Developing self developing others Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Developing self developing others - Essay Example His performance got evaluated from his role play and he expedited his job in an organized manner. He expressed strong proficiency in preparation and organization. His time management and placement of tasks in a sequential way also showed strong planning skills he possesses. John also demonstrated that he is a strategic visional thinker when he scheduled tasks according to their complexity and put in place possible solutions for probable future challenges. He also demonstrated efficient time management skills, by planning tasks in a written schedule for prompt completion. John’s prowess in relationship management was effortlessly reinforced by his outgoing nature. To other team members, he was extremely welcoming and warmed up to every member of the group. His score in management of association was (insert score). In his interaction with the group members, he applied body language and was supportive of other group members through affirmative exploits such as nodding. He was very easy-to-read in verbal communication and in body language. His management of relationships was easy to determine as he was tactful and promoted open discourses among members. When disagreeing with opinions of others, he did it tactfully and avoided condescending utterances. His handling of dissenting opinions acted as motivations to other group members and therefore stood out as a good relationship

Response to articles (to state in the documents uploaded) Essay

Response to articles (to state in the documents uploaded) - Essay Example The two articles dwell on the African American cultures and their influence in decision making. Hughes displays a scenario in which the whites are considered to be superior and of higher class than the African American. He also states the existing social classes within the African Americans. The social standards determine the life style and the child’s development (Marable & Mullings, 2009). The internal composting of families and individuals in an African American set up are determined by the existing stereotypes. These notions associate many negative occurrences to the African American populating (Huggins, 47). The two authors indicate the origin of an individual to be the main reason behind their beliefs and practice. The two authors disagree with each other on matters cross- cultural solidarity. Hughes acknowledges the solidarity. He uses the boys desire to compose poems to show the cultural interchange with the boy aspiring to be a white poet. The initial institution for each individual is the social with background information and practices being blamed to social class. They all agree on how society shapes behaviors with social background determine the nature of person people end up being. The stereotype aspect is enhanced by the family with parents giving their children negative attitude towards a given ethnic group. The authors indicate two relationships between the whites and African American. The ancient relationship in which many associated the blacks and lack formal cultural compositions with many wishing to b born in white. Hughes indicates social differences between the two groups to be the reason behind the negative beliefs existing between the two. The other aspect by the author is the existence of positive beliefs and a change of heart with both cultures showing a sense of appreciation in both the educational ground and social lives. The authors indicate friendship growing between

Business Strategy of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

Business Strategy of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) TATA group of companies: Tata Group of companies is the largest private corporate group in India and has been recognized as one of the most respected companies in the world which was founded by Jamsedji R Tata in 1991. The company has operations in more than 85 countries across six continents and its companies export products and services to 80 nations and the Tata Group comprises (114) companies and subsidiaries in seven business sectors (Tata Sons Ltd., 2010). SBUs of TATA group 🙠 For details please refer to appendix no.1) SBUs which form a major part of the Tata group include: Tata steel Tata motors Ltd. Tata consultancy services Tata Technologies Tata tea Tata power Tata Communications Tata Teleservices Tata hotels 1.1 Company profile: Tata consultancy services (TCS) SBU of Tata group: http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ftrqMPzMyAWhIM::t=1usg=__pSSLT1wgbnRMMkApfc8zl-8DYsg= Source: http://biet.beadvg.org/images/logos/tcs_logo_cmyk.jpg Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is one of the SBU of Tata group of companies. It is a Software services consulting company which is a subsidiary Tata group .It is the largest provider of information technology (IT) and business process outsourcing services in Asia. It has offices in 42 countries with more than 142 branches across the globe. The company is listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange(BSE) of India.TCS mainly offers a consulting-led, integrated portfolio of IT and IT-enabled services delivered through its unique strategic Global Network Delivery Model which is recognized as the benchmark of excellence in the IT industry (LinkedIn Corporation, 2010) .TCS is currently investing in new technologies, new processes people in order to achieve an competitive edge (Amdocs Ltd., 2010).(For details please refer to appendix no.2) TCS helps some of the worlds largest companies to adopt the right technology-enabled solution that helps them in following manner (Tata Sons Ltd., 2010). Optimize business performance Facilitate alignment of business with technology Connect their extended supply chains Reduce product development time Improve product differentiation Provide real-time business insight Lower operational costs TCS business structure: Following diagram illustrates operating structure of TCS: Fig 1.TCS operating structure Source: http://www.allbusiness.com/glossaries/organizational-structure/4943569-1.html 2 Business Level Strategies: TCS has developed its business level strategy by assuming as world financial institutions are in a tremendous shock of crisis and think of scaling up revenue from other industries. (Tata Consultancy Services Limited, 2010). TCS names its business divisions as Industry Service Practice which will help them to collect maximum revenue from Banking Financial Services and Insurance Sectors. (Please refer to appendix no. 3) Generic Business Strategies of TCS: TCS provides low cost Global delivery with the help global strategy. TCS mainly focus on customer relationship management customer retention in order increase the business revenue. TCS provides timely delivery of IT services with the help of proven delivery quality framework called as (iQMS) TCS uses differentiation strategy by providing low end services in terms of cost, resources. TCS also diffenciate its high end services such as consulting in term of niche offerings. TCS has strong knowledge management system resource Strength by which they has successful in reaching the overall cost leadership in the (IT) industry. TCS has develop a resolute strategy where they are providing (IT) services according to the requirements of customer and the nature of business. targeting new markets like Middle East, Europe, and Asia-pacific. Currently TCS Focus on Centres of Excellence (CoE) to hold ability so as to construct technologies such as service-oriented architecture, testing, and virtualization which will help TCS to attempt outsized projects so as to alter customers (IT) applications. Business level strategy model: Following diagram illustrates various business level strategies of TCS which are closely related to the company. Fig 2. Business level strategy model-TCS Source: Author Business level Strategies are listed below: Global Strategies Strategic Alliance strategy Acquisition strategy TCS: Co innovation network (coin) strategy (1) Global strategy: TCS global strategy structure tend towards its global operations to implement a Customer centric and integrated approach which will help them to control external factors arising from the Economic Meltdown in western countries. TCSs global operation units is divided into five main divisions includes the established markets like North America K Western Europe as well as the new markets includes mainly Latin America, Middle east, India and Eastern Europe. TCS was the first one to set the global delivery centre in China which distinguished TCS from other corporate companies (Mitra, 2005). This global strategy of TCS will Increase Companys market growth rate at the rate of 40% every year. TCS is establishing global delivery centres outside India which demonstrate TCS as a Global company. In recent years TCS was frequently changing its approach towards global market. (For details please refer to appendix no .3) Global strategy map: Following map illustrated the countries where TCS collaborate its global strategy Mainly includes US, Mexico, China, India, Hungary, UK, West-Europe etc. http://htmlimg3.scribdassets.com/entwg1s84irfuww/images/15-8f526c1a8f/000.jpg Fig.3 Global Strategy map Source: http://www.cogmap.com/chart/tata- consultancy-services 2 Strategic Alliances strategy: Tata consultancy services have been holding a strategic relationship with various International technology (IT) vendors such as Intel, Hewlett-Packard (HP), IBM this distinguished as service provider, customer, supplier, and alliance partner. (Mitra, 2005). The relationships with the international technology vendors have made TCS to maintain a holistic approach to create a joint venture opportunities with these international vendors on joint research by which each others strengths will provide a strategic advantage by following ways(For details please refer to appendix no.4) It creates joint engagements with (IT) vendors. It provide new or improved solutions on problems It helps to adopt a Joint go-to-market strategy for the specific (IT) solutions. 3. Acquisition strategy: TCS divides its acquisition strategy into two components. Organic means and inorganic means (Mitra, 2005). The Inorganic way of acquisitions of companies this has business sense to TCS as part of its strategy to look at expansion options has set up an internal team which will focus only on acquisition strategies.(For details please refer to appendix no.5) 4. Co- innovation network (coin) strategies: TCS have implemented a Co-innovation strategy in order to face the competition in todays globalization world. Where competition among the IT companies is increasing day by day. TCS has developed implement an innovative technology which will result in collaborating a Globally Distributed Network (GDN) (Mitra, 2005). (Please refer to appendix no.6) Bowmans strategic clock: Business level strategy of TCS can also be explained with the help of Bowmanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸s Strategic clock (work of Cliff Bowman) (For details please refer to appendix no.7) Fig 4. Bowmans strategic clock Source: Adopted from (Faulkner Bowman, 1995) Based on the competition faced by TCS they are using two parallel strategies so as to sustain in the (IT) sector. Differentiation:-TCS use differentiation strategy by offering its low high end services such as consulting in term of niche offerings terms of cost resources. Expertise that is different from those of the competitors in (IT) industry which are valued by the customers. Low price:-TCS has achieved cost (price) leadership in the (IT) industry with the help of its strong knowledge management system as compare to competitors. According to Bowmans strategic clock differentiation Low price strategy comes under hybrid strategy. So, it is evident that TCS use these strategies in order to keep up with the emerging (IT) trends and working out towards its goal of being the most chosen brand in the (IT) industry. TCS Business level Strategies can also be identified and explained with the help of Ansoff matrix which divides the strategy of a company into four different categories namely, (i) Market Penetration Strategy (ii) Market Development Strategy (iii) Product Development Strategy (iv) Diversification Strategy TCSs growth and development strategies based on Ansoffs matrix Ansoffix growth matrix 🙠 For details please refer to appendix no.8) TCSS Business level Strategies can also be identified and explained with the help of Assnsoff matrix as follows: Existing Products New Products (Market Penetration) Existing Markets: USA and Europe Existing Products: ADM, BPO, KPO, consultancy services software products. (Product Development) Existing Market: USA and Europe New Product: Consultancy and package implementation services in relatively growing sectors life sciences healthcare, aviation sector, and KPO services (Market Development) New markets: India, Middle-east and Australia Existing Products: ADM, BPO, KPO, consultancy services Software products (financial products). (Diversification) New products: vertical- Specific services packages, TCS Financial Solutions, and Platform-based BPO New markets: Latin America, Eastern Europe, Middle East Africa and India), Existing Market New Market Fig 4. Ansoffix growth matrix of TCS Source: Author (i) Market penetration strategy: As per the growth matrix TCS is currently penetrates its range of services into USA and Europe where they provide ADM, BPO, KPO, consultancy services (in BFSI, manufacturing and retail firms) as well as they provide software products (financial products) to the firms as most large clients in US and Europe are concentrating on cutting costs of (IT) related services (Tata Consultancy Services Limited, 2010). TCS needs to be more aggressive on cost cutting strategy with good quality. (ii) Market development strategy: As per the growth matrix TCS is concentrating on new markets like India, Middle-east and Australia where they provide products like ADM, BPO, KPO consultancy services (in BFSI, manufacturing and retail) and software products (financial products) (Tata Consultancy Services Limited, 2010).Since these are the most fast developing IT market where TCS needs to keep a paradigm as a shift in focus from US EU markets to these new markets. (iii) Product Development Strategy: As per the growth matrix TCS is selling its new products such as Consultancy and package implementation services in relatively growing sectors especially in life sciences healthcare, aviation sector, and KPO services into existing markets like USA and Europe (Tata Consultancy Services Limited, 2010). This strategy will definitely help on building expertise in these domains by strategic acquisitions. (iv) Diversification strategy: As per the growth matrix TCS has diversified their new products like vertical- Specific services packages, TCS Financial Solutions, and Platform-based BPO into new markets like Europe and other emerging markets where the market growth of the company has increased by 40 % (Tata Consultancy Services Limited, 2010).TCS diversified its function to new markets like Latin America and Middle East for considerable expansion. In order to penetrate a new market TCS has established delivery and offshore centres in countries like Brazil, Uruguay and Mexico. 3 Strengths weaknesses based on business Level Strategies: Following table illustrates (TCS) strengths and weaknesses: Strengths Weaknesses Extensive Universal reach Strong economic performance Strong brand name and awareness Unique service Offerings Employee Management Skills (HR Skills) Innovation lab system Fame of founder Momentous publicity to financial markets Lack of focus on the domestic markets. Deficient in level of consulting Operations Source: Author 3.1 Strengths: (1) Extensive Universal reach: TCS has widespread a global reach by its product and services throughout its branches all over the world includes in UK, U.S, Middle east, Australia, Europe etc. (Tata Consultancy Services Limited, 2010). This provides a diverse revenue base for the company to have an active control on its business operations universally. (2) Strong economic performance: TCS has made apparent and strong economic presentations around the globe which makes its clients to be financially confident about the company and hence it will increase companys reputation. (3) Strong brand name and awareness: As the popularity of the brand TCS (Tata consultancy services) has been reach all over the world which made TCS a reputed brand image in the Global information technology (IT) and software industries. (4) Unique service Offerings: TCS provides a unique range of services including business consulting; information technology, business process outsourcing (BPO), infrastructure, and engineering which distinguished them from competitors belong to IT industry (Tata Consultancy Services Limited, 2010). (5) Employee Management Skills (HR Management Skills): The domestic base of TCS i.e. India is well -known for its skilled employees in IT field which naturally made TCS a very strong in HR management .TCS is also recruited its board of Directors are from overseas countries in order to adopt the strategies from all the parts of the world. (6) Innovation in lab system: TCS have most effective infrastructures and innovative labs all over the world with most modern technologies which help its employees to have an access to update the most up-to-date information to make research in various IT related fields (Tata Consultancy Services Limited, 2010). This provides TCS an competitive edge. (7) Fame of founder: Tata is recognised as the most renowned brand in Asia as well as the fame of the founder Mr.Ratan J Tata also added value to TCS (Tata Consultancy Services Limited, 2010). 3.2 Weaknesses: (1) Momentous publicity to financial markets: The Excess exposure on the financial service markets at a global level (Datamonitor, 1998). Which generally necessitate to be keep confidential as they it displays companys private policies and legal terms which is considered as the primary key weakness of Tata consultancy services (TCS) (2) Lack of focus on the domestic markets: As per the strength of TCS it has an Extensive Universal reach by its product and services throughout it are all over the world branch which provides a diverse revenue base for the company. (Datamonitor, 1998). But at the same time domestic markets are also affected due to lack of focus by the company. This is the key weakness of Tata consultancy services (TCS). (3) Deficient in level of consulting operations: Lack in Effective consulting team which show a strong reflection of decline in the growth Cycle of the TCS, Being a company which mainly works on Outsourcing on scale large projects and assignment which generally needs a very good effective consulting team which acts as the link between the Clients and company (Tata Consultancy Services Limited, 2010).TCS company is lacking behind in its level of consulting operations. Report to the Board of Directors To, The Board of Directors, Tata consultancy services Ltd. Subject: Recommendations for the (TCS) business unit. Respected Board members, In the report which is attached along with a critical research and analysis has been done on the corporate strategy followed by your company. The research and analysis has been conducted by using various corporate strategy tools and methods and the companys past and current strategies have been highlighted. On the basis of the strengths and the weaknesses of these strategies we have stated so; following are the recommendations which I was able to generate after studying the strategies adopted by the TCS: TCS should create specific value propositions aimed directly at the relevant stakeholders which include business executives, IT personnel in order to improve your market positioning in domestic markets. The excess exposure on the financial service markets which usually need to be kept confidential is considered as the main weakness of TCS so they can should focus more on increasing their IP (Intellectual Property) assets in order to lower the momentous publicity to financial markets (Tata Consultancy Services Limited, 2010). TCS can also go for isolation strategies with premium services like IT solutions and focus on a niche market. In market Meltdowns (recession) marketing can work as a differentiator. TCS can alter its focus from Low cost advantage to high quality services considering quality being pioneer in the (IT) industry. TCS can offer diverse services to refrain from being over-dependent and increasing exposure to the vulnerabilities of few sectors like USA. TCS can adopt ADM (Application Development and maintenance) system to increase value added services, BPO to Consulting and Package Implementation (Tata Consultancy Services Limited, 2010). Consolidation and strategic acquisitions are essential for future growth of revenues. The HP-EDS merger (one of the biggest ever merger in this industry) is evidence to this. TCS should prepare for such opportunities which are strategic fit for the company. TCS has rightly placed SMB (Small and Medium Businesses) as a separate strategic unit, which should be focused aggressively. They should also focus consulting practice on the same business unit (Tata Consultancy Services Limited, 2010).

Agriculture in a Market Economy and Sustainable Alternatives Essay

Agriculture in a Market Economy and Sustainable Alternatives Imagine driving through any number of Midwestern states, passing acres upon acres of corn or soybeans, feeding lots in Kansas with thousands of cattle, or rows of poultry barns in Virginia that leave their memories in your nose for miles down the road. Today’s agricultural system in the United States is one that follows capitalism and demands competition, which usually means make as much as you can with as few resources as possible. These practices tend to be harmful to both environmental and human health, are not sustainable in the long term, and have forced many farmers out of the industry when they can’t compete with the big companies. Many people, including Christians, believe they are called to be stewards and protectors of the earth with a responsibility to act with justice towards other human beings. While there are Christians and other people who hold strong ethical beliefs involved in conventional methods of agriculture, others are seeking more just and sustainable methods of producing food. Modern agriculture in the United States followed in suit with the Industrial Revolution and searched for ways to become bigger, make more money, and be more efficient. Just as in factories, many farms began specializing in one crop or livestock, spreading onto more land, and using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to encourage growth. For many farmers, to participate in the market economy where the government subsidizes many crops and farm products and market prices are highly unstable, the only way to remain competitive is to produce a surplus. In addition, they are playing into an export economy, which has major implications for communities and the envir... ...â€Å"Linking Tables to Farms.† In Eric T. Freyfogle (Ed.), The New Agrarianism: Land Culture, and the Community. pp17-27. Washington: Island Press. Long, Cheryl. (1999) â€Å"Certified Organic.† Organic Gardening 46(6), 44-46. Retrieved November 19, 2004, from Academic Search Elite. Madden, Patrick. (1988). â€Å"Low-Input/Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education- Challenges to the Agricultural Economics Profession.† American Journal of Agricultural Economics 7 (5), 1167-1172. Retrieved November 19, 2004, from Business Source Premier database. Orr, David. (2001). â€Å"The Urban-Agrarian Mind.† Eric T. Freyfogle (Ed.), The New Agrarianism: Land Culture, and the Community. pp93-107. Washington: Island Press. Snowe, Olympia . â€Å"USDA Organic Food Standards.† FDCH Press Releases 21/Oct/2002 . Retrieved November 10, 2004 , from Military and Government Collection database. Agriculture in a Market Economy and Sustainable Alternatives Essay Agriculture in a Market Economy and Sustainable Alternatives Imagine driving through any number of Midwestern states, passing acres upon acres of corn or soybeans, feeding lots in Kansas with thousands of cattle, or rows of poultry barns in Virginia that leave their memories in your nose for miles down the road. Today’s agricultural system in the United States is one that follows capitalism and demands competition, which usually means make as much as you can with as few resources as possible. These practices tend to be harmful to both environmental and human health, are not sustainable in the long term, and have forced many farmers out of the industry when they can’t compete with the big companies. Many people, including Christians, believe they are called to be stewards and protectors of the earth with a responsibility to act with justice towards other human beings. While there are Christians and other people who hold strong ethical beliefs involved in conventional methods of agriculture, others are seeking more just and sustainable methods of producing food. Modern agriculture in the United States followed in suit with the Industrial Revolution and searched for ways to become bigger, make more money, and be more efficient. Just as in factories, many farms began specializing in one crop or livestock, spreading onto more land, and using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to encourage growth. For many farmers, to participate in the market economy where the government subsidizes many crops and farm products and market prices are highly unstable, the only way to remain competitive is to produce a surplus. In addition, they are playing into an export economy, which has major implications for communities and the envir... ...â€Å"Linking Tables to Farms.† In Eric T. Freyfogle (Ed.), The New Agrarianism: Land Culture, and the Community. pp17-27. Washington: Island Press. Long, Cheryl. (1999) â€Å"Certified Organic.† Organic Gardening 46(6), 44-46. Retrieved November 19, 2004, from Academic Search Elite. Madden, Patrick. (1988). â€Å"Low-Input/Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education- Challenges to the Agricultural Economics Profession.† American Journal of Agricultural Economics 7 (5), 1167-1172. Retrieved November 19, 2004, from Business Source Premier database. Orr, David. (2001). â€Å"The Urban-Agrarian Mind.† Eric T. Freyfogle (Ed.), The New Agrarianism: Land Culture, and the Community. pp93-107. Washington: Island Press. Snowe, Olympia . â€Å"USDA Organic Food Standards.† FDCH Press Releases 21/Oct/2002 . Retrieved November 10, 2004 , from Military and Government Collection database.

A Study of Homoeroticism in Twelfth Night

Twelfth Night is a major site for homoerotic discourse in queer studies. However, the play is largely concerned with the idea of love, like many of Shakespeare's comedies. In order to investigate his subject further, Shakespeare periodically uses homoeroticism in order to represent various forms of relationships. The pairings of Olivia and Cesario/Viola, Antonio and Sebastian, and Orsino and Cesario/Viola, demonstrate that same-sex erotic attraction is a major theme in the play. Viola's secretive cross-dressing causes Olivia to believe that both of them are participating in normal, heterosexual interactions, while in reality they interact in a homoerotic fashion. These complex, homoerotic representations serve to dramatize the socially constructed basis for determination of sexuality according to one's gender identity. I intend to establish that in this play Shakespeare dramatically criticises the idealized norms of heterosexuality (required by his society) through focussing his narr ative on representations of homoerotic pairings and deconstructing dominant gender categories.What is the difference between a figurative and a literal analogy? Viola's transvestism spurs various relationships that fall within the bounds of homoeroticism. Through the secret of her disguise, her actions illustrate the flaws of socially constructed gender identities, defined by the socially perceived opposites of aggressive, â€Å"macho† masculinity, and silent, yet coquettish, femininity, checked by behaviour of males. Viola's success in perpetrating her secret transvestism indicates that the construction and performance of gender is not dependent on one's physical characteristics but on one's behaviour, as well as upon a set of observed and internalised mannerisms. Viola's representation of homoerotic interaction in Olivia's love for her, and in her own love in Orsino as Cesario, disrupts the traditional, feminist â€Å"us vs. them† principle, and demonstrates that constructed, socially acceptable gender identities of the feminine and masculine are attributes that can be found in either male or female. In the final scene of the play, when Viola's act is exposed – â€Å"If nothing lets to make us happy both / But this my masculine usurped attire, [†¦] That I am Viola† (V.i.249-253), Sebastian, Viola's twin brother, easily steps into the vacuum left by the revelation of Cesario's identity marrying Olivia as he states, â€Å"So comes it, lady, you have been mistook. / [†¦] You would have been contracted to a maid, / Nor are you therein, by my life, deceived. You are betrothed both to a maid and man† (V.i.259-63). The twins' interchangeable nature demonstrates to us that even the natural perspective of the world is not a gendered duality. The differently-gendered identical twins show a collapse of sexual difference as a natural process, indicating that nature never intended man to be constrained by gender binaries. Orsino proclaims â€Å"One face, one voice, one habit, and two persons, / A natural perspective, that is and is not!† (V.i.215-6), stat ing that nature is able to create two identical beings despite the natural sex difference between brother and sister, male and female. The same concept that allows a female Viola to be a male Cesario also allows male actors portraying female characters to seem authentic, despite their natural gender. Upon mistaking Sebastian for Cesario/Viola, Feste remarks: â€Å"Nothing that is so is so,† (IV.i.8), indicating that gender is not dependent solely on physical attributes. Feste later adds, â€Å"That that is, is† (IV.ii.15), commenting on his own dressing as a Parson while Feste is really a fool. This same phrase extends to comment on the fact that Viola is male so long as she portrays a male, that gender is dependant on society's perception and not on one's private parts. When Olivia queries Cesario for his identity, â€Å"What are you? What would you?† (I.v.207-208) and Cesario/Viola cryptically replies that what he is and would be is â€Å"as secret as maidenhead† (I.v.211)), Viola alludes to her true gender. However, in addition, she also hints at Sebastian's virginity that the latter admits to in the final act of the play, stating Olivia is â€Å"betrothed both to a maid and man† (V.i.263). When the effects of these statements at combined, it is interesting to observe that Cesario's response to Olivia's query refers to the maidenheads of Cesario, Viola, as well as the boy actor playing her! As Viola states later on: â€Å"I am all the daughters of my father's house, / And all the brothers too† (II.iv.120-1). Twelfth Night interrogates the exclusive nature of constructed gender categories and challenges the heterosexual hegemony by constructing representations of same-sex love. Viola's imitation of the male gender demonstrates to us that erotic attraction is neither inherently based in gender, nor a solely-heterosexual phenomenon – since Olivia becomes attracted to Viola (as Cesario), and Orsino to Cesario. In the play, homoeroticism does not follow gender stereotypes of the effeminate male or the masculine female, as in the case of Antonio's affection for Sebastian – despite Antonio's stereotypically-masculine identity, that Shakespeare shows to us when Antonio â€Å"took [†¦ Sebastian] from the breach of the sea.† Antonio's love for Sebastian is portrayed, when Antonio states, â€Å"If you will not murder me for my love, let me by your servant† (II.i.33-4) and, later: I have many enemies in Orsino's court, [†¦] But come what may, I do adore thee so That danger shall seem sport, and I will go. (II.i.51-4) Both Antonio and Sebastian are swordsmen, possessors of a very â€Å"masculine† skill, and yet both engage in homoerotic relations. It is interesting to note that, despite the fact that Sebastian is more resistant and feminine in comparison to Antonio – as he wishes to avoid causing harm, utilizing only his dagger's hilt, despite Sir Andrew striking him and paying the pestering Feste to leave Sebastian alone, instead of striking him, in the first scene of act four (lines 17-25) – Sebastian is the one who succumbs to the social constructions of masculinity and heterosexuality when he marries Olivia in the final act of the play. Meanwhile, the â€Å"macho† Antonio remains homosexual, as seen in his silence at Sebastian's wedding, which speaks louder than any vocal protest. Such relationship dynamics in the play disrupt the social notion, prevalent in Shakespeare's (and even current) time – that the heterosexual man is supposed to be a â€Å"macho† figure and homosexual man is meant to be effeminate. Similarly, Viola's feminine quality in playing Cesario inspires love in Olivia rather than the aggressive â€Å"male† traits of Orsino. Viola becomes a â€Å"better† man when she deviates from the behavioural script set out in Orsino's Petrarchan sonnet – a male form that silences the woman as an unattainable distanced goddess. The Petrarchan sonnet form, although addressed to females, was commonly read by males, used to solidify elite homosocial bonds (Marotti 396-428) as well as to promote a social discourse designed by and for men (Vickers 96). Viola's deviation from this male form creates a new female (perhaps lesbian) poetic within the pastoral setting that she constructs in her response to Olivia's refusal to love Or sino: Make me a willow cabin at your gate And call upon my soul within the house; Write loyal cantons of contemned love And sing them loud even in the dead of night; Hallow your name to the reverberate hills, And make the babbling gossip of the air Cry out â€Å"Olivia!† (I.v.263-8) Thus, Viola (as Cesario) creates a space for Olivia's reply, whereas Orsino's script (â€Å"Lady, you are the cruel'st she alive / If you will lead these graces to the grave / And leave the world no copy† (I.v.236-8) prevents response, thus portraying Olivia as an object incapable of response. Olivia anticipates her own objectification, interjecting to say: Oh, sir, I will not be so hardhearted. I will give out divers schedules of my beauty. It shall be inventoried, and every particle and utensil labelled to my will: as, item, two lips, indifferent red; item, two grey eyes with lids to them; item, one neck, one chin, and so forth. (I.v.239-44) She understands the ways in which she is reducible to an item, whose qualities consist of a checklist of characteristics, which, in turn, identify her as an unattainable, silent object of beauty. In contrast to such a mode of communication, Viola's encouragement for response causes Olivia to present her ring to Cesario/Viola. While attempting to win Olivia's heart, Cesario deviates from socially constructed male behaviour; ironically, this results in Olivia pursuing Cesario – in a masculine action. This scenario undermines the construction of categorical sex via the success of Cesario by acting as a female. Similarly, the portrayal of a supposedly heterosexual relationship, that puts the female in the place of power, counters the social norm that places the male at the helm of a relationship. One finds a similar situation in the fourth scene of the second act, where Orsino remarks that in love, a woman does not suffer so much as a man (93-118), to which Viola (as Cesario) vehemently responds, telling Orsino of her love for him indirectly: In faith, they are as true of heart as we. My father had a daughter loved a man [†¦] She never told her love, But let concealment, like a worm i'th'bud, Feed on her damask cheek. She pined in thought, And with a green and yellow melancholy; She sat like Patience on a monument, Smiling at grief. Was not this love indeed? We men say more, swear more, but indeed Our shows are more than will; for still we prove Much in our vows, but little in our love. (II.iv.105-118). Viola aggressively and passionately describes her patience though a story, taking on the role of the man: she controls the discourse as she impersonates herself, and objectifies herself as allegorical â€Å"Patience on a monument† (II.iv.14), in a verbal tour de force. Paradoxically, Viola affirms her patience and feminine character by means of being masculine (according to the gender paradigms Orsino proposes). Viola strongly explains the patience and gentility of a woman, as a disguised woman, thus deconstructing the categories of sex in general, and those of femininity as â€Å"patience† and masculinity as â€Å"aggression,† in specific. As well, Viola challenges the patriarchal social order of her society by demonstrating how she, a transvestite, is capable of deconstructing gender categories. Further, the very fact that the action in the plot – the wooing of Olivia, unbeknownst to Sebastian, and the wooing of Orsino – is mostly attributed to Viola through her planning and action demonstrates the female in power instead of a male. This fact, combined with the inaction of the male characters in the play, destabilizes another traditional notion of gender identity: the female as the prized possession and the male as its conqueror. The final act of the play exposes the failure of the dominant, heterosexual regime to fully regulate its own narrative ideals, since, in order to achieve a â€Å"happy,† heterosexual ending, which befits a traditional comedy, a series of improbable plot turns must take place. This structural necessity indicates to us that Shakespeare is ambivalently invested in the heterosexual standards that he imposes upon his play. The unlikelihood of various irrational plot turns, and easily interchangeable affections, necessary to end the play with these successful, formed relationships shows the failure of imposing heterosexual ideals in society. Despite the absurd twists in the play, there remains some untouched deconstruction of gender as well as some latent homoeroticism in the play. In line 263 of the first scene of act five, Sebastian says that he is both man and maid, in reference to his virginity, but also in reference to his character traits being both male and female. This admission destabilizes the configuration of gender by attributing Sebastian with both male and female physical attributes, albeit figuratively. This also maintains a measure of homoeroticism in Sebastian's character. Further, Orsino comments that Viola is both man and maid as well – in that Olivia will remain a man so long as she dresses in man's garb: Cesario, come– For so you shall be, while you are man; But when in other habits you are seen, Orsino's mistress and his fancy's queen. (V.i.385-388) This remark concludes that identity, gender, and its foundations are simply as interchangeable as clothing, and gender depends on the character's actions and not their physical attributes. Ultimately, the ending of Twelfth Night is not entirely ideal, since many characters – Viola, Sebastian and Olivia – are not completely happy, having succumbed to the pressures of heterosexual conformity. The true homosexual union of male and female character pairs challenges the heterosexual dominance over homosexual interaction. Viola may have won Orsino; she may even marry Orsino, but she is not completely happy since Orsino mere moments ago was willing to destroy their friendship for Olivia's sake (â€Å"Farewell, and take her, but direct thy feet / Where thou and I henceforth may never meet† (V.i.166-7)). Likewise, Sebastian, although happy with Olivia, seems happier when he sees Antonio once again at the end of the play, and exclaims in a romantic manner upon seeing him, saying, â€Å"Antonio, O my dear Antonio! / How have the hours racked and tortured me / Since I have lost thee!† Finally, while Olivia is set to wed Sebastian, she seems more jubilant with regard to having Viola as a sister, â€Å"A sister! You are she† (V.i.327), thus expressing her deeper interest in Viola rather than Sebastian. Since Shakespeare's society chose to regulate the sexual and gendered expression of its people, Shakespeare comments on the â€Å"ideal† norms of heterosexuality in Twelfth Night, demonstrating, through carefully constructed contradictions, that gender is a mere social construction. That in actuality there are no boundaries to behaviour and that there is no such thing as â€Å"homoeroticism† or â€Å"hetero-eroticism† but only Eros, regulated by attraction, love and relationship. True homosexual union of male and female character pairs in this play (as both actors are male), challenges the heterosexual dominance over homosexual interaction. Having done so, Shakespeare, due to societal prejudice, reverts to heterosexual discourse, acknowledging that despite the truth of sex and gender, one must abide, for practical reasons, by the demands of social majority.

Nonpoint Source Pollution

Nonpoint source pollution is land runoff from drainage, rain, and seepage and hydraulic modification. It is caused by rain or snow melt that moves through and over the ground. When the runoff moves, it collects and picks up manmade and natural pollutants and ends up spilling into lakes, rivers, streams, and coastal waters. Nonpoint source pollution can include things like motor oil, toxic chemicals, animal droppings, trash and even insecticides. Our drinking water needs to be protected. It takes the help of the community, public water systems and resource managers.We can do small things such as posting signs in our community to let others know that any pollution in the area can contaminate our everyday drinking water. You can also be careful as to how much fertilizers and pesticides you use because the more you use, the more runs off when it rain and it is in the soil as well so when the rain washes the soil, it flows through storm drains. A great plan is to get a group together and help clean up along local rivers and streams and along side of the road.It helps to limit the trash and bacteria that contaminates our water. Other solutions to help prevent non point source pollution and help keep our water clean is to keep all harsh chemical substances stored away from the ground and in their original containers. Also, If you happen to wash your car, don’t allow the runoff to drain into the streets or the sewage system as it will contaminate it. Opposing views of these issues are perhaps people not agreeing to get up and go volunteer because they have better things to do.Some people see it that the city is supposed to take care of it. Some people won’t want to change the location of where they wash vehicles at. They all want convenience of course. Many people do not have proper inspections of their lawns that have been fertilized. They can be tested by professionals but people will oppose to because it will come with a fee, and others do not have the ir septic tanks cleaned out every few years because of the price as well.Non point source pollution also contributes to eutrophication which is runoff that has nitrogen and phosphate in it and it stimulates the growth of algae and it can harm and kills fish and organisms. The algae grow to make a mat over the water and on the floor of the water that diminishes the light through the water so it lowers the growth and productivity of other plants. â€Å"The water becomes depleted in oxygen. When the abundant algae die and decompose, much oxygen is consumed by those decomposers.Oxygen in the water is also lowered by the lack of primary production in the darkened, deeper waters. Lowered oxygen results in the death of fish that need high levels of dissolved oxygen such as trout, salmon and other desirable sport fish. The community composition of the water body changes, with fish that can tolerate low dissolved oxygen, such as carp predominating. As you can imagine, changes in fish commun ities have ramifications for the rest of the aquatic ecosystem as well, acting at least in part through changes in food webs. (Muir, P. 2009)Some challenges that my plan faces is that it’s not very easy to get others to partake in community service and to also notice the small things they do really contribute to non point source pollution in my community. It takes a group effort to raise awareness on this issue, but if everyone pulls together, our drinking water will be cleaner, our lakes ponds and rivers will be safer to swim and fish in and the plants and animals in the habitats of our waters will be safer and not endangered by our hazardous wastes.This plan effects the entire community and can become a very productive and positive way to protect our environment and ourselves. Our children drink the water we contaminate, even though it has passed through water treatments, it is still not clean enough to drink safely. We can also consider raising awareness groups and contact ing your local news stations to get the word out to your community and also have your coworkers get involved as well. References Muir, Patricia. Oct. 2009. Eutrophication. At people. oregonstate. edu