Educating Rita Essay Example

Educating Rita Essay Example Educating Rita Paper Educating Rita Paper Essay Topic: Literature Was this the start of a new life for a man who was not happy with his place in society? As Rita a working class hairdresser who is provoked by her sense of incompleteness, steps into Franks life. These are the two vital characters of Educating Rita written by Willy Russell who tries to explore and portray the issues of too completely different yet similar classes, the classes being working and middle class. Educating Rita a play written in the 1970s, you will also notice that this play is a two-hander, although this play is on based on the foundation of only two characters many others characters are mentioned and play a crucial role in forming the plot of this play. In this assignment I will be examining the ways in which Willy Russell tries to change the path of two characters. Also I will be analysing the ways in which the two characters have an influence on each others metamorphosis as the play proceeds. Before one can actually consider the way in which Frank is presented, or any of the characters one must take into account the languages used by both Rita and Frank. Although they speak the same language there are parts when Ritas slang is unknown to Frank this shows the great difference between the two cultures. Frank is shown as a middle-aged alcoholic; one could have jumped to the conclusion that Frank would not be in this state if he did not have any previous personal problems. Frank is also shown as an easily frustrated man for example: At the beginning of the play Rita seems to be a happy, bubbly and vibrant young lady despite the fact that she wishes to leave her background behind and aspire to be something better. At the start Rita is part of the working class but she wants to succeed in life and become part of the middle class. Yet the thing that Rita so badly desires is unwanted by Frank. Frank we find out in the first scene is an alcoholic who is terribly unhappy with being part of the middle class. Frank is bored by his background and wants to change his lifestyle. Already we have a contrast; what Rita wants, education and the capability to understand literature, Frank has but is not appreciative or happy. The first scene shows us properly the difference in culture between Frank and Rita. Willy Russell uses different modes of speaking, attitudes, clothing, and cultural references to create a number of contrasts and misunderstandings, which leads to a comical and humorous effect throughout the first scene. In the first scene there are several misunderstandings due to different interpretations of names and phrases. When the two characters first meet and Rita enters Franks office (on stage) Franks asks you are? Rita not understanding his question replies with what am I? This is due to the different vocabulary that each culture uses. A second example would be when they are discussing an author by the name if E. M Forster and Rita mispronounces the name as E. M Foster like the lager A final example would be when Frank is talking about the famous poet, Yeats and Rita thinks he is talking about the Yates wine lodge. All these misunderstandings aroused because Rita was not as educated and familiar with the authors and poets mentioned by Frank who was very familiar with them. If it wasnt Ritas lack of literature knowledge it was the difference in vocabulary, which was nothing alike. The play shows how different the cultures can be in such a small area. Both Rita and Frank live in Liverpool and yet both speak entirely different. Rita has a pronounced Liverpool accents and Frank has none. Rita uses abbreviations and a large amount of taboo and slang. E. g. I take the piss because Im not, y know confident like, Frank is unfamiliar with entrances like the one made by Rita. It is loud and abrupt and puts Frank in a little shock. Frank is not used to a person being so upfront on their first meeting. This is once again another clash in culture. People of the same culture would introduce themselves in a similar fashion but two people of a different clash wouldnt. This first meeting highlights the different cultures once again by both characters introducing themselves in their own way. After the first scene we can see that there is a culture clash between Frank and Rita. The first meeting is very crucial to the play as this is where the audience gets a true feel for the difference in cultures between the two main characters. These differences proceed throughout the first scene. Willy Russell shows this through the conversations between the characters, for example when Rita starts to discuss a painting on the wall and refers to it as erotic and the pornography of its day. Rita also asks Frank several personal questions about his marital status. This highlights the difference in cultures once more because Frank does not agree that the questions asked are suitable for a first meeting between two people, but Rita does not understand Franks preference. After the first scene we can see that there is an ironic situation developing; Rita aspires to be like Frank. She wants to be educated and know everything. She believes that once she is educated it will allow her to make her own choices and make decisions about her life and what she is going to do with. The fact that Frank does not appreciate what he has frustrates Rita because she wants it so badly. Willy Russell uses irony here to show that the play is exploring more than just culture but deeper issues, which involve the struggles of Rita and her aspirations to become more respected for being educated and Franks aspirations to escape the world of literature. Ritas journey of education is shown in the play as snapshots along the road to development. Rita starts off loud and abrupt but after her first meeting with Frank her journey begins, She starts to broaden her horizons and read a larger variety of books, she writes essays, visits new places like the theater. At this point she is becoming more educated but she is still not sure about herself. Frank invites her to a dinner party with him and several friends of his, but she does not attend the party still afraid that she is not a middle class lady yet. From here the major changes take place. Rita leaves her husband, Denny due to demand for children, which she doesnt want, and no encouragement to complete her university course. She moves in with a woman called Trish a middle class woman who is dead classy. Rita goes to summer school, changes her accent and language, changes her job to working in a bistro, makes new friends and even changes her name to try and feel more like she belongs in the middle class. Its only when Trish, her room mate tries to commit suicide that she realizes it takes more than education, books and literature to make a person happy; and that those things do not place you in society. Frank does not really change throughout the play, apart from growing closer to Rita and regretting what education has done to her. He says that he feels like Mary Shelley, the woman who created Frankenstein. Frank says to Rita You know Rita, I think that I will change my name; from now on I shall insist to upon being known as Mary Shelley Frank gets worse as the play continues, his drinking problem progresses and he eventually gets suspended from work for a year. Willy Russell uses snapshots of the Rita and Franks journey to show that there was good and bad times to their journey. He really gets across the emotional struggle and shows in the end the final outcome. In the play the main theme is difference in culture and how Rita and Frank view people of different class. Frank does not judge people off what class they belong to. We know this because the day after Rita misses the dinner party and she explains why she did not go. He explains that he didnt invite her because she would talk formally, wear the right clothes or bring the right wine but because he would of enjoyed her company. However Rita believes that the higher the class you are in, the higher you are on the social scale the happier and more respected you are. Rita feels her class is repressive. After Rita decides not to attend the dinner party with Frank she joins her family in the pub. During this short time she starts to think that it is not worth it, she starts to think that maybe she should just give up trying to become something better. Its only when her mum tells her that there is a better song to sing to the ones they sing now, when she decides to stick it out and make her life better and more pleasant. This proves my previous point that Rita believes that the higher the on the social scale you are the better they are. This is made known through the last few scenes. Rita changes immensely throughout the play. She starts off blunt and stupid, she then changes the way she is and how she acts to fit in, through the incident with Trish she reverted back to the way she used to be the same bubbly personality only difference being is that she had passed her exams and was now officially educated and finally felt like she could make wise choices; I mite go to France, me mothers, I might even have a baby, Ill make a decision, Ill chose. Rita goes through many changes throughout the play and with the help and encouragement of Frank she finally aspires to be what she wants to be. Willy Russell uses to characters, and only to characters to show an audience how people were effected by culture and class in the 1970s and the journeys made to become a person of a higher class.

Overview of the U.S. Quasi-War With France

Overview of the U.S. Quasi-War With France An undeclared war between the United States and France, the Quasi-War was the result of disagreements over treaties and Americas status as a neutral in the Wars of the French Revolution. Fought entirely at sea, the Quasi-War was largely a success for the fledgling US Navy as its vessels captured numerous French privateers and warships, while only losing one of its vessels. By late 1800, attitudes in France shifted and hostilities were concluded by the Treaty of Mortefontaine. Dates The Quasi-War was officially fought from July 7, 1798, until the signing of the Treaty of Mortefontaine on September 30, 1800. French privateers had been preying on American shipping for several years prior to the beginning of the conflict. Causes Principle among the causes of the Quasi-War was the signing of the Jay Treaty between the United States and Great Britain in 1794. Largely designed by Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, the treaty sought to resolve outstanding issues between the United States and Great Britain some of which had roots in the 1783 Treaty of Paris that had ended the American Revolution. Among the treatys provisions was a call for British troops to depart from frontier forts in the Northwest Territory which had remained occupied when state courts in the United States interfered the repayment of debts to Great Britain. Additionally, the treaty called for the two nations to seek arbitration regarding arguments over other outstanding debts as well as the American-Canadian border. The Jay Treaty also provided the United States limited trading rights with British colonies in the Caribbean in exchange for restrictions on the American export of cotton.  Ã‚   While largely a commercial agreement, the French viewed the treaty as a violation of the 1778 Treaty of Alliance with the American colonists. This feeling was enhanced by the perception that the United States was favoring Britain, despite having declared neutrality in the ongoing conflict between the two nations. Shortly after the Jay Treaty took effect, the French began seizing American ships trading with Britain and, in 1796, refused to accept the new US minister in Paris. Another contributing factor was the United States refusing to continue repaying debts accrued during the American Revolution. This action was defended with the argument that the loans had been taken from the French monarchy and not the new French First Republic. As Louis XVI had been deposed and then executed in 1793, the United States argued that the loans were effectively null and void. The XYZ Affair Tensions heightened in April 1798, when President John Adams reported to Congress on the XYZ Affair. The previous year, in an attempt to prevent war, Adams sent a delegation consisting of Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Elbridge Gerry, and John Marshall to Paris to negotiate peace between the two nations. Upon arriving in France, the delegation was told by three French agents, referred to in reports as X (Baron Jean-Conrad Hottinguer), Y (Pierre Bellamy), and Z (Lucien Hauteval), that in order to speak to Foreign Minister Charles Maurice de Talleyrand, they would have to pay a large bribe, provide a loan for the French war effort, and Adams would have to apologize for anti-French statements. Though such demands were common in European diplomacy, the Americans found them offensive and refused to comply.  Informal communications continued but failed to alter the situation as the Americans refused to pay with Pinckney exclaiming  No, no, not a sixpence! Unable to further advance their cause, Pinckney and Marshall departed France in April 1798 while Gerry followed a short time later. Active Operations Begin Announcement of the XYZ Affair unleashed a wave of anti-French sentiment across the country. Though Adams had hoped to contain the response, he was soon faced with loud calls from the Federalists for a declaration of war. Across the aisle, the  Democratic-Republicans, led by Vice President Thomas Jefferson, who had generally favored closer relations with France, were left without an effective counter-argument. Though Adams resisted calls for war, he was authorized by Congress to expand the Navy as French privateers continued to capture American merchant ships. On July 7, 1798, Congress rescinded all treaties with France and the US Navy was ordered to seek out and destroy French warships and privateers operating against American commerce. Consisting of approximately thirty ships, the US Navy began patrols along the southern coast and throughout the Caribbean. Success came quickly, with USS Delaware (20 guns) capturing the privateer La Croyable (14) off New Jersey on July 7. The War at Sea As over 300 American merchantmen had been captured by the French in the previous two years, the US Navy protected convoys and searched for the French. Over the next two years, American vessels posted an incredible record against enemy privateers and warships. During the conflict, USS Enterprise (12) captured eight privateers and liberated eleven American merchant ships, while USS Experiment (12) had similar success. On May 11, 1800, Commodore Silas Talbot, aboard USS Constitution (44), ordered his men to cut out a privateer from Puerto Plata. Led by Lt. Isaac Hull, the sailors took the ship and spiked the guns in the fort.  That October, USS Boston (32) defeated and captured the corvette Berceau (22) off Guadeloupe.  Unknown to the ships commanders, the conflict had already ended.  Due to this fact, Berceau was later returned to the French. Truxtun the Frigate USS Constellation The two most noteworthy battles of the conflict involved the 38-gun frigate USS Constellation (38). Commanded by Thomas Truxtun, Constellation sighted the 36-gun French frigate LInsurgente (40) on February 9, 1799. The French ship closed to board, but Truxtun used Constellations superior speed to maneuver away, raking LInsurgente with fire. After a brief fight, Captain M. Barreaut surrendered his ship to Truxtun. Almost a year later, on February 2, 1800, Constellation encountered the 52-gun frigate, La Vengeance. Fighting a five-hour battle at night, the French ship was pummeled but was able to escape in the darkness. The One American Loss During the entire conflict, the US Navy only lost one warship to enemy action. This was the captured privateer schooner La Croyable which had been purchased into the service and renamed USS Retaliation. Sailing with USS Montezuma (20) and USS Norfolk (18), Retaliation was ordered to patrol the West Indies. On November 20, 1798, while its consorts were away on a chase, Retaliation was overtaken by the French frigates LInsurgente and Volontaire (40). Badly outgunned, the schooners commander, Lieutenant William Bainbridge, had no choice but to surrender. After being captured, Bainbridge aided in Montezuma and Norfolks escape by convincing  the enemy that the two American ships were too powerful for the French frigates. The ship was recaptured the following June by USS Merrimack (28). Peace In late 1800, the independent operations of the US Navy and the British Royal Navy were able to force a reduction in the activities of French privateers and warships. This coupled with changing attitudes in the French revolutionary government, opened the door for renewed negotiations. This soon saw Adams dispatch William Vans Murray, Oliver Ellsworth, and William Richardson Davie to France with orders to commence talks. Signed on September 30, 1800, the resulting Treaty of Mortefontaine ended hostilities between the US and France, as well as terminated all previous agreements and established trade ties between the nations. During the course of the fighting, the new US Navy captured 85 French privateers, while losing approximately 2,000 merchant vessels.

Vintage Ads of Coca-Cola Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Vintage Ads of Coca-Cola - Article Example According to the research findings, it can, therefore, be said that the unique quality of the ad is the racial representation of all individuals. The sampling nature of the ad displays different aspects. Different racial backgrounds incorporate into the advert creating a feeling of acceptance by all the individuals. The ad is on a hilltop in Italy, represented by a youth singing a unity song. What makes the advert to stand out is the simplicity of the communication method; a song that unites individuals while educating the public on Coke. The ad is different from others, as it takes time before the product being advertised displays. The use of visual communication gives a unique topography, symbol, and photography. The ad provides the organization with information viewing, and television is a perfect example of visual communication. Visual communication is crucial in that it enhances the message that is being conveyed, enabling a better understanding. Visual communication in the glob al perspective and business world can be related to video conferencing, where business meetings are held without the relevant parties traveling to the designated locations. Visual communication has also been used widely in the business sector to advertise their products. The use of billboards does not require any speech, but tells the customer a lot, enabling even the hearing-impaired people to be able to get the intended message. Billboard communication is a common approach by Coca-Cola to interact and set a place in the highly competitive market. The rise of new technologies affects global communication, time and space, which are needed for the process to take place. In the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the use of the telephone was common among individuals. It is important to notice the message in the song as it achieves surround the controllable variables that make up the marketing mix. The product, price, place, promotion, and people represent the ad in various aspect ratios.

Behavioralism in Comparative Politics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Behavioralism in Comparative Politics - Essay Example As the discussion explores behavioralism is a methodological approach which helps to understand politics through concepts of natural science avoiding concepts which cannot be quantified. This approach is essential for comparative politics as it helps to analyze political processes, which cannot be discovered and analyzed by other methodological approaches such as neoliberalism or realism. This paper stresses that behavioralism was a popular methodological approach developed in 1950s-1960s in America. In comparative politics, Behavioralism is connected with: â€Å"individual attitudes, personalities, and physical activity, such as voting, criminal behavior, aggression, etc. and then generalizes to a similar group. Political scientists study political behavior, voting, for example†. In general, behavioralism examines the factors affecting imitation and notes that behaviour is more likely to be copied. Imitating or modelling as it is called, can be seen to be a very important part of the political process. Aspects of the role model's behaviour may be incorporated into behaviour patterns and style. The behavioral approach in comparative politics can be defined by approach to the logic and method of its investigation, and described as a methodology. A study by Easton â€Å"every man puts his own emphasis and thereby becomes his own behavioralist". According to Seid elman and Harpham "attempts at coming to any complete definition of behavioralism are probably futile given the diversity of those who followed its banner".

Rule of Law Essay Example for Free

Rule of Law Essay

michael jordan :: essays research papers

Michael Jordan   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Michael Jordan is married, and he and his wife Juanita have 3 kids, named Jasmine, Jeffrey and Marcus. He has been on two Olympic Gold Medal teams. Once as a college player in 1984 and the second time on Dream Team I in 1992 in Barcelona.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Michael Jordan, is one of the two most creative dunkers of all-time, the other was Dr. J. He has won the Slam Dunk Contest Twice (1987 and 1988), then retired from the dunk competition. Michael wears a brand new pair of Air Jordans for each game, usually donating the pair after the game.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jordan's father, James, was killed in a robbery in 1993. This harsh event Michael's life was a large reason for him leaving the NBA. He said that basketball held no more challenges for him. He turned to Baseball for a challenge where he played in the White Sox organization. He was quick, and could play defense, but he just couldn't produce much offense. His return to basketball came on March 19, 1995 against Indiana. The Bulls retired Jordan's number 23 on November 11, 1994.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When Michael returned he wore number 45, but soon returned to his normal number 23. After a slow return at the end of the 1995 season only scoring 26.9 points per game, he was back in to normal for 1995-96, winning another scoring title. He was named the MVP for the fourth time in 1996 and won his fourth NBA Championship and won his fourth NBA Finals MVP Trophy. Jordan was only the second person, the other was Willis Reed in 1970, to win the MVP for the regular season, Finals and All-Star Game. Jordan did it in 1996 after making his return and leading the Bulls to an NBA record 72 wins.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jordan led his Bull's to a sixth NBA Championship in 1998, and he added a fifth MVP Trophy in 1998, after Karl Malone won it the previous year in 1997. He also beat Karl's Jazz for the championship that year. Jordan joins Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Bill Russell as the only five time winners of the MVP, Jabbar has actually won it six times. Jordan was named MVP in 1988, 1991, 1992, 1996 and in 1998. In 1996 he was also selected to be on the All-Interview team, along with Malone, Barkley, Magic and Jayson Williams. He was a repeat on the All-Interview in 1998 when everyone asked him about

Clean Edge Razor

Clean Edge Razor Haifeng Chen 1. What changes are occurring in the non-disposable razor category? Assess Paramount’s competitive position. What are the strategic life cycle challenges for Paramount’s current product as well as for Clean Edge? The rate of new-product introductions for non-disposable razors and refill cartridges had accelerated in recent years, with an unprecedented flurry of 22 new stock-keeping units being introduced between 2008 and 2009. Most of these new SKUs were line extensions targeted at the super-premium segment and promoted benefits from advances in technology.Because of the new product introductions and in order to simulate demand, total media advertising expenditures in this category had been rising faster than retail market sales, and this trend was expected to continue. And the distribution of such products has been changed for the increasing shelf space for the product category. And the consumers have changed into more sophisticated in sha ving. Paramount has two non-disposable products, which allow the company to capture the unit-volume market-leader position.About the product life cycle, providing a product with good cost x benefit but with a short life cycle for the 33% called â€Å"Maintenance users† keeping these users buying their products and interested in their brands. Otherwise, launch the Clean Edge product with a longer life cycle. Also, making this product profitable creating a fidelity from the consumer when they buy cartridges for refill. 2. How is the non-disposable razor market segmented? Examine consumer behavior for non-disposable razors. Paramount found that the intensity of involvement with the product varied significantly among consumers.There is a group of consumers that Paramount labeled as â€Å"Maintenance Shavers† who were almost completely disinterested in the product category. They treat the shaving as a chore and do it inconsistently. â€Å"Social/Emotional† shavers we re motivated by the overall shaving experience. They think that shaving is an essential part of a daily grooming ritual and also makes them feel more attractive and confident. â€Å"Aesthetic† shavers were more fancy of cosmetic result. They not only remove the unwanted hair but also want to smooth skin. The three categories have different wants and demands in a shaving behavior.We can observe that 67%(39%+28%)consumers are focusing on the premium segment. Also, they are becoming more sophisticated and expecting new technologies to smooth the shaving process. 3. What are the arguments for launching clean air as (a) a niche product; (b) a mainstream brand? Which would you recommend? What are the strategic implications of your recommendation? The argument for launching Clean Edge as a niche product is that if launching the Clean Edge as a mainstream product, the company would face a crisis that the customers of Pro products would transfer to the Clean Edge.The strategy will dil ute the brand power for the Pro so as to lead to the unwanted cannibalization. Otherwise, launching Clean Edge would complement the existing product portfolio so that expand the product line. If launching it as mainstream product, the reasons are that the consumers are becoming more sophisticated and expect more advanced technology. Positioning Clean Edge as a mainstream product will help prevent loyal Paramount customers from being wooed away to more innovative brands. My recommendation is based on the initial financial forecasts for both options and the ROI.The Exhibit 7 indicates that the total cost of launching niche first year is 1*5+4*2. 43+15+0. 61=30. 33m, the revenue is 9. 09*1+7. 35*4=38. 49m. The ROI would be 38. 49-30. 33/30. 33*100%=27%. The total cost of launching mainstream is 3. 3*4. 74+9. 9*2. 24+42+1. 71=81. 528m, the revenue is 3. 3*7. 83+9. 9*6. 22=87. 417m. The ROI would be 87. 417-81. 528/81. 528*100%=7. 2%. After calculation, I would choose to launch it as nic he product, because the ROI of niche product is much more greater than mainstream one which means we can invest less to gain more. 4.Based on your positioning strategy, what brand name and marketing budget allocations would you recommend? Based on my positioning strategy, the brand name would be more suitable for standing apart from the current lines with an emphasis on the â€Å"Clean Edge† name. because the positioning is launching a niche product which is a branch of the main brand. If the new product does not well in its sales performance, it would not hurt the main brand intensively. The other reason is that applying this sort of brand name, it would not easily cannibalize the main brand product, which is good for the existing product.Speaking of the budget allocation, I will recommend the company focus on the advertising more. Because we position the product as a niche product, the buying behavior will slightly relate to the trade promotion. The targeting group doesnâ⠂¬â„¢t really care about the trade promotion, what they really care about is that if there is a specialized product made for them. The essential part is letting them know there is something we made for them. So I think the company can reallocate the trade promotion budget on the advertising budget.

Harnessing the Science of Persuasion Article Critique/Analysis

Harnessing the Science of Persuasion Article Critique/Analysis I chose to critique the article â€Å"Harnessing the Science of Persuasion† by Robert B. Cialdini. As an undergraduate I was planning on a profession in the medical field, and I enjoy exploring how the science and business worlds correlate. In this article, Cialdini describes six scientific/psychological factors that contribute to enhancing one’s ability to increase influence on others. I interpret that pure motives are the main success factor in building influence at the underlying theme of Cialdini’s principles. I can only be as persuasive as I am sincere in my desires to know, and help others. In this paper I will overview some of the principles that Cialdini presents, and apply them to my strategy for my personal, and professional advancement. Liking/Similarity Though the conscious mind may seek diversity, there is an undeniable human behavioral trait to associate with people who are â€Å"like me†. At first glance this principle suggests that we should stick to doing business with people who look, act, believe similarly to how we do and avoid other people because we will not be successful with them. I feel that I have always had an ability to relate to people, whether it is in line at a Motley Crew concert, or in an executive meeting. I believe that humans are more similar than different. The skill is identifying common ground quickly in interactions, because everyone is in a hurry. I have attempted and will continue to apply this principal in my business interactions by showing a little personality in the first few seconds that I interact with my customers. The trick is to do this without being perceived as smug or an apathetic. I can say a quick line from a song that is stuck in my head, and say â€Å"sorry I’ll try to focus better throughout the remainder of this transaction;† or asking a detailed question about a project that the customer is working on. It is important to adjust the tone, and etiquette to the person, and situation that is presented. I have found that when the person that I joked around with comes back, they seek me out to help them more often than not. Like all of Cialdini’s principles these techniques ill only work if I am sincerely interested in the person that I’m interacting with. Humans are very skilled at detecting apathy, so if I have to fake it, it’s better to not to try. Consistency/Commitment I am a pretty witty, creative guy, as such I am fairly successful with the principle of liking/similarity as stated above. I honestly struggle with the principle of consistency. Consistency, as discussed by Cialdini, describes influencing others to firmly commit to do what you desire of them. This principle is mostly applicable in my interactions with my co-workers. I place such a high emphasis on relationships with people that I often leave the opportunity open to be taken advantage of. I have many responsibilities that go unaccomplished if I consistently do the job of a co-worker. In today’s business culture, hierarchal flowcharts are decreasing in authoritative efficacy, and behavior is influenced more strongly by persuasion skills. Getting people to buy in and commit to it because it is in the best interest of the customer, the company, and the person you are trying to convince is the goal of consistency. There are levels of commitment. A person can mentally commit, verbally commit to the issuer of the request, or publicly commit in front of peers. Each increased level of commitment results in higher likelihood that the person will keep their word. The challenge in applying this principle for me is to not come across as overbearing, or not willing to lead by example. I will apply this principle by discussing with my co-workers their desires to do a good job. I will ask those whom I direct to explain their thoughts about how we should best serve our customers, and apply their suggestions as best I can to procedural changes. I will also better describe the process from the perspective of people who work primarily inside the store, so that we can all better understand and assist each other. The success of consistency, perhaps even more so than the principle of liking, is dependent on motives. If it is perceived that you are more interested in throwing your authority around than working for the common good, resentment and non-compliance will result. I will avoid resentment by expressing sincere gratitude, and praise for a job well done. I will also show a willingness to go outside, and help when appropriate. I have read a few articles about enhancing persuasion in business, and to be honest, most of them come across as phony ways to trick people to do what you want. Cialdini certainly has some elements of convincing people that they want to do what you desire, but he introduces the idea that these techniques only really work if you have pure motives. I really like the idea that being an effective/persuasive leader starts with being an honest/authentic person.

Humanitarian Response to Darfur Crisis The WritePass Journal

Humanitarian Response to Darfur Crisis Introduction Humanitarian Response to Darfur Crisis IntroductionDarfur: Background to the crisisTheorectical Perspectives  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   International Community Response in Darfur: A failure to interveneResponsibility to ProtectConclusionRelated Introduction From time being, a massive violation and abuse of the fundamental human rights exists. In the most recent era, the advent of the last three decades experienced a shift of these violations from the trendy inter-state conflicts to all forms of internal threats. Conversely, the last one hundred years has witnessed a sizeable increase in international collaboration and solidarity. Human efforts to combat crime and engage in activities to promote human welfare and security have resulted in the conception of international organizations such as the UN and NATO.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Subsequently, the 20th century has witness a massive contradiction trapped between humanity’s motivation to contest all forms of threats associated with mankind and its apparent failure to effectively activate and execute its intended actions. More than ever, serious human right breach is still experienced in today’s world. The Libya crisis which still dominates the headlines of every media is a notable example. While it evident that threats to humanity cuts across the globe, a pragmatic observation indicates that most of perpetrators of these crimes against humanity are mostly seen in the third world where dictatorship administration still exists (Thomas et al., 2002). While all sovereign states reserves the right to administer its territory, contemporary security issues might necessitate intervention by others at some point in-time for the welfare of humanity. With this in mind, several factors that make this view well contested still persist. Claiming that one can absolutely intervene in issues that threaten humanity will be approving of a subject that is not precisely limited and open to several interpretations. The concept of Responsibility to Protect challenges the states to protect not only its own people, but also, those people whose state have failed to protect. This essay particularly focuses on crises involving situations where the state has been accused of engaging in the act of genocide. A crime listed among the four crimes against humanity in the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document. For a better insight, I will explore the case of Darfur and how the international community responded to it. This will enable a proper engagement with the debate on the Responsibility to Protect and Humanitarian Intervention taking into consideration the sovereignty of a state. Darfur: Background to the crisis For close to a decade, the world witnessed a horrified situation similar to that of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. About 4.2 million Darfuri civilians were victim of a bloody massacre, brutal rape and a direct displacement from their immediate homes (ICRtoP, 2010). The crisis which is believed to have its roots in a long term marginalization and neglect of the Furs, the Massalit, and the Zaghawa tribes by the successive governing regime from Khartoum was aggravated by  Ã‚   Darfur’s segregation from the North-South regional peace process in 2003 (HCIDC, 2005, p:9). The clichà © state of affairs to Darfur crisis is that of the marginalized group taking up arms in opposition to the government in Khartoum which was equally and fatally countered by the Arab militia in a bloody ethnic cleansing (Brosche, 2008, p:5). Undisputedly, the perpetrators of these atrocious acts are the Sudanese government-supported Janjaweed Military Group. With no form of over-estimation, at least 400,000 people have been murdered in the statistics presented by the Humanitarian Affairs Chapter of the United Nations (ICRtoP, 2010). Although the Sudanese government has been accused of master-minding a drive of ethnic cleansing by means of an alternative armed forces, yet, the international community of states having the ability to quell the unrest in the troubled Darfur region failed to take the lead in exemplifying actions that will protect the vulnerable civilians due to contradicting interest between geopolitical concerns and a deficient political motivation (ICRtoP, 201 0). Without any prejudice, the Sudanese government blatantly overlooked the welfare of its people by failing in their Responsibility to Protect the Dafuris. In this situation, the Responsibility to Protect, though contested by different school of thoughts becomes an objective to be upheld by the international community of states if the rights and welfare of the agonized Dafuris has to be preserved. Certain theoretical perspective will possibly explain the behaviour of certain states and the international community. A general overview of realism and liberalism theory will sufficiently highlight basic opinion which has fashioned observers intuitive assumptions about humanitarian interventions (Hehir, 2010, p: 61). Theorectical Perspectives  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The lethargic attitude and lack of political motivation of the international community to respond to the crises in Darfur invariably corroborates John Mearsheimer in his renowned and stimulating write-up titled â€Å"The False Hope of International Institution†. His argument is relatively rigid because the situation in Darfur seems to favor his opinion which forwards that a failed state does not necessitate intervention from external nations except there is a relative gain (1994, p: 12). International institutions hardly ever exert any momentous authority on states actions and as such, subject itself to criticisms (Donnelly, 2000: p 132). For example, nine main decrees coupled with 21 presidential statements have been adopted since the inception of the crises in Darfur, yet, the situation has at its best remained the same and at its worse deteriorated further (Prendergast et al, 2008, p: 2). Classical realist like Mearsheimer argues that the international community is prone to failures in its Responsibility to Protect, hence, unreliable. Neo realist on the other hand, will bother less about morals, which significantly damages the idea of humanitarian intervention. Realists like E. H Carr continuously asserts that, morality are mere initiatives of the super powers to continue to enjoy perpetual domination in every possible capacity by advocating humanitarian intervention (Hehir, 2010, p: 61). That said, the realism perspective to the crisis in Darfur possibly explains the slow response of the international community. Various states constituting the Security Council’s political interest invariably determines the effectiveness of any intervention. Though the regime in Washington was the first to label the crisis in Darfur Genocide, however, the mix of sanctions and its obvious interest to get information about Al-Qaeda from the administration in Khartoum has some implications to the concept of Responsibility to Protect. The United States constitutes a potential member of the Security Council. Thus, its political will to support Humanitarian Intervention will go a long way to ensure the success in Darfur (Brosche, 2008, p: 96). These actions have some realism in itself, in that every state should ensure its own survival. Realism as an IR theory suggest that, the well-being of a state should never be committed to any form of international covenant, and efforts of global governance through international norms should be resisted since behaviours of over-arching bodies are controlled by the interest of the super powers constituting them (Kegley, 2007: p 31). This standpoint advocates a logical agreement. If the argument by realist represents human beings as intensely flawed and naturally egocentric, then the proposal of building an ideal world is meaningless. Not in any degree can an organization be more powerful to the qualities of its constituting members. Therefore, global tranquility becomes a target outside the scope of any distinct state party.   Just as one’s personal heart desires cannot be controlled by another, so also a state fundamental ethics cannot be determined by others. Though influence can sometimes be persuasive, however, the explicit approval to give the final verdict resides within the individual states. Liberalism on the other hand advocates that international peace is possible and can be acquired through the teamwork of individual states. Though there are different variant of the liberal assumptions, however, the fundamentals of this school of thought emphasizes moral standards over the quest of power. It defines politics at the global level as contend for consensus rather than a struggle for supremacy and status. Kant’s approach of this theory tells us that â€Å"peace can be perpetual†. Therefore, conflicts are absurd and going against nature. It is a simulated contrivance and not a result of some distinguished traits of human nature (Burchill et al., 2009: p 58). For this argument, the international community must identify itself in other to abolish those institutions that make conflict probable. States must also reconstruct their political structures so that democratic control and social liberties within states can protect human privileges and facilitate healthier relations amongst states. (Kegley, 2007: p 26-27). Followers of this idea will likely agree that â€Å"every extreme abuse of human rights deserves intervention by the whole human race falling under the international community for humanitarian purposes† (Annan, 2004). Since NATO’s interventions in Bosnia and Kosovo in 1995 and 1999 respectively were considered a relative success by some, then this approach possibly explains the reactions of some commentators as regards to the crisis in Darfur and subsequently, identifies itself with the norm of humanitarian intervention (Miller, 2010, p: 150). International Community Response in Darfur: A failure to intervene The ineffective action in Rwanda makes it difficult to find who absolutely defies intervention in the twentieth century. Though several bias still exist among different commentators especially when interventions involves military actions, however, projections of success in a deteriorating instance may theoretically rationalize humanitarian intervention (Abbott, 2005, p: 15). There is a general support, if not total concurrence which substantiate humanitarian interventions whenever there exist a gross breach of human welfare. However, who takes charge of intervention and who dictates when to do so appear to be a major concern (Pattison, 2010, p: 2). The UN has been the platform from which the global affair of human rights transpires. It was the UN that first launched international models that protects the rights of individuals and groups enclosed in the UN Charter (United Nations, 1948). Consequently, the UN is usually reprimanded whenever there is a case of substantial human rights infringement. There is no better accountability for this judgment other than its recognition as the most universal entity whose objective accommodates every nation state as much as possible. The obscurity associated with humanitarian intervention generally is that, it is very expanse in scope and as such commits it to several interpretation and criticisms from one state to another and even among individuals. To clarify the unclearness in the Human Rights Documents, 18 Human Rights expert were elected to deal with such contention (OHCHR, 1996). In the final ordeal of clarification, the UN Security Council reserves the right to decide if the circumstance necessitates intervention by them or any other party.   However, implementing these laws in most cases has been quite difficult. For example, Milosevic’s prosecution process was a drama as the massacre in Bosnia was subjected to several interpretations and criticisms (PPU, 1995). In the occurrence of similar situations involving crimes against humanity, especially when a state which is meant to ensure the welfare of its citizens ridiculously turn around and becomes a major threat to its own people like that which is presently experienced in Libya, there exist a structure to be adopted titled â€Å"Procedure 1503†. This structure named after the decree of the UN Commission on Human Rights aims to address consistent patterns of gross, constant and evident contravention of all human rights reported by individuals or non-governmental groups (OHCHR, 2007). Even with existence of this structure and several others like Human Rights Committee that were primarily established to ensure that justified humanitarian interventions takes place without a self interest agenda, several disputation still prevails. It was on this note that, the UN Security Council facilitated the establishment of an authority called the â€Å"International Criminal Court† in 2002 t o deal with concerns of human rights breach prior to, or subsequently in conjunction with the Human Rights Committee, the UN and other key international bodies (CICC, 2002). Despite the opposition faced by this court at it conception by three strong members of the security council namely, the US, Russia and China, the birth of this institute brought about commendable results within it capacity. As regards to the fundamental Human Rights, this institute generated some vital agreements which are enclosed in the ICC fact sheet 1 to administer a positive intention channelled towards protecting, upholding and promotion of human welfare (AI, 2004). Evidently, the UN as the most represented platform within the international community has in various capacity demonstrated that there is an objective of human security to be achieved by prioritizing humanitarian welfare. However, one factor peculiar to the UN is the practice of an odd habit of â€Å"barking without biting†. This attitude has been needlessly prevalent that belligerents no longer regard the regulations of the international community as plausible (Brosche, 2008, p: 103). For example, the sanction authorized against the government of Sudan under the 1591 Resolution of the Security Council was greatly undermined, thus, confirming Khartoum’s conviction that the Security Council is deficient of a strong political determination in the event of a mass killing (Prendergast et al, 2008, p: 6). If I would give my opinion on this toothless bite attitude exemplified by the international community, it will be that of a disappointment. Allowing these tolls of death and then prosecuting the perpetrators several years later is not good enough, preventing crimes against humanity by pre-emption or prompt intervention is not too much. Just like the case of Rwanda, the Darfur crisis was quite speculative. Several NGO’s like Amnesty International, Medecins Sans Frontieres and the International Crisis Group signalled the world concerning the up-rising catastrophe in Darfur sometimes in February, 2003 (AI, 2003, p:1). As most pessimists would have envisage, the dawdling stimulus of the international community and a misplaced priority to conclude the North-South peace agreement in Sudan defiled every necessary pre-emptive action that would have prevented the bloodsheds (HCIDC, 2005, p: 17). Though the Security Council adopted Resolution 1556 of Chapter V11 of the UN Charter which demanded the Sudanese government to disarm the Janjaweed Militia and prosecute its leaders accordingly. Regrettably, the lack of enforcement mechanism coupled with de-motivated political will pointed out the shortcomings of every party that represents the international community (Prendergast et al, 2008, p: 4). Sadly, several years afte r the fatal misery was set in motion, the crises in Darfur still remains a failure of the international community who failed to enforce every strategic steps channelled towards promoting human security in a state that calls for emergency. The discourse of humanitarian intervention invariably summons a R2P. Declaring that the international community has the right to intervene in the affairs of another state is such a huge claim to make (Barnett, 2003, p: 174). However, for the sake of humanity, the international community reserves an ethical motive to preserve and protect the right of the vulnerable through pre-emption and intervention in failed states. Responsibility to Protect The inability of the international community to act proactively in response to the diversified occurrences of mass contravention of human rights witnessed in the post Cold War, and more exclusively in the 1990’s, incited Kofi Annan who was the UN Secretary General to summon the states to come to a resolution regarding the issue of state sovereignty and humanitarian intervention. This action was triggered after the 1999 NATO’s intervention in Kosovo. The supporting argument that drives the objective of the International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty set up by the Canadian Government was that of a R2P. It forwards that, in an event of a state failure to cater for the wellbeing of its people, the international community automatically assumes the R2P in all necessary capacity without necessarily seeking the consent of the host state (Hehir, 2010, p: 249). The definition of sovereignty as outlined in the UN Charter makes it clear that every states reserves a constrained   and a regulated right and therefore, entitled to a code of non-interference in it internal matters by external bodies (ICISS, 2001, p:10). However, the ICISS report modified sovereignty from control to sovereignty as responsibility in both domestic and foreign affairs. The term R2P presents this perspective of sovereignty like a new innovation. However, obvious discretion in the past has been in place to curtail state sovereignty which sometimes allows extension into neighbouring states that has portrayed vulnerability to avert their province from being utilised as a breed of terrorist and cross border raids (ICISS, 2001, p:12). To mention just a few is the UN as a whole, the Geneva Conventions, and the Security Council. These bodies have illustrated several actions which limit the sovereignty of a state such as outright sanctions and infrequent interventions e.g. the War in Korea in the early 1950’s.   That said, it can be suggested that the ICISS modified version of sovereignty is basically, placing a name on an idea that has pragmatically existed and at the same time impelling force of strength since the late 1940’s. This ‘new’ idea of sovereignty as drawn by the ICISS smoothens out the R2P. Emphasis is placed on the commitment to shield those whose states have failed to protect rather than the responsibility to intervene. In this context, the sole R2P resides within the state. However, the forthcoming rationale in question suggest intervention for the sake of humanity and supports the involvement of military capabilities in deteriorating circumstances, especially when major wreck is targeted towards the civilians and the host state is considered as unwilling, incapacitated or the main perpetrator of the harm itself (ICISS, 2001, p:16). Just like we see in Darfur, the R2P was not readily assumed by the international community. While it was clear that human security was at stake in Darfur, the Security Council was not disposed to adopt military capabilities. Instead of authorizing the intervention with all necessary means as stated in the ICISS document, the Security Council further contradict the norms of the R2P by indicating to function with the terms of the Sudanese Government (Hehir, 2010, p: 249). However, this does not imply that the international community has lost all of its authority or become impaired. Perhaps, it is quite disappointing that the situation in the Darfur region received much awareness; yet, the international community response remains arguably futile (Hehir, 2010, p: 255). While the USA and the UK invoked a bill of legitimacy by invading Iraq and Afghanistan, they have consequently undermined their standings as norms carriers by avoiding their R2P the Darfuris. (Bellamy, 2005, p: 32). Eviden tly, the situation in Darfur reveals clearly, conflicting national interest with political motivation. Even if benevolence was the hallmark of every intervention, the crisis in Darfur suggests that there is no certification that states will act accordingly. Conclusion One big lesson to learnt from the last century is that massive violations of human rights is likely to re-occur except there is a mechanism is put in place to prevent its occurrence. Humanitarian intervention has some controversial stance; hence human security remains difficult to deal with. Not uncontested, the R2P seems like a better solution if objectively employed. However, a shift in the cultural norms of the political chiefs will do a lot of good to the concept. States need to accept limitation on their sovereignty and also to intervene prospectively without exhibiting any form of self interest. Achieving a clear humanitarian objective is more than a mere aspiration. It is essentially crucial and eventually rewarding. Just like the case of Rwanda, the civilians in Darfur deserved protection and could only rely on a third party aid. Promising affirmative statements needs to be put into action to prevent further damage to humanity. Judging from the situation in Darfur, it doesnâ €™t seem that the international community has a proper mechanism to combat humanitarian calamity. And just like the shocking Genocide in Rwanda a couple of years back, the people of Darfur found themselves in another atmosphere of disaster confirming that nothing can be done, except there is a political motivation impelling for it.

How Small Business Drives US Economy

How Small Business Drives US Economy What really drives the U.S. economy? No, it is not war. In fact, it is small business firms with fewer than 500 employees that drives the U.S. economy by providing jobs for over half of the nations private workforce. In 2010, there were 27.9 million small businesses in the United States, compared to 18,500 larger firms with 500 employees or more, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. These and other statistics outlining small business contribution to the economy are contained in the Small Business Profiles for the States and Territories, 2005 Edition from the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA Office of Advocacy, the small business watchdog of the government, examines the role and status of small business in the economy and independently represents the views of small business to federal government agencies, Congress, and the President of the United States. It is the source for small business statistics presented in user-friendly formats and it funds research into small business issues. Small business drives the American economy, said Dr. Chad Moutray, Chief Economist for the Office of Advocacy in a press release. Main Street provides the jobs and spurs our economic growth. American entrepreneurs are creative and productive, and these numbers prove it. Small Businesses Are Job Creators SBA Office of Advocacy-funded data and research shows that small businesses create more than half of the new private non-farm gross domestic product, and they create 60 to 80 percent of the net new jobs. Census Bureau data shows that in 2010, American small businesses accounted for: 99.7% of U.S. employer firms;64% of net new private-sector jobs;49.2%   of private-sector employment; and42.9% of private-sector payroll Leading the Way Out of the Recession Small businesses accounted for 64% of the net new jobs created between 1993 and 2011 (or 11.8 million of the 18.5 million net new jobs). During the recovery from the great recession, from mid-2009 to 2011, small firms led by the larger ones with 20-499 employees accounted for 67% of the net new jobs created nationwide. Do the Unemployed Become Self-Employed? During periods of high unemployment, like the U.S. suffered during the great recession, starting a small business can be just as hard, if not harder than finding a job. However, in March 2011, about 5.5% or nearly 1 million self-employed people – had been unemployed the previous year. This figure was up from March 2006 and March 2001, when it was 3.6% and 3.1%, respectively, according to the SBA. Small Businesses Are the Real Innovators Innovation – new ideas and product improvements – is generally measured by the number of patents issued to a firm. Among firms considered â€Å"high patenting† firms – those being granted 15 or more patents in a four-year period small businesses produce 16 times more patents per employee than large patenting firms, according to the SBA. In addition, SBA research also shows that increasing the number of employees correlates with increased innovation while increasing sales does not. Do Women, Minorities, and Veterans Own Small Businesses? In 2007, the nation’s 7.8 million women-owned small businesses averaged $130,000 each in receipts. Asian-owned businesses numbered 1.6 million in 2007 and have average receipts of $290,000. African-American-owned businesses numbered 1.9 million in 2007 and have average receipts of $50,000. Hispanic-American-owned businesses numbered 2.3 million in 2007 and have average receipts of $120,000. Native American/Islander-owned businesses numbered 0.3 million in 2007 and have average receipts of $120,000, according to the SBA. In addition, veteran-owned small businesses numbered 3.7 million in 2007, with average receipts of $450,000.

Saltman Engineering Co Ltd V Campbell Engineering Ltd2 Essay

Saltman Engineering Co Ltd V Campbell Engineering Ltd2 - Essay Example This essay discusses that where information has economic value, it can be treated like any form of consideration. This is because it has a worth which becomes the property of the original owner or holder of it. And as such, when the 'owner' of such information feels his rights have been breached, he can take legal action against any losses. This situation has led to the development of confidentiality laws. Cases involving the abuse of rights to information are handled under the category of breach of confidence. In the earliest cases of the 19th century, people who brought action for the breach of confidence were required to show proof of a contract that restrained the defendants from making economic use of information given to them. This means that the initial courts invoked a common law position which required plaintiffs to insert clauses in the contracts they signed which involved the transfer of information that could potentially be used to the advantage of defendants. However in Saltman Engineering Co Ltd V Campbell Engineering Ltd a significantly different ruling came to force. In this case, Saltman Engineering conceived a business idea. They asked Campbell Engineering to draw up the plan and put it on course for the commercialisation of the invention. Campbell instructed a third party company to proliferate the idea and put the final product on the marketplace as though it was Campbell Engineering's original invention. Saltman Engineering took the matter to court. ... The case was therefore decided in favour of Saltman Engineering. This case was decided on the basis of equity. In other words, the common law position which required plaintiffs to show proof that there was some kind of contract which restrained the defendant from giving off the information was sidelined and the court pursued fairness. This laid the precedence for courts to use the principles of equity to decide cases involving the breach of confidence. Equity and the Breach of Confidentiality The concept of the breach of confidence was to be decided on the basis of equity rather than common law after the Saltman case. From the way it emerged, the concept of confidentiality was to cut across four main aspects of interaction and communication: personal information3, government information, artistic/literary secrets and trade secrets4. However, there was an issue related to the invocation of equity in cases relating to confidentiality. This mainly has to do with the inherent nature of t he development of the principles of equity. By default, equity acts in personam and this therefore means that every case had to be examined according to the special facts and cases relating to it. This meant that the courts would always have to spend considerable time looking at the main elements of each case they receive, appraise it and take decisions where appropriate. This called for the need to build some hedges around the concept of the breach of contract and define the parameters of this legal concept. This finally came in the landmark case of Coco V AN Clark5 where Judge Megarry made the landmark ruling: 'I doubt whether equity would intervene unless the circumstances are of sufficient gravity: equity ought

Automobile Assembly Line Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Automobile Assembly Line - Essay Example Technology has made many tasks easier if not eliminated them all together. And, technology has redefined what 'work' is too many people. From farm operations to processing of the products the farms produce evidence of the impact of technology is clear. The technology available has change the way society operates. Society, in turn, has been reshaped by this technology. Society has then continued to develop technology to support its changes in the way it lives. 2. History and Development of the Moving Assembly Line. Many different versions of the assembly line were used throughout history. In recent history the assembly line was used to move meat from one station to another in the meat packing plants of Cincinnati, Ohio (USA). The meat packing plants in Chicago followed with suit by installing the system in their plants. These assembly lines were powered by overhead trolleys with chains. But, the most notable use of the assembly line occurred at Ford Motor Company in Michigan (USA). Ford first began using the assembly line in 1913. It allowed workers to learn one task in production of the auto and complete that task repeatedly as autos passed their station. The assembly line greatly increased the number of autos made at one time. Specialization of the workers meant that workers knew one part of the assembly really well and could repeat the task over and over with great speed. Ford's competition was left behind as Ford could produce more ve hicles at a lower price than its competitors. Ford also did not need as many employees to build an auto because the auto was no longer made all at one station but moved between stations with specialized assemblers at those stations. Ford had successfully implemented the use of the assembly line and created mass production of its product: the automobile. "Ford's famous Model T was assembled in ninety-three minutes."(About, History of Cars) Previously Ford had used a team approach that had a group all working at one station building the auto from beginning to end. Development of the assembly line continued and it became a widely used technology to build different products. The skills needed to build products were gradually transferred to mechanical devices on the assembly line. This skills transfer allowed the industry to hire lower skilled workers that were paid less than their skilled counterparts. This automation of the assembly line required less and less workers who controlled more and more specialized equipment along the assembly line. In essence, the assembly line and automation eliminated the need for most workers. 3. The Social Shaping of Technology. The social shaping of technology (SST) can best be explained as the development of technology to satisfy social needs. These are not needs in the sense of social relationships but rather the social needs to work, be profitable, live at a comfortable socio-economic level, etc. Using assembly line development as an example, this social shaping of technology began with an idea. Ford wanted to produce more cars but make them affordable so that people could, and would, buy them. Ford needed to remain profitable with an affordable product. Producing a car a day vs. a car every ninety-three minutes can have a big effect on profits. The assembly line gave Ford this opportunity. SST is all about choices that shape outcomes. SST offers negotiability to the technological process