The Canterbury Tales Clerk and Monk Essay Example

The Canterbury Tales: Clerk and Monk Paper The Contrasting Characters: The Monk and The Clerk of Oxford The Monk and the Clerk are two characters lying in opposite extremities. What one person lacks, the other has gained in abundance. This essay will explore the major differences between the Clerk and Monk in the Canterbury Tales; its focus mainly pointed to physical descriptions, differences in personality and the underlying themes in their tales of sacrifice and betrayal. Chaucer the pilgrim is quite keen on both of these opposite characters in respect to their attitudes. The Monk is a merry man who has a portly body and not an inch of hair on his head and is explained as attractive. His love for fine jewellery is presented with the gold he wears on his body, including the gold pin with a love-knot in it, which will be examined later. His love for food can be noticed by the weight he carries. His easy-going nature is quite darkened with the tragic tales he tells on his journey to Canterbury. The Monk owns several horses in perfect condition and the finest riding equipment, showing more signs of his wealth apart from his refined clothing. We will write a custom essay sample on The Canterbury Tales: Clerk and Monk specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Canterbury Tales: Clerk and Monk specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Canterbury Tales: Clerk and Monk specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The Clerk is quite opposite from these physical details; he is quite thin from being underfed and not having enough money to feed himself properly. He is shabbily dressed. His horse is as thin as the Clerk himself. The Clerk is poor, as a student spending more time reading for learning purposes rather than gaining money. The Monk displays some curious habits as a religious figure. His hobby is to hunt, which is against the morals of his profession. His rich clothing and appetite for good food are contrary to the rule of poverty that monks are known to be in. He has no patience for the rules that confine monks to study or labour, he is therefore rebellious and disobedient. The gold pin that he dons with a love knot implies that he has broken his vow of chastity towards his religion. He shows the qualities of what exactly a monk should not be. He pursues his own desires and is quite content with it yet he flaunts his authority in the presence of other even though he doesn’t work very much. On the contrary, the Clerk is an ideal form of his profession. He spends the money he earns on books instead of clothes and food. He is quite quiet in the beginning of the pilgrimage until the Host kindly asks him to speak. The clerk who is a student at Oxford and pursuing his Master’s degree in logic has a knowledgeable speech and regarded highly by the Host. The Monk’s tale focuses on the theme of tragedy and revenge and is based on Boccaccio’s de Casibus Virorum et Feminarum Illistrium. In the Italian Renaissance, it is regarded as one of the greatest works of early humanism and was emphasized in the Greek and Latin classics focusing on the importance of man as his own individual regardless of their fame which can be contrasted with the medieval views. Chaucer has taken the basis of this view and brings it back to the setting of the Middle Ages, writing about the downfalls of famous people. The accounts of the famous people in the Monk’s Tale are examples of strong and powerful men who have been betrayed and destroyed. As examples, Lucifer was an angel who fell through sin. Adam lived in paradise until one moment caused him to lose everything. The ruler of Israel called Sampson was incredibly strong; his wife convinced her husband to divulge into the source of his strength and betrayed him by telling his enemies and taking another husband for herself. His hair was then cut as it was the source of his power and he was thrown into a cave. Later on, after being teased for his lack of power, Sampson’s strength returned killing an entire temple and even managing to kill himself. Every man in the Monk’s tale suffered from betrayal. The Monk’s moral tale of not to divulge secrets to your wife was shown in Sampson’s segment. Conversely, the Clerk’s tale had learned his tale from the scholar and poet named Petrarch at Padua. The outlining themes of this tale involve inner purity and it is a story of philosophical morality. Griselda has given her husband total control and Griselda regards them as one person, she acts and thinks as Walter does, giving him complete sovereignty. The themes of revenge and betrayal in the Monk’s Tale contrast with Griselda’s sacrifice nd her purity. The Clerk had mentioned to the other pilgrims that Griselda was not a model for women to imitate but an example to be patient when God tries us. Griselda’s voluntary acceptance to suffer contrasts with the famous people in the Monk’s tale who died out of spite, revenge, hatred or who killed themselves to avoid suffering. In conclusion , The Monk and the Clerk lie on opposite extremes. The Monk physically is a stocky man, showing his wealth through jewellery and the finest horses and equipment. The Clerk is thin and trying to make ends meet. Personality-wise, he Monk displays curious behaviours that go against a Monk’s usual beliefs. He has broken his vow of chastity, of poverty; he has taken up hunting as a hobby and eats the finest foods. He doesn’t believe in the meaning of work, however, the Monk will gladly gloat over his supremacy. The Clerk however, is a quiet character, who speaks only when spoken to and thinks of books and reading. He spends all his money on books so he could consequently feed his mind with logic and it is proven with his knowledgeable speech. These two characters have also told contrasting tales. The merry Monk has told successive tales of tragedies and death. The quiet, poverty-stricken Clerk was told by the Host to disclose a happy tale even though the Clerk goes in a slightly off direction and speaks of a religious tale of the acceptance of suffering. Chaucer can successfully portray characters exactly as they should be or how opposite they are. The audience can imagine a Clerk as a studious type, spending time on reading books and telling a philosophical tale. On the contrary, a hunting Monk is quite humorous as this character even seems.

Different Views On Substance Dependece, Abuse and Addicition †Essay

Different Views On Substance Dependece, Abuse and Addicition – Essay Free Online Research Papers Different Views On Substance Dependece, Abuse and Addicition Essay Substance addiction, or substance dependence is the compulsive use of drugs, to the point where the user has no effective choice but to continue use. (Wikipedia 2005)Substance abuse refers to the overindulgence in and dependence on a stimulant, depressant, or other chemical substance, leading to effects that are detrimental to the individuals physical or mental health, or the welfare of others. (Wikipedia 2005) Historically the terminology surrounding drug use has been unclear and little concise. It was usual to distinguish between physiological and psychological need.If the drug altered the internal chemistry of the body to the point where the normal state was the dug state, it was called an addiction. However, if it was the abuser that centred his or her life on the procurement and use of the drug, it was called psychological dependence. (Alloy et al 1999) These definitions have not been embraced by all medical and psychological professions. It was discovered that all psychoactive drugs had both a psychological and a physiological effect. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) reserve the term dependence to conditions that specifically involve addiction, and call it psychoactive substance dependence. It also suggests nine criteria that include both physiological and psychological consequences and a person that fulfil any three of these nine come under the diagnosis mentioned. (Alloy et al 1999) The nine criteria listed by DSM-III-R. (Alloy et al 1999, Wikipedia 2005) 1. Preoccupation with the drug. 2. Unintentional overuse. 3. Tolerance. 4. Withdrawal. 5. Relief substance use. 6. Persistent desire or efforts to control drug use. 7. Pattern of drug-impaired performance in social or occupational circumstances or when dug use is dangerous. 8. The abandonment of important social, occupational or recreational activities for the sake of the drug. 9. Continued drug use despite serious drug-related problems. The DSM also distinguishes between dependence and abuse, drawing up the parallel diagnosis of psychoactive substance abuse. This is when the use of the drug is at an abnormal level, but not yet a dependency issue. A person that continue to use a drug even if it had a (1) social, occupational, psychological or physical impact, or continued to use it in physically dangerous situations. (Alloy et al 1999, Wikipedia 2005) The three terms substance dependence, substance addiction and substance abuse, are hence melted down to the two diagnoses of psychoactive substance dependence; including the elements of dependence and addiction, and psychoactive substance abuse. (Alloy et al 1999) In this essay alcoholism will be used as an example on substance abuse/dependence, as it is a common and easily accessible substance. The behaviourists view alcoholism as a powerful habit that is maintained by various cues and consequences. What is the primary reinforcer is debated, but suggestions like social acceptance, reduction of psychological tension and avoidance of psychological withdrawal symptoms have been made. (Alloy et al 1999) The behaviourists believe in two theories for substance abuse and addiction. The first one is the tension-reduction hypothesis, and the other is the opponent process theory. The tension-reduction hypothesis assumes the dynamics of alcoholism to be rooted in personal troubles faced by all. However some people are inclined to have a drink to alleviate the stress and discomfort, and if successful alcohol has a positive association. However, excessive drinking may cause stress and discomfort, manifested as guilt, and a viscous cycle is started. (Alloy et al 1999) Behaviourists have identified high risk and low risk persons based on personality scores. A person with outgoing, aggressive, impulsive and antisocial features where considered at higher risk for alcoholism, also the situation is critical to stress- handling. (Alloy et al 1999) The â€Å"opponent process† theory also offers explanations on addiction plus tolerance and withdrawal. It states that the human brain is organised such that any strong emotional state, regardless if it is pleasant or unpleasant, will elicit the opposite state (opponent process) to suppress and counteract the original state and that this mechanism will strengthen over time. (Alloy et al 1999) The theory states that after a while the relaxation with drinking (state A) will be cancelled out by underlying tension and irritability (state B or opponent process). Then state B will be experienced directly as withdrawal symptoms. (Alloy et al 1999) The early behavioural programs for alcoholics relied on aversion conditioning. They had initial success, but suffered from heavy relapse rates. Currently programs look into inadequate coping skills, such as unemployment and marital conflicts, and try to remedy these problems. (Alloy et al 1999) The cognitive theories has been developed by amongst others, Jean Piaget and Albert Ellis. (Wikipedia 2005) The cognitive theories view alcoholism as motivated and maintained by negative reinforcement, much like the behaviourists. However they focus on cognitive processes such as expectations, self-evaluations and attributions perceived as mediators for alcohol abuse. There are three theories; expectancy theory, self-awareness model and self-handicapping strategy. (Alloy et al 1999) The expectancy theory focuses on the expectations of the effect of alcohol, as a critical component in whether people will use or abuse alcohol. These alcohol expectations are developed through parents, peers, television and movies and together they from a schema. This schema will determine how that individual will respond to drinking. (Alloy et al 1999) The use of alcohol is also influenced by positive or negative expectancies, such as enhancement of social/physical pleasure, increase power and aggressiveness, and impairs performance and encourages irresponsibility. Hence if the positive expectancies outweigh the negative people will drink. This theory may be good at describing why people begin to drink, but not why they continue, as the expectations between drink number 1 and 10.000 will change. (Alloy et al 1999) The self-awareness model proposes that alcohol is used to disrupt information processing, and decrease self-awareness. It can be used in two ways; firstly if self-awareness involves negative feelings, then suppression of self-awareness will be negative reinforcing. Secondly alcohol can disinhibit and enable the person to flirt or be funny, a positive reinforcement. This theory however describes the alcoholic as reflective, self-focused and sensitive to criticism. Empirical findings describe an alcoholic as aggressive, extroverted and undercontrolled. (Alloy et al 1999) The self-handicapping model reasons that the alcoholic will drink if placed in a situation where he is likely to fail. The drink will be his excuse to fail, shifting the blame form themselves to the alcohol. There is no proof that this model leads to alcoholism, but it ties well in with both the expectancy theory and self-awareness model. (Alloy et al 1999) Treatments the cognitive way aim to attack the cognitive variables that are faulty. This is done by changing expectancies, increase sense of competence and teach ways of coping with failure. A mixture of cognitive restructuring and behavioural techniques are used. Attention is also given to prevent relapses, correcting how alcoholics handle slips so that it does not lead to a total relapse. (Alloy et al 1999, Wikipedia 2005) Sigmund Freud came up with the idea and developed psychoanalysis between 1888 and 1939. Psychoanalysis divides the human personality into three entities; the id, the ego and the superego. It is in the focus between the aggressive pleasure-seeking biological impulses and the internal social restraints against them that the human psyche is formed. Freud believed that personality is the result of trying to resolve this conflict, and to bring pleasure without also bringing guilt and punishment. (Meyers 1998, Wikipedia 2005, ) Freud theorised that this conflict is centred on the three systems: id, ego and superego. (Meyers 1998, Wikipedia 2005, Hayes 1994) The id is always trying to satisfy the basic drives and instincts. It is a reservoir of unconscious energy that constantly drives the human to aggress, survive and reproduce. The id operates on the pleasure principle and has to be restrained by reality so that it will not seek immediate gratification whatever the consequence. (Meyers 1998, Hayes 1994)) The ego is the controller of the id. It operates in the reality principle, and seeks to gratify the id’s impulses. However, the ego will only do this if it is a realistic way of realisation and it will not bring destruction or pain. The ego hence contains the partly conscious perceptions, thoughts, judgements and memories. (Meyers 1998, Hayes 1994)) The superego operates on how things ought to be. It forces the ego to consider not only the real, but also what is ideal. It strives after perfection, and judges any action producing either positive or negative feelings. As the id’s demands are often the opposite of the superego, the ego in the middle struggles to reconcile the two. (Meyers 1998, Hayes 1994)) People with a present rather than a future time perspective is what Freud would have called id dominated persons. This is a personality type that more often use/overuse tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. They are willing to jeopardise future happiness for instant pleasure. (Meyers 1998, Hayes 1994)) The humanistic perspective came as a reaction to the negativity of Freud. They focused on how healthy people live and strive for self-determination and self-realisation, and emphasised on the growth potential of healthy people. The emphasis was on the free will and that people play an active role in determining how they act. The two leading theorists in the humanist movement are Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers. The humanistic approach has been criticised for promoting an optimistic but often vague view of the mind. (Meyers 1998, Wikipedia 2005, Hayes 1994)) Maslows theory proposed a hierarchy of needs. To move to the next level in the hierarchy a person had to fulfil his or her needs at the level they are. The different levels are seen in figure 1. (Meyers 1998, Hayes 1994)) Figure 1: Maslows Pyramid The ultimate goal for a person is to seek and achieve self-actualisation, fulfilling the person’s whole potential. Another way to view the pyramid is that one can achieve higher levels on the pyramid in some areas, but still try to cover the lower areas in other aspects of life. (Meyers 1998, Hayes 1994)) Alcoholics may find themselves trying to meet their physiological needs, when it comes to alcohol. If the alcoholic in addition lives on the street, safety needs are not met either. However, if the alcoholic is well-educated has a good job and income, then maybe it is the social needs or self-esteem needs that are not covered. (Meyers 1998, Hayes 1994)) Rogers believed that healthy people could satisfy their need for positive regard and self-actualisation, and being in a constant process of self-development and psychological growth. (Meyers 1998, Wikipedia 2005, Hayes 1994)) If people lack this positive regard from others they will be mentally ill, and afraid of what they do may meet disapproval from others. They will constantly feel they have to gain positive regard from others, and their self-concept impossible to live up to. (Meyers 1998, Hayes 1994)) The person will then be torn between true inner self and outer self. This battle Rogers believed could lead to both neurosis and psychosis. It is then up to the therapist to establish this relationship of unconditional positive regard. (Meyers 1998, Hayes 1994)) The different theories and models described, all aim at different aspects of the human psyche and how substance abuse and dependence might be explained. It is such a complex theme that I feel it is unlikely that any single one of these theories have the full answer. Not being a psychologist I would say it is more likely to view a patient bearing all the theories in mind, and using the different theories to explain different areas of the abusers/addicts mind. However, should I pick one I feel is the best model, I would have to go with the behavioural view. I feel it encompass a lot of the issues, and that with this approach the other theories can be used in conjunction when appropriate. I feel that behaviour is quite essential to how a person end up, and that the environment is a strong influence. To change a habit of abuse and addiction is also to change behaviour. Word Count: 2010. Reference: Myers D.G. (1998), Psychology, 5th edition, Worth Publishers Alloy, Jacobsen, Acocella (1999), Abnormal Psychology: Current Perspectives, 8th edition, McGraw Hill Hayes N. (1994), Foundations of Psychology an Introductory Text, 1st edition, Routledge http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personality_psychology#Humanistic_theories http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personality_psychology http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanistic_psychology Research Papers on Different Views On Substance Dependece, Abuse and Addicition - EssayThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UseUnreasonable Searches and SeizuresMoral and Ethical Issues in Hiring New EmployeesThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationRelationship between Media Coverage and Social andThree Concepts of PsychodynamicDefinition of Export QuotasAnalysis Of A Cosmetics AdvertisementInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesGenetic Engineering

How to Get Free Cat and Dog Food

How to Get Free Cat and Dog Food If youre having trouble affording dog food and cat food, you may have a variety of solutions to check out before re-homing your companion animal. Animal shelters increasingly recognize they can avoid contributing to shelter overpopulation by thinking outside the box. Food programs are popping up in many different venues to help you keep your cat or dog right at home. Why Keeping a Pet Matters When personal finances tank, putting food on the table is challenging enough without adding a few furry faces to feed. But it’s when things are at their lowest point that when the true value and worth of animals become crystal clear. Writing for Webmd.com, Dr. Ian Cook, psychiatrist and director of the Depression  Research and Clinic Program at UCLA, says: Pets offer an unconditional love that can be very helpful to people with  depression†¦ Taking care of a pet can help give you a sense of your own value and importance. It will remind you that you are capable that you can do more than you might think. A little boost in attitude and outlook could mean a lot to someone who is feeling pretty hopeless. Looking for an alternative to giving up your companion animal will not only give you a mission, it will remind you of the kindness of other humans; something of which we all need to be reminded from time to time, but especially in cases of misfortune. Where to Find Free Pet Food If youre in search of sources of free pet food, youre not alone. In fact, many organizations are aware of the issue and have created resources to help. For example: Some animal shelters maintain a pet food bank. When a distraught companion animal guardians visit the shelter with the intent to surrender their animal, instead of signing a surrender form they are given an application for food subsistence.Meals on Wheels found that pets are the only family that some seniors have and that some of their clients were sharing their meals with their pets when they couldnt afford pet food. In 2006, Meals on Wheels started the We All Love Our Pets (WALOP) initiative. Not all local Meals on Wheels programs offer pet food, so check with your local program.The Humane Society of the United States maintains a  list of national and local organizations that offer free pet food, low-cost spay/neuter services, and temporary foster care if you need help. How to Request Or Provide Help with Finding Pet Food If youre not sure where to start looking for or providing free pet food, you may find these suggestions help to break the ice. Ask your local shelter if they have a pet food bank. If you are not in need of one at the moment, offer to start one.Use search engines to research â€Å"pet food banks and meals on wheels programs in (your city). You may be surprised at all the good things that are happening in your own community.Talk to your grocer about saving dented and newly out-of-date pet food items and donating them to a shelter where you may be able to avail yourself of same.Use social media to let everyone you know you are taking up a collection to build a food bank and ask for donated food items once intended for a now-deceased animal.

Human Cognition and the Brain Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Human Cognition and the Brain - Case Study Example Phineas P. Gage was a railroad employee who went through a serious brain damage when metal pierced through his head, destroying the frontal lobe areas of his mind. This brain damage was expected to impose severe impacts on his feelings, attitudes and behaviors, transforming him in a wild and unstable level, so intense so that his friends even mentioned that he was not even the person he once was prior to the accident. At the time that this happened to the medical world, Gage's situation resulted to developments in the medical belief of the operations and portions of the human brain concerning the human feelings and behaviors. Gage's situation is mentioned as among the initial proof recommending that serious injury to the frontal lobes of the human brain could change elements of attitudes and behavior and will have an impact on the communicative abilities. Prior to this case the frontal lobes were commonly perceived to possess very minimal responsibilities in attitudes (Fleischman, 2004). With respect to current medical research, a serious injury to the brain especially in the frontal area by an object that has dimensions of more than an inch in diameter and has a weight of more than ten pounds, would definitely make living impossible for the person, since this would mean a lethal destruction to essential brain parts, which include the superior sagittal sinus. Nonetheless, Gage was able to make it through the serious accident and added miseries because of an infection developed. Gage was eventually discovered to have exhibited radical shifts in attitudes and perceptions. Gage's situation is mentioned as among the initial proof recommending that serious injury to the frontal lobes of the brain could change elements of human behavior and have an adverse impact in the proper communication between people. Prior to this situation the frontal lobes were generally perceived to have very minimal responsibilities in human attitudes. Medical expert Antonio Damasio has studied thoroughly on the case of Gage, and including other people he has devoted his time which, in his own opinion, had the same brain damages. In an idea he pertained to as the somatic marker theory, Damasio recommends a connection between the frontal lobes, human behavior and logical choices of a person. He views Gage's situation as having an essential responsibility in the field of nerve science, stating that Gage's case was the essential foundation of the field of the scientific foundations of human attitudes. While researches by Hanna Damasio and his assistants recommended a serious damage to the frontal lobes, a recent research by Ratiu and his assistants formulated on a scan of Gage's head implies that the degree of Gage's brain damage must have been not so serious at all as what is known today (Bradberry, 2005). It is normally recommended that Gage's situation hastened the improvement of a medical procedure called frontal lobotomy, currently a rare medical operation that results to an erratic behavioral response and attitude developments. Nevertheless, past research investigation does not look very positive to validate this hypothesis. It looks like that perception of Gage's brain d

Purpose of Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Purpose of Art - Essay Example The mood was somber yet violent depicting an ongoing fierce battle – field with a raging battle fought in defiance between male and female in order to gain supremacy. Heart of Andes was by artist Fredric Edwin Church who was born on the 4th of May 1826, in Hartford, Connecticut. He was an American landscape artist who always used a dimension of spirituality in his work and this painting was commissioned in 1859.   Interpretation of the meaning -.Beautifully executed piece of work where the artist brings out the beauty and serenity of the landscape. The meaning portrayed here is that it is possible for human beings to be one with God’s bountiful nature without destroying it. He had composed the painting with beautiful trees, rivers and mountains which remind us that it is impossible to imagine our world without them. Mood – The mood that the painting denotes is one of peace and calm showing that the artist would have been in a very peaceful mood while painting this picture. It kindles the audience to reflect on the wonderful gift of nature in all its beauty. The Volga  Boat - men,  was by ILYA Repin, a Ukrainian artist born in 1844. He was given extensive and intensive training from his childhood and became an icon painter since then. He entered St. Petersburg at the age of 19 during the time of the rebellion,  when young artists refused to work on any mythological subject but instead wanted to do  real life subjects. The Barge Hollows of Volga 1817- 1873 was his first major work. He was introduced to impressionism when he went to Paris.   Interpretation of the meaning - It shows the hard or harsh reality of life. It also depicts cheap labor almost amounting to slavery. The sad  expression on each face tells that they cannot escape. The sad and tired lines on their faces  and the dragging of  their feet give the mood of

MIND Charity Analysis Expansion Plan

MIND Charity Analysis Expansion Plan Evaluation of MINDs Internal and External Environment in  Light of Its Expansion Plans The aim of this report was to analyze the internal and external environments of MIND in relationship to its expansion plan. MIND is one of the leading mental health care providers around the UK and wanted to provide special services to domestic violence victims from the London Borough of Camden. There are various internal factors that determine the success of the organization. These factors include the management, the employees and the investors while the external factors include the government regulations and natural causes. Others include political, economic, ecological, socio-cultural and technological issues. MIND could proceed with its expansion plan but it needed to establish networks on the ground beforehand, carry out more extensive research and legally prepare itself for the launch in the area. Introduction In this report, the first part present the internal environment of the MIND containing the corporate governance, mission and vision statement , stakeholders and analysis organizational structure of MIND . The second part describe evaluation and analyses of the external environment of MIND followed by conclusion and recommendations on how the MIND should manage its enlargement to succeed a professional service in the London borough of Camden . MIND is a mental health charity in the United Kingdom that provides counsel and support to empower mental health patients by carrying out campaigns on service improvement, creation of awareness and promotion of understanding of the mental health issues in the UK.       An organizations corporate governance, mission, stakeholders and vision are the most important aspects of the organization. They are the ones that provide the management with the direction and guidance with respect to what to do when, where and how in order to maintain the public image and performance of the organization (Bartkus Glassman, 2008, p.207). MIND is alive to this facts and that is why it has these important organizational fabrics in place. These form the internal environment of the organization. Stakeholders of MIND Stakeholder refers to an individual or a group of individuals that have justifiable interest in an organization and can either be affected or affect the organization. Stakeholders can be classified as either primary or secondary (Menassa Baer, 2014, p.207). Primary stakeholders refer to individuals or groups that are directly affected by the decisions of the organization and they include investors, strategic customers and employees. Secondary stakeholders on the other hand are those with indirect interests in the organization and they include associations, the media, competition, government and customers (Menassa Baer, 2014, p.208). Stakeholders can also be classified as either internal or external. Internal stakeholders are those within the organization including managers, board of trustees, employees and investors while external stakeholders include individuals or groups that are not within the organization itself but affect or are affected by the operations and performance of th e organization and they include suppliers, regulators, consumers and investors (Menassa Baer, 2014, p.210). The internal stakeholders of MIND include the donors, the Council of Management, Trustees, employees and other investors. On the other hand, the external stakeholders include the suppliers, people with mental health problems and their close families for instance their spouses, government regulators like the Charity Commission, competitors such as SANE and donors. Corporate Governance of the MIND Youssef (2010, p.1) defines corporate governance as a system of practises, processes and rules on which a companys management bases their management functions of planning, controlling, directing and coordinating. It encompasses the process of striking a balance between the interests of the various stakeholders which include the management, the shareholders, the suppliers, the customers, the government, financiers as well as the community. It addresses the issues that emanate from the separation of ownership and control while establishing a distinct relationship between the managers and shareholders of any organisation. Harford, et al., (2012, p.108) state that corporate governance provides a scaffold for achieving the objectives of the company thus comprising every sphere of management including action plans, internal controls, corporate disclosure and measures of performance. The corporate governance framework for MIND is founded on the Board of Trustees which is referred to as the Council of Management and aims at ethical management and transparent use of donations as the MIND is a charity organization that relies on donations for its activities. The MIND President is in charge of the day-to-day running of the organisation and reports to the Council of Management (MIND, 2017b). The president is regarded as the organisations figurehead and primary emissary in charge of promoting the organisations courses. The MINDs president is the embodiment of the organisations credibility, values, authority and trustworthiness (MIND, 2017b). Mission Statement of MIND A Mission Statement is a written statement of declaration that describes an organizations central function, markets and competitive advantage with an unchanging focus over time (Cady, et al., 2011, p.63). Mission statements serve to sieve what is important to the organization and what is not while clearly stating the organizations target markets and how they will be served while communicating a clear sense of direction to the organization (Cady, et al., 2011, p.63). MINDs mission is providing advice and support while empowering individuals with mental health problems (MIND, 2017). Additionally, the organization pushes for service improvement, creation of awareness and promotion of understanding. Vision Statement of the MIND According to Cady, Wheeler, DeWolf and Brodke (2011, p.63), a vision statement refers to a description of what a firm yearns to achieve in its mid- and long-term future in the form of mid-term and long-term goals. Vision statements act as comprehensible guide to selecting current and prospective courses of action. The vision statement of MIND is that the organization wont give up until everyone with mental health problems is accorded support and respect (MIND, 2017). Organizational Structure of MIND The system with which an organization uses to establish a form of structure and hierarchy within its management is referred to as an organizational structure (Dees, 2012, p.232). An organizational structure has clear-cut and definite job descriptions within the company and where each of the job levels are supposed to report. This structure is created to determine the way in which the firm operates and helps in the attainment of the organizational goals for purposes of future growth. The structure is often exemplified by an organizational chart. There are different classifications of organizational structures with each classification depending on the classifiers school of thought (Dees, 2012, p.233). The most common organizational structures include the functional, divisional, traditional hierarchy and matrix organizational structure. The organizational structure at MIND is divisional. In a divisional organizational structure, the leadership of the organization is structured according to the various projects, geographical territories, products, or a combination of several of these. This structure is synonymous with large organizations that either operates in a large geographic area or has several separate smaller firms operating semi-autonomously under the umbrella group to cover different market segments, product ranges or service types (MIND, (2017c). At the peak of MINDs management structure is the Council of Management whose functions include acting as trustees to the charity and directors of the company. However, the organization also has a subsidiary called the MINDs Matter Limited which deals in the organizations trading activities. Additionally, the charity has other connected trustees including the Elliott Charity and the Mary Hemingway Rees Memorial Fund (MIND, 2016, p.23). At the very bottom level of th e management structure is the MIND Network which is made up of local MIND Associations operating as separate entities complete with individual financial activities and related estimates. Advantages of Divisional Organizational Structure There are a number of advantages associated with the divisional organizational structure. First, due to its foundation on a massive delegation of power and authority, the performance of individual sections and divisions within the organization can directly be measured (Bao Wang, 2011, p.81). This is because each of the divisions executes their activities independently. Consequently, unprofitable divisions can be done away with while measures can be taken to provide the necessary support for the profitable divisions. Secondly, the development of division heads ensures that each of the managers takes care of all the functions that are related to the products under their division. Consequently, there is increased accountability for sales and profits for each division. This helps in the skills development among the division heads while enhancing their performance and employee morale for each of the divisions (Bao Wang, 2011, p.81). With autonomous local MIND Associations and the variou s charities within the MIND Management structure, the charity is able to meet its performance goals and objectives as employees are motivated and there is increased accountability among the autonomous structures (MIND, 2017c). Thirdly, a divisional structure shortens the decision-making process as every division within the organization is independent ((Bao Wang, 2011, p.82). Consequently, it is easy to change the size of the business by simply adding or removing divisions as the division heads can execute any decision that affects their division without necessarily consulting with other heads of other divisions. Furthermore, there is more efficient and effective ability with respect to the various coordinating activities between and among the various divisions within the organization as there is role distinction between them. There is equally enhanced flexibility when it comes to responding to alterations and modifications in the local market. Lastly, divisional organizational structure leads to more specialization of divisional expertise among employees. With specific skills being brought on board within the management structure of the MIND, the organization ensures that there is specialization of expert ise which enhances the performance of the MIND. Disadvantages of Divisional Organizational Structure In spite of its numerous advantages that the divisional organizational structure presents to MIND, there a several disadvantages that the structure has that may be detrimental to the organization. First, there is a likelihood of experiencing conflicts between divisional heads as everyone would want to establish their supremacy within the organization by demanding maximum resources for their divisions to gratify their own ego (Bao Wang, 2011, p.84). Secondly, there is a high likelihood of duplication of functions among the various divisions within the organization. For instance, some of the roles undertaken by the MINDs Matter subsidiary could be done by Local MIND Associations. This role duplication leads to misuse of resources within the organization and the cost of operation eventually increases gratuitously. There is equally a reasonable likelihood of the various divisional heads having a selfish attitude as they try to exhibit their better performance even at the expense of other divisions within the organization (Bao Wang, 2011, p.83). When this selfish interest spreads across the organization, it becomes a concern for the various stakeholders within the organization. Office politics are a common phenomenon in firms that practice divisional organizational structure (Bao Wang, 2011, p.86). This may lead to wastage of important time and other resources that would have been used in the strategic thinking that is beneficial to the organization. Additionally, divisions within the organization lead to compartmentalization which in the end results in incompatibilities among company products and services (Bao Wang, 2011, p.87). Since when it was founded in 1946, MINDs organizational structure has proved to be beneficial to the organization. Therefore, it is an effective structure owing to t he numerous advantages that it presents to the organization. An organizations external environment comprises of all the outside that elements and factors that impact the organizations operations (Al-Debei Avison, 2010, p.359). In order for the organization to survive, it must act or react upon these factors. The external environment is subdivided into micro and macro environment with the micro environment being made up of all the elements that directly affect the operations of the firm and the macro environment being made up of all the factors that the firm typically has no control over (Al-Debei Avison, 2010, p.359). The triumph of the firm depends on how quickly it adapts to these factors within the external environment. MIND is set to undertake an expansion exercise aimed at providing specialized services in the area of London borough of Lewisham. The London borough of Camden is one of the 32 local authority districts found within the Greater London administrative area. This London borough is found towards the north-west of London with its principal settlement being Camden. The borough is administered by the Camden London Borough Council. Geographically, the London Borough of Camden is located to the northern of London city stretching from Bloomsbury and Holborn towards the south to Hampstead Heath towards the north. The borough borders the City of Westminster and the City of London on its southern side, Barnet and Haringey towards its north and Brent and Islington to the west and east respectively. External Environmental Analysis using PEST According to Blery, Katseli and Tsara (2010, p.58), PEST analysis refers to one of the concepts in marketing principles that is used as a tool by organizations to keep an eye on the environment in which they are transacting their day to day operations or in which they are planning to launch a new product, service or project. PEST is in fact an acronym standing for political, economic, social and technological. These are the external factors that often influence the various activities the organization undertakes. The tool was created in 1967 by a Francis Aguilar and can work alone or be used in combination with other tools to help organizations and companies to enhance their decision making process and timing (Blery, et al., 2010, p.59). POLITICAL Camden community law centre Squatting law SOCIO-CULTURAL High male and female life expectancy (above 80) High Children conception rate of between 17% 24% High rates of worthlessness among the population High prevalence of childhood obesity of between 19% 22% High rates of children being looked after ECONOMIC Very low economic growth Low number of jobs per resident of working age Business survival rates are satisfactorily over 70% Poor employment rates of below 18% High rates of education levels TECHNOLOGICAL Division of Information Technology Use of technology in policing efforts City-wide IT utilization efforts Political Environment for Camden The political environment for Camden refers to factors such as the trends in government policies and the various relationships between government agencies and the business community. These factors affect the legal framework that MIND will adopt when launching its operations in Camden. Additionally, these factors affect the specific market conditions that affect the behavior of the consumers of the services offered by MIND and the amount of assistance the charity stands to obtain from the area government. With the Labour party having the most representation in the local council followed by the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats respectively, there is optimism for favorable political environment for the operations of the Charity in Camden. The security status in the area is guaranteed and therefore, the organization can feel safe while undertaking its operations in the region. Additionally, there have been a number of legislations that are aimed at providing the best environment f or the charity (Blery, et al., 2010, p.59). Economic Factors The two year business survival rate in Camden is rated at over 70% but the economic growth rate in the area is very low. The population is highly educated with a sizeable number of people having attained higher education with degrees. The number of jobs available for each resident of the borough of working age is very low leading to high unemployment rates in the area. The London Community foundation has a number of funding opportunities for the Camden region that are aimed at transforming the living conditions of the region. In 2016, the borough received $13.2 from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. The grant was meant for the replacement of the substandard housing that was widespread in the region with mixed-income housing. Apart from these grants, there are several other grants that have given out in Camden to support victims of domestic violence. For instance the Camden/Wollondilly Domestic Violence Committee received a $1,000 grant from the NSW government to support the committees projects that aim at creating awareness on domestic violence as well as family violence (Patterson, 2016). Before this, there was the Verizon Foundation grant of $7,500 that was awarded to the Centre for Family Services that is based in Camden and provides human services (Rutolo, 2011). This grant was directed to the establishments domestic violence solution that involved the creation of a teen dating violence awareness video. These therefore provide precedence for what MIND expects to get when it launches its operations in the region with regards to the economic factors of the region. Socio-cultural Environment Aspects of the socio-cultural environment include the lifestyles of the population, the sex distribution, social classes, minorities, emphasis on safety, population growth rate, age distribution and life expectancy. Others include the size and structure of the families, their attitude towards career, work, leisure and retirement among others. The London borough of Camden has high life expectancy for both men and female at 80 years but the children conception rate of 17% 22% is very high for such a region with most of this happening in the rural. More adults feel worthless as attributed to the high rates of unemployment which leads to high dependency ratios. According to Hopscotch Asian Womens Centre, 80% of Asian women in Camden experience sexual abuse, over 60% undergo financial abuse while 50% experienced physical and emotional abuse from their family members (Hotscotch, 2012, p.5). This information presents a dire need for domestic abuse services for people in this area. This the refore presents an opportunity for MIND to launch their product in the area. Technological Environment There has been a lot of technological developments that have happened and these affects the way in which businesses carry out their operations. These technological influences include product and process innovations that affect the way in which businesses transact their businesses. They present opportunities and threats to organizational operations that are important for gaining competitive advantage and are important drivers of organizational expansion. The London borough of Camden has witnessed the double edge of technology. Technology has played an important role in the reporting of domestic violence cases as well as collection of evidence from scenes such as screenshots, recordings and printing abusive emails. However, abusers have equally exploited technology to cover their tracks and commit criminal acts. According to Cogno (2016), there has been a rise in the number of domestic violence crimes in Camden prompting the establishment of a victims centre that is technologically enh anced to help victims recover as well as address other domestic violence related cases. This centre is enhanced by technology. Recommendations for Managing Expansion MIND can expand its operations to cover Camden because the area is in need of domestic violence counseling and assistance from a charity organization of MINDs magnitude. However, there are several recommendations that I believe if the organization needs to succeed in the provision of services in the area, it must consider them. First, there is need for the organization to carry out an extensive background research of the area from time to time to ensure that it sets achievable goals in its operations in the area. Secondly, there is need to align the charity with the regulations and registration requirement for the London borough of Camden in order to avoid litigations that could drain its resources or even stop its provision of services in the area. Thirdly, there is need for the organization to find ways of providing funding for their operations. Charity organizations rely on donor funding and volunteerism to carry out their operations in regions they operate. Additionally, there will be need for the charity to capitalize on the available resources and build networks around the Camden area in order for the organization to establish itself around the borough. Since there are organizations that are already working to address the problem in the area, MIND will be better placed if it sought for partnership opportunities with these organizations. MINDs response toward the internal and external environments is responsible for its success over the years. With its planned expansion to the London Borough of Camden, it is noteworthy that the area really needs the special services that MIND plans to offer to the populations. However, before venturing out, it is important for the organization to ready itself as this expansion will take a toll on its resources. The recommendations outlined in this report will keep MIND on a success path even as it launches operations to support victims of domestic violence in Camden. Al-Debei, M.M. and Avison, D., 2010. Developing a unified framework of the business model concept. European Journal of Information Systems, 19(3), pp.359-376. Bao, T. and Wang, Y. (2011). Incomplete contract, bargaining and optimal divisional structure. Journal of Economics, 107(1), pp.81-96. Bartkus, B.R. and Glassman, M., 2008. Do firms practice what they preach? The relationship between mission statements and stakeholder management. Journal of business ethics, 83(2), pp.207-216. Blery, E.K., Katseli, E. and Tsara, N., 2010. Marketing for a non-profit organization. International Review on Public and Nonprofit Marketing, 7(1), pp.57-68. Cady, S.H., Wheeler, J.V., DeWolf, J. and Brodke, M., 2011. Mission, vision, and values: what do they say?. Organization Development Journal, 29(1), p.63. Cogno, L. (2016). Refuge for domestic violence victims. [online] Dailytelegraph.com.au. Available at: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/macarthur/refuge-for-domestic-violence-victims-planned-for-camden-or-wollondilly-after-campbelltown-declared-a-hot-spot-for-the-crime/news-story/3bdac7034385a283249c71f546cf708a [Accessed 13 Mar. 2017]. Dees, J.G., 2012. A tale of two cultures: Charity, problem solving, and the future of social entrepreneurship. Journal of business ethics, 111(3), pp.321-334. Harford, J., Mansi, S.A. and Maxwell, W.F., 2012. Corporate governance and firm cash holdings in the US. In Corporate Governance (pp. 107-138). Springer Berlin Heidelberg. Hopscotch, (2012). Survey of Domestic Violence wi thin Camdens Asian Communities. Hopscotch Asian Womens Centre, pp.1 15. Menassa, C.C. and Baer, B., 2014. A framework to assess the role of stakeholders in sustainable building retrofit decisions. Sustainable Cities and Society, 10, pp.207-221. MIND, (2016). Mind (The National Association for Mental Health). Report and financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2016. London, pp.1 75. MIND, (2017). Our mission | Mind, the mental health charity help for mental health problems. [online] Mind.org.uk. Available at: http://mind.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/our-mission/ [Accessed 13 Mar. 2017]. MIND, (2017b). Our President | Mind, the mental health charity help for mental health problems. [online] Mind.org.uk. Available at: http://www.mind.org.uk/about-us/celebrity-support/our-president/ [Accessed 23 Mar. 2017]. MIND, (2017c). Our impact | Mind, the mental health charity help for mental health problems. [online] Mind.org.uk. Available at: http://www.mind.org.uk/about-us/our-impact/ [Accessed 23 Mar. 2017]. Patterson, C. (2016). Camden/Wollondilly Domestic Violence Committee Receive Grant Chris Patterson. [online] Chris Patterson. Available at: http://www.chrispatterson.com.au/media/n/camdenwollondilly-domestic-violence-committee-receive-grant-161122 [Accessed 13 Mar. 2017]. Rutolo, M. (2011). CFS Awarded Domestic Violence Solution Grant | Center for Family Services. [online] Centerffs.org. Available at: https://www.centerffs.org/cfs-awarded-domestic-violence-solution-grant [Accessed 13 Mar. 2017]. Youssef, M.T., 2010. Corporate Governance An Overview-Around the Globe. pp.1-13

Anne Frank’s Post Capture Diary Essay

The following all takes place between the time of Anne Frank and family’s capture and her death in Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp  4th August 1944  I don’t know what happened. I just don’t know. There is no way they could have found without some despicable, racist and selfish person turning us in. Margot hasn’t stopped crying. She is depending on me. I have to put on a brave face no matter how terrified I am of our destination and what awaits us there. The truck we are on smells of urine and something else disgusting I can’t imagine what is secreting out. They tell us that we are going to a prison where we can meet other scum like us. I think it is them who should be locked up. After all it is they themselves who are the scum†¦ 5th August 1944  We have arrived at our destination. I caught a glimpse of the name. We are in Weteringschan Prison. It means the prison of death. I can see why. Rotting corpses are all around. Many of us have vomited at the mere sight. However we have been told there is worse to come. I can’t imagine a worse place than this. I am beginning to feel an illness about me. If I am sickening for something this early on, I will never survive. Soon they are shipping us off to Westerbork. I assume that where I will perish. I’m so scared. I don’t know how much longer I can bear this†¦ August 8th 1944  This is it. I cannot go on living anymore. They separated myself and Margot from Mummy and Pim. I kicked up such a fuss that Margot had to pull me back to keep the guards from shooting me there and then. There are no words to describe how melancholy I am feeling right now. I just have to sleep and hope that this fiendish life is all just a nightmarish dream†¦Ã‚  September 3rd 1944  I was shaken awake by guards early this morning. I was not awake enough to catch all of what they said but I caught the gist of it. Auschwitz Death Camp. Those words stroke fear deep into my heart. All hope of survival drained instantly from my body. I didn’t have the energy to fight back, so I stumbled onto the train with what few belongings I had left and watched my screaming tearful mother reach out to us. I couldn’t stop crying for the whole journey. Why are the Nazis doing this to us? What have we ever done to upset anyone? I’ve tried to lead a good life but obviously god needs to make Jews repent for something. Maybe this is like Noah’s Ark. God is cleansing the Earth of all bad things. Maybe we are bad. Maybe we do deserve to die†¦ September 5th 1944  Westerbork isn’t as bad I thought. Apparently the Germans just let the Jews run the place as long we work hard. Me and Margot have been ‘sentenced’ to potato peeling. There are worse jobs out there! I still miss Mum and Pim so much though. I hope they’re okay†¦Ã‚  October 19th 1944  My hopes lifted when we were sent away form this horrible place. They descended back down again as soon as I realised we were just being transported to the worst place I had ever heard of. Bergen Belsen†¦ December 24th 1942  What a way to spend Christmas. Crammed in a dark dank hole with hundreds of others like us. There appears to be an outbreak of a disease with yellow pustules oozing blood in the rest of the tents. It is only a matter of time before it reaches me and Margot. Speaking of Margot, she is sickening a lot worse than me. She is as pale as a ghost. I don’t know how likely it is for her to pull through†¦ January 12th 1945  The Germans might as well have abandoned us. There is no food or water. Everyone is covered in mud and scars. We only have bits of cloth to cover ourselves with. Worst of all Margot is taking a new turn for the worse every day. She can’t even walk anymore. She spends all day in bed, just coughing and spluttering. The little food I get goes to her. I’m so cold. We can’t last much longer†¦Ã‚  19th March 1945  I can’t go on. I woke up this morning. Margot didn’t. I can’t even walk as I am so grief-stricken. All hope is lost. Hitler will conquer the world and it shall perish at his hands†¦Ã‚  It is believed Anne died within a few days of Margot. They both perished of Typhus in March 1945.