The Tibetan Book of the Dead Essay Example for Free

The Tibetan Book of the Dead Essay Introduction All the teaching of Buddha, known all over the world as Buddhism, is based on the ideas of karma and reincarnation. Buddhists believe that after death the person is reborn and gets another incarnations in order to pay his karmic debts and get a chance to become enlightened of liberated. That is the reason they regard death as nothing but a pass to another physical incarnation and try to use this chance to get better conditions of life. The Bardo Thodol, also known as the Tibetan Book of the Dead belongs to the secrete texts of Buddhism and describes the experience of the death and gives guidelines how to pass from one incarnation to another. The name Bardo means the period between the death and next birth. The Tibetan Book of the Dead contains practical guidelines on the way to the next incarnation. In addition to ancient rituals and rites, it also contains main philosophical doctrines of Buddhism. The study of this book can give a better understanding of fundamental ideas of Buddhism and key concepts of this religion. General features of Tibetan Buddhism Buddhism is one of three major world religions. It was founded about 2.500 years ago by Siddhartha Gautama Buddha. Its main idea is a salvation from the world sufferings with the help of meditation. There are more than 350 million of followers of Buddhism in the modern world. Most followers of Buddhism live in India, China, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Tibet. Buddhism came to Tibet and 12 centuries later it appeared in India. It became widespread in Tibet beginning from the 7th century. It came in conflict with local religion called Bon, despite their main concepts agreed on many points. Tibetian Buddism assimilated a lot from Bon and The Tibetan book of The Dead is a perfect example of synthesis of these two religions. Buddhist term for awakening is nirvana. Nirvana means liberation from samsara – cycle of rebirth and entering another mode of existence. Buddhism states that all human beings are born in life full of sufferings and pain. Desires make people unhappy, as our mind can’t be satisfied with anything it gets and always asks for more. Making true one wish people start longing for something else and this vicious circle never ends. Existence full of sufferings and pain doesn’t stop after death as Buddhists believe in rebirth – the repeated process of life and death conditioned by the karma law. The only way out of this misery and pain is nirvana, which can be achieved through meditation and following the principles of Buddhism and to achieve the enlightenment or awakening of selfhood. Reaching enlightenment means reunion with one’s true Self. The state of nirvana is hard to define, as it lies beyond words and notions, but the most appropriate categories used to define it are emptiness, space and openness. In other words, reaching the state of nirvana means realization the emptiness of the true Self. Buddha is a Sanskrit term that means â€Å"awakened one† and it describes Buddha’s nature. Buddha was the first person who achieved liberation or awakening and could pass his experience to other people. He teaches people that all of them have the potential to become Buddha, reaching the state of nirvana. Tibetan Perspectives on Death and Dying The concept of death accepted in Buddhism is fundamentally different from the one, which exists on the West. Eastern people believe in reincarnation and that is why the death for them is not an end of existence but just an interesting journey and great opportunity. Buddhist teaching pays special attention to the death experience as a transitional state from one incarnation to another. Death rituals, described in the Book of the Dead derive from Bonism, traditional Tibetan religions, which preceded Buddhism. Ideas from Bonism naturally supplement new Buddhism concepts and together they combine an organic combination of religion, philosophy and practical rituals. The concept of death in Buddhism has two meanings and The Book of the Death speaks about two of them. In the first interpretation the death is regarded as a physical death, the cease of earthy existence. The first part of the Book of the Dead, The First Bardo deals with this death. Another meaning of death is a death of ego. It’s an esoteric meaning of death and it stands for inner transformation. This inner transformation is the ultimate goal of Buddhism and The Book of Dead deals with this kind of death too. As Tibetan Lama Govinda states in his introduction to this book, It is a book for the living as well as for the dying. (The Tibetan Book of the Dead: or, The After-Death Experiences on the Bardo Plane, according to Lama Kazi Dawa-Samdups English Rendering) The book contains a lot of layers of meaning and can have several levels of interpretation. For centuries this book was kept in secret and only separate religious authorities could access it. Bardo Thodol – the Guidance for the Death and Life The Bardo Thodol was used by lamas. Literary translation of the name of the book means â€Å"liberation while hearing being in the intermediate state†. Lamas use this intermediate state as a mean to appeal to the true self of the person, when his physical body is passing away and thus give him an opportunity to stop the endless chain of births and deaths and get final liberation, or nirvana. There are three intermediate states described in the Book of the Dead. They are: the chikhai bardo, or bardo of the moment of death; the Chonyid bardo, or bardo of experiencing of reality; and the sidpa bardo, or bardo of rebirth. (The Book of the Dead) The Chikhai bardo makes the person ready to meet the very moment of the death. This moment is very important because the moment when vital force leaves the body and last directions if heard in time can help the person to pass the intermediate state correctly. As the Book of the Dead states, â€Å"When the expiration hath ceased, the vital-force will have sunk into the nerve-center of Wisdom and the Knower will be experiencing the Clear Light of the natural condition . Then the vital force, being thrown backwards and flying downwards through the right and left nerves the Intermediate State (Bardo) momentarily dawns.â€Å" (The Book of The Dead) In his commentaries, to The Tibetan Book of the Dead Evans-Wentz explains that â€Å"never centers† mentioned in the book mean psychic centers or cakras and the Center of Wisdom mentioned in the book is located in anahata cakra in the center of the chest. (Evans-Wentz) The Knower mentioned in the same passage stands for the mind in the state of impartial observer. The Chikhai bardo explains the changes in the energetic structure of the body with the coming of death. It doesn’t only describe physical changes, which occur in the body and the way energy leaves the body, but also stresses on the necessity to remain in the state of observer, in order to get the liberation. As Detlef Ingo Lauf states in his commentaries to the Secret Doctrines of the Tibetan Book of Dead â€Å"This is the very content and substance of the state of liberation, if only the soul can recognize it and act in a way to remain in that state.† (Lauf, 254) Special words, repeated several times, must help the dying person to fulfil the main purpose of his pass and help him find the right way in Bardo, where â€Å"wherein all things are like the void and cloudless sky, and the naked, spotless intellect is like unto a transparent vacuum without circumference or centre.† (The Book of the Dead) During the reading lama must change the body position of the dying person in order to create the right flow of energy in the body. The main purpose of all rites and ceremonies, described in The Book of the Dead, is to make the person stay conscious during the very moment of the death. This will enable him to remain conscious in the Bardo, and this way â€Å"From the union of the two states of mind, or consciousness, is born the state of Perfect Enlightenment, Buddhahood. The Dharma-Kaya (Body of Truth) symbolizes the purest and the highest state of being, a state of supramundane consciousness (The Book of the Dead). The person should overcome fear and his own egoistic desires and meet the moment of death pure and full of compassion to all living beings. The Book of Dead states that most of the people fail to remain consciousness at the very moment of the death. This can be explained by the weight of their past karma, fear and selfishness. â€Å"According to the wisdom of Buddha, we can actually use our lives to prepare for death† and that is why this moment is so important ( Ringpoche, 45) In this case they fail to see â€Å"Clear Light of Ultimate Reality† and should pass to the next stage. The Bardo Thodol gradually describes next steps of the process of passing away and stresses on the different opportunities to get liberation on the different stages. Conclusion The main message of The Bardo Thodol is to be conscious at the moment of death. The book describes different techniques used by lama in order to â€Å"awake† the person at the very moment of death or afterwards. At the same time, if we think about our life carefully, we will understand that we approach death with every second of our life; and being conscious in everyday life can be also the way to get liberation. As Sogyal Rinpoche states in The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying: â€Å"In the Buddhist approach, life and death are seen as one whole, where death is the beginning of another chapter of life. Death is a mirror in which the entire meaning of life is reflected.† (Rinpoche, 45) This holistic approach peculiar to Orinatal religions and philosophical systems illustrates their attitude to the death as a natural continuation of life and vice versa. Sources Rinpoche, Sogyal. The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. San Francisco: Harper Collins, 1992. Sogyal Rinpoche is a Tibetan Teacher. He did a perfect job adapting ancient texts, which compose â€Å"The Book of the Dead† for the modern reader. Original book even with commentaries and comments was very hard to comprehend for the unprepared reader. Sogyal Rinpoche made this text easy to read. At the same time he managed to write his book in such a way that the text did not lose its original meaning and those, who are interested in studying sacred Buddhist text, can read â€Å"The Book of the Dead†, which is one of central texts of Tibetan Buddhism in easy and comprehensive interpretation. The book investigates the topics of death and dying, which are central notions of Buddhism. The author introduces Buddhist concepts of karma, mediation, reincarnation and bardo in interesting and understandable manner. The book also contains practical guideline of dealing with the death. Reading this book transforms one’s attitude to the question of death and to life. Overcoming the fear of death can become that turning point, which changes the whole life, and Rinpoche’s book helps to deal with this fear. The author gives practical advice, which can help both – experienced seekers and people, who only start their acquaintance with Buddhism. The Tibetan Book of the Dead: or, The After-Death Experiences on the Bardo Plane, according to Lama Kazi Dawa-Samdups English Rendering. Ed. W. Y. Evans-Wentz, Oxford University Press, 1949 This book gives Buddhist vision of the process of death and dying. This book teaches not only the process of dying, it also centers on the process of living and uncovers new levels of meaning of our earthy existence. The text produced in this addition is Lama Kazi Dawa Sammdup’s interpretation of the Bardo Thodol edited by the famous specialist in this field and first translator of this book to English Evans-Wentz. Their creative tandem gave birth to new interpretation of classical text. Commentaries of C.G. Jung, the representative of the New School† psychology helps Western people to get prepared for dealing with such complicated issues as death and dying, which is a very difficult topic for Westerners. Introduction written by Lama Anagarika Govinda, a modern religious authority, helps to understand the ancient texts. All those, who contributed to this book, made a great job by making an ancient Orintal wisdom understandable for western audience. General information about Buddhism, which makes the third part, can be useful for those, who want to penetrate deeper into this religious teaching. Comments and commentaries presented in the book make it not only ancient classics, but also a comprehensive book about self-improvement and coming in terms with your life. Detlef Ingo Lauf. Secret Doctrines of the Tibetan Books of the Dead. (Trans. by Graham Parkes) Boston: Shambhala Publications, 1989. Detlef Lauf is a famous German religious scholar and Tibetologist. In his â€Å"Secret Doctrines of the Tibetan Books of the Dead† he provides his own commentaries about the famous text. He introduces different variants of The Book of the Dead and uncovers their deep symbolism. Religious concepts are supplemented by historical information, which makes their comprehension easier. The book written by Detlef Ingo Lauf is a necessary addition to the information, presented in the Tibetan Book of the Dead. The book is a deep survey of Buddhist and pre-Buddhist relations’ teachings, which attributed to the Buddhist concepts of death and dying. The author makes a research of the different deities, Buddhist doctrines and principles created a necessary basis for the right understanding of the classical texts of the Bardo Thodol or the Book of the Dead. The author goes even further and compares the concepts of death discovered in the Book of the Dead with views on death applied in different religious doctrines of Rome, Greece, Eqypt, India and Persia. Information about the death and dying received by modern Western scholars help to understand the basic ideas of the book. References 1. Evans-Wentz, W.Y. (ed.) The Tibetan Book of the Dead. London/Oxford/New York; Oxford University 1960. (Trans. by Graham Parkes) Boston: Shambhala Publications, 1989. 2. The Tibetan Book of the Dead: or, The After-Death Experiences on the Bardo Plane, according to Lama Kazi Dawa-Samdups English Rendering. Ed. W. Y. Evans-Wentz, Oxford University Press, 1949 3. Rinpoche, Sogyal. The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. San Francisco: Harper Collins, 1992. 4. The Tibetan Book of the Dead: The Great Liberation Through Hearing in the Bardo. By Guru Rinpoche according to Karma-Lingpa. (Translated Francesca Fremantle, Chogyam Trungpa). Boston and London: Shambhala Pocket Classics, 1992. 4. Detlef Ingo Lauf. Secret Doctrines of the Tibetan Books of the Dead.

Tesco: Dealing With Suppliers

Tesco: Dealing With Suppliers Business ethics refers to the study of morality on what is right and wrong that has been focus on moral standards as they are applied to the business, organization and behavior (Velasquez M.G., 2006). However, ethics can be defined as the application of morals to human activity (L. Manning, R.N.Baines S.A. Chadd, 2006). Therefore, ethical theories refer as the rules and principles. Ethical practices are important as it gives power and influence of business in society and offer major contributions to society. The reason for selecting Tesco is because this company is the third largest retailer in the world, which is encountering ethical and unethical practices that concerns much of the peoples daily life. Company Background Tesco was founded in 1919 by Jack Cohen from a market stall in Londons East End. Over the years the business has grown and Tesco has 6,351 stores operating in 14 countries across Europe, Asia and North America (Tesco PLC, 2012). They have over 520,000 employees and serving millions of customers every week (Tesco PLC, 2012). Tesco is known to be the world third largest retailer selling groceries, household items, general merchandise and etc. However, Tesco is the second largest retailer in term of profits. Throughout the years, Tesco never stop expanding their business while also taking over other supermarkets which leads them continue growing. In Malaysia, year 2001 Tesco partners with Sime Darby and started their first store in Puchong in year 2002. In year 2009, Tesco was recognized as the number one hypermarket in Malaysia. Ethics is important for Tesco to maintain their valuable reputation and to build Tescos success. Hence, Tesco have to conduct their business in a manner of legal and ethical. Currently Tesco keep improving their merchandise, systems and stores to show that they are green, recycling-friendly, fair trading and ethical. Tesco aim to gain reputation of being ethical in their business following the footsteps of some ethical companies like The Body Shop which are retailer and manufacturer of naturally inspired and ethically produced cosmetic products. Body Shop is a company who appreciates the environment and social impact in its supply chain. Thus, the company ethical practices can be reflected in its Community Trade Programs and Ethical Trade (Business In The Community, 2012). 2.0 Ethical Dilemmas 2.1 Stakeholder Theory The method use for the analysis is stakeholder analysis. According to Edward Freeman (1984), a stakeholder in an organization is defined as group of individual who can affect, or is affected by the achievement of the organizations objectives (Freeman 1984:46). Evan and Freeman (1993) suggest two principles in order for a more precise definition of affects and affected by. First, principle of corporate rights which is the corporation has the obligation not to violate the rights of others. Principle of corporate effect refers to companies are responsible for the effects of their actions on others. Stakeholder theory comprises of competitors, customers, employees, community, suppliers, shareholders and government (Appendix 1). According to Freeman, others have a legitimate claim on the corporation. However, Freeman (1984) argues two perspectives which is the legal and economic perspective. Legal perspective is a legally binding contract which is protected legally in some ways while economic perspective is outside contractual relationships. Role of management by Freeman, states the broader view of responsibility towards multiple stakeholders assigns a new role to management. Rather than just agents of shareholders, the management has to take into account the rights and interest of the stakeholders. There are two models suggested which is stakeholder democracy and corporate governance. Stakeholder democracy gives the stakeholders the opportunity to influence and having control over corporate decisions. Whereby corporate governance regulates and codifies various rights of the stakeholder groups. 2.2 Ethical Dilemmas of Tesco 2.3 Supplier Ethical dilemmas encountered by Tesco are suppliers. Tesco being one of the market leaders is using its strength in the market place to deliver unbeatable value which in turn forcing the suppliers to push down prices of vegetables, meat, garments and etc. Therefore, this action shows that Tesco is paying its suppliers 4% below the industry average and has cause some UK farmers on the brink of bankruptcy (Friends of Earth, 2005). In addition, Tesco often make unnecessary demands on farmers to guarantee uniform products. Therefore, it became national standards inevitably (Friends of Earth, 2005). There have been also incidents whereby Tesco cancelled order at the last minute and this has cause financial losses to the suppliers especially to the farmers. Next, Tesco is loading various risks and costs of its fresh-produce business onto farmers whereby also passing it to the workers particularly woman (Oxfam, 2004). Tesco push the price below cost of production example: a basket of food which contains eggs, milk, bread, tomatoes, beef and apples which would total up for  £ 37 whereas the farmers only get  £11 (Friends of Earth, 2003). At the same time, Tesco also force suppliers to depend on cheap seasonal labour and exposing workers particularly woman to intolerable living and working conditions. However, the woman workers are employed in the form of temporary and irregular employment without basic rights. According to Oxfam (2004), Tesco put pressures on South African fruit and wine suppliers by making them to pay for promotions and paying them below cost of production. 2.4 Community Although Tesco has huge share of the market, this unethical practice towards suppliers will affect the communities. The unethical practices of Tesco will affect the communities by having low job security for workers such as farm workers. Permanent jobs will be lesser as more contract and temporary labour will be required. Therefore, workers is seen to have no job security as they are required to become seasonal workers working only 8-11 months a year and lose their benefits of a permanent employee (Friends of Earth, 2005). However, casual woman labourer lose out on benefits, as men get everything like boots and uniform while woman gets nothing when they work all year in a pear farm (Action Aid, 2005). Subsequently, Tesco affects the communities in terms of unemployment. When farmers fail to cover their cost of production, it will become a norm of being in debt. Thus, this affects them to be out of business and creating the way for the end of the small and family farms (Corporate Watch, 2004). Next, the unethical practices of Tesco affect the communities on their cost of living. As Tescos aggressive buying practices force suppliers to push their prices down. As a result leads them to receive poverty wages and unable to fulfill their daily basic needs. Wages are so low that they are unable to maintain standards of living whereby families are often malnourished (Clean Clothes Campaign, 2009). For example: Tawana Fraser who work in the pear farm that supplies to Tesco says that although wages of  £32.50 were paid every two weeks, she cant even afford to go to school functions, buy school uniforms and even cant pay for her daughters school fees (Action Aid, 2005). Besides that, Tesco affects communities on their poor living conditions. Workers live in dismal housing where they only sleep on the floor with a plastic sheet with no electricity and water. Furthermore, walls of the shack are made of cardboard. Subsequently, the unethical practices of Tesco affect the communities by having unsafe working conditions. Workers have no protective clothing and gloves when working while they have to climb wet leaders that are still wet from pesticides to pick up pears from the trees (Action Aid, 2005). 3.0 Dealing with the dilemmas 3.1 Supplier To deal with the dilemmas, Tesco joint venture with Impactt Limited (company that provides training, advice and develop ethical trading strategies) to deliver ethical buyer training for Tesco buyers around the world. This training is to raise buyers awareness on ethical issues and the effects that purchasing practices can have on labour standards of the suppliers (Impactt Limited, 2012). This training also aims to teach them to understand and reflect ethical considerations in their purchasing practices and also highlight that buyers are responsible for ensuring that their behaviors do not force suppliers to cut corners (Tesco International Sourcing, 2008). Besides that, Tesco has committed to fair trade by signing up the Governments Supplier Code of Practices (Friends of the Earth, 2005). It was revised and strengthened in 2008 to protect the suppliers from exploitation. Next, Tesco also deals with supplier dilemmas by introducing supplier viewpoint independent annual survey. The suppliers are required to answer this anonymous survey, which allows suppliers to voice out how they feel about working with Tesco (Tesco PLC, 2012). Hence, this allows Tesco to understand the problem the supplier is facing whereby enables Tesco to understand and rectify the problems with their supplier. 3.2 Community Tesco deals with their dilemmas by emphasizing on two over riding priorities on ethical trade. Thus, with the two over-riding priorities on ethical trade, Tesco is committed to ensure the well-being of workers in the supply chain, to ensure no human rights abuses and at the same time ensuring sustainable environment impact (Tesco International Sourcing, 2008). On top of that, Tesco being one of the founders and the members of Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) uses ETI base code as a standard for all workers in the supply chain (Appendix 2). Whereby, Tesco made efforts on monitoring to help the workers to improve conditions and address entrenched problems. To deal with community dilemmas, Tesco also implement Supply Chain Impact Assessments whereby frequent visits by Tesco personnel to better understand what the challenges the workers are facing. Whereby using participatory interviews, third party audits to collect information from workers about their workplace concern. Furthermore, Tesco have been working with UN representative, South African partners on human rights to pilot principles that can strengthen effective grievance mechanism. For example: Tesco have piloted a farm level grievance mechanism which involves more than 3000 workers to voice their problems they were facing. 3.3 Apply one ethical theory into dilemma Ethical theory refers to rules and principle which decide the right and wrong in a given situation. Ethical theory consists of two ethical theories which are normative ethical theories and descriptive ethical theories. Normative ethical theories suggest the morally correct way of acting while descriptive ethical theories describe how ethical decisions are made. The role of ethical theory by Richard De George (1999) suggests two extreme positions which are ethical absolutism and ethical relativism. Ethical absolutism is universally applicable moral principles which the right and wrong are objective qualities. However, ethical relativism claims morality is context dependent and subjective, whereas there are no universal rights and wrong that can be determined. It depends on the person, culture and location (Crane, A. and Matten, D., 2007). Under normative theory, it consists of traditional and contemporary ethical theories. Traditional ethical theories are separated into consequentialist and non-consequentialist theories (Appendix 2). Under consequentialist theories, egoism refer to an action which is morally right when decision maker is free to decide to pursue their individual short term desires or long term interest. According to Adam Smith (1793), it is morally acceptable when individual interest pursuit through invisible hand of market which creates benefit for all. Next, utilitarianism refers to an action which is morally right if the outcome is greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people affected by the action. Utilitarianism has been chosen to apply in supplier dilemma. Through a utilitarian perspective, we can see Tesco acts in a way to produce the greatest possible balance of good over dissatisfaction of their suppliers. Tesco implementing low price policy which instead pushes the price lower of the products from their suppliers which cause supplier to suffer from huge lost. Although forcing the suppliers to lower the price is unethical, yet with Tesco low pricing policy it creates the greatest amount of happiness for the community while the company can enjoy higher profits. As a result, if low pricing gives happiness and more benefit to the community, Tesco do not need to think about how unethical their practice is towards the suppliers. However, under non-consequentialist theories it is divided into ethics of duties and ethics of right and justice. Ethics of duties by Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) argues that morality and decisions of right and wrong could not depend on a state whereby it is let alone on the consequences of ones action (Appendix 3). For ethics of right and justice, natural rights are important, certain basic, unalienable entitlements that should be protected and respected in every action. Hence, justice refers that together all individuals must receive fair treatment in a situation whereby the outcome is everybody get what they deserve. According to Locke (1632-1714) the most important rights are rights to life, freedom and property (Appendix 4). Next, under normative theories which consist of contemporary ethical theories are divided into virtue ethics, postmodern perspective, feminist ethics and discourse ethics (Appendix 4). However, descriptive ethical theory involves two factors that influence the decision making which are individual and situational factors (Appendix 5). 4.0 Organization Best values and practices 4.1 Best Practices PG current practices are supplier engagement. PG work closely with their suppliers across the entire supply chain. In order for them to bring the best thinking that benefits the brand and business, PG implement supplier scorecard which is to improve supply chain environmental issues while also encouraging sharing of capabilities and ideas in the supply chain which leads to deliver better products and services to consumers (Procter Gamble, 2012) (Appendix 6). Based on the best practices of this company, Tesco should emulate the footsteps of the above mentioned company to achieve the best practices. The best practices Tesco should adopt are supplier engagement. Tesco could launch a supplier scorecard to measure and track the supplier environmental footprint while also a way to communicate with suppliers. Subsequently, scorecard creates a platform to receive feedback, sharing of capabilities and get ideas from suppliers. Thus, with the ideas and feedback Tesco could fine-tune its own procedures to communicate better with their suppliers for further improvement such as work practices and environmental issues. However, having better communication and good relationship with suppliers also gives suppliers better opportunity for business which in turn suppliers would not act unethically. 4.2 Best values Next, the values of NTUC Fair Price Hypermarket in Singapore are responsible retailing. Product safety and food handling is an important element in Fair Prices business to raise the standards of food safety in Singapore for their customers. As a result, the company is certified with Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) which is the management system for the assurance of food safety and ISO 9001 quality management system (Appendix 7). Based on the values of this company, Tesco should emulate the following values of the above mentioned company. The best value that Tesco should also adopt is food quality and safety management. In the food retailing industry, food quality is the most important values that could deliver excellent standards for food and products consistently. By offering quality products to the customers, customers will have the trust and confidence to shop in Tesco. However, Tesco can establish Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Program which is a management system for the assurance of food safety. Thus, by adopting food quality and standards Tesco is able to increase the confidence level of customers that they are receiving high quality, safe products. In addition, Tesco can implement ISO 9001 (quality management system) to ensure that they conform to standards by ensuring the highest food quality and food safety for customers. Thus, by Tesco implementing these values, it is able to show that Tesco prioritize responsible retailing. 4.3 Apply one ethical theory Normative theory consists of traditional and contemporary ethical theories. Under contemporary ethical theories there is postmodern ethics which refers to questioning everyday practices, rules and to listen everyone and follow their emotions and gut feelings about what they think is right and wrong in a decision making (Crane, A. Matten, D., 2010) The best practices of supplier engagement can be applied with postmodern ethics as Tesco needs to have good communication and work closely with their suppliers in order to be a successful ethical company. Therefore, by applying postmodern ethics Tesco needs to question their suppliers on environmental practices and make sure they follow consistently supplier trading policy. On top of that, to make sure suppliers maintain high ethical standards on environmental issues and work practices. At the same time, also listen to suppliers sharing of ideas or listen to problems encountered by supplier which relates to work practices and environmental practices. By Tesco making sure their suppliers follow procedures consistently it will reduce the chances of both parties acting unethically. 5.0 Conclusion Practicing good ethics is important part for every company as it helps to maintain the companys reputation and brand image. Hence, when Tesco have bad reputation in ethics will lead to loose customer or community trust and loyalty. Whereby, in year 2012 shows Tescos market share first time in seven years have drop below 30 % which is 29.9% (BBC News, 2012). Therefore, for Tesco to gain back their market share, Tesco have to act ethically to gain back the communitys trust and confidence level in their practices and products. Hence, by Tesco acting ethically it enables Tesco to continue maintaining their position as the third largest in the world. Furthermore, Tesco have to act ethically in every aspect they deal with to benefit the communities. At the same time, also acting ethically in their business in order for them to penetrate into more countries to maximize the shareholders value, increase companys profit and deliver sustainable growth year to year.

Review of hierarchical theories of intelligence

Review of hierarchical theories of intelligence The theories of cognitive abilities have been advanced through the conglomeration of two similar theories on the structure of human cognitive abilities which have provided a trend in intelligence theories. In particular, Cattell (1941) and Horn (1965) theoretical frameworks on unitary traits that reflects certain basic aspect of cognitive functioning (Fogerty Stankov, 1988) along with the seminal work of Carrolls (1993) three stratum theory that proposed cognitive abilities was an expansion and extension of previous theories, notably Spearman (1927) concept of general intelligence (g) have influenced the advancement in understanding the concept of general abilities. McGrew (2004) article emphasizes the theory based assessment, specifically CHC theory based assessment in human cognitive abilities. The article focuses on the history of cognitive abilities theory particularly test development, operationalisation and interpretation and outlines salient points of the model along with evidence review in support of the model. Thus, McGrew (2004) provided an outline describing the conglomeration of these models in particular, the initial works of Cattell (1941) and Horn (1965) Gf Gc theory which proposed Gf (fluid intelligence) of individual differences in cognitive ability were the influences of two major classes of factors, educational-cultural opportunity, genetic factors and physiological neurological functioning (Ferrer McArdle, 2004) that affected the normal development of cognitive abilities and further postulating that Gc (crystallised intelligence) primarily consisted of representation of measurable outcome of additional environmentally infl uenced factors such as experience and acculturation (Alfonso, Flanagan Radwan, 2005. Cited in: Flanagan Harrison (Eds)). According to McGrew (2004), the theory was further expanded by Horn to include various aspects of human cognitive abilities that comprised of eight broad abilities: Fluid Intelligence (Gf), Crystallized Intelligence (Gc), Short-Term Acquisition and Retrieval (SAR or Gsm), Visual Intelligence (Gv), Auditory Intelligence (Ga), Long-Term Storage and Retrieval (TSR or Glr), Cognitive Processing Speed (Gs), Correct Decision Speed (CDS), and Quantitative Knowledge (Gq). (Horn, 1991. Cited in McGrew, Werder Woodcock (Eds)) proposing that the correlation between Gf -Gc is the result of an individuals investment in Gf through the acquisitioning of the variety of information and cognitive skills that represents Gc (Jensen, 2002. Cited in Sternberg Grigorenko (Eds)) as well as suggesting that over the period of interaction with the total environment, individuals who are more highly endowed with Gf attain a higher level of Gc (Fogerty Stankov, 1988) . Evidence in further support of the model relates to Carrolls (1993) seminal work Human Cognitive Abilities: A Survey of Factor-Analytic Studies, which implied that a distinct number of individual differences in cognitive abilities exist and the relationship amongst these factors can be obtained through classification into three different strata (Alfonso, Flanagan Radwan, 2005. Cited in Flanagan Harrison (Eds)). As such, Carroll (1993) represented the structure of intelligence as a pyramid where general intelligence (g) formed the apex as conceptualised by Spearman (Berk, 2000). He believed that g was the most important factor when determining intelligence and that general intelligence could be divided into many more sub-factors, thus he organised these sub-factors into domains of intellectual abilities representing three separate levels and listing these abilities in descending order of predominance (Carroll, 1993). Stratum III general intelligence factor, Stratum II included the a bilities of Fluid Intelligence (Gf), Crystallized Intelligence (Gc), General Memory and Learning (Gy), Broad Visual Perception(Gv), Broad Auditory Perception (Ga), Broad Retrieval Ability (Glr), Broad Cognitive CHC Theory of cognitive abilities Speediness (Gs), and Reaction Time/Decision Speed (Gt), including 69 narrow abilities within Stratum I that are subsumed by stratum II abilities (McGrew, 2004). Similarly, there is evidence to indicate that CHC has since been recognised as being the most thorough and well researched multiple view of intelligence to date ( McGrew, 2005; Evans, McGrew, Leforgee. 2001). More specifically, McGrew (2004) argues that contemporary psychometric approaches have resulted in an effort to present a comprehensive conceptualisation of human cognitive abilities based on factor analytic studies. However, McGrew (2004) concede that although psychometrics had been highly recognised within the field of applied intelligence research it had been a much slower acceptance within the field of intelligence testing. Noting, diversity in test measures as the disparity in the advancement of the CHC theory particularly in defining and interpreting cognitive abilities construct, as well as the non inclusion of fluid and crystallised intelligence along with the exclusion of corresponding research base as a means to the development of intelligent testing (Alfonso, Flanaga n Radwan, 2005). The author argued that the impetus of change within this sphere was due to the revise model of the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery (WJ-R) based on Horn-Cattell Gf Gc theory as a cognitive model for test development which included two measure of each eight abilities. Moreover, that the amelioration of the WJ-R resulted in the foundation for the first major theory-to-practice bridging with major impact being on the applied measurement of intelligence. This approach of Woodcock (1990) became a blueprint for future intelligence test development thus, substantially influencing narrowing the contemporary psychometric theory and applied practice gap (Alfonso, Flanagan Radwan, 2005). CHC Theory of cognitive abilities McGrew (2004) postulated that as a result of Woodcock (1990) confirmatory factor analyses findings of major intelligences test sparked by the amelioration of the WJ-R permitted the freeing up of practitioners from constraints of most single intelligence batteries. The realisation by practitioners of the provision of a set of principles and procedures consequently from a cross battery approach as suggested by Woodcock (1990), allowed for greater measurement of a wider range of abilities by way of, systematically traversing amongst test batteries that were considered sufficient both in breath and depth in assessing various aspect of the broad range of cognitive abilities (Alfonso, Flanagan Radwan, 2005). The assumption of McGrew (2004) of Woodcocks (1990) work provided a transition in intelligence testing has had ample evidence in the literature (see McGrew Flanagan, 1998; Messick, 1992; Sternberg Kaufman, 1998) to support such a postulation. In the cross batteries approach McGrew Flanagan (1998) proposed the present of the provision of empirically based set of terms that is a standard nomenclature may significantly reduce or eliminate data misinterpretation generally through the combination of cognitive test. Accordingly, Messick (1998) implied that the utilisation of cross batteries approach would safe guards against two ubiquitous sources of invalidity in assessment- construct irrelevant variance and construct under representation. Furthermore, the attributes of cross batteries approach has typically focused on organise assessment that generate and test hypotheses that pertains to an individuals functioning by which reliable and valid conclusions are draw in a systematic mann er (Alfonso, Flanagan Radwan, 2005). It was therefore logical that focus on the structure of human cognitive abilities was of a critical importance given that there were diverse interpretations and understandings of the CHC Theory of cognitive abilities   With the changes in intelligence test development a systematic taxonomic structure was required in the field of intelligence, McGrew (2004) claims Carrolls (1993) seminal work Human Cognitive Abilities: A Survey of Factor-Analytic Studies provided the development of a common nomenclature that is a common set of terms and definition for describing broad and narrow cognitive abilities above and beyond the effect of g (McGrew, 2009). In doing so, Carroll (1993) was able to further the understanding of communication and intelligence measurement amongst scholars and practitioners, integrate and compare individual test across an array of intelligence batteries (McGrew, 2004). Moreover, Carrolls (1993) taxonomy on the structure of human cognitive abilities is grounded by exploratory factor analysis of 461 selected human cognitive abilities datasets, drawn from decades of research by various array of dedicated researchers in the field of intelligence (McGrew, 2004). The influence of the CHC taxonomic framework in the use of applied individual batteries of intelligence had ignited the search for common ground between cognitive and psychometric developments; hence, in McGrew (2004) article he had introduced the term spreading of the assessment gospel suggesting in order to study individual differences in cognitive abilities there needed to be a single broad and narrow ability taxonomy by which the constructs of abilities could be measured in the individually administered intelligence batteries. For this reason, McGrew (2004) is further suggesting that broad abilities should be considered as clusters in the construct of intelligent behaviour and therefore should be considered separately, thus, a move from the concept of single unitary constructs. CHC Theory of cognitive abilities The CHC model in the past decade has seen a series of exploratory and/or confirmatory factor analysis studies investigating the validity of a wide range of CHC constructs indicators. McGrew (2004) claims since Woodcocks (1990) series of joint factor analyses the majority of intelligence test prior to this only measured two or three broad cognitive abilities sufficiently, conceding that Carrolls (1993) was amongst the array of studies. However, it seems clear that although such representations are evident, the CHC theory has had major impact on intelligence test development due to exploratory and/or confirmatory factor analysis investigations that substantially increases research base to provide empirical support for the broad strokes of contemporary CHC theory (McGrew, 2004). McGrews (2004) article elucidate studies findings that support the CHC frame work through a comprehensive depiction of the general and broad abilities and their interrelationship in determining human cognitive abilities, for example multiple group confirmatory factor analysis methodological framework (see Bickley, Keith and Wolf, 1995) found support for the developmental invariance , whilst Taub McGrew ( in press) findings were consistent with that of Bickley et.al (1995) in providing additional support for validity of the broad and general stratum abilities of CHC theory, moreover, small sample structural studies provided a strong support for distinct CHC cognitive factors, however, a depiction is also clear that no single intelligence battery effectively measures all the broad abilities delineated in the framework of CHC (see Kaufman Kaufman, 1993; Pallier and Stankov, 1996). Research using cross batteries intelligence test such as WJ-R and Woodcock -Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery Third Edition (WJ-III) has demonstrated the importance of broad cognitive abilities in explaining domain specific knowledge for generalisation and correlations CHC Theory of cognitive abilities between construct indicators (McGrew, 2004). In his article, McGrew (2004) provides evidence based on major studies and it is easy to conclude from these findings the existence of these broad abilities. For instance, related cognitive abilities in which learning mediates the influence of fluid intelligence (Gf) and crystallised intelligence (Gc) with cognitive constructs such as general sequential, reasoning (RG), language development (LD), listening ability (LS) with other broad abilities; processing speed (Gs) and basic skills (Grw) (reading and spelling, reading comprehension). A central point in much research interest in intelligence theories has been whether general intelligence is embedded in every cognitive task. The CHC theory represents one of the best examples of collective science in applied psychology (McGrew, 2009), with its core origin being able to be pinpointed back to Spearmans (1927) presentation of the g factor of intelligence. The seminal work of Carrolls (1993) three stratum theory has been a major influence in the framework of CHC theory based on factor analysis of 461 datasets. As previously mentioned in this paper, Carroll (1993) believed that g was the most important factor when determining intelligence, evidence of g is able to be obtained when 60 narrow factor abilities (visualization, visual memory, deductive reasoning) of the first stratum are correlated producing a set of eight second stratum factors (fluid intelligence, crystallized intelligence, general memory and learning, broad visual perception, broad auditory perception, bro ad retrieval ability, broad cognitive speediness, and processing speed) which are positively inter-correlated. When these second stratum factors are analysed, a single third factor stratum of general intelligence emerges, whereas, in the two stratum model of Cattle-Horn the second broad order factors constitute the apex and are based on over 40 first-order factors (primary mental abilities) that forms the lower stratum denoting that there is only two general factors (fluid intelligence, CHC Theory of cognitive abilities crystallized intelligence) hence, it does not support a third order g factor to account for correlations among the broad sector order factors (Jensen, 2002). Guided by structural and empirical evidence the CHC theory arbitrate well in relation to general intelligence that is, g is measured depending upon the statistical analysis of measures of human cognitive abilities in determining cognitive strength and weaknesses of an individual. This is evident in McGrew (2004) assertion that working memory (MW) is a source of complex cognitive activities and is a critical issue in future studies (see McGrew Woodcock, 2001) for postulation of constancy of relations of MW to exert a large causal effect on complex performance, particularly in understanding the rise and decline over the life span. Furthermore, McGrew (2004) argues that measurement of specific abilities within the CHC framework is mainly due to disparity of the CHC theory in describing a relatively complete taxonomy of cognitive function, however, excludes other processes, such as directly testing sensory modalities. In doing so, CHC theory neglect other abilities that have found to be important in the construct of intelligent behaviour and achievement. Support for contemporary CHC theory is grounded in the extent of factor analytic research that produced the Gf Gc model and the three stratum model with the necessity of further research (heritability, neurocognitive, outcome criterion) to continue the validation, refinement and extension of the CHC taxonomy being evident in McGrew (2004) article suggesting human cognitive abilities is clearly multidimensional. As such, McGrew (2004) makes clear that Carrolls (1994, cited in McGrew) approach of open-ended empirical theory is a pathway to which future research are able to provide yet unknown and unmeasured factor abilities upon one or more levels of the CHC model. CHC Theory of cognitive abilities

Culture Of India :: essays research papers fc

Nearly one sixth of all the human beings on Earth live in India, the world's most populous democracy. Officially titled the Republic of India, it's 1,269,413 sq. mi. lie in South Asia, occupying most of the Indian subcontinent, bordered by Pakistan (W); China, Nepal, and Bhutan (N); and Myanmar (E) and Bangladesh forms an enclave in the NE. Its borders encompass a vast variety of peoples, practicing most of the world's major religions, speaking scores of different languages, divided into thousands of socially exclusive castes, and combining the physical traits of several major racial groups (Compton's). The modern nation of India (also known by its ancient Hindi name, Bharat) is smaller than the Indian Empire formerly ruled by Britain. Burma (now Myanmar), a mainly Buddhist country lying to the east, was administratively detached from India in 1937. Ten years later, when Britain granted independence to the peoples of the Indian subcontinent, two regions with Muslim majorities--a lar ge one in the northwest (West Pakistan) and a smaller one in the northeast (East Pakistan)--were partitioned from the predominantly Hindu areas and became the separate nation of Pakistan. East Pakistan broke away from Pakistan in 1971 to form the independent nation of Bangladesh. Also bordering India on its long northern frontier are the People's Republic of China and the relatively small kingdoms of Nepal and Bhutan. The island republic of Sri Lanka lies just off India's southern tip (New World Encyclopedia).Much of India's area of almost 1.3 million square miles (3.3 million square kilometers--including the Pakistani-held part of Jammu and Kashmir) is a peninsula jutting into the Indian Ocean between the Arabian Sea on the west and the Bay of Bengal on the east. There are three distinct physiographic regions. In the north the high peaks of the Himalayas lie partly in India but mostly just beyond its borders in Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. South of the mountains, the low-lying Indo-Ga ngetic Plain, shared with Pakistan and Bangladesh, extends more than 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers) from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal (Compton's). Finally, the peninsular tableland, largely the Deccan, together with its adjacent coastal plains, makes up more than half of the nation's area. In general, India's climate is governed by the monsoon, or seasonal, rain-bearing wind. Most of the country has three seasons: hot, wet, and cool. During the hot season, which usually lasts from early March to mid-June, very high temperatures are accompanied by intermittent winds and occasional dust storms (Concise). Culture Of India :: essays research papers fc Nearly one sixth of all the human beings on Earth live in India, the world's most populous democracy. Officially titled the Republic of India, it's 1,269,413 sq. mi. lie in South Asia, occupying most of the Indian subcontinent, bordered by Pakistan (W); China, Nepal, and Bhutan (N); and Myanmar (E) and Bangladesh forms an enclave in the NE. Its borders encompass a vast variety of peoples, practicing most of the world's major religions, speaking scores of different languages, divided into thousands of socially exclusive castes, and combining the physical traits of several major racial groups (Compton's). The modern nation of India (also known by its ancient Hindi name, Bharat) is smaller than the Indian Empire formerly ruled by Britain. Burma (now Myanmar), a mainly Buddhist country lying to the east, was administratively detached from India in 1937. Ten years later, when Britain granted independence to the peoples of the Indian subcontinent, two regions with Muslim majorities--a lar ge one in the northwest (West Pakistan) and a smaller one in the northeast (East Pakistan)--were partitioned from the predominantly Hindu areas and became the separate nation of Pakistan. East Pakistan broke away from Pakistan in 1971 to form the independent nation of Bangladesh. Also bordering India on its long northern frontier are the People's Republic of China and the relatively small kingdoms of Nepal and Bhutan. The island republic of Sri Lanka lies just off India's southern tip (New World Encyclopedia).Much of India's area of almost 1.3 million square miles (3.3 million square kilometers--including the Pakistani-held part of Jammu and Kashmir) is a peninsula jutting into the Indian Ocean between the Arabian Sea on the west and the Bay of Bengal on the east. There are three distinct physiographic regions. In the north the high peaks of the Himalayas lie partly in India but mostly just beyond its borders in Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. South of the mountains, the low-lying Indo-Ga ngetic Plain, shared with Pakistan and Bangladesh, extends more than 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers) from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal (Compton's). Finally, the peninsular tableland, largely the Deccan, together with its adjacent coastal plains, makes up more than half of the nation's area. In general, India's climate is governed by the monsoon, or seasonal, rain-bearing wind. Most of the country has three seasons: hot, wet, and cool. During the hot season, which usually lasts from early March to mid-June, very high temperatures are accompanied by intermittent winds and occasional dust storms (Concise).

Maxine Kumin :: essays research papers

Maxine Kumin   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Maxine Kumin, who experienced many different views of the world through travel, feels the most comfortable in New Hampshire, her rural home. In any area that she travels, she always makes a similarity to her home, as expressed in her poems.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In her poem, â€Å"The Long Approach†, she is driving in her Saab hatchback from Scranton to her farm in New Hampshire. She also discusses her plane ride back from Orlando to New Hampshire the week before. Throughout the poem she makes references back to the animals she cares for and comes in contact with on the farm. Her knowledge of rural life is shown, by describing details of animals; such as, â€Å"eel-thin belly†, â€Å"life as loose as frogs†, â€Å"slag heaps stand like sentries shot dead†, and â€Å"I'm going home with the light hand on the reins†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Next in her poem, â€Å"How It is†, she puts on a blue jacket that belonged to her recently deceased friend, whom played a major role in her life. By putting on the jacket, she tries to relive the past by, â€Å"...unwind(ing) it, paste it together in a different collage...†. In this poem, Maxine Kumin, uses plants to describe her feelings, as in; â€Å"scatter like milkweed† and â€Å"pods of the soul†. These similes show what she sees and feels.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"The Longing to be Saved†, is a dream, where her barn catches fire. â€Å"In and out of dreams as thin as acetate.† She visualizes herself getting the horses out, but they â€Å"wrench free, wheel, dash back†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In, â€Å"Family Reunion†, she writes that â€Å"nothing is cost efficient here†. Vegetables are grown on the farm, and animals are raised to be killed. â€Å"The electric fence ticks like the slow heart of something we fed and bedded for a year, then killed with kindness' one bullet and paid Jake Mott to do the butchering.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Waiting for the End in New Smyrna Beach, Florida†, Maxine Kumin notices in her venture in Florida a homeless couple with a baby. In her poem she describes the couple watching the passing cars at Lytle and South Dixie to an â€Å" egret grazing the canals who darts and pecks and lunges and after an eternity at Lytle and South Dixie the light changes.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In her last poem written in the booklet, â€Å"Getting Through†, she describes different types of snow.

Helen Keller’s Life Essay

The name of Helen Adams Keller is known around the world as a symbol of courage in the face of overwhelming odds, yet she was much more than a symbol. She was a woman of luminous intelligence, high ambition and great accomplishment. She devoted her life to helping others. Helen Keller was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama, in 1880. When she was only 19 months old, she contracted a fever that left her blind and deaf. When she was almost seven years old, her parents engaged Anne Mansfield Sullivan to be her tutor. With dedication, patience, courage and love, Miss Sullivan was able to evoke and help develop the child’s enormous intelligence. Helen Keller quickly learned to read and write, and began to speak by the age of 10. When she was 20, she entered Radcliffe College, with Miss Sullivan at her side to spell textbooks – letter by letter – into her hand. Four years later, Radcliffe awarded Helen Keller a Bachelor’s degree  magna cum laude. After graduation, Helen Keller began her life’s work of helping blind and deaf-blind people. She appeared before state and national legislatures and international forums, traveled around the world to lecture and to visit areas with a high incidence of blindness, and wrote numerous books and articles. She met every U. S. president from Grover Cleveland to Lyndon Johnson, and played a major role in focusing the world’s attention on the problems of the blind and the need for preventive measures. Miss Keller won numerous honors, including honorary university degrees, the Lions Humanitarian Award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and election to the Women’s Hall of Fame. During her lifetime, she was consistently ranked near the top of â€Å"most admired† lists. She died in 1968, leaving a legacy that Helen Keller International is proud to carry on in her name and memory.

“Notes of a Native Son” by James Baldwin Essay

The point of Baldwin’s essays is not so much to make his readers aware of racial prejudice in the States as it is to attempt to look at that prejudice, analyze it, understand where it comes from, and decide how to deal with it. In this essay, James Baldwin explores the complexities of both race relationships and familial relationships. Concerning his relationship with his father, Baldwin admits toward the beginning of the essay: â€Å"We had got on badly, partly because we shared, in our different fashions, the vice of stubborn pride.† This admission sets the tone for the rest of the essay, an idea of both opposition and similarity in this relationship. Also, Baldwin begins the title essay in Notes of a Native Son with a statement of death and birth. He mentions that â€Å"my father died. On the same day, a few hours later, his last child was born.†(p,52) This theme of death and birth also works itself out on a larger scale, eventually encompassing the entire ess ay. At the end of the essay Baldwin begins with his father’s funeral. Then he goes into reminiscing the times when his father was alive, realizing that they hadn’t talked much. Then back to the funeral, â€Å"The casket now was opened and the mourners were being led up the aisle to look for the last time on the deceased.† (p.65) Baldwin takes a last look at his father’s face.Baldwin is able to see his father in a different light, one that includes both his negative and positive characteristics. In doing so, Baldwin is also able to see himself more clearly. By examining his relationship with his father, Baldwin experiences several revelations, which culminate in a type of symbolic death and spiritual rebirth by the end of the essay.