) refers to as clan control. Based on shared norms, values and a common inter-organizational goal, supplier behaviour in the interest of the MSR will be reinforced, because suppliers are motivated to achieve the goal (Das & Teng, 2001). This incentive results from inter-organisational social pressure (Spekle, 2001) exerted by the manufacturer, which we believe is social control in its literal meaning. Because of high interdependence between manufacturer and supplier, below standard results of the supplier directly impact the manufacturer’s performance. Consequently, supplier management is unpleasantly confronted with manufacturer management and faces personal humiliation because of the error. Additionally, supplier management runs the risk of their reputation and personal relationship with interacting manufacturer management getting injured. Also Dyer & Singh (1998) mention reputation and personal relations as social control mechanisms, besides norms and trust. By acting as negatively valued social sanctions (Bijlsma- are contractually stipulated or not. Competence trust concerns the expectation that the supplier possesses the necessary technical and managerial competences to deliver the order as agreed. Goodwill trust regards the expectation that the supplier shares an open commitment, with the willingness to perform activities beneficial to the MSR, but possibly neither in the supplier’s interest nor required by the contract (Sako, 1992). 9 Other potential overall trust building techniques in a MSR are communication via regular inter-organizational meetings (Chalos & O’Connor, 2004; Das & Teng, 2001), information sharing of problem areas (Chalos & O’Connor, 2004), supplier development activities (Carr & Ng, 1995), networking (Das & Teng, 2001), training (Chalos & O’Connor, 2004) and the extent to which the employees of both parties understand the factors ensuring the collaboration’s future success (Chalos & O’Connor, 2004). 11 Frankema & Costa, 2005), these social consequences create incentives for satisfactory supplier performance and render supplier opportunism hard to sustain (Spekle, 2001). If we assume operational snags to be day-today business in MSRs, this social pressure creates an informal means to mitigate risk in MSRs. 3. Research methodology 3. 1. Case study research The empirical part of this paper is based on an in depth case study, which is an investigation of a real life phenomenon, relying on multiple sources of evidence and benefiting from prior development of theoretical propositions (Yin, 1994). This research method suits our research that concerns refining existing interorganizational management control theory for the relatively under-explored manufacturing phase of the supply chain. 10 According to Keating (1995), such theory refinement needs a clear theoretical starting point, supplemented with openness to the discovery of unexpected findings. To balance these theory attachment and detachment requirements, we developed a theoretical framework to guide the data collection, but at the same time used data collection techniques allowing sufficient openness. Furthermore, several interorganizational management control case studies (e. g. Cooper & Slagmulder, 2004; Dekker, 2004; Kamminga & van der Meer-Kooistra, 2007; Nicholson et al. , 2006) strengthen the argument that cases allow investigating in detail the structure and influencing variables of IORs (Sartorius & Kirsten, 2005). These studies show that theory refinement of MCS design can be adequately investigated by means of qualitative research. The social meaning of inter-organizational MCSs, especially regarding the use and interpretation of informal controls, and the subsequent behaviour of companies and employees is very complex. So if we only skim the surface, we will never discover how different parties interpret certain IORs and whether the MCS is designed accordingly. This argument not only justifies the choice for a case study, but also forms the reason 10 Our research corresponds to investigating a complex phenomenon within its real life context of which empirical evidence is rather limited, and answering how and why questions about this phenomenon, for which case study research is most suited (Eisenhardt, 1989; Yin, 1994). Furthermore, Keating (1995) argues that case studies suit three goals and that our theory refinement goal represents the middle ground between theory discovery (describing novel phenomena) and theory refutation (disconfirming well specified theories by bringing in negative evidence). More specifically, our case research is of the theory illustration type, documenting â€Å"previously unappreciated aspects of management accounting practice† and identifying â€Å"aspects of the illustrated theory that require reformulation or more rigorous specification† (Keating, 1995, p.71). Indeed, the goal of this study is to illustrate how manufacturers design supplier MCSs, to what extent this design differs from designs in other IORs and how the design can be explained by means of a specifically adapted theoretical framework. 12 why more of this research is requested (e. g. Langfield-Smith & Smith, 2003; Dekker, 2004; van der MeerKooistra & Vosselman, 2006). 3. 2. Unit of analysis In most inter-organizational studies, the unit of analysis is one dyadic relation between two independent parties (van der Meer-Kooistra & Vosselman, 2006). Since there exist different dyadic MSRs within one manufacturer and we study MCS’s dependence on relationship contingencies, our unit of analysis consists of specific MSRs. Dyer & Singh (1998) explicitly propose the â€Å"relational view†, focusing on the buyer-supplier dyad, as opposed to the â€Å"industry structure view† and â€Å"resource based view†, when analyzing cooperative strategy and sources of inter-organizational competitive advantage. In order to answer the proposed research questions concerning MSR MCS design, we analyzed all relations after the manufacturer had decided to outsource the manufacturing activities. In other words, we addressed neither the make-or-buy decision nor related commercial negotiations, but collected data from the start of production onwards. Furthermore, we only gathered data on standard MCSs for MSRs with good operational performance. 3. 3. Case company selection The selection of the case company and its suppliers was influenced by two selection concerns: theoretical sampling (Eisenhardt, 1989), and open and flexible access to.

Case Analysis: Vasant Scribes

CASE ANALYSIS VASANT SCRIBES Kamia -D10007 Ramanjot- D10016 Tushar-D10025 BATCH EX-PGP (2010-13 ) The case talks about a medical transcription company, Vasant Scribes and the challenges faced by it in terms of growth. The revenues and company had stagnated and had tried various methods to diversify into higher value added areas of medical billing & marketing analytics that hadn't worked. The case highlights the steps that were taken and the options available ahead. Case Facts Vasant Chemicals Limited was the flagship company of the Vasant Group.After Being in the bulk chemical category for about 25 years, Mr. Chowdary, MD wanted to move into a new economy business. Vasant Scribes Ltd was the outcome of a Brainstorming by the promoter of Vasant Scribes, who had a desire to make a foray Into the IT services sector. With the help of consultants and internal reviews, the group Narrowed down on Medical transcription services as the main focus area to enter the Services business. Vasant Sc ribes transcribed about 100,000 lines of transcription per day. It had about 320 employees spread over 3 locations in Hyderabad.The Company also outsourced Some transcription work to franchisees in Vijayawada, Coimbatore and Kolkata. Phase 1: Initial years and growth pangs (1999-2001) The key challenges that the company faced during this phase were: 1. Establishing credibility in the US transcription market 2. Winning its first clients 3. Managing manpower and maintaining a redundant work-force. Phase 2: The years of rapid growth (2001-2004) In 2001, the company initiated a number of measures to improve marketing efforts, Including engaging the services of a US telemarketing services company.This strategy started showing results in the second half of the 2001. At the same time, the efforts in establishing a US based subsidiary and sending the COO to the US started paying off. Some of the key achievements of the company in this phase were as follows: This account catapulted Vasant Sc ribes from a small company to a Medium sized company 1. Wins of some medium sized clinic accounts. Most of the initial clients were a result of doorto-door campaigns. Subsequent wins were a result of references from these clients. 2. Winning a large account due to previous relationship and experience with the client. . Establishing sub-contractors in order to increase capacities without risk of redundant manpower. 1|Page Diversification Dilemma The idea to diversify was fueled by the desire to continue to grow rapidly while at the same time not exposing the company to the risks of continuing to operate in a single sector. There have been continuing discussions amongst industry players about the changing face of medical transcription including the role of technology. Some of the key areas that were considered for diversification included: ? ppraisal transcription (being similar in nature to medical transcription) ? medical billing and coding (being a natural forward integration into a high-end Outsourcing business) ? legal transcription/outsourcing (unrelated business) ? voice mail transcription (being a natural extension to medical transcription) ? marketing analytics (unrelated business) Phase 3: Challenges of diversification (2005-2007) Pursue medical billing business. It was viewed as a natural forward integration of existing medical transcription business. The medical billing ervices were offered under a different brand name of Vantage billing services to distinguish it from Vasant Scribes, which had already gained repute as a medical transcription client. Medical billing industry ? ? ? ? Medical billing process were more complex, sophisticated technological support Risky affair High level of negotiation (CFO level involvement in contract ) Fragmented Industry Marketing Analytics business overview The job of a service provider was therefore twofold to demonstrate that they had the capabilities and to show the potential client that there was a need. e make say, $1 per person per hour, we make $5 per person per hour in the case of medical billing and nearly four times as much in marketing analytics. We believe that the company must Continue to grow on the value chain for growth and survival. † Vasant Scribes Today With the issue of continued sustenance in medical transcription temporarily put away, the company was now gripped with the challenges of growing the medical billing and Marketing analytics businesses. 2|Page Some of the key issues before the management were OR Problem statement 1.Should the company continue to pursue the medical billing business? If so, How should it attempt to grow it? In the past, the company had looked at Potential acquisition of companies to gain initial credibility. Should the company pursue this option? Or, alternately, should the company look to tie-up with a reputed medical billing company in the US (essentially repeat the same trick as with medical transcription)? 2. Should the company continue to look to grow in marketing analytics, or Should it temporarily defer the plans until the establishment of the medical?Billing business? If the company were to aggressively pursue the marketing Analytics business, what should be the strategy? 3. Finally, since medical transcription had become a very large and profitable Business, should the company concentrate all its energies on this, and deemphasize The growth and diversification plans? Analysis 1) Yes they should pursue medical business only as a short term goal (as a variance) till the MTs business boom up, it should continue to do business with the US medical billing companies for contractual business. ) Market analytics is very lucrative business but requires more deployment of Resources in the form of talent manpower, continues technological upgrade, knowledge hunting, Market analytics cover the scope of Business intelligence and analytic tools, Data warehousing platform software, Performance management and analytic applica tions which was very new to Vasant scribes . Manpower hired for Business could be used in Market analytics expansion scope. They should study the markets & gather the resources to enter the analytics’ market meanwhile continue with the MTs & Medical billing business.They should adopt GO TO MARKET STRATEGIES that depend on ever finer segmentation of target audiences by industry, region & organization size. The momentum, Diversity & size is huge in business analytics market annually 3) Vasant Scribe should deemphasize the growth in Medical billing services & should focus on MTS & Market analytics service, MTs would be have volume business & Market analytics concentrated on high margin, the scope explore by Nasscom reviled big revenues generation source for Indian IT companies due to weaker going US employment. Thus creating win-win situation for both (US & INDIA CO) . 3|Page

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Essay on Courage The Absence Of Fear. "All problems become smaller if you don't dodge them, but confront them. Touch a thistle timidly, and it pricks you; grasp it boldly, and its spines crumble." - William S. Halsey Courage is nothing more than the absence of fear-nothing more, nothing less. It is like a burning in the back of your very being that is telling you to go against all of your human instincts and seek your wildest fantasies. In nature courage is a rarity with a value beyond any earthly substance. It can only be acquired through extreme pain and suffering. So why bother seeking it? If you have courage you have power beyond that of any of the great emperors of times past. If you have courage you have the power to over come any obstacle in your path-physical or mental. "Great occasions do not make heroes or cowards; they simply unveil them to the eyes. Silently and imperceptibly, as we wake or sleep, we grow strong or we grow weak, and a last some crisis shows us what we have become." - Bishop Westcott September eleventh has not changed my views on courage; it has just shone my thoughts to me clearer than ever imagined. I believe the courage of many people has been brought forth in the light of this horrific tragedy. It has also shone the fear in the hearts of many who hide in their own self-pity while sending others forth to do what they can only fantasize about. This, therefore, shows how manipulation is only a spineless excuse for a lack of courage. My ideas of courage may differ from yours, who may in turn differ from others. That is the way it should be. We show courage in our difference of thought. Independence is one form of courage that could have you searching for him for lifetimes on end and still never grasp the concept. "If you let fear of consequence prevent you from following your deepest instinct, then your life will be safe, expedient and thin." - Katharine Butler Hathaway... Free Essays on Time Line Free Essays on Time Line Essay on Courage The Absence Of Fear. "All problems become smaller if you don't dodge them, but confront them. Touch a thistle timidly, and it pricks you; grasp it boldly, and its spines crumble." - William S. Halsey Courage is nothing more than the absence of fear-nothing more, nothing less. It is like a burning in the back of your very being that is telling you to go against all of your human instincts and seek your wildest fantasies. In nature courage is a rarity with a value beyond any earthly substance. It can only be acquired through extreme pain and suffering. So why bother seeking it? If you have courage you have power beyond that of any of the great emperors of times past. If you have courage you have the power to over come any obstacle in your path-physical or mental. "Great occasions do not make heroes or cowards; they simply unveil them to the eyes. Silently and imperceptibly, as we wake or sleep, we grow strong or we grow weak, and a last some crisis shows us what we have become." - Bishop Westcott September eleventh has not changed my views on courage; it has just shone my thoughts to me clearer than ever imagined. I believe the courage of many people has been brought forth in the light of this horrific tragedy. It has also shone the fear in the hearts of many who hide in their own self-pity while sending others forth to do what they can only fantasize about. This, therefore, shows how manipulation is only a spineless excuse for a lack of courage. My ideas of courage may differ from yours, who may in turn differ from others. That is the way it should be. We show courage in our difference of thought. Independence is one form of courage that could have you searching for him for lifetimes on end and still never grasp the concept. "If you let fear of consequence prevent you from following your deepest instinct, then your life will be safe, expedient and thin." - Katharine Butler Hathaway...

Ferguson Surname Meaning and Origin

Ferguson Surname Meaning and Origin FERGUSON Surname Meaning Origin: Ferguson is a patronymic surname meaning son of Fergus. The given name Fergus, comes from Fearghas, derived from the Gaelic fear meaning man, and gus meaning vigor. FERGUSON is the 34th most common surname in Scotland. Surname Origin: Scottish, Irish Alternate Surname Spellings: MACFERGUS, FERGESEN, FERGERSON, FURGUSUN, FERGERSEN, FERGUSSON, FARGUSON Famous People With the Surname FERGUSON Harry Ferguson - Irish inventor and pioneerAdam Ferguson - Scottish philosopher, sometimes called the father of modern sociology.Patrick Ferguson - Scottish officer in the British Army, inventor of the breech-loading rifle. With the help of this weapon, the Americans were defeated at the Battle of Brandywine (1777).Colin Ferguson - murderer found guilty of the Long Island Railroad Massacre Genealogy Resources for the Surname FERGUSON Common Scottish Surnames Their MeaningsUncover the meaning of your Scottish last name with this free guide to Scottish surnames meanings and origins. Common Surnames of IrelandDiscover the meaning of your Irish last name, and find where in Ireland these Irish surnames are most commonly found. Ferguson GenealogyWebsite dedicated to helping Ferguson family researchers connect to their 18th Century Virginia roots. Fergus(s)on DNA ProjectA DNA project spearheaded by the Clan Fergusson Society of North America to create a database of DNA corresponding to different Scottish and Irish subdivisions such as those discussed in Records of the Clan and Name of Fergusson, Ferguson and Fergus, by James Ferguson and Robert Menzies Fergusson, Edinburgh, 1895. Ferguson Family Genealogy ForumSearch this popular genealogy forum for the Ferguson surname to find others who might be researching your ancestors, or post your own Ferguson query. FamilySearch - FERGUSON GenealogyFind records, queries, and lineage-linked family trees posted for the Ferguson surname and its variations. FERGUSON Surname Family Mailing ListsRootsWeb hosts several free mailing lists for researchers of the Ferguson surname. Cousin Connect - FERGUSON Genealogy QueriesRead or post genealogy queries for the surname Ferguson, and sign up for free notification when new Ferguson queries are added. Looking for the meaning of a given name? Check out First Name Meanings Cant find your last name listed? Suggest a surname to be added to the Glossary of Surname Meanings Origins. - References: Surname Meanings Origins Cottle, Basil. Penguin Dictionary of Surnames. Baltimore, MD: Penguin Books, 1967. Menk, Lars. A Dictionary of German Jewish Surnames. Avotaynu, 2005. Beider, Alexander. A Dictionary of Jewish Surnames from Galicia. Avotaynu, 2004. Hanks, Patrick and Flavia Hodges. A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1989. Hanks, Patrick. Dictionary of American Family Names. Oxford University Press, 2003. Smith, Elsdon C. American Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 1997.

Thermal Properties of Glass Transition

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Why should the indigenous languages of Panama be preserved Research Paper

Why should the indigenous languages of Panama be preserved - Research Paper Example bout a half of the indigenous populations of the state, and are thus an important facet of the existing agitation for state recognition and subsequent preservation of indigenous languages. A majority of these tribes do inhabit administrative regions – Comarca indigenas – that are present in areas with considerable Indian populations (Indigenous Groups of Panama, 2014). Concerning these administrative regions, three main comarcas exist, which are equated to a province. Two others, which are smaller, are subordinate to another of the state’s provinces, hence being considered as equating to a municipality. The sheer presence of these five regions of administration, supporting the minority populations, which make up Panama’s indigenous people, ought to be enough reason for government concern and consideration. This is in respect to not only considering, but also protecting and further enhancing the rights of these indigenous populations; of which one avenue would be the preservation of their languages and/ dialects. These indigenous languages include the Ngà ¤be-Bugle and Kuna languages (spoken by the majority), in addition to the Embera, Wounaan, Naso-Teribe, and Bri-bri languages (Major Languages of Panama, 2014). Comprising of seven indigenous nations living within the Republic of Panama, as the agency – IWGIA (2012) provides, these include the Bugle, Kuna, Ngabe, Wounaan, Bri-bri, Embera and the Naso Tjerdi. As a minority, they have and continued being fundamentally influenced by the Spanish Influence traceable to the reign of the Spanish Empire in Latin America. As a result, Spanish (Latino) is the most-widely spoken of languages, not only in the Panama Republic, but the larger Latin American region. With the advent of Spanish colonization and influence role, the Catholic Church’s reach attesting to this being the fact that majority of Latin Americans are Catholics. This religious influence, augmented by Spanish socio-cultural, political and economic

(HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT) EFFECTIVE TRAINING METHODS FOR LEADERSHIP Essay

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Celia Cruz - Research Paper Example She also lived together with her mother in the city of Havana. During her schooling, she enrolled at the Normal School for Teachers located in Havana with an intention of becoming a literature teacher. Celia Cruz later interrupted her studies to pursue a singing career after winning a talent show. From the talent show, she realized she could sing well since she captured the attention of her audience. In addition, Cruz had a passion for singing. Celia Cruz won the talent show from her tango presentation of Nostalgia presentation. From her performances, Celia Cruz had many fans that enjoyed her music and dance. She later replaced the lead singer Myrta Silva. In 1962, Cruz fell in love with the orchestra’s lead trumpet performer Pedro Knight. Cruz’s husband directed and managed her after pursuing a solo artiste career. The 1960s made it hard for Cruz to locate a huge audience in America in spite of the number of recordings she had done during her music career (Sloan 159). Her success rose when she became popular with salsa music and dance. Salsa dance evolved from musical experimentation with Caribbean sounds. Cruz became famous for her music and salsa dance that thrilled her fans while she performed on stage (Mendible 108). Celia Cruz had a soft voice that people described as operatic. During her performances, she controlled her voice through high and low pitches with ease. She also added flavor to salsa music with her rhyme music. In addition, Celia Cruz also thrilled her fans with her flashy costumes. Cruz became a leader in her professional circle in the years that followed by appearing in one of a 1988 BBC feature film entitled My Name is Celia Cruz. Four years later, Cruz was featured in The Mambo Kings and afterwards The Perez Family in 1995. Ana Cristina Reymundo, originally published in Spanish, wrote Celia Cruz’s autobiography. Celia Cruz became famous from her many honors that she received from her recordings. Cruz and her husband became citizens

PROGRAMMING AND CULTURE IN ARCHITECTURE WAY Research Paper - 1

PROGRAMMING AND CULTURE IN ARCHITECTURE WAY - Research Paper Example This research paper will try to examine what people do and how their activities relate with one another. Similarly, researchers engage in observing the physical behaviors of people to generate data about their activities and the kind of relationships that sustained them. According to Gibson (2009), the researcher will try to understand about the misuse of places, and rules governing their behaviors. Additionally, the behavioral opportunities and obstacles that the environment might provide are also, observed. As a researcher, I will use both direct and dynamic methods to observe the behaviors of people in Guatemalteca Bakery restaurant. In research, the direct method will involve examining how the people in the environment follow or break the rules. On the other hand, the dynamic method will involve examining the activities of the people, the changes taking place and how the activities affect others. When a person wants to carry out research on the behaviors of people in a particular environment, certain factors must be considered. Therefore, the behaviors of people can be described in terms of the following concepts: actor, act, significant others and their relationships The actor who is the element of behavioral observation can be described depending on the intention of the descriptions. Individuals can be described with their social status, profession, age, and marital status. Guatemalteca Bakery restaurant consist of employees and customers of different status. We have the position of the manager, supervisors, coordinators and the subordinate staff. However, the customers also, possess different status as far as their professions are concerned. In this research paper, the actors are the employees who provide services to the customers. Guatemalteca Bakery restaurant has dressing code which the entire staff adhere to. Therefore, a staff member in this restaurant can be identified and differentiated from the customers because they wear uniforms. Similarly,

Pleas read the artical and answer qestion 5 with 6 steps. the answers Essay

Pleas read the artical and answer qestion 5 with 6 steps. the answers should be short and to the point - Essay Example The school is allowed to removal of the IDEA, Section 504, and ADA claims because the parents did not exhaust administrative remedies under IDEA. One issue raised by the trial court is that the exhaustion requirements of the IDEA applied in equal measure to the other claims since the Section 504 and ADA claims are associated with injuries that could be sought redress to under the IDEA. The issue put forward by the parents is that their complaint was with the refusal of the school to provide Section 504 services, to which the court noted that â€Å"a parent may not circumvent the administrative procedures of IDEA by voluntarily revoking approval under IDEA, and afterwards recast their complaints under Section 504 and the ADA. The trial court’s decision was that the parent are not capable of revoking assent to services under IDEA, and then proceed to demand that the school make available Section 504 services instead. Therefore, the school was not under any legal obligation to provide services. The reasoning behind this decision was influenced by a citation from a Letter of McKethan issued by OCR. By refusing services developed under IDEA, the parents effectively rejected services under Section 504. Hence, the revocation of services by the parents under IDEA was equivalent to revocation under Section 504 and the

PROGRAMMING AND CULTURE IN ARCHITECTURE WAY Research Paper - 1

PROGRAMMING AND CULTURE IN ARCHITECTURE WAY - Research Paper Example This research paper will try to examine what people do and how their activities relate with one another. Similarly, researchers engage in observing the physical behaviors of people to generate data about their activities and the kind of relationships that sustained them. According to Gibson (2009), the researcher will try to understand about the misuse of places, and rules governing their behaviors. Additionally, the behavioral opportunities and obstacles that the environment might provide are also, observed. As a researcher, I will use both direct and dynamic methods to observe the behaviors of people in Guatemalteca Bakery restaurant. In research, the direct method will involve examining how the people in the environment follow or break the rules. On the other hand, the dynamic method will involve examining the activities of the people, the changes taking place and how the activities affect others. When a person wants to carry out research on the behaviors of people in a particular environment, certain factors must be considered. Therefore, the behaviors of people can be described in terms of the following concepts: actor, act, significant others and their relationships The actor who is the element of behavioral observation can be described depending on the intention of the descriptions. Individuals can be described with their social status, profession, age, and marital status. Guatemalteca Bakery restaurant consist of employees and customers of different status. We have the position of the manager, supervisors, coordinators and the subordinate staff. However, the customers also, possess different status as far as their professions are concerned. In this research paper, the actors are the employees who provide services to the customers. Guatemalteca Bakery restaurant has dressing code which the entire staff adhere to. Therefore, a staff member in this restaurant can be identified and differentiated from the customers because they wear uniforms. Similarly,

Pros and Cons of the Death Penalty Research Paper

Pros and Cons of the Death Penalty - Research Paper Example Today, close to 58 countries around the world actively employ the penalty against those who commit capital offenses. Although close to 96 countries have abolished the use of death penalties against humans, several others still have it still entrenched within their judicial systems without practicing it for at least the last ten years owing to its controversial nature. The death penalty has drawn great and uncommon controversy throughout the world with different groups and members of society taking different stands concerning the subject. In fact, the subject of death penalty is a matter of active debate even among states, nations and territories. With regard to the subject, people often take differing stands even though they may share similar political, religious and cultural ideologies. This paper discusses the subject of death penalty and will mainly focus on the pros and cons of employing the mode of punishment according to different viewers and commentators. The death penalty is the pre-meditated and planned process of killing a human being in reaction to an offence committed by the person (Banner, 2002).. Also known as capital punishment, the act is normally done by a government against a person who has legally been convicted through a legal or judicial process. There are several methods that have been employed in executing capital punishments against people accused of committing capital offenses as noted by Hood (2002). Historically, the death sentence was carried out mostly in the most painful of ways. In many ancient societies, convicts were often stoned to death while in other societies the convicts’ heads were severed using different means. For example in ancient Russia, executioners used swords to chop of the heads of those who were condemned to die while in France, the victim’s head was cut off using a guillotine. Ferocious or venomous animals were also used in some societies to cause the deaths of those who

Negative Effects of Genetically modified food Essay Example for Free

Negative Effects of Genetically modified food Essay Since the beginning of life, nourishment is the first requirement for all kind of alive. According to Chassy (2007), early humans lived a hunter gatherer lifestyle and that around 10000 years ago they started to transition into an agricultural lifestyle. Also they feed animals to their milk, meat and eggs. Later, some people interested in agriculture in order to survive and earn money. In today’s world, technological developments and medical improvements resulted in higher life standards and world population become more and more crowded. Lots of farmers and food companies emerged in order to meet the needs of this growing population. Organic foods started to be insufficient for human beings because of the increasing population. As a result of this insufficiency, people seek different kind of foods with the help of technological developments and they created genetically modified foods (GM foods). Genetically modified crops first appeared commercially in the mid-1990s and today GM crops are grown commercially by 8. 25 million farmers on 200 million acres spread throughout 17 countries (Schmidt, 2005). Genetically modified foods or biotech foods can be described simply as foods derived from genetically modified organisms. These crop plants created for human or animal consumption using the latest molecular biology techniques. In his essay â€Å"Genetically Modified Foods: An Insight† Raaz Maheshwari (2012) explains that â€Å"Genetically modified foods are derived from genetically modified organisms. Genetically modified organisms have had specific changes introduced into their DNA by genetic engineering, using a process of either Cisgenesis or Transgenesis. These techniques are much more precise than Mutagenesis (mutation breeding) where an organism is exposed to radiation or chemicals to create a non-specific but stable change. † At the beginning, these crops have a bright and promising future. However, safety of genetically modified foods was started to questioned and become a central issue driving the genetic engineering controversy today (Carman, 2004). Although some scientists claims that food derived from GM crops on the market does not have greater risk to human health than organic foods, there is a idespread research on several negative effects of GM foods , including safety issues, economic concerns and environmental hazards. Recently, concerns about GM foods have raised by all environmental activists, religious organizations, public interest groups, professional associations, other scientists and government officials. Also, they criticized potential hazards of GM food (Whitman, 2000). Specifically, this study posed the r esearch question: What are the general negative effects of genetically modified foods on earth’s ecology and human health. As I mentioned earlier, humanity always requiring all kind of food. Although they meet their requires from hunting very beginning, agriculture is the main food resources when the first crop harvested. However food resources doesn’t enough for humanity because of huge crowds, because of th? s reason people find a new form of food which named genetically modified foods or biotech foods. These foods derived from genetically modified organisms. Since mid-1900s genetically modified foods using our daily meal and from these time these foods always negotiated. There is no exact consequences of these negotiations. However, there are lots of negative effects of genetically modified foods on earth’s ecology and human health such as; allergetic diseases, poisoning both human and animals and killing beneficial insects. To begin with, lots of result of researches show us genetically modified foods are dangerous for natural life. According to Batalian(N. D. ) studies about GM products shown that these products can kill beneficial insects which most notably the monarch butterfly larvae. He also said there are other studies related to the death of bees which are died during a contained trial with Monsanto’s Bt cotton, springtails and ladybird beetles. He said his same essay other studies about GM potatoes, spliced with DNA from the snowdrop plant and a viral parameter, show us these potatoes was poisonous to rats. Between the many insect pollinators of agricultural crops, honey bees are the best known (O’Callaghan, 2005). According to O’Callaghan, cotton nectar is really attractive to them and produces useful honey, but if these cottons are genetically modified from engineers it can be harmful for bees why these cottons not natural and it includes different types of proteins and concentrations. Another effect of GM foods on natural life about gene transfer to non-target species. Deborah B. Whitman said his article â€Å"Another concern is that crop plants engineered for herbicide tolerance and weeds will cross-breed, resulting in the transfer of the herbicide resistance genes from the crops into the weeds. These ‘superweeds’ would then be herbicide tolerant as well. Other introduced genes may cross over into non-modified crops planted next to GM crops. † Genetically modified foods effects the natural life where the people plant them. For example GM trees or ‘super-trees’ are being developed which can be sprayed from the air to kill literally all of surrounding life, except the GM trees (Batalian,N. D. ). He also said these trees are often sterile and flowerless which is in contrast to rainforest teaming with life, or where a single tree can host thousands of unique species of insects, fungi, mammals and birds in an interconnected ecosphere. There are also terminator trees which has developed plants with the New Zealand Forest Research Agency to create still more lethal tree plantations. These super deadly trees are look like super-trees, however these kind leaves exuding toxic chemicals to kill caterpillars and other surrounding insects(Batalian,N. D. ) Like the other effects of GM foods it also causes increasing numbers of resistant pests. According to Mellon (N. D. ), â€Å"There are signs that the most popular HT crops-those resistant to the herbicide glyphosate-will lose effectiveness as weeds become resistant to the herbicide. Scientists expect that BT crops, too, will succump to pests that evolve resistance to the BT toxins. Secondly, consumption of genetically modified foods from humans effects their health negatively. First effect of GM foods on human health is allergenicity. According to Bakshi (N. D. ), food allergy is a very important health issue with the prevalence of immunoglobulin E antibody-mediated food allergies among adults being approximately 2% and nearly 5% in children. Bakshi also said consumption of genetically modified foods may trigger all ergic reaction. For example Bakshi said kiwi fruit not associated with any allergies in the 1960s. However , there are some people who are currently allergic to it; the allergenic protein in the kiwi fruit was identified to be actinidin. Bakshi also said â€Å"Genetically modified foods can introduce novel proteins into the food supply from organisms that are never consumed as foods. Some of those proteins could be allergenic. † Second effects of GM foods on human health is antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance is the ability of an organism to be unaffected by the antibiotic, occurs naturally by evolution. According to Bakshi(N. D. , genetic engineering usually involves the use of genes for antibiotic resistance as ‘selectable markers. ’ These markers help to choose cells that consolidated foreign genes. There are concerns that these chosen genes might recombine with pathogenic bacteria in the environment or with naturally occurring bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract of mammals who consume genetically modified food, contributing to the growing public health risk associated with antibiotic resistance for infections that cannot be treated with traditional antibiotics. It must be true negative effects of GM foods because lots of European countries including Britain have refused to allow the Novartis Bt corn to be grown because the ampicillin resistance gene might be transferred from Bt corn to bacteria which these bacterias making a far less effective antibiotic against bacterial infections (Bakshi,N. D. ). Similarly Bakshi , enhs. umn. edu, said â€Å" In recent years health professionals have become alarmed by the increasing number of bacterial strains that are showing resistance to antibiotics. Bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics by creating antibiotic resistance genes through natural mutation. Third effect of GM foods on human health is cancer and degenerative diseases. According to article of Batalian (N. D. ) , lots of researches show us GM foods or hormones which is used for increased milk production in cow causes breast and prostate cancer. Also he said some of Canadian researches prove that GM organism which injected rats mammals l ike humans, this organism damaged thyroid cysts and internal organ. Besides , consuming GM foods causes autoimmune diseases, inflammation, arthritis and lymphoma(Batalian,N. D. ) Lastly, gene transfer from GM foods to body cells can cause disease. According to WHO(N. D. ), â€Å"Gene transfer from GM foods to cells of the body or to bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract would cause concern if the transferred genetic material adversely affects human health. This would be particularly relevant if antibiotic resistance genes, used in creating GMOs, were to be transferred. † In the light of all above mentioned studies, it could be said that scientist have not discovered the true researches consequences about genetically modified foods. They growth a non-natural nutrition, however they do not know their effects on human body and environment. It can be cause lots of bad diseases on human body and harm environment. Because it is dangerous for all kind of alive and natural systems, GM foods production processes should be controlled by new ministry and GM foods may be tested before selling in markets. Those who are support GM foods said these foods have benefits on future hunger and they also support we all need these foods in future. According to Feuilherade (2011),humanity needs 40% more foods by the middle of the century and GM foods is the only solution of this big problem. He also add these foods are healthy for human body because if we change the DNAs of foods, lots of vitamins and drugs may added inside the foods. However, www. webmd. com(N. D. ), mentioned these foods are not natural and has no guarantees, also has some important risks, such as; introducing allergens and toxins to food, accidental contamination between genetically modified and non-genetically modified foods, antibiotic resistance and adversely changing the nutrient content of a crop. Scientists and governments always discuss this topic, however there is no exact result about harms or benefits of GM foods. Nobody do not know consequences of GM foods. Maybe after 50 years it will cause lots of diseases even will kill millions of people. There should be more and more researches about these foods and scientist and governments should give more importance, also all government which country interest growing GM foods, they should open new ministry and specific research center of GM foods before sell these product to innocence people. In conclusion, about GM foods, there are lots of researches and its effects on health and environment are not obvious. The scientist will move to improve these foods and sell them billions of people worldwide. With the support of governments and big bosses, poor and ignorant people buy these uncertain foods. Finally, I personally believe that GM foods will cause lots of die forth coming years, because of these reason these procedure should limited and controlled strictly by the government before selling. Also natural agriculture should be supported and use of organic food promoted.

The Belief In Miracles Philosophy Essay

The Belief In Miracles Philosophy Essay I will proceed in the following way: First, I will respond to Humes charges against the belief in miracles. Then, I will present conditions that, if met, would justify a belief that a miracle has occured. The arguments against miracles in Humes work can be divided into three categories. The first arguments attack the coherence, or intelligibility, of the concept of the miraculous. The second accept, for the sake of argument, that the concept is coherent, but target the plausibility of miracles, arguing there could never be sufficient evidence for believing in a miracle. The third attacks the reliability of the reports of those who claim to have witnessed miraculous events. This paper shall concern the first two arguments but not the last, because I cannot disagree with Hume that historically, the evidence for miracles has indeed been remarkably weak. Additionally, I would like to take this opportunity to further clarify what I am not trying to prove. I do not contend that there ever has been a miracle, nor that the things commonly considered evidence for miracles are evidence at all. What I do contend is that given certain conditions, the most rational explanation for an event could be that it was a miracle. A miracle may be accurately defined, says Hume, a transgression of a law of nature by a particular volition of the deity, or by the interposition of some invisible agent. Note that there are two conditions set out in this definition. First, a miracle presents as an exception to the established laws of nature. But that is not all; an events exceptionality is not enough to warrant it miracle status. The exception must be attributable to some sort of supernatural interference with the laws of nature. Thus, we may paraphrase Humes definition as the following: A miracle is a violation, enacted by a supernatural agent, of the laws of nature. This is how Hume defines it, and accordingly, this is the conception I shall use in my refutation of Hume. The first charge I shall address is the charge of unintelligibility, or incoherence. It is Humes most ambitious argument against miracles. However, what exactly Hume meant by this charge is the subject of debate. The first view to be considered is Anthony Flews. He interprets the argument as the following simple argument: Laws cannot have exceptions. The definition of a miracle is an exception to the laws of nature. Therefore, miracles cannot exist. But this argument is unsound, specifically at the second premise. Miracles are not just exceptions according to Hume, but violations, the result of supernatural interference with nature ¿Ã‚ ½s normal course. The laws of nature cite relations of natural causes to their effects, not supernatural causes to their effects. In other words, the supernatural is beyond the proper subject matter of natural laws. Accordingly, it would be unreasonable to expect for the laws of nature to account for miracles, which are events caused by the supernatural. So because miracles are caused by forces external to the natural realm, and because natural laws describe only those causes within the natural realm, miracles present no problem for our acceptance of the laws of nature. We may accept the laws of nature as accurate descriptions of the natural world as it usually functions. What would be incoherent is an internal exception, that is, a natural exception to the laws of nature. But of course, Hume ¿Ã‚ ½s miracles are not of that nature. The second interpretation of Hume ¿Ã‚ ½s argument connects the charge of incoherence to Hume ¿Ã‚ ½s particular conception of lawhood. Hume ¿Ã‚ ½s conception of the laws of nature is one that places strict checks on the use of the natural-supernatural distinction. It claims that we form our ideas of natural laws based on all the evidence, exceptional events included. Thus, there can be no clear way of distinguishing what is a natural event from what is supposedly supernatural. As Hume ¿Ã‚ ½s natural laws encapsulate all observed events, there is no basis for saying that some events are miracles that should be excluded from the scope of these laws, but be instead placed in a conveniently created supernatural realm, as we do when we label them miracles. To respond to this argument, one need only point out that it is not free from some quite substantive assumptions about lawhood. It attaches the charge of unintelligibility of miracles to a particular and narrowly defined view of lawhood, substantially limiting the argument ¿Ã‚ ½s scope, and likewise weakening it. There are other theories of lawhood, such as the Naturalness theory of laws, which have no problem excluding anomalous events from the explanatory scope of natural laws. (Lierse, 19__) Thus, this charge of Hume ¿Ã‚ ½s is not one of unintelligibility or incoherence, but a charge of incompatibility with a particular conception of lawhood. And of course, that two ideas are incompatible is just as much a problem with either one the two as it is with the other one. So why see this incompatibility as a problem with the concept of miracles when we can easily construe it as a problem with Hume ¿Ã‚ ½s theory of lawhood? The charge against Hume ¿Ã‚ ½s theory of lawhood being t hat it clashes with the intuitive idea of a miracle. The claim that miracles are incoherent is, therefore, unfounded. Now for Hume ¿Ã‚ ½s second charge. He argues that given the vast body of empirical evidence that has established the laws of nature as laws, it would be impossible to have comparable evidence supporting a miracle claim. In other words, the fact that any law of nature is a law means that, in our experience, it has never been violated, so any claim that a law has been violated is in direct contradiction to a vast body of evidence. Thus regardless of how trust-worthy a person reporting a miracle may be, that report cannot possibly be more likely to be true than false. As a result, Hume argues, it is never reasonable to accept reports of miracles. What this argument tries to do is pit the evidence in support of a miraculous occurrence against the evidence for the laws of nature. But in truth, the two do not negate each other. When we label an event that violates a law of nature  ¿Ã‚ ½a miracle ¿Ã‚ ½, we are not contradicting a law of nature, but in a way defending it; we are protecting the law ¿Ã‚ ½s integrity. An anomalous event would seem to challenge the law it violated, but not if that event is a miracle. If the event is a miracle it is no longer counter-evidence to the law, because the law is not expected to account for it in the first place, as it has a supernatural cause. So we may continue to claim there have been no observed natural events that have contradicted the law, and therefore, we may conclude the law still stands. As an example, imagine there were a 2000 year old monk living somewhere up in the mountains of Tibet. The law of nature that all humans are mortal would seem contradicted. But if the monk ¿Ã ‚ ½s extraordinarily long life is a miracle, then his longevity is ultimately the effect of some supernatural force interfering with his natural life-span. We could argue the law of human mortality, correctly construed, only applies to people whose lives have not been interfered with by the supernatural, and accordingly, it is fully coherent to suppose that interference by a supernatural force could cause the law of human mortality to be violated. Just like the law of human mortality, other laws of nature can also be protected from perceived counter-instances in this way. By appealing to the supernatural, laws can be saved from apparent counter-evidence. Of course, there are other ways to explain anomalous events without appealing to the miraculous. There seem to be three other options: we can dismiss the evidence for the event, we can posit another law as the cause, or we can modify the law to accommodate the anomalous event. In order to demonstrate that miracles are possible, it must be shown that a miracle could be the best explanation available in certain circumstances. And that is what I shall demonstrate in what follows. I begin with an admission. In explaining an apparent violation of a law of nature as a miracle, all other explanations must first be completely ruled out. This is because if we accept that a miracle happened, it may pose a challenge to the coherence of our established beliefs. If we accept a miraculous explanation for an event, then we are accepting that a supernatural power exists, and not only exists, but also interferes with the natural world. This may lie in contradiction to our established beliefs about such matters, and this threat to coherence may very well be considered evidence against a miracle claim. However, a miracle may nevertheless be the best explanation available for certain events, because all other explanations may in fact be impossible. This can occur when a number of conditions are met. The first condition is repetition. If an event is only reported once, even if the only reasonable explanation is the miraculous, we still might reject the report as evidence. This is because no matter how convincing the evidence may seem, we are aware that our track-record for assessing the reliability of evidence is weak, and we can deny that a miracle has in fact occurred on those grounds alone. But if an event is reliably reported to have been repeated enough times, and by enough people, this concern is taken care of. The more the event is reliably reported to have occurred, the more difficult it becomes to deny that the event has taken place. Consider the following example. Suppose there were reports that Tom Cruise could cure cancer with his mind. And not just individual reports, but double-blind placebo controlled scientific studies, published in all the top medical journals. We would, it seems, be forced to rule out other explanations and seriously open our minds to the possibility that Tom Cruise has supernatural powers. We are not be able to dismiss the reports as faulty because of the degree to which they are reported, and the reliability of the sources reporting them . But could the laws of nature be modified to permit this occurrence? It seems unlikely. In this case, Tom Cruise is violating numerous laws of nature. If we are going to modify a law of nature, we need to be able to explain our reason for doing so, as well as provide a plausible account for why the exception we are permitting is in fact justified. Normally, when we modify a law to account for an exception, we can provide an explanation for why the law should not apply in the exceptional case. But there is no biological difference between a cancer that Tom Cruise wills to go away with his mind and one he does not. Any law we would devise for this phenomenon of cancers spontaneously healing would have to rely on a completely non-physical property: being willed to heal by Tom Cruise. So if we modify our laws of biology to allow that can cers can be spontaneously disappear, not only must we explain why some cancers spontaneously disappear and some do not, but we are also faced with the challenge that the only description we can give for the set of exceptions refers to the non-biological property of being willed to disappear by Tom Cruise. Now this is of course a very odd sort of exception to a law of biology, one that is completely unprecedented in any other biological law. Alternatively, trying to explain it in natural terms is a completely hopeless endeavour. However, claiming that Tom Cruise ¿Ã‚ ½s ability is a miracle, and given a Scientologist world-view not unexpected, provides two important advantages to the above explanation. Firstly, it provides us with an explanation for why cancers willed to heal by Tom Cruise are disappearing, and not other cancers. Secondly, it allows us to retain our natural laws as comprehensive, simple, and therefore useful descriptions of the natural world. So appealing to the miraculous is the best explanation. And though we can always modify our conception of the laws of nature to avoid introducing miracles into the equation, it would, as demonstrated in the above example, be crazy for us to do so. My defence of miracles has a potential objection that must be addressed. Problems of the unreliability of evidence for reported events, I argued, could be defeated by appealing to the repetition of miracles. That miracles can be repeated, however, is sometimes denied. One objection is by Swinburne. Swinburne is not prepared to allow that a miracle could be repeated, though he does allow a single miraculous occurence. He argues that any repeated miracle would nullify the credibility of the miracle and demand a modification of our law. This argument is weak. Firstly, it grants God the ability to interfere with nature, but just one time for any particular kind of interference, which leaves us with a rather odd sort of metaphysics. Secondly, if it is logically possible that a law can be violated once, then why can it not be violated again? It is arbitrary to insist that the point where a law requires modification is when an anomaly is repeated. Some modifications of laws provide poorer explanations for events than does an appeal to the supernatural, and that anomalies may be repeated does not change that fact, as we saw in the case of Tom Cruise. The reasonable conclusion is that a miracle can possibly be repeated any number of times. Even the possibility of  ¿Ã‚ ½miracle laws ¿Ã‚ ½ is something we should be willing to accept. Miracles can themselves be law-like despite being violation of laws. This is coherently understood in the case of supernatural laws violating natural laws, an instance of laws violating other laws. For example, consider the biblical story of the Israelites ¿Ã‚ ½ God turning the Egyptians ¿Ã‚ ½ water into blood. What is claimed to have happened is that any and all water belonging to an Egyptian spontaneously turned into blood. The spontaneous transformation of water into blood is certainly in violation of the laws of nature. Thus, by the biblical account, a supernatural power created a supernatural law, and caused the laws of nature to be violated in doing so. Any remnants of disreputability that miracles may have been tainted with should be taken care of by the admission of  ¿Ã‚ ½miracle laws ¿Ã‚ ½.