Active Vibration Control Importance In Mechanical Systems Engineering Essay

This literature study is based on active quiver control and its technology importance in systems ( mechanical ) . Active quiver control is the procedure of minimizing, insulating or rarefying forces imposed by quiver, by actively using opposing forces in order to acquire a desirable status which may be vibration-free or a minimized status. The active control of quiver is of great importance in design of mechanical systems like choppers, where the usage of active quiver control method, has offered a better comfort for the rider with less weight than the inactive alteration, which is the 2nd chief method of commanding quiver. Active control is besides used in cut downing low frequence quiver in constructions by utilizing lightweight quiver actuators like piezoelectric ceramic. Many industrial operations and procedures can non take topographic point if the industrial equipments are non operated in a vibration-free status, this necessitates quiver control. Since quiver may be caused by the instability in most machine parts ( revolving parts like bearings, shaft, cogwheels, flywheel etc ) the cognition of active quiver control is indispensable for the machine interior decorator in order to bring forth an efficient and effectual machine systems for modern twenty-four hours fabrication. Active quiver control has up to four me thods viz. : matrix method, theoretical finite component method, frequence response map and receptances method. The receptance method involve poles and zeros arrangement ( assignment of characteristic root of a square matrixs ) which changes the natural frequences to avoid resonance. However, the construct of classical quiver absorber can be related to a Frahm who registered US patent in 1909 for a device muffling quiver organic structures [ 1 ] . The theory of quiver soaking up foremost appeared in 1928 [ 2 ] in an unfastened literature and was made widely available in 1943 in the first edition of a book authored by J.P Den Hartog, ‘Mechanical quiver ‘ [ 3 ] . There are two chief types of quiver control viz. : the inactive structural alteration and active quiver control. The application of the former can be traced back to the work of Duncan [ 4 ] . In 1941 he determined the dynamic features of a compound system formed from two or more subsystems with complecting belongingss and known receptances.The assignment of characteristic root of a square matrix in active control community started in 1960 ‘s when Wonham [ 5 ] gave an exhibition that poles of a system could be assigned by a province feedback in a state of affairs whereby the system can be controlled. Kautsky et.al [ 6 ] described the numerical method for happening robust ( good conditioned ) solutions to the province feedback pole assignment job by specifying a solution infinite of linearly independent eigenvectors, matching to the characteristic root of a square matrixs required. The solutions gotten were such that the sensitiveness of poles assigned to disturbances in the systems and addition matrices was reduced. One of the interesting facet in active quiver control is the quadratic characteristic root of a square matrix job ( QEP ) taken into history by Tisseur and Mbergeen [ 7 ] , they described the assorted linearization i.e. transmutation of QEP into additive generalized eigenvalue jobs with the same characteristic root of a square matrixs and computational method besides integrating as many types of package available like matlab. A study of experimental and theoretical survey of active quiver control was carried out, with some documents that contained the relevant surveies. The literature study majorly contained past research work done by little figure of establishments and experts with their different techniques and so follows a brief treatment on documents of peculiar involvement.1.1 Experimental Surveies1.1.1 Techniques used in University of SouthamptonNumerous sum of work has been published, this mainly uses speed feedback. In publication of Brennan et Al. [ 8 ] , five different actuators were compared ( magnetostrictive, electromagnetic and three piezoelectric types ) . There was a balance in all the devices between supplanting and force generating public presentation ; hence a method of mensurating the balance was deduced. Improvement would hold been made, because it was written as far back as 1998, particularly in piezoelectric. Decentralised speed feedback is described in publication work of Serrand and Elliot [ 9 ] , on a stiff construction with a brace of about collocated detectors electromagnetic actuators, which are in parallel with a inactive saddle horse. Two control channels which are independent were used and shown to rarefy low manners ( 40dB ) mostly and be stable to little fluctuations in mass. The published work of Sang-Myeong et Al, . [ 10 ] Shows that the decentralized control is expanded to a stiff construction with four detectors and actuators, and so follows the same set up in a flexible construction [ 11 ] . The control strategy was used to rarefy low frequence which is less than 100 Hz quiver by up to 14 dubnium, limited by the instability of the low frequence introduced from filtrating stage displacements. State feedback from speed and force measuring Benassi et al [ 12 ] is used on a 3 grade of freedom ( DOF ) system, utilizing an actuator of individual inactiveness. The feedback cringle of interior force ( with a phase-lag compensator ) , reduces the natural frequence and adds considerable muffling. Control attempt and consequence can be compared to a linear-quadratic regulator ( LQ R ) .In published work of Benassi et al. , [ 13 ] , the same system was used for displacement feedback, with PID used to forestall the sagging of the actuator and to modify the natural frequence of the actuator. Highpass filters are used on the four on the four detector and actuator decentralized system Brennan et al [ 14 ] to give an fading of 20 dubnium for manners at frequence less than 100 Hz. In ( Brennan et al, 2007 ) , the instability introduced from filtrating as a consequence of stage displacement is tested on the two actuator system described in the published work of Serrand and Elliot ( 2000 ) . Condition for stableness of supplanting, speed and acceleration feedback using highpass filters were developed, it was besides shown that high damping and relatively low corner frequences are desirable for supplanting and speed feedback. Gatti et Al ( 2007 ) used collocated piezoelectric transducer actuators and accelerometers, and dampen quiver by explicitly ciphering the minimum kinetic energy of the system. The system was found to be unstable when much lower additions lower than maximal theoretical were used. An absolute speed control ( AVF ) strategy ( Yan Et Al, Journal of sound quiver ) was shown to be effectual at rarefying merely low frequence manners therefore get jobs with the actuator resonances which is stabilized by a lead compensator.1.1.2 Techniques used in Virginia TechWilliam et al [ 11 ] provides a general reappraisal of the operation of four different types of piezoceramic actuators, with the preliminary trial of d31 consequence of Macro Fibre Composites ( MFCs ) on a 1.8 meters diameter inflatable toroid ( hard state of affairs to prove, because of its flexibleness ) . Sodano et al [ 12 ] ran Single Input Single Output ( SISO ) and Multiple Input and Multiple Output ( MIMO ) tests on the same cons truction, utilizing MFC detectors [ 13 ] .In order to excite the whole toroid, a big propulsion force was required ( 800V through the MFC, 0-200Hz ) . Comparison was made between control strategies utilizing both sets of detectors on the toroid construction utilizing PPF ( Sodano, 2004 ) . The cleaner The PVDF detectors allowed lower fading when compared to that of cleaner signals from the MFCs which allow a significantly higher fading. Positive Velocity Feedback ( PVF ) was used by Tarazaga et al [ 15 ] to stifle a little inflatable construction, and compared instrument like optical maser vibrometer, accelerometer and strain gage detectors. Four FMC actuators were used while their control parametric quantities were tuned by manus. A 23 dubnium decrease was achieved in one manner with feeling via optical maser vibrometer, 7.db with strain gage. Alhazza et al [ 16 ] conducted a elaborate probe on delayed feedback of a non-collocated PZT patch/accelerometer brace clamped on abeam, to stifle two manners at the same time. It has been shown that the muffling control is maximised where each pole has existent parts of similar magnitudes. Mahmoodi et al [ 17 ] used modified positive place feedback on an aluminum beam with two braces of MFC sensor/actuator. They besides used realtime Fast Fourier Transform monitoring in dSPACE to about find the resonances of the system and alter the frequence of the accountant consequently. A big amplitude decrease was achieved in two manners ( 23-37 dubnium ) and a little alteration in frequences as an inauspicious consequence.1.1.3 Techniques used in BrusselsPerumont have written many documents but the most recent one is based on isolation of warheads. Hanieh and Perumont [ 18 ] used relative and built-in compensators to cut down the natural frequence of an isolator construction by half ( 50 % ) , although this does non specifically place the poles. They highlighted the usage of built-in addition to brace the system for increasing relative addition. Marneffe and Perumont [ 19 ] showed that manners can be dampened by negative electrical capacity shunt circuits utilizing PZT actuators every bit good as increasing or diminishing the natural frequencies..This method does non stifle every bit good as Integrated Force Feedback ( IFF ) , nevertheless poles are non specified clearly. The system can besides supply some inactive fading. Preumont et al [ 20 ] described decentralized force feedback on six-axis isolator in order to stifle three widely spaced manners of frequence ( 3-400 Hz ) close to 40 dubniums. They discovered that the demand for highpass filter with a really low corner frequence whish stabilise the integrated signals has a side consequence on the fading.1.1.4 Techniques used in Other InstitutionsGaudenzi et al [ 21 ] applied place and speed feedback to a collocated PZT sensor/actuator on a clamped beam. Control additions are calculated in order to give specified muffling values in each instance, the frequence displacements are besides calculated but non clearly specified. Song et Al [ 22 ] compared Strain Rate Feedback ( SRF ) and Positive Position Feedback ( PPF ) for quiver decrease of a beam, utilizing a collocated PZT detector and actuator. They determined SRF damped quivers in about half clip of PPF, but the accountant bandwidth was much smaller. Vasques and Rodrigues [ 23 ] presented a numerical survey which compares Changeless Amplitude Velocity Feedback ( CAVF ) , Changeless Gain Velocity Feedback ( CGVF ) , Linear Quadratic Regulator ( LQR ) and Linear Quadratic Gausssian ( LQG ) control on a beam with a piezoelectric actuator/sensor collocated brace. The usage of Kalman-Bucy filter and its part to the possibility of spillover were demonstrated. CAVF and CGVF require distinction of the end product signals, which compromise stableness badly. The greatest fading was given by LQG control schemes with the lowest actuator force. Kolvalovs et al [ 24 ] model the effects of MFC actuators as a thermic burden in Finite Element ( thermic enlargement coefficient I ± = piezoelectric changeless vitamin D / electrode spacing I?es ) , which was compared favorably with trial on a clamped aluminum beam. There was a study of big fading but it was non the control method. PZT detectors and four PZT actuators were used by Kwak and Heo [ 25 ] on the legs of an ‘A ‘ frame to cut down quiver with Multiple-In-Multiple-Out PPF control. Block opposite technique was used by them to stifle more braces of pole than actuators, and to increase stableness. A decrease in natural frequences was predicted and observed, but are non explicitly specified in the control. Qiu et al [ 26 ] used non-collocated PZTs to command the first and the first two flexing manner of a beam. Lowpass filter and stage displacements were used to greatly lower the possibility of spillover. Their Variable Structure Control ( VSC ) uses the built-in of signal measured. Pole arrangement in procedure technology seems to be prevailing and reasonably implemented in a broad mode, for case Michiels et al [ 27 ] used the province feedback and the consequence of the clip hold was included. However, the chief aim in these systems is stability non the fading.1.1.5 Application of Pole PlacementAn interesting facet in pole arrangement is the work done by Mahmoodi et al [ 17 ] , where the accountant with regard to the natural frequences of the system determined from the extremums of a FFT in dSPACE. A technique which is the same could let the control of time-varying mass, the FFT must be buffered must be buffered, hence the adaptative control is comparatively slow. There may be demand of existent clip robust curve adjustment. In published work of Kwak and Heo [ 25 ] , it is shown that in an effort to delegate more poles than actuators with a PPF accountant, finding control additions utilizing the pseudo opposite may non be desiable. This cogency of this may besides be applicable for the receptance method. A figure of surveies have shown that the addition in truth of MFCs as detectors when compared to other strain gages and accelerometers could better the anticipations of the control addition. The simplest accountants, like displacement feedback were non every bit effectual as more complex accountants, but the optimum control strategy is non clear. It was shown that highpass filters and turning away of taking derived functions of measured signal are necessary. In some conditions of PZT actuators, lowpass filters were required because they can readily excite manners of high frequence and give rise to spillover.1.2 Theoretical SurveiesSome few documents were selected so that the consecutive development of the subject can be presented without adverting all the research works conducted by the research workers. Before the theoretical reappraisal it is imperative to present some mathematical theory of quiver suppression for the intent of familiarization with the active quiver control. In general the rule of active quiver control by method of receptance modelled by Mottershead and Ram [ 28 ] is as follows: See the three systems M, C, and K with province feedback ; Where, M is the mass system â€Å" C is the damping system â€Å" K is jumping system ( stiffness ) Ma ( T ) + Ca?†¹ ( T ) + Kx ( T ) = degree Fahrenheit ( T ) ( clip sphere ) ( 1 ) Ma ( T ) + Ca?†¹ ( T ) + Kx ( T ) = bu ( T ) + P ( T ) ( 2 ) B is a vector while u ( T ) is a scalar. U ( T ) = – ( gTx + fTa?†¹ ) U ( T ) = -gTx – fTa?†¹ Then equation ( 2 ) becomes Ma ( T ) + Ca?†¹ ( T ) + Kx ( T ) = B ( -gTx – fTa?†¹ ) + P ( T ) ( 3 ) Ma ( T ) + Ca?†¹ ( T ) + Kx ( T ) = – bgTx – bfTa?†¹ + P ( T ) ( 4 ) Under a existent status, each non nothing footings in B means the usage of an actuator while in g or degree Fahrenheit means the usage of detector. In frequence sphere, the consequence in equation ( 4 ) gives: [ Ms2 + Cs + K +b ( gT + foot ) ] x ( s ) =p ( s ) It is obvious that the close-loop dynamic stiffness is changed by the rank-1 alteration B ( gT+ foot ) due to the province feedback when one input is used. The opposite of a matrix with a rank-1 alteration in footings of the opposite of the original matrix is given by The Sherman-Morrison expression [ 29 ] .Hence, the close-loop receptance matrix is: A ¤ ( s ) = H ( s ) – H ( s ) B ( gT + foot ) H ( s ) 1+ ( gT + foot ) H ( s ) B H ( s ) is equal to the opposite of [ Ms + Cs + K ] . It may be determined practically from the matrix of receptances H ( tungsten ) measured at the sensor/actuator coordinates.1.2.1 Receptance Modelling TechniquesMottershead and Ram [ 28 ] concluded that the system matrices M, C and K are non required to be evaluated in delegating poles and nothings in active quiver control when utilizing receptance method. Duncan [ 30 ] and Sofrin [ 31 ] were the first set of people to compose paper which addressed the job of uniting two or more dynamical systems in 1941 and 1945 severally. The job considered by them was based on finding the dynamic behavior of a compound system which was formed as a consequence of uniting two or more subsystems with known receptances and known belongingss which are interconnected. The technique creates the footing for the job of direct structural alteration by receptance modeling, which the elaborate account has been given by Bishop and Johnson [ 32 ] . Ewins [ 33 ] gave a general expression for finding the receptances of a compound system utilizing measured receptances from another constituent. In this, the matrix of connection-point receptances need to be inverted, this is known to be an improperly posed job. Berman [ 33, 34 ] has explained the job in flexibleness matrix inversion to obtain stiffness and frailty versa. Weissenburger [ 35 ] presented the first paper to speak about reverse structural alteration job. In this job, the aim is to find the necessary alteration to put natural frequences and antiresonances ( assignment of characteristic root of a square matrix ) . The receptance in the receptance patterning method proposed by Weissenburger got decomposed into abbreviated set of spectra and manners. Weissenburger ‘s work was extended by Pomazal autonomic nervous systems Synder [ 36 ] to muffle system and see the best pick of alteration co-ordinates. Dowell [ 36 ] used an attack called quotient attack considered the general form of puting natural frequences after adding mass and spring to modify. The straightforward procedure applied in simple unit-rank alterations by add-on of a mass, is the assignment of individual natural frequence. It merely requires the measuring of the point receptance at the co-ordinate of alteration at the frequence to be assigned for the value of the mass added to be determined for the intent of delegating a individual natural frequence. In pattern, the add-on of a grounded spring is more hard than an added mass. Receptance modeling for the assignment of antiresonances was foremost applied in UK chopper industry in 1972. It was discovered by Vincent [ 37 ] that when a construction is excited at a point Q with fixed frequence is modified by adding a spring between two co-ordinates r and s, so the response at another point P will follow out a circle when it is plotted in the complex plane when the stiffness of the spring is being varied from subtraction to plus eternity. Hence there is a decrease in job of quiver suppression to happening point on the circle nearest to the complex response beginning. Thorough description of this method was given by Done and Hughes [ 38 ] and was further analysed by Nagy [ 39 ] to include Vincent circle analysis of a spring-mass absorber. The job of delegating antiresonance was discovered once more after a long period of no activities by Li et al [ 40 ] , but at that place was a restriction in their analysis by the necessity to find the manners of the ‘grounded ‘ system that have characteristic root of a square matrixs matching to the antiresonances. The manner was determined numerically from the mass and stiffness matrices already reduced in size by the eliminating row and column. The sensitivenesss of the system antiresonances were considered by Mottershead [ 41 ] . Vibration node was created by Mottershead and Lallement [ 42 ] by call offing pole with a nothing utilizing a receptance patterning method. Force restraint to measured point and cross-receptances was applied by Mottershead [ 43 ] in order to find characteristic root of a square matrixs ( pole ) , eigenvector and receptances of the forced systems. Then, add-on of multitudes to a beam leads to the accomplishment of delegating antiresonances in a physical experiment for the first clip.1.2.2 Active Control TechniquesMottershead and Ram [ 28 ] , concluded that active quiver control offers much greater flexibleness in delegating coveted dynamic behavior ( like poles ) than the inactive alteration because all poles can be assigned to order arbitrary location if the system is governable while in inactive alteration there is a restriction of symmetric alteration. In the theory of automatic control, a cardinal consequence provinces that the moral force of a system a can be regulated by delegating the characteristic root of a square matrixs, or poles, of the system utilizing a individual input force, provided that the system is governable [ 44 ] . Another option to modulate the moral force of a system is to utilize multiple control forces [ 45 ] . The usage of multiple control forces lead to accomplishment of redundancy which has been used by Kautsky et al [ 3 ] to do certain that there is hardiness of the control system in the sense that the pole assigned are non sensitive to disturbances in the parametric quantities of the system. For stableness to be achieved, all the system ‘s pole must lie on the left-hand side of the complex plane. In every bit much as natural quivers are described normally by finite component theoretical account which are of big dimensions, it is non normally easy to cognize whether all the characteristic root of a square matrixs possess negative existent parts, particularly when a large-space structural control system is being designed [ 46,47 ] . While some characteristic root of a square matrixs associated with big oscillation are being relocated, other characteristic root of a square matrix of which there was no purpose of altering them, shifted towards the righ hand-side of the complex plane and this may take to instability of the system. Such a procedure is called the spillover of poles. Saad [ 48 ] developed an algorithm for the selective changing of the spectrum of the dynamic system consists of a set of first-order differential equation. For the partial pole assignment job associated with systems undergoing quiver, a closed-form solution was derived in [ 49 ] , where there was resettlement of some coveted characteristic root of a square matrixs to order places, while all other characteristic root of a square matrixs remain unchanged. The usage of a certain perpendicularity relation m ade this accomplishable which applies to a general viscously-damped system. Generalisation has been made refering this method to include multi-input control forces. In this, little control attempt was control by redundancy in the control forces.1.2.3 Continuous System TechniqueThe job of direct characteristic root of a square matrix of a system which is additive and uninterrupted and in combination with another system is good understood. Danek [ 50 ] used Green ‘s maps in obtaining the characteristic equation and natural frequences of two beams which are connected at distinct points. Classical method of dividing variables was used by Nicholson and Bergman [ 51 ] in order to analyze free quiver of two types of combined additive undamped dynamical systems. Both systems need the add-on of oscillator to beams. Bergman and Nicholson [ 52 ] besides showed that for a additive combined system dwelling of a viscously damped simple beam and a figure of viscously damped oscillators, the response could be solved in closed signifier. Conditionss were given for the being of classical normal manners in a combined viscously damped additive system and the precise solution for the response to an arbitrary excitement when this status is satisfied. In uninterrupted systems, nodal points can be specified by utilizing inactive or active control. The control force in footings of an infinite merchandise of characteristic root of a square matrixs was expressed by Ram [ 53 ] . The consequence is based on certain relation that connects the eigenfunctions to a merchandise of characteristic root of a square matrixs [ 54 ] .It was shown by Singh and Ram [ 55 ] that anodal point in a vibrating beam may be assigned bythe usage of manner form informations associated with auxiliary set of partial differential equations. In decision,

Morality and Power Essay

Thucydides’ written history of the Mytilenian Debate and the Melian Dialogue reflects the reality of a period where morality is dependent on the exercise of power and those who possess it. The main theme running through the course of these two debates is that those with the power to act as they wish inherently have the power to dictate morality. The arguments that decide the fate of the Mytilene are made not strictly on the basis of morality but on how their power allows them to exercise the moral course they choose. The Melian dialogue reveals how those in power can dictate morality in terms of self-interest. Both cases also demonstrate how morality is also a function of self-interest. The question of the relationship between power and morality also hinges on the definition of these two vague terms. Morality, in the broader sense of moral order, has been defined as â€Å"a set of rules which define what is right and wrong. † (Outka and Reeder, p. 5) Who decides what is right and wrong often depends, as with Thucydides’ history, on who has the power in a given situation. Power can broadly be defined, as the capacity to achieve what one wants. (Dickerson and Flanagan, p. 24) In the case of these two debates, the Athenians were the party who possessed the power. They had the coercive ability to decide the fates of both the Melians and the Mytilenians. This power was derived strictly from the military might their empire was able to build up. In both cases, power allowed them to dictate morality to the inferior parties. Thucydides’ history of the Mytilenian debate details the discussion of a council deciding on how to punish the citizens of Mytilene for a failed revolt. The two options on the table are to either slaughter all the inhabitants, as had been previously agreed upon, or to leave them without severe punishment. Cleon, the Athenian responsible of initially deciding to slaughter Mytilene, argued that it was necessary to take his brutal course of action for the safety of the empire. He stated succinctly that â€Å"leadership depends on superior strength and not on goodwill. † (Thucydides, p. 213) He believed that killing the Mytilenians was a question of safety for the empire; If you are going to give the same punishment to those who are forced to revolt by your enemies and those who do so of their own accord, can you not see that they will all revolt upon the slightest pretext, when success means freedom and failure brings no very dreadful consequences. (Thucydides, p. 216) In this statement, Cleon argues that Athens has a moral duty to put down this revolt in the harshest way. He makes it a moral argument because it is in the self-interest of Athens, and any state, to protect its citizens. It is their moral duty. The Mytilenians, in their own self-interest, would argue that it is immoral to slaughter a whole population. They are both right. Subsequently, the council decides not to slaughter the inhabitants of Mytilene. They are convinced to â€Å"look for a method by which, employing moderation in our punishments, we can in future secure for ourselves the full use of those cities which bring us important contributions. † (Thucydides, p. 221) They do this not the sake of the Mytilenians, but for one of pure self-interest. Morality, in this situation, is dictated by the party in power. The Melian Dialogue concerns the history of the island of Melos. Melis, a colony of Sparta, had refused to join the Athenian empire and side against Sparta; they instead chose neutrality. Athens had brought a force to the island to take Melos by force. Before the siege, the two sides met to discuss the surrender of the Melians. (Thucydides, p. 401) Athens does not argue the morality of what they intend to do, they say strongly that † the standard of justice depends on the equality of power to compel and that in fact the strong do what they have the power to do and the weak accept what they have to accept. † (Thucydides, p. 402) In this situation, power does not dictate morality; it completely voids it. The Melians ask repeatedly if the Athenians â€Å"would not agree to ? being friends instead of enemies. † The Athenians reply by saying that â€Å"if we were on friendly terms with you, our subjects would regard that as a sign of weakness. † (Thucydides, p. 402) The Melians question the Athenian’s morality by saying that this is not â€Å"fair play† since they have not posed any direct threat to the Empire. Athens responds by saying â€Å"that by conquering you we shall increase not only the size but the security of our empire? this is no fair fight? it is rather a question of saving your lives and not resisting those who are far too strong for you. † (Thucydides, p. 403) In the end, the Melians do not surrender and the Athenian army slaughters them. In Thucydides’ history, those in power decide morality. In both of the aforementioned cases, both sides have had morality on their side. The Mytilenians and Melians believed the moral precept of saving their own lives. The Athenians believed in the morality of preserving their empire. Neither side was right or wrong, neither side acted immorally. They both acted in their own self-interest. What decided the moral outcome was that Athenians had the power to impose their moral right on their powerless, but equally moral opponents. Works Cited Dickerson, Mark and Flanagan, Thomas â€Å"Government and Politics† Scarbourough, Ontario: ITP Nelson, 1998 Outka, Gene and Reeeder, John â€Å"Religion and Morality† New York: Anchor Books ,1973 Thucydides â€Å"History of the Peloponnesian War† Toronto: Penguin Books, 1972Ã'Ž

Economic Implications of a US-Iranian War Essay

Some have said that the United States and Iran have been involved in a â€Å"Cold War† for three decades starting with the fall of the taking of American hostages in 1979. One could trace the problems between Iran and the United States to the installation of the Shah in the 1950s. Regardless of the origins, the fact remains that Iran and the United States consider themselves enemies. As such, it is not out of the question that a war between the United States and Iran could break out. This creates a very complex scenario because of the global economic implications of a war between Iran and the United States. Iran is, of course, a major supplier of oil to the many allies of the United States. Japan, for example, is one of the United States’ strongest allies and it receives an enormous amount of oil from Iran. Similarly, many European allies receive imports of Iranian oil. A war between Iran and the United States would have tremendous global implications. Among these many implications would be serious potential negative implications for the world’s economy. Several of these different â€Å"nightmare scenarios† will be explored in this essay. First, it is important to state there are different ways to wage war. Some methods such as supporting the overthrow of the Iranian government via supporting resistance forces might not have the impact of the global economy to the same degree as a series of surgical airstrikes or a ground invasion. In this essay, the subject of ‘war’ will be discussed in its most conventional sense. Specifically, it will be defined as a large scale, drawn out military conflict between the two nations. One of the most strategic areas the United States must consider when it comes to Economic Implications of a US-Iranian War – 2 the issue of a war with Iran is the fact that Iran is completely reliant on the importation of gasoline. Without shipping access, the ability for Iran to maintain its importation of gasoline would be impossible. Of course, it would be to the United States’ interest to enact a naval blockade on Iran to prevent the importation of gasoline. This would almost immediately lead to Iran further rationing its gasoline supply in order to effectively operate its military. While it would not be accurate to state that a naval blockade would immediately end the war (Iran’s navy could attack the US’ navy and potentially reverse the blockade) However, the scenario of no imports or exports would also cripple Iran’s ability to deliver oil to other nations in the world. This would then have potentially enormous economic impacts on the global markets. The notion that there would be serious economic implications resulting from a war between the United States and Iran has been weighed by many serious thinkers. â€Å"earlier in July when Iran tested missiles capable of reaching Israel and other corners of the Middle East, the price —of oil jumped to a new high of over $147 per barrel. In fact, some analysts see the impact of U. S. —Iran relations on the oil market as so important as to suggest the best way to give quick relief to energy consumers around the world is a declaration by the U. S. that military force is not an acceptable option in its dispute with Iran. † (Esfahani) This is why there is so much concern globally regarding a potential United States/Iranian conflict. At the core of mostly all basic economics is the theory of supply and demand. If Economic Implications of a US-Iranian War – 3 the supply of something is limited and high demand remains in place, the price of the item increases. This then creates the issue of opportunity costs. When you buy something with your money, you have eliminated the potential to use that same money for something else. In other words, if the price of gasoline skyrockets and people have to pay more for it, then they will be depleted their cash reserves or increasing their borrowing. Oil is also employed for the production of electricity which would also increase in price in the face of an oil embargo. Once again, the drain on personal finances as a result of such increased energy and fuel costs would cut into every sector of the global economy. Discretionary income would drop and leisure purchases and even the purchases of necessities would diminish rapidly. What would be the effect of this on the economies of various nations? The impact would be felt on a variety of front. The stock market, for example, would experience a great deal of negative impact as a result of such diminished spending. When people are not purchasing, the stocks of many companies may decline. After all, their profit margins could decline. Granted, there are many steps a company can take to make sure its stock price remains stable. For example, reducing the workforce or cutting spending in other areas would aid in boosting stock prices. However, if something is not done to present the lowering of stock prices, economies will take an immediate tumble. Those with investments in the market would see their net worth diminish. If one Economic Implications of a US-Iranian War – 4 sees a 25% decline in the value of their portfolio, they will see a 25% decline in their net worth. Again, this is how simple economics works and such an impact will assuredly be the result of a large scale (or even minor military skirmish) between Iran and the United States. There really would be no way to avoid such a chain of events from occurring if a war broke out between the Unites States and Iran. This is because there will be an enormous impact on the price and flow of oil if such a war was to break out. Such an occurrence could not be circumvented in any way. As one can infer, this ties heavily into the concept of aggregate demand which would be the definitive demand for goods and services in a particular economy at certain specific price levels. As one could logical infer, demand for high priced items in this situation of reduced consumer cash liquidity would certainly hamper purchases of high priced items or items that are not considered of vital importance to one’s sustenance. This can lead to s significant reduction in output – the total value of all services and goods produced in the economy – within a very short period of time. We will see the impact of this in the Mundell-Fleming Model (An aggregate demand model) which would detail the relationship between the inflation of prices combined with the actual output of goods and services. In the simplest of terms, high inflation combined with a slow decline in goods and services could prove cataclysmic for an economy. But, even with high inflation, it would be safe to say that the potential for the Mundell-Fleming model to maintain a high supply of goods and services is possible in the United States. The reason for this is that the various sectors of the United States Economic Implications of a US-Iranian War – 5 economy are so vast that there will be those able to purchase goods and services even at inflated prices. Some professions would not be as significantly impacted by high fuel or energy costs. As such, there may be a certain level of maintained stability within model even though a large section of the population may still be suffering. Issues surrounding a war with Iran are complex and far reaching. This includes the actual manner in which the war would be waged. Considering the size of the US and Iranian military, no option would be off the table in terms of how the war would be waged. Case in point, the utilization of tactical nuclear weapons by the United States may be necessitated. This is not to say that tactical nuclear missiles would be a first response or that they would be directed towards civilian targets. However, there are possibilities that could necessitate the use of such weapons by the United States. For example, Iran has tens of thousands of cruise missiles. The threat of launching thousands of these missiles into Israeli cities, European cities, or neighboring American military bases would potentially require the detonation of the missile silos with tactical nuclear arms. A wide scale Iranian invasion of neighboring countries such as Iraq could require a tactical response. Use of chemical weapons by Iran would constitute a WMD attack and lead to a nuclear response. Really, there are many different variables at work here. Again, this is not to say that a war between the United States and Iran would automatically lead to nuclear strikes. However, the potential for such strikes exist in any large scale military conflict. This would have a devastating impact on the world economy Economic Implications of a US-Iranian War – 6 for a number of reasons. The possibility of a nuclear strike destroying oil fields would be a potential scenario. The presence of radiation reducing the amount of work that can be performed on oil wells is another. Such scenarios are grim when discussed in an antiseptic manner. In the decades since the detonation of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, the horror of a nuclear strike’s effects have not been dulled on the senses of people. However, the specter of the potential use of such weapons is always present. As such, the impact – both human and economic – must be weighed. Because of the potential for a tactical nuclear strike leading to arms races in the region (Other nations will want their own nukes as a deterrent to future strikes), the need for a significant conventional force is required. This means the war will have to be funded to handle a long campaign and potentially significantly longer post-war rebuilding phase. This will cost significantly in terms of government expenditures which, in turn, means the deficit will skyrocket. With very high, out of control deficits, a number of seriously negative economic situations could develop. First, a debtor nation may not be able to provide for the common good of society. As such, it must take steps to reduce the impact of the deficit. One method involves printing more money and the other process involves increasing taxes. Both methods have the potential for significant economic harm. When a nation prints more money in order to meet obligations tied to a deficit, it the value of the currency will decrease. A weakened dollar comes with many problems. Economic Implications of a US-Iranian War – 7 Namely, investment is seriously hampered since the dollars that you amass are worth less. Additionally, there will be a disinclination on the part of foreign investors to put their money into the US market. There would be limited value for their doing so since the dollar is declining meaning their investment capital in dollars would potentially decline as well. Debt holders of US bonds would also become more nervous since they would be losing money on their investment. As pointed out in BUSINESSWEEK, â€Å"As the currency deteriorates, it becomes more expensive to import goods and services from other countries, fueling inflation. In an effort to pull investors back, central banks often raise interest rates when their national currencies lose value. But as anyone who remembers the ’70s knows, the combination of rising interest rates and on-the-run inflation can be a devastating economic cocktail. † (Rosenbush) In some cases, foreign investment is critical for the spurning of employment and economic growth. With foreign companies opting to avoid putting their money into the United States, the unemployment could increase which further raises deficit potential. This is due to the fact that more unemployed people means less tax dollars paid to the government. Additionally, unemployment creates greater dependency on welfare which also contributes to higher deficits. All of this further sets the stage for inflation which makes goods and services less affordable to the public. This further damages the economy and adds to the deficits. Tax Economic Implications of a US-Iranian War – 8 increases are commonly pointed to as a solution, but their value is limited. When money is taken out of the private sector and placed in the treasury, it makes job creation harder. This, in turn, makes economic recover more difficult as well. If an economic recovery if difficult to expedite, then it becomes much harder to get out of it. That is because the sheer volume of economic pain induced by the many months or years of poor economic factors and growth create complexities and problems that multiply. Again, this makes reversing a poor economy more difficult. As such, some may wonder why the United States’ policy towards Iran may be so hard lined. The reason is that not treating Iran as a threat could prove equally harmful to economic and security interests. Iran’s agitation towards the United States prime allies is not helpful for US strategic security. Also, Iran’s potential domination of the other oil countries in the Middle East does not appeal to US economic interests. As such, there will be perpetual tension between the two countries. Hopefully, such tensions will not lead to war but preparedness for such actions is required. Considering the economic impact of such action, war should be the perennial last resort or option to be executed. So, far it has been averted and will hopefully remain averted for the foreseeable future. Most do not tie the economic ramifications to military action. However, the two are intertwined. Wars need to be funded and there are additional economic costs associated with military action. This is why sensible nations do not rush to war and as well they should not. But, this does not mean a nation should not prepare for the potential worst case scenario.While the US is not is a rush to engage Iran militarily, it understands the potential for such a conflict needs to be adequately prepared for. Works Cited Esfahani, e. (2008, September). The Economic consequences of us-iran relations. Retrieved from http://www. ideals. illinois. edu/bitstream/handle/2142/9093/ policy_brief. esfahani. final. pdf? sequence=2 Rosenbush, S. (2004, November 12). The Pros and cons of a weak dollar. Businessweek, Retrieved from http://www. businessweek. com/bwdaily/ dnflash/nov2004/nf20041112

Land law in ksa and uk Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Land law in ksa and uk - Essay Example The Rules of land Laws in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia In Saudi Arabia, the greater percentage of total land is owned by the government. Private individuals own only the property in the urban area and land which is cultivated in the rural areas. The law stipulates that all land titles deeds must be registered. However, accurate information on the extent of land registration does not exist (Sait & Lim, 2006). Initially, the law stated that real estate could only be owned by the native citizens until when the property laws were amended to give the right to foreigners to also own property. However, for individuals who are not citizens of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to invest in property there is a need for them to seek council of ministers approval. Three categories of land exist in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These include developed land, undeveloped land, and protective zones. Developed land constitutes constructed environment of towns and villages and land, which has been agriculturally developed. The law states that this land may be sold, bought, or inherited. Land, which is not developed, constitutes grazing pasture and wilderness. Grazing land and pasture is a common good. As such, the law authorizes every citizen to use it. However, the wilderness is a state property, which may be open to all unless the state imposes some restrictions. The Saudi land law uses the Waqf. This is a form of land ownership in, which a Saudi national has the right to transfer property to an organization or foundation for long term charitable or religious reasons. Once land or the property has been transferred under Waqf, the law does not allow further transfer or alienation of the same property. The Rules of the Land Law in United Kingdom The United Kingdom law is the law of real property in Wales and England. This law entails acquisition, priority and content of rights and obligations among people with land interests (Gray & Gray, 2009). The old content of English land law is relate d to property rights that come from common law, the registration system and equity. Normally, ownership of land in the United Kingdom is acquired through a sale contract where the buyer acquires the land through a written agreement with the seller, and there is an exchange of money. In order to complete such a purchase, the law states that the purchaser of the land must formally register his intention to buy the land in land registry. Apart from sale contracts, the law stipulates that individuals may acquire interests in land through contribution to home acquisition price, or to family life if the courts of the land can find evidence of a common purpose that this should occur. The law also recognizes a constructive or resulting trust over the property, and in credit of individuals of social interest in their households, these do not need to be registered just like a lease whose duration is less than seven years (Gray & Gray, 2009). Further, the law stipulates that individuals can ac quire land through propriety estoppels. This refers to a situation where an individual is assured to receive land or property, and relied on this to their detriment, the court may acknowledge it. Adverse possession is a form of ownership which allows a person who

Ambient music Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Ambient music - Essay Example This "Ambient music" essay outlines types of ambient music and peculiarities of this genre. This is what Ambient Music is all about. Ambient music is so diverse because it has borrowed extensively from many different cultures. Music is described as "the science or art of incorporating pleasing, expressive or intelligible combinations of vocal and instrumental tones into a composition having definite structure and continuity," or it is otherwise said to be "Vocal or instrumental sounds having rhythm, melody or harmony." (Webster’s dictionary, 3rd New International Dictionary of the English Language) Therefore Ambient Music is a conglomeration of a wide range of rhythm and sounds which have been incorporated to make it richer and more diverse. Webster’s definition of â€Å"Ambient† is "to go around, surround, encompass. An encompassing environment or atmosphere" (Webster’s Dictionary) Ambient music uses other fractal sounds such as the rush of wind, the fall of waves or a waterfall, the rustling of leaves, the sound of birds, the hissing of a snake, the sound of an airplane, or the sound of rain. Therefore it cannot be categorized in a clear cut manner because of its diversity. Different kinds of ambience need different kinds of sounds and music in order to cater effectively or suit the atmosphere where it is played. This type of ambient uses the synthesizer a lot creating a kind of dreamlike or ethereal drifting feeling which is very soothing and lends a peaceful mood to the person who is listening.

An Investigation of Career Barriers for Female Television News Anchor Dissertation - 1

An Investigation of Career Barriers for Female Television News Anchor in Nigeria - Dissertation Example These tribes during pre-colonial times have had their women enjoying equal social status with the men, especially with their respected traditional government systems (Ajayi, 2007, p. 137-138). For example, there are Women’s Leaders, Goddess Priests and Market Women’s Leader (among others) in the Yoruba tribes in South Nigeria. There are also Queens in Northern Nigeria that contribute to the local political influences and development (Ajayi, 2007, p. 138). These all changed when the British colonized Nigeria since the British Colonial Administration actively pushed discriminatory sex roles in the nation’s politics (Ajayi, 2007). This reduced women’s power and relevance in their society. The women were denied opportunities in career, business and politics. They were marginalized. Nigeria is a male-dominated society. In Islamic religion, especially in the Sharia law, women and men have very different roles, rights and obligations. This is largely due to their religion, which is Islam. This is where the major sexual and gender differences start in their society. This law therefore dictates the woman’s fate in terms of education, employment, finances and even in legislation. Television, having introduced women on the screen, in roles often contradictory to the stereotypical domestic role of the women in society, has also given rise to some fundamental, social, cultural, professional and ethical issues, which have come to affect the career paths of women in the industry. Gender stereotyping is not limited to the field of television. This is an issue which transcends all strata of organizational, social and family life in Nigeria (Agnes & Ijeoma, 2010). Before the advent of television in Nigeria, parents believed in sending their sons to acquire formal education in Law, Medicine or Engineering while encouraging their daughters to learn the family trade and then get married. Society believed that a woman’s place resides squarel y in the home and in rare cases when they were allowed to go to university, such conventional courses as mentioned above were the accepted courses to study. This was due to the image of prestige, dignity, integrity and decorum associated with such traditional career paths (Charles, 1989). There is a study in the United States by Engstrom and Ferri, about the Local U.S. Television News Anchors’ Perceived Career Barriers. The study found out that most career barriers are often sexist in nature. There is no tangible evidence for sexism though, as both men and women have reported having less time at home. The study covers both sexes but it also shows how the sex determines one’s career. In the case of women, their decision to further their career is often hampered with their other concerns, particularly with that of the family and even physical appearance and ageism. This can come as career barriers. Culture appears to be the most powerful barrier in the pursuit of a profe ssion in TV sector among Nigerian women. The Nigerian culture encourages submissiveness in women and the Nigerian women have faced a lot of gender stereotyping in their society, which are even present till date (Poindexter & Meraz, 2008). However, there are probably other factors that contribute to the stagnation of the careers of women that are not

Accounting Information in Decision Making Essay

Accounting Information in Decision Making - Essay Example Individual Roles b. Group (corporate) iv. Conclusion Accounting Information in Decision Making Introduction Engaging accounting information is an idea of great magnitude in decision-making. Decisions adopted by a business defines it success. This sensitive endeavor demands critical attentions. Accounting provides facts essential for understanding the subject under question. Therefore, accounting enhances case examination, interpretation and communication of findings. Accounting information is thus, of considerable relevance because the information presents the actual state of the matter. In fact, they act as trial tests. The management can use earlier examples to develop concrete decisions. Virtually, the information presented has high reliability because they are mainly certifiable and impartial (Mansor, Tayles, & Pike 2012). Moreover, accounting information can provide progressive figure hence the team can perform a timeliness test to ascribe there validity. Accessing the very curr ent information is important since timeliness of the information defines its dependability. Measurement unit used in presenting accounting information has substantial stability. The model commonly links the information with monetary units. Although monetary units experiences fluctuations due to environmental forces; the unit establishes a comparatively stable unit (Mansor, Tayles, & Pike 2012). Indeed sometimes, the change is negligible. ... Expected Utility Subjective Expected Utility (SEU) propagates a concept that individuals make choices which ought to exploit the value of their utility. The SEU theory presumes that actors make choices within limited constant options. The model further accounts that subsequent choices are subjective to each other. The scheme strongly defies the concept of actor’s rational choice. Therefore, the model treats human being as objects swayed by internal forces into following a certain route. This driving force is accountable for the decision made. However, assumptions presented by the models do not depict the situation in the ground. According to Machina 2005 (32), the decision-making environment is not necessary presented with limited choices. Importantly, sorting out options available for a certain case is virtually unpractical. Failing to account for individual’s rational thinking is the major limitation presented by this model. Bounded rationality defines actor’s cognitive limitations influenced by knowledge and examination ability. Studies have engaged effectual experiments challenging SEU theory under bounded rationality ideas. The SEU theory has failed to support its postulates in cases of downing one of its assumptions (Mansor, Tayles, & Pike 2012). Humanity is associated with bounded rationality hence concepts presented by the system are compromised. Group: Theory of the Firm This theory observes that no business exists in isolation. Any corporation exists in a multifaceted background of players and institutions. This entails supervisory and administration bureaus, input suppliers, customers and self-cultures. Therefore, the scheme asserts that these bodies lay special aspirations on firm’s activities hence any corporation has an obligation of identifying

Fieldwork plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Fieldwork plan - Essay Example 2009: 73). The realm of civil society in Saudi was for long a neglected field and least studied have been conducted in this region among others of Middle East and GCC countries. Activists and intellectuals advocating for developments and reforms concerning human rights as social actors have gradually been effectively active since early 2000s. The increased advocacies on human rights have subsequently increased the space for people to pressure governments from bellow thereby representing a greater challenge (Alhargan, 2012). This PhD thesis aims to investigate the nature of civil society in Saudi Arabia and examines the suitability of the civil society theories and to what extent such theories can be applied to the Saudi context. Moreover, this research aims at determining whether the same theories should modify and develop to guide those who are interested in this field. Notably, this fieldwork aims at collecting primary qualitative data on civil society in Saudi Arabia. Such data will be collected in various forms and structures; furthermore, that data will contain depicting functions it performs, the influence it has upon the broad society and the ruling powers, and the effectiveness by which it discharges these functions. The fieldwork also aims to gather in-depth information about the role of the religious leadership in the development of civil society, and their influence on political authority. The research shall also obtain information about tribal regional and sectarian identities and their impact on civil society. Numerous studies have since concentrated on the relationship between civil society and religion. This has been so for long time particularly since the Roman Catholic Church concentrated its focus on marginalized areas and politically unstable regions. According to Alhargan, local actors advocating civil rights mainly arose from the religious establishment, unaffiliated government clerics, independent rights activists

Arguments Participation Paper 1 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Arguments Participation Paper 1 - Assignment Example They mock at the racial inequality as dust gets settled on both the white and the black. The economic exploitation and indifferent treatment toward the tunnel workers are evident in the lines 9-12. Muriel has been a social activist taking her poetry to the level of political statements. She has worked for the cause of various political and social issues during her time. In her poem, â€Å"George Robinson: Blues†, she depicts the gruesome, inhuman life of the black tunnel workers in the town of Gauley Bridge. The town is characterized as the â€Å"Negro town† sarcastically, as it does not own them but disowns them by sending tunnel workers in bulk to the cemetery on top of the hill. George, the speaker presents an insider’s view of the life in the tunnel. White dust settling on the blacks deconstructs the racial coding and makes it difficult for the outsider to identify the ‘white’. The tunnel worker, masked in white dust, proceeds gradually toward the graveyard in the top of the hill left unattended by doctors. They are not provided with the basic medical facilities nor are cared for by the authorities. They are left to die so inhuman. He says how the workers die in huge numbers due to the unhealthy working conditions. â€Å"Did you ever bury thirty-five men in a place in back of your  house/thirty-five tunnel workers the doctors didnt attend/ died in the tunnel camps, under rocks, everywhere, world/ without end† (9) ironically portray how inhuman the tunnel workers are looked upon. It is very clear that the tunnel workers are commodities looked upon only for utility and when they turn sick and not fit to work and turn over profit, the authorities step in only to remove them from the job. George says, â€Å"when he couldnt keep going barely/the Cap and company come and run him off the job surely† (15). The poet has depicted the social picture of the tunnel workers in the voice of an

What is childrens literature & how does it enrich children's lives Essay

What is childrens literature & how does it enrich children's lives - Essay Example Therefore, it makes them familiar with all these things and prepares them to handle such situations or problems which may arise in their own lives. A written work produced specifically for the purpose of educating or entertaining young people is termed as Children’s literature. The range of this genre of writing includes classics, picture books, fairy tales, fables, songs from the folk tradition and illustrated stories. Earlier, stories told in the oral tradition constituted this genre, but the late 18th century and the early part of the 19th century saw a spurt in activity in this area while high levels of literacy in the 20th century gave a great impetus to the creation of this form of writing. The purpose of children’s literature is to create a â€Å"revelation, expansion and exploration-pushing back limits† according to Peter Hunt, one of the foremost proponents and critic of this form of writing. Children’s literature plays an important role in molding and nourishing a child’s character. Children’s literature is created keeping in mind the fact that its target audience is not yet ready for adult literature and it is designed to cater to a age group which is still not equipped with the necessary mental skills required to understand and read complex words and ideas. Literature enriches a child by helping him to understand themselves and their surroundings better by placing them in a make believe world, where they immerse themselves into one of the characters and experience the world vicariously. Nancy Anderson has divided children’s literature into six broad categories- early childhood picture books  , fiction, traditional literature, biographies and autobiographies, poems and verses, and non-fiction. She also delineates what does not constitute this genre, and these include joke books, comics, and cartoon books. Pictus† published in 1658 followed by John Newberry’s

1.Since Country A has a higher GDP than Country B then this must mean Essay - 2

1.Since Country A has a higher GDP than Country B then this must mean the residents of Country A are better off in terms of economic welfare. Discuss - Essay Example GDP also shows the productivity of a nation. Countries like China and India have better GDP rate compared to U.S. as per the latest studies. The recent television reports has shown that the American secret agency has submitted a report to the Bush government that India and China will become super powers within 20 years. â€Å"The monetary value of all the finished goods and services produced within a countrys borders in a specific time period, though GDP is usually calculated on an annual basis. It includes all of private and public  consumption, government outlays, investments and exports less imports that occur within a defined territory. From the above definition it is clear that if a country produces maximum finished goods within a time span (normally 1 year) the GDP will increases. From the above equation it is clear that GDP will increase when the consumer spending, government spending and sum of country’s business spending increases. The GDP will also increase when exports exceeds the imports (NX value). Now we can try to analyze GDP a little more deeply by studying the GDP rate of two countries; one with higher GDP rate and another with lower GDP rate. GDP incorporates many of the economic indicators of a country such as retail sales, personal consumption and wholesale inventories etc. â€Å"The general consensus is that 2.5-3.5% per year growth in real GDP is the range of best overall benefit; enough to provide for corporate profit and jobs growth yet moderate enough to not incite undue inflationary concerns. If the economy is just coming out of recession, it is  OK for the GDP figure to jump into th e 6-8% range briefly, but investors will look for the long-term rate to stay near the 3% level. The general definition of an economic recession is two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth, which last occurred in the United States in 2001.  (Ryan Barnes). GDP is concerned with the region in which income is generated. It is the market value of

Speech Coaching Essay Example for Free

Speech Coaching Essay Problem Definition Communication, particularly oral communication is an essential skill, maybe more now than ever. With all of the electronic communication, good oral communication should stand out. Justification for Problem Definition Communication skills simply do not refer to the way in which we communicate with another person. It encompasses many other things the way in which we respond to the person we are speaking, body gestures including the facial ones, pitch and tone of our voice and a lot of other things. And the importance of communication skills is not just limited to the management world, since effective communication skills are now required in each and every aspect of our life. We can measure the importance of communication skills in the business sector when we take a look at job advertisements. There is little chance that you will come across an advertisement which does not mention that candidates should have good communication skills. List of Alternative course of action . Hiring a speech consultant. 2. Onsite communication and speech training. 3. Online or remote communication and speech training. Evaluate Alternatives 1. Conduct in house training sessions. First we have to hire employees with high effective communication skills, with this the amount of investment in the communication training should be minimized, then to conduct a periodic and regular in-house sessions and workshops to develop and enhance their communication skills. . Communication training for all employees. Communication training will help business to grow, essential communication skills training is required to be provided to all employees, but more advanced levels of training should be provided to front liners and executives, as effective communication skills are important for business continuity and growth. The company will invest a lot in this training but most probably will gain the benefits of this investment. 3. Communication training for leaders and front liners. Provide top notch communication skills training for company’s leaders, who are expected to train and mentor their subordinates on how to communicate effectively. Providing this kind of training to front liners will help improving business and grow sales figures. Conclusion Recommendations First and third solutions are recommended to be conducted along with each other’s to help have better communication across the company and with external parties.

Strategies HMR teams can adopt effective cross cultural training

Strategies HMR teams can adopt effective cross cultural training A Critical Evaluation of the strategies human resource management teams can adopt for effective cross-cultural training? A case study on Infosys Technologies. Literature Review Human resource management is the most valuable asset of an organization (Kleynhans 2006). Employees are vital for the effective functioning of an organization. Due to this factor the human resource management which was given a second class status before is now the most important function of an organization (Griffin 2007). Before two to three decades HRM was mainly meant to conduct company picnics, retirement parties, scheduling vacations etc. This has changed to a very large extend and today this is the critical function that could contribute in enhancing employee productivity (Decenzo 2009). Human resource management has undergone an intense makeover moving from defensive to proactive approach (Deb, 2006). Globalization is triggering this change and organizations have to come up with strategies to manage this. New systems of management are being designed by Human Resource Management in order to ensure effective utilization of human talent. HRM must be seen under a global perspective and placed in a wider business context in order to meet the upcoming needs (Price 2007). Out of the four main functions of HRM, i.e., recruiting, selecting, training and managing the human capital of a company, management is the most important and challenging function for the department. However managing the employees in an organization is not simply governing the payroll processes, providing training as well as preventing legal cases. A totally different outlook for the human resource management is necessary to keep up the status as a major factor for organizational success. Productive and i nnovative people who are able to work in flexible environment are therefore vital for an organization (Mathis Jackson, 2008). For a management to function efficiently in a company, they are not only meant to perform the economic and technical operations but also should be able to deal with the different cultural environments the company is functioning. Thus the management of the company should be able to cope up with multicultural conditions. Culture is the most decisive factor in the successful conduct of international business and international HRM (Briscoe Schuler 2004). Every country is different to another in many perspectives. It could be history, values, beliefs, language or even laws that provide a unique identity to a country. But all this can be called under a single name- culture. According to Magala (2005), Culture can be viewed as practical, useful software which helps generate blueprints for individual and collective action and which patterns our interactions. As business environment is expanding so are the companies. Many organizations have extended their business operations to more than one country. Globalization has demanded the employees to work on international assignments (Early Gibson 2002). The human resource management faces some fundamental challenges in the international business context (Denisi Griffin, 2005). They can be both general and specific. A large amount of research has been conducted by eminent scientists in the field of cross cultural training (Primecz, Romani, Sackmann, 2009). There are various web based forums that aids in the interaction between various researchers and other groups. These groups of people are mainly involved in the purpose of spreading the different views on carrying out businesses in other countries or other parts of the world and help them operate well international markets. After the colonial era there was heavy opposition from different areas regarding consideration of Western norm as normality. (Kwek, 2003; Fougà ¨re Moulettes,2006), and also the imbalance in power among the west and the other countries due to management discourses (Westwood,2006; Jack et al., 2008; Westwood Jack, 2009). CROSS-CULTURAL ISSUES FACED BY MULTINATIONALS The HRM policies and practices of multi-nationals will be having a major impact on their employee morale and future career prospects. This is mainly because a large portion of their employees come from outside the home country. Due to this reason, the employees from the host country and the expatriates have varied job expectations (Tayeb 2005). Thus it is the duty of the management to devise the policies in such a way that both the parties are satisfied (Dowling et.al 2008). Hence its not exaggerating to say that the global success of almost every company depends upon the policies and procedures implemented by its HR department (Vance Paik 2006). Expatriate management is a major issue of most multi-nationals. Hence this topic gains considerable importance in International Human Resource Management (Sparrow et.al 2004). Expatriates are the most expensive employees of an organization and its very difficult to measure their performance. Due to this fact, there is direct impact of these issues on the view point of organization on expatriates and also can be considered as a challenge for international mobility. Thus expatriate management has its own pros and cons (Shenkar Luo 2008). The primary task ahead of most expatriate researches is to find a fit between environmental demands and the characteristics of expatriate employees during an overseas assignment (Sparrow 2007). Due to increased decentralization and downsizing over past few years, most MNCs have lost their proficiency over expatriate management. This may be also due to increasing number of expatriates (Scullion Starkey 2000). This situation demands new approaches that would: Connect expatriate management with the much wider international human resource strategy. View at the strategic position of mobility at the MNCs and the consequences for employees of this mobility. Corporate governance is highly affected by the challenges of cultural disparities (Shonhiwa 2008). Cross-cultural challenges are the most important issue organizations have to tackle while expanding their business across borders. Multi-national companies of this age are into cut-throat competition with their rivals on the competencies and talents of their human capital. The employees of these organizations thus have to work across their national borders on many cross-national job assignments. Such international assignments can be quite challenging for these individuals as they are outside their comfort zones. They may also be having language issues or would be finding it difficult to adapt to culture of host country (Stahl Bjorkman 2006). The two specific HR functions that promote cross-cultural effectiveness among expatriates are selection and training and development. Cross cultural management emerged after the second world-war when the multinational companies started to be interested in effective management of their workforce in other countries (Behrens 2009). Mead in 2005 defined Cross-cultural management as Development and application of knowledge about cultures in the practice of international management, when the people involved have different cultural identities. These may or may not belong to the same business unit. Therefore it explains the organizational behavior across and within nations and cultures (Adler Gundersen 2008). For working as an expatriate, an individual must possess some skills that would influence his work performance over there. A skill is defined as The ability to demonstrate a sequence of behavior that is functionally related to attaining a performance goal (Torrington, 1994). The cross-cultural management skills would equip an individual to cope up with cultural challenges that could be faced when working on an intern ational assignment. There are a number of cultural dimensions that affects a companys international operations (Armstrong 2006). The most popular model were proposed by Hofstede and Trompenaar (Luger 2009). Hofstedes dimensions include: Equality versus inequality Certainty versus uncertainty Controllability versus uncontrollability Individualism versus collectivism Materialistic versus personalization The following are Trompenaars dimensions (Binder 2007): Universalism versus Particluarism Individualism versus Communitarianism Achievement versus Ascription Neutral versus Affective Specific versus Diffuse The cultural differences are also reflected in each and every function of HR (Harris et.al 2003). The following instance is a good example for it: A performance management system based on openness between manager and subordinate each explaining plainly how they feel the other has done well or badly in a job, may work in some European countries, but is unlikely to fit with the greater hierarchical assumptions and loss of face fears of some Pacific countries. The above example shows how the performance management function is being affected by the cultural differences. The various theorists (Hall,1989 Hofstede, 1986) of culture feel that there exist ethnocentricity among people of all cultures in different degrees. Thus people have a meaning and understanding of their own culture as well as a judgment about other cultures. And majority of people consider their culture and beliefs superior to others (Daft Marcic 2008). Cross cultural training in cases help people to think in the right way about the different cultures. The culturally heterogeneous group performs almost the similar way to culturally homogenous group. But in case of a heterogeneous group there will certain communication issues and barriers that need to be solved in order to bring in more cooperation. Studies have revealed certain ways by which the heterogeneous teams can be made more efficient, they include coordinating mechanisms that bring people together, certain period of scheduling, making a rule that participation in team is compulsory and also developing an identity for the team (Gelfand, Erez and Aycan 2007). There are various situations where in the employees when relocated can result loss of valuable employees (Collins and Kirsch 1999). For the purpose of relocating employees the company should make sure that they are given enough cross cultural training. The training given may not only include cross cultural but also the training regarding change in technology. An ineffective training could result in employee turnover (Cassidy, Kreitner Kreitner 2009). Most of the time there is rate of attrition when there is transfer of employees to a different region. This kind of an employee turnover ratio will be harmful for the company as a whole (Allen and Alvarez 1998). In financial terms this kind of loss of employees is also very disturbing and heavy loss for the company (Mendenhall 1991). In order to retain employees in proper way there needs to be a god HR strategy which will help reduce attrition (Agarwal and Ferratt 2001). Thus to attain cross-cultural effectiveness more focus must be giv en to job training, employees must be properly educated as well as the organization must give emphasis to development (Moran et.al 2007). Problems The existence of power relations in management is reduced to certain extend by way of cross-cultural management. In case of a cross -cultural management, cross culture training is provided based on the employees cultural background. The training program and materials used in it must be devised according to the socio-cultural knowledge and background of employees (Chrisler McCreary 2009). In many companies there is a common situation where the employee gender is overshadowed and things are taken for granted. There is situation in companies where the women employees are not considered. An example that can be sighted in this respect is: when a women employee is sent to an Arab country the cultural environment that they face. Women are also alleged of not having any international career options and aspiration thus there is always a gender based challenge that exists in companies (Caligiuri Cascio, 1998). The organizations need to think comprehensively before going to explore international opportunities (Mcfarlin Sweeney, 2008). Management should perform an analytical study on these opportunities weighing the internal strengths and weaknesses. The human factor should also be considered during this. Ignoring the people-related complexities and complications could cause irreparable issues in the future. WAYS OF MANAGING CULTURAL DIFFERENCES AT COMPANIES OPERATING IN MULTICULTURAL ENVIRONMENT Management has an important and inevitable function of solving various issues and problems related to cultures and also the individual company. One of the partner companies will take up the responsibility providing the right kind of skills and cultural training; they also influence the present organizational culture. While a company tries to bring a difference and make the environment favorable the companies can try to bring all their activities together (Novà ½ et al., 1996). Cultural dominance Taking the case of cultural dominance, the prime objective is to build a single common culture within the business functions that could be daughter companies or divisions. The term global organization culture becomes important at this juncture where stress is given to enforcement of universal values, norms etc. within the organization. Sister concerns are considered as an inevitable part of the mother companys culture. This is especially true when the organization has to integrate the activities of itself and the daughter company and gain advantages out of it. This approach would be easier if the daughter company is recently built. Otherwise this could be problematic. Plurality of cultures Polycentric culture means having a number of cultures. Plurality of cultures would result in cultural compromise. The basis for this is building a separate culture for every daughter concern. This can result from the traditions of local surroundings and must give due respect to universal goals and approaches to the minimum. The main reason behind adopting a polycentric culture is because the organization has to operate in more than one locations. Synergic model This is also referred to as geocentric culture. It means involving the particular features of individual cultures to create a common culture that represents the integration of all regional centers of an international firm. A company is incorporated from inside even when there is a difference in national culture. Hence it is very critical to select employees who could meet the demands of a work outside their comfort zone in a totally different environment. Such employees will be having the intercultural competence and would prove more productive in a foreign land. In case the employees have little interest in the merge of cultures of companies that are cooperating and followed a simple execution of values, behavior, misinterpretation, conflict and even decline in business. Even if the cooperating companies come together with the aim of gaining strategic advantage, there would be misunderstandings. The major reasons behind this are culture shock, resistance to change etc. (Larsson, Ris berg, 1998, Gancel, Rodgers, Raynaud,2002, Novà ½ et al., 2001). In case the differences in culture are not handled properly, then it would result in misunderstandings, disillusion, conflicts, reduction in employee morale and productivity etc. Hence the customer is given less regard in such a situation and this naturally will have an impact on business efficiency. Culture in which an individual is born and brought has a major impact on his values, beliefs, norms and behavioral patterns. National culture is common for every citizen and hence the organizational culture should be forming a judicious blend between the individuals personal and national culture. Then only would there be emotional wellness amongst the employees. Even then the organization must maintain a unique identity and culture for itself based upon its history and tradition. It is the duty of the employees to identify this culture and make efforts to protect. The results of mergers and acquisitions can be devastating if the cultural differences are not given due regard. Gancel, Rodgers and Raynaud (2002) described the following categories of causes on the basis of their experience in advisory practice: 1. Insufficient awareness of existence of differences this involve managers who are ignorant of the existence of the dimensions in culture with regard to management. 2. Insufficient understanding here the managers will be having some knowledge about the culture but their lack in depth awareness of its impact and ways to tackle it. 3. Insufficient willingness in this case, the manager knows about culture and its impact but purposefully decided not to take any action on it. This may be due to the below given reasons: Management of the cultural dimensions is not of high priority for them in that situation. They may be aware of cultural impact but feel its not that urgent to handle it. due to this reason, they concentrate in dealing the economic and technical issues and also get less time in handling cultural differences. they have the fear of unknown. This means they feel that handling the financial issues is more safe and easy since they only have to deal with n numbers. And this is a lot better than dealing with people and their emotions which may result in anxiety, discomfort and uncertainty. they consider cultural integration as less attractive when compared to solving financial problems. The main reason behind this is that its difficult to measure cultural integration and hence they cannot show others how much they have succeeded. While solving the financial or technical issues helps them to display their talents in front of superiors and colleagues and helps them to gain rewards. 4. Insufficient level of abilities and skills the manager might be aware of the importance of culture and may be even trying to do something about it. But they fail in this initiative due to lack of sufficient skills and knowledge. CROSS-CULTURAL TRAINING FOR EXPATRIATES Expatriation involves the transfer of parent country nationals, host country nationals and third country nationals- and often their families- for work purpose between two country locations, and for a period of time that requires change of address and some degree of semi-permanent adjustment to local conditions.(Hartl 2003). There are some specific reasons why companies send employees abroad (Golz 2007).The four main motives behind it are: Compensation Motive, Development and Career Motive, Control and Leading Motive, Know-how transfer. Krippl et.al (1993) has given a elaborate description about these motives. Employers have lot of problem dealing with their employees, when they are sent abroad for work. Cross cultural training is said to be helpful in case of managers and other employees who are sent abroad for work (Stahl Caliguiri, 2005). Most of the time employees return from the place they went because they must have encountered problems due to the cultural differences. Culture shock is an important issue that happens in most employees sent to another country for any assignment. Most of the time the employee will be home sick, they show poor performance in their work etc. Most companies provide language training course for the employees who are sent abroad. Many organizations also provide other forms of cross cultural training to help the person interact well with the people in other countries. Such interactions are important for any business thus its expatriates must be able to deal with other people of different cultures (Bhawuk Brisline, (2000), Lievens, Harris, Van Keer Bisquer et, (2003). Cross cultural training is given to people so that they come to know more about the different styles of communication and also the value systems in the particular country. The training usually deals with making the employee learn the culture and value in writing as well as by way of speaking and interaction. Cross culture misunderstandings are reduced by way of this training were the right kind of interaction is provided. The training session includes training with the help of video, orientation program and also other training sessions. Computer aided cross cultural training is also done which trains the employees by giving them the scenarios and challenges; it is also called cross cultural critical incidents. A cross cultural training involves emphasizing of the communication, cultural awareness, cultural skills etc. Littrell, Salas, Hess, Paley and Riedel (2006) studied the effectiveness of cross cultural training. Their results revealed that the cross cultural training is highly effective in making the employees outside work efficiently even in a different culture. According to Hofstede (2001), the cross-cultural skills that are needed for being effective as an expatriate are: The capability to converse with respect The ability to be tolerant The capability to recognize relativity of ones awareness and insight The capacity to exhibit empathy and compassion The ability to be flexible Forbearance for uncertainty Cross-cultural training was defined in 2000 by Zakaria as Any intervention aimed at increasing an individuals capability to cope with and work in foreign environment. Due to this reason, cross cultural training can involve any method like lectures, simulation etc. that could help an individual to get familiarized with a new surroundings. The training methods employed in such training are also defined as Formal methods to prepare people for more effective interpersonal relations and job success when they interact extensively with individuals from cultures other than their own (Brislin and Yoshida, 1994). Before starting the training, the organization must try to prepare the employee for working in multi-cultural environments. The preparation and selection of workforce for overseas assignments depends upon the level of collaboration between the cooperating companies which the workers represent. When there is a looser cooperation, like in business contracts, the preparation would be made at the individual level. But in closer cooperation, just as in merger and acquisitions, the company controls the foreign activities directly and the workforce selection and preparation is done at an intensive manner. Processes of overcoming cultural differences Each and every worker who works in a foreign environment regardless of the time period should be aware of certain basic set of rules that would help their job in the new environment easier. In order to overcome cultural differences its necessary to know ones own culture completely including its complexities. A major drawback in this is the fact that within an individuals culture there exist an approach to interpret other cultures and hence doesnt cause huge problems. Also in spite of globalization, the profundity of culture, behavior and standards affects perception and assessment of obtained knowledge. The beginning of handling intercultural standards is recognizing the strength of own culture and identifying the cultural background of partner. According to Schroll-Machl, Novy et al. (2001), there exists an uncomplicated process for thriving cooperation in a multicultural environment which consists of three steps: 1. Good knowledge of foreign culture- the first step involves conceding and accepting that there exist cultural differences. This involves disparities related to perceptions, values, norms etc. that are created due to different social situations. These differences need to be identified, described and understood in detail. Recognizing the partners culture is the first condition for mutual consideration and proper coordination. 2. Respect of a foreign culture- this mainly means to acknowledge and accept the cultural differences without any prejudice. One cannot claim his culture to be perfect and better than other cultures. Every culture is different to one another in its own way and is the best possible manner for an individual member to manage his life in a situation where he had lived from his birth. 3. Helpful steps in the relationship to a foreign culture- the final step in this process is to find a single solution, mutual consideration and simplifying the sophisticated and challenging way of conducting oneself in a strange environment. These three steps dont intend to throw away ones own cultural background but recommends them to utilize their knowledge about own culture to obtain knowledge about partners culture. Also its always easy to give up something that isnt important to us but it may be very much crucial for the other culture. The most important part is being aware of the partners culture in detail. Also one must have good understanding and respect for partners culture in order to have successful collaboration globally. The employees who are selected for overseas assignments must be introduced to this process and its simple steps so that they could avoid the possible issues regarding culture in their work environment. These suggestions could be helpful for members working in foreign as well local cultural conditions. The process of assimilation with a foreign culture is not taught to every expatriate. This process is needed only for those employees who need to work in a foreign land on a long-term basis. Weber and co. (1998) explained that this process is very much alike for most workers operating in multicultural environments and it can be expressed by four phases: 1. Observation phase 2. Collision phase. 3. Consolidation phase 4. Departure phase METHODS OF CROSS-CULTURAL TRAINING The methods of training must be individual specific i.e it must be according to the socio-cultural knowledge and requirements of employees. It may also vary according to the profession. For example, most researchers prefer dedicated training workshops and person-to-person training (Gobaldon 2005). The various cross-cultural method as explained by Bhawuk and Brislin (2000) are: Cultural assimilator: this technique incorporates a number of real life situations that needs cross-cultural interactions. These situations that could be regarded as critical incidents would help to solve many issues that could have possibly happened between the host and expatriate workers. This way both the parties would have a pre-determined idea about the consequences of a possible issue that could have come up during their work. Contrast American method: this method involves display of certain behaviors and mannerisms that are against the current context of culture. The method got its name from Stewart who used it for training Americans going abroad. Self reference criterion (SRC): there could be situations where an individual unconsciously refers about his culture while communicating with a person of another culture. Lee (1966), developed a method which consists of 4 procedures that would help to overcome this self-reference situation. The first step comprises of defining any issue in terms of expatriates culture followed by that of host culture. In the third stage, the preconception created by SRC is evaluated and withdrawn followed by finding out the solution to the now simplified problem. Area simulation: simulation means creating a replica of the natural surroundings and making the expatriate interact with the people from different cultures. This can be made possible with the help of actors who perform according to a pre-defined script. Cultural self awareness model: this model makes use of video tapes and role plays. This way the trainee is made aware of how his culture is different from other cultures and thus would be able to communicate better in real life situations. The trainee could also gain knowledge regarding the other cultures and would accept the differences. Caliguri et al in 2001 referred the study by Brislin et al. (1983) and outlined the most common cross-cultural training methods during early 90s: Fact-oriented training Attribution training, which is associated with culture assimilator so that trainees could adjust to the host culture in a better way. Cultural awareness training involves studying on trainees home culture and its impact of his behavior so that he could learn the nature of cultural differences. Cognitive-behavior modification that would help the trainees to obtain rewards and avoid punishments in the new cultural environment. Experiential training which involve active learning by the trainee about the host culture. Interaction learning that enables the trainees to be more comfortable with the host nationals and study in detail about life in that country. Language training tools helps to demonstrate an attitude that attempts to learn about the host culture which enables a person to be well-mannered in a different environment. It also permits understanding within the trainee. Littrell, Lisa N et al (2006) and Waxin et al. (2005) also described these methods. Littrell et al. also identified six approaches for conducting cross-cultural training programs. These approaches are as follows: Attribution Training: The objective of this training approach is to enable the expatriate to interpret the behavior of a host culture national from their own point of view. Culture Awareness Training: The usage of T-groups (cultural sensitivity training) is the major feature of this approach. T-groups are used to steer the investigation of expatriates culture. This requires exploring into the cultural biases and values and is on the basis of the fact that having a deep knowledge of expats culture would help in better understanding of intercultural interactions. Interaction Training: the trainee learns from an experienced expatriate who already is working in an overseas assignment. This on-the -job training is more beneficial since the expatriate could understand the mindset of the trainee better. Language Training: understanding the language is a very important factor while adjusting with a different cultural environment. It is always advantageous to be fluent in the local language but at least making some effort to speak even a few sentences would generate high opinion among the host nationals. Didactic Training- this method helps the expatriate to set up a lifestyle in the new environment by providing practical knowledge in living conditions, job and other requirements, as well as on the host culture and how much its different from the expat culture. Littrell et al. also says that it provides a framework for evaluating new situations that will be encountered [and]à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ enhances the cognitive skills that enable the expatriate to understand the host culture. This approach is performed using lectures, written works, cultural assimilators etc. Cultural assimilators would involve the usage of various incidents that require cross-cultural interactions. This way the trainee will be having less adjustment problems while working at the new environment. Experiential Training- This approach aims at improving the communication skills in an intercultural environment. The techniques used for this purpose are simulations, role plays etc that makes the trainee feel and go through the situations that can happen in the new environment. As the name suggests, it involves learning by doing. According to Wax

The Cold War: Effect on Political Discourse

The Cold War: Effect on Political Discourse With the end of the Cold war in 1989, has there been more openness in the discourse of deterrence or in warring words? Introduction The Cold War has been described as a nearly fifty-year war of words and wills, (Maus, 2003: 13). It was a period during which most individuals lived in constant fear that the bomb would be dropped, effectively obliterating life as we know it. Direct combat itself was a very small part of this war: The Cold War, fought with national ideologies, economic posturing and infinite defense budgets, festered without any combat or mass casualties (at least among the superpowers) throughout the latter half of the 20th century before finally coming to a head in the mid-80s (Hooten n.d.). When the Cold War finally came to its ultimate end, the words of war shifted in meaning. Warring words continued to be part of the popular vocabulary, but their connotations had changed, and their definitions shifted. The discourse of deterrence faded away, as there was no longer a need for it. This paper will discuss the ways in which the Cold War has affected not only the history of the world, but also the hi story of the words that changed along with it. The Words of War The language we use to describe the things we do is a significant reflection of who we are at a given time in the culture. Communication is an essential tool for human beings, as we are highly social creatures by nature. The need to communicate is an integral part of our composition. However, in the course of transferring information to one another, there is always a margin of error. This means that miscommunication is bound to occur. According to Coupland, Wiemann, and Giles, language use and communication are in fact pervasively and even intrinsically flawed, partial and problematic (1991: 3). Because communication is so important to humans as a species, it is only natural that miscommunication brings with it some sort of consequence. This is a universal concept, and it affects all of us on a very basic level. As Banks, Ge, and Baker assert, ones theoretical orientation is of no importance in this respect: A key sense of miscommunication, however, regardless of ones theoretical orientation, is something gone awry communicatively that has social consequences for the interactants; without social consequences, the phenomenon would be of trivial interest (1991: 105). As a result, conflict is inevitable in society, and a worst-case scenario of conflict is, of course war. War is more than a militaristic action that is played out with bullets and bombs as tools. Words, too, are very much a part of any war effort, and they can be very powerful as weapons. The Cold War has been described as a nearly fifty-year war of words and wills, as both sides aggressively tried to promote and protect their respective ideologies at home and abroad while always remaining aware of the repercussions of pushing the limits too far (Maus, 2003: 13). How did this war of words manage to continue for so long without reaching the stage of physical combat? One perspective on this is offered by Grimshaw, who asserts that so long as conflict talk is sustained (i.e., if participants do not withdraw) it does not seem to be the case that hostility (‘ugliness’) will increase without some concomitant increase in intensity (1990: 295). During the nearly fifty years duration of the Cold War, neither opponent was willing to back down, yet neither one was willing to plunge into what might turn into a major war with dire, irreversible consequences. It was primarily a war fought with words and bravado, a dramatic opus played on an international stage. In fact, the Cold War was fought with national ideologies, economic posturing and infinite defense budgets, festered without any combat or mass casualties (Hooten, n.d.). This is in keeping with Grimshaws assertion that, although disagreements can reach high levels of emotional upheaval, they do not necessarily have to result in physical interaction. Friendly disputes can get quite ‘hot’; at least to some point they can apparently increase in intensity without the occurrence of hostility’ (Grimshaw, 1990: 295). The ever-present fear of nuclear obliteration may have had a great deal to do with this abeyance of action. Much of the world was still numbed by the disastrous tragedy that this power had wrought in the past, and there was great consternation at the thought of reaching a level of conflict that would require use of it again. Therefore, the Cold War remained a war of words. Words, of course, are more than mere utterances. We communicate a great about ourselves when we use them—more than the actual message we are seeking to convey at any given time. As Halliday explains, ‘in all languages, words, sounds and structures tend to become charged with social value (1978: 166). In states of conflict, Halliday asserts that individuals tend to develop a code of words that not only reflects that conflict, but also helps the individual to come to terms with it on some level. He refers to this code of words as an antilanguage, and he asserts that it is to be expected that, in the antilanguage, the social values will be more clearly foregrounded’ (Halliday, 1978: 166). Since the purpose of an antilanguage is to give individuals an alternative reality that is acceptable to them, the theory may be applied to the language of the Cold War. Living with the constant threat of nuclear war is an unbearable state of mind for most individuals; therefore, they must create a world that is more livable to them. This concept is echoed in the writings of Lemert and Branaman, who assert that: ‘Whatever his position in society, the person insulates himself by blindnesses, half-truths, illusions, and rationalizations. He makes an â€Å"adjustment† by convincing himself, with the tactful support of his intimate circle, that he is what he wants to be and that he would not do to gain his ends what the others have done to gain theirs’ (1997: 109). Hence, the development of this different worldview is basically a survival mechanism during a time of great uncertainty and turmoil. The widely respected historian Hobsbawm has explained that generations grew up under the shadow of global nuclear battles which, it was widely believed, could break out any moment, and devastate humanity (1996: 194). The fear that this knowledge brought to individuals naturally affected them on a very deep level. Through the use of an antilanguage, they were able to go on with the activities of daily life by designing a safe cocoon of illusory safety in which they could feel—or pretend to feel—safe. As Halliday puts it, a social dialect is the embodiment of a mildly but distinctly different worldview—one which is therefore potentially threatening, if it does not coincide with one’s own’ (1978: 179). Post-Cold War Language When the five decades of decades of this war came to an end in 1989, the attitudes in place in society necessarily underwent a change, and that change was reflected in the language used as well. The fall of communism in Europe, combined with the end of the Cold War, were enough to bring new hope to the people of the United States. According to Mason, the vicious circle of threats and distrust was replaced by a new spiral of trust and reassurance (1992: 187). In this mostly positive atmosphere, the constant threat of nuclear attack abated, and people were able to breathe more easily. The words of war lost the impact they once had. As Hooten has explained, the words of war were tinged with fear, helplessness, and frustration throughout the years of the Cold War. After it ended, the words did not disappear from the language, but began to take on new connotations The words of war were once the moral and emotional defense of the nation, corresponding with the real memories and motivations of an embattled citizenry, asserts Hooten. After 1989, as images of war receded from the American psyche, the language of war invaded the common lexicon of America (Hooten, n.d.). Examples of this are ubiquitous, and have become so common that we are often barely conscious of it. For example, words such as defend and bomb, which were once tainted by the association with war, have taken on new and less menacing uses. During the second half of the twentieth century, people may have felt a constant need to be ready to defend themselves in case of nuclear attack. Post-Cold War use of this word became something different: a politician may defend his platform. The constant concern and ever-present worry about dropping the bomb during the Cold War era has resulted in a transformation of this word as well: Consider again the numerous, non-militant ways in which the word bomb is used: â€Å"Frat brothers get bombed on a Saturday night.† â€Å"Your new car is ‘da bomb.† â€Å"Did you see that comedian bomb on Letterman last night?† â€Å"The quarterback threw a long bomb to win the game (Hooten, n.d.). Conclusion Language has changed since the nearly fifty years of the Cold War era. Notice, for example, the language of Reagans Star Wars Speech, which was delivered on March 23, 1983: Deterrence means simply this: making sure any adversary who thinks about attacking the United States, or our allies, or our vital interests, concludes that the risks to him outweigh any potential gains (1983: 250). In contemporary times, deterrence can mean many things, most of which do not pertain to war at all. In a similar vein, many of the violent definitions associated with warring words have fallen out of use. These words have become part of the common lexicon, used to describe the quotidian events of daily life without any sense of impending doom. Words such as battle, bomb, defend, and massacre, have lost the potency they held during the years of the Cold War. They have taken on new, less menacing definitions and uses. Language is an integral part of the human experience. The language we use to describe the things we do is a significant reflection of who we are at a given time in the culture. Because we are highly social by nature, communication is vitally important as a tool for human beings. The need to communicate is an integral part of our composition. However, as noted earlier, in the course of transferring information to one another, there is always a margin of error. This means that miscommunication is bound to occur. Consequently, for miscommunication to have impact, it is not likely to be a perturbation of smooth performance that is repaired in the current interaction (Banks, Ge and Baker 1991: 105). References Coupland, N., Giles, H., and Wiemann, J.M. (Eds.). 1991. Miscommunication and Problematic Talk London: Sage. Banks, Stephen P., Ge, Gao, Baker, Joyce. 1991. Intercultural Encounters and Miscommunication. In: Coupland, N., Giles, H., and Wiemann, J.M. (Eds.) Miscommunication and Problematic Talk. London: Sage, 103–120. Grimshaw, Allen. 1990. ‘Research on conflict talk: antecedents, resources, findings, directions’. A. Grimshaw (ed.), Conflict talk: Sociolinguistic investigations of arguments in conversations. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 280–324. Gumperz, John and Jenny Cook-Gumperz. 1982. ‘Introduction: language and the communication of social identity. Pp. 1–21 in Gumperz, John, ed. 1982. Language and social identity. London: Cambridge University Press. Halliday, M.A.K. 1978. Language as social semiotic: The social interpretation of language and meaning. London: Edward Arnold Publishers. Hobsbawm, Eric. 1996. The Cold War Was a Relatively Stable Peace. Pp. 193–198 in  191 in Maus, Derek, ed. 2003, The Cold War. London: Greenhaven Press. Hooten, Jon. n.d. Fighting Words: The War Over Language.  Retrieved January 13, 2006, from  http://www.poppolitics.com/articles/printerfriendly/2002-09-10-warlanguage.shtml Lemert, Charles and Branaman, Ann, eds. 1997. The Goffman Reader. Oxford: Blackwell. Mason, David. 1992. The Last Years of the Soviet Union. Pp. 179–191 in Maus, Derek, ed. 2003, The Cold War. London: Greenhaven Press. Maus, Derek, ed. 2003. The Cold War. London: Greenhaven Press. Reagan, Ronald, 1983. The Star Wars Speech. Document 22 in Maus, Derek, ed. 2003, The Cold War. London: Greenhaven Press.