Achilles vs Gilgamesh free essay sample

Achilles vs. Gilgamesh Greg R Honors Humanities I For thousands of years, cultures have remembered their heroes through long, narrative poems known as epics. The most well-known Mesopotamian epic was the Epic of Gilgamesh. The Greeks were also well known for their writing ability. One of the most popular Greek epics was the Iliad. Just recently, ideas began to pop up that there are specific themes that are used to connect the Akkadian epics with the culture of the Homeric Epics (Gresseth 2). These connections seem to include how the epics were passed on from one generation to the next, the fact that death is a central heme in both, and how the main character develops as the story progresses. The Epic of Gilgamesh was a Sumerian epic about the king of Uruk. The Epic of Gilgamesh was recited orally for centuries before it was recorded at Sumer in the late third millennium (Fiero 19). We will write a custom essay sample on Achilles vs Gilgamesh or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Much like the Epic of Gilgamesh, the Iliad was also recited orally before being written down. Both the Iliad and the Epic of Gilgamesh were recited orally and were lost likely accompanied by an instrument to make the memorization process quicker and easier. In ancient times, memorizing and reciting poems such as these was seen as entertainment. For whatever reason this tradition of oral recitation died out and then the first forms of the epics came about. We are unsure if both epics were recited orally for the same reasons, but we do know that they provide with a multitude of information to help us learn about their cultures. When looking at both epics, it is clear that death is a central theme throughout each story. Although each one contains aspects that are similar, the Greeks clearly viewed death differently than the culture that produced the Epic of Gilgamesh. In the epic of Gilgamesh, death is nowhere to be found in the beginning of the story. Gilgamesh is explains how he would go from wedding to wedding sleeping with the virgin brides before the groom was able to. His behavior becomes so bad that the gods decide that something must be done. This is where Enkidu comes in. The gods find Enkidu, who at the time lives in the fields with all the wild beasts, and decide to tame him. They do this by seducing him with a priestess from the temple, or a prostitute (it is unsure which one was actually used). Once this happens, Enkidu goes off to fght Gilgamesh and kill him. They have a long epic battle that lasts days but eventually ends with Gilgamesh having the upper hand. After their battle they become best friends. Enkidu is his right hand man for everything and even goes with Gilgamesh to help him on his quest for immortality which was said to be unobtainable (Wolff 396). A sense of death does not arise until the gods decide that either Gilgamesh or Enkidu has to die. They eventually decide to kill Enkidu by striking him with a deadly disease. It is important to note that Enkidu is upset with the fact that he dies from a disease rather than from fghting on the battlefield. This is the first time Gilgamesh really is made aware to the fact that death exists. While the Sumerians clearly feared death, the Greeks welcomed it. The Iliads main character is a man known as Achilles. He too is semi-divine and is only concerned with war. One of the main causes for their opposing views on death is the definition that each of them gives to the word immortality. The Sumerians see immortality in the literal sense: living forever; but the Greeks see it in a metaphorical sense: having their names live on long after they are dead and gone. Achilles is fully aware the death exists because his whole life is based on killing enemy soldiers and winning battles. While Gilgamesh feared death, Achilles welcomed it. He knew that for his name to live on forever, he would eventually have to be killed. He was unsure how this would happen, but he knew that if he went to Troy, he, along with one of the best of the myrmidons, would be killed. His mother was not able to tell him which Myrmidon it was; Just that it would be one of the best. An interesting point to make would be that Achilles mother is a goddess and because of this, she is able to see the future and tell Achilles what will happen. One of the things that make Patrocluss death so horrid is that Achilles was not aware hat he was the one who was going to die. While Achilles seeks his death and wishes it upon himself, Gilgamesh does everything in his power to avoid his own death. So although each culture had different views on the idea of death and whether or not it was something to be welcomed or feared, each culture did realize that it a necessary thing. Up until the time of Enkidus death, Gilgamesh was not even aware to the idea of life and death. He was only concerned with being king and doing whatever he pleased. After Enkidus death, Gilgamesh is completely changed. He fears death so uch that he sets out to find a plant that is supposed to make whoever consumes it immortal. He is affected by the death of his friend so much that he changes his ways as a king. He no longer sleeps with virgin brides and even builds a wall around the city. Gilgamesh transitions from being a fearless, semi-divine king, to someone who fears death and tries to avoid it at all costs. Much like Gilgamesh, the main development of Achilles comes after the death of his dearest friend Patroclus. However, it is important to point out a few key things that happened before the death of Patroclus. Prior to Patrocluss death, Achilles is fully aware that he must die to have honor that was promised to him from Odysseus. However, Achilles view completely changes when Agamemnon, the Greek king, takes his slave-woman from him. Once this happens, Achilles refuses to fight for the Greeks. He becomes depressed and decides that his death is not worth the honor that he would receive. Eventually, Patroclus becomes disgusted with Achilles and asks if he can go to battle without him. Achilles says yes but asks that he only wards off the Trojans from the beach and nothing more; for fear that this would take away from his glory. This is contradictory because while Achilles is still worried about his glory and metaphorical immortality, he also believes that after a man dies, nothing is left of him. After the death of Patroclus, Achilles decides that life is no longer worth living and he wishes to die. He knows that his death will come shortly after he kills Hector so this makes him want to kill Hector even more. So through the deaths of their closest friends, we are able to see the development of both Achilles and Gilgamesh. They each go from being uncivilized, to civilized, and then back to uncivilized and they both acknowledge that hey will eventually have to face death, not knowing what will become of them after they are gone. In both the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Iliad, we find two semi-divine heroes on a quest for some form of immortality. Although their views differ, they are developed through similar events. Each begins as uncivilized, with no regard for others. Both also have mothers who are goddesses. They both also have a very close friend that means more than anyone else to them. Each of these friends also dies, which is an essential part to each story. The biggest difference between the two eroes is that Gilgamesh is completely unaware of death and does not even think about it until after the death of Enkidu.

Whats a hero free essay sample

What would you consider a hero? Spider-man? Superman? Batman? Well to me that is nothing at all what a super hero is. Not many people would look at an old lady and think she is a hero or see a normal soldier in his casual clothes and think he is one either. A hero defined in the dictionary is, a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal. A hero to me is somebody that I respect an I look up to, to do the right thing and is a good role model to not only me, but others as well. A lot of people consider a soldier a hero and I would strongly agree with them. Both of my older cousins serve in the armed forces and one makes his living working in the Air Force. We will write a custom essay sample on Whats a hero or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page His name is Jordan and he is a hero to me because he has risked his life five times for his country and the people of the United States. He has been serving for a total of seven years and is the most dedicated person to his Job that I have ever seen! My other cousin, Jared, would have to be the second most influential person in my ife. He is a big role model to me for many reasons. He is the nicest guy in the world. He would do anything in his power to make anyone around him have a better time or make his or her life better. He is very honest and always does the right thing. Even though his was very mischievous as a youngster he turned into a very respectful man. He also served in the armed forces. He was in the National Guard for six years and put in a lot of hard work and dedication to the country. However, he only ever ent on one tour his experienced truly changed him for the better. My last example of a hero is probably the most influential and the most important woman or even person in my life today. My grandma. She has always been there for my sister and l. My grandma is the most caring and loving woman in the world, at least to me. If there is one better I have yet to meet her. She is supporting in everything I have tried and is encouraging to anybody and everybody. She would give the shirt off of her own back to help somebody she Just meet. My grandma has been through a lot in her long life and has lived it to the fullest. She is my idol, and my biggest hero. On the contraire many people might disagree that a soldier is really a hero. They might argue who cares there are thousands of heroes if one soldier is a hero. There are tons soldiers. They may also ask is how is a grandma a hero? How could an old lady be a hero? Most elderly women dont save peoples lives or chase down criminals. That is very true and in the dictionary it also states that a hero is a man of istinguished ability. Any normal person with a little courage and a caring heart can be a hero to anybody. It is Just a matter of how people view you and your actions. I view my cousins and grandmas actions differently then anybody else does. Thats why they are my heroes. They exhibit all the qualities to be a hero to me. Even though there arent numerous movies about elderly women or soldiers being heroes there are still normal people out there who are heroes to people. Whats a hero By parrott50

Legality Of Same-Sex Marriages Essays (2776 words) - Baehr V. Miike

Legality of Same-Sex Marriages The proposed legalization of same-sex marriage is one of the most significant issues in contemporary American family law. Presently, it is one of the most vigorously advocated reforms discussed in law reviews, one of the most explosive political questions facing lawmakers, and one of the most provocative issues emerging before American courts. If same-sex marriage is legalized, it could be one of the most revolutionary policy decisions in the history of American family law. The potential consequences, positive or negative, for children, parents, same-sex couples, families, social structure public health, and the status of women are enormous. Given the importance of the issue, the value of comprehensive debate of the reasons for and against legalizing same-sex marriage should be obvious. Marriage is much more than merely a commitment to love one another. Aside from societal and religious conventions, marriage entails legally imposed financial responsibility and legally authorized financial benefits. Marriage provides automatic legal protections for the spouse, including medical visitation, succession of a deceased spouse's property, as well as pension and other rights. When two adults desire to "contract" in the eyes of the law, as well a perhaps promise in the eyes of the Lord and their friends and family, to be responsible for the obligations of marriage as well as to enjoy its benefits, should the law prohibit their request merely because they are of the same gender? I intend to prove that because of Article IV of the United States Constitution, there is no reason why the federal government nor any state government should restrict marriage to a predefined heterosexual relationship. Marriage has changed throughout the years. In Western law, wives are now equal rather than subordinate partners; interracial marriage is now widely accepted, both in statute and in society; and marital failure itself, rather than the fault of one partner, may be grounds for a divorce. Societal change have been felt in marriages over the past 25 years as divorce rates have increased and have been integrated into even upper class families. Proposals to legalize same-sex marriage or to enact broad domestic partnership laws are currently being promoted by gay and lesbian activists, especially in Europe and North America. The trend in western European nations during the past decade has been to increase legal aid to homosexual relations and has included marriage benefits to some same-sex couples. For example, within the past six years, three Scandinavian countries have enacted domestic partnership laws allowing same-sex couples in which at least one partner is a citizen of the specified country therefore allowing many benefits that heterosexual marriages are given. In the Netherlands, the Parliament is considering domestic partnership status for same-sex couples, all major political parties favor recognizing same-sex relations, and more than a dozen towns have already done so. Finland provides governmental social benefits to same-sex partners. Belgium allows gay prisoners the right to have conjugal visits from same-sex partners. An overwhelming majority of European nations have granted partial legal status to homosexual relationships. The European Parliament also has passed a resolution calling for equal rights for gays and lesbians. In the United States, efforts to legalize same-sex domestic partnership have had some, limited success. The Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc. reported that by mid-1995, thirty-six municipalities, eight counties, three states, five state agencies, and two federal agencies extended some benefits to, or registered for some official purposes, same-sex domestic partnerships. In 1994, the California legislature passed a domestic partnership bill that provided official state registration of same-sex couples and provided limited marital rights and privileges relating to hospital visitation, wills and estates, and powers of attorney. While California's Governor Wilson eventually vetoed the bill, its passage by the legislature represented a notable political achievement for advocates of same-sex marriage. The most significant prospects for legalizing same-sex marriage in the near future are in Hawaii, where advocates of same-sex marriage have won a major judicial victory that could lead to the judicial legalization of same-sex marriage or to legislation authorizing same-sex domestic partnership in that state. In 1993, the Hawaii Supreme Court, in Baehr v. Lewin, vacated a state circuit court judgment dismissing same-sex marriage claims and ruled that Hawaii's marriage law allowing

Project Management and Internal Function Essay Essays

Project Management and Internal Function Essay Essays Project Management and Internal Function Essay Essay Project Management and Internal Function Essay Essay The HRIS undertaking is necessitated by two factors which support our concern demands. One of these factors is the demand to maintain up with the demand for our merchandise within the market place. The 2nd factor is realizing a concern that works every bit difficult for its employees every bit hard as the employees have worked for the concern. Our concern has increased by two crease in the last 18 months. which means that we must make a new manner of making concern. As a consequence of this growing. we had to revamp the fiscal system. which has actualized its part through demoing up as clip nest eggs achieved through mechanization. As a consequence of implementing the fiscal system. we received our return on investing six months earlier than anticipated. How does it acquire any better than that? It is with the same dedication that the HRIS undertaking is being given life and endorsed by the stakeholders. which support this undertaking. Description As a consequence of this growing. we have merely completed the passage of integrating the fiscal system and it has been a shattering success. This new growing demands of us that we do concern a small otherwise now. It is our purpose through this undertaking to better the employees’ workplace and infinite in add-on to turn toing the alterations that come about from enlargement. There has been a pronounced and appreciable demand for our merchandises over the last two old ages. As a consequence of this growing. we now require a better manner of making concern. The HRIS undertaking will take an outside and inside attack in order to make the infinite for passage and a better manner of making concern. The approximative nest eggs through this undertaking would be actualized within the two quarters entirely. Aim The aim for this undertaking supports our end of accomplishing a more robust production environment for our clients in add-on to supplying a better environment for future growing for our employees. It is our purpose to back up this undertaking in the undermentioned ways: 1. Payroll will be automated and this will bring forth a faster and easier manner for the employees to be reimbursed or to do alterations to the car wage options. 2. Our employees will be in a better place to prosecute and make a calling path for them that aligns with their ain ends. 3. The HRIS procedure will let for more transparence in engaging for those on the exterior. 4. Potential employees will be able to see and use for unfastened places. 5. Management will be in a better place to guarantee that the possible appliers are well-qualified. 6. Extra support now available from the execution of the fiscal system can fund more research and undertakings to better the workplace. Success Criteria or Expected Benefits The success standards came from the assorted stakeholders and patrons. The Chief executive officer of the company. Rory Genhardt. commissioned a undertaking director to spearhead the HRIS undertaking. The undertaking director conducted several interviews of assorted stakeholders and patrons in order to obtain mensurable undertaking aims. The studies disseminated will include information gathered from the single SMEs. It is this information that was used to show information to the stakeholders. patrons and participants through studies. presentations. written. verbal and unwritten communications. The adept judgement provided by these assorted persons was priceless. They are outlined for the HRIS undertaking as marks. Specifically identified from the assorted stakeholders of the expected benefits of the execution of this undertaking are the â€Å"recruiting capabilities† and â€Å"succession planning† for the CEO. Per the HR Director. â€Å"vacation and ill clip and ill leave linked to attendance alternatively of old ages of services† . in add-on to â€Å"tracking of enfranchisement and instruction requirements† would be a benefit from the execution. The VP of Marketing would have benefit from the â€Å"employee database and the e-forms† . The VP of Finance would be appreciative of the â€Å"payroll capabilities† . The most good facets for the VP of Manufacturing would be the â€Å"performance reappraisal direction and compensation capabilities† . â€Å"Position control† and the â€Å"recruiting capabilities† would be good to the Plant Managers. Funding Some of the support available for this undertaking was generated per the information contained in the GenScoop newssheet. The Chief executive officer of GenRays provinces. â€Å"extra nest eggs will fuel extra growing and enlargement to the company. as we are able to fund more research and undertakings to better our workplace. † In add-on to the growing experienced from the entire gross revenues in the last one-fourth. GenRay is in a solid place to back up support for this undertaking as stated by the VP of Finance with a part of $ 103. 000. Should extra support be required for this undertaking. the Information Technology Director will be sought out as they have about $ 360. 000 available for hardware and package ascents in add-on to proficient staff being available for aid. Major Deliverables The undermentioned deliverables contained in this undertaking charter were derived from interviews with the stakeholders who said: ? The CEO requires that beginning of the undertaking is to get down after the W2s are issued per a petition from the CEO as clip is critical for the debut of this undertaking. The realization of this undertaking will make more â€Å"research and undertakings to better our workplace. † ? Per the executive patrons and the CEO. there is a petition to finish the undertaking with all the system elements being functional before the year-end shutting as the awaited nest eggs will supply company extra support for R A ; D undertakings on the skyline. This is an internal map of the undertaking result and a coveted merchandise to the terminal user. ? In order to maintain the undertaking on agenda. integrating compatible squad members during the acting phase will assist to maintain the undertaking running swimmingly and diminish down clip. This is an internal map of the undertaking result. This deliverable creates a stable foundation for the beginning of the undertaking. ? The VP of Manufacturing requires integrating of the searchable public presentation characteristic so that directors can reexamine possible campaigners who can be selected for the direction plan. This is an internal map of the undertaking result and a coveted merchandise to the terminal user. The stage in the undertaking allows for the HR. Plant Manager. VP of Finance and Marketing to hold entree to and utilize this information. ? The Director of Human Resources requires an consciousness of which squad members require extra clip to travel through the forming. storming and norming phases. This is an internal map of the undertaking result. ? The CEO requires that the package has enrolling capablenesss. The information derived will test qualified campaigners who are using for places. This is an internal map of the undertaking result and a coveted merchandise to the terminal user. The stage in the undertaking allows for direction to hold entree to and utilize this information. ? The CEO besides requires an integrated computerized system. which tracks the public presentation reappraisal information. to include enfranchisements. experience and educational demands which can be used for sequence planning. This is an internal map of the undertaking result and a coveted merchandise to the terminal user. The stage in the undertaking allows for the HR. Plant Manager. VP of Finance and Marketing to hold entree to and utilize this information. ? The Plant Manager from Manufacturing Site 1 requires a self-serve employee database which will track and update the information on each employee. This is an internal map of the undertaking result. The stage in the undertaking allows for direction to hold entree to and utilize this information. ? The VP of Marketing requires the execution of concern signifiers which populate E-forms for the easiness of inter-commerce for more standardised procedures among the organisation. This is an internal map of the undertaking result and a coveted merchandise to the terminal user. ? The VP of Finance requires an machine-controlled self-service paysheet in order to salvage clip and money. This is an internal map of the undertaking result. ? The Plant Manager from Manufacturing Site 1 requires analyzation of the place control of the informations entered by salary. class and occupation title so as to supply just compensation to the employees throughout the site. This is an internal map of the undertaking result and a coveted merchandise to the terminal user. ? The Director of Human Resources requires a capableness which mines the information contained within public presentation reappraisal informations and preparation records in order to guarantee that the proper campaigner is matched with most compatible campaigner. This is an internal map of the undertaking result and a coveted merchandise to the terminal user. The stage in the undertaking allows for direction to hold entree to and utilize this information. ? The Director of Human Resources requires the capableness of self-service of employee’s information. which is so used and approved by their direction in order to streamline the hiring procedure. This is an internal map of the undertaking result and a coveted merchandise to the terminal user. The stage in the undertaking allows for direction to hold entree to and utilize this information. ? The Director of Human Resources requires migration of the older databases in add-on to streamlining the information received into a amalgamate database to include fiscal. employee. holiday. benefits. preparation. instruction and enfranchisement. This is an internal map of the undertaking result and a coveted merchandise to the terminal user. Acceptance Criteria Per the Chief executive officer of GenRays. the major credence standard is. â€Å"The undertaking must be complete with all system elements functional before year-end shutting. † In add-on to that the undermentioned standards are: ? The CEO’s credence is that the realization of this undertaking will make more â€Å"research and undertakings to better our workplace. † ? Per the executive patrons and the CEO. the credence standards for them is holding all the system elements be functional so that the company will hold extra support for R A ; D undertakings on the skyline. ? The CEO requires that the package have enrolling capablenesss. the stage in the undertaking allows for direction to hold entree to and utilize of this information. ? The CEO besides requires an integrated computerized system. which tracks the public presentation reappraisal information. This stage in the undertaking allows for the HR. Plant Manager. VP of Finance and Marketing to hold entree to and utilize this information. ? HR requires integrating compatible squad members. This standard creates a stable foundation for the beginning of the undertaking. ? The Director of HR’s credence requires an consciousness of which squad members require extra clip to travel through the forming. storming and norming phases. This is an internal map of the undertaking result. This stage ensures completion of the undertaking without forces complications. ? The VP of Manufacturing’s credence requires a searchable public presentation characteristic which allows for the HR. Plant Manager. VP of Finance and Marketing to hold entree to and utilize this information. ? The VP of Marketing’s credence requires the execution of concern signifiers. This is an internal map of the undertaking result and a coveted merchandise to the terminal user. ? The VP of Finance requires an machine-controlled self-service paysheet in order to salvage clip and money. This is an internal map of the undertaking result. ? The Plant Manager from Manufacturing Site 1 requires a self-serve employee database. The stage in the undertaking allows for direction to hold entree to and utilize this information. ? The Plant Manager from Manufacturing Site 1 requires analyzation of the place control of the informations entered by salary. class and occupation rubric. This is an internal map of the undertaking result and a coveted merchandise to the terminal user. ? The Director of Human Resources requires a capableness which mines the information. This is an internal map of the undertaking result and a coveted merchandise to the terminal user. The stage in the undertaking allows for direction to hold entree to and utilize this information. ? The Director of Human Resources requires the capableness of self-service of employee’s information. The stage in the undertaking allows for direction to hold entree to and utilize this information. ? The Director of Human Resources requires migration of the older databases. This is an internal map of the undertaking result and a coveted merchandise to the terminal user.

Civil Liability and Private Police Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Civil Liability and Private Police - Essay Example urities to safeguard their concerns, there could be wanton licensing requirements which facilitate the release of certificates to prospective private security officers without ensuring that they are fully equipped and competent in enforcing the required rules of court on erring civilians. With the evolution of private security in the United States, the impact of their actions on civilians sometimes breaches the legal jurisdictions. It is in this regards that this paper is written to present relevant issues encompassing civil liability and private police and to determine how pressing issues can be addressed and resolved. According to Hill & Hill (2005), civil liability is defined as the â€Å"potential responsibility for payment of damages or other court-enforcement in a lawsuit, as distinguished from criminal liability, which means open to punishment for a crime†. This concept is linked to private security due to the following rationale as averred by Moore (1987: 134): â€Å"private security personnel are not considered law officers or peace officers and are, therefore, not bound by the same rules and regulations that apply to public office. (Ziff, 1967: 608) This means the private law officer is not bound by the constitutional restrictions of the Fourth and Fifth Amendments (Braun, 1971: 555)†. This means that more and more security officers become qualified and certified to take actions against employees who have violated some policies and procedures of the organizations of which they all are part of. However, in conjunction with these, there are also increasing instances of unrestricted unreasonable and excessive actions by private security officers against employees which are supported by the employers. As such, â€Å"without the Constitutional protections which would be available if the act were committed by a public police officer, the only recourse for a private individual against reckless and wanton conduct on the part of security personnel is a civil

Business Skills & Employability Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words - 1

Business Skills & Employability - Case Study Example The company has been effective in the market as a complete company with diversified products leading to positive rating in the FTSE market. Sainsbury offers online platform for the sale of the various product and services. Its clothing brand is the seventh largest in the TU clothing sector with over 3000 products sold in its stores country wide and internationally (Daugherty, et al., 2009, p. 69). SWOT analysis involves the evaluation of the performance of the company in relation to the prevailing market. The analysis of the strength, opportunities, weakness and threats of the organization will help the manager to establish the position of the company. The understanding of the position of the company ensures that the marketing and communication strategy is developed to improve the performance of the business. For instance, if the competitors have ventured on the elderly population, the company may resort to developing products for the youths thus increasing organization performance. SWOT analysis of the company reveals strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with the current and future status of the company (Crawford, 2000, p. 53). For Sainsbury, it is vital to understand the weakness of the business and develop strategies to counter the weaknesses and threats associated with the company. ... it is successful because of the strengths associated with is as a brand which are diverse because of the diverse nature of the company. It has diversified its operation to cover various sectors of the business environment. The strengths of the company are as follows; Diversified investments The company has diversified its operations of the individual business units that are not related. The diversification of the business platform ensures reduced risks. In case of business unit failure, the different sector can support the other area. However, diversification alone cannot minimize risks and thus must be conducted carefully (Hollensen, 2007, p. 56). Over diversification leads to increased capital expenditure leading losses. The organization approach has ensured they invest in areas with the potential of success. The diversification approach has facilitated the development of the different units of the business organization. IT infrastructure The company uses the online platform simila r to the Amazon.com, but the focus of the organization is on sports and other sports related accessory. The competitive edge offered by the company includes offering variety in the sports sector, direct linkage with the manufacturing companies thereby developing brand loyalty (Preston, 2012, p. 12). The reduced focus for specific sport equipment and regime makes the company unique giving it an edge over the all-purpose online services offered by Amazon and other platforms. However, the challenge is on developing a market niche and retention of customers. The major competitive factors in the whole process are dependent on the situation analysis of the organization. The current situation indicates brand visibility, loyalty,

Health Development in Africa Essay Example for Free

Health Development in Africa Essay Throughout the world there is a growing concern about health as it is regarded as an essential part of the sustainable human development efforts. The growing importance of the health of the population is being highlighted in the economic circles, the foreign policy and the socio cultural settings. During the last 25 years, there has been drastic realization about health issues in the developing nations, which has given them hope of a better future for their children. Africa is one such region where poverty and hunger is widespread. This is the region where health care facilities are underdeveloped due to which many people face death. This paper, therefore, aims to devise and develop an essential health development policy, program and strategy for African region in order to eradicate the poverty. This forms the main thesis of the research paper (Mills, 1995). The role of health development has been gaining importance in the Africa and different countries are assisting the efforts by providing increased resources, which has put huge pressures on the weak health structure, organizational capabilities and workforce in one of the poorest regions of the country. There is a severe lack of planning and management of the health resources in this part of the world which has led to non- implementation of the health plans. The problem in the African region has been largely related to poverty, wars and conflicts, bad governance and non performance of health programs. This region also faces a huge virus of HIV and AIDS which increase the burden of disease (Loewenson, 1993). The domestic and international health polices for Africa have been drafted by international agreements of multiple countries which include Alma Ata Declaration of 1978, World Health Organizations Bamako Initiative in 1987 and Paris Declaration of 2005, and including many more. The famous Alma Ata, known as the birth of primary health care or PHC, aims to provide a comprehensive and affordable health plan by providing health facilities at the most basic level. However the PHC failed to achieve its targets due to lack of infrastructure and facilities, staff, civil wars, natural disasters and issues of bad governance and corruption. Later various new international policies were tried which included the structural adjustment plan of the World Bank which was based on loans, privatization and cost recovery, however it failed to deliver due to various reasons (Sikosana, 2009). The Bamako Initiative was launched in 1987 which was aimed at access to quality health care and tackle the scarcity of medicine by a number of balanced policies which were implement able and are the perfect health development plan for the impoverished region of Africa. Together with the World Bank 1993 report, both the policies aim at providing the healthcare at the grass root level in order to eradicate poverty (Mills, 1995). The recommendations include improving primary healthcare at all the levels in an equitable manner which should be available to all the people at any income level. Another recommendation includes the decentralization of the management of the PHC to the district level as oppose to the earlier practice which limited the control to few big hospitals which was the reason for corruption and bad governance. The government should ensure equity of fees charged at all levels which would ensure homogeneity of services to rich and poor alike. The government should be highly committed to maintain and expand the PHC program and all the national health policies should be inline to one standard policy. The government should also closely monitor the whole policy implementation process and ensure services to the poor. Sustainable effort should also be made to for poverty alleviation through education, gender equity, improved mother and child health programs and AIDS control programs. For the African health problems, the policymakers should make integrated national plans and strengthen the health systems by empowerment, equity and sustainability of the efforts. The public private partnership is also essential for the sustainability of the strategy (Sikosana, 2009).