US Economic Performance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

US Economic Performance - Essay Example According to the report findings GDP growth is also boosted by business spending or investments. This could be ascribed favorable financial conditions and rising business confidence levels as well as growth in labor productivity. Economic growth is also fuelled by government spending. Similar to individual consumers, the government also has a high consumption propensity as opposed to saving tendency. Such economic condition may be favorable in the short run. It may also be disastrous in the long run since it may result to increased domestic and foreign borrowings. This paper declares that economic growth is usually accompanied by rising inflation brought about by the increasing aggregate demand. Despite current economic expansion, CPI is maintained at reasonable levels in the US. However, an increase in CPI may be expected within the remainder of year due to the steady increase in the price of energy. Increase in price level is forecasted because of the projected escalation in production cost resulting from the cost of employee benefits and raw material. Generally, the US has performed fairly well and met its economic targets to date. The country has generated GDP growth for the first quarter of 2005. Albeit its unemployment rate is marginally higher than its target, improvements in the labor market are notable. The CPI is also within the normal range. Given these conditions, economic perspective for the short run could be described as promising.

The Glory that was Euro Disney Essay Example for Free

The Glory that was Euro Disney Essay When youve walked up the Rue la Paix at Paris, Been to the Louvre and the Tuileries, And to Versailles, although to go so far is A thing not quite consistent with your ease, Andbut the mass of objects quite a bar is To my describing what the traveller sees. You who have ever been to Paris, know; And you who have not been to Parisgo! John Ruskin, A Tour Through France Michael Eisner, CEO of Disney Co. once noted, â€Å"As Americans, the word ‘Euro’ is believed to mean glamorous or exciting. For Europeans, it turned out to be a term they associated with business, currency, and commerce. Renaming the park ‘Disneyland Paris’ was a way of identifying it with one of the most romantic and exciting cities in the world† This was maybe the reason why Walt Disney Company, a company renowned for its animated character, good films and theme parks, chose Paris for its second business venture outside the United States. In the 1980s, Eisner was able to export Walt Disney Company to Tokyo, and it was a huge success. Eisner wanted to make his Paris venture as successful as Tokyo Disneyland, however, the venture turned out to be a failure earning more debts for the company than actual profits. What has gone wrong? What were the actors which had lead to the failure of Euro Disney? These are questions which make good learning questions for management students. This paper aims to answer the following questions:: 1. Why did Disney choose Paris over the other sites in Europe that it was evaluating? 2. What were the external environmental factors that contributed to Euro-Disney’s failure in the early 1990’s and why? 3. What were the internal factors that contributed to Euro-Disney’s failure and why? The Beauty of Paris In order for us to know why Paris was the place chosen by Walt Disney for its business venture, let us first do a little background of this popular destination in the world. Paris, the capital city of France, is one of the most populated metropolitan areas in Europe (Stefan Helders, World Gazetteer). It is one of the worlds leading business and cultural centers today; in fact, Paris \is Europes biggest city economy, and is fifth in the Worlds list of cities by GDP. It is also now known as one of the most popular tourist destinations. Paris has been a symbol for classical Romance. However, in addition to its rich cultural heritage, Paris is also a magnet for corporate France, which is composed of innovative business companies, a motivated and skilled workforce and the political will to make business happen. According to the PARIS DEVELOPPEMENT, a project of the City of Paris and the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry, there are seven unique value propositions which makes it the right place to do business in, which are as follows, †¢ Paris is one of the richest urban centers in the world, equivalent to 5% of the total EU GDP. †¢ It is located at the heart of the Ile de France which ties with London for first place as a city to do business in, benefiting from market proximity, excellent infrastructure, qualified labor and security. †¢ Paris provides the nexus for several vibrant Trade Clusters – notably in the fields of design, digital and health. †¢ It is a centre for innovative companies, backed by a strong tradition and range of RD facilities. †¢ Paris is a major decision-making centre, and it serves as a host to the headquarters of international organisations (European Space Agency, OECD, UNESCO†¦), and trans-national corporations. †¢ Paris is the world capital for trade fairs, conferences and exhibitions. †¢ Paris is a beneficiary of an active local government that understands the needs of business and is putting resources to work in favor of creating, encouraging and promoting business. (Paris Developpement, 2006) Many business analysts have tried to explain the real motive in the expansion of Walt Disney Company abroad. It is believed that some of the reasons are cost cutting, in the form of cheap building material or labor. Cost cutting further leads to an increase in revenue and to better functioning with tax and labor laws. H This further leads to a success in market expansion. This was probably the reasons why Walt Disney Company chose Paris, France as the site of Euro Disneyland. The first theme park outside US in Tokyo, Japan was a huge success. Scimone in 1981 believed that the Walt Disney Executives believed they learned so much about operating a theme park in anther country, so they looked at Europe as the site of a forth park. This was because they have observed that Disney films have done better in Europe than in the United States. They believed that the public’s fascination wit Disney films could contribute to a future success of a Walt Disney Theme park in this area. Initially, there were two choices: Costa del Sol in Spain and Paris in France. Finally, the business executives of Walt Disney chose Paris because of ots larger population and its spectacular transportation network (Scimone, 1989). Paris also has a similar cold weather climate and latitude with Tokyo. Thus Paris was selected. The site for Euro Disneyland is Marne-la-Vallee, a large parcel of land, once used for agriculture. This place is an ideal geographic location, in the sense that it is located halfway between the two international airports of Orly and Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle. The mode of transportation which connects Marne-la-Vallee with the Paris metropolis is the French railway regional express, making it an accessible area. External environmental factors There were a lot of issues which had confronted Disney Euro from the start. The idea of an American company running a French staff was a subject of debate and controversy. Critics have found it as a form of cultural imperialism or neoprovincialism. There were a lot of protest groups opposing the presence of Euro Disney in Paris. In June 1992, French framers had marched to Euro Disney in protest to American farm policies. All around, Euro Disney was met with criticism and protest. A journalist in the French newspaper Le Figaro wrote, â€Å"I wish with all my heart that the rebels would set fire to Disneyland. Ariane Mnouchkine, a Parisian stage director, named the concept a â€Å"cultural Chernobyl†; which later on became a phrase synonymous with Euro Disney, in its starting years. Another target of criticism and controversy is the fact that American executives demanded English to be spoken at all meetings. Euro Disneys management has also made a set of rules for its staff, which involved the use of make up, facial hair, tattoos and jewelry for personal appearance enhancement. This was much for the traditional Frenchmen to bear. As a result, French labour unions began to stage more protests on the streets, attacking the said appearance code, which appeared to them as â€Å"an attack on individual liberty. † Indeed, this issues revolved around the fact that French culture was way too far different from American culture. Some protest parties have labeled Disney as being insensitive to French culture, individualism, and privacy. The French Law focused more on individual or collective liberties, more than the American law. It told the French citizens to exercise their rights whenever necessary. In response to these reactions, Disney emphasized the fact that these efforts are for the good image and long term success of the park. Thor Degelmann, Euro Disney’s personal Director had remarked, â€Å"For us, the appearance code has a great effect from a product identification standpoint†¦without it we couldn’t be presenting the Disney product that people would be expecting. † The Walt Disney Company had been known for the implementation of their strict rules and risk management requirements. This may be unacceptable to the Frenchmen, who wanted to preserve their rich cultural heritage and establish their own individuality. Furthermore, Americans found it hard to deal wit the legal framework derived from the Napoleonic code. Shapiro in 1989 has illustrated a good example of the blending of two different systems, in the form of the difference in insurance laws in France and the United States. The French law requires an insurance policy that covers property damage and third-party claims stemming from construction-related defects. Walt Disney Company would have preferred to purchase a three-year contract as would be allowed by American standards, but could not since they were developing in another country. Instead, the Walt Disney Company had to abide by French Laws. All of these problems are what a typical foreign company experiences when doing business abroad. Indeed, a great deal pf time, patience, understanding, education and willingness to accept and compromise are necessary in this process. An example of the clashing culture between the Americans and the French is the issue of banning alcohol in its theme parks. The French met this with protest, as their tradition is to give a glass of wine to a guest during mealtimes. After much consideration, in May 1993, the Walt Disney Company changed its policy and allowed wine and beer in the Euro Disneyland theme park. American executives of the Walt Disney Company did not also understand the European breakfast norms. Disney executives, thinking that Europeans do not eat sit-down breakfasts, have reduced the number of restaurants serving breakfasts. This resulted to a cramped restaurant space jam packed with breakfast eaters who wanted bacon and eggs, a behavior that the Americans failed to realize before.

Torsional Effects On Irregular Buildings Under Seismic Loads Construction Essay

Torsional Effects On Irregular Buildings Under Seismic Loads Construction Essay This chapter presents a brief review of literature available on the subject torsional effects on irregular buildings under seismic loads. Efforts were made to collect related research material. Review of literature encompass research papers on the topic in general and specifically aims at latest trend to control asymmetry, design requirements, configuration requirements, torsional irregularity, performance of irregular buildings, and behaviour of appropriate structural system. At the end of the chapter, selection of lateral force procedures is also described. 2.2 RELATED RESEARCH WORK Latest available research papers are studied related to subject of thesis. Few of research papers are described here under 1) Torsional irregularity of any structure can be determined by calculating the deflections at the ends in every storey. Codes and guidelines give the definite numbers or coefficients to limit the excess torsion in irregular structures. In this paper adequacy of code provisions regarding the torsional irregularity coefficient is checked and concerned over limits are expressed. For this particular research works different groups of buildings are made with different changes in plans such as position of shear walls, number of grids and number of storey etc. Four groups are made namely A, B, C and D with different locations of shear walls in plan. At first, variation of torsional irregularity with respect to number of grids is investigated. Analysis has been performed for each variation of gridlines in a particular group and conclusions carried out. Graphs are plotted by changing the number of grids lines in each group A, B, C and D against irregularity coefficients. It is observed from theses graphs that in each particular group A, B, C or D there exist different numbers of grid lines against which maximum results are obtained in that particular group. Maximum value of irregularity coefficient is determent in group C in which shear walls is away from the gravity center but not at the edges. Irregularity coefficient reach a maximum value for certain number of grid lines then decrease by increasing the number of axis. In second stage, torsional irregularity coefficient is calculated by changing the number of storeys. General trend which graphs shows that with increasing the number of storey for any particular structures, keeping position of shear walls and number of axis same, torsional irregularity coefficient decreases. Curves for structure group C for 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 storey shows that lesser number of storey yields more critical results because as the number of stories increases center of rigidity shifts toward center causing lesser torsion consequently gives less critical results. In the last, position of walls is changed to determine the effects on the torsional irregularity coefficient. Graphs are plotted for each individual structural group against the torsional irregularity coefficient. Curves of different storeys predict the lesser the number of storeys more critical will the results. By changing the location of the shear walls in any particular key plan indicate that critical results are obtain for shear wall placed in between the center and edges of the structures. (Guany Ozmen, 2004) 2) Parametric analysis of irregular structures under seismic loading reveals the effect of torsion as per Turkish Earthquake Code. For the purpose center of stiffness were changed and torsional irregularity was created. Different number of storeys was considered which were analyzed using static force procedure and dynamic force procedures. Results for both of the methods were compared and conclusion drawn. Effect of non-orthogonality was also studied by changing the orientation of the non-orthogonal walls. All these cases were studied for five different directions of earthquake. From these research results limitations in Turkish earthquake code suggested to be improve. (Semih S. Tezcan and Cenk Alhan, 2000) The earthquake forces produced in the irregular buildings are unpredictable and can not be determine with greater accuracy thus such structures are more critically prone to earthquakes. A series of five, framed and walled structures are taken with different irregularity coefficients. This paper shows the behavior of different modules against earthquake forces and results drawn. Paper suggests more elaborative measures need to be taken by codes and standards to take over the issue of torsional irregularity. (Ozmen G and Gulay F.G. 2002) 3) Codes and Standards direct that along with the static force procedure non linear analysis are need to be performed to know the exact behavior of the structure. In this paper investigation is done by creating two different models. In first model eccentricity made only in one direction by shifting mass, whereas in second case eccentricity was produced in both directions. Near-fault zone effects were investigated alongwith far-fault results. Research work shows that displacement demand of the structures remains the same irrespective of distance from fault. The paper concludes that non linear analysis needs to be performed necessarily linear classic analysis alone are not sufficient for analysis of torsionally irregular structures. ( Emrah Erduran, February 2008) 4) To control seismic response of unsymmetrical building viscous damper are placed. With help of modal analysis effect of plan wise distribution of damping were investigated and torsional dynamic behavior were examined. For input seismic earthquake suitable performance indexes were represented by mean of norms. These norms help to distribute plan wise distribution of extra dampers with help of parametrical analysis on asymmetrical plan. Design formulas are prepared to represent the results for norms which were verified by experimentation, which is representative of seismic response of asymmetrical systems. (L. Petti , M. De Iuliis, 2008) 5) Accidental eccentricity applications provided in codes are evaluated and compared with alternative interpretations. An effect of accidental eccentricity is evaluated on the strength of different components. Flexible side elements behavior is investigated and protection measures are described to limit the forces such a comparison is made using different codes. A proposal is made with respect to codes provisions regarding accidental eccentricity, minimum value is specified laterally responding systems. Evaluation of results based on inelastic dynamic analyses indicates that all codes satisfactorily fulfill the requirements to control the response of torsionally unbalanced buildings. Similarly ductility demand and element deformation demand for all the codes are considered. This response demand has a consistence relationship with time period and geometric of the buildings. Codes requirement in design of stiff side elements are verified and found to be satisfactory. ( A.M Chandler, J. C Correnza and G.L. Hutchinson, 1995) TORSIONAL IRREGULARITY Torsional irregularity is defined in Building Code of Pakistan 2007 (BCP 2007) and is reproduced in Table No.2.1. and Table No. 2.2 Table 2.1 Plan Structural Irregularities IRREGULARITY TYPE AND DEFINITION 1.Torsional irregularity to be considered when diaphragms are not flexible Torsional irregularity shall be considered to exist when the maximum storey drift, computed including accidental torsion, at one end of the structure transverse to an axis is more than 1.2 times the average of the storey drifts of the two ends of the structure. 2. Re-entrant corners Plan configurations of a structure and its lateral-force-resisting system contain re-entrant corners, where both projections of the structure beyond a re-entrant corner are greater than 15 percent of the plan dimension of the structure in the given direction. 3. Diaphragm discontinuity Diaphragms with abrupt discontinuities or variations in stiffness, including those having cutout or open areas greater than 50 percent of the gross enclosed area of the diaphragm, or changes in effective diaphragm stiffness of more than 50 percent from one storey to the next. 4. Out-of-plane offsets Discontinuities in a lateral force path, such as out-of-plane offsets of the vertical elements. 5. Nonparallel systems The vertical lateral-load-resisting elements are not parallel to or symmetric about the major orthogonal axes of the lateral-force-resisting system. Table 2.2 Vertical Structural Irregularities IRREGULARITY TYPE AND DEFINITION 1. Stiffness irregularity soft storey A soft storey is one in which the lateral stiffness is less than 70 percent of that in the storey above or less than 80 percent of the average stiffness of the three storeys above. 2. Weight (mass) irregularity Mass irregularity shall be considered to exist where the effective mass of any storey is more than 150 percent of the effective mass of an adjacent storey. A roof that is lighter than the floor below need not be considered. 3. Vertical geometric irregularity Vertical geometric irregularity shall be considered to exist where the horizontal dimension of the lateral-force-resisting system in any storey is more than 130 percent of that in an adjacent storey. One-storey penthouses need not be considered. 4. In-plane discontinuity in vertical lateral-force-resisting element An in-plane offset of the lateral-load-resisting elements greater than the length of those elements. 5. Discontinuity in capacity weak storey A weak storey is one in which the storey strength is less than 80 percent of that in the storey above. The storey strength is the total strength of all seismic-resisting elements sharing the storey shear for the direction under consideration. 2.4 CONFIGURATION REQUIREMENTS Regular structures have no significant physical discontinuities in plan or vertical configuration or in their lateral-force-resisting systems such as the irregular features. Irregular structures have significant physical discontinuities in configuration or in their lateral-force-resisting systems. Irregular features include, but are not limited to, those described in code. All structures in Seismic Zone 1 and Occupancy Categories 4 and 5 in Seismic Zone 2 need to be evaluated only for vertical irregularities of Type 5 (Table 2.2) and horizontal irregularities of Type 1 (Table 2.1). Structures having any of the features listed in Table 2.2 shall be designated as if having a vertical irregularity. (UBC 1629.5.3) Where no storey drift ratio under design lateral forces is greater than 1.3 times the storey drift ratio of the storey above, the structure may be deemed to not have the structural irregularities of Type 1 or 2 in Table 2.2. The storey drift ratio for the top two storeys need not be considered. (UBC 1629.5.3) The storey drifts for this determination may be calculated neglecting torsional effects. Structures may have irregularity in plan or elevation listed in BCP 2007. 2.5 STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS Structural systems shall be classified as one of the types listed BCP-2007 and defined under. Bearing Wall System A structural system without a complete vertical load-carrying space frame. Bearing walls or bracing systems provide support for all or most gravity loads. Resistance to lateral load is provided by shear walls or braced frames. Building Frame System A structural system with an essentially complete space frame providing support for gravity loads. Resistance to lateral load is provided by shear walls or braced frames. Moment-Resisting Frame System A structural system with an essentially complete space frame providing support for gravity loads. Moment-resisting frames provide resistance to lateral load primarily by flexural action of members. Dual System A structural system with the following features comes in the category of dual system: 1. Essentially complete space frame that provides support for gravity loads. 2. Resistance to lateral load is provided by shear walls or braced frames and moment-resisting frames (SMRF, IMRF, MMRWF or steel OMRF). The moment-resisting frames shall be designed to independently resist at least 25 percent of the design base shear. 3. The two systems shall be designed to resist the total design base shear in proportion to their relative rigidities considering the interaction of the dual system at all levels. 2.6 DRIFT AND STOREY DRIFT LIMILATION Drift Drift or horizontal displacements of the structure shall be computed where required. For both Allowable Stress Design and Strength Design, the Maximum Inelastic Response Displacement, ΆM, of the structure caused by the Design Basis Ground Motion shall be determined in accordance with this section. The drifts corresponding to the design seismic forces ΆS, shall be determined. To determine ΆM, these drifts shall be amplified. A static, elastic analysis of the lateral force-resisting system shall be prepared using the design seismic forces. Where Allowable Stress Design is used and where drift is being computed, the related load combinations shall be used. The resulting deformations, denoted as ΆS, shall be determined at all critical locations in the structure. Calculated drift shall include translational and torsional deflections. The Maximum Inelastic Response Displacement, ΆM, shall be computed as follows (BCP 2007): ΆM = 0.7 R ΆS (2.1) Alternatively, ΆM may be computed by nonlinear time history analysis. The analysis used to determine the Maximum Inelastic Response Displacement ΆM shall consider P-Ά effects. Storey Drift Limitation Storey drifts shall be computed using the Maximum Inelastic Response Displacement, ΆM. Calculated storey drift using ΆM shall not exceed 0.025 times the storey height for structures having a fundamental period of less than 0.7 second. For structures having a fundamental period of 0.7 second or greater, the calculated storey drift shall not exceed 0.020 times the storey height, with exceptions of: 1. These drift limits may be exceeded when it is demonstrated that greater drift can be tolerated by both structural elements and nonstructural elements that could affect life safety. The drift used in this assessment shall be based upon the Maximum Inelastic Response Displacement, Ά M. 2. There shall be no drift limit in single-storey steel-framed structures classified as Groups B, F and S Occupancies or Group H, Occupancies. In Groups B, F and S Occupancies, the primary use shall be limited to storage, factories or workshops. Structures on which this exception is used shall not have equipment attached to the structural frame or shall have such equipment detailed to accommodate the additional drift. Walls that are laterally supported by the steel frame shall be designed to accommodate the drift. The design lateral forces used to determine the calculated drift may disregard the limitations and may be based on the period determined, neglecting the 30 or 40 percent limitations. 2.7 SELECTION OF LATERAL-FORCE PROCEDURE Any structure may be, and certain structures defined below shall be, designed using the dynamic lateral-force procedures. (UBC 16.8) Simplified Static The simplified static lateral-force procedure may be used for the following structures of Occupancy Category 4 or 5 (UBC 1629.8.2) 1. Buildings of any occupancy (including single-family dwellings) not more than three storeys excluding basements that use light-frame construction. 2. Other buildings not more than two storeys in height excluding basements. The static lateral force procedure may be used for the following structures: (UBC 1629.8.3) 1. All structures, regular or irregular, in Seismic Zone 1 and in Occupancy Categories 4 and 5 in Seismic Zone 2. 2. Regular structures under 73.0 meters (240 feet) in height with lateral force resistance provided by different systems. 3. Irregular structures not more than five storeys or 20 meters (65 feet) in their height. 4. Structures having a flexible upper portion supported on a rigid lower portion where both portions of the structure considered separately can be classified as being regular, the average storey stiffness of the lower portion is at least 10 times the average storey stiffness of the upper portion and the period of the entire structure is not greater than 1.1 times the period of the upper portion considered as a separate structure fixed at the base. Dynamic Lateral Force Procedure The dynamic lateral-force procedure shall be used for structures, including the following: (UBC 1629.8.4) 1. Structures 73 meters (240 feet) or more in height 2. Structures having a stiffness, weight or geometric vertical irregularity of Type 1, 2 or 3 or structures having irregular features not described in code. 3. Structures over five storeys or 20 meters (65 feet) in height in Seismic Zones 3 and 4 not having the same structural system throughout their height. 4. Structures, regular or irregular, located on Soil Profile Type SF that has a period greater than 0.7 second. The analysis shall include the effects of the soils at the site . Structures with a discontinuity in capacity, vertical irregularity Type 5, shall not be over two storeys or 9 meters (30 feet) in height where the weak storey has a calculated strength of less than 65 percent of the storey above. Where the weak storey is capable of resisting a total lateral seismic force of ÃŽÂ ©o times the design force prescribed. Where ÃŽÂ ©o = Seismic force over strength factor given in Table 16-N of UBC 97

Wireless Technology Essays -- Internet Computers Essays

Wireless Technology Wireless technology is an industry that has seen much growth and progress in the years following the inception of the internet and cell phones. Our society has progressed to the point to where we can no longer function without this technology. Business, travel, and everyday life now are dependant on wireless technology. Wireless technology is just what its name implies, communicating or computing without wires and phone lines. Wireless technology uses a variety of different devices such as desktop and laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDA’s), cell phones, and many others. The major benefit of wireless technology to users is the immediate access it offers to resources. Whether it is providing access to your office, the Internet, your business, or just making a phone call while walking down the street, wireless technology provides millions of users with a degree of flexibility that used to be limited by wires. In general, wireless technology works a lot like wired technology. The user inputs data onto device, connection software translates the data into a format for transmission, and transmission protocols determine the method and route the data into a format for transmission. The method and route the data will take is determined by transmission protocols. Once more, connection software re-translates the data into a format that the new user can perceive. Wireless technology is important to business because it makes communication and integration of e-business easier to achieve. Virtualization brings computing power to the consumer when they need it. Grid technology lets us share and manage collections of resources as if they were a large virtualiz... ...s many wireless technologies as possible. In the end, the wireless technologies that will survive will rely on ease of use and affordability. Bibliography Woods, Arthur and Chiu, Charles, (Sept/Oct 2003). Response to Technology in College Classrooms. Retrieved October 25, 2004 from http://ts.mivu.org/default.asp?show=article&id=1045 New to Wireless Technology (n.d.). Retrieved October 25, 2004 from http://www-106.ibm.com/developerworks/wireless/newto/ Introduction to Wireless Networking (n.d.). Retrieved October 25, 2004 from http://www.dnjonline.com/articles/mobility/nov02_wireless_networks.asp Bluetooth Wireless Technology (n.d.). Retrieved October 25, 2004 from http://www.palmos.com/dev/tech/bluetooth/ Wireless LAN (n.d.). Retrieved October 25, 2004 from http://www.wirelessdictionary.com/#WLAN

What are the factors that have caused British political parties to change their policies on the EU since 1970?

Abstract There are a number of different factors that have caused British political parties to change their policies on the EU, yet it is often very difficult to determine what these are. Whilst some may suggest that it is down to a change in public attitudes (Ladrech, 2001, p. 4), others would argue that party position changes occur as a result of â€Å"environmental incentives with party organisation† (Schumacher et al; 2009, p. 1). Regardless, EU integration is one of the main issues that has divided British political parties since the 1970’s and Britain’s EU membership has had a significant impact upon political parties. Hence, the two main themes that have run through the main parties with regards to the EU are division and fragmentation, which has led many to believe that ‘Europe’ has essentially become a â€Å"cause of political cleavage† (Smith, 2012, p. 1277) that has widely impacted mainstream political parties. This study will therefore anal yse the changing approaches of British political parties since the 1970’s in order to determine what factors have led to a change in policies. Introduction Introduction to the Study Since the United Kingdom became a member of the European Union, there has been a significant amount of controversy that has surrounded the move. The UK had been trying to join the EU since 1961, yet its membership was rejected by the French President. It wasn’t until 1973 when the UK finally became a member and although a referendum was held two years later, which resulted in the public voting in favour of the UK’s membership, many have continued to question whether it was in fact a good move. Accordingly, some have argued against further EU integration, whilst others have argued for complete EU withdrawal. This so-called Euroscepticism has existed since the very beginning and has had a significant impact upon the policies of British political parties. In accordance with this, it will be considered what factors actually caused British political parties to change their policies on the EU since 1970.Research Objective The objective o f this research is to consider what causes British political parties to change their EU policies and to determine what parties are cautious of further EU integration. It will also allow an assessment to be made as to whether there are any parties who support the withdrawal from the EU. Thus, it will also be shown that debate surrounding the EU has not been sustained and that many challenges still exist, causing many to question Britain’s EU membership.Literature ReviewIntroduction When the UK became a member of the EU, every political party was in agreement, yet many debates have subsequently been made as to whether it was the right decision to make. Hence, the debates between Eurosceptics and EU supporters are still ongoing in British political parties today, though there the views of the Conservative and Labour parties are diverse and appear to change frequently. Accordingly, during the 1970’s and 1980’s the Labour party appeared to be more Europsceptic than the Conservative party and thereby pledged â€Å"to extricate ourselves from the Treaty of Rome and other Community treaties† (Politea, 2007, p. 1). During the 1990’s, however, the Conservative party appeared to be moving in the same direction by making a pledge not to co-operate with the EU. Nevertheless, public support for the EU began to grow since it was believed that the EU would be a good thing for Britain, especially after the Thatcherism era. As such, â€Å"Europe app eared to be fundamental to the government’s attempts to revise the Thatcher settlement and symbolized a modification of some of its less palatable elements† (Gifford, 2008, p. 114). Literature Review Regardless of the EU’s initial support, Eurosceptiscim is still rife in Britain today and many questions have been raised as to why British political parties have continued to change their policies on the EU since the UK’s integration in 1970. Whilst some argue that material factors, such as anti-market and anti-capitalist, are the reason why the policies have shifted, others believe that ideology, such as national sovereignty and anti-immigration is the reason for the shift. Nonetheless, as put by Kopecky (2002, p. 297); â€Å"ideology is the dominant explanation for both types of support, although strategy at times plays a role in explaining specific support.† Regardless, it has been argued that â€Å"the Chevenementists’ shift away from left-right positioning has not paid off electorally† (Milner, 2004, p. 59). This is widely due to the mistrust the public will have in political parties who frequently change their stance and although there may be a number of different factors as to why this happens the public will be fearful of neo-liberal policies. Still, others believe that the changes in policies are primarily the result of Britain’s desire to maintain independence and sovereignty (Harmsen and Spiering, 2005, p. 14). Whether Britain’s current policies will be maintained is doubtful, especially in light of the recent policy changes: â€Å"The last two and a half years have seen the biggest change of Britain’s European policy in its four-decade membership of the European Union† (Teasdale, 2013, p. 1). Theoretical Approaches A Culturalist theory of political change will be used in this study in order to explain why political change occurs. This appears to be the most appropriate way to determine what factors have caused British political parties to change their policies on the EU since 1970. This is because; Culturalist theory is based on the idea that people do not respond directly to situations they face and that instead situations are seen through orientations (Eckstein, 1988, p. 790). Hence, orientations are how information is processed and can be changed depending on what is being taught. Accordingly, as noted by Eckstein (1992, p. 281); â€Å"a cogent, potentially powerful theory of political change can be derived from Culturalist premises.† Research Question What factors have caused British political parties to change their policies on the EU? How have attitudes towards Europe shifted amongst the two main parties? Proposed Methodology In obtaining the relevant information for this study it will be necessary to use a secondary research approach. This is because, already existing data will be capable of being collected and then analysed in order to reach an appropriate conclusion. This is the most cost effective and efficient way of collecting data and is more feasible than using primary research. Hence, it would be difficult to gain access to political parties in order to obtain their views. Therefore, for the purposes of this study; it would be impracticable to use primary research. Opinions will thus be acquired from relevant scholars, theorists, politicians and academics in order to allow a general overview of the topic to be provided. These will be obtained from textbooks, journal articles, online legal databases and governmental reports. References Eckstein, H. (1992) Regarding Politics: Essays on Political Theory, Stability and Change, University of California Press. Gifford, C. (2008) The Making of Eurosceptic Britain: Identity and Economy in a Post-Imperial State, Ashgate Publishing Ltd. Harmsen, R. and Spiering, M. (2005) Eurosceptism, Rodopi. Jansen, J. J. and Jansen, S. J. M. (2011) Fiscal Sovereignty of the Member States in an Internal Market: Past Future, Kluwer Law International. Kopecky, P. (2002) The Two Sides of Euroscepticism, Party Positions on European Integration in East Central Europe, European Union Politics, SAGE Journals, Volume 3, No. 3. Ladrech, R. (2001) Europeanization and Political Parties: Towards a Framework for Analysis, Keele University, [Online] Available: bdi.mfa.government.bg/†¦/†¦ [05 April, 2013]. Milner, S. (2004) For an Alternative Europe: Euroscepticism and the French Left Since the Maastricth Treaty, [Online] Available: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/rodopi/es/2004/00000020/00000001/art00004 [02 April, 2013]. Schumacher, G., de Vris, C. E., and Vis, B., (2009) Why Political Parties Change Their Positions: Environmental Incentives & Party Organisation, [05 April, 2013]. Smith, J. (2012) The European Dividing Line in Party Politics, International Affairs, 6. Teasdale, A. (2013) Will Eurosis Condemn Britain to be an Outsider Looking InEUROPP, [Online] Available: http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2013/03/05/uk-eu-outsider/ [03 April, 2013].

Can Blake Be Considered To Be a Romantic Poet

Romantism was an artistic movement, which took place between 1770 and 1848. It highlighted a significant change in society. Before, people generally believed in the neo-classic system, which was extremely authoritarian, there was no belief in the power of imagination, paintings were realistic portraits or landscapes and literature was inflexible. Everything was more or less constrained. Signs of romatism were evident in writers such as Mary Shelly and ETA Hoffman who both alluded to the darkly mysterious aspects of life. Slowly writers started to portray nature in relation to mans sentiments (Gray was a fine example of this). This is displaying imagination, as it is associated with the individuals' state of mind. Rousseau was a great influence in the Romantic Movement, his literature showed adventure and a clear use of imagination. William Blake was an ardent follower of Rousseau and his beliefs. This is evident in his poems, such as The Tiger taken from Songs Of Innocence. In this poem there is a contest between the tiger and the blacksmith, the tiger being a natural, powerful, instinctive and full of energy and imagination while the blacksmith ruins, crafts and reconstructs natural materials. It is clear in the poem that Blake had a great degree of respect for the tiger and this is shown where it says: â€Å"On what wings dare he aspire? What the hand dare seize the fire.† This is taken from the second stanza of the poem, which consists solely of questions. These questions are evidence of Blake's fascination with this creature that is individual in thought and action, that isn't influenced by Urizen and is not affected by the mind forged manacles. It is evident in this poem that Blake was a believer in the power of imagination. He loathed anything that limited or constricted imagination. This is partly from the influence of Jean Jacques Rousseau's The Social Contract, the opening sentence resembles key words that appear in Blake's poems: â€Å"Man is born free but everywhere he is in chains.† Here, the key words are â€Å"free† and â€Å"chains†. Chains are mentioned a countless number of times in Blake's poems, most noticeably in The Tiger where it says: â€Å"What thy hammer? What thy chain?† A hammer is a weapon that shapes (resembling how the church/monarchy shaped society) and a chain is a weapon that restricts and Blake obviously felt that people were being oppressed. As well as having respect for individual and instinctive creatures like the tiger, Blake was also very fond of children. Many of his poems are based on children with a particular emphasis on childhood memories, for example: The Chimney Sweeper and The Nurses Song. Both of these poems appear in two parts, each with one in Songs of Innocence and the other in Songs of Experience. This emphasises the value of individual experience. If we look at The Nurses Song (Innocence), it is clearly portraying a feeling of joy and optimism; this is evident where it says: â€Å"When the voices of children are heard on the green And laughing is heard on the hill.† Here, the words: â€Å"voices† and â€Å"laughing† tell us that children have a voice and are allowed to have a voice, and be expressive. Also, the emphasis on the surrounding environment makes the setting very idyllist (like that of fairy tale). The key concept to this poem is authority. In this poem the nurse is benevolent and lenient. However, in the NUSRSES song (experience), the key figure (the nurse) becomes jealous and self-centred, this is portrayed where it says: † The days of my youth rise fresh in my mind, My face turns green and pale.† Now the nurse has envy in her soul, she wants to be like a child again because experience has made her so cynical. Here, there are two important points, one is experience, Blake is showing us how people change with experience, after being constrained and oppressed people became self – centred and envious like the nurse. The other factor is childhood, he is emphasising the sacredness and vitality of that part of life. As this is the only time when we can be completely frank and voice our thoughts without hesitation and its accepted. By analysing Blake's poetry and imagery it is clear to see that he can be considered a romantic poet. It is clear to see in The Tiger that he believes in the power of imagination and this is also evident in all his work. He emphasises on the value of experience a great amount and this is most obviously shown by the composition of Songs of Experience. All his work shows a subjective point of view, which is expressed through the intensity of the language he uses. He has linked together man and nature (most noticeably) in The Sick Rose and The Clod and the Pebble. All his work reflects his state of mind, he is conveying his point of view through his literature and art forms, and this makes him a romantic poet.