Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Impact of festivals on environment Essay

Introduction India is a land where the life of its people is beautified with festivals. Festival is acelebration of the changing seasons, harvest, reconciliation and the birth anniversaries of saints, gurus and prophets and honours the gods and goddesses. History of festivals Epigraphical evidences prove that festivals have been celebrated in India since Vedictimes. The Aryans conquered India around 1500 B.C. and cultural integration with thelocal population took place. 1. Religious Festivals A large number of festivals being celebrated in India have a religious outlook. Thesefestivals are being celebrated in commemoration of some saints, gurus and prophets, thegods and goddesses or events celebrating their victories. 2. Temple Festivals No festival in India is complete without a feast, and the Hindu temple provides feastsduring the temple festivals. The attendees spend all day at the temple, enjoyingthemselves 3. Fairs or Melas Melas or Fairs are extremely popular not just in India but all over the world. Mela servesa very important role as most of the festivals are celebrated in individual homes. Melasthat are normally celebrated for a week to over a month help to bring the communitytogether and share greetings. 4. National Festivals Independence Day, August 15, commemorates the day in 1947 when India achievedfreedom from British rule. The day is celebrated to commemorate the birth of the world`s biggest democracy as a national festival. 5. Regional Festivals India presents a cultural potpourri of number of religions with their festivals andcelebrations but the four major religions followed in India are Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and Sikhism in the descending order. There are a number of regionalfestivals that are celebrated in particular areas only 6. New Year Festivals Baisakhi or Vaisakhi is the first day of the month of Vaisakha, the beginning of theHindu year in some parts of the country. For the Sikhs in Punjab and other parts of thecountry, this day has a particular significance, as it was on this day in 1699 that GuruGobind Singh founded the Khalsa. Here are few festivals with their impact on environment GANESH CHATURTHI Rebirth of Lord Ganesh. Lokmanya Tilak – The Founder Of Ganesh Festival Serves as a meeting ground for people. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Contamination Of Water bodies. Noise pollution – An unfortunate outcome of this joyous festival. Soil pollution due to dumping of ‘Nirmalya’. DIWALI To celebrate return of Ram & Sita. Signifies the end of darkness . ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF DIWALI Air Pollution through Firecrackers Excessive Consumerism. High Energy Consumption. HOLI The symbol of victory overevilness. To celebrate the arrival of Spring. Reflection of the various colorsof spring season. ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS ABOUT HOLI The use of toxic chemical colours. The use of wood for burning Holi fires. The wasteful use of water during Holi. NAG PANCHAMI Celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over the mythical Kaliya. Worship of Snakes. To express Gratitude towards snakes. IMPACTS Hunting of snakes. Torture to snakes. Unnecessary feeding of milk. Impact of Festivals on Environment Festivals are becoming significant contributors to air pollution in India. We have so manyfestivals and increasing commercialization – a growing economy is turning everycelebration into grand occasions to splurge. Are we aware of what this is doing to our environment? Here’s a look at how all those festivities affect the air quality.Air pollution levels in big cities are appalling at the best of times and are a growingcause for concern. The Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) – dust, fumes,smoke, and gases – is way above permissible limits in many of our big cities. This levelsees a quantum jump during festivals, the main culprits being crackers, inflammablesubstances, and artificial colors. Pollution due to festivals Air Pollution due to smoke of crackers. Water Pollution due to immerging statues of God and Goddess made of artificialor synthetic harmful chemicals into rivers,ponds and dams. Noise Pollution due to loudness of music system. Water Pollution The practice of immersion of Ganesh idols after the Ganesh festival invarious cities is causing severe water pollution which leads to the death of tonnes of fishand many aquatic creatures. Gone are the days when the idols are made with clay,nowadays idols are made with Plaster Of Paris and chemical dyes. The repeated cautions and warnings of ecologists and environmental scientists towardsthe possible hazards inflicted by the Plaster Of Paris are falling into the deaf ears of theidol makers and buyers. According to scientists, Plaster Of Paris does not get dissolved or disintegrated fast. Moreover, the chemical dyes and colours being used to colour the idolscontain poisonous elements. Particularly, Red, Blue, Orange and Green colours containMercury, Zinc oxide, Chromium and Lead, the potential causes of developing cancer.According to one estimate, 7500 idols of Ganesh are  weighing about 20,000 kg or inother words, 20 tons. The sea-shore of Mumbai absorbs the immersion of about 1.5 lakhidols every year. The very calculation of the accumulation of clay, Plaster Of Paris,dangerous Chemicals from the paints and colours will shatter the thinking faculty of any brain. The immersion of Durga Statutes during the Durga pooja is also a cause of concern for environmentalists. In Orissa alone 5,000 Durga pooja idols are made, most of them using harmful paints. Heavy metals like lead and chrome are not easily assimilated in an aquatic environmentand can lead to the massive hurt of flora and fauna of the river, pond, lake and coastalareas. As the same river, pond and lake water is used for bathing and drinking purposehigh levels of lead can damage the heart, kidneys, liver, circulatory system and centralnervous system, the environmentalist warned. Impact of air pollution on health Air pollution can lead to lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratorydiseases, and allergies in adults. It can also cause acute respiratory infections in children.Suspended particulate matter can cause asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory diseaseSulfur dioxide can damage lungs and lead to lung disorders like wheezing and shortnessof breath.Oxides of Nitrogen can cause skin problems, eye irritation, and cause respiratory problems in children.Chemicals used in crackers like lead, magnesium, cadmium, nitrate, sodium, and otherscan have various harmful effects. Noise Pollution Loudspeakers, fire crackers and loud musical instruments, appear to be one of the biggest culprits of noise pollution during festivals in our country. With the advent of urbanisation, people in the metros had to grapple with the problem of noise pollution in everyday living, and any kind of public celebration only aggravates this lurking issue. A study by World Health Organisation (WHO) asserts that noise pollution is not only a nuisance to the environment but it also poses considerable threat to public health. In residential neighbourhoods, the Supreme Court limits the noise levels to 55 decibels in the day and 45 decibels at night. The local authorities are here to maintain decorum during festivals but we as citizens should also be responsible enough to keep noise within permissible limits. Time and again  people have violated these levels during Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga Puja, Navratri, Dussehra, Diwali and the list goes on. Despite being worldly-wise, we ignore the health impacts of incessant exposure to such high-decibel sounds. Besides affecting toddlers and children, they bring health issues in adults like hypertension, sleep disturbance, tinnitus and acute hearing loss. Water Pollution Ganpati celebrations shortly followed by Durga Puja this year saw immersion areas littered with flowers and parts of idols. The mess created by bursting of crackers cannot be ignored as well. The materials such as plaster of Paris used in making idols add to the water pollution. Paints used for decorating the idols, loaded with high levels of mercury and lead, increases the toxin levels of water bodies after immersion days. These toxins eventually enter the food chain after affecting the marine ecosystem and its biodiversity. The highly contaminated Ganga is now saturated with litres of paint, bulks of plaster of Paris, toxic synthetic materials and non-biodegradable wastes like plastic flowers, plunged into the holy river. Every year, in the aftermath of Ganpati celebrations, newspapers publish images of Girgaum Chowpatty and other immersion areas littered with huge parts of idols. The main culprit is, of course, the plaster of Paris (PoP) that is used to make majority of the idols. PoP takes several months to completely dissolve. Also, the paints used for colouring and decorating the idols contain high levels of mercury and lead, which adds to the pollution. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has found significantly higher levels of toxins in water bodies after immersion days. These pose a great danger to the marine ecosystem and its biodiversity. These toxins also eventually enter the food chain. Air Pollution Apart from releasing toxic gases, bursting of crackers also leads to pollution of air. Diwali, every year leads to an alarming rise in the level of Respirable Suspended Particulate Material (RSPM) in the air, due to bursting of fire crackers. RSPM are minute particles and can contribute to various health issues including asthma and bronchitis. On the Ganpati  immersion days in 2012, the MPCB found an alarming rise in the level of respirable suspended particulate material (RSPM) across Mumbai and in other cities in the state. RSPM are suspended particles in the air due to bursting of fire crackers and large number of heavy vehicles plying on the roads taking idols for immersion. Since RSPM are small enough to be breathed in, they can contribute to various health issues such as asthma, bronchitis and reduced lung function. These are chronic ailments and persist long after the direct source of pollution is removed. Dry Waste Festivals also generate a humongous amount of dry waste. With firecrackers being the main ingredient to Diwali celebrations, the problem of dry waste increases by leaps and bounds due to lack of dumping space and other neglected constraints. Diwali being round the corner, local government bodies should take a meticulous approach towards guidance notes for municipal solid waste disposal. Garbage that can easily be recycled or reused also ends up in mounting landfills. And heaps of garbage including fruits, flowers, incenses and camphor coming out of puja pandals cannot be ignored either. Relentless social activism is essential to educate people to switch to eco-friendly methods of celebration. In several parts of the country, craftsmen have started using eco-friendly materials and organic paints to make idols. For instance, the idol makers in Kumartuli, the nerve centre of idol makers in Kolkata, took steps this year to check toxic waste levels by using paints devoid of lead, mercury and chromium to embellish the idols. Clay idols instead of the PoP ones are also getting their share of popularity. Spreading the message of civic sense this Diwali might help to curb or at least limit the pollution levels. We must get our social act together before blaming it on local administrators and civic amenities. Today one can easily find sustainable ways of adding to the glory of the festivals and we as ‘law abiding citizens’ should also take initiatives to cooperate with the government. If you have better ways of protecting the environment and saving our Mother Earth, you are most welcome to go ahead and spread the message. There are several ways to do so and Google will definitely come to your rescue. My Opinion about festivals of India Our country India is a very big country and every day of a year is a festival and it can becelebrated here with great joy and happiness. â€Å"India a country Where Everyday Is A Celebration.† Every festival takes an important part in the life of different peoples from differentcommunities of India. There are many festivals can be celebrated on different religiousoccasions. Indian Festivals are celebrated across the world because the Indian people areeverywhere in the world. some of them are doing jobs abroad or some of them are good big businessmen But no one can left Indian culture and festival celebrating. festivals colours our life in anew way. Every festival In India have different colors, prayers, sweets and old uniquerituals Many types of festivals are celebrated here in India like national, regional, local, religiousor seasonal festivals. In every months many festival comes and fill colors in our lives CONCLUSION We should contribute equally towards society for controlling pollution. Lets make festivals more joyful & meaningful in eco- friendly manner. Use of natural clay idols . Immersion of idols in a bucket or artificial tank of water. Deposit all the floral offerings into Nirmalaya pots. Celebrate the Ganesh Procession in traditional way. Lighting lamps the green way. â€Å"Say No to Fire crackers and Yes to life!â€Å" Light Diyas instead of electrical light. Usage of eco-friendly colors. Celebrating bonfire in unity. A Dry Holi. Use of frames & idols Careful handling of snakes. Avoidance of use of milk. Biblography http://www.yowoto.com/posts/the-impact-of-festivals-on-the-environment http://www.scribd.com/doc/160418855/Festivals-of-India-Impact-of-Festivals-on -Environment http://www.skymetweather.com/content/2013/10/lifestyle-and-culture/dangerous-relationship-of-environment-and-festivals/ http://www.slideshare.net/ketakishinde/indian-festivals-and-environment

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

The Value of Discipline – Short Essay

The Value of Discipline Discipline is the process of training oneself in obedience, self control, skill, etc. The controlled, ordered behaviour results from such training. Discipline is the basis of the whole universe. The solar system is governed by certain laws to maintain perfect harmony and beauty. Without this order, there would be utter chaos. Discipline is a basic requirement of a civilized society. Citizens of a disciplined nation work with a spirit of cooperation and unity. Aristotle has rightly said, â€Å"Discipline is obedience to rules formed by the society for the good of all.Discipline should be inculcated from a very young age. Talent and genius alone are not enough to achieve success. Discipline has an equally important role to play. Talents blossom in a disciplined person. Discipline in schools may reduce the violence and vandalism and help the students to focus better on their studies and career. Discipline is important even in the family. Parents must raise their children in a pleasant and disciplined atmosphere. They should teach them the right values. They should themselves lead an orderly life so that their children can learn from their example.Children growing in disciplined and happy homes become responsible adults. All should follow the rules and regulations laid by law. Discipline means full realization of the sense of responsibility. This will bring progress and prosperity in the society and the nation. A proper and reasonable balance has to be stuck between liberty and discipline. The restraints or discipline must course be designed for the social good and it is obvious that excessive restraints will inevitably lead to the erosion of human liberties. MY ROLE AS A STUDENTMy role as student in a society entails various things. Firstly, to concentrate on studies so that I develop into well-educated individual that make significant contributions to the society in the future. Secondly, to pass on whatever knowledge I have to others. Thi s can take on many forms ranging from helping your siblings to creating awareness about environmental issues such as global warming. Thirdly, to act as responsible youth. This means to steer clear of any unlawful activities. It also involves not damaging the society and avoiding acts of destruction.As a student I shall try and refrain myself from all such activities for my benefit as well as the society's. Fourthly, to do what I can to protect my environment and society. As a student I shall avoid litter places and should try to invest a few hours into community services if possible. As student I will also try to behave respectfully to the elders of the society and take care of their needs i. e. help an elder to cross a road; stand up and make space for an elder to sit if there is none. This list shows about 200 common phrasal verbs, with meanings and examples.Only the most usual meanings are given. Some phrasal verbs may have additional meanings. | | | 1. | | | 2. | | | 3. | | | 4. | | | 5. | | | 6. | | | 7. | | | 8. | | | 9. | | | 10. | | | 11. | | | 12. | | | 13. | | | 14. | | | 15. | | | 16. | | | 17. | | | 18. | | | 19. | | | 20. | | | 21. | | | 22. | | | 23. | | | 24. | | | 25. | | | 26. | | | 27. | | | 28. | | | 29. | | | 30. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

Monday, July 29, 2019

Effective Teaching Methods that can be Implored to Integrate a Child Essay

Effective Teaching Methods that can be Implored to Integrate a Child with Down's Syndrome into a Mainstream Primary School in Ir - Essay Example Thus, the application of qualitative research design is meant to match the requirements of the research topic, in that an in-depth understanding of the appropriate methods that teachers should apply to teach students suffering from this disorder is vital, for the benefits of the students. A vital aspect of qualitative research is that it emphasizes more on the particular case being undertaken, while making a few of general propositions (Stebbins, 2001 p60). There are various reasons as to why the research opted to apply qualitative research design. The research design is most appropriate for the topic under study, in that, qualitative research uses the natural setting as the source of information, where the settings and the environment of study is observed, described and interpreted based on neutrality (Wolcott, 1995 p25). Since the topic requires the observation of the educational needs of students suffering from Down's syndrome, and the consequent devising of the means, which the t eachers can apply to address these needs, then the research design remains most relevant for the study. ... rmation about the people and their environments, which is a necessity for this study, in that, there is a need to evaluate and understand all the relevance needs of students suffering from this disorder and the viable ways in which teachers can meet these special needs of the students. More reasons as to why qualitative research remains the most applicable method for this research, is the fact that, some aspects of study cannot be quantified. Additionally, there are those aspects, which are difficult to express in quantitative terms, such as the experiences that an individual has (Patton, 2002 p18). Therefore, qualitative research comes in handy to ensure that those relevant aspects of the study, which cannot be quantified, are investigated and their contribution to the study analyzed. Considering that fewer generalizations and assumptions are involved in qualitative research, then, it is possible to explore highly the area of study and generate hypotheses (Ziman, 2000 p86). Addition ally, the application of qualitative method ensures the comfort of the participants, in that, they are allowed to present their own ideas, information and experiences in their own words and style, which seems more appropriate to them. The advantages associate with qualitative method of study is the fact that it afforded an opportunity to deeply scrutinize the responds and obtain a deeper insight and understating regarding the nature and educational needs of children with Down's syndrome. The method allowed an opportunity to obtain advice from people who had greater experiences in dealing with the students suffering from the disorder, among them a 30-year-old girl with Down's syndrome, who have gone through the mainstream education system. Better still; the method was easier to apply in that

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Networks Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Networks - Essay Example It is this type of network that enables the various business entities that are there in a city to be in communication with each other. Finally there is the Wide Area Network. This is the network type that is of primary importance all over the world as it is the one that enables communication between almost all networked computer entities in the world. In IP addressing it is seen that what is commonly used is decimal numbers as compared to binary notation. The primary reason for this is because the decimal numbers are easier to remember in comparison to their binary equivalent. In the case of comparing the bit signal used, the company should opt to stick to the 24-bit digital audio technology as compared to developing one that makes use of the 28-bit. This is because the technology that is there supports the 24-bit and in the event that the 28-bit is implemented there may be loss of the four additional bits. In networking in a building, there are various reasons why a network may be established. One of the reasons may be for the purpose of communication and also there may be the aspect of resource sharing. In order to achieve this there are various components such as routers, gateway among others. All these are the devises that aid in the networking

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Financial analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Financial analysis - Essay Example – Financial Statement Analysis 1.1 Strategic Plan overview The Ann Arbor VA focuses on the provision of healthcare services to the veterans of US (Strategic Plan, p.11). The mission statement of Ann Arbor VA is as follows: â€Å"To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan† (Affairs 2013). It is made clear that the organization’s role within its industry is unique. ... families, a practice that indicates the recognition for the veteran’s contribution in the power of the country as a member of the international community (Strategic Plan, p.5). One of the key challenges that Ann Arbor VA has to face is the ‘continuous change in its operating environment’ (Strategic Plan, p.12). The number of US veterans involved in military operations worldwide is continuously increased (Strategic Plan, p.12). Therefore, the demands for healthcare services from Ann Arbor VA tend also to increase, both as of their volume and as of their complexity (Strategic Plan, p.12). Through the years, the organization has managed to secure its effectiveness by employing a series of carefully designed plans and appropriate budgetary techniques, as explained below. The analysis of the financial ratios related to the organization’s performance also verifies the organization’s success in achieving its goals and objectives; of course, concerns in rela tion to the performance of certain organizational departments have not been avoided. 1.2 Financial Statement Analysis In order to evaluate the financial statements of an organization it is necessary to retrieve data related at least to two economic (concurrent) years of the particular organization, so that a comparison is feasible (Mohana 2011). Such comparison would also help to identify the firm’s weaknesses, in regard to its various operations (Gibson 2011). In addition, it is necessary to have access to different financial statements of the organization under examination; focusing only on Balance Sheet or other financial statement could lead to invalid assumptions regarding the organization’s actual financial performance (Bragg 2012). It should be noted that the financial analysis for Ann Arbor VA is based

Friday, July 26, 2019

The Role of a Star Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Role of a Star - Essay Example Staiger’s analysis of the origins of the American â€Å"star system† reveals the variety of angles through which the word â€Å"star† can be defined. Stars can be considered as a commodity tool as they represent an extremely successful form of investment. They can also be perceived according to the literal meaning of the word â€Å"star†; the character played by a given star forms with the real character of the same star a surreal versus real paradox leading inevitably to an association between the in-text and the in-real-life images of the same star. The third main approach of stardom holds a psychological dimension as it regards the spectatorship, the reasons why stars are often objects of desire have been subject to many analysis, some attribute it to charisma, some to â€Å"heavenly bodies†, .. etc. For a fuller vision of the evolution of the conception of stars, a flashback on the history of cinema has to be done. Various developments in Europe and the United States led to the invention of moving image technology forming the origin of the movie creation. However, it was only in the 1890’s that films were used as an entertainment medium, it was then when this technologic invention transformed into a business. In the nineteenth century, many political and social elements influenced the evolution of film industry. The art of Cinema tended to transform into a capitalist enterprise indeed. In fact, Janet Staiger, in her definition of the system of movie production, supports a Marxist point of view. She tends to consider the latter system as a sub-system initially controlled by patterns of organization of labor, such as scriptwriters, cameramen and women, prop makers in combination with two major factors, technology and capital. In the first decade of the twentieth century, Am erican movie companies withheld the name of film performers fearing that the public recognition would lead these â€Å"stars† to ask for higher salaries. In this dissertation, studying the Motion Picture Patents Company is to be used as a proof of the prominence of the role of stars in the evolution of the movie industry.

Coca cola gb marketing and economic strategy Assignment

Coca cola gb marketing and economic strategy - Assignment Example UK’s market is very competitive; therefore, there is need for campaign that would increase their customers’ engagement with the brand. Therefore, an online campaign starring a celebrity will allow the audience to know that Coca-Cola is a drink for every people (Young, 2014). The online platforms that could air this campaign are Facebook and Twitter. Coca Cola could stream this campaign in these platforms. Additionally, after streaming of this campaign, Coca Cola could show behind the scenes looks at the company, question-and answer posts, and thoughts about the drink. The hope is to bring Coca Cola close to the people, and to build trust with the customers (Sorenson, 2012). The celebrity used in the campaign has to give his/her testimonial after drinking Coca Cola. Giving a testimonial will add credibility to Coca Cola’s products. Definitely, studies indicate that people desire the same drink as their favourite celebrities (Suttle,

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Management Finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Management Finance - Essay Example Company should consider a system that will give accurate results and should be certain depending on the data inputted into the system. The system also should be simple to understand and be friendlier to the end users. In addition, the system should also be flexible for it to respond easily to the changes in the organization and for simple decision-making by the junior staff. Activity based costing method is more flexible hence it produces reports which can be used by the management in decision making, this is because it has got a certain methodology of costing products and services. Compared to the traditional method, activity based costing system cannot distort costs of the products that might occur if the products cost would have been done arbitrarily. There are four steps the company should follow to implement Activity based costing system. The first step is identification of activities in within the organization. The company will be required to analyse all the activities under every department. Under this step, the company should consider the processes, which are operational in the departments, this is because in some cost centres there are activities, which were operating; but they have ceased operating. Berry limited has three activities: machine setup, ordering and machine running. Berry limited cost pool comprises of material ordering cost, machine running cost and general facility cost of $280000, $316000, $42000 and $361400 respectively. Second step is the allocation of resource costs to the company activities. The cost is traced to find why it occurs; the cost can be director in direct cost. Direct cost is directly related to the output, the direct cost of product X, y and Z are $980,000, $1024000 and $1012000. Indirect cost is the cost that cannot be associated with a particular output; the cost is for the general company. Berry limited incurs a total of $1,377,400

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Robert Frost Contribution to American Literature Research Paper

Robert Frost Contribution to American Literature - Research Paper Example To support the family, his mother became a teacher and his grandfather was homeschooling Robert and his sister. He was very stern, yet with him Robert received a very solid education. About a year later they moved to Salem where Robert passed examinations to enter Lawrence High School. He finished the school year ahead of his class. When in Lawrence High, his poems first appeared in his school’s Bulletin. In his senior year in High School he became an editor of The Bulletin, he fell in love with Elinor Miriam White. Right after the graduation ceremony Robert asked her to marry him right away, but she decided to postpone the marriage until more appropriate time since both of them were to enter different colleges. Frost was admitted to Harvard, but because his grandfather and mother thought Harvard to be full of freethinkers that could lead Robert astray and also because it was cheaper, in the fall of 1892 Frost entered Dartmouth College, yet he spent there less than a semester and dropped out. (Ketzle) He returned to Salem and became a school teacher. He also worked at various jobs and in 1894 he sold his poem â€Å"My butterfly: An Elegy† to a New York magazine, The Independent. Elated, he visited Elinor and asked her marry him at once, but she wanted to finish college first. After her refusal, depressed, he went on a reckless two week journey to Virginia’s Dismal Swamp. ... At that time he worked on his poem that would make up his first volume. But being a farmer was not Frost’s forte, so he sold the Derry farm and traveled with his family to England. He decided to live there and became a teacher. Shortly after arrival in England, Frost gave his first book of poems to a small London publisher. He also got acquainted with many literary men, such as Rupert Brooke, Earnest Rhys, Ezra Pound, William Butler Yeats,  Robert Bridges, Walter de la Mare, W.  H. Davies, and Ralph Hodgson, and many others. When England entered into the First World Frost returned to United States. He learnt that Henry Hold and Company would publish his book. In America, Frost gave talks and reading throughout New England. He got elected to the National Institute of Arts and Letters. He was teaching, advising students at the Michigan University in accordance with accepted fellowship. In 1924 he was awarded his first Pulitzer Prize for New Hampshire. He also earned other nu merous awards and prizes. In 1930 Collected Poems won Frost a second Pulitzer Prize. Later in life he received another two Pulitzer Prize - great honors for achievements in literature. In his life he received total of four such rewards. During the next ten years, Frost became even more honored and revered. Yet, in his personal life, he endured serious of grievous disasters. In 1934 died his youngest and favorite child Marjorie; in 1938 of a heart attack suddenly died his wife. Frost went into heavy depression, having his whole world collapsing. Then, to add to the grief, his son Carol committed suicide. Another daughter suffered from mental disorders. So after this series of tragic occurrences a number of poems in A Witness Tree derived their dark tone, yet some of his best poetry such as

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Answer the questions base on a company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Answer the questions base on a company - Essay Example The evolution of strategic management can be better understood through real time systems and positioning systems. These are the basic strategic management tools used by the earlier companies. The strategic management process is the one which requires a basic conversation for turning goals and visions into act. It demands corporate culture which is intensive and adaptive. Lastly, the sense of corporate mission should be strong and should reach every corner of the organization, thus, it is touted as the destination. Answer b Ford has recently implemented various strategic management activities. Example 1 A clearly defined corporate mission statement is the first sign of the good and effective strategic firm. Though the corporate mission statement of the organization is extremely short, it is clearly explained through various sub-headings. Example 2 The company went for a lean management strategy in 2006. Ford started cutting costs, improving designs and increasing their efficiency leve ls to increase their overall brand appeal. In order to cover increasing pension costs and maintain the cash flow, the company introduced strategic operations into its management (Khan and Pillania 1510-1520). New and advanced machines took over and production increased dramatically. Example 3 Workforce diversity is another strategic management activity implemented by the firm. In terms of dealers, suppliers and employees, the organization has maintained diversity and inter-cultural infusion. This shows the adaptability of the organization and its commitment as well as ability to keep up with the pace (Alexander and Doherty 15-19). Answer c The mission statement of Ford is â€Å"One team, one plan and one goal† (â€Å"Mission and Vision†). One team represents the workforce of the car manufacturing brand. The company works together as a global and lean enterprise for leadership in automobiles as well as satisfaction of its employees, dealers, customers, suppliers, invest ors, council/union and communication. It is under a single plan that the company aims for aggressive restructuring in order to operate in a profitable manner and take control of the current demands. With one goal in mind, the organization expects to deliver growth which is profitable for all. The overall goal for the year 2014 is to create worldwide profitable growth. The company aims to cash on the changing business environment in the countries as well as markets where the company has established. Ford will be inventing research and development in order to find out the likes and changing perceptions of its target consumers. Accordingly, the company will be establishing strategies and tactics. The objective of the company for the year 2014 is to produce first class vehicles and establish itself as one of the finest and most preferred car making company across the globe (â€Å"Our Strategy†). 2. On corporate governance Corporate governance is a system created with the objectiv e of controlling and directing corporations around the globe. Answer a Three traditional roles of board of directors are: Providing continuity for the firm through setting up legal or corporate existence and representing the point of view of the organization to every interested and involved entity in the external environment. These include customers, investors, suppliers, governments, employees and communities. In order

Monday, July 22, 2019

International terrorism Essay Example for Free

International terrorism Essay Terrorism is the intended use or threat of use of extra normal violence or brutality by sub-national groups to obtain a political, religious, or ideological objective through intimidation of a huge audience, usually not directly involved with the policy making that the terrorists seek to influence. (Enders and Sandler, 2002a, 2002b) Several historical and contemporary terrorist groups support a strong religious party, typically by dint of their membership. Anti-colonial, nationalist movements such as the Jewish terrorist organizations active in pre-independence Israel and the Muslim dominated FLN in Algeria come eagerly to mind, as do more topical examples such as the devastatingly Catholic IRA; their Protestant counterparts, arrayed in various loyalist paramilitary groups like the Ulster Freedom Fighters, the Ulster Volunteer Force and the Red Hand Commandos; and the predominantly Muslim PLO. Though, in all these groups it is the political, not the sacred aspect of their motivation that is prevailing; the primacy of their ethno-nationalist and/or irredentist aims is obviously true. For others, however, the religious motivation is overriding. Certainly, the religious crucial for terrorism are the most significant defining characteristic of terrorist activity today. The consequences of the rebellion that transformed Iran into an Islamic republic in 1979 have included its critical role in the renaissance of this strand of terrorism; but, the contemporary advent of religious terrorism has not been restricted exclusively to Iran, much less to the Middle East or to Islam: since eighties it has involved elements of all the worlds’ key religions and, in several instances, smaller sects or cults as well. I have no regrets, said Yigal Amir, the young Jewish extremist who assassinated Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, to the police. I acted alone and on orders from God. (Amir Yigal, 1987, pp. 7-8). Like Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah is another international terrorist group that was the product of numerous splits within the Lebanese Shia movement. Its origins can be traced back to 1974, when a Lebanese Shia cleric, Imam Musa al-Sadr, who had studied in the Iranian holy city of Qom, organized the Movement of the Underprivileged to advance Shia interests and progress the communitys lowly socioeconomic conditions. This movement was consequently reorganized as the principal Shia political party in Lebanon, Amal, which formed its own militia during the civil war that racked Lebanon a year later. Hezbollahs ideology is as simple as the organization is â€Å"wraithlike. † The members are taught that humans form two groups: the followers of Allah (Muslims) and the followers of Satan (infidels) who must be censored so that Allahs rule will expand to the whole planet. Satan, they have been told, evident himself in all sorts of disguises: a womans lock showing from under her veil (chador); the bare leg of a teenager boy; women and men mixing in public places (cinemas, cafes, restaurants); the Israeli profession of Palestine; and so on. The struggle against Satan is a full-time job for party members; the partys proposal clearly states: â€Å"Our religion is not a meager part-time hobby like cross-worshipers who go to church on Sunday to bribe their God. † (Robert Fisk, 1996) The party recruit â€Å"volunteers for martyrdom,† trains them, and flings them on missions. In October 1983, such volunteers carried out the suicide bombing of the American marines and French commandos in Beirut. Other members linger the streets, throwing acid on womens unveiled faces, pasting opponents, setting fire to newspaper offices, and so on. The party also broadcasts courses on radio and TV on how to use a diverse firearm, techniques of guerrilla warfare, kidnapping, assassinations of â€Å"enemies of God,† and other deeds. The size of the membership is composed of teenagers and even children. Throughout the eight-year war with Iraq, â€Å"children’s martyrs† were commonly sent to the mine fields to clear the way for tanks. A senior member of the party explained that children can be replaced at less cost than the tanks. Khomeinis justification was perceptibly less cynical: Those less than twenty have not yet been infected by satanic Western culture. In its first months, the Islamic Republic used Syrian and Palestinian terrorists to perform assassinations of opponents in foreign countries. In 1980, Khomeini ordered the formation of an Iranian force capable of striking anywhere in the world. Hojatol-Islam Fazlollah Mahalati, with the assistance of Hadi Ghaffary and Chamran, a pro-Khomeini radical who lived in Lebanon (who had both been trained in PLO camps in the early 1970s), was dispersed to the task. By 1981 the hit squads started their worldwide operations. In 1979, however, al-Sadr vanished throughout a visit to Libya. The desertion of the Imam created a vacuum within Amal that made the party productive ground for Iranian influence, and given the movement prone to the fundamentalist call of the revolt which had brought Khomeini to power earlier that year. Nabih Berri, a lawyer, was appointed head of Amal the following year. Hussein Mussawi, and the assumed mastermind behind the terrorist campaign against Libya to recover the Imam, was named as Berris deputy and commander of the militia. A fanatical supporter of Khomeini, Mussawi sought to place Amal in the front line of a regional revolution based on the new Iranian Islamic Republic. Berri, on the other hand, clung to a modest line and advocated a new deal for the Shia community within the limits of the existing Lebanese state structure. By this time, though, the radicalization of the Shia in Lebanon had gone far away the narrow nationalist and social aims of Amal. In 1981, Mussawi broke with Berri and founded his own organization, Islamic Amal. Shortly after, another faction split from Amal and under the leadership of Abbas Mussawi and the spiritual guidance of Sheikh Mohamed Hussein Fadlallah, it soon came to be recognized as the Hezbollah. Like Islamic Amal, Hezbollah embraced Khomeinis directive for a pan-Islamic revolt designed to turn Lebanon into an Iranian-style Islamic republic. It is really unfortunate that people around the world are irritable about three human deaths throughout this war yet hardly uttered a word with the massacres lately in Africa where hundreds of thousands of people were murdered. The United Nations is calling for a cease-fire and saying this could lead to a humanitarian crisis. Though, this effort didn’t work well so far. According to Gal Luft, In Hizballahland, the movements fighters have much more than a safe haven. Its training camps have become a hub of international terrorism, a convention center for some of the worlds most dangerous men. Here they can experiment with new weapons, practice their tactics, and collaborate with fellow terrorists from groups like al Qaeda, Hamas, Ansar al-Islam, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Kurdish Workers Party. From Lebanon, similarly, Hizballahs agents and associates can easily export their skills to destinations around the world. (Gal Luft, Hizballahland, Commentary Magazine, July-August 2003). The second advantage Hizballah enjoys is sophisticated weaponry. Al Qaedas arsenal is now limited to small, easily smuggle arms. When it comes to anti-aircraft capabilities, it possesses (as far as we know) only antiquated Soviet SA-7 Strella missiles, part of roughly 50,000 that were sold to third-world countries during the cold war; such missilesthey may have figured in last Novembers attack on an Israeli passenger plane in Kenyaare largely ineffective against the countermeasure routinely employed by modern planes. By contrast, Hizballah has accumulated an impressive stockpile of weapons, including, as I mentioned at the outset, thousands of rockets, artillery pieces, and antitank and anti-aircraft missiles. In the latter category, it has reportedly equipped itself with SA-18 missiles, whose substantially improved range and speed enable them to shoot down almost any aircraft. Gal Luft, Hizballahland, Commentary Magazine, July-August 2003. Owning more weapons than it knows what to do with, Hizballah has also helped procure arms for other groups. It played a key role in the January 2002 attempt to smuggle 50 tons of weapons to the Palestinian Authority aboard the Karine-A. Its external-operations commander, Imad Mughniyeh, one of the worlds most wanted terrorists, arranged to purchase the ship, and Mughniyehs deputy Haj Bassem personally supervised the loading operation at the Iranian island of Kish. Gal Luft, Hizballahland, Commentary Magazine, July-August 2003.

The influence of airline service quality on passenger satisfaction and loyalty Essay Example for Free

The influence of airline service quality on passenger satisfaction and loyalty Essay The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at www.emeraldinsight.com/1754-2731.htm TQM 25,5 The influence of airline service quality on passenger satisfaction and loyalty 520 The case of Uganda airline industry Juliet Namukasa Makerere University Business School, Kampala, Uganda Abstract Purpose – The general objective of this study was to examine the influence of airline service quality on passenger satisfaction and loyalty. To achieve this, the research was guided by four specific objectives to which data collection was effected mainly by interview method using fully structured questionnaires. Design/methodology/approach – The study used random sampling technique and it covered 303 respondents on international flights using Entebbe International Airport. Data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences 16, were w2 was used to test the hypothesis and regression analysis was performed to examine the relationships between variables. Findings – Findings indicated that the quality of pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight services had a statistically significant effect on passenger satisfaction. In addition to that, passenger satisfaction as a mediating variable also had a significant effect on passenger loyalty. It was noted that passenger satisfaction differed from person to person as some were more interested in off board facilities, others onboard, others in the quality of food while others wanted more extra luggage. Originality/value – It was recommended that airline management should consider developing various strategies for  improving service quality based on demographic characteristics of the customers such as occupation, age, gender and education level. Keywords Customer loyalty, Customer satisfaction, Airline service quality, Competitiveness, Airlines, Uganda Paper type Research paper The TQM Journal Vol. 25 No. 5, 2013 pp. 520-532 r Emerald Group Publishing Limited 1754-2731 DOI 10.1108/TQM-11-2012-0092 Introduction Nowadays the airline industry is characterized by heavy regulations which limit airlines’ room for maneuvering and accessing global markets compared to other industries which have paved ways for companies to transform into global players. This has prevented airlines from becoming truly global businesses by impeding crossborder merger and acquisition activities (Hanlon, 2007). To overcome the restrictions imposed by this nationality rule, airlines formed global alliances as a means to secure some of the benefits of a larger size and scope offer. Three major alliances namely Star Alliance, Oneworld and Sky Team now dominate the competitive landscape (Doganis, 2006). Airlines furthermore have to cope with marginal profitability (Hanlon, 2007). Therefore the delivery of high-quality service becomes a marketing requirement among air carriers as a result of competitive pressure (Ostrowski et al., 1993). Moreover airline passengers can experience many service encounters with front-line employees as well as in-flight attendants, this is called â€Å"moment of truth†. Passengers may judge or evaluate airline service quality through a comparison between their experiences and  ¨ expectations over a number of quality attributes (Gronroos, 2000) hence there is need to examine the influence of airline service quality on passenger  satisfaction and loyalty because customer satisfaction holds a significant importance in corporate sector. The airline industry in Uganda Uganda is a landlocked country, air transport is therefore of strategic importance to the nation as it guarantees an alternative gateway to the rest of the world. It provides the most efficient and quickest transport means to Uganda and from the country to the rest of the world. The development of a safe, efficient and reliable air transport industry is thus among government’s priority programmes and Uganda’s geographical location in the heart of Africa gives Entebbe International Airport greater advantage for hub and spoke operations in especially the great lakes region (Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, 2012). Uganda’s official national carrier Uganda Airlines was liquidated in May 2001 after 24 years of operations. Attempts were made by the Ugandan Government to privatize the company, however, all interested parties which included British Airways and South African Airways pulled out leading to the carrier’s demise (Centre for Aviation, 2012). Problem sta tement Excellent passenger satisfaction is one of the greatest assets for air businesses in today’s competitive environment, the on board experience is still something special for the customer, if the passenger is not satisfied with the quality of service, they will reconsider the buying decision for further flights and will probably switch to another airline (Archana and Subha, 2012). The research related to service quality and customer satisfaction in the airline industry has been growing in interest because the delivery of high service quality is essential for airlines’ survival and competitiveness (Archana and Subha, 2012). A number of studies examining the effect of airline service quality on passenger satisfaction have been carried out in other countries, for example, Archana and Subha (2012) carried out such study in India, Huang (2009) in Taiwan, Munusamy et al. (2011) Malaysia, Ahadmotlaghi and Pawar (2012) India and Mohsan et al. (2011) in Pakistan and none of such s tudy has been carried out in Uganda’s airline industry which is a great motivation for this study. General objective The general objective was to examine the influence of airline service quality on passenger satisfaction and loyalty. Specific objectives (1) to analyze the effect of pre-flight service quality on passenger satisfaction; (2) (3) (4) to examine the effect of in-flight service quality on passenger satisfaction; to analyze the effect of post-flight service quality on passenger satisfaction; and to assess whether passenger satisfaction has a significant effect on passenger loyalty. Literature review and hypotheses The aviation sector The aviation sector has become the most important segment in the economic development of a nation. It plays a vital role in moving people or products from one place to another, be it domestic or international, especially when the distances involved are far. In a highly competitive environment the provision of high quality services to passengers is the core competitive advantage for an airline’s profitability and sustained growth. Since the air transportation market has become more Airline service quality 521 TQM 25,5 522 challenging, many airlines have turned to focus on airline service quality to increase service satisfaction since service quality conditions influences a firm’s competitive advantage by retaining customer patronage and with this comes market share (Archana and Subha, 2012). Therefore delivering quality airline services to passengers is essential for airline survival, since passengers are becoming increasingly sensitive to quality. Definitions of service quality, customer satisfaction, customer loyalty Service quality can be defined as a consumer’s overall impression of the efficiency of the organization and its services (Park et al., 2004) or as a chain of services in which the entire service delivery is divided into a series of processes (Chen and Chang, 2005). Most definitions of service quality depend on the context and therefore focus on meeting the customers’ needs and requirements and how well the service delivered matches the customers’ expectations of it. In the airline industry, service quality is composed of various interactions between customers and airlines with employees seeking to influence customers’ perceptions and the image of the carriers (Gursoy et al., 2005). Though price is increasingly used as the primary way to attract customers; some airlines are looking more to service quality to get a competitive edge by distinguishing their products because competitors are relatively efficient in responding to price changes ( Jones and Sasser, 1995). These airlines’ competitive advantage lies in their service quality as perceived by customers (Chang and Yeh, 2002). Therefore ensuring quality service is the key for survival of all businesses/industries dealing in service offerings airlines inclusive. Oliver (1981) defined satisfaction as â€Å"a person’s feeling of pleasure or disappointment resulting from comparing a product’s perceived performance (or outcome) in relation to his or her expectations†. While Hansemark and Albinson (2004) defined it as an overall customer attitude towards a service provider, or an emotional reaction to the difference between what customers anticipate and what they receive regarding the fulfilment of some needs, goals or desire. The definition provided by Oliver (1981) has been used for  this study. Therefore it is very important to satisfy customers because nowadays most of them have exposure to a variety of information, they are more familiar with the present trends in technology, very well educated and more demanding in the products and services they require. Customer loyalty can be defined as â€Å"a deeply held commitment to re-buy or re patronize a preferred product/service consistently in the future, thereby causing repetitive same-brand purchasing despite situational influences and marketing efforts having the potential to cause switching behavior† (Oliver, 1997). Chin (2002) stated that an attractive frequent flier program (FFP) could actually contribute to increased loyalty from the repeat business of an increased number of customers and numerous studies have revealed that customer satisfaction positively affects loyalty (Mohsan et al., 2011; Fornell, 1992; Anderson and Jacobsen, 2000). Therefore airline companies need to review and re-examine their strategies in order to sustain customer loyalty. Effect of pre-flight service quality on passenger satisfaction In order to achieve customer satisfaction, organizations must be able to build and maintain long-lasting relationships with customers through satisfying various customer needs and demands which resultantly motivates them to continue to do business with the organization on an on -going basis (LaBarbera and Mazursky, 1983). Therefore it is presumed that pre-flight service quality has a significant effect on passenger satisfaction, thus: Airline service quality H1. Pre-flight service quality has a positive significant effect on passenger satisfaction. Effect of in-flight service quality on passenger satisfaction Ng et al. (2011) stated that in-flight services offered by flight attendants affected customer satisfaction. Airline passengers may experience many service encounters with in-flight attendants, this is called â€Å"moment of  truth†. Passengers may judge or evaluate airline service quality through a comparison between their experiences and  ¨ expectations, over a number of quality attributes (Gronroos, 2000) since most services are intangible. Thus because of this intangibility, most companies find it difficult to understand how customers perceive their services. Therefore in-flight attendants should focus on tangibles by communicating to the customers the features of the service being provided. Thus it is presumed that in-flight service quality has a significant effect on passenger satisfaction: H2. In-flight service quality has a positive effect on passenger satisfaction. Effect of post-flight service quality on passenger satisfaction An after-sales service constitutes a means to uncover extra customer needs and a strategic driver for customer retention. Oliver (1997) demonstrated that extremely satisfied customers are much more likely to remain loyal to firm than those who are merely satisfied. Hence it is presumed that post-flight service quality has a significant effect on passenger satisfaction: H3. Post-flight service quality has a positive significant effect on passenger satisfaction. Effect of passenger satisfaction on passenger loyalty A study by Mohsan et al. (2011) revealed that customer satisfaction was positively correlated with customer loyalty. It further stressed that, there was need for airline companies to always look into the needs and demands of their customers in order to survive and compete successfully in today’s dynamic corporate environment. While Fornell (1992) found that high customer satisfaction would result in increased loyalty for the firm and that customers would be less prone to overtures from competition. Thus the underlying assumption is that passenger satisfaction is positively associated with passenger loyalty: H4. Passenger satisfaction has a positive effect on passenger loyalty. Conceptual framework It gives a more detailed insight on the variables that influence passenger  satisfaction and loyalty in the airline industry based on pre-flight service quality, in-flight service quality and post-flight service quality. The variables were developed from the extensive review of literature related to the study (Figure 1). 523 TQM 25,5 524 Figure 1. Airline service quality Pre-flight Service †¢ Reliability †¢ Responsiveness †¢ Discounts In-flight Service Quality †¢ Tangibles †¢ Courtesy †¢ Language skills H1 Passenger Satisfaction H2 H4 Passenger Loyalty Post -flight Service Quality †¢ Frequent flyer programs †¢ Timeliness H3 Pre-flight service quality Quality of service is very important in ensuring customer satisfaction because frequency of bad experiences will impact a customer’s perception on the company (Munusamy et al., 2011). For example, if customers receive rude services from the same airline consistently they will be dissatisfied with the services and eventually, these customers might decide to take their businesses elsewhere. Therefore in this study, it is anticipated that pre-flight service quality (such as reliability of airline web site, discount offers, responsiveness to emergency situations like cancelled flights and baggage allowance have an influence on passenger satisfaction and loyalty). In-flight service quality In a study by Ng et al. (2011) stated that in-flight services offered by flight attendants affected customer satisfaction. Therefore in order to develop a good customer service, the in-flight crew should put emphasis on tangible cues in order to create a strong organizational image. Hence it is suggested that in-flight services such as (safety percussions, seat comfort, quality of food, in-flight entertainment services, language skills and courtesy of in-flight crew) affect customer satisfaction. Post-flight service quality Post-flight services like offering FFP, promptness of baggage delivery and retrieval are regarded as important factors that have an impact on establishing good relationships with customers which eventually influence satisfaction and loyalty. In order to survive and grow, airlines regardless of place of operation, have to be both internationally competitive and must continuously improve all aspects of their operations (Doganis, 2006). Research methodology Research paradigm Positivist paradigm was adopted because it relies mainly on statistical and quantitative estimations to arrive at a conclusion. Population and unit of analysis The population was made up of 13,558 passengers based on Uganda’s international seat capacity per week by carrier for the selected airlines between 28 November 2011 and 4 December 2011 (Centre for Aviation, 2012). It comprised of international passengers who had at least travelled once in the last 12 months with the selected airlines operating at Entebbe International Airport. This meant that the participants had a clear view about airlines’ services. These airlines included: Air Uganda, Precision air, Kenya airways, Rwanda air and Fly 540. In order to ensure fairness and accuracy of the study, airlines registered within East Africa were chosen. Compared to other regions in Africa, East Africa forms a relatively homogeneous group of countries in many respects. This homogeneity creates a favourable environment towards the emergence of an integrated air transport market. Entebbe airport was chosen because it is the one that handles international flights in Uganda. Sample design This study adopted convenience sampling. Sampling was done by interviewing randomly selected passengers, waiting for their flights at different times of the day, on every day of the week, during the period 19 July to 15 August 2012. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire was divided into five sections, the first section was about the demographic profile of respondents and second, third and fourth sections were designed to evaluate passengers’ overall experiences with the quality of services they had received from the airlines and the last was dealing with the effect of passenger satisfaction on passenger loyalty. Sample size Krejcie and Morgan (1970) table was used in determining the sample size of a randomly chosen sample from a given finite population of 13,558 based on Uganda’s international seat capacity per week, by carrier for the selected airlines between 28 – November 2011 and 4 –December 2011 (Centre for Aviation, 2012). Krejcie and Morgan (1970) table indicates that if the study population size is 13,558, a statistically representative sample size should be 378 respondents. However, out of the 378 questionnaires that were  distributed, a total of 303 questionnaires were complete and had valid responses, 75 questionnaires were incomplete hence they were removed. The number of passengers sampled per airline was based on how busy the airline was at the airport during the period 19 July to 15 August 2012. The actual sample size of 303 respondents was valid for this study, because studies which had dealt with passengers as a unit of inquiry had relatively dealt with sample sizes ranging from 270 to 602, for example, Archana and Subha (2012) sampled 270 respondents; Munusamy et al. (2011) sampled 300 and Huang (2009) sampled 602 respondents. Also (Roscoe, 1975 in Sekaran, 2003) proposed some rules of thumb in determining sample size of which one of it stated that, â€Å"sample sizes larger than 30 and o500 are appropriate for most researchers†. It has also argued that in order to use w2, the overall number of items should be at least 50 (Kothari, 2004) hence the actual sample was fairly enough and suitable for models which were to be used in data analysis (Table I). Data collection methods Data were collected using both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data were collected through the use of structured questionnaires which consisted of five sections on the following aspects: respondents’ profile, quality of pre-flight services, in-flight services, post-flight services and the effect of passenger satisfaction on passenger loyalty. The questions were phrased in the form of statements scored on a five-point Likert type scale, ranking from 1 â€Å"strongly disagree† to 5 â€Å"strongly agree†. The study was conducted in the departure hall of Entebbe International Airport. Questionnaires were distributed to respondents who had under taken at least one international flight in the previous 12 months with the selected airlines. Face-to-face Airline service quality 525 TQM 25,5 Carrier airline name 526 Table I. Sample frame Population (total number of seats per week) between 28/11/11 and 4/12/11 Intended sample Actual sample Air Uganda Kenya airways Precision air Rwanda air express Fly 540 aviation Total 4,392 6,280 564 948 1,374 13,558 72 158 65 51 31 378 58 127 52 41 25 303 interviews of passengers waiting for their flights were conducted at Entebbe airport. A total of 303 sets of usable questionnaires were successfully collected yielding a response rate of 80 per cent. To reduce the refusals to participate or to answer specific questions, the researcher contacted passengers politely by explaining the purpose and contribution of the research. Reliability and validity Cronbach a was used to test the internal consistency for all items under respective variables. Hair et al. (2006) suggested that Cronbach’s a coefficient over 0.6 is adequate for basic research. The reliability of each construct was assessed by using Cronbach’s a measure which in the experiment was ranging from 0.645 to 0.850, indicating that the scale are internally consistent and reasonably free of measurement error. To ensure the perfection of the study tool, a pilot study was also conducted (Table II). Data analysis Data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 16. w2-test was used as a way of testing the hypothesis and regression analysis was performed to examine the relationships between variables. This is in line with what was used in similar empirical studies, for example, Munusamy et al. (2011) used Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis while Mohsan et al. (2011) used Microsoft excel and SPSS 16 to analyze data. Descriptive statistics was used to provide an overview  on the profile of international passengers using Entebbe International Airport. Interpretation and discussion of findings Hypotheses results w 2 was used in determining the relationships and significance of the variables. Testing of hypotheses was at 95 per cent level of confidence interval and results from this were Sl.No Table II. Reliability of various service factors Factors I II III IV V Pre-flight In-flight Post-flight Passenger satisfaction Passenger loyalty Number of statements Number of cases Cronbach’s a 8 8 3 3 6 303 303 303 303 303 0.723 0.819 0.645 0.704 0.850 used to reach the conclusions. To verify the causal relationships, regression was used for determining the correlation coefficients amongst variables: Airline service quality H1. Pre-flight service quality has a positive significant effect on passenger satisfaction. In the study, respondents were asked to express their opinions on different items that measured pre-flight service quality on a five-point Likert scale that ranged from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Results showed that seven out of eight measurable indicators of pre-flight service quality had a significant effect on passenger satisfaction since they scored w2-values that were above the table value of 26.296 and also registered significant values less than the critical value of 0.05. It can therefore be concluded that pre-flight service quality has a positive significant effect on passenger satisfaction. This is in line with findings by (Munusamy et al., 2011) whose results showed that pre-flight service  quality had a positive impact on customer satisfaction. These results imply that if airline companies are to achieve a high level of customer satisfaction, they should deliver a high level of service quality, as it is normally considered an antecedent of customer satisfaction. In addition to the w2-test, correlations of indicators of pre-flight service quality were regressed against passenger satisfaction to confirm the results got from the w2-tests. Regression results showed that there was a significant positive relationship between pre-flight service quality and passenger satisfaction. Findings also indicated that from among the measurable indicators of pre-flight service quality prompt response to emergencies (r  ¼ 0.434) and reliability of airlines’ web site (r  ¼ 0.429) were among the strongest contributors to passenger satisfaction compared to price charged (r  ¼ 0.337) and baggage allowance (r  ¼ 0.122). Results therefore implied that improvement in the quality of pre-flight services offered by airline companies would result into passenger satisfaction: H2. In-flight service quality has a positive effect on passenger satisfaction. From the respondents’ opinions, all the measurable indicators of in-flight service quality had a p ositive significant effect on passenger satisfaction since they all registered significant values of 0.000 that were less than the critical value of 0.05. This concurs with the findings by Ng et al. (2011) who confirmed that in-flight services offered by flight attendants affected customer satisfaction. The findings imply that inflight services are one of the key drivers of ensuring passenger satisfaction (Table III). Additional analysis was performed were in-flight variables were cross-tabbed and regressed against passenger satisfaction in order to confirm the results got from w2-tests. Results from table below at 95 per cent confidence interval revealed that indeed in-flight service quality had a significant effect on passenger satisfaction because all significant values were 0.000 which was below the critical value 0.05 that is to say ( po0.05). This therefore confirmed that there was a significant positive relationship between in-flight service quality and passenger satisfaction. Amongst the in-flight variables, comfort and cleanliness (r  ¼ 0.460), safety (r  ¼ 0.400) and quality of food (r  ¼ 0.397) had more impact on passenger satisfaction compared to employee appearance and crew uniforms (r  ¼ 0.268) This therefore implies that airlines should improve on their inflight services, for example, quality of food, safety measures and comfort of seats since they have higher impact on passenger satisfaction (Table IV): H3. Post-flight service quality has a positive significant effect on passenger satisfaction. 527 TQM 25,5 In-flight service quality variables 1 2 3 528 4 5 6 7 I feel safe when I fly with this airline The aircraft has clean and comfortable  interiors and seats. Employees of this airline appear neat  and tidy The airline provides quality food  The cabin crew of this airline is  friendly and has good language skills. The airline provides good in-flight  services consistently My in-flight experiences with this  airline has exceeded my expectations The in-flight services that this airline  offers are worth what I pay for Table III. 8 w2-test for in-flight service quality and passenger satisfaction Note: *Critical value at 0.05 significance  ¼ 26.296 w2 Df Sign Status 16 0.000 Significant 1.500E2* 16 0.000 Significant 1.192E2* 99.534* 16 16 0.000 0.000 Significant Significant 1.296E2* 16 0.000 Significant 79.790* 16 0.000 Significant 89.575* 16 0.000 Significant 69.843* 16 0.000 Significant R R2 Significance 0.400 0.460 0.160 0.212 0.000 0.000 0.268 0.397 0.072 0.158 0.000 0.000 0.365 0.380 0.133 0.144 0.000 0.000 0.355 0.126 0.000 0.301 0.507 0.091 0.257 0.000 0.000 85.831* In-flight service quality variables 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Table IV. Regression of in-flight service quality on passenger satisfaction 8 I am less worried when I fly with this airline because I feel safe when I fly with it The aircraft has clean and comfortable interiors and seats Employees of this airline appear neat and tidy and I like the crew uniforms The airline provides quality food (Cuisine ) and beverages The cabin crew of this airline are friendly and have good  language skills The airline provides good in-flight services consistently My in-flight experiences with this airline has exceeded my  expectations Considering the in-flight services that this airline offers; they are worth what I pay for Overall in-flight service quality From Table V, all the three post-flight indicators registered w2-values above the table values of 26.296 and indicated significant values less than the critical value (0.000o0.05). These results indicate that the quality of post-flight services has a significant effect on passenger satisfaction. Oliver (1997) demonstrated that extremely satisfied customers were much more likely to remain loyal to firm than those who were merely satisfied. Therefore this implies that a company has to create customer relationships that deliver value beyond those provided by the core product (Table V). Further analysis was performed to identify the causal relationship amongst these variables were by indicators of post-flight service quality were regressed on passenger satisfaction. Results indicated that there was a significant positive relationship between the quality of post-flight services and passenger satisfaction. From the indicators of post-flight services, passenger comments and concerns (r  ¼ 0.503) had more predictive power on passenger satisfaction because it had a higher correction coefficient compared to the FFP (r  ¼ 0.325): Airline service quality H4. Passenger satisfaction has a positive effect on passenger loyalty. Results from Table VI show that passenger satisfaction has a significant effect on passenger loyalty. This concurs with previous studies by Parasuraman et al. (1988) and Anderson and Sullivan (1993) who concluded that customer satisfaction was one of the major determinants of customer loyalty. This aspect is strengthened by Lin and Wang (2006), whose study concluded that customer satisfaction influences customer loyalty. This relationship has been investigated in previous studies for example findings by (Yang and Peterson, 2004) suggested that customer loyalty can be generated through improving customer satisfaction and offering high product/service value. Therefore delivering high quality in the airline industry should be recognized as the most effective means of ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty. 529 Conclusion In general the study findings have coincided with other studies that the quality of airlines’ services has a significant influence on passenger satisfaction and loyalty. Findings indicated that pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight services had a significant effect on passenger satisfaction. In addition to that, passenger satisfaction as a mediating variable also had a significant effect on passenger loyalty. The study results imply that airline marketers should develop various strategies to improve service quality, for example, meeting passengers’ desired service levels, improving the quality of in-flight meals, solving service problems effectively, developing convenient reservation and ticketing systems, making convenient schedules for passengers and reducing the effect of service failures as these directly affect passenger satisfaction and loyalty. Implications of the results to the various stakeholders Managerial implications to the airline companies The results of this study highlight to management that safety and security are the most important in-flight service quality dimensions in international  air travel as perceived w2 df Sign Status 62.255* 66.676* 1.316E* 16 16 16 0.000 0.000 0.000 Significant Significant Significant Post-flight service quality variables 1 2 3 The airline has a sound loyalty programme to  recognize you as a frequent customer This airline has efficient baggage handling My concerns are highly valued by this airline Note: *Critical value at 0.05 significance  ¼ 26.296 Passenger satisfaction variables 1 2 3 In comparison to other airlines, am satisfied with the  airline’ services Am satisfied with this airline’s personnel This airline values customers’ comments w2 df Sign Status 1.560E2 89.604 1.100E2 16 16 16 0.000 0.000 0.000 Significant Significant Significant Table V. w2-test results for post-flight services and passenger satisfaction Table VI. w2-test results for passenger satisfaction and passenger loyalty TQM 25,5 530 by airline passengers. This may be as a result of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks, the Iraq War and the constant threat of terrorism. To address the public’s growing concern about air travel safety, airlines should be receptive to consumer input. Airlines should inform the public of their continuous drive to provide a safer flying environment and should publicize the security improvements of the international air travel industry to boost consumer confidence. Government policy makers Government should reduce on the ill-conceived policy initiatives that over-regulate and excessively charge high taxes from airline companies as this limits airlines registered within East Africa from competing effectively with other airlines from other nations due to economic hardships. This prevents aviation from being the catalyst for economic growth. Based on the study findings, the effect of airline service quality on passenger satisfaction and loyalty imply that a company with good airline services is more likely to stand out in the market place because it draws both repeat customers and trial users Therefore airline companies should strive to be consistent with the quality of services they offer to their passengers. Recommendations Customers have to be actively involved in the service process to ensure their satisfaction and commitment (loyalty) in the long run. The coordination of the different airline service components, as well as their incorporation in a clear and integrated communication strategy further supports the creation of a harmonious brand image in customers’ minds, which is the basis for the development of relationships between customers and the airline and, this could result into the development of true customer loyalty. Airline companies should strive for value creation and appropriate allocation of resources in international air travel by creating more realistic consumers’ expectations about the promises that airlines make as this may increase the level of passenger satisfaction, for example, through meeting customers’ desired service levels, dealing effectively with dissatisfied customers and confronting customer complaints positively. This will enable management to differ entiate their brand from other airlines in terms of service quality. Suggested areas for further research This study was limited in the context of airline services for international passengers. Domestic passengers’ opinions on the influence of airline service quality on passenger satisfaction and loyalty might be different from that of international passengers. Hence, an empirical examination needs to be undertaken in order to assess how domestic passengers’ opinions are different from that of international passengers. The airline industry is subject to strict controls and tight regulation requirements in the provision of services resulting from an increase in customer involvement and continuing demand for more security regulations on the part of airlines. This may affect the quality of airline services and later passenger satisfaction and loyalty, therefore further research into airline travel should consider the impact of airline regulations and controls on passenger satisfaction and loyalty. References Ahadmotlaghi, E. and Pawar, P. (2012), â€Å"Analysis of CRM programs practiced by passengers’ airline industry of India and its impact on customer satisfaction and loyalty†, Journal of Arts, Science Commerce, Vol. III No. 2 pp. 2-5. Anderson, E.W. and Sullivan, M.W. (1993), â€Å"The antecedents and consequences of customer satisfaction firms†, Marketing Science, Vol. 12 No. 2, pp. 241-268. Anderson, H. and Jacobsen, P.N. (2000), â€Å"Creating loyalty: it’s strategic importance in your customer strategy†, in Brown, S.A. (Ed.), Customer Relationship Management, John Wiley, Ontario, pp. 55-67. Archana, R. and Subha, M.V. (2012), â€Å"A study on service quality and passenger satisfaction on Indian airlines†, International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, Vol. 2 No. 2, pp. 50-63. Centre for Aviation (2012), â€Å"Analysis of increasing tourism economic growth and oil make Uganda an attractive destination†, available at: www.centreforaviation.com (accessed 3 June 2012). Chang, Y.H. and Yeh, C.H. (2002), â€Å"A survey analysis of service quality for domestic airlines†, European Journal of Operational Research, Vol. 139 No. 1, pp. 166-177. Chen, F.Y. and Chang, Y.H. (2005), â€Å"Examining airline service quality from a process perspective†, Journal of Air Transport Management, Vol. 11 No. 2, pp. 79-87. Chin, A. (2002), â€Å"Impact of Frequent Flyer Programs on the Demand for Air Travel†, Journal of Air Transportation, Vol. 7 No. 2, pp. 53-86. Doganis, R. (2006), The Airline Business, 2nd ed., Routledge, Abingdon. Fornell, C. (1992), â€Å"A national customer satisfaction barometer: the Swedish experience†, Journal of Marketing, Vol. 56 No. 1, pp. 1-18.  ¨ Gronroos, C. (2000), Service Management and Marketing – A Customer Relationship Management Approach, 2nd ed., John Wiley Sons, Ltd, Chichester. Gursoy, D., Chen, M.H. and Kim, H.Y. (2005), â€Å"The US airlines relative positioning based on attributes of service quality†, Tourism Management, Vol. 26 No. 1, pp. 57-67. Hair, J., Black, W.C., Babin, B.J., Anderson, R.E. and Tatham, R. (2006), Multivariate Data Analysis, Pearson Education, New York, NY. Hanlon, P. (2007), Global Airlines: Competition in a Transnational Industry, 3rd ed., ButterworthHeinemann, Burlington, MA. Hansemark, O.C. and Albinson, M. (2004), â€Å"Customer satisfaction and retention: the experiences of individual with employees†, Managing Service Quality, Vol. 14 No. 1, pp. 40-57. Huang, Y.K. (2009), â€Å"The effect of airline service quality on passengers’ behavioural intentions using SERQUAL scores in Taiwan†, Journal of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies, Vol. 8 No. 2, pp. 3-5. Jones, T.O. and Sasser, W.E. (1995), â€Å"Why satisfied customers defect†, Harvard Business Review, Vol. 73 No. 6, pp. 88-99. Kothari, C.R. (2004), Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques, 2nd revised ed., Wishma Prkashan, New Delhi. Krejcie, R.V. and Morgan, D.W. (1970), â€Å"Determining sample sizes for research activities†, Educational and Psychological Measurement, pp. 607-610. LaBarbera, P.A. and Mazursky, D. (1983), â€Å"A longitudinal assessment of consumer satisfaction, dissatisfaction: the dynamic aspect of cognitive process†, Journal of Marketing Research, Vol. 20 No. 4, pp. 393-404. Lin, H.H. and Wang, Y.S. (2006), â€Å"An examination of the determinants of customer loyalty in mobile commerce contexts†, Information Management, Vol. 43 No. 3, pp. 271-282. Mohsan, F., Nawa, N.M., Khan, S., Shaukat, Z. and Aslam, N. (2011), â€Å"Impact of customer satisfaction on customer loyalty and intentions to switch: evidence from banking sector of Pakistan†, International Journal of Business and Social Science, Vol. 2 No. 16, pp. 265-268. Munusamy, J., Chelliah, S. and Pandian, S. (2011), â€Å"Customer satisfaction delivery in airline industry in Malaysia: a case of low cost carrier†, Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, Vol. 5 No. 11, pp. 718-723. Airline service quality 531 TQM 25,5 532 Ng, S.I., Sambasivan, M. and Zubaidah, S. (2011), â€Å"Antecedents and outcomes of flight attendants’ job satisfaction†, Journal of Air Transport Management, Vol. 17, pp. 309-313. Oliver, R.L. (1981), â€Å"Measurement and evaluation of satisfaction processes in retail settings†, Journal of Retailing, Vol. 57 No. 3, pp. 25-48. Oliver, R.L. (1997), Satisfaction: A Behavioral Perspective on the Consumer, McGraw Hill, New York, NY. Ostrowski, P.L., O’Brien, T.V. and Gordon, G.L. (1993), â€Å"Service quality and customer loyalty in the commercial airline industry†, Journal of Travel Research, Vol. 32, Fall, pp. 16-24. Parasuraman, A., Berry, L. and Zeithaml, V.A. (1988), â€Å"SERVQUAL: a multiple-item scale for measuring consumer perceptions of service quality†, Journal of Retailing, Vol. 64 No. 1, pp. 12-40. Park, J.W., Robertson, R. and Wu, C.L. (2004), â€Å"The effect of airline service quality on passengers’ behavioral intentions: a Korean case study†, Journal of Air Transport Management, Vol. 10, pp. 435-439. Roscoe, J.T. (1975), Fundamental Research Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences, 2th ed., Holt Rinehart Winston, New York, NY. Sekaran, U. (2003), Research Methods for Business: A Skill-Building Approach, 4th ed., John Wiley Sons, Inc, New York, NY. Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (2012), â€Å"About Uganda†, available at: www.caa.co.ug (accessed 3 June 2012). Yang, Z. and Peterson, R.T. (2004), â€Å"Customer perceived value, satisfaction, and loyalty: the role of switching costs†, Psychology Marketing, Vol. 21 No. 10, pp. 799-822. Further reading Zeithaml, V.A. and Bitner, M.J. (1996), Services Marketing, Tata McGraw Hill, New Delhi. Corresponding author Juliet Namukasa can be contacted at: [emailprotected] To purchase reprints of this article please e-mail: [emailprotected] Or visit our web site for further details: www.emeraldinsight.com/reprints

Sunday, July 21, 2019

McMurphys One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest

McMurphys One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest This question is answered through the investigation of five specific aspects of McMurphys life in the asylum: McMurphys arrival into the asylum, his healing miracles, the change and truth McMurphy brings, his followers, and lastly, McMurphys death. These aspects in the novel will bring the revelations of McMurphys Christ-likeness and unlikeness, closer to the requirements of the research question. In each phase of McMurphys life, I assessed the extent to which Kesey portrayed McMurphy as a Christ-figure, keeping in mind the intentions of the author, as well as its effect on the American society in the 1960s. While using this novel as a primary resource, I also explored secondary resources like study guides, published interviews, journal articles, literary criticism and the Internet. The essay concludes that Kesey has portrayed McMurphy as a satirical Comic Christ. Kesey eases into the idea of McMurphy as Messiah. McMurphy becomes increasingly Christ-like as the plot progresses, indicated by the increasing intensity of the allusions from simple unobtrusive allusions in his arrival, to pronounced biblical allusions to Christ in his death. While McMurphy becomes more of a Christ-figure, he still retains the essence of his character throughout the novel his irreverent nature. Through the portrayal of McMurphy as a Comic Christ, Kesey echoes his anti-establishment feelings throughout the novel. This influences the readers perspective, particularly the straight-laced American society of the 1960s, on issues such as conformity and individuality. Kesey encourages readers to adopt a personal sense of morality, as the views of the majority may not necessarily be the best. INTRODUCTION One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest by Ken Kesey captures the anti-establishment sentiments of America in the 1960s through the arrival of anarchist R.P. McMurphy at a mental asylum in Oregon, the ‘Cuckoos Nest of the title. Using McMurphys conflict with Nurse Ratched and the ‘Combine, this classic deals with issues prevalent in its era. The supposition that Kesey shapes McMurphy after the archetype of Jesus Christ resounds in much of the literary criticism written on One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest. This essay aims to ascertain the extent to which Kesey models McMurphy after Christ. It also aims to examine the effect this has on plot development and readers reactions. It will do this by answering the question: Many critics believe that McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest by Ken Kesey is deliberately portrayed as a Christ-figure. To what extent does Kesey portray McMurphy as a Christ-figure? A Christ-figure is an individual who displays certain Christ-like traits, and is comparable to Christ of the Bible. The character may possess divine qualities such as the ability to perform miracles. He may also bring new truths with him, and fight for justice by defying authority. The Christ-figure is often a martyr, sacrificing himself for the liberation of others. This can be seen as his ultimate act of love. In One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, McMurphy is a parallel of Jesus in some aspects. In order to define the extent to which Kesey wants us to look at McMurphy as a Christ-figure, this essay will delve into five distinct aspects of McMurphys life: McMurphys entrance into the institution, his miracle healings, the revelation of truth and changes McMurphy brings with him, McMurphys disciples and McMurphys death. The significance of McMurphys entrance into the asylum. The novel begins with McMurphys entrance into the psychiatric ward. Bromden, who narrates the story from his perspective, describes McMurphy as â€Å"no ordinary Admission† An ‘Admission would normally be given an ‘Admission shower, where Kesey hints that the â€Å"black boys† rape the ‘Admissions with a rectal thermometer. In 1960s America, where racial discrimination was still at its peak, African-Americans were viewed as the dregs of society. Particularly in the South, African-Americans were subject to harsh treatment. In the 1960s, the rape of the new ‘Admissions by the â€Å"black boys† emphasizes their vulnerability and weakness. Unlike the usual ‘Admission who submits with a â€Å"weak little yes†, McMurphy brassily refuses the ‘Admission shower. His strength and assurance marks him as the odd one out. McMurphy is in full control of the situation and is not easily pushed around. This is apparent when he tells the â€Å"black boy†, â€Å"Get back away from me with that thermometer, Sam†. Not only does he command Sam confidently and boldly, he also calls him by his name. In contrast, one â€Å"black boy† describes Bromden, who is a foil to McMurphy, as â€Å"big enough to eat apples off my head an he mine me like a baby†. Bromdens timid and submissive nature highlights McMurphys assertive personality, making McMurphy seem larger than life despite being physically smaller than Bromden in reality. McMurphys sanity amidst a ward of mentally ill patients makes him superior. In spite of this, McMurphy enters the ward humbly, shaking everyones hand. This humble act implies that McMurphy regards everyone as an equal, despite being a cut above the rest. At this point in the novel, it would never occur to readers that McMurphy is an archetype of Christ. Kesey makes no hint of McMurphy as a Christ-figure. McMurphys entrance into the psychiatric ward is dissimilar to Christs entrance into the world, apart from having a powerful presence, which is hardly a character trait exclusive to Christ. McMurphy is vastly different from Christ. He is a sex addict convicted of having sexual relations with a â€Å"child of fifteen†, as well as a â€Å"gambling fool†with a deck of cards showing â€Å"fifty-two (sex) positions†. The courts ruled that he was a psychopath who â€Å"fights and fucks too much†. McMurphy owns boxer shorts with â€Å"big white whales†resembling Melvilles Moby-Dick, which is possibly perceived as a phallic pun, though, it can also symbolise the omnipresent and all-powerful nature of God , reinstating McMurphys character as a Christ-figure that is unabashedly sexual. However, McMurphys profanities make him an unusual Christ-figure, as he engages in the vices that Christianity teaches against. In The Comic Christ and the Modern Reader, Richard B. Hauck presents the notion that ‘The Christ-figure Metaphor Hunt is played between the reader and the author, whereby readers search for clues that prove a character is an imitation of Christ. In an effort to hide the clues, the author may purposefully assign conflicting character traits, creating a character with moral ambiguity. Perhaps it is this thrilling game, together with the humour American readers find in irony, which allows this classic to withstand the test of time. The effect of McMurphys healing miracles. A common trait of Christ-figures in literature is the ability to perform miracles. McMurphy accomplishes two healing miracles that bear slight resemblance to the miracles Christ performed during his lifetime. Ellis, who was once an ‘Acute, becomes a ‘Chronic after being sent to the ‘Shock Shop to undergo electroconvulsive therapy. â€Å"Now hes nailed against the wall in the same condition they lifted him off the table for the last time, in the same shape, arms out, palms cupped, with the same horror on his face.†Ellis position corresponds to the position of a crucified person. Crucifixion, practiced by ancient Romans, is a means of punishment for criminals. Not only does it strip a person of his dignity and life, it also serves as a warning to society on the ramifications of crime. Nurse Ratched uses Ellis as an instrument to show others what they can become if they rebel. Unlike a crucified person who dies shortly after, Ellis persistent suffering occurs daily. After McMurphy tells Ellis to arise because a grown man should not be â€Å"sloshin in his own water†, Ellis responds by momentarily stepping away from his crucified position Like Christ, McMurphy alleviates others suffering. His ability to evoke a response from Ellis demonstrates his power to release a person from the grips of evil that is embodied in Nurse Ratched. However, McMurphy is no infallible god. He does not manage to successfully heal Ellis. It is noted that Ellis miracle is rather short-lived, as he returns to the original crucified position. If Kesey were to attribute Christ-like sovereignty to McMurphy at this point, it may have upset readers in 1960s America. From a strict Christian perspective, it is considered blasphemous that a mere human with his shortcomings should be compared to Christ. Kesey gradually eases into the idea of McMurphy as a saviour, instead of blatantly shocking readers by turning a contemptuous man into a saviour overnight. In the subsequent miracle, McMurphy prompts muted Bromden to speak, by offering him a piece of gum. Bromden opens his mouth to thank him This corresponds with Christs miracle when he caused a mute to speak by casting out a demon within him. In this case, it is not the demon that prevents Bromden from speaking. Rather, it is the fear of the ‘Combine that suppresses his words, which McMurphy successfully manages to dissipate. While Ellis miracle does not last, Bromdens transformation is permanent. He begins to communicate increasingly with the ‘Acutes under McMurphys influence. Relating back to Keseys own experiences, from 1960 to 1961, he volunteered for government drug experiments at Menlo Park Hospital. After which, he became a psychiatric aide in the same ward. Having spent his time as both patient and staff, Keseys intimate knowledge of the patients circumstances aroused a deep sense of empathy for them. In his letter to Babbs titled â€Å"PEOPLE ON THE WARD†, Kesey identifies the patients by their â€Å"empty eyes†. This presents a poignant image; instead of seeing their soul through the windows of their eyes, all Kesey sees are â€Å"dilapidated organs, grinding through their organ duties†, as if living in the mental institution robs patients of their essence, just like how Ellis and Bromden deteriorate from ‘Acutes to ‘Chronics. This hints Keseys dislike for mental institutions, and his hopes for a saviour for redemption. Another interpretation is that these miracles are metaphors for the political situation in America in the sixties. Patients are referred to as â€Å"mechanical puppets†controlled by Nurse Ratched. The mental illnesses that she inflicts upon patients either rob them of the ability to express or confine self-expression, which Kesey reveals through the suffering Ellis and muted Bromden respectively. Ellis and Bromden represent society, and the ‘Combine, the government. Perhaps Kesey feels that the government suppresses ones individuality, and McMurphy is a projection of his desire to free society from the expectation to conform. The impact of the revelation of truth and changes that McMurphy brings with him. Not only do McMurphys miracles encourage self-expression, McMurphy leads by example, audaciously expressing his views that differ from society. Though McMurphy and Christ are similar in this respect, the revelations and change each brings is different. Before Christs arrival, the Pharisees had established numerous rules for what was considered ‘rest on the Sabbath. Jesus defied the rules by healing a man on the Sabbath, telling the Pharisees, â€Å"What man is there among you who has a sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable then is a man than a sheep!†Jesus redefined ‘rest on the Sabbath and taught them that doing good works on the Sabbath is far more essential than adhering to rituals. This is one of the many instances where Jesus challenged the Pharisees interpretations of rules. McMurphy, likewise, questions the rules by exposing the intentions of Nurse Ratched. Contrary to Hardings angelic depiction of Nurse Ratched as a â€Å"sweet, smiling, tender angel of mercy†, the sibilance in â€Å"sweet†, â€Å"smiling† and â€Å"mercy† brings out a hissing sound, like that of the serpent in Genesis, that led to Adam and Eves downfall. From this, readers can gather that she may not be who she appears to be. Like the serpent, she might possess evil motives. Furthermore, McMurphy likens therapeutic sessions to a â€Å"peckin party†, where one chicken is ripped to â€Å"shreds, blood and bones and feathers†. He reveals that Nurse Ratched does not have the patients welfare in mind. She initiates the fights by taking the first peck â€Å"where it hurts the most†, in an attempt to weaken them into compliance. Explosive words in the description of the therapeutic sessions are uttered with force, emphasizing her bestiality. This novel is possibly a medium to voice Keseys political dissatisfaction. In 1950s America, Eisenhower, a five-star military general and right-wing conservative, served his term as President. It was an era of conformity under his leadership. Kesey, however, did not conform to societal standards, but rebelled against conservative societal norms of his time. In a society where the typical American man had strict religious views, Keseys behaviour was controversial. Through the exposure of Nurse Ratcheds wicked intentions, Kesey encourages Americans to question policies implemented by the government. Evidently, Kesey was not the only one who thought that some rules would stifle ones individuality. Anti-establishment feelings were becoming rampant, with Hollywood movies like ‘Rebels Without A Cause. Another revelation that McMurphy brings is that the patients are not the rabbits they believe to be. According to Harding, â€Å"The ritual of our existence is based on the strong getting stronger by devouring the weak. We must learn to accept it as a law of the natural world†¦ (The rabbit) knows his place. He most certainly doesnt challenge the wolf to combat.†This is similar to the messages that Christ preached about the meek inheriting the earthand turning the other cheek when one is wronged. Similarly, the inmates behaviour is Christ-like. They believe they are not going to win by fighting, and do not retaliate against the ‘Combine. However, McMurphy proves that the rabbits can overcome the wolf. He alters institutionalised policies by Nurse Ratched, regarding the viewing of World Series, the use of the tub room for the ‘Acutes, as well as cigarette rationing. The message Kesey brings is different from Christ. Kesey preaches that one must assert himself in order to save his life, contrary to biblical teachings that one must lose himself in order to save his life. During the sixties, the rabbit metaphor allowed society to view themselves as Kesey does. Having progressed from the fifties, America was going through a series of rapid changes. This decade saw the rise of the counterculture the civil rights movement, gay liberation, sexual revolution and Beat Movement. Kesey was part of the Beat Generation. In the context of the institution, the ones who submit to Nurse Ratched are the mentally insane â€Å"rabbits†. Conversely, readers perceive McMurphy, who challenges Nurse Ratcheds authority, as sane. Through this setting and Hardings metaphor, readers view the conformists of society through Keseys eyes. Kesey makes readers ponder, â€Å"Is it insane to challenge rules and authority? Could it be that the mentally insane are, in fact, the ones who subject themselves without question to authorities?† The likeness of Christs disciples and McMurphys followers. Besides revealing truths that instil confidence in the patients, McMurphy also empowers them when he â€Å"(leads) the twelve of (them) toward the ocean†, to become â€Å"fishers of men†- just as Jesus did. This is a direct allusion to Jesus, who takes his twelve disciples fishing. McMurphys disciples are empowered with laughter, and manage to find humour amidst calamity. Their laughter â€Å"rang out on the water in ever-widening circles, farther and farther in wave after wave after wave.†This is like McMurphys laugh which â€Å"spreads in rings bigger and bigger till its lapping against the walls all over the ward†. The imagery of vast space that their laughter reaches emphasizes its genuineness. It is unrestricted and liberating. This is contrasted with the snickers the patients make with their fistsearlier on. Their laughter seems controlled, as if it forced within the confines of their hands, implying its falsity. Laughter is a source of sanity and strength to McMurphy, who believes that â€Å"you have to laugh at the things that hurt you just to keep the world from running you plumb crazy†and that one â€Å"cant really be strong until (he) sees a funny side to things†. Laughter is a means of salvation and freedom from oppressio n. Unlike Christs ‘fishers of men who spread the message of salvation, McMurphys ‘fishers of men are called to spread the redemptive power of laughter to mankind. By drawing a parallel to Christs followers, Kesey casts McMurphys followers in a favourable light. McMurphys disciples, who indulge in laughter, resemble The Merry Pranksters a group in the Beat Generation who indulged in pleasures atypical of society. Kesey promotes the message that what is deemed socially unacceptable may not necessarily be wrong. Right and wrong is not determined by the views of majority; but rather, by the consequences of the act. McMurphy empowers his followers with boldness. To the gas station servicemen who give them condescending looks, McMurphy lies that they came from the â€Å"criminal-insane ward†, with Billy Bibbit who was an â€Å"insane knife artist that killed three men† and so on. This causes everybody to call orders to the service-station men, â€Å"just like (they) owned the show† They stare at people at a stop light, intimidating them. It is noteworthy how antithetical to Christ, McMurphy uses immoral means, like fabrications, to empower his disciples. Perhaps it is for Kesey to remind readers that McMurphy is still a flawed human. In his attempt to humanise a saviour, Kesey relates that one does not have to be Christ or immortal to possess the same self-sacrificial love that knows no bounds. Although McMurphy maintains his profane disposition, he becomes increasingly Christ-like; not only in character, but also in the experiences they share. McMurphys dubious moral standards are juxtaposed with his Christ-likeness, to reveal what Kesey feels are the more important aspects of being a saviour. Kesey and The Merry Pranksters rebelled against authority by experimenting with hallucinogens and their sexuality. Like non-conformist McMurphy, they took to worldly pleasures. Due to the religious surge in post-WW2, readers of the sixties would have frowned upon the seemingly unprincipled lives of The Merry Pranksters and McMurphy. By presenting McMurphy as a secular Christ-figure, Kesey upholds that the positive contribution one brings to society overrides the importance of strictly adhering to biblical rules. McMurphy is proof that a morally flawed character can bring monumental benefits to his community. The meaning in McMurphys death. The events leading to McMurphys death accentuate his Christ-likeness. Because McMurphy fights the aides to protect George, Nurse Ratched sends him to be electroshocked. Electroshock treatment is likened to a crucifixion, with a cross-shaped table Before McMurphys crucifixion, he says, â€Å"Anointest my head with conductant. Do I get a crown of thorns?†This is comparable to Christs crown of thorns. Furthermore, a man announces: â€Å"I wash my hands off this whole deal† an echo of Pontius Pilates words before he executed Christ. This foreshadows McMurphys eventual death. Before the crucifixion of Christ, Jesus had his ‘Last Supper with his disciples. The traitor Judas Iscariot was amongst them. McMurphys ‘Last Supper at the asylum is celebrated with alcohol and his hiring of two whores, one of whom Bibbit loses his virginity to in the ‘Seclusion Room Following Nurse Ratcheds discovery and threats of telling his mother, Bibbit identifies McMurphy as the mastermind behind this. He then commits suicide by â€Å"(cutting) his throat†, unable to handle the guilt. A parallel can be drawn to Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus and then hung himself out of remorse McMurphy, upset about Nurse Ratcheds strong influence over Bibbit, smashes through the glass and rips her uniform down the front, exposing her breasts In doing so, McMurphy brings his final revelation of the truth that Nurse Ratched is merely human, changing the patients mechanical perception of her forever. From then on, she â€Å"couldnt rule with her old power†, as she could â€Å"no longer conceal the fact that she was a woman† McMurphy pays for this with his mind the very thing that defines his life. Nurse Ratched sends him for a lobotomy that leaves him a â€Å"Vegetable. Bromden refers to him as â€Å"it†, knowing McMurphy is already dead inside, and â€Å"mashed the pillow into the face† to find that â€Å"the expression hadnt changed from the blank, dead-end look the least bit†. The term â€Å"mash† connotes violence in the merciful act of killing McMurphy. The paradox of mercy killing is redolent of the Roman centurion who drove a spear through Christs side, relieving his suffering by quickening his death. McMurphy dies as a crucified person would: by suffocation. He could have undertaken his plan to escape and live, but chose to die for the inmates sake. Likewise, Christ died on the cross to save mankind. The 1960s society would have a thorough comprehension of the torture endured by Christ, a fundamental concept of Christianity. A Christ-like death for McMurphy effectively evokes sympathy in readers. Hence, it is likely that the readers respect for McMurphy, who sacrifices his very being, far outweigh their feelings of disapproval regarding McMurphys profane antics. Just as Christ resurrected from death, McMurphy resurrects in his disciples. They become more assured, and are â€Å"no more rabbits† as Harding says. As a result of his death, â€Å"everything was changing†: almost everyone either signed out or transferred out and the new nurse â€Å"gave the guys a chance to change a lot of the ward policy† Of all his disciples, McMurphy is kept most alive in Chief Bromden. McMurphy transfers his powers to Bromden, who becomes stronger as McMurphy becomes weaker. Previously, the plot is seen through Bromdens unclear fogginess, which gradually disappears towards the end as he gains clarity of mind. The schizophrenic is even able to distinguish between delusions and reality, when he says â€Å"There was little brown birds occasionally on the fence; when a puff of leaves would hit the fence the birds would fly off with the wind. It looked at first like the leaves were hitting the fence and turning into birds and flying away.†At the end, he courageously confronts the unhappy past that caused his insanity, by looking â€Å"around the gorge†, â€Å"just to bring some of it clear in (his) mind again†, rather than hide behind fog and muteness like he had done before. Narrating the story from Bromdens perspective allows readers to observe his transformation. In Robert Faggens interview with Kesey during one of his visits to Keseys Oregon farm in 1992 and 1993, Kesey recounted an event he witnessed: In order to stop the dam project in Portland, an Indian ran into an oncoming truck that carried the materials the government would use to build the dam. The Indian, who did everything he could to protect his land, prompted Kesey to realise â€Å"the notion of what you have to pay for a lifestyle† Keseys message resounds throughout the novel, even more so after McMurphys death. Freedom comes at a cost, but its benefit is far-reaching. CONCLUSION The novel is replete with allusions of McMurphy to Christ. Despite McMurphys distinctive presence being evident in the beginning, there is no hint of his Christ-likeness at that point. On hindsight, Christ came blamelessly and without sin as a baby, to a world full of sinners. In this respect, he was superior to society; yet he entered this world humbly in a manger. While it is no rarity for humans to possess either an air of superiority or humility, it is uncommon for one to be both superior and humble. It is fair to say that the characteristics of McMurphy are somewhat reminiscent of Christ. While the first miracle that McMurphy performs on Ellis lasts only for a moment, the subsequent miracle sparks a transformation in Bromden. Further on, McMurphy begins to bear a greater resemblance to not only Christs character, but also to specific experiences he brings truth and change to his community, and takes his followers on a fishing trip. McMurphys death is another allusion. After Mc Murphy finishes his ‘Last Supper, one disciple betrays him. This leads to his crucifixion, mental death through lobotomy and finally his physical demise; with his resurrection portrayed through Chief Bromden. The series of inconspicuous allusions intensify as the plot develops. However, while McMurphy learns to be more Christ-like, he is different from Christ. Kesey shapes McMurphy as a crude and profane individual, making him a satirical Comic Christ. Kesey uses McMurphys journey to Christ-likeness to address significant issues such as conformity and individuality, the triumph of good over evil, freedom from oppression. These are recurring themes in most of Keseys works, namely Zoo and Sometimes A Great Notion. McMurphy, as a Christ-figure, brings this novel to a whole new level of sacrosanctity, which is apt, considering it holds these themes that are important to Kesey. Uneven forces will always exist in this world, good and evil, the strong and the weak, the dominant and the meek. As such, these issues remain relevant in modern times. The interpretation of this novel has been largely dependent on my perception of who Christ is. Kesey, who held interest in psychic phenomena, use of the I-Ching, Eastern religions and the Bible, may not have had the same idea of Christ as others when writing the novel; but as with all literary works, interpretation is open to its readers. Given the vast number of religions and cultures, each individual has differing perspectives on Christs character. Whether he adheres to Christianity, Judaism, Atheism or any other religion, new syntheses can be created regarding these key themes. After all, as Kesey teaches us, each man is entitled to a mind of his own.