Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Knowledge and Emotion Essay Example for Free
Knowledge and Emotion Essay Emotion plays a big role in gaining knowledge even though when we do not realize it. Therefore, I agree with the quote, There can be no knowledge without emotion. We may be aware of a truth, yet until we have felt its force, it is not ours. by Arnold Bennett, an English novelist. First of all, with the part, There can be no knowledge without emotion1, it can be proved by our experience. For example, we know about plate tectonics but until you feel it, you cant have knowledge. Earthquakes prove that the plate tectonics are moving towards each other, away from each other or slide past each other. Since I live in Japan, earthquakes can be felt often and I have the knowledge of what it is like to be in an area with lots of earthquakes. Also, for example, we can prove that we have knowledge from genes. Sometimes, I feel that I have the same characteristic as my mother when I am talking to my pets. I talk with them in a softer voice than when we talk to other people. Also, my mothers family loves animals and I was also brought up with an animal always beside me. Finally I can also see evidence from learning physics. I learned that the energy is transferred into other energies. Before, I wondered why bouncy balls bounced lower each time. When I learned about the energies, I gained the knowledge that the potential energy was transferred into heat, sound and other energies. From gaining these truths and experiencing it, it gives us knowledge of what it is like. By experiencing these things, it influences our emotion and gives us the knowledge. Though some people disagree that knowledge can be gained without emotion, I argue that the statement is not true. Though when you learn something, until you have realized what it is and accepted the information, then it is not knowledge. We have to know the information to gain the knowledge so to gain the knowledge we have to experience it. For example, I know the truth that floods occur and the consequences as well as the effects of it but since I have not experienced it before, I do not have the knowledge of what it is like to be in an area, which flooded. Furthermore, by learning biology, I know that there are diseases such as thrombosis, a blood clotting disease but since I have not experienced it I do not what it feels like to have thrombosis. As a result, I do not yet have the knowledge. Knowledge can be gained by other ways of knowing such as reason, sense perception and language. Though I agree with this, I think these all involve the ways of knowing of emotion. When we have a reason to gain knowledge, we gain the knowledge by realizing it and experiencing it. When we gain knowledge by sense perception it is done by experiencing something and realizing what is going on in our surroundings. Finally for language, we are experiencing it since we are talking or listening to the language. Since all these involve the action of experiencing, it all involves emotion. If someone did things unconsciously, I wonder if they can get knowledge. People who sleepwalk have been seen eating, dressing, driving cars, and many other things. Their brain is not fully shut down. Sleepwalking occurs before they are in the state of rapid eye movement, or the moment they are dreaming.2 They have their eyes open to recognize their surroundings. Therefore, I think they are using their sense perception when they are sleepwalking. Though they may not remember it when they wake up and get confused but I think their brain remembers it since the brain is not fully shut when people sleepwalk. Therefore knowledge is gained from experiencing things even if they are sleepwalking which is done unconsciously. Reflexes are also done unconsciously. They are done because we have the knowledge of what to do best to have the least damage to ourselves. That is why we pull our hands back when we touch something hot to reduce the possibility of burning our hand. We try to reduce it because we have the knowledge of what is going to happen if we do not. If we do not take our hand back, we know we are going to burn our hand and feel the pain. When I wake up, I have the reflex of stopping the alarm clock because I have the knowledge that I have to wake up to go to school. This reflex was done because I had the emotion that I did not want to go to school since I had to wake up at six oclock in the morning. Therefore as a conclusion, I agree to an extent with the quote by an English novelist, Arnold Bennett of There can be no knowledge without emotion. We may be aware of a truth, yet until we have felt its force, it is not ours. Emotion is connected to the other ways of knowing and everything we do in our lives. Experiencing things give knowledge to us which gives us emotion whether we do things consciously or unconsciously.
Public Service Announcement PSA
Public Service Announcement PSA Public Service Announcement is a free of charge message which act like an advertisement. It is used by a Non-Profit Organization or groups to promote event. PSA can be produced in audio, video, and even written form such as television station, radios and newspapers. Generally, the function of PSA in television station and radio station is similar. It must be short, straight to the point and professionally produced. In order to let the public understand the messages delivered, the PSA usually focus on only single idea as making it as clear as understandable. The high exposure of PSA to the public, and capture high attention deserved to have greatest impact (Wisconsin, n.d.). The purpose of PSAs messages is to disseminate to the targeted audiences in order to serve public interest, increase awareness and educate the people (Wilcox Cameron, 2009). Domestic violence is an abuse of power. It is when one partner, usually a boyfriend or husband, attempts to control and dominate the other, usually a girlfriend or wife through violence, threat of violence, or by controlling the couples finances and social life. There is some evidence shown that 39% of Malaysian women have been abused or assaulted by their partners. Domestic violence is a major, but regularly hidden social problem (WAO, 2012). These are five types of domestic violence such as psychological abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, economic abuse, and emotional abuse (What is psychological abuse, n.d.). The causes of domestic violence include individual factors, environmental factors, social factors, and economic factors (Causes of domestic violence, 2012). First, the effects of psychological abuse in domestic violence consist of attempts to commit suicide and difficult on concentrating (The effect of psychological abuse, n.d.). Second, the effects of physical abuse in domestic violence consist of anxiety, hearing and vision loss (Side effects of physical abuse, 2012). Third, the effects of sexual abuse in domestic violence consist of depression and shameful (Sexual abuse effect, 2008). Forth, the effects of economic abuse in domestic violence consist of stolen and loss of beloved one asserts through stealing (The impact of financial abuse, 2012). Fifth, the emotional abuse in domestic violence consists of feeli ng of insecure and often silent (Gluck, 2012). In Malaysia context, domestic violence is legally bound to Malaysia Domestic Act (DVA) 1994 (act 521). It is an act which provided legal protection over any situation of domestic violence. DVA included the following situation: Willfully or knowingly placing, or attempting to place, the victim in fear of physical injury. Example, anyone who make someone having a physical injured by purposely. As in physical harm caused to another is an assault. It could be domestic violence. Causing physical injury to the victim by such act which is known or ought to have been known would result in physical injury. Example, using any weapon to beat someone injury. Compelling the victim by force or threat to engage in any conduct or act, sexual or otherwise, from which the victim has right to abstain. Example, anyone who causes a victim in physical or mentally injured, like forcing some to become a prostitute. confining or detaining the victim against the victims will; or Causing mischief or destruction or damage to property with intent to cause or knowing that it is likely to cause distress or annoyance to the victim. Example: economic abuse. Force someone to withholding about family running up bills for which the victim is responsible for payment (Malaysia domestic violence act, 2006). Many women have been abused by her spouse, and it is not easy for abusive relationship, probably they will still hope that things will change. Some of them are afraid of their partners action she is trying to leave. No matter how you encouraged them, the victims are still feeling helpless. In order to help them to leave the abusive relationship, there are so many non-governmental organizations which trying to help the victims. Some of the solutions includes ones can call advice; shelters where ones can stay; job training, legal services, and childcare (Smith Segal, 2012). There are several Non-Government Organizations (NGO) and Non-Profit Organization (NPO) that try to help the women and in their effort to reduce the rapidly occurring domestic violence cases. One of the highly profile NGO in Malaysia has deals with women issues is Womens Aid Organisation (WAO). WAO was established in 1979 and it was the first NPO refuge for abused women. The services that provided include face to face and telephone counseling, child care Centre, refuge and WAO Centre. Their vision is to create a society that is free of violence against women. WAOs mission is to promote and create respect, protection and fulfillment of equal rights for women and to work towards the elimination of discrimination against women, and to bring about equality between women and men (WAO, 2012). 1.1 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE To find out the perception of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) students about radio Public Services Announcement (PSA) in Malaysia. To know the effectiveness of radio Public Services Announcement (PSA) in portraying the issue on domestic violence. 1.2. RESEARCH QUESTIONS How effective is radio Public Services Announcement (PSA) in Malaysia among university students? How does radio Public Services Announcement (PSA) provides information on preventive measures against domestic violence against women? 1.3 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS There is a positive relationship between students perceptions about radio Public Services Announcement (PSA) in getting information. There is a positive relationship between the effectiveness of radio Public Services Announcement (PSA) in disseminating the issue of domestic violence. 1.4. SCOPE OF STUDY Malaysia is a democratic country which emphasizes the fair, harmony and education to Malaysian. Therefore, the students in Malaysia are well educated and are able to transform the traditional concept to a modernization. Therefore, the universities students are knowledgeable and can be key person to analyzed and correct the problems. This study was conducted by 250 students of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) with the ration of female and male to find out the perception of UTAR student towards the effectiveness of radio PSA on domestic violence. These respondents are knowledgeable and mature enough to respond the survey in this study. 1.5. SIGNIFICANT OF STUDY This study is aimed to find out the perception of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) students about radio PSA in Malaysia; to know the effectiveness of radio PSA in portraying the issue on domestic violence. Cases of domestic violence in Malaysia are on the rise, this study with the motivation of contributing to the society in regards to domestic violence. For instances, the government and organization may enhance the policies such as improving the Malaysia Domestic Act (DVA) 1994 (act 521) is an act which provided for legal protection over any situation of domestic violence. Also, the organization will more easily to understand the limitation and improve the ways of disseminating the message to the public. Again here, the improved policy implication will help to decrease the case of domestic violence and more protect the victims of domestic violence. 1.6. PROBLEM STATEMENT This research aim to find out the effectiveness of radio Public Service Announcement (PSA) in portraying the issue of domestic violence: A study of Its Effectiveness among Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) students. The information gathered in this survey would help researchers to identify the perception of the students towards radio PSA and domestic violence. Domestic violence against women is one of the serious problem occurred in Malaysia. Domestic violence is also called as domestic abuse; it is usually happened around the people especially in a close relationship (Ang et al., 2010). According to Womens Aid Organization (WAO) annual statistics 2010, the statistics has shown that 70.4% of the women have been abuse by domestic violence in Malaysia. In fact, the type of domestic violence has included psychological, physical, sexual, economic, and emotional (Ang et al., 2010). According to Nielsen (2012), Malaysia is still prominent in radio time expended with 21 hours a week for Asia Pacific region. In fact, it is also getting out to 92% listeners weekly again radio remains to be among the most popular and trendy medium or channel for Malaysia. There are many Non-Government Organization (NGO) such as Womens Aid Organisation (WAO) and Women Centre for Change (WCC) Penang, is a formerly Womens Crisis Centre, All Womens Action Society (AWAM), National Council of Womens Organizations (NCWO), and Peoples Service Organization (Organizations addressing vaw, 2001). They are trying to solve the problem for the women being abused and also provided different kind of PSA for the public to aware of it. For instance, radio PSA by the WAO. There are Neighbours, Office, and Stalls. All in them are English version with 40 seconds, 41 seconds, and 40 seconds. Another example will be United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) Malaysia partnering Media Prima Group through Malay and English radio stations such as Hot.fm and Fly.fm in year 2008 using radio PSA for violence against children (Radio networks join in to denounce violence against children, 2008). Take Back The Tech! campaign which began on 25 November, International Day Against Violence Against Women and reach over a period of 16 days ending on 10 December, International Human Rights Day (Ang et al., 2009). It was introduced and Planned by the Association for Progressive Communications, Womens Networking Support Programme (APC WNSP) (Ang et al., 2009). The talks and trainings which in press interview included Bernama Radio VAW via radio, Radio 24: The Hot Seat on Violence against Women via Radio, Traxx FM: Violence against Women, and BFM which is the business radio station: The bigger picture on 16 Days of Activism (Ang et al., 2009). The purpose is to motivate the Malaysians to voice up against violence and raise awareness in order to construct the organization for a long-standing commitment in the society (Radio networks join in to denounce violence against children, 2008). Even with PSA women violence still happened (Ang et al., 2009). Besides, the government also determines to protect women from domestic violence with the new law and eventually Domestic Violence Act 1994 launched on 1st June 1996 which is done by after eleven years of research (WAO, 2012). According to Minister Fatimah Sahin, all women deserved protection against violence, and the purpose of the new law is to protect women, family members from violence apparently (WAO, 2012).
Monday, August 5, 2019
Caste and Sri Lankan marriage
Caste and Sri Lankan marriage In the modern day Sri Lankan society, the concept of caste with its pre-historic background plays different roles is human life, and its role becomes dominant at the juncture of the typical Sri Lankan marriage. The research will open up doors to show the typical Sri Lankan community being traditional and outdated, the concept of caste is still one of the major determinisms of leading a happy and successful marriage life. The society we live today is complex and all of us have to live with different ideas and attitudes. These diverse ideas and attitudes come into light in different occasions and stages in our lives. The concept of Caste is a phenomenon unique to the countries in the Indian Sub Continent and it is fossilized in the society. Gender, age, caste, ethnicity and class play major roles in the establishment of the Sri Lankan society. While gender, age, caste and ethnicity are decided by ones birth, class is decided by ones ability. In the present Sri Lanka society, caste does not play a significant role. Caste, which is decided by birth comes into action in different occasions and stages in ones life in different ways and caste becomes a dominant figure in the Sri Lanka context when it comes to marriages. According to Robert Knox,à [1]à Sri Lankans are very selective and careful about marriages. It is a tradition not to get married to a person from a lower caste. Sinhalese would never sacrifice their dignity for an unsuitable marriage even it brings out wealth. A person from Colombo might hear that caste is not as important as it was in the past and that it is subjected to deterioration. Nevertheless, the following extract suggests that it is not so.à [2]à Sinhalese are highly concerned about the concept of caste and boundaries around it and that at least in the dry zone the concept of caste and boundaries around it are significant The above description indicates though caste is not highlighted in the surface level, it becomes a very important concept for the Sinhalese in practical situations. According to E.R. Leach,à [3]à The deterioration of the caste system leads to the deterioration of an establishment. Marriages between different ethnicities can still be seen in the society . E.R. Leach helps one to identify the modern nature of the caste system. The notice on marriage proposals on week-end Sri Lankan newspapers highlight caste consciousness still plays a major role in the contemporary Sri Lankan society. Careful studies show the concept of caste which hails from the colonial period has undergone slight changes after the independence in 1948. As job opportunities are allocated based on academic qualifications, the caste system faces its deterioration. After the changes brought up to the constitution in 1997 and the society being exposed to the open economy made the modern society look into matters based on money. It is evident that the nature of caste has changed, but it does not indicate that the identity one gains through caste has totally been rejected. It clearly depicts the caste consciousness of the traditional Sri Lankans comes to the surface in marriages. CHAPTER 2 METHODOLOGY AIM The aim of the research is to study the role played by the Sri Lankan caste system in determining a marriage and the importance of a caste to lead a happy and successful marriage life. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM Although caste seems on old fashioned and unscientific basis for determining whether two people are compatible for marriage, historic evidence shows that it is a predictor of maintaining success. THE RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS Caste system is a reliable determinism of successful marriages. SCOPE OF THE STUDY The sample is a randomly selected set of twenty married soldiers from the Sri Lanka Army representing different areas around the island and different castes. METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION 10. The collection of data and information for this research will be highly based on the following. Interviews done with the twenty soldiers. Questionnaires given to the twenty soldiers. Books related to the research topic. The Internet. 11. The books related to the research topic and the information gathered through the Internet opened avenues to identify the caste system in Sri Lanka and it led to write a review of literature on the nature of the Sinhala marriage in chapter three. While the fourth chapter describes the impact of caste in determining the marriage of the selected sample, the fourth chapter deals with impact of social, economic and family conditions on deciding a caste. The conclusion is done at the fifth chapter. CHAPTER 3 BACKGROUND CASTE SYSTEM AND THE NATURE OF THE SINHALA MARRIAGE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF CASTE 12. The caste system is perhaps the worlds longest surviving social hierarchy .A person is considered a member of the caste to which he or she is born and remains within that caste until death, although the particular ranking of that caste may vary among regions and over time. 13. The caste system in Sri Lanka is a division of society into strata. Ancient Sri Lankan texts such as the Pujawaliya, Sadharmarathnavaliya and Yogarathakaraya and inscriptional evidence show that the hierarchy prevailed throughout the feudal period. Caste as we know it today appears to have been introduced to Sri Lankans by Prakrit language speakers from North India. The introduction of Buddhism in the third century BC blunted the edge of the system to a certain extend. However, there is a reference to king Abhayas son, Saliya choosing to lose caste by marrying Ashokamala, a Candala or outcaste woman, in the second century BC, indicating that caste taboos remained in place. 14. Studies based on caste have allowed the society to come up with different definitions on caste, and these definitions have allowed people to identify the impact of caste on marriage. The concept of caste, the nature of its expansion and the definitions put forward under different areas pave a pathway to understand this concept. 15. According to Peiris Reif,à [4]à The cruel nature of our ancestors led to the origin of a caste system. Thirst for power and land made them fight with each other. As a result, a need arose to appoint a leader who is physically and intellectually balanced to resolve the conflicts. 16. The sources indicate that Aryans from India during their visit in the fifth century have brought down their caste system to Sri Lanka. The legend shows that the ancient Sri Lankan society had different castes such as Raja, Bamunu, Welanda and Govi and the base for these was provided by the different castes like Brahmans, Shathriya, Vaishya and Sudra in ancient India. THE CONCEPT OF CASTE AND DEFINITIONS OF CASTE. 17. Caste is a phenomenon in the society and culture. According to Edmancy Leach, A caste cannot stand on its own. It has a close bond with its members through a network. 18. Mr: Amarasekara Daya in his book titled, The Sri Lankan Society elaborates L.L.Kroebers (an anthropologist) ideas. Caste is a unit. It consists of indigenous sub units. Such a unit enjoys the privileges of the society. Based on that, we can differentiate one sub unit form another sub unit. 19. Mr: Amarasekara further elaborates on caste by bringing forward measuring instruments introduced by Hutton, an anthropologist. They are,à [5]à Caste is an indigenous concept. There are specific boundaries between different castes. A caste is a collection of situations which depicts bureaucracy. It is accepted that through food, physical relationships, customs and by touching a member of a privileged caste by a member of a discriminated caste will corrupt the privileged caste. Caste is related to traditional occupations. Caste is decided by birth. Caste in totality, is a system based on prestige. 20. W.M. Waister, an anthropologist bringing out his views on caste says that keeping laundry, making gold and silver jewellery were the duties of the discriminated castes and these services were rendered only to a privileged segment of the society. 21. Though a man from a privileged caste can keep a woman from a discriminated caste as his mistress, he is not allowed to take meals with her. As Mr: Bryce Rayan elaborated people were allowed to share the same well for drinking water and eat together with farmers from different castes in the paddy field, but at a wedding, people from Govi caste were never allowed to sit with people from other castes at the table. This clearly indicates the effect of caste on marriage. MARRIAGE 22. The concept of marriage differs from country to country, society to society and culture to culture. Marriage simply means the joining of the two sexes who maintain a socially approved or accepted sexual relationship for reproduction. Since marriage is given so many definitions it is believed that studying all these definitions will help one to understand the concept of marriage. 23. According to Mr: Tuder Silvaà [6]à Marriage is the union of two or more people of both sexes for a socially accepted sexual relationship for the purpose of reproduction. Marriages are of two types, monogamy and polygamy. The above definition gives an idea of a marriage. According to a statement by the British Anthropology Society, Marriage is a unit which authorizes the children the rights of their biological parents. 24. According to Mr Kumara Hemanthaà [7]à Marriage is a special bond between two elders of both sexes based on norms, ethics, rules and regulations. Both the elders maintain a sexual relationship for reproduction. Further, marriage is a unit made up of a husband, wife and their children. 25. The society and time are the deciding factors of rules and regulations of a marriage. 26. The ancient traditions of marriage and the caste have a dinosaur effect on the relationship between the Sinhala marriage and the caste. The Sinhala society by Mr: Ralph Peiris is a suitable example for it. Through his book he talks about the different types of marriages, different methods of getting married, reasons for a marriage and the openness of marriages in ancient Sri Lanka.à [8]à Marriage to a person out of the caste was strictly prohibited. The ancestors did not want their sons and daughters to marry a person with a lower status though that person is from the same caste. 27. The above description shows that the ancient society considered caste an important factor in the marriages, and it also indicates that the Sinhala marriage is a lose bond. 28. According to Robert Knox, in 1600s caste had a prominent place in the Sinhala marriage. Further, he elaborates that caste was given priority than wealth in ancient Sinhala marriage. 29.à [9]à Caste discrimination is there because of the system of family. The need for a family arose to provide security and satisfy different needs of people. Therefore people began to think about their castes in marriages. TYPES OF CASTES IN SRI LANKA 30. According to Bryce Rayan in his book, Caste Discrimination in Sri Lanka, Relationships between different castes began due to the nature of occupations and breaking up of the society into small units. Jana Wanshaya which is the oldest text on caste discrimination shows that there are twenty six different castes in Sri Lanka.à [10]à They are, a. Govigama b. Salagama c. Kamburu d. Waduwo e. Hannala f. Rada g. Ambettayo h. Sommarayo i. Durawo j. Kumbhakarnayo k. Karawo l. Weddo m. Berawayo n. Hakuro p. Hunno q. Pannayo r. Samanno s. Welwaduwo t. Gahalayo u. Paduwo v. Malakarayo w. Kinnarayo x. Rodee y. Olee z. Indrapalanagayo aa. Chandalayo 31. According to Mr. Kalinga T. Silvas research on castes,à [11]à there are fifteen castes in Sri Lanka. Though there is a compromise about the top and the lower levels of the caste system in Sri Lanka, there are several arguments about the middle level. According to Mr. Silva, Sri Lanka is divided into two parts as up country and low country. While people from Patti and Gahala castes live in the up country, people from Karawa, Salagama, Durawa and Hunnu live in the low country. Order ( This is not yet been finalized ) Name of the Caste Traditional Occupation Percentage of Sinhala population Level 01 Govigama Radala Land Owners 0.001 01 Govi Farmers 49 Patti Herdsmen 0.001 02 Karava Fishermen 5 02 03 Salagama Cinnamon Peelers 04 Durava Toddy Tappers 3 05 Hunu Quicklime Industry 0.002 06 Achari / Galladu / Navanandana Traditional Artisans 0.0005 3 07 Hena / Rada Traditional Washmen 3 08 Wahumpura / Hakuru Traditional Makers of Jaggery 12.5 09 Kumbal / Badahela Traditional Makers of Pots 2.5 10 Dura/ Wellandura/ Bodhi pannadura Safeguard Srimaha Bodhi 0.001 11 Nakathi / Berawva Traditional Dancers and Astrologers 3 12 Bathgama / Padu Servants and Porters 18 13 Gahala Traditional Drum Beaters 0.001 4 14 Kinthara Weaving Mats 0.3 15 Rodi/ Hulawali Traditional Beggars / Traditional Makers of Ekel Brooms 0.001 Other* 1.493 * Castes which belong to the other category are Porava, Kara, Olee, Palee, Barber and Ganthara and the number is very low. 33. Mr. Kalinga Silva in his analysis says,à [12]à Though caste is subjected to deterioration, that in the Asian community it becomes dominant at three occasions. Marriage is one of them. A survey conducted with estate workers who have an Indian origin indicates that caste is a major determinism for 90% of their marriages. Climbing up the economic and social hierarchy is the second occasion the caste becomes important. The concept of caste is highlighted at this occasion. 34. Usage of the concept of caste as a weapon in the political battle field is the third occasion where this concept becomes prominent. The following extract taken from Jamnis Tiggins studies about Sri Lanka shows the way, the concept of caste dominated the Sri Lankan political arena. W!;a l=mdÃâ h uq;a l=mdÃâ h .fà l=mdÃâ hg ckaoh fouq' 35 This was taken from a leaflet distributed during an election campaign and Gama here means a caste. CHAPTER 4 DATA REGIONAL REPRESENTATION AND CONCEPT OF CASTE 36. The following table shows the randomly selected set of twenty soldiers from the Sri Lanka Army representing different regions around the island and different castes to conduct a research on the role played by the Sri Lankan caste system in determining a marriage and the importance of a caste to lead a happy and successful marriage life. Husbands caste Wifes caste Number of families Govigama Govigama 09 Karawa Karawa 02 Bathgama Bathgama 01 Hakuru Hakuru 01 Govigama Hena 01 Govigama Salagama 01 Govigama Padu 01 Padu Govigama 01 Karava Salagama 02 Achari Govigama 01 Total 20 37. The sample represents 45% of Govigama, 10% of Karava, 5% of Bathgama, 5% of Hakuru and 35% of mixed castes. Chart 4.1 Cast of sample 38. The regional representation of the sample is as follows. Srl no Husbands caste Wifes caste Region 01 Govigama Govigama Mahiyanganaya 02 Govigama Govigama Bibile 03 Govigama Govigama Badulla 04 Govigama Govigama Padaviya 05 Govigama Govigama Welioya 06 Govigama Govigama Hakmana 07 Govigama Govigama Kanthale 08 Govigama Govigama Horana 09 Govigama Govigama Puswellawa 10 Karawa Karawa 11 Karawa Karawa 12 Bathgama Bathgama Puttalam 13 Hakuru Hakuru Kegalle 14 Govigama Salagama Kamburupitiya 15 Govigama Hena Veyangoda 16 Govigama Padu Kurunagala 17 Padu Govigama Matale 18 Achari Govigama Ambanpola 19 Karava Salagama Elpitiya 20 Karava Salagama .Galle SRI LANKAN MARRIAGE AND THE IMPACT OF RACE AND RELIGION ON IT 39. Eighteen soldiers of the sample emphasize the importance the importance of equality between races 90%in marriage. The nature of family and demands of the society have made them think that way. As the majority of the sample represents the rural areas of the island, they think that if they do mix marriages they would be neglected by their parents and relatives, and thereby end up in unsuccessful and unhappy marriages. Chart 4.2 Marriage and races 40. Eighteen (90%) soldiers representing the sample think equality between religions is very important to have successful marriages. According to them, the Sri Lankan village is based on temple, and when the husband and wife are from two different religions it is impractical to go to two different religious places simultaneously. Further, they believe that it is hard to practise diverse observances under one roof. Chart 4.3 Marriage and religions SRI LANKAN MARRIAGE AND CASTE 41. Sinhalese believe that race and religion are important factors in marriage. Typical Sinhalese confide in equality between castes in their marriages. While thirteen (65%) soldiers of the sample believe their partners should be from the same caste, seven (35%) soldiers do not believe so. Chart 4.4 Marriage and caste 42. Arranged marriage is still commonly practised in Sri Lanka, but an increasing number of young people today refuse arranged marriage. In arranged marriage caste becomes an important consideration. In love marriages the couple thinks only about matching their races, religions, ideas, views and interests. For them, caste is a minor matter and the survey shows that most of the couples have received the blessings of their parents. 43. The marriage proposals on weekend newspapers highlight the fact that caste is a major determinism in arranged marriages. The following table is taken from a survey conducted by Mr. Daya Amarasekara on marriage proposals in newspapers. Caste Male Female Total Percentage Govi 31 48 79 675 ] Karawa 06 07 13 110 ] Durawa 03 02 05 43 ] Salagama 02 02 04 35 ] Deva 02 02 17 ] Rajaka 02 02 04 34 ] Wellala 01 02 03 25 ] Hetti 01 01 09 ] Other 01 03 04 34 ] Total 46 69 115 1000 ] 44. According to the table, the majority is Govigama and the minority is Hetti. Mr. Amarasekara tells that this table depicts the spread of castes all around the island. 45. When asked from Sri Lankan women about their views on marriage and caste it is evident that women from higher castes do not want to get married to men from lower castes. These women do not want their children to be treated differently by the society because of their fathers surnames. OTHER FACTORS WHICH INFLUENCE MARRIAGE 46. Another factor which influences modern marriage is the economy of each individual. The research shows that people are interested in getting married to people from the same economic level or above. People expect to lead simple and comfortable marriage lives by getting married to a person from the same economic level or above. 47. Most of the women in the modern society prefer to get married to men who are more educated than them. CHAPTER 5 DATA ANALYSIS MATCHING CASTE AND ITS INFLUENCE TO A SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE LIFE 48. While thirteen soldiers out of the sample have married women from the same caste seven soldiers have married from different castes. The following table depicts the present status of the marriage lives of the thirteen soldiers whose spouses are from the same caste. Srl no Husbands caste Wifes caste Region Present status of marriage life 01 Govigama Govigama Mahiyanganaya Unsuccessful 02 Govigama Govigama Bibile Successful 03 Govigama Govigama Badulla Divorced 04 Govigama Govigama Padaviya Planning to get divorced 05 Govigama Govigama Welioya Unsuccessful 06 Govigama Govigama Hakmana 07 Govigama Govigama Kanthale 08 Govigama Govigama Horana 09 Govigama Govigama Puswellawa 10 Karawa Karawa 11 Karawa Karawa 12 Bathgama Bathgama Puttalam Unsuccessful 13 Hakuru Hakuru 49. According to the table, the marriage lives of the two families representing Govi caste (Row 1 and 5) and the family representing Bathgama (Row 12 ) are unsuccessful. 50. The following reasons have made their marriage lives unsuccessful. a. According to the soldiers from rows 1 and 5, their marriages are a failure because of their wives illegal affairs. Since these soldiers come home once in every two or three months, there is enough freedom and opportunities for their wives to have illegal affairs and this has ended their marriages in divorces. b. According to the soldier from row 12, the reason for his marriage being unsuccessful is the mismatch of ideas between himself and his spouse. He says that his wife never agrees with his suggestions and works according to her own plans and ideas. They have decided to get divorced after being married for eight years because of mismatch of ideas. 51. The above study shows that though the castes match, these people have decided to get divorced because of external forces. This is a very common phenomenon in the present day Sri Lankan society. 52. The following table shows the present status of the marriage lives of seven soldiers of the sample who have married out of their castes. Srl no Husbands caste Wifes caste Region Present status of marriage life 01 Govigama Salagama Kamburupitiya Unsuccessful 02 Govigama Hena Veyangoda Unsuccessful 03 Govigama Padu Kurunagala Unsuccessful 04 Padu Govigama Matale Unsuccessful 05 Achari Govigama Ambanpola Successful 06 Karava Salagama Elpitiya Successful 07 Karava Salagama .Galle Successful 53. Though the families from rows 1,2,3 and 4 have done their best to lead a happy and successful marriage lives, the insults by the parents and relatives of the party which represents Govi caste have made their marriages scatter. In family gatherings, the partners who represent the lower caste have been subjected to inferiority. Two females who represent Govi caste in rows 4 and 5 have been outcasted by their families because of their marriages to males from lower castes. 54. Parents and relatives of the soldiers in rows 1 and 2 totally ignore the presence of their daughters in law at family gatherings and even invitations to special occasions are sent only to the male partner. This indicates how embarrassed the wife becomes in front of her husbands parents and relatives. 55. The couples from rows 5, 6 and 7 lead happy and successful marriage lives though they are from two different castes. Parents and relatives of both the parties have mutual understanding and they respect each others ideas, views, attitudes and interests. 56. The research unveils that people from Govi caste are interested in dominating the society, and the interest on the concept of caste by the other castes are very low when compared with Govi caste. 57. However, the caste consciousness of the Sinhalese in arranged marriage is at a higher level. CHAPTER 6 SUMMARY 58. The objective of this sociological research is to study the role played by the Sri Lankan caste system in determining a marriage and the importance of a caste to lead a happy and successful marriage life. The ancient traditional Sinhala marriage and its relationship with caste and the role played by caste in present Sinhala marriage were studied in depth to come to a conclusion. 59. The sample of randomly selected twenty soldiers from the Sri Lankan Army representing different regions and castes help to discuss in detail a sensitive topic which people very rarely speak in public. Interviews with the sample assisted to reveal the following facts. a. Race and religion have played a dominant role in deciding the marriages of the sample. Sinhala and Buddhist back grounds of the sample have motivated the sample to avoid marriages with different ethnicities. 60. Caste plays a major role in Sinhala marriage. People from Govi caste want to maintain their authority while other castes make less efforts to maintain authority. It is evident that Govi caste is considered as the top caste but no conclusion has been made about the positions of the other castes. It is evident that people from higher castes reject people from lower castes and people from lower castes always try to select partners from higher castes in marriages. 61. In the past, most of the marriages were arranged ones , but today many are love marriages. In the modern society, people are interested in finding their own partners according to their level of education, interests, economic status, regional differences and attitudes. Though it seems that caste is not considered as a major determinism in marriage, it becomes prominent when one look at the reactions of parents and relatives of a higher caste partner who has selected a lower caste person. Though the system of caste is subjected to decay it has a dinosaur effect in marriages, and leading a happy and successful marriage life. 62. The research also reveals that when compared with men, women are more interested in marrying a person from the same caste or a higher caste. As the surname of the father automatically goes to the children, women make sure that they do not marry men make from lower castes. The women also do not like to live with the parents and the relatives of their husbands because they are scared of the insults of the husbands parents and relatives. 63. The above facts depict that caste plays a major role in the Sri Lankan marriage, and the attitudes of parents and relatives of the two partners are important in deciding a marriage. CHAPTER 7 RECCOMANDATION 63. The study shows that in marriages, the concept of caste is dominant. As the citizens of a democratic society, people have been given the rights through the constitution to live freely within the accepted rules and regulations of the government. Caste is not a barrier to a person to get proper education and move up the social hierarchy. Further, a person has the legal authority to change ones surname which is a determinism of his or her caste. 64. Though caste is considered in marriage, it is not a barrier to have love affairs and sexual relationships. A person from a lower caste who is at the top level in the
Sunday, August 4, 2019
Depictions of the Great Depression Essay -- Art, Photography
Pause to recall a picture of the Great Depression. Was this image happy or sad? Maybe it was a scene of a family enjoying the radio, children reading comics, a group of young men playing baseball, the movie theatre, or even children playing Monopoly; however most people would picture a migrant mother with her children, an adult holding a sign asking for a job, a family living in a shack with barely any food, or starving, dirty children. ââ¬Å"For those born after the 1930ââ¬â¢s, the Great Depression is something that can be visualized only through photography and film (This Great Nation Will Endure)â⬠and when asked ââ¬Å"What picture do you think of when you hear the words the Great Depression Era?â⬠all thirty high school students recalled a negative image. Todayââ¬â¢s mass mediaââ¬â¢s selection of harsh extreme images of the 1930ââ¬â¢s Great Depression Era fail to portray the positive aspects of American life during the time period. Many of the photographs exposed by todayââ¬â¢s media and some of the most popular photographs of life during the Great Depression were produced by the FSA or Farm Security Administration. Founded by President Roosevelt the government agencyââ¬â¢s goal was to provide loans benefiting tenant farmers and sharecroppers (pg. 772). The FSA launched a photography project whose mission was to demonstrate the hardships of families living on farms to the city residents (Ganzel). The agency hired many photographers and over eighty-thousand photographs were captured through the years 1935-1943; the majority portrayed American life in a negative way (This Great Nation Will Endure). Two of the most well-known photographs taken by the agency, also which are used in several American history textbooks are icons of the Depression Era. Both symboliz... ...produced, radio shows and movies were being produced and several Americans were enjoying life during the 1930ââ¬â¢s. These positive aspects of life and positive photographs of the time period are not well-known to the American public today and many people picture the Great Depression only in a negative way. ââ¬Å"For those born after the 1930ââ¬â¢s, the Great Depression is something that can be visualized only though photography and film. Certain images have come to define our view of that uncertain time: an anxious migrant mother with her three small children; a farmer and his sons struggling through a dust storm; a family of sharecroppers gathered outside their Spartan homeâ⬠(This Great Nation Will Endure). Todayââ¬â¢s mass media focuses on the harsh, extreme images of the Great Depression and fails to portray the happy, positive aspects of American life during the 1930ââ¬â¢s.
Saturday, August 3, 2019
An Investigation into the Housing Market Essay -- Housing Economics Es
An Investigation into the Housing Market Economics Describe and analyse the changes of housing in the local area over the last 5 years The housing market is one of the most talked about topics in the news. I assume this is due to the high influential potential it holds to the rest of the economy. In this essay I will focus on the causes in house prices. I will investigate how prices have changed nationally and locally. I interviewed an Inter counties estate agent to help my investigation and get his views on the situation. The price of housing fluctuates enormously. Not only does it vary from region to region, but also it is also very volatile within these regions. There are many causes for these unstable prices. According to a spokes person form the Inner county estate agents says there are many factors, which influence the housing market. He believes one of the main factors, which have been influencing the local housing market in the southeast, is the large amount of people coming to work in Cambridge recently. The supply curve appeared to be vertically vertical in the short run. However, the high demand resulted in predictable high prices. Many building companies have also respond to the increases in demand, however this response will not be immediate. Another reason why we saw the price of houses rise was due to the low interest rates. This means the borrowing of money to buy a house is significantly cheaper, which is therefore retaliated with via the increase in the actual cost of a house. London being so close is another major pull factor for people wanting to live as near as possible to where work is more likely to be found. Commuting times and facilities like trains and motorways play a major role in opening up areas as 'commuter land'. People often put up with long commuting distances in order to escape from city living as a family, or to find more affordable housing at greater distance from where they work. This is why Saffron Walden has become so posh, since people have realised the benefits of life in a town of this size in a manageable distance to London. Hypothesis: If interest rates are going down, will increase demand for housing which will then in turn increase house prices. When one buys a house, one is paying for the actual house price, a mortgage, and the interest rates on the ... ...eople willing to pay the higher amounts. Schooling facilities have also got an influence in the area, which is another pull factor for people moving within the southeast. There are also relatively low borrowing costs for mortgages, which will encourage people to buy and sell their houses. According to 'The Hometrack' Property Company, house prices in England and Wales fell in May for the second month in a row. The percentage change in prices over the last year in each region can be seen in the chart. In conclusion prices for housing are high in the southeast due to a number of factors: * The demand for housing in an area, * The supply of houses, * Reputation for the area, * General interest rates influence the house-shopping behaviour, * Low interest rates enables people to buy better or bigger houses, * Facilities in the area, * Local employment chances. Region Higher prices are less desirable, and this may mean many families do not have the economic ability to live in the area. The demand refers to the quantity of houses that purchasers are willing and able to buy at a certain price. Houses are scarce in relation to demand.
Friday, August 2, 2019
Defining Roles through the Use of Language in Richard Wrightââ¬â¢s Autobiography, Black Boy :: Richard Wrightââ¬â¢s Black Boy
Defining Roles through the Use of Language in Richard Wrightââ¬â¢s Autobiography, Black Boy In his autobiography, Black Boy, Richard Wright is constantly feeling alone and cast from society. He always knew he was different from his friends and the other kids; he knew that there was something separating himself from his peers- language. Throughout the novel Wright uses language to define roles, to define himself, and to define society. Wrightââ¬â¢s use of language and rhetorical techniques allows his readers to know exactly which characters are filling which roles in the novel. For example, when Richard walks into his boss's office to explain that had been bitten by the man's dog, his boss's secretary uses short concise sentences. '"He isn't here now,' she said, and went back to her typing," explains the exact manner in which Richard was treated. the syntax exhibited here demonstrates that the secretary does not have -- nor does she want to have -- the time to listen to a black boy in pain. This clearly shows that this secretary is above Richard and has no desire to slip down to his level. Furthermore, Richard uses a different syntax when speaking back to the secretary. His sentences are longer while remaining simplistic. "His dog bit me, ma'am, and I'm afraid I might get an infection" demonstrates how the diction in Richard's sentences is much less offensive and accompanied by a certain sense of inferiority, sh owing his fear of this white secretary without actually saying it. Just from Wright's choice of wording (diction and syntax), the roles in this passage are clearly drawn and defined. Wright not only defines the roles of others in this passage but, with language, he defines himself. For example, when Richard says things like; "Can't I see the Boss?" "It's swelling, " and "sonofabitch"; they are not taken with a playful connotation. His frequent use of contractions and poorly structured sentences bring to the forefront, basically, exactly how uneducated he truly is. This use of diction in his dialogue easily shows his character and exactly who he is. Lastly, Wright's use of language defines society as a whole.
Thursday, August 1, 2019
Plastic Money Essay
The study assesses the impact of outsourcing on organisational performance and it is done in Century Bottling Company Limited. It focuses on the benefits and challenges companies face in outsourcing their non-core activities. The study uses the objective of assessing the impact of outsourcing on organisational performance to get data presented in the findings. These show that companies benefit from outsourcing though they face some challenges in their bid to outsource their non-core activities to outside providers. Organisations always prefer letting specialists in different fields accomplish certain tasks in their companies and this means that organisations can benefit from outsourcing as shown in the Literature Review The Data was collected and then analysed to fit the purpose of the study though with several limitations ranging from financial constraints to time constraints. see more:types of plastic money The findings show that companies outsource to access special expertise, speed up delivery of services, reduce costs and getà enough time to concentrate on their core activities. In the long run companies have benefited from outsourcing in several ways like reduction in costs and company staff getting enough time to concentrate on their core activities to promote the company`s competitiveness in the market. In conclusion, companies should outsource some of their services so as to reduce costs and concentrate on core activities. This therefore shows how important outsourcing is and other companies should adopt it just like Century Bottling Company has done and get good quality services from experts as well as more time for core activities. CHAPTER ONE 1.0 INRODUCTION. This chapter looks at the background, problem statement, objective, research questions and significance of the study. 1.1Background The rationale to outsource was rooted in the cost constraints facing asset managers as they struggled to survive the bear market. Traditionally, the outsourcing market focused on infrastructure, data operation and cost takeout as primary drivers but in addition enterprises are looking at outsourcing business areas to achieve greater flexibility and gain greater ability to respond easily as outsourcing is evolving into a strategic tool for change. Lysons 2000, says outsourcing developed as a reaction to the over diversification that took place in the 1970ââ¬â¢s and early 1980ââ¬â¢s and has led many enterprises to review their core and concentrate on them. In Uganda, business processes that were kept inside the firm such as cleaning and transport are increasingly being outsourced to places where costs are cheaper and back-off operations can be provided like in Century Bottling Company Limited, cleaning, security and part of transport have been outsourced to outside providers. Century Bottling Company Limited located at Namanve and it deals in production of soft drinks like sodas in different brand names say, Sprite, Coke, Fanta, Novida, Stoney, Datsan and Minute maid among others. It has a range of activities some of which are core 1à and not outsourced. Those that are considered non-core are outsourced to different service providers. It gets a list of service providers, looks at their terms, kind and quality of services provided and the costs involved. It is from this list that it selects the most favourable to outsource to. For instance, Century Bottling Company outsources activities like part of its transport is given private vendors who have trucks in good mechanical conditions, negotiate the price and terms of service. These pick the products from the company premises and deliver them to the agreed destinations like depots and various customers. Cleaning is also done by A&A for all departments in the company and this gives the employees a good working environment and more time to perform their duties. However, despite outsourcing these activities are still having weaknesses like late deliveries due car mechanical breakdowns and unsatisfactory cleaning which is at times due to personal character of the cleaners and poor supervision. Looking at outsourcing as a way of reducing on the work load of the company staff and giving core activities more time for companies to perform to their best, Century Bottling Company also outsources its non-core activities so as to concentrate on the core activities to improve its performance in important areas like the production department since the quality of a companyââ¬â¢s products is very crucial for its performance in the market. In its bid to outsource, Century Bottling Company has not forgotten what outsourcing is all about. This gives a relationship between what outsourcing is and what Century Bottling Company is doing. 1.2 Problem statement Outsourcing is a very crucial function in an organisation because it directly affects the firmââ¬â¢s operational activities. Following the identified problems such as late delivery, poor cleaning, high transportation costs in Century Bottling Company, steps have been taken to solve the problem by bringing trusted and better qualified people to provide the services. Despite the steps taken, the contribution of outsourcing to organisational performance is still low. Therefore, the study is to establish the impact of outsourcing on organisational performance with aà case study of Century Bottling Company. 1.3 Objective of the study. The study aims at assessing the impact of outsourcing on organisational performance. 1.4 Research questions (i) Which activities are out sourced and which are not? (ii) How is outsourcing beneficial to an organisation? (iii)What are the challenges encountered in carrying out outsourcing? 1.5 Scope of the study The study focuses on the procurement department of Century Bottling Company Limited. It establishes the impact of outsourcing on organisational performance and the study covers the procurement staff, user department and providers of different services. The study looks at the outsourced activities, benefits of outsourcing and the challenges in connection with the organisational performance. 1.6 Significance of the study (i) The study will help business managers to minimise losses through minimising costs and creating value for money. (ii) The research CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW. 2.0 Introduction This chapter looks at a review of issues and factors that have been explored and studied in the existing literature on outsourcing and examine the existing gaps. 2.1 The concept of outsourcing. Baily, 1998, many organisations today are turning to external procurement, where we even find that functions such as transport, accounts, computer services, even purchasing can be outsourced. This gives the company employees time to perform their duties to the companyââ¬â¢s satisfaction and this improves the organisational performance which is every companyââ¬â¢s objective to achieve competitive advantage. Eyaa, 2006, defined outsourcing as a decision by firms to have an external supplier to take over an activity that would have otherwise been performed in-house by organisation employees. Usually organisations look for the best service providers to whom to outsource theirà work, this gives them a chance to get their work done by experts which means good quality work leading to a good company name. Lysons and Gillingham, 2003, states that outsourcing is the strategic use of resources to perform activities traditionally handled by internal staff and their resources. It is a management strategy by which an organisation outsources major non-core functions to specialised and efficient service providers to help the organisations perform best where it is best capable. Axelsson and Wynstra, 2000 defines outsourcing as a decision and subsequent transfer process by which activities that constitute a function that earlier have been carried out by a company are instead purchased from an external supplier. Usually companies that provide outsourced services choose what they can do better, this means training their workers to perform to the best of the clients expectations. This means specialisation with all its benefits to organisations. Different Authors like, Bendor, Bona and Lysons suggest that the following activities should not be outsourced or if done it should be done with great management consideration; management of strategic planning, management of finance, management of consultancy, control of supplies Quality and environmental management. The ranges of services that are outsourced are timeless and these include; Waste disposal, research and development, transmission service, estate management, customer brokage, catering, Asset repair and control library and cleaning. Although various organisations have tried to look at what the different Authors have written and put it in consideration in their bid to outsource, they have not fully met their intentions like cost reduction, efficient and effective service provision from the service providers to whom they outsource their activities. This is partly due to the ever increasing prices of products which also mean increase in prices of services being outsourced. 2.2 Cost reductions. Sabiti, 2003, says that, the organisation that outsources is cutting administration cost of maintaining or doing the activity in house, the overriding factor in outsourcing decision is cost cutting, but where as this may make business sense in the beginning, in some cases it 6à could bring complications and put the whole exercise at a high risk if all concerns are not adequately assessed. This means that the outsourcing organisation should not only look at the costs being low but also consider the outcomes of process of outsourcing at the end of everything to the organisation. Manzi, 2004, states that the most common economic factor that influences the decision is the need to reduce costs. Where the benefits analysis has been carried out and has been established that it is most economic to outsource rather than continue to operate a given function looks forward to making profits in business. Kulumba, 2005, states that, outsourcing is a popular phenomenon with managers because they believe that outsourcing vendors are inherently more efficient due to economies of scale. The outsourcing organisation benefits from getting the services from the provider at a reduced cost since it is provided on a large scale and usually for a reasonable time if it is good work. Antonuccci 1998, advised that, if the vendor is efficient than the prospective client, organisations could reduce its own costs through function consideration and resource optimization. Due to experience in the field and knowledgeable experts, it leads to proper and efficient use of resources yet with good quality work. 2.3 Key factors necessary for outsourcing 2.3.1Competence Bourassa 1988, says that organisations should focus on core activities and leave the noncore activities to outside providers who have the skills to do them better. The providers who have all the required competence, skills, and service providers should be of desired level to be able to meet the company requirement. K Farrington, 2006, also shows how important competence is, it is the core activities of the company that tell or manifest the performance of the organisation. These activities need much more time so as to come out at their best and give the company competitive advantage over others. This can be achieved through outsourcing non-core activities and concentrate on its core competence. 2.3.2 Management support Peter Jeans 2008, suggests that when it comes to outsourcing, it should be supported by all departments of the organisation so as to get the best of the benefits of outsourcing in theà organisation. To achieve success, we always have to stand together to share ideas for better organisational performance. Garry Petty, says that any activity in the company done without management consent and support is a manifestation of failure in that activity. This shows how much important management support and involvement is in all company activities outsourcing inclusive. 2.4 Drivers of outsourcing 2.4.1 Quality actual capacity Lysons and Gillingham 2006, state that, it is temporarily insufficient to comply with demand; the quality motive can be subdivided into three aspects, that is to say; Increased quality demand, shortage of qualified personnel and outsourcing as a transitional period. Therefore companies have various reasons for outsourcing their non-core activitie s. 2.4.2 Finance Frankwood and Sangster, according to them, the company has a limited investment budget. The funds must be used for investments in the core activities which are long term decisions and leave non-core activities to outside providers to do them on behalf of the organisation. 2.4.3 Core business Erick Bartz, shows that, Core business is a primary activity that enables an organisation to generate revenues to concentrate on core business activities. All subsequent activities are supportive and should be outsourced to give enough time to the core activities. 2.4.4 Benefits of outsourcing Outsourcing is beneficial in the following ways; 2.6.1 Cost saving This is the lowering of the overall cost of the service to the business. This involves the score defining quality levels, repulsing, renegotiations, cost restructuring, access to lower cost economies through off showing cold labour arbitrage 2.6.2 Specialisation Lysons and Gillingham, say that, Outsourcing allows an organisation to concentrate on areas of business that derive competitive advantage and outsource non core activities to specialist with better skills and expertise. 2.6.3 Access to innovation There are opportunities to have access to capabilities of suppliers into the products and services of the customer organisation rather than attempt to replicate the capabilities of a supply network (www.pwc.com) 9 2.6 Challenges of outsourcing Like any restructuring exercise and management decision making in business, there are risks associated with outsourcing that procurement managers or top management need to consider carefully (Procurement News December,17th,23rd 2003) and these may be; The possibility of over depending on or leveraged by suppliers which make switching costs to other suppliers in future prohibitively expensive. Over a long time, a supplier of outsourced service may become complacent or change ownership and also a risk of a fall in employ morale for fear of being made redundant, confidentiality links of company matters and in some instances loss of intellectual property rights. Eyaa, 2006, says that, high prices being imposed on suppliers due to increasing trends in outsourcing, the demand for suppliers is so high and has pushed the rates being charged by the suppliers to be high. This later increases the costs yet outsourcing is all about helping firms cut costs. Too much expectancy from suppliers as Company employees tend to expect too much from supplier firms as far as service provision is concerned because they are specialists yet things can go wrong once in awhile. Such issues should not be ignored. Manzi, 2005, according to him, there is a possibility that vital company information may be at a risk of being linked to the companyââ¬â¢s competitors which is dangerous since some suppliers may be spies to the company. Conclusion. Organisations always want to let specialists in a particular area accomplish a certain task for them. This implies that business can benefit from the practice of outsourcing. 10 Outsourcing is growing at an exponential rate and could deliver desired benefits if proper choices are made at the inception of the arrangement. When companies choose to outsource, they should give themselves room to monitor performance, renegotiation, or terminate the arrangement with the service providers. The outsourcing client must also ensure that their employees are informed about the progress of discussions regarding outsourcing their department and properly treated when the arrangements come into effect. CHAPTER THREE METHODOLOGY 3.0 Introduction This chapter provides an over view of the methods used to collect and process data. It gives the research design the sample selection methods, size, and data processing. 3.1 Research Design The study uses both qualitative and descriptive study designs. Both methods are used to help carry out self report data collection from the interested sample and allowing a thorough and easy analysis of the respondentsââ¬â¢ opinion. Both survey designs adequately lead to collection of reliable information by description of the impact of outsourcing on organisational performance in the study area. 3.2 Data Collection Methods Data is collected from interviews conducted in Century Bottling Company as well as responses from the questionnaires. Some of it is from secondary sources such as magazines, text books, internet and Newspapers and this is quoted where necessary and used to draw deductions as per the study. 3.3 Data processing and analysis The information is assessed, edited to eliminate the errors, the data is then coded and grouped according to the study to ease analysis, it is then analysed using SPSS. The findings are interpreted in light of the research objective and reviewed in order to attach meaning to the Data collected. 3.4 Limitations of the study i. Financial constraints Relatively a lot of money is required in this study. This involves photocopying of articles, making phone calls, word processing, binding, transport. These increase the cost of the study. ii. Language barrier Questionnaires written in English are only limited to respondents who only know English. This is quite a problem while extracting information from the illiterate respondents. iii. Lack of adequate cooperation Some respondents are busy and others suspicious of the study thereby not willing to fully cooperate. Officials in the procurement department are busy attending to their normal schedules and meetings and had no time to answer some of the questions. This affected the quality and quantity of data collection. iv. There is a threat of time limit and deadlines that need attention considering the fact that the study is carried out alongside other activities like course works, lectures and tests as well. CHAPTER FOUR PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION AND DISCUSSION OF THE FINDINGS 4.0 Introduction. This chapter presents findings from literature review, primary data from the interview and questionnaires filled by Century Bottling Company staff. The study is guided by the objective of assessing the impact of outsourcing on organisational performance. 4.1 Relevance of outsourcing. To Century Bottling Company, outsourcing is relevant in different ways, say, it easies the working process, it is cost saving and provides more time to the employees to concentrate on the core activities. This helps the company to keep in business with competitors in the industry as lack of concentration may have a very big impact on the companyââ¬â¢s performance and customers may be taken. Century Bottling Company outsources its non core activities leaving the core activities to their staff. In Century Bottling Company, all core activities such as the, production of all their products, the cooler department, the ware house, managerial staff recruitment, among others have not been outsourced for reasons like protecting the quality of the companyââ¬â¢s product, protect company secrets and records. However, non core activities have been outsourced to outside providers who have more expertise and these include the following; Medical services to staff are provided by International Medical Centre which renders medical services to the staff whenever they need it. Cleaning services in all departments of the company is done by A&A cleaning services Motor vehicle repair and servicing is done by City Tyres Company Limited to the company cars. Security services are provided by Saraceen security services limited. Part of the transport of the companyââ¬â¢s products is done by individuals with trucks that are in conditions good enough to deliver company products to the various destinations. Catering services areà provided by Sunset Hotel where staff is able to get their meals in time and get back to their duties in time. The other findings indicate that outsourcing is a manifestation of hurdles that are associated with the functionality of internal departments. This is because some senior organisation executives have a feeling that there is no return on expenditure, in sourcing does not meet the needs of the business and forecasted games in productivity that are used to justify that never materializes. As a result of this perception, top executives find outsourcing more relevant as a means of cost saving and focusing on their core business activities. 4.2 Nature of organisational performance Century Bottling Company considers outsourcing of non core activities as the best option. It looks at identifying potential providers, establishing both short term and long term relationship with the service providers without compromising the objectives of the organisation as a way of having good organisational performance through outsourcing. 15 This is because the services that have been outsourced are also important to the organisation as well as its performance in the long run. 4.3 Whether outsourcing improves organisational performance It is seen that the impact of outsourcing on the performance of an organization depends on which stake holder is making the analysis. In Century Bottling Company, many of the non core activities are outsourced in order to give the organisation ample time to concentrate on core activities such as production and the cooler department. Looking at the way activities were done before outsourcing, for instance, in the transport department, it was at times hard to deliver company products to the customers in time more especially the ones in the remote areas, but with the idea of outsourcing part of transportation to capable individuals, such customers have been catered for as they are now able to get what they need in time. This promotes customer loyalty and creates a good company image leading to competitive advantage. This indicates an improvement in organisational performance through the transport department. Source: primary data. Table 1 above indicates that, majority of the people are degree holders. This implies that the company is in position of making good decisions about outsourcing. 4.4 Conclusion Century Bottling Company carries out outsourcing to gain access to special expertise, to speed up delivery of services, reduce costs, focus on core activities and improve technology among others. Since the inception of the concept of outsourcing, organisations find outsourcing as the preferred method of procuring non core services and enjoy benefits of outsourcing by concentrating on core activities thus improved management performance CHAPTER FIVE SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 5.0 Introduction. This chapter looks at the summary of the findings, conclusions and recommendations drawn from the study. 5.1 Summary Basing on the case study of Century Bottling Company and other literature by various authors, it is believed that organisations outsource services that are noncore to the organisation. It is established that outsourcing has a long term as well as short term bearing on the organisation. The study establishes why organizations outsource many of their non core activities. This is seen by analyzing and discussing the literature review and the interview conducted in Century Bottling Company 5.2 Conclusions Basing on the study above, it is clear that outsourcing positively increases on the performance of organisations, that is to say, it reduces on costs, increase access to new technology, new expertise, core competence concentration, speed up delivery and increase revenue / profits. Therefore, the rate of organisational performance as a result of outsourcing is high in both short and long- term and many business executives are committed to attach their success to the outsourcing process. In the previous chapter, we find that to a greater extent, outsourcing is very relevant Century Bottling Company, however, it is not in order to judge outsourcing as trouble free since it is associated with some calamitous results and firms need time to apply clear outsourcing methodolo gies in order to realize its full usefulness. 5.3 Recommendations Organisations should outsource their noncore business to outside providers that can bring great competitiveness. This is because outsourcing gives company staff more time to concentrate on core competences to produce better quality products and outcompete their competitors in the market hence a competitive advantage. Organisations should establish a partnership with the service providers to establish tools to measure the performance where organisational requirements should be matched with the implementation process through identifying new skills, abilities and knowledge for each project, thus, encourage organisations to obtain front-edge outsourcing. The choices are many for service outsourcing as well as their providers, therefore, this puts organisation on attention to strategically assess their partners. Organisations should not only consider cost reduction and base on low prices and big players to fill their requirements, but should also emphasize the type of relationship and the trend of behaviour between the outsourcing organization and the service providers. Organisations should come up with clear acknowledgement on whether the provider will be able to respond reasonably to the expectations and frequent changes in business and technology requirements to ensure continuity in service provision. For organisations to measure outsourcing effectiveness as regards performance, they should put in place a standard format of measuring performance such as performance evaluation, performance ratios and performance appraisal such that the success from outsourcing g management point of view is the same as what clients deem to be success. 5.4 Areas for further research Opportunities for further research still exist in this area. The study examines outsourcing and its impact on the performance of
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