Free Essays on Argumentation In Favor Of Ibsen’s Statement About The Nature Of Nora’s Departure

Argumentation in favor of Ibsen’s statement about the nature of Nora’s departure. In the Notes for â€Å"A Doll House† Ibsen states that â€Å"The wife in the play ends by having no idea of what is right or wrong; natural feeling on the one hand and belief in authority on the other have altogether bewildered her†. However, the play offers the audience two different approaches to understand the nature of Nora’s behavior. She might be seen as a woman that suddenly awakened into the ability to perceive herself after recognizing the negative role of her father and later, that of her husband, that prevented her to mature as an individual. This view should explain to the audience about the surprising metamorphosis of the protagonist into a â€Å"new† personality. From this point of view Nora wishes to obtain meaningful value for her life, however, she realizes that it can take place only if she will leave Helmer’s home. As an alternative, Nora might be seen as ordinary throughout the whole play, as the person that performs her own need s and does not attend to anybody else. From this point of view Nora really could be considered as one who doesn’t know â€Å"what is right or wrong†. There is an attempt below to analyze rightness of this approach regarding such aspects of Nora’s character as her personality, incapability to be responsible for her marriage, and her view of the social rules. She has no â€Å"idea of what is right or wrong† because she lacks fundamental concepts about human personality. She doesn’t know what she is doing because she suddenly realize her miserable situation that makes her incapable of making the compromise needed to continue with the marriage. Nora is bewildered because she can’t clearly understand the weight of the clash between social rules and morality. Actually, treating Nora’s accusations requires extreme integrity. For example, when Nora states that Torvald has never conversed with her seri... Free Essays on Argumentation In Favor Of Ibsen’s Statement About The Nature Of Nora’s Departure Free Essays on Argumentation In Favor Of Ibsen’s Statement About The Nature Of Nora’s Departure Argumentation in favor of Ibsen’s statement about the nature of Nora’s departure. In the Notes for â€Å"A Doll House† Ibsen states that â€Å"The wife in the play ends by having no idea of what is right or wrong; natural feeling on the one hand and belief in authority on the other have altogether bewildered her†. However, the play offers the audience two different approaches to understand the nature of Nora’s behavior. She might be seen as a woman that suddenly awakened into the ability to perceive herself after recognizing the negative role of her father and later, that of her husband, that prevented her to mature as an individual. This view should explain to the audience about the surprising metamorphosis of the protagonist into a â€Å"new† personality. From this point of view Nora wishes to obtain meaningful value for her life, however, she realizes that it can take place only if she will leave Helmer’s home. As an alternative, Nora might be seen as ordinary throughout the whole play, as the person that performs her own need s and does not attend to anybody else. From this point of view Nora really could be considered as one who doesn’t know â€Å"what is right or wrong†. There is an attempt below to analyze rightness of this approach regarding such aspects of Nora’s character as her personality, incapability to be responsible for her marriage, and her view of the social rules. She has no â€Å"idea of what is right or wrong† because she lacks fundamental concepts about human personality. She doesn’t know what she is doing because she suddenly realize her miserable situation that makes her incapable of making the compromise needed to continue with the marriage. Nora is bewildered because she can’t clearly understand the weight of the clash between social rules and morality. Actually, treating Nora’s accusations requires extreme integrity. For example, when Nora states that Torvald has never conversed with her seri...

How to Study Shakespeares Sonnet 73

How to Study Shakespeare's Sonnet 73 Shakespeare’s Sonnet 73 is the third of four poems concerned with aging (Sonnets 71-74). It is also hailed as one of his most beautiful sonnets. The speaker in the poem suggests that his lover will love him more, the older he gets because his physical aging will remind him that he will die soon. Alternatively, he could be saying that if his lover can appreciate and love him in his decrepit state then his love must be enduring and strong. You can read the full text to Sonnet 73 in our collection of Shakespeare’s sonnets. The Facts Sequence: Sonnet 73 is part of the Fair Youth SonnetsKey Themes: Ageing, mortality, enduring love, forthcoming death inspiring stronger love, seasons of lifeStyle: Sonnet 73 is written in iambic pentameter and follows the traditional sonnet form A Translation The poet addresses his lover and acknowledges that he is in the Autumn or Winter of his life and that he knows his lover can see that. He compares himself to a tree in the Autumn or Winter: â€Å"Upon those boughs which shake against the cold.† He explains that the sun (or life) in him is fading and night (or death) is taking over - he is aging. However, he knows his lover still sees a fire in him but suggests that it will go out or that he will be consumed by it. He knows his lover sees him getting older but believes it makes his love stronger because he knows that he will die soon so will appreciate him while he is there. Analysis The sonnet is somewhat tragic in tone because it is based on wishful thinking: as I get older, I will be loved more. However, it could be saying that even though the lover can perceive his aging, he loves him regardless. The tree metaphor works beautifully in this case. It is evocative of the seasons and relates to the different stages of life. This is reminiscent of the â€Å"All the world’s a stage† speech from As You Like It. In Sonnet 18 the fair youth is famously compared to a summer’s day – we know then that he is younger and more vibrant than the poet and that this concerns him. Sonnet 73 contains many of the reoccurring themes in Shakespeare’s work concerning the effects of time and age on physical and mental wellbeing. The poem could also be compared to Sonnet 55 where monuments are â€Å"besmeared by sluttish time†. The metaphors and imagery are pungent in this evocative example of Shakespeare’s mastery.

The Baroque Period Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Baroque Period - Essay Example The art forms of the period are characterized as intense, immediate, and individualist (Sullivan). These characteristics were achieved through the manipulation of movement and energy of the paintings and sculptures. Most of the themes of the art forms were mainly of considerable action and lively momentum. For a case in point, consider Gianlorenzo Bernini’s David (1623). This marble sculpture was set at a dynamic point, the moment at which David was about to hurl the sling. At such point of action, Bernini added emotion by carving it out of David’s face, revealing enthusiasm, and fury out of the sculpture. As most of the figures of the Baroque, Bernini’s subject was a human figure. Naturalism was still a general attribute of baroque art, and science gradually influenced art pieces. This could be seen in David’s elaborate details of the body structure. In paintings, the same characteristics could be observed. In Caravaggio’s representation of Christ from the cross, Entombment (1603), the depicted scene shows a sense of movement and emotions. The painting engages the viewer into sympathizing with the subjects through the evident emotions depicted in the faces and movements of the figures. The emotion of the moment was captured as well through the manipulation of light, which is also an attribute of Baroque period. Such paintings were commissioned by the church to draw people into returning to the Catholic Church at the time of the Counter-Reformation.The architecture of the period was grand, like the energy.

The Incorporation of Immigrants in Growing Urban Areas ( Annotated Bibliography

The Incorporation of Immigrants in Growing Urban Areas ( AAAG Style) - Annotated Bibliography Example By conducting a survey in three Chinese cities (Lanzhou, Taiyuan, and Tianjin), the authors uncover the relationships that exist between migrant workers and the three factors/players. The authors conclude that by providing equal access to urban housing benefits, migrant workers in Chinese cities may not necessarily have their housing conditions get better. This journal article is authored by Wang, Wang, and Jiansheng three scholars affiliated with the Heriot-Watt University in the United Kingdom. In their study, the three authors investigate the housing situation in Shenzhen City with a view of uncovering the facts that have led to Chinese cities’ having no slums. In their study Wang, Wang, and Jiansheng reveal how Shenzhen city is coping with the housing problem. While the city has no slums around it, it hosts urban villages which are characterised by small apartments and small shared rooms. These apartments and rooms on their part are characterised by overcrowding and poverty. The authors also reveal that private landlords and urban villages contribute significantly toward housing migrant workers in Chinese cities. This journal article is authored by Tao, Wong, and Hui, scholars affiliated with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. In their study, the three scholars sought to establish the extent to which migrant workers living in the city of Shenzhen, China are satisfied with their housing conditions and situations. The study reveals that while many of the people in China have to contend with overcrowded houses and poor conditions, they are not as dissatisfied as one would logically expect. Some of the main factors that are behind this trend among migrants living in the country include friendship, kinship, family life and mobility. Other factors that play a role in the satisfaction of the migrants with the housing situation in china relate to the facilities and

Elevator Failures in Housing for the Elderly Essay Example for Free

Elevator Failures in Housing for the Elderly Essay The advent of multi-stored housing apartments that can be of up to 30 stores imply that any one who has a problem standing or being in elevators for a long time may be forced to seek alternatives which in most cases are non existent. However, the use of elevators should not have been a worry if only they were well functioning and regularly serviced (Fernandez 2008). According to residents, taking a lift is a risk in that they are prone to breakdowns and in most cases it is only one of the up to four lifts that is functional (Fernandez 2008). Some buildings have elevators that breakdown so often that one would rather do without them. The elderly due to their reduced performance are worst affected by the problem; most of them have health problems that do not allow for strenuous activities like walking up storied building (Fernandez 2008). According to a resident at Kingsborough apartment, the problem is compounded by the slowness with which mechanics respond in cases of emergencies (Fernandez 2008). Mechanics take up to nine hours to respond to cases of emergency regarding elevators. Some residents have lost their limbs in efforts to escape from jammed lifts while the loss of time that elevator complications lead to cannot be quantified (Fernandez 2008). Others have lost their lives trying to escape the confines of jammed elevators. Though residences fail elevator inspection test, nothing is being done about the failures; the death of an 89 year old woman which is partly blamed on elevator failure has not even raised concern on the issue (Fernandez 2008). Being stuck in elevators for up to 20 minutes an hour is common and most folks casually chat about it (Fernandez 2008). 151 elevators failures were recorded by Kingsborough extensions in 2007-2008; a record breaking figure for a housing development for the elderly (Fernandez 2008).

THE WAI AND DISABLED POPULATIONS :: Essays Papers

THE WAI AND DISABLED POPULATIONS Introduction-In a world where the Internet is the fastest growing method of communication and educational resources, it should be available to all of its users. However, it seems that the creators seemed to have left out a certain group of people. This group of people would be the disabled population of the world. It might seem to the "normal person" that this is not a big issue. Contrary to what people might think it truly is. The Web Accessibility Initiative was established by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Its promise is to assure all users of the web a fair and equal opportunity for people with disabilities. There are many important reasons why web accessibility is important. Not many people realize how many obstacles the web has for people with disabilities. This affects millions of people throughout the world. Some of these include visual disabilities. For example, web sites that have poorly marked-up table or frames, unlabeled graphics or undescribed videos. People with hearing disabilities also experience problems, such as lack of captioning for audio, and proliferation of text with out visual markers. Other sites on the web are also unfair for people who have cognitive or neurological disabilites. This can cause problems because of flickering or strobing graphics on pages, and highly complicated presentations and language use(Brewer). In October 1994, the W3C was created to lead the information superhighway to it's highest potential by developing a set of guidelines that ensure its evolution, accessibility and understanding by everybody. WAI is sponsored by a mixed group of government and industry supporters of accessibility. It has three different guidelines to address different needs. 1.) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0. 2.) Authoring Tool Accessibility Guidelines 1.0 3.)User Agent Accessibility Guidelines 1.0 Each guideline has specific supporting documents and resources. Some examples of this are checklists, technique documents with implementation detail, curricula, and logos. Research and development can have a major impact on the future of web accessibility. WAI plays a key role in assessing trends in implementations of accessible and inaccessible web technologies. It also helps with devoloping collaborations with research projects to promote awareness of the need for accessibility and benefits of universal design. For people with disabilites the Internet has been a "mixed blessing(Brewer)". Inaccessibility is unfair because the Internet is an excellent source for news, information, commerce, distance learning, email, voting, entertainment and even keeping in touch with family and friends.

Essays Solution

Workshop 3 Interest Rates and Bond Valuation Terminology †¢Face value/par value – the original issue price (the amount borrowed). †¢Maturity date – date on which loan has to be repaid. †¢Coupon interest rate – original interest rate on the bond. †¢Coupon payment – the fixed interest payment on the bond. †¢YTM=required rate of return. ?Bonds pay fixed coupon payments at fixed intervals and the face value at maturity. ?there is an inverse relationship between the price of an investment and the rate of return on the investment – if you pay a higher price for an investment your rate of return must be lower (holding all other factors constant)) ?If the YTM = coupon rate the bond will sell for the face value (i. e. current price = face value). ?If the YTM > coupon rate the bond will sell for a discount (yield goes up, price goes down). If the YTM < coupon rate the bond will sell for a premium (yield goes down, price goes up). Disc ussion 1. Identify the three most important determinants of the price of a bond. Describe the effect of each? Answer The three factors affecting the price of a bond are – coupon – yield – term to maturity. T > The relationship between price and coupon is a direct one – the higher the coupon, the higher the price. The relationship between price and yield is an inverse one – the higher the yield the lower the price, all other factors held constant. The relationship between price and maturity is not so clearly evident. Price changes resulting from changes in yields will be more pronounced, the longer the term to maturity. 2. Given a change in the level of interest rates, discuss how two major factors will influence the relative change in price of individual bonds. AnswerFor a given change in the level of interest rates, two factors that will influence the relative change in bond prices are the coupon and maturity of the issues. Bonds with longer matur ity and/or lower coupons will have the greatest price changes in response to a given change in interest rates. Other factors likewise cause differences in price volatility, including the call features, but these factors are typically much less important. 3. What is the purpose of bond ratings? Answer Bond ratings provide a very important service in the market for fixed income securities because they provide the fundamental analysis for thousands of issues.The rating agencies conduct extensive analyses of the intrinsic characteristics of the issue to determine the default risk for the investor and inform the market of the analyses through their ratings. 4. What are the important assumptions made when you calculate the promised YTM? Answer The most crucial assumption that the investor makes is that cash flows will be received in full (i. e. investors hold the bond to maturity) and reinvested at the promised yield. 5. You expect interest rates to decline over the next 6 months.What kin d of bonds do you want in your portfolios in term of duration and explain your reasoning for this choice. Answer Given that you expect interest rates to decline during the next six months, you should choose bonds that will have the largest price increase, that is, bonds with long durations. 6. Which of the following bonds will have the greatest percentage increase in value if all interest rates decrease by 1 percent? a. 20-year, zero coupon bond. b. 10-year, zero coupon bond. c. 20-year, 10 percent coupon bond. d. 20-year, 5 percent coupon bond. AnswerSince a zero coupon bond’s price today is determined just by the NPV of its par value, all of its payment is discounted for the maximum amount of time, whereas a coupon bond has many payments discounted for less than the maximum amount of time. Therefore, a zero coupon bond is most affected by interest rate changes. So, the longest zero coupon bond is the correct answer, which is statement a. 7. Which of the following statements is most correct? a. All else equal, long-term bonds have more interest rate risk than short-term bonds. b. All else equal, high-coupon bonds have less reinvestment rate risk than low-coupon bonds. . All else equal, short-term bonds have less reinvestment rate risk than do long-term bonds. d. All of the statements above are correct. Answer Statement a since high-coupon bonds have more reinvestment rate risk than low-coupon bonds and short-term bonds have more reinvestment rate risk than do long-term bonds. Problems 1. Two years ago you bought a government bond for $1,000 because you liked the 10% p. a. coupon interest payment that you would receive for 10 years. Interest on the bond is paid annually. Two years later, when the market interest rate has fallen to 8% p. a. what is the value of your bond? SolutionSince coupon rate is 10% and YTM has fallen to 8%, it must be the case that the price of this bond has increased (remembering the inverse relationship between bond price and yie ld). 2. The Morgan Corporation has two different bonds currently outstanding. Bond M has a face value of $20,000 and matures in 20 years. The bond makes no payments for the first six years, then payS $800 every six months over the subsequently eight years, and finally pays $1,000 every six months over the last 6 years. Bond N also has a face value of $20,000 and a maturity of 20 years; it makes no coupon payments over the life of the bond.If the required return on both these bond is 8 percent compounded semiannually, what is the current price of bond M? and bond N? Solution The price of any bond (or financial instrument) is the PV of the future cash flows. Even though Bond M makes different coupons payments, to find the price of the bond, we just find the PV of the cash flows. The PV of the cash flows for Bond M is: PM = $800(PVIFA4%,n=16)(PVIF4%,n=12) + $1,000(PVIFA4%,1n=2)(PVIF4%,n=28) + $20,000(PVIF4%,n=40) PM = $13,117. 88 Notice that for the coupon payments of $800, we found th e PVA for the coupon payments, and then discounted the lump sum back to today.Bond N is a zero coupon bond with a $20,000 par value; therefore, the price of the bond is the PV of the par, or: PN = $20,000(PVIF4%,40) = $4,165. 78 3. Bond P is a premium bond with a 9 percent coupon. Bond D is a 5 percent coupon bond currently selling at a discount. Both bonds make annual payments, have a YTM of 7 percent, and have five years to maturity. What is the current yield for bond P? for bond D? if interest rates remain unchanged, what is the expected capital gains yield over the next year for bond P? for bond D? Explain your answers and the interrelationship among the various types of yields.Solution To find the capital gains yield and the current yield, we need to find the price of the bond. The current price of Bond P and the price of Bond P in one year is: P:P0 = $90(PVIFA7%,5) + $1,000(PVIF7%,5) = $1,082. 00 P1 = $90(PVIFA7%,4) + $1,000(PVIF7%,4) = $1,067. 74 Current yield = $90 / $1,082. 00 = . 0832 or 8. 32% The capital gains yield is: Capital gains yield = (New price – Original price) / Original price Capital gains yield = ($1,067. 74 – 1,082. 00) / $1,082. 00 = –0. 0132 or –1. 32% The current price of Bond D and the price of Bond D in one year is:D:P0 = $50(PVIFA7%,5) + $1,000(PVIF7%,5) = $918. 00 P1 = $50(PVIFA7%,4) + $1,000(PVIF7%,4) = $932. 26 Current yield = $50 / $918. 00 = 0. 0545 or 5. 45% Capital gains yield = ($932. 26 – 918. 00) / $918. 00 = 0. 0155 or 1. 55% All else held constant, premium bonds pay a high current income while having price depreciation as maturity nears; discount bonds pay a lower current income but have price appreciation as maturity nears. For either bond, the total return is still 7%, but this return is distributed differently between current income and capital gains.

Problem in Rising Price of Commodity in World Essay

India is faced today with one of the most critical economic situations. At no other time did Indians witness the horrible phenomenon of spiraling prices as they do today, prices are soaring like rackets and each day one finds a rise in prices of more or less all essential commodities. Inflationary pressures are doing plenty of mischief and the people of middle class families are finding it a Himalayan task to make both ends meet. In a developing economy, prices usually display an upward trend. But if prices keep rising persistently, they cause great hardship to the people. They spare neither the rich nor the poor, neither the producers nor the consumer. They make a economic activities uncertain and unstable, causing great unrest in the minds of the people. Prices are expressed in terms of money. When the rupee or any other currency buys much less than what it used to, and more is to be paid for practically every item, then the problem of rising prices comes into being. In economic terminology it is known as ‘Inflation’. Where the balance between money supply on the one hand and goods and services on the other is disturbed, a critical problem arises. If money supply increases more than goods and services available prices will rise. The fixed-income groups like salaried people, wage-earners and pensioners are the most helpless victims of inflation. As prices rise, their real income gets eroded. The additional dearness allowance which the government sanctions from time to time proves of no use to them, because their purchasing power actually goes down. Inflation induces businessmen to invest their money in nonproductive assets like gold and land whose real worth is not affected by rising-prices. High prices also adversely affect the exports of the country and distort the balance of foreign trade. In a developing economy a certain rise in prices in inevitable for at least three major reasons. First, the programmes of economic development generate larger employment and money incomes and these increase the demand for basic consumer goods and services. The new incomes are not proportionately reflected in saving because a majority of the beneficiaries have to spend most of the additional money they get on satisfying unfulfilled needs. Secondly, the same programmes of economic development as generate the new money incomes push-up the demand for certain goods wanted also by the consumer, such as agricultural products, fuel, housing materials and the like. A third reason, of which the first two may be looked upon as special cases, is the large increase in currency in emulation and the operation of the law of supply and demand. Unless the production of basic consumer goods keeps pace with the increase in currency that is rendered inevitable by large scale, long term planning, prices are bound to rise even of the production of consumer goods is maintained at the old level. Numerous factors can be cited to explain price rise in India First, our economic planning has suffered from serious drawback, right from the beginning. During the various Five-Year Plans, while the public expenditure persistently increased, the production targets were never realized. Secondly, this forced the Government to resort to deficit financing. The resulting imbalance inevitably led to inflation. The Third, major factor responsible for price rise is that due to great emphasis laid on heavy industries in our Five-Year-Plans, agriculture and consumer goods industries, which produce the items required by the people, have received insufficient attention. Consequently, agricultural production has not kept pace with consumption. Fourthly, in an underdeveloped economy like ours, the first increases in income always tend to be expended on food articles. In other words, the level of consumption tends to increase with increases in income. The cumulative effect is a growing pressure on prices. Fifthly, there is a tremendous increase in population. About ten million new mouths are to be fed every year. Sixthly, there are psychological factors that push up the prices. Continually rising prices give rise to rising expectations, with the result that farmers and stockiest tend to hoard more and more stocks, anticipating further increase in prices. Seventhly, there has been very heavy taxation on the public—both direct and indirect. In an underdeveloped country like ours, this adds to the inflationary pressure for number of reasons. Heavy taxes on industries are ultimately passed on to the consumers, thus increasing their cost of living. Heavy taxation also discourages greater production. Defective tax-structure has encouraged tax-evasion and accumulation of black money and smuggling. Eighthly, majority of Indians have no community consciousness. There is no organized consumer resistance to price rise. The Ninth factor is the faulty distribution and marketing system. Last, but not the least, was the international factor, increase of oil prices in the international market. In order to solve this difficult problem, some drastic steps must be taken. First, the entire strategy of planning should be changed. There should be equal attention on heavy industries and agriculture and consumer goods. Secondly, the mounting governmental administrative expenditure should be drastically curtailed as it is mostly wasteful and non-development expenditure. Thirdly, tax burdens on the public should be reduced. And finally, no hoarder, profiteer or black marketer should be left with impunity. Unless they are crushed with a heavy hand, the common man is bound to suffer. Our government is quite conscious of the magnitude and implications of the problem. It has already initiated a number of steps to check inflationary tendencies. What we now need is a strict enforcement of these steps. Apart from accelerating growth and imposing curbs on money supply, we need an effective distribution system. We also need the support of the social workers and other public minded citizens to keep a watch on the unethical practices of shopkeepers.. But nothing can mitigate the situation unless the growth of our population is checked.

Influence of the Declaration of Independence essays

Influence of the Declaration of Independence essays The Declaration of Independence has served many purposes throughout the last two and a half centuries. It is a foundation for new ideas such as civil rights. The phrase "All men are created equal" is a legacy that our country pursues daily. The Declaration of Independence is a strong national symbol; it is something that makes our country what it is. Little did Jefferson know the effect his words would have on the country, even hundreds of years later. The Declaration of Independence served its purpose well to Jefferson as a propaganda piece, helping to spread ideas and implore the people to think of freedom as a necessity. The Declaration was originally intended as a propaganda piece. Thomas Jefferson, as well as the other Patriot colonists, felt mature enough in their colonization to survive on their own. They felt that it would be more beneficial to the colonies as a whole to break free of the mother country. England was no longer necessary for the survival and prosperity of New England. However, they could not gain independence on their own. They needed the help of the other American colonies, knowing that strength lies in numbers, and also that they would need sources of trade to achieve long-term success. "An inspirational appeal was also needed to enlist other English colonies in the Americas, to invite assistance from foreign nations, and to rally resistance at home" (American Pageant 147). The patriots needed their voice to be heard if they intended to take action. Jefferson was able to voice it in a way that made it appealing to the majority. He tied it personally to the colonists by remi nding them that they were subject to persecution by the English monarch, King George III. "He has refused to assent to laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good" (American Pageant A1). "He has erected a multitude of new officers and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people and eat out their substance" (Ame...

Avignon Papacy - When the Popes Resided in France

Avignon Papacy - When the Popes Resided in France The term Avignon Papacy refers to the Catholic papacy during the period 1309-1377, when the popes lived in and operated out of Avignon, France, instead of their traditional home in Rome. The Avignon Papacy was also known as: The Babylon Captivity (a reference to the forced detention of Jews in Babylonia c. 598 B.C.E.) Origins of the Avignon Papacy: Philip IV of France was instrumental in securing the election of Clement V, a Frenchman, to the papacy in 1305. This was an unpopular outcome in Rome, where factionalism made Clements life as pope stressful. To escape the oppressive atmosphere, in 1309 Clement chose to move the papal capital to Avignon, which was the property of papal vassals at that time. The French Nature of the Avignon Papacy: The majority of the men that Clement V appointed as cardinals were French; and since the cardinals elected the pope, this meant that future popes were likely to be French, as well. All seven of the Avignonese popes and 111 of the 134 cardinals created during the Avignon papacy were French. Although the Avignonese popes were able to maintain a measure of independence, the French kings did exert some influence from time to time, and the appearance of French influence on the papacy, whether real or not, was undeniable. The Avignonese Popes: 1305-1314: Clement V1316-1334: John XXII1334-1342: Benedict XII1342-1352: Clement VI1352-1362: Innocent VI1362-1370: Urban V1370-1378: Gregory XI Achievements of the Avignon Papacy: The popes were not idle during their time in France. Some of them made sincere efforts to improve the situation of the Catholic Church and to achieve peace in Christendom. Among their achievements: The administrative offices and other agencies of the papacy were extensively, and effectively, reorganized and centralized.Missionary enterprises were expanded; ultimately, they would reach as far as China.University education was promoted.The College of Cardinals began to strengthen their role in the government of church affairs.Attempts were made to settle secular conflicts. The Avignon Papacys Poor Reputation: The Avignon popes were not as much under the control of the French kings as it has been charged (or as the kings would have liked). However, some popes did bow to royal pressure, as Clement V did to a degree in the matter of the Templars. Although Avignon belonged to the papacy (it was purchased from papal vassals in 1348), there was nevertheless the perception that it belonged to France, and that the popes were, therefore, beholden to the French Crown for their livelihoods. In addition, the Papal States in Italy now had to answer to French authorities. Italian interests in the papacy had in past centuries resulted in just as much corruption as in Avignon, if not more so, but this did not stop Italians from attacking the Avignon popes with fervor. One particularly vociferous critic was Petrarch, who had spent most of his childhood in Avignon and, after taking minor orders, was to spend more time there in clerical service. In a famous letter to a friend, he described Avignon as the Babylon of the West, a sentiment that took hold in the imagination of future scholars. The End of the Avignon Papacy: Both Catherine of Siena and St. Bridget of Sweden are credited with persuading Pope Gregory XI to return the See to Rome. This he did on Jan. 17, 1377. But Gregorys stay in Rome was plagued with hostilities, and he seriously considered returning to Avignon. Before he could make any move, however, he died in March 1378. The Avignon Papacy had officially ended. Repercussions of the Avignon Papacy: When Gregory XI moved the See back to Rome, he did so over the objections of the Cardinals in France. The man elected to succeed him, Urban VI, was so hostile to the cardinals that 13 of them met to choose another pope, who, far from replacing Urban, could only stand in opposition to him. Thus began the Western Schism (a.k.a. the Great Schism), in which two popes and two papal curiae existed simultaneously for another four decades. The bad reputation of the Avignon administration, whether deserved or not, would damage the prestige of the papacy. Many Christians were already facing crises of faith thanks to the problems encountered during and after the Black Death. The gulf between the Catholic Church and lay Christians seeking spiritual guidance would only widen.

Case Study on IT Doesn't Matter Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

On IT Doesn't Matter - Case Study Example One take is that while no longer strategic, IT investment and excellence remains something that is essential, as a kind of ticket to the game. Another take is that companies who are able to glean insights into how technology is to be used to further their own strategies have a leg up on others. The case makes the point for saturation of infrastructure, where like in railroads there was a rapid and massive building phase, followed by a capacity glut. Again the take here is with capacity overbuilt strategies must look beyond using IT as a source of advantage, but rather something that is a given, to excel at, but not to necessarily get ahead of the others, who are basically doing the same thing and enjoying the same benefits from IT. Moreover, the insight from the paper is that there is the risk that companies may continue to spend a considerable part of their funds on IT, not heeding the warning from other companies, who are not realizing returns commensurate with the level of IT inve stments. These constitute investment and operational, as well as broader risks. The lessons learned are in this area. The prescription from the article is that of greater focus on astuteness when it comes to investing in IT, focusing on such things as efficiency, and return on investments. What this means for strategy is that more care must be placed on those things that can add real value to the firm and differentiate it from others in the same field, and the warning is that IT is not the way to achieve this. It is necessary, but it will not get you very far in terms of building a sustainable source of competitive advantage. One insight from the article is that that we should look elsewhere. There are problems in terms of actually having to excel in IT as a prerequisite for succeeding, to get to the starting block, but having likewise to go beyond that and to consider