Factors effecting Motivation Essay

* Job satisfaction: if workers get job satisfaction they will enjoy working which will mean high quality work is being produced. Workers will come early to work, they will have good attendance at work, workers will take pride in their work, workers will want to work overtime, and would want to help the business meet its objectives and goals. If employees do not get job satisfaction they will not be motivated at work and will become really lazy, will not put time and effort into the quality of the work, targets which are set will not be met because employees are not enjoying themselves. * Challenge: if you are in a monotonous environment you are in a day in day put routine where you have no motivation, you feel your work is not challenging enough. Therefore it is necessary for employees to have a challenging role within the work place. By having more challenges employees will set themselves targets, work harder more importantly they will feel the necessity to work to their best potential. * Rewards: if employees are given rewards it will motivate them to work more harder. Rewards may be shares for the business, profit related pay, performance related pay, introduce schemes such as employee of the year, company cars etc. * Money: money is one of the greatest factors for motivation, when pay rises are given employees tend to work much more harder. However apart from money there are factors that motivate employees such as social status, recognition, responsibility, opportunity for promotion etc. * Promotion/Career development: if employers offer employees chance to develop their career, it will be a great method of motivating employees, because they will want to work towards the companies goals and also will want to work up the organisational structure. * Training: Having training schemes within the business is another motivating factor. If employees feel that employers are spending time and effort on them they will feel appreciated and in return will work really hard during the training and will try there best to put the training skills in practise. THEORIES OF EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION AND BEHAVIOUR Abraham Maslow and ‘the hierarchy of needs’ Abraham Maslow (1908 – 1970) said that all motivation comes from meeting unsatisfied needs. He stated that there was a ranking of needs which must be achieved in the correct order – from the bottom to the top of a ‘pyramid’ (see diagram below) Basic physiological needs (e.g. food, water,)are at the bottom and self actualisation is at the top. The need †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Which is achieved by†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. Self actualisation Personal growth and self fulfilment Esteem Recognition Achievement Status Social needs Affection/love/friendship Safety needs Security Freedom from pain and threats Physiological needs Food, water, air, rest, sex Abraham Maslows Hierarchy of needs was first formulated in 1943. Maslow suggested that human motivation was dependent on the desire to satisfy various levels of needs. Maslow saw these needs as being organised in a hierarchy as shown on the diagram. * Physiological needs: persons first concern is to be fed, clothed and house themselves and family to an acceptable standard. Insys provide this need to their employees as these basic needs are met by an adequate wage which allows the employees to have there physiological needs. * Safety and security: this includes things like job security, social security and protection from arbitrary actions of others for example superiors. Insys ensure employees are have job security, sick pay, pension schemes. If these securities are not met then they will move to jobs, which provide these securities. * Social needs: these needs include the feelings of belonging and affection. Once low level needs are met relationship with others seem of great importance, everyone wants to be expected in a team, and if these needs are not met individuals will want to move to a job which will welcome them, and will be nice to them. Insys believe in ensuring that social needs are met such as liasing with one another, this is done in team briefings (informal), internal memos, emails. This helps the all the individual to feel as part of a team. * Esteem needs: desire to self-respect and respecting others, employees need to be recognised. Employers should give respect, and employees should value the work employee’s produce. Also bonuses should be given to employees for their hard work. This is a part of praise. Insys invest in incentives and bonus schemes for commending employees on outstanding efforts. They believe the team should work together, respect one another and help each other to be successful. * Self-actualisation needs: this involves self-fulfilment and release of potential. There will be a need to release ones full potential. Work becomes truly satisfying only it enables the individuals to realise their full potential. Insys believe that it is really important to encourage employees to release their full potential as it will give the individual self-satisfaction and it’s a great asset to Insys to have multi skilled employees. Insys may not realise that the Maslow Hierarchical of needs relates to there company but when people like myself cross reference the theory and Insys itself you can link the theory to Insys as indicated above. Due to the current redundancy situation at Insys, it has been closely analysed that employees who had been employed there for over a number of years feel rather demotivated due to the situation. Referring back to Maslow’s theory Insys can closely relate to the situation of hierarchical needs. The remaining employees at Insys were at the top of the Maslows hierarchical of needs, i.e. they were content with their jobs, felt secure. Due to the redundancies taking place the employees have know travelled down the hierarchy of needs feeling low self esteem and they have no sense of stability within there jobs. DOUGLAS McGREGOR THEORY X AND THEORY Y McGregor believed that manager’s basic beliefs have a dominant influence on the way that organisations are run. Mangers assumptions about the behaviour of people are central to this. McGregor argues that these assumptions fall into two broad categories – theory X and theory Y. these findings were detailed in ‘The human side of enterprise’, first published in 1960. Theory X and theory Y describe two views of people at work and may be used to describe two opposing management styles. Mc Gregor formulated two theories: X and Y, which makes a number of assumption: Theory X is summarised as follows: The traditional view of direction and control * The average human being has a dislike of work and they avoid there work * Due to the basic dislike of work, most people must be coerced, controlled, directed, threatened with punishment to get them to put forth-adequate effort towards the achievement of organisational objectives. * Most humans prefer to be directed they wish to avoid responsibility, and have little ambition and overall want security. A theory X management style therefore requires close, form supervision with clearly specified tasks and the threat of punishment or the promise of greater pay as motivating factors. A manager working under these assumptions will employ autocratic controls, which can invariably lead to mistrust and resentment from those they manage. In contrast, ‘people centred’ employers who subscribe to the alternative Theory Y assume their employees: * Like working and seek responsibility * Do care about the objectives of their organisation * Like to be fully employed and developed to their full potential * Like variety in work and are motivated by interesting tasks * Are not motivated simply by money or threats These categorise are too broad and too extreme to be entirely useful in human resource planning and management. The workforce is an organisation, it may contain different employees who conform to both theories, or display muted elements of both. The same employees may also move between these categories over time as their working environment, expectations, and attitudes change. SUMMARY OF THEROY X AND Y X Y In a realistic workplace it is very difficult to get staff which fit in theory Y. and there are individuals who do fit into theory X. Insys encourages and aims to get employees from theory X and works towards theory Y. this is done via performance reviews (Appraisals). FREDERICK HERZBERG – The hygiene motivational theory The hygiene motivation or ‘two factor’ theory resulted from research with two hundred Pittsburgh engineers and accountants. These people were asked what pleases and displeases them about their jobs. From their reponses, Herzberg concluded that man has two sets of needs: * Lowers level needs as an animal to avoid pain and deprivation * Higher level needs as a human being to grow psychologically Some factors on the work place meet the first set of needs but not the second and vice verser. The first group of factors he called ‘hygiene factors’ and the second ‘motivators’. Fredrick Herzberg developed his ideas in 1966. From his research he listed those factors which improve job satisfaction and those which, if improved or handled correctly, would reduce or at least prevent job dissatisfaction. Herzberg said that certain elements in a job motivate people to work harder. He called these elements SATISFIERS. They include: * Achievement * Recognition * Responsibility * Advancement * Personnel growth * And the actual work itself Other elements do not motivate people to work harder. These are called HYGIENE FACTORS. They include: * Pay and conditions * Status in the organisation * Job security * Benefits (pensions, company cars etc) * Relationships with fellow employees * The quality of the organisations managers Herzberg’s key point was that hygiene factors do not motivate but if they are not very good then the satisfiers will not motivate either. For example: ‘even if a job is interesting and gives a person a substantial sense of achievement it will not motivate them properly if they are not earning enough money to live in a reasonable house and cannot feed themselves and their family properly. Obviously all individuals differ. The personnel administrator at Insys was interviewed, her views on the theory were: ‘pay is not the only motivating factor, there are other aspects to consider such as experience of different jobs, gaining new skills and achievement. However views can differ some employee’s priority may be the pay, you will never get all members of the team thinking in the same manor. FREDERICK WINSLOW TAYLOR – FATHER OF SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT Taylor (1856 – 1915) worked as a factory superintendent in a locomotive axle factory in the USA. From his studies of how people worked making axles he concluded that: > Employees got jobs there because they were friends or relatives of the managers, not because they were any good at the job > Employees did not work hard because they thought it would throw some of their friends out of work > Employers paid employees as little as they could get away with > Employees got very few instructions on how to do their jobs so they did them badly. The amount produced and the quality of output was often poor. Taylor said that the following ideas would improve matters: * Only money would motivate employees to work hard – therefore they should be paid on a piecework system, i.e. each item made would earn the certain amount of money – this would encourage hard work. * Properly trained managers should run organisations and supervise employees effectively with firm but fair disciplinary methods * Employees must be properly trained, through what he called ‘scientific management’ to do specific tasks efficiently – this was the beginning of what we today call Organisations and Methods Study or Work Study * Employees should be properly selected through tests and interviews to make sure they are right for the job; Taylor was one of the first people to see the need to do this * Employees, if motivated by good pay, would work efficiently without questioning what they were required to do. Many organisations still operate Taylorism, even in rich countries, but there has long been a recognition that employees want more from their jobs than job security and good pay. Other writers have developed more complex theories about what motivates people at work – as I have explained a few of them above. Insys and other organisations do have a linkage with the motivational theories I have explained above. However they do not use all the parts of the theories. Some theories do not even apply to the organisation such as Insys. Such as Frederick Taylor’s view of motivational theory does not apply to Insys itself as shown above that employees want more from their jobs than job security and good pay. Some other motivational theories Expectancy theory This theory states that an employee will only be motivated to work harder if they believe that it will lead to a reward, which they feel is worth having. The key point is that the reward does not match the employee needs it will not motivate them very well. Equity theory This means that people are better motivated if they feel they are fairly treated by their bosses and on par with other employees. Goal Theory Setting employees specific goals motivates them more effectively. If the goals are achieved they get more money or promotion. Reactance Theory This means that people are motivated by what they think they have achieved. For example, where pay is tied to employee’s performance it motivates them to work harder. Their achievement has been rewarded.

Essay about Reading Essay

Ever since I started learning to read, it has been one of my favorite hobbies. I love to submerge myself into a book and get the chance to go on adventures I never can in the real world. Usually, when I get hooked on a good book, I can’t put it down. I’m not myself anymore. My reality becomes eclipsed by something as simple, yet complex, as words on paper. I begin to eat, sleep, and experience through the character in the tale. I am the character in the tale. Although I experience these journeys vicariously, it feels real in my mind, and that’s good enough for me. When I am reading, I like to settle myself in a very quiet environment with little to no noise. I often read during the evening or at night. More often than not, I get myself a snack to chew. I also get some water to quench my thirst, especially if I’m reading a story taking place in dry conditions. I like to lie on the sofa or on my bed because I enjoy being very comfortable while reading. Some will fall asleep whilst reading, but I usually get too absorbed by the book to do so. Something I don’t understand is when people must listen to music or have noise in the background- for me, it is very distracting. In my life, I like to think that I’ve read quite a few books. I don’t have a favorite genre of books but I read much more fiction than non-fiction. That is something I am trying to improve on- I want to read more biographies, auto-biographies, non-fiction narratives, speeches, etc. Some books that I love are: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, Gone with the Wind, Jane Eyre, A Time of Angels, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Catcher in the Rye, The Help, The Fault in Our Stars, Ender’s Game, Harry Potter and more. I want to learn how to read faster and retain information better to become a more efficient reader. I often find that I have difficulty recalling details in a book. Reading allows for a break from all the stress and scurry in life. It allow one to relax and enjoy some alone time. I love when a book is quick to get into and interesting.

History and Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

History and Art - Essay Example With other major concerns such as economic crisis, war between nations, and population growth, who would pay immediate notice to the fact that behind the aesthetic beauty of an art piece, a battle is being fought against sexism and racism for the sake of the underrepresented artists? While it may be too delicate an issue to dwell on surface as to draw public attention on a larger scale, strong advocates of gender and racial equality like the Guerrilla Girls, as they call themselves, apparently, could not but admit silence is shame and argue: â€Å"You don’t have to have a penis to be a genius† (Guerrilla Girls 202). Most of us may claim to possess different perspectives on the matter and plainly express that besides the problematic social and cultural structure which basically governs the manner by which inequality prevails among sexes and races, there are other deeper troubles that deserve a more adequate focus. However, our attitude of ignoring the issue that merely a bout ten percent of museums or galleries consist of art exhibitions by women and artists of color can be held accountable for the existence of all other chief worries that fail to be attended to in proper terms due to insights and ways of living that maintain their racist and patriarchal nature. As long as there lives lack of empowerment for women and non-whites, it is self-evident that equilibrium and harmony would not settle right where they ought to be unless a balance is struck somewhere for a significant realization that in professing to improve a nation, both sexes regardless of race must come in front to execute equal control of change and progress. Upon thorough examination of the article, I suppose this is the ultimate goal that sustains the principal reason of the Guerrilla Girls for continuing to be â€Å"the conscience of the art world (203).† I admire the Guerrilla Girls for their feminist and anti-racist stance since the 80s especially because despite the gorill a masks they wear for anonymity and the rather annoying taunting style of protest for the main cause, they demonstrate an unconventional approach of hurling insults at prominent sexist and racist figures alike. Having waved their banner with jest-filled pronouncements of deviation from what they perceive as sickening norms of injustice within race and gender, such female organization serves as a degree of innovation to radical feminist groups whose overly serious actions on meeting similar ends cost lives and immunity to the point of dormancy. This is widely evident via the controversial works which earned them huge critique via statements and efforts as â€Å"When Racism & Sexism Are No Longer Fashionable, What Will Your Art Collection Be Worth?† and the gradual transformation of the Whitney Museum Biennials which used to practise racial and sexual exclusion (204). By injecting a concept of provocative humor into ideals, the Guerrilla Girls manage to have weaved an object of interest to which art supporters become naturally drawn. Among the recent fruits of their endeavor I believe was Anya Kivarkis, the recipient of the Sienna Gallery Emerging Artist Award in 2007 for creations like ‘Blind Spot’, ‘Neo-Palatial: Objects of Virtue and Vice’, and ‘Extreme Beauty’. I feel that her projects reflect how the political struggle of the Guerrilla Girls has truly paid off for though female, her expertise in the field of

Christ as sacrament of God Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Christ as sacrament of God - Essay Example He was called (Word) Son of God at birth (Heb. 1: 3-14). The heavenly angels worshipped him (Heb. 1: 6) This proves that Jesus is a God for only God can be worshipped. (Acts 10: 25,26). Jesus accepted his being God (Jn. 10: 29, 36). The Jews felt this as Blasphemy for they interpreted Jesus' claim as Son of God as making himself a God also. (Jn. 10: 30-33) Jesus said that he and the Father are one. Jesus showed good works being a sacrament of the Father God. Jesus is the old testament's Emmanuel and the Alpha and the Omega. Jesus is another Person in the Holy Trinity. Jesus was fully and concurrently both man and God. Christ is the head of the Mystical body, the Catholic Church( Vatican II). Jesus was the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature. Jesus rules the things in heaven and on earth with his Glory. Jesus is the divine teacher(Lumen Gentium). According to Dulles, The true church (Political Society Model)was a community of men brought together by same Christian faith and sacraments (thru grace, hope and love) under leadership of pastors and the Pope. (Body of Christ model). In the Church as servant model, the church must help its members in solving daily problems of human life on earth.(Dulles). In Splendour of the Church (Lubac), the beautiful architectural wonders of the Catholic Churches in the Vatican and other Major historical sites, Catholic Universities all over the world were constructed to teach liberal arts and more importantly to spread christianity. (Lubac). In Gaudium at Spes. the modern church is now confronted with technological, financial advances like tv, cellphone, airplanes, a fast paced life and population explosion. Man pursued his goals making God and Christ aside. Most men abused their liberty and preferred to violate God's laws. Poverty forces man to feed his stomach first before obeying God's laws. The arts and sciences must be harnessed to help improve human life. War must be avoided thru building a community of nations. Not all those who say Lord, Lord will go to heaven They must obey God's commandments. In Mysterium Ecclesiae, The church is one and infallible. Catholics must esteem their common Christian heritage thru purification and renewal. The will of Christ must be fulfilled by following His teachings handed down thru the popes starting with Peter and the apostles. Infallibility of the church, that should not be falsified, includes the deposit of faith and those matters without which the deposit of faith should be preserved. Priests, alone, can build up the Body in the Holy Eucharist. In Church and Unity,The church cannot commit mistakes in its decisions.The trinity doctrine is based on tradition. The Protestants freed themselves from Catholic traditions and teachings and based their beliefs on the bible. Love should unite the Catholic Church with Protestants and othe r churches. The Catholic church dislikes the going away of the Protestants. In Decree and Ecumenism, restoration of the unity of Catholics is the main thrust of Second Vatican Council. In Church as a communion, the

Marks & Spencer plc Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Marks & Spencer plc - Essay Example The management of the company may want to contemplate a change of strategy, for example by reducing its current liabilities, to avoid landing into financial problems. The ratio has declined from 0.74 in 2011 to 0.73 in 2012, which could be attributable to leaner working capital cycle or deteriorating liquidity position (Bodie, Alex, and Alan, 2004; Damodaran, 2002). 2011 2012 Industry Current Asset 1,641.7 1,460.1 Current Liabilities 2,210.2 2,005.4 0.74 0.73 1.44 Quick ratio Quick ratio = [cash and equivalents + short-term investments + accounts receivable]/current liabilities 2011 2012 Industry Cash and equivalents 470.2 196.1 Short-term investments 18.4 67.0 Accounts receivable 250.3 253.0 Total Current liabilities 2,210.2 2,005.4 Quick ratio 0.334 0.257 0.82 Unlike the current ratio, this ratio is more conservative because it does not include inventory from the current assets. This ratio further shows that Mark & Spenser is likely to have problems meeting its short-term obligatio ns with its most liquid assets, especially considering the ratio is significantly below the industry average (M&S, 2012; Weston, 1990; Houston and Brigham, 2009). Leverage against KPI As discussed, the company’s leverage is unfavourable, but with the continuing efforts to build the company to become more international.ly focussed, with the sales expected to increase by 5.8% by 2013, the increased revenue can be used to offset the excessive shot-term debt. This will lead into a more balanced liquidity position, hence freeing the company from the risk of bankruptcy (Weygandt et al., 1996; HayGroup, 2006). Solvency ratio Solvency Ratio = [After Tax Net Profit + Depreciation]/ [Long Term Labialise + Short-Term Liabilities] 2011 ?m 2012 ?m After Tax Net Profit 782.7 371.4 Depreciation 467.5 479.7 Total 1250.2 851.1 Long-Term Liabilities 2,456.5 2,489.1 Short-Term Liabilities 2,210.2 2,005.4 Total 4,666.70 4,494.50 Solvency Ratio 0.27 0.19 Solvency is used to measure the companyâ⠂¬â„¢s ability to meet its long-term obligations. In other words, it measure’s the ability of the company to go on with meeting its debt requirements. The solvency ratio of 2011 was financially healthy, but that of 2013 was not healthy because as a general rule of thumb a ratio that is greater than 20% is considered financially healthy. It is discouraging to note that the company’s solvency ratio is dropping because this could expose the company to a situation of defaulting on its debt obligations (Gates, 2002). Debt to equity ratio Debt to equity ratio = Total debt/ [Owner’s Equity] 2012 2011 Industry Total debt 2,778.8 2,677.4 Owner’s equity 4,494.5 4,666.7 Debt to equity ratio 61.8 57.3 42.35 The debt-to-equity ratio indicates the degree of financial leverage that the company is using to improve its profitability. This ratio has increased to 61.8 from 57.3 in 2011, which may imply that the management should restrain use of additional increases in debt caused by purchases of fixed assets or inventory. The

Developing leadership challenges and solutions interviewing questions Assignment

Developing leadership challenges and solutions interviewing questions - Assignment Example One thing noted during the initial days after getting into the country that was quite different from UAE is that people stick to their families and do not even know who most of their neighbors are. They just choose to live isolated and do not care about the neighbor across the street unless the neighborhood is of a low-income level or middle-class. Not all middle-class neighborhoods appreciate people who come to knock at their doors but they also choose their favorites with whom they associate with greatly. In the event that the neighborhood is closely knit, the people will be inviting each other for barbeques and parties, and the neighbors always come with drinks and are ready to assist where they can to make the party a big event. The people here care about each other and are mainly divided by class. The level of participation in events in the country imply a great level of understanding that allows them to make good use of their skills as a way of creating the best moment in their lives that will remained etched into their minds until something else happens. In the UAE, the only life people have depends on the family values. Some families will have their extended families stay with them and the sharing of meals and events define their fun moments. In the US, the extended family mainly comes together once a year during thanksgiving and any more visits will be preplanned (Besamusca, 2011). In the UAE, families maintain close links with each other and define the importance of developing their ties further, appreciating what they do together. The children are also raised liberally, and that is different from what is practiced in the UAE. Children in the U.S. have a lot of freedom and some do not even listen to their parents because of the freedom accorded to them. They go to parties without their parents’ presence and some even indulge while at those parties. In the U.A.E., it is quite different. Strict discipline is used to raise children to be

First American Physicist Benjamin Franklin Research Paper

First American Physicist Benjamin Franklin - Research Paper Example Ben Franklin’s life shows that only those people who dare to risk securities of home, have a strong desire to learn continuously and have a great sense of humor, can lead a happy, content and meaningful life. Hence, for anyone who desires to lead a meaningful and joyful life, and desires to live every moment of life to the fullest, the characters and life of Ben Franklin can be great inspiration, as he is an epitome of qualities that lead to success and happiness in both, the personal and the professional life. Early Years Ben Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on January 17, 1706 (Glass, 2004, p. 4). Franklin had sixteen siblings and he was the fifteenth child of his parents (Glass, 2004, p. 4). He went to school at the age of eight but left the school at the age of 10 to become an apprentice to his father (Glass, 2004, p. 4). He was exposed to work life very early. However, he was very fond of reading books and never stopped learning new things (Glass, 2004, p. 5). His mind was active, sharp and curious. Ben learned how to make soaps and candles in his father’s shop (Nettleton, 2004, p. 5). However, he never liked making it and enjoyed reading better (Glass, 2004, p. 6). Even though he was able to attend the school only for two years, his interest in reading books remained intact (Nettleton, 2004, p. 6). ... 6). The interest in reading and gaining knowledge from books developed his skills and business acumen. Moreover, he learnt how to be â€Å"good, just and prudent in the conduct of life† from his father (Russell, 1926, p.5). While working under his father, Ben developed interest in different tools of making artifacts by watching â€Å"joiners, bricklayers, turners, braziers and other artificers at work† (Russell, 1926, p.5). This helped him later in life in making his own tools to conduct different experiments in his laboratory (Russell, 1926, p.5). However, Ben never liked his father’s business and also did not intend to become a clergy, as his father wanted him to be (Russell, 1926, p.7). After some time, he joined his brother in printing shop (Glass, 2004, p. 6). However, Ben soon realized that he will have to make a separate way for himself, as his relationship with his brother was not going smooth. Independent Path Benjamin Franklin’s brother James was a printer (Glass, 2004, p. 6). Ben joined his brother as an apprentice and started learning how to make new papers at his printing shop (Nettleton, 2004, p. 11). At the time he joined his brother as apprentice, Ben was just 12 years old (Russell, 1926, p.4). James used to print newspaper articles written by Ben without knowing that Ben had written them as Ben used to write them under female name (Nettleton, 2004, p. 11). When he learnt that it was Ben who was writing it, he stopped publishing them (Nettleton, 2004, p. 11). Ben was not able to carry on working with James as he argued with him a lot (Nettleton, 2004, p. 11). James was abusive (American Physics Society, n.d., para. 3) and never showed appreciation towards what Ben did. Hence, Ben ran away to Philadelphia when he was 17

Pros and cons of the different learning methods Essay

Pros and cons of the different learning methods - Essay Example Commercially purchased social studies learning – commercially purchased social studies learning such as technology assisted teaching medium (DVD tutorials, online learning) became more versatile today than they were first introduced, it still cannot facilitate critical reflection and decision making due to the limitation of the medium (Rose and Fernlund, 1997).  Ã‚   Unlike the integrative method of social studies learning where a student can infer to various discipline in synthesizing his or her interpretation of the universe, commercially purchased social studies learning are only limited to the pre-set curriculum of the program purchased.   Online learning may provide interaction but the coverage of discussion is not as comprehensive compared to integrative mode of learning. Commercially purchased social studies learning can also be costly because the mode of instruction is highly commercialized.d) Teacher-prepared social studies learning – perhaps the most commo n teaching method is the teacher prepared social studies learning.   Teachers even predate the books as learning was already facilitated through oral transfer when the printed text was not yet around.   Transfer of knowledge is typically done on a lecture where a student can ask a question and the teacher answering the same.   The method of learning through a teacher prepared curriculum or lesson plan is no longer responsive to the need of the present environment where students has to interpret and synthesize information and making meaning out of them.   Lectures delivered by teacher prepared syllabus are limited to the range of knowledge of the teacher thus making synthesis limited due to the limitation of the input. This type of learning however is also cost effective because the cost associated to the transfer of knowledge and skill is only limited to covering the salary of the teacher and his or her instruction materials. III. Supplementary Materials The usage of chart to compare and contrast the pros and cons of integrated social studies learning,

Linking pay to employee performance ( related pay performance ) Assignment

Linking pay to employee performance ( related pay performance ) - Assignment Example For the government, pay levels have an impact on macro-economic factors, such as employment, inflation, purchasing power and socio-economic development.   Even though basic pay makes up a significant portion of the total compensation, the employer is also affected by the benefits offered to the employees, such as fringe benefits, cash and non- cash benefits. In the majority of developed countries and countries with high personal tax rates, the benefits component of executive compensation has been consistently increasing over the past few years (Silva, 1998).   Performance related pay (PRP) â€Å"links reward or salary progression to some form of performance rating. This could be part of a performance management or appraisal system, or it could be based on a separate appraisal of performance exclusively for pay purposes.† (Armstrong, 2001). PRP has assumed growing significance in the present times with more and more organisations adopting measures to motivate their workforce. The objective is to drive performance levels by linking employee rewards with organisational goals and objectives (CIPD, 2011).   Pay can have one or more objectives that can be categorised under four heads. The first objective is equity. This can be achieved through various means, such as adjusting income distribution in such a way to reduce the disparity in income levels; bringing the pay levels of the lowest paid employees on par with the rest of the organisation; safeguarding real wages, and ensuring uniform pay for work of equal value. Even differences in pay is made on the basis of skills or performance levels, it is connected to equity (Silva, 1998). The second objective of efficiency has a relationship with the first objective of equity. Efficiency objective comes into play when a part of the pay is linked to employee performance and contribution to the organisation. Macro-economic stability is the third

Chance to Pursue a Graduate Diploma Course in Law Personal Statement

Chance to Pursue a Graduate Diploma Course in Law - Personal Statement Example Nonetheless, the international reputation of Westminster Law School attracts a variety of students and has a conducive environment for studying at postgraduate level. The University of Westminster also provides excellent working and recreational facilities for graduate students, thus demonstrates a commitment to the graduate student body. Additionally, the Westminster law school is located at the center of the West End of London, making it easily accessible by public transport. Moreover, every student has his or her own personal tutor that also provides career development. This makes the University of Westminster a center for innovation and academic excellence. The reporter highlights that  "I am a highly determined individual. I have a wide range of legal skills, which I learned in the program of B.A, Legal Studies. Therefore, I consider a Post Graduate Diploma Course in Law to be an advanced step. I have a great interest in many subject areas. However, I am more drawn to a Post Graduate law degree in order to convert my B.A in Legal Studies to a law qualifying degree. The wide range of subjects that I have studied in my B.A course has helped me to become more open-minded. This has also made me a reliable and outgoing person with great enthusiasm and common sense, and I believe that these are some of the qualities, which I will need in order to pursue law successfully. My interests, among other things, including watching parliamentary legal debates, listening to music, reading, and writing. I also enjoy classical movies and meeting new people. During my time at Westminster, I developed the skills of time management and teamwork through interaction with fellow students. This also gave me an opportunity to share ideas with my colleagues, and this influenced my academics positively. "

British Gas Business Essay Example for Free

British Gas Business Essay A review of the British Gas Businesses current approach to collating, storing and using HR data within the organisation. Findings Below you will find an overview of some of the data that the HR function within British Gas Business collects. Within this report I will identify two reasons why British Gas Business needs to collect HR data, and the current methods in which we store the data. I will also briefly touch upon some key legislation which if compliant, will reduce any financial or legal risks to the organisation. Absence Performance – appraisals, Learning and Development (LD) activity Employee Engagement results Equality/Diversity – To meet legal requirements Recruitment – Contractual information Employee Information â€Å"Accurate personnel records will help the organisation in many ways increasing the efficiency of recruitment, training and development, and promotion. They can also provide the raw data to monitor equal opportunities issues and the legal requirements placed on all organisations† [ACAS: Online 30th November 2014]. One of the areas where there is need for collation of data is we are able to track volumes of employees currently being performance managed within the organisation to then further identify whether this is a behavioral or skill issue where further training is required. This then helps us to define our learning programmes moving forward and tailor the content around any shortfalls which may have been identified through Training Needs Analysis (TNA) within performance management. Another area that the HR function collates data for is for Absence. â€Å"This is one of the longest-running causes of serious concern to managers. Unapproved absence from work causes a multitude of problems to managers and involves the organisation in significant extra costs†. (Currie et al, 2010, p.293). All absence data within each business unit (and then business wide across British Gas) is centralised using the data base Absence Manager. This helps us to track against our performance and resourcing for people and establish  whether recruitment or redundancy plans would benefit the long term strategy of the organisation. The Human Resource function currently use an Information System (HRIS) which runs alongside our main billing system called SAP. Within SAP all Line managers have access to view employee information (direct reports only), process secondments or job role changes, and change manage details. The benefit of this is that the data is easily accessible and is consistent in line with any people movements within the business. Alongside this system there is also a requirement for some documentation to be stored manually. This is then kept for 6 years, regardless of whether that individual is still in employment with British Gas Business. This is beneficial for any documentation which requires employee signatures or verification. This could be disciplinary documentation to any learning that has taken place. Using the internal HRIS British Gas Business complies with the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003, which covers the security and confidentiality of the retention of data. We do this by ensuring that access to the HR online system is done only registered through authorised access and then a further password security check. British Gas Business also ensures that it keeps written documentation for no longer than 6 years in line with the Principles of the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA). Once documentation reaches this age we contract to a disposal company to safely dispose of all confidential waste. The HR function also complies with all Subject Access Requests (SAR’s) which is governed by the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI Act). Customers are able to place requests in writing to access all information held about them or their business on the organisations systems. The customer pays a one of fee of ten pounds and they are then issued with the information within 40 days of their request. Key Findings British Gas Business is fully compliant with all key legislation in collecting and storing data within the organisation. I see no risk, financially or strategically from the methods we are currently using. Bibliography Web ACAS. (2014). Personnel Data. Available: http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=717. Last accessed 30th November 2014. Books Currie, D (2010). Introduction to Human Resource Management. 2nd ed. London: Chartered Institute of Personnel Development. 293 Introduction – Activity 2 Analysis of absence data for the Customer Care function of British Gas Business from high level reported case volumes, to understanding the gender split of the absence recorded. Summary By analysing the data collated from our absence records, we can establish trends to enable the organisation to look to implement preventative measures to reduce overall long term absence levels. key findings Absence from the British Gas Business – Customer Care function is currently at its highest levels since 2010. The average number of days taken as absence within the short term sickness (STS) criteria (under 20 consecutive days), has increased from 4.6 to 5.5 days per employee per rolling 52 weeks. The increase in long term sickness (LTS) registered within the organisation has increased by 0.8% over the past 4 years. LTS cases for 2014 are split into the following reasons for absence and then subsequently by gender for all Stress (Work related) / Mental Illness reported absences. Of the 45 LTS stress (Work) related cases registered in 2014, 23 were for male employees. This shows us a change in trend from previous years. For the first time in over 4 years we can see the greater proportion of stress (Work) /mental illness related absences is now reported by the male employee population. conclusions In 2011 British Gas Business began its journey in implementing a new billing system. We can see a noticeable trend in the years following on from the  start of this journey, with the volume of work induced stress related absences reported within the function. Throughout the function we have also seen a high natural attrition in the leadership team in 2014. This means that we now have less experienced leadership population who are progressing our people through their long term sickness absences. Recommendations Identify potential learning gaps through Training Needs Analysis (TNS) â€Å"Test and Play† drop in sessions for all employees Full review of the learning documentation and the online learning environment Wellbeing events throughout the system change timeline to be ran throughout the function i.e. exercise programmes, healthy eating, fitness checks, stop smoking programmes. Engagement temperature checks amongst the employee population Team leader workshops in identifying stress and supporting employees Review the benefits package for the leadership population to reduce churn Validation of the process within the leadership teams from day 1 of absence registered, through the fruition of policy outcomes Wellbeing days across function for all levels to understand support tools references – Data British Gas Business – Absence Manager Data sample from 2010 – 2014. Accessed on the 17th November 2014. British Gas Business – HR Function – Team Leader Exit data – 2014. Accessed on the 19th November 2014.

No Country For Old Men By Cormac Mccarthy English Literature Essay

No Country For Old Men By Cormac Mccarthy English Literature Essay The novel No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy uses symbolism and the world of the characters to support one of its many themes of the novel. Not only that, but through symbolism, McCarthy reveals the character traits and motives of each of the characters, mainly Moss and Chigurh. The journey of Llewellyn Moss and his attempts to escape the psychotic killer Chigurh symbolizes the fact that you must keep on going to escape the ever changing world. The actions of Chigurh also tell the readers that amongst our sweet, beautiful world, there is so much evil, greed, and death lurking and no matter how hard people try, there is no escape. Through the developments of characters as they are in the novel, and with the help of many symbols, McCarthy effectively conveys the message of No Country for Old Men. The title of the novel itself signifies one of the themes very well which is that one must keep running because if the ever changing world catches up to you, it will devour them. The quote survival of the fittest as said by Charles Darwin applies to this real well. For example, an example straight from the story is how Moss finds the suitcase with two million dollars in it, and is on the run thereafter, from the psychotic killer Chigurh. Where ever he goes, Chigurh gets there and finds him. This is an example of how the world is always changing and if even for a second, a person thinks they are not going to be a victim of it they are wrong. As the story progresses, Chigurh finally catches up with Moss and kills him. This tells the readers that as soon as you think you have won against the world, it will get you really hard. This theme also relates to the title of the story really well in the sense that it says that this is no country for old mean. How this relates is when people get old, they cannot stay up with the race against the world, and one day, the world overtakes them, and they meet their end. It may be the authors take on how life and death works. Another prominent character in the story, Sheriff Ed Tom Bell who is out to hunt for Chigurh plays a great role in signifying the theme mentioned in the above paragraph. Like Moss is on the run from Chigurh, Chigurh is on the run from Sheriff whether he knows it or not. This proves that it does not matter who you are and what you may do, the cycle of life, and the moving world applies to you too. How this applies to the Sheriff himself is really clear in the novel. Throughout the novel, he talks about how he is getting old and he wants to retire through big passages at the beginning of each chapter. He makes remarks about how the world has been changing so quickly, and becoming into a dark, scary place. He mentions that law enforcement work is more dangerous now than what it used to be and this is referring to the world of law enforcement, which is his world because he has been a sheriff since a really young age (McCarthy, 38). So what he is trying to say is that the world is a much more worse place not than before, which also points to the changing of it (the world), and it has changed for the worse. A point to be noted is the fact that he mentions how he is getting old and wants to retire. This goes back to the title of the novel itself. No country for old men. One more example of the prominence of the above theme is when Moss is on the run from Chigurh and is having dinner. He says three weeks ago I was a law abiding citizen. Workin nine to five jobs. Eight to four, anyways. Things happen to you they happen. They dont ask first. They dont require your permission (McCarthy 220). This quote is one of the single biggest proofs of the theme of a changing world in the book. This tells us how our choice, and decisions we make effects our life whether we know it or not, and we cannot do anything about it. Clearly, when Moss was making a choice of taking the money, he did not consider this. This tells the readers that whatever you do in the world will have its consequences and some you can avoid, and others you cannot but to do so, you must keep moving otherwise you will be caught and served justice. Along with that, another prominent theme of the novel is that there is nothing anyone can do about the evil side of human nature. This includes greed, violence, and cold hearted killing. Let us start off by talking about the protagonist, Llewellyn Moss. The actions of this man started off the whole chain of events, leading to numerous deaths. When Moss saw the drug deal gone wrong, instead of helping one of the wounded survivors out, he walks away, takes the 2 million dollars, and goes home. This triggers another event. Anton Chigurh sets out to find him, and wherever he goes, he leaves a trail of blood. When the Sheriff tells him he will help, he refuses and digs his grave even deeper. All of this is a result of the greed for money. Another example is that of Anton Chigurh the main antagonist. When Chigurh gets into a gun fight, he sees the lights receding. Watching his own image degrades in that squandered world (McCarthy, 122). This symbolizes the squandered world, being degraded to the point where people can kill very easily, and watch others die just as easily thereafter. The last quote mentioned also shows the contrast between the character of Moss and Chigurh. On one hand, there is Moss, who cannot kill Chigurh, even though he was right in front of him, knowing the fact that he is trying to kill him, no holds barred. On the other hand, there is Chigurh, who enjoys every single moment of killing people. Although what Moss did triggered so many murderous events, his actions throughout the book and lead us to say that he is not a bad person, though he may have made a few mistakes in his life. Going back to the beginning of the novel, when Moss finds the money case, and there is a man dying and asking for water. At that time, he does not have it so he goes back to get it and while coming so, says Im fixin to go do something dumbhern hell but Im going anyways (McCarthy, 24). He knows that going there is risky, but as a good person, he risks his life just to go and give a dying man some water and this is a really good sign of how great of a heart Moss possesses. Another example is later on when he is on the run. He says Three weeks ago I was a law abiding citizen. Workin nine to five jobs. Eight to four, anyways. Things happen to you they happen. They dont ask first. They dont require your permission(McCarthy, 220). He tells this to a girl who he is having dinner with. This shows his cha racter as a caring and nurturing one because he does not want the girl to make the mistakes he has made. This goes to show that no one on this planet is flawless. The actions of Anton Chigurh, from the start build his character as an evil, blood thirsty, and devilish person who will do anything to attain personal benefits. In the beginning of the story, Chigurh escapes from the clutches of a local Sheriff, and he place[s] his hand on the mans head like a faith healer [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] The man slid soundlessly to the ground, a round hole in his forehead from which blood bubbles [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] (McCarthy, 7). This quote, not only reveals Chigurhs character, but the fact that it is at the very beginning of the book, reveals the theme of violence, murder and violence throughout the story, and readers can very easily notice them. When Chigurh [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] place[s] his hand on the mans head like a faith healer [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦], it reveals to the readers that Chigurh, despite being on a murderous rage, believes he had god given powers. Later in the novel, he weigh[s] things in his hand like a medium (McCarthy, 204) and this action of his is quite interesting because it paints divine light on the bloody character of Chigurh. Despite all the useless bloodshed caused by this fellow, he is portrayed as a greater being. Taking reference from Hindu philosophies, we can prove this to be correct. In Hinduism, a good person is the one who does his deed (karma) and bad people are the ones who slack away from it. Because of the fact that Chigurh is a killer, and he is killing people really well, McCarthy may have taken into account this philosophy, and painted Chigurh as an almost divine and great figure. By putting together all the different aspects of formalist approaches, we know that Cormac McCarthy is sending the readers of his novel, No Country for Old Men a deeper message than just the words. McCarthy wants to tell the readers that no matter what happens in life, you must keep moving forward, and never give up. This message can be taken by the readers no matter where they go in life and no matter how big of a person they become. Work Cited List No Country for Old Men Forums From Book to Film MovieWeb.com. (n.d.).  Movie Trailers, New Movies, Movie News, 2013 Movies, DVDs MovieWeb.com. Retrieved March 18, 2013, from http://www.movieweb.com/movie/no-country-for-old-men/FT252CRAcxjO56 McCarthy, C. (2005).  No country for old men. New York: Knopf. McCarthy, Cormac. No Country for Old Men Cormac McCarthy Study Guide, Lesson Plan more eNotes.com.  Study Guides, Lesson Plans, Homework Help, Answers More eNotes.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2013. .

Kertas kerja seminar menangani

Kertas kerja seminar menangani Pendahuluan Gejala sosial sudah menjadi semacam satu fenomena dalam dunia moden. Cendiakawan Barat sudah mula membezakan masalah sosial zaman kontemporari berbanding dengan zaman sebelumnya. Bahkan sudah ada kursus di universiti Barat yang bertajuk Contemporary Sosial Problems (Masalah Sosial Kontemporari). Ini menunjukkan bahawa terdapat semacam satu peralihan dan perubahan dalam masalah-masalah yang berkaitan dengan gejala sosial sama ada bentuknya, trend, punca dan implikasinya kepada sesebuah masyarakat dan negara. Gejala sosial pula menjadi semakin berkembang ruang lingkupnya. Gejala sosial menjadi semakin rencam dan pelbagai. Ia seperti duri dalam daging bagi masyarakat. Kita bersedih kerana ia banyak melibatkan generasi muda kita yang merupakan bakal pewaris kepimpinan negara. Rempuhan globalisasi negatif dan pengaruh modenisme memungkinkan masalah dan gejala sosial menjadi semakin kritikal ditambah dengan faktor sikap, pembudayaan budaya berhibur yang menggalakkan percampuran bebas yang keterlaluan, kurangnya penekanan kepada aspek keutuhan kecemerlangan sahsiah dan kerohanian, kekeliruan pemahaman dalam aspek nilai (aksiologi), kerendahan jatidiri, kurang semangat patriotisme, kurangnya langkah-langkah pencegahan, penguatkuasaan undang-undang dan peraturan yang masih longgar dan kurangnya kesedaran diri, pengabaian tanggungjawab keibubapaan serta pengaruh rakan adalah di antara faktor mengapa gejala sosial menjadi semakin mengancam. Definisi Gejala Sosial Gejala sosial ataupun masalah sosial (social problem) adalah satu aktiviti atau perlakuan (perbuatan) yang membabitkan perlakuan atau tindakan negatif yang menjejaskan kredibiliti dan maruah diri, keluarga, komuniti, masyarakat, agama dan masyarakat, bertentangan dengan norma dan nilai ketimuran masyarakat, bertentangan dengan ajaran agama dan undang-undang negara, merugikan masyarakat dan negara, serta menyimpang daripada keluhuran dan kedaulatan undang-undang, peraturan dan ajaran agama. Di Malaysia, gejala sosial atau masalah sosial bolehlah dianggap sebagai satu fenomena yang tidak berkesudahan seandainya tiada langkah-langkah tegas dan drastik yang diambil untuk mengatasinya. Ada perlakuan gejala sosial yang tidak disifatkan sebagai jenayah seperti melepak dan membuang masa. Contoh-contoh Gejala Sosial Yang Berkaitan Dengan Agama Islam Gejala atau masalah sosial yang berkaitan dengan tingkah laku sosial negatif dan menyimpang serta kesalahan keagamaan boleh dibahagikan kepada: berkaitan dengan tingkah laku negatif atau perlanggaran nilai Islam berkaitan dengan aqidah berkaitan dengan kemurnian agama atau institusi keagamaan berkaitan dengan ketatasusilaan Di antara gejala sosial ataupun jenayah (agama) yang berkaitan dengan aqidah ialah seperti melakukan perbuatan dengan apa cara sekalipun yang dikatakan berkaitan dengan ajaran Islam sedangkan ia bukanlah daripada ajaran Islam, pemujaan atau penyajian kepada selain daripada Allah s.w.t., mengaku sebagai bukan Islam, mengishtiharkan diri sebagai Nabi, Rasul, Wali ataupun Imam Mahdi, tidak percaya orang Islam sebagai orang Islam dan mengkafirkan orang Islam. Pengaruh gejala sosial ini boleh menjejaskan aqidah individu dan orang yang terpengaruh dengannya. Terdapat negeri yang membicarakan kes-kes di bawah Enakmen Jenayah Syariah[2] seperti berikut: baring diriba atau celah kangkang pasangan mencium atau berkucupan berpeluk atau berpelukan memasukkan tangan atau saling memasukkan ke dalam pakaian pasangan masing-masing Ini adalah satu langkah yang bijak bagi membendung budaya mendekati zina. Kesalahan-kesalahan yang berkaitan keluhuran agama Islam dan ajarannya, contohnya adalah seperti menghina agama Islam atau menyebabkan ia dihina, mempersendakan agama Islam, merosakkan masjid atau surau, menghina pihak berkuasa agama, menyebarkan pendapat yang bertentangan dengan fatwa, mengajar agama tanpa tauliah, menyebarkan dokumen yang bertentangan dengan syarak, berjudi, penggunaan yang berkaitan arak, tidak tunai solat Jumaat 3 kali berturut-turut tanpa sebab munasabah, enggan bayar zakat, sumbang mahram, aktiviti pelacuran, bertindak sebagai bapa ayam atau ibu ayam, persetubuhan luar nikah, persediaan persetubuhan luar nikah, persetubuhan sejenis, persetubuhan dengan binatang, khalwat, menyerupai lain jantina dalam pakaian. Perangkaan Jenayah dan Gejala Sosial di Malaysia Bagi tahun 1997 hingga 2003 di seluruh negara, telah tercatat statistik jenayah keganasan melibatkan rogol (sebanyak 9,878 kes), kecederaan kepada manusia (35,358 kes), samun bersenjata api (4124 kes), samun tanpa senjata api (73,031 kes), samun berkawan bersenjata api (7 kes), samun berkawan tanpa senjata api (10,948 kes), samun berkawan bersenjata api (453 kes), cubaan membunuh (407 kes) dan bunuh (3997 kes).[3] Jenayah harta benda bagi tahun 1997 hingga 2003 di seluruh negara pula mencatatkan curi motosikal (295,942 kes), curi kereta (46,979 kes), curi lori/van (25,990 kes), pecah rumah dan curi waktu malam (156,284 kes), pecah rumah dan curi waktu siang (55,902 kes) serta lain-lain jenis jenayah mencuri (307,974 kes). Kategori lain-lain jenayah mencuri daripada tahun 1997 hingga 1999 termasuk jenayah ragut.[4] Bermula tahun 2000 hingga tahun 2003 sahaja, jenayah ragut berjumlah 59,888 kes.[5] Pihak Polis Diraja Malaysia telah menyelesaikan sebanyak 360,360 kes yang melibatkan jenayah keganasan dan hartabenda (jenayah indeks) bermula daripada tahun 1997 hingga tahun 2003.[6] Pihak Polis patut diberikan pujian kerana berjaya menyelesaikan masalah jenayah ini. Walaupun demikian, perangkaan jenayah indeks cukup merisaukan kita. Apakah sebab-sebab berlakunya sedemikian banyak kejadian jenayah? Apakah masyarakat kita sudah lagi hilang nilai murni keagamaan yang mengawal diri dan perbuatan kita atau kurangnya kesedaran mengenai langkah-langkah pencegahan? Bagi jenayah bukan indeks, bermula tahun 1997 hingga bulan Ogos 2003 sebanyak 13, 588 kes pecah amanah jenayah telah berlaku, penipuan (27, 682 kes), pemalsuan (2,299 kes), wang palsu (661 kes), kad kredit (960 kes), jenayah siber (3,621 kes, bermula tahun 2000), hacking (penggodaman internet) (2 kes, bermula 2003), akta hakcipta (976 kes, bermula 2000), akta penapisan filem (4,968 kes, bermula tahun 2000), lain-lain agensi kerajaan (2,256 kes, bermula tahun 2000) dan lain-lain jenayah perdagangan (8959 kes).[7] Rampasan Narkotik Dadah (penyalahgunaan) adalah musuh nombor satu negara. Kes-kes narkotik yang melibatkan rampasan oleh pihak Polis Diraja Malaysia menunjukkan peningkatan keberjayaan dari segi statistik. Namun statistik yang akan dipaparkan menunjukkan peningkatan aktiviti pengedaran dadah dan narkotik. Ubat batuk mencatatkan rampasan kuantiti terbanyak manakala dadah berbentuk pil (berbiji) terbanyak ialah pil psikotropi. Bermula daripada tahun 1998 hingga bulan Mac 2004 sebanyak 184.54kg heroin base telah dirampas di bawah Akta Dadah Berbahaya 1952, heroin no. 3 (1321.18kg), heroin no. 4 (5kg), ganja (10,889.44kg), kokain (51.801kg), syabu (323.52kg), ectasy (734,805 biji), ectasy kg. (176.45 kg), ketamin (102.35kg), erimin 5 (1,165,043 biji), yaba (154,095 biji), black sesame (8500 biji), pil psikotropi (3,398,752 biji), ubat batuk (111,191.40 liter), morfin (0kg), candu mentah (233.97kg) dan candu masak (12,496kg).[8] Pil-pil mudah sorok seperti Erimin 5, Ectasy dan pil psikotropi cukup mudah diedarkan dan agak sukar dikesan oleh pihak berkuasa. Punca Gejala Sosial atau Masalah Sosial Dalam era globalisasi dan kepesatan teknologi maklumat, nilai-nilai Barat yang negatif dan bertentangan dengan Islam dengan senang dapat menular dan mempengaruhi umat Islam. Ditambah pula dengan lemahnya iman dan kekurangan kekuatan jatidiri, individu Islam dengan mudah akan terpikat dan terikut-ikut dengan godaan syaitan dan runtunan nafsu syahwat. Sikap yang memandang remeh kepada masalah besar seperti gejala sosial boleh mengundang padah. Budaya berhibur yang keterlaluan (entertainment culture) dan budaya hedonisme (berseronok) yang merupakan di antara faktor kejatuhan tamadun Greek boleh meruntuhkan tamadun Melayu Islam. Kita mesti berasa risau dengan gejala sosial, takut-takut Allah akan menghancur binasakan kesemua kita. Firman Allah s.w.t.: Yang bermaksud: Dan apabila sampai tempoh kami hendak membinasakan penduduk sesebuah negeri, kami perintahkan (lebih dahulu) orang-orang yang melampau dengan kemewahan antara mereka (supaya taat) lalu mereka menderhaka dan melakukan maksiat padanya, maka berhaklah negeri itu dibinasakan, lalu kami menghancurkannya sehancur-hancurnya.[9] Pelan bertindak dan strategi yang rapi serta tindakan yang berterusan perlu diambil dalam usaha untuk menangani fenomena gejala sosial di kalangan masyarakat. Kerajaan, pihak berwajib, pemimpin, masyarakat, guru dan pensyarah, ibu bapa dan setiap individu perlu memainkan peranan untuk menangani permasalahan ini. Ibu bapa yang tidak memantau dan mengambil berat perkembangan sosial anak-anak adalah di antara punca utama mengapa remaja kita mudah terjebak dalam gejala sosial.[10] Ibubapa yang terlalu mengikut kehendak anak-anak hingga dibiarkan bebas boleh menyebabkan anak berada di luar daripada kawalan dan bertindak di luar daripada batasan agama. Banyak gejala sosial yang berkait rapat dengan kurangnya pengawasan dan kawalan terhadap kehendak dan perbuatan anak-anak. Selepas ibubapa berusaha untuk kecemerlangan akademik dan sahsiah anak-anak, ibubapa perlulah berdoa dan bertawakkal serta berserah diri kepada Allah s.w.t.. Nabi Luth pernah berdoa untuk keluarganya. Firman Allah s.w.t.: Nabi Lut berdoa): Wahai Tuhanku, selamatkanlah daku dan keluarga serta pengikut-pengikutku dari apa yang dilakukan oleh golongan (yang jahat) itu. Maka kami selamatkan dia dan keluarganya serta pengikut-pengikutnya semua.[11] Persoalan sikap anak-anak kita banyak berpunca daripada didikan keagamaan dan kerohanian yang tidak seimbang di antara tuntutan duniawi dan ukhrawi. Salah faham terhadap konsep kebebasan di kalangan anak-anak dan ibu bapa banyak mempengaruhi faktor kepada meruncingnya gejala sosial. Konsep kebebasan Barat perlulah digantikan dengan konsep kebebasan Islam. Ibubapa yang sayang kepada anak-anaknya adalah mereka yang menjaga, mendidik, mengasuh dan memberi pendidikan yang sewajarnya kepada anak-anak. Firman Allah s.w.t.: (Limpah kurnia yang besar) itulah yang Allah gembirakan (dengannya): hamba-hambaNya yang beriman dan beramal soleh. Katakanlah (wahai Muhammad): Aku tidak meminta kepada kamu sebarang upah tentang ajaran Islam yang aku sampaikan itu, (yang aku minta) hanyalah kasih mesra (kamu terhadapku) disebabkan pertalian kerabat (yang menghubungkan daku dengan kamu supaya aku tidak disakiti). Dan sesiapa yang mengerjakan sesuatu perkara yang baik, Kami tambahi kebaikan baginya (dengan menggandakan pahala) kebaikannya itu. Sesungguhnya Allah Maha Pengampun, lagi sentiasa membalas dengan sebaik-baiknya (akan orang-orang yang bersyukur kepadaNya).[12] Ibu bapa dan anak-anak yang tidak memahami tanggungjawab masing-masing adalah juga faktor kepada kemunculan gejala sosial. Ibubapa dan anak-anak yang terlalu individualistik dan materialistik terlupa akan tanggungjawab dan amanah yang ditanggung oleh mereka. Ingatlah kepada firman Allah s.w.t.: Katakanlah (wahai Muhammad): Jika bapa-bapa kamu, dan anak-anak kamu, dan saudara-saudara kamu, dan isteri-isteri (atau suami-suami) kamu, dan kaum keluarga kamu, dan harta benda yang kamu usahakan, dan perniagaan yang kamu bimbang akan merosot, dan rumah-rumah tempat tinggal yang kamu sukai, (jika semuanya itu) menjadi perkara-perkara yang kamu cintai lebih daripada Allah dan RasulNya dan (daripada) berjihad untuk ugamaNya, maka tunggulah sehingga Allah mendatangkan keputusanNya (azab seksaNya); kerana Allah tidak akan memberi petunjuk kepada orang-orang yang fasik (derhaka).[13] Pendidikan keagamaan kepada anak-anak harus ditekankan pada peringkat awalan lagi dan dijalankan pemantauan ke atas tingkah laku dan akhlak anak-anak. Ibubapa mempunyai peranan besar dalam membendung gejala sosial di peringkat keluarga. Pendidikan aqidah adalah di antara perkara yang mesti diutamakan sepertimana nasihat Luqman Al-Hakim kepada anaknya. Firman Allah s.w.t.: Yang bermaksud: Ketikamana Luqman berkata kepada anaknya sambil berpesan, wahai anakku janganlah engkau mempersekutukan Allah (dengan sesuatu yang lain) kerana sesungguhnya perbuatan syirik itu merupakan kezaliman yang sangat besar. Dan Kami wajibkan manusia berbuat baik kepada ibubapanya; ibunya telah mengandungnya dengan kelemahan demi kelemahan (dari awal mengandung hingga akhir menyusukannya), dan tempoh menceraikan susunya ialah dalam masa dua tahun; (dengan yang demikian) bersyukurlah kepadaKu dan kepada kedua ibubapamu; dan (ingatlah), kepada Akulah jua tempat kembali (untuk menerima balasan).[14] Anak-anak mestilah diajar dan membiasakan diri bersembahyang kerana solat itu dapat mencegah daripada perbuatan keji dan mungkar. Sembahyang adalah tiang agama. Orang yang tidak bersembahyang meruntuhkan agama. Pokoknya sembahyang itu akan dapat mencegah seseorang daripada terlibat dengan gejala sosial. Jika telah bersembahyangpun masih lagi terlibat dengan gejala sosial, maka seseorang perlu bermuhasabah dan memperbaiki sembahyangnya. Firman Allah s.w.t.: yang bermaksud: Dan perintahkanlah keluargamu serta umatmu mengerjakan sembahyang, dan hendaklah engkau tekun bersabar menunaikannya. Kami tidak meminta rezeki kepadamu, (bahkan) Kamilah yang memberi rezeki kepadamu. Dan (ingatlah) kesudahan yang baik adalah bagi orang-orang yang bertaqwa.[15] Sabda Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.: Bermaksud: Serulah anak-anak kamu bersembahyang apabila mereka mencapai umur tujuh tahun dan pukullah mereka (dengan tujuan mendidik) apabila mereka mencecah umur sepuluh tahun.[16] Konflik, keretakan dan krisis rumahtangga boleh menyebabkan anak-anak menjadi mangsa. Keluarga yang tidak harmoni dan tidak berpegang teguh kepada agama boleh menjadi penyumbang kepada peningkatan kadar gejala sosial. Anak-anak yang tiada tempat mengadu dan bergantung akan bertindak sendiri dan mencari jalan keluar daripada sesuatu masalah dengan tidak menimbang-nimbang dengan sewajarnya. Perselisihan faham antara anak dengan ibu bapa ataupun sesama ibu dan bapa juga menyumbang kepada masalah gejala sosial kerana anak-anak akan lari daripada rumah dan mencari orang yang boleh diluahkan perasaan. Kadang-kadang anak-anak akan mencari jalan keluar yang mudah untuk menyelesaikan masalah dengan mengambil dadah, arak dan seumpamanya.[17] Perselisihan faham anak dengan ibubapa adalah antara sebab utama kenapa anak lari daripada rumah dan kemudiannya akan timbul masalah-masalah lain yang berkaitan. Keluarga yang selalu berlaku perselisihan faham akan mengundang masalah yang lebih kritikal. Ibu bapa yang selalu bergaduh di hadapan anak-anak akan memberikan contoh yang negatif kepada anak-anak.[18] Penolakan yang tidak berhikmah akan teman lelaki anak-anak adalah di antara faktor kenapa anak-anak perempuan lari daripada rumah dan seterusnya mengambil tindakan yang melulu. Adalah elok diperbincangkan di peringkat keluarga dari hati ke hati sekiranya anak-anak sudah mempunyai kemampuan, persediaan dan kehendak untuk berumahtangga. Proses globalisasi negatif telah merobah nilai dan budaya hidup umat Islam. Kebebasan yang keterlaluan yang diberikan kepada anak-anak muda kita telah disalahgunakan. Hiburan terlalu dipentingkan dan dibudayakan hingga hilangnya pengagungan terhadap budaya pembelajaran (learning culture) dan budaya ilmu (knowledge culture). Anak-anak muda sanggup mencari wang berpuluh ringgit untuk berhibur, akan tetapi berapa ramai yang sanggup menghabiskan wang untuk tujuan pengajian dan pembelajaran? Ada tanda-tanda kehendak masyarakat Islam kepada pendidikan Islam terutamanya peningkatan jumlah institusi pendidikan Islam. Ini adalah satu titik peralihan yang memberangsangkan. Alangkah baiknya seandainya ruh dan semangat daripada tarbiyyah dan tadib itu menyerap dalam diri remaja kita. Kekuatan jati diri dengan nilai-nilai murni keagamaan, keimanan dan ketaqwaan boleh menjadi benteng kepada para remaja dan masyarakat kita daripada terjebak daripada gejala-gejala yang tidak sihat. Konsep ihsan (Bahawa kamu menyembah Allah seolah-olah Allah melihat kamu, seandainya kamu tidak melihat Allah, akan tetapi Allah melihat kamu) adalah manifestasi daripada kekuatan jatidiri yang mampu menangkis ancaman gejala sosial. Kerapuhan dan keruntuhan institusi kekeluargaan banyak menyumbang kepada kejadian gejala sosial yang berlaku. Kurangnya pengetahuan tentang ilmu keibubapaan dan psikologi serta pengabaian tanggungjawab keibubapaan juga menyumbang kepada kemunculan gejala sosial. Hambatan dan tumpuan kepada materialistik hingga mengabaikan perhatian, kawalan, pemantauan dan pendidikan terhadap anak-anak kerap menyumbang kepada meningkatnya gejala sosial di kalangan remaja. Keretakan hubungan suami isteri dan kerenggangan ibu bapa dengan anak-anak juga turut menyumbang kepada peningkatan jumlah remaja yang terlibat dengan gejala-gejala negatif. Budaya Dekati Zina Allah s.w.t. telah mengetahui tentang perbuatan-perbuatan yang boleh menjurus ke arah berlakunya zina. Sebab itu Allah s.w.t. mengharamkan budaya dekati zina. Firman Allah s.w.t.: Dan janganlah kamu menghampiri zina, sesungguhnya zina itu adalah satu perbuatan yang keji dan satu jalan yang jahat (yang membawa kerosakan).[19] Hukuman terhadap zina walaupun kelihatan berat, sebenarnya ia banyak mengandungi unsur pencegahan dan pengajaran untuk yang terlibat dan kesemua anggota masyarakat. Firman Allah s.w.t.: Perempuan yang berzina dan lelaki yang berzina, hendaklah kamu sebat tiap-tiap seorang dari keduanya seratus kali sebat; dan janganlah kamu dipengaruhi oleh perasaan belas kasihan terhadap keduanya dalam menjalankan hukum ugama Allah, jika benar kamu beriman kepada Allah dan hari akhirat; dan hendaklah disaksikan hukuman seksa yang dikenakan kepada mereka itu oleh sekumpulan dari orang-orang yang beriman.[20] Mengatasi dan Menangani Gejala Sosial: Tanggungjawab Bersama Pembenterasan gejala sosial adalah tanggungjawab semua pihak dan bukan sahaja kerajaan. Komitmen semua pihak diperlukan bagi mengwujudkan satu tindakan bersepadu sesama agensi-agensi kerajaan dan masyarakat keseluruhannya. Janganlah ada sikap memandang ringan mengenai perkara ini. Gejala sosial ibarat penyakit, setiap penyakit ada penawarnya. Rasulullah s.a.w telah bersabda yang bermaksud: Bahawa Allah telah menurunkan penyakit dan ubat dan dijadikan kepada setiap penyakit ada ubatnya, berubatlah tetapi jangan berubat dengan benda-benda yang haram. (Riwayat Abu Daud) Pengenalpastian Masalah Dan Penubuhan Jawatankuasa Task Force Mengenalpasti masalah merupakan asas dalam penyelesaian masalah. Perlu diadakan satu kajian mendalam mengenai gejala sosial, punca-punca dan implikasi yang timbul daripadanya terhadap agama, bangsa dan negara. Satu jawatankuasa ad-hoc boleh ditubuhkan untuk memulakan dan menggerakkan usaha murni ini. Kajian ini boleh mengumpulkan maklumat yang sedia ada di Institusi Pengajian Tinggi Awam, Polis Diraja Malaysia, Jabatan Agama, kementerian ataupun agensi-agensi kerajaan. Kombinasi ini memungkinkan satu Pelan Tindakan yang komprehensif bagi menangani gejala dan masalah sosial. Dengan adanya data dan statistik, pengenalpastian masalah akan dapat menjejaki akar umbi masalah dan penyelesaian masalah dapat dilakukan segera. Dicadangkan agar ditubuhkan satu jawatankuasa task force daripada gabungan pelbagai agensi, kementerian, badan berkanun, NGO dan ahli akademik untuk tindakan pembenterasan yang lebih bersepadu dan komprehensif. Kadang-kadang tiada keseragaman dan pengelolaan yang jitu dalam menangani isu gejala sosial. Program Khidmat Negara dan Sukarelawan Al-Falah YADIM boleh dijadikan sebagai wadah untuk menampilkan juga pembentukan dan kemantapan sahsiah, emosi, mental dan fizikal agar seimbang dengan tuntutan rohani, agama dan jasmani di samping menanam sikap dan semangat patriotisme, nasionalisme dan jatidiri. Signifikan Pendidikan Strategi pendidikan secara dasarnya boleh menjadi asas untuk pembentukan akhlak generasi kita dan menyediakan suatu foundasi untuk pembentukan generasi beriman dan bertaqwa. Perlu dinilai semula kurikulum pendidikan Islam daripada peringkat rendah ke menengah dan tinggi dengan memasukkan elemen penyedaran mengenai masalah sosial yang menggugat agama, bangsa dan negara. Pembinaan kekuatan emosi, psikologi, keagamaan dan jati diri yang utuh mampu menjadi benteng daripada terjebak ke dalam kancah gejala sosial. Pengharmonian Persekitaran Sejauh mana dan selama mana seseorang Muslim dapat bertahan seandainya persekitaran itu sendiri semacam mengundang atau mempengaruhi seseorang individu itu untuk melakukan tindakan salah laku ataupun jenayah? Persekitaran yang kondusif dan bebas daripada ancaman gejala sosial dan maksiat perlu dibanteras selari dengan usaha pemantapan aqidah, iman dan taqwa. Jika tidak, usaha kita menangani gejala sosial ibarat orang yang menebas lalang, akan tetapi akar umbinya dibiarkan sahaja tumbuh dalam tanah. Akibatnya, lalang yang ditebas akan tumbuh semula seminggu kemudiannya. Maka perlulah diwujudkan persekitaran yang kondusif dan sifar-maksiat. Ibubapa Pembentuk Sahsiah dan Peribadi Anak-anak Ibubapa yang sebenarnya harus memainkan peranan awal dan memantau pendidikan anak-anak. Dalam Islam, anak-anak itu dilahirkan dalam keadaan suci bersih atas dasar fitrahnya. Penentuan dan hala tuju pegangan aqidah dan keberagamaan anak-anak itu ditentukan oleh hasil pendidikan yang diberikan oleh ibu bapa. Proses pendidikan pula bermula di rumah. Ibubapalah yang paling bertanggungjawab untuk membesarkan anak dengan tradisi keislaman di samping kecemerlangan akademik dan spirituil. Pengukuhan Agensi Penguatkuasaan dan Penggubalan Undang-undang Pelaksana dan penguatkuasaan undang-undang harus diteliti dan dipermantapkan semula. Agensi-agensi yang terlibat dengan aspek pelaksanaan, penguatkuasaan dan pemantauan harus memainkan peranan yang proaktif dan berterusan. Tindakan penguatkuasaan yang bermusim atau mengikut kemunculan isu tidak dapat memberi kesan yang positif yang berpanjangan. Apa yang perlu ialah tindakan pencegahan dan penguatkuasaan yang berterusan dan jangkaan masalah dan gejala sosial yang akan muncul bersama plan strategik jangka masa pendek dan jangka masa panjang. Untuk itu, penambahan anggota, latihan, kepakaran dan motivasi perlulah juga dititikberatkan. Unsur undang-undang yang bukan sahaja bersifat menghukum tetapi juga mencegah, mendidik dan memberi pengajaran kepada yang lain haruslah dipraktikkan. Penggubal undang-undang perlulah peka dengan kompleksiti dan isu gejala sosial yang berkembang dengan zaman. Undang-undang perlu diperketatkan dari masa ke semasa untuk mengelakkan sesuatu undang-undang itu dianggap tidak lagi mampu menangani atau mencegah masalah. Pengharaman pusat-pusat dan arked-arked permainan video adalah langkah menggalakkan dan proaktif oleh pihak kerajaan. Adalah diharapkan pusat atau kafe siber tidak lagi menempatkan computer yang boleh melibatkan permainan-permainan komputer (computer games) yang berunsur ganas, kejam dan lucah. Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan seperti Majlis Bandaran boleh memainkan peranan yang lebih proaktif dalam soal ini. Usaha yang lebih keras diperlukan demi untuk membasmi pelacuran. Kegiatan pelacuran yang bertopengkan peranan GRO (Guest Relationship Officer, Pegawai Perhubungan Pelanggan) di pusat-pusat hiburan (contohnya pusat karaoke) perlulah dibenteras segera. Rumah-rumah tumpangan dan hotel yang membenarkan pasangan yang bukan mahram mendudukinya perlulah dipantau dan diambil tindakan. Pusat-pusat hiburan yang membenarkan aktiviti dan budaya dekati zina, kebenaran remaja bawah umur memasukinya, penyediaan alkohol, dan dibuka melebihi waktu sebenar yang dibenarkan perlulah disita. Kerjasama pihak berkuasa air dan Tenaga Nasional serta polis dan Majlis Bandaran diperlukan untuk tujuan penyitaan. Potong sahaja bekalan air dan elektrik sekiranya mereka masih engkar perintah selepas diberikan amaran keras. Di pusat-pusat hiburan juga kebiasaannya kegiatan pengambilan pil narkotik berleluasa dan gejala gengsterismeserta kongsi gelap bermaharajalela. Penguatkuasaan undang-undang yang lebih tegas perlu diberikan kepada langkah-langkah pencegahan dan penyedaran. Penguatkuasaan dan pencegahan perlu diberikan dengan serius. Pihak penguatkuasaan Majlis Bandaran dan Jabatan Agama dan lain-lain agensi boleh diberi kuasa yang lebih. Usaha yang dijalankan dalam pembenterasan gejala sosial perlulah berterusan, kerap dan berkeseimbangan. Serbuan ke pusat hiburan, karaoke dan disko serta tempat tumbuh dan berkembangnya gejala sosial dan budaya dekati zina perlu lebih kerap dilakukan. Majlis Fatwa Kebangsaan telahpun mengisytiharkan aktiviti perjudian melalui SMS adalah haram disisi agama Islam kerana unsur penipuan. Maka segala aktiviti judi mengandungi unsur penipuan, maka ia tidak patut dibenarkan. Perlu ada tindakan tegas terhadap budaya pergaulan bebas, melepak dan membuang masa. Pergaulan bebas tanpa kawalan akan mudah terdorong kepada budaya dekati zina. Justeru, ibubapa boleh memainkan peranan memantau hubungan sosial anak-anak terutamanya pada peringkat remaja. Anak-anak kita juga perlukan perubahan sikap dan mentaliti. Janganlah terlalu terikut-ikut dengan cara pergaulan rakan-rakan yang menyimpang daripada kehendak agama. Majlis-majlis perbandaran dan agensi yang berkaitan boleh diberikan kuasa yang lebih untuk menangkap, menyaman dan memberikan khidmat penasihatan, bimbingan dan kaunseling kepada mereka yang terlibat dalam soal berpacaran atau berdua-duaan tanpa mahram. Terdapat Enakmen Jenayah Syariah Negeri yang memberi kuasa kepada pegawai penguatkuasa untuk memberikan surat amaran serta mengarahkan menghadiri kaunseling di pejabat-pejabat agama bagi pasangan-pasangan yang terlibat dalam salah laku-salah laku agama seperti duduk merangkul pasangan, duduk celah riba pasangan atau berjalan sambil merangkul pasangan yang bukan mahram. Terdapat juga Enakmen Jenayah Syariah Negeri (Selangor) yang memberi kuasa kepada pegawai penguatkuasa untuk manasihati dan mengarahkan pasangan yang bukan mahram beredar seperti kesalahan berjalan dengan tangan berada di bahu pasangan, saling suap menyuap, berpegangan tangan sambil duduk rapat-rapat, bergurau senda sehingga berlakunya sentuhan, duduk rapat-rapat dan berjalan berpegangan tangan. Peruntukan undang-undang sebegini adalah baik untuk mencegah budaya berpacaran dan budaya dekati zina dan sepatutnya diperluaskan di setiap negeri bersekali dengan penguatkuasaan yang berterusan dan intensif. Harus diingat penguatkuasaan ini bukan tertentu pada waktu malam sahaja bahkan waktu siang juga. Usaha pencegahan yang berunsur pendidikan perlu disebarkan melalui berbagai medium, media massa dan media eletronik. Strategi Pembangunan Manusia dan Fizikal Pemantapan aqidah dan akhlak perlu diberikan perhatian serius. Di samping itu kecemerlangan akademik anak-anak tidak diabaikan. Aktiviti rekreasi, masa senggang dan ko-kurikulum perlu diberikan perhatian oleh para remaja dan ibubapa. Kerajaan perlu mengwujudkan lebih banyak kemudahan sukan dan aktiviti waktu senggang untuk masyarakat untuk mengalihkan perhatian anggota muda masyarakat kepada aktiviti masa lapang yang bermanafaat dan berfaedah. Anak-anak perlu diajar dan selalu diperingatkan menunaikan titah perintah Allah s.w.t. dan meninggalkan laranganNya. Kita perlu melahirkan generasi yang takutkan Allah ketika bersendirian dan ketika berasa di khalayak ramai. Rasulullah s.a.w bersabda, maksudnya: Tiga perkara yang menyelamatkan , iaitu takut pada Allah ketika bersendirian dan di khalayak ramai, berlaku adil pada ketika suka dan marah, berjimat cermat ketika susah dan senang, dan tiga perkara yang membinasakan iaitu mengikut hawa nafsu, terlampau bakhil dan kagum seseorang dengan dirinya sendiri. Pihak berwajib perlu melihat keseimbangan kemajuan dan pembangunan insan dalam aspek-aspek pembangunan rohani, jasmani, emosi, fizikal, mental dan spirituil. Pemahaman Konsep Sebaik-baik Ummah Dan al-Amr bi al-Maruf wa al-Nahy an al-Munkar (Menyuruh Berbuat Kebaikan dan Mencegah Kemungkaran) Kesedaran dan praktik ini perlu ada pada setiap individu, anggota masyarakat dan juga pihak berkuasa. Masyarakat haruslah mempunyai sensitiviti dan kepekaan terhadap hal ehwal yang berlaku di sekeliling mereka. Sensitiviti dan kepekaan ini dijelmakan pula dalam diri sendiri, rumah tangga dan keluarga. Elakkan sikap mementingkan diri sendiri. Konsep ini merupakan payung kepada tindakan, perbuatan dan perlakuan individu. Firman Allah s.w.t.: Yang bermaksud: Kamu (wahai umat Muhammad) adalah sebaik-baik umat yang dilahirkan bagi (faedah) umat manusia, (kerana) kamu menyuruh berbuat segala perkara yang baik dan melarang daripada segala perkara yang salah (buruk dan keji), serta kamu pula beriman kepada Allah (dengan sebenar-benar iman).[21] Kesedaran dan Tanggungjawab Masyarakat Untuk melakukan usaha pencegahan dan pembenterasan gejala sosial, peranan yang dimainkan oleh ketua dan kelompok masyarakat adalah di antara perkara utama. Semangat bekerjasama dan tolong menolong (esprit de corp) antara sesama ahli komuniti patut diwujudkan dalam usaha menegakkan kebenaran dan ketaqwaan serta mencegah kemungkaran. Rasa, sikap, tindakan dan semangat bertanggung jawab bersama harus dipupuk untuk mengwujudkan suasana sifar-maksiat (sekiranya memungkinkan) sama ada di peringkat kampung, taman perumahan, daerah, wilayah dan sebagainya. Usaha ini boleh digerakkan dengan kerjasama agensi-agensi kerajaan dan penguatkuasaan, ibu bapa, guru, individu, masyarakat dan sebagainya. Sabda Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.: Yang bermaksud: Seseorang mukmin bagi mukmin yang lain ibarat sebuah binaan, saling sokong menyokong di antara satu sama lain dan Rasulallah s.a.w. mengisyaratkan dengan menyilangkan antara jari jemari baginda.[22] Tindakan menangani gejala sosial mestilah disegerakan dengan kapasiti dan kemampuan yang ada. Agensi-agensi kerajaan dan semua pihak boleh berpadu tenaga bekerjasama (cross-departmental cooperation) membenteras masalah ini. Kerajaan, agensi-agensi pelaksanaan dan penguatkuasaan undang-undang, pihak berwajib, guru dan pensyarah, pakar dalam bidang berkaitan dan penyelidik, ketua masyarakat dan masyarakat serta ibu bapa, masing-masing mempunyai peranan yang tersendiri. Pusat Pembangunan dan Kemajuan Sosial Masjid-masjid boleh dijadikan sebagai tempat untuk membendung gejala sosial. Khutbah Jumaat adalah wadah yang baik untuk menyampaikan mesej pencegahan gejala sosial. Kempen-kempen mengenai kesedaran gejala sosial boleh diketengahkan sama ada melalui masjid, jawatankuasa taman perumahan, Jawatan Kuasa Keselamatan dan Kemajuan Kampong dan seumpamanya. Imam, Bilal, Nazir, AJK masjid, AJK JKKK, ketua kampong dan lain-lain boleh memainkan peranan proaktif untuk mengatasi masalah gejala sosial. Perangkaan gejala sosial boleh dikumpulkan di peringkat bawah untuk mengetahui jumlah sebenar sebelum langkah-langkah seterusnya diambil. Maka dicadangkan agar diwujudkan pusat-pusat pembangunan dan kemajuan sosial di ma

Characterization, Identities, and the Supernatural in Otranto Essay

"The Divided Self": Characterization, Identities, and the Supernatural A cursory first reading of Horace Walpole's Otranto might yield an impression that its characters are thoroughly superficial, shallow, and flat, almost to the point of being laughably so. A single character mold seems to have been applied to each character: Manfred is the incestuous tyrant, Hippolita is the helplessly devoted wife, Matilda is the picture of â€Å"tenderness and duty† (38), and Theodore is the chivalrous protector of delicate young ladies. As some critics have pointed out, each character is described heavy-handedly, and the author provides no keys into the inner minds of the characters, relying instead of outward displays of excess emotion (Sedgwick 131). Consequently, Otranto becomes â€Å"theatrical† (Napier 33) because of its emphasis on dramatic action and visual display. To the reader, each character and his/her displays of emotion combine in Otranto to make what amounts to a thoroughly ludicrous cast. There is some debate over the substitution of flat characters for even a single dynamic characters. Was this a deliberate choice on the part of the author? Some possibilities that may arise include the suggestion that Walpole was unskilled as an author and consequently, was unable to write â€Å"well.† Another suggestion is that Walpole's skill as an author is demonstrated in his intentional choice to write flat characters to achieve a higher purpose. Perhaps this purpose was to make his short novel a work of pure entertainment with mindless, fluffy characters? Or to maintain a quick-moving plot? Or perhaps Walpole decided to â€Å"systematically sacrific[e characters] to other, more highly valued aspects of narrative such as moral and plot† (Napier 34) wi... ...f boundaries between characterizations, identities, the psychological, and the supernatural, is not only ambiguous and incongruous, but unstable, contingent, baseless, mysterious, and haunting. Works Cited Freud, Sigmund. â€Å"Fragment of an Analysis of a Case of Hysteria (â€Å"Dora†).† The Freud Reader. Ed. Peter Gay. Trans. James Strachey. New York: Norton, 1995. 172-239. Moglen, Helene. The Trauma of Gender: A Feminist Theory of the English Novel. Los Angeles, CA: U of California P, 2001. Morris, David B. "Gothic Sublimity." New Literary History. 16.2 (Winter, 1985): 299-319. Napier, Elizabeth R. The Failure of Gothic: Problems of Disjunction in an Eighteenth-Century Literary Form. New York: OUP, 1987. Sedgwick, Eve K. Coherence of Gothic Conventions. New York and London: Methuen, 1986. Walpole, Horace. The Castle of Otranto. New York: OUP, 1998.

The Shifting of Pangea :: essays research papers

The Shifting of Pangea Have you ever noticed that a map of the world looks like a puzzle and the continents look like the pieces that would fit together to complete the puzzle.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1912, Alfred Wegener, a German scientist and an adventurer, came up with a theory that the continents had once been part of a â€Å"supercontinent†. Wegener proposed that, over 200 million years, what he called Pangea had separated and became individual pieces. Pangea means â€Å"all lands† in Greek, and that is what Pangea was, a very large landmass when all of the continents were connected. When Wegener first proposed this idea in 1912, people did not buy into this theory. One of the problems that Wegener faced was that he believed that the continents had drifted apart, but he couldn’t explain how they had drifted apart. Another problem was that there was a theory already in place called the â€Å"Contraction Theory†. This theory stated that the Earth was once a molten ball and in the process of cooling, the surface cracked and folded up on itself. One of the problems with this theory was that it suggests that all mountain ranges w ere the same age, and this could not be true. Wegner’s explanation was that continents shifted and these shifting plates would collide, encounter resistance from one another, compress, then fold upwards to form mountains near the edges of the plates.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Eons ago India and an ancient ocean called the Tethys Ocean sat on a tectonic plate. This place was shifting northward towards Asia at a rate of 10 centimeters per year. The ocean got progressively smaller unit about 55 million years ago when it collided with Asia. There was no more ocean left of lubricate the subduction and so the plates formed the High Plateau of Tibet and the Himalayan Mountains.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Evidence that Pangea may have existed can be found in land animals, vegetation, mountains, and the climate. Fossils and plants that are the same, can be found on different continents, across oceans. Assuming that the land was once connected, animals could have walked across the large land mass and not have to swim. For example, the mesosauras (a land animal) could not have traveled from South America to Africa because of the Atlantic Ocean. Yet, there are fossils of this animal on both continents. Another example is there are trees in South America, Africa, India, Australia, and Antarctica that are of the same origin.

The Main Character in The Mayor of Casterbridge Essay -- essays resear

'The business of the poet and novelist is to show the sorriness underlying the grandest things, and the grandeur underlying the sorriest.'; Thomas Hardy said this upon completion of the novel The Mayor of Casterbridge. Thomas Henchard, the main character in his novel, becomes the example to illustrate this idea. Henchard is at one point the most powerful person in a small town called Casterbridge. He is the wealthiest person and commands the most respect, but Hardy shows some terrible characteristics of Henchard. Because of Henchard's pride and ego, he loses his fame and fortune and becomes a part of the lowest working class. There, while exhibiting some of his cruder qualities, he also shows signs of true affection to others.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  While Henchard is the mayor, he scolds the chronincly late Abel for being tardy. Henchard is in Abel's hut, and demands the following from Abel who is just waking up:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  '' Out of bed, sir, and off to the granary, or you leave my employ today! 'Tis to teach ye a lesson. March on; never mind your britches''; (169)!   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Even though Abel does deserve a punishment, he is a grown man and such punishments like those fall into the category of cruel and unusual. A simple deduction in his pay would have been suitable, Henchard however decides to humilate him. Hardy is showing that, even in the most powerful people, human flaws make people do the worst of things. Hardy further sh...

The Impact of the 1920’s

The decade of the 1920's was a period of American prosperity, new technology, and a new role for women. As World War I came to an end, society began bursting into many different things. The twenties were a time when people laughed more often than cried, partied more often than worked, and dreamed more often than faced reality. Athletes were looked up to as heroes, authors helped people escape into a different life, and women dressed as flappers and started voting. The Harlem Renaissance, the model T, prohibition, sports heroes, the role of women, and new technologies all helped influence the social changes in the â€Å"Roaring Twenties†. In the 1920's, African Americans were â€Å"roaring† in their culture. African American music, literature, dance, art, and social commentary all boomed in Harlem, New York. Their culture movement was known to be called â€Å"The New Negro Movement† and later called the Harlem Renaissance. The Harlem Renaissance showed the different cultures of African American. One of the main factors leading to the rise of the Harlem Renaissance was the urban migration. There were different people of the arts, such as Nora Thurston Zeale who was an anthropologist, Countee Cullen who was a romantic poet, Langston Hughes who was a poet as well as a playwright. Marcus Garvey, James Weldon Johnston, and W. E. B. Dubois were three political figures who helped people have hope of freedom for African Americans and made the Harlem Renaissance what it came to be known for, all the arts, literature, and music. Marcus Garvey was the leader of the Universal Negro Improvement Association, the first African American leader in the American history to organize masses of people in a political movement. He advocated â€Å"black nationalism† and financial independence for African Americans. W. E. B.  Dubois was an author and a teacher who helped found the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and helped African Americans try to improve their lives. James Weldon Johnston also helped found the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and was also the secretary. He was also an influential poet that influenced jazz music. Another black famous figure in the 1920's was Louis Armstrong. He was an amazing trumpet player who played jazz for the first time ever heard north of the Mason-Dixon Line. Langston Hughes was a great writer who wrote funny poems, stories, essays, and poetry. The Harlem Renaissance was a time period which had a huge influence across America and even around the world. The automobile really changed the way people lived in the 1920's. The automobile became the backbone of the American economy. It altered the American landscape and American's society, and it was only one of the several factors in the country's business boom in the 1920's. The automobile changed the way people lived their lives, the way the city was run, and how the economy was dealt with. The automobile changed the way everyday people lived their lives. Rural families now could travel to the city for shopping and entertainment. It also gave families the opportunity to take a vacation in places far away. Automobiles also gave younger people and women additional opportunities to be more independent. It allowed people to live far away from their jobs causing the urban sprawl. The automobile changed the way the city was run in a few ways. It was evident in the construction of the paved roads suitable for driving in all weather. Houses were being built with garages or carports and a driveway and a smaller lawn due to more people having automobiles. Gas stations, repair shops, public garages, motels, tourist camps, traffic signals, and shopping centers were all being built as well. The economy also had a big change when the automobile came into power. The industry provided an economic underpinning for cities like Akron and Detroit. It drew people to oil-producing states like California and Texas. The automobile industry also helped promote the free enterprise system. In the late 1920's, about one in every five people owned a vehicle in America. On January 16, 1920, the 18th amendment went to affect which banned all consumption, distribution, and creation of any alcoholic beverages. This created uproar, because people really did not like being told what they could or could not drink. The soul purpose was to reduce the quantity of alcohol consumed. It at first worked, it began to be very difficult to get alcohol, plus the prices went up a lot, and the quantity consumed was less than it used to be. At that time, most bootleggers were from the mafia, which were families that controlled areas of a city. Speakeasies were made to keep people happy when the alcohol was banned. They gave out alcohol illegally. Besides speakeasies, the American population came up with different kind of ways to get around the 18th Amendment, such as putting alcohol in hot water bottles, coconut shells, garden hoses, and other unique things to get alcohol. The mafia saw the amendment as a way to make money. The time between 1920 until 1933 when prohibition ended, mafia families, such as Al Capone, were taking in about sixty million dollars. It was pretty hard to uphold the Prohibition law. So in 1933, the Prohibition law came to an end. There were many sports heroes in the 1920's, such as George Herman Ruth, Jack Dempsey, Johnny Weismuller, Steve Donoghue, Harold Edward Grange, Helen Newington Wills, and William Tilden. George Herman Ruth, later dubbed Babe Ruth from his fans, set the baseball record of sixty home runs in one season in 1927. This record stood until 1961 when Roger Maris hit 61 home runs. He might have been the best baseball player who ever played the game. He led the Yankees to seven World Series and made two million dollars in his career. Jack â€Å"the Manassa Mauler† Dempsey was one of the best heavyweight boxers of all time. He was a heavyweight champion and fought and won against Georges Carpentier. The battle was later called â€Å"The Battle of the Century† and they were the first people to be paid more than one million dollars for promotion of the fight. Johnny Weismuller was a swimmer who won a lot of Olympic gold medals. He won 52 United States titles and 28 world distance records. He also starred in many films as Tarzan Lord of the Jungle. Steve Donoghue won several Derby's. He won six total Derby's and was named the champion jockey from 1914-1923. Harold Edward Grange was a college football hero who helped get the game of American football popular. Helen Newington Wills was a woman's tennis champion. She won Wimbledon for the first time in 1927. She had won two Olympic gold medals and 19 singles championships. She was later inducted into the U. S. Lawn Tennis Hall of Fame. William â€Å"Big Bill† Tilden was a men's tennis champion. He was the first American to win the Wimbledon title in 1920. These two champions helped get the game of tennis popular during the twenties. On August 26th, 1920, President Wilson ratified the Nineteenth Amendment. The Nineteenth Amendment was for women suffrage. In the twenties, many roles changed for women. Women were declared the right to vote, their styles changed, they began doing other jobs such as doctors, bankers, lawyers, and other different jobs which were usually reserved for men. Women's style changed from wearing clothes that went all the way down to their ankles and with long hair all pinned up to short â€Å"bob† hair cuts and short skirts. These women were called â€Å"flappers†. In the twenties, the jobs that were usually seen as womanly such as household things dropped. Women started doing jobs that men usually did. It was still seen that women were to be in the home and men brought home the money. A lot of new technology thrived in the 1920's. In 1927, Philo Farnsworth patented the â€Å"dissector tube† which turned out to be important to inventing the television. Late in 1922, the first movie with sound, â€Å"The Jazz Singer† came out. Television's first drama came out on September 11, 1928, which was called â€Å"The Queen's Messenger†. In 1926, the first movie with sound and color came out. The Harlem Renaissance, the model T, prohibition, sports heroes, the role of women, and new technologies all helped influence the social changes in the â€Å"Roaring Twenties†. The prosperity and experiences that America went through in the â€Å"Roaring Twenties† looked like they would go on forever. There were not any signs that the country that was thriving would go into a complete and total economic depression. New inventions, new advancements, and new discoveries helped make life better in America. Life seemed so easy in the twenties thanks to all the new advancements. No one would have guessed what laid ahead for the powerful country.