Case Study Botswana: A Diamond in the Rough Essay

The Harvard Business School case study â€Å"Botswana: a diamond in the rough† deals with various reasons how Botswana became within 40 years the most successful economy in Sub-Saharan Africa. The case study leads through Botswana’s history before the colonization by the British Empire until today, stating several factors which made Botswana more successful compared to it’s neighbour countries in Sub-Sahara Africa. Within only 30 years a very rapid economical growth could be observed and in 2000 Botswana’s GDP growing rate reached a similar value as China. The political situation is stable since Botswana’s independence in 1966 and their corruption is, especially compared to other African countries, very low. The unemployment rate until 2000 never felt under 2%, which is even compared with countries outside of Africa very rare. Asking myself if Botswana is a success, I can definitely answer yes. Even if the country still has to struggle with the second highest HIV infection rate in the world and it is still a challenge for the government to diversify the economy, in order to be less dependent on the fluctuating diamond industry, Botswana is called to be the â€Å"African Miracle†. Taking into consideration that Botswana is a land-locked country and until 1968 there were no mentionable resources it seems quiet astonishing what they achieved in the short period of time since their independence. According to the case study there are several factors that made Botswana as successful as it is today. First of all, the fundament of Botswana’s highly democratic political system can be found in Botswana’s history in the 18th century. The Tswana tribe had less monarchical structures than other African countries, issues of public interest were discussed and decided by an assembly and criticisms of the policies were allowed to be expressed in public. Another reason for Botswana’s success today is, that even during the 80 years of British colony, Botswana was allowed to keep its political structures, as the British had only a limited interest in the resource-scarce country. As Botswana’s inhabitants were less oppressed by their colonial rulers, they were able to develop their democratically society more or less in freedom. In accordance with the case study Botswana’s biggest success factor was the discovery of gold and diamond mines in 1968. More mines were found in the following years and Botswana became number one diamond exporter worldwide. A very important but also controversial decision by Botswana’s government was the foundation of a Joint Venture with the South African multinational company DeBeers. As a contrast, other African countries with valuable resources decided to nationalize mines and oil fields and raised taxes unproportional. Due to Botswana’s decision to cooperate with DeBeers, they became the world’s most successful international cartel. In my opinion the discovery of the diamond mines in Botswana had a huge contribution to the country’s success today, but looking at other African countries which are rich in resources one will recognize that countries as Angola or Sierra Leone cannot document the similar successes as Botswana can do. Coming to the question if Botswana’s success is replicable on other African countries we have to remind, that only a few African countries are as rich in valuable resources as Botswana. But as I mentioned before, even countries that are provided with similar resources, weren’t able to channel the high revenues into physical, social and human capital infrastructures. Contrariwise, these countries have to struggle with civil wars and political conflicts, often initiated by the valuable resources. In my point of view the most important success factor of Botswana are the before mentioned democratically structures which were already founded in the 18th century. Most other African countries were ruled by absolutistic kings, which were replaced by dominant colonial powers. History cannot be changed, but a lesson that other African countries can learn from Botswana is the development and implementation of state institutions in order to achieve long-term oriented and sustainable governance.

Evaluation of ‘Les Noces’

As part of our dance work we were showed a DVD of ‘Les Noces'. We learnt that it was devised at the beginning of the twentieth century, around the year 1923, by a Russian choreographer named Bronislava Nijinoka. Les noces is famous for being one of the first contemporary ballets performed on the stage. It is known as a neo- classical ballet and is based on narrative allusions. It has a strong rhythmical emphasis and includes the use of point work. Les noces is a very strong, emotional dance and creates a large impact. It is very compulsive and after watching the first scene you cannot help but to watch on. It has a large narrative content which gives it a desirable back bone. Les noces consists of four scenes which portray a Russian wedding. The scenes are: the consecration of the bride, the consecration of the bride groom, The departure of the bride and The wedding feast. The choreographic techniques in Les noces are well thought out for the feeling and mood of the dance. The choreographer has used male and female dancers in a neo-classical dance that tells a story effectively. The choreographer has used symmetrical and linear shapes and lines as well as levels, this makes the dance more aesthetically pleasing and adds indefinitely to the depth and feeling contained within it. From the position and height of dancers contained within the dance we can get a feeling of what is happening and who is more important etc. We can also learn a lot from how the dancers travel. Les noces includes a very artistic style of jumps and travelling movements. In all the scenes contained within the dance there are different numbers of male and female dancers. To help create mood in the dance the choreographer has used a very percussive form of point work. He had used the method of dancing in point shoes into something that creates a meaningful sound. To help base the dance into a society and culture the choreographer has included a large amount of Russian folk dancing. The use of ballet in Les Noces is more isolated and stiffer than conventional ballet of the early twentieth century. It is more earthy and grounded and less floaty. The design in Les noces is relatively simple. The designer Natalia Gontcharova has used basic costumes and there is only one set. In the first scene the dancers just enter onto a plain stage. There is no backdrop etc, the dancers wear simple costumes, such as brown dresses and white shirts with all the women wearing head coverings. This is probably because we are meant to view these dancers as being peasants. The head coverings are also a religious symbol. The dancers aren't wearing masks or any obvious make up. The only main prop used in the dance is a wig consisting of long plaits used in the scene ‘ Departure of the bride'. This is used to demonstrate the passage from childhood to womanhood as the plaits are consequentially cut off. The one and only set is used in the last scene ‘The wedding feast', It basically consists of a wall with a door in it and a few stools. This set is used as it gives a way of showing the togetherness and connection of the bride and bridegroo m as they leave through the door together. This also presents a way of ending the dance. There is no spoken words or phrases in Les noces. All the sound included in it is formed by the orchestra or the afore mentioned use of percussive point work. The musicians are based off stage. The orchestra provides live music and so therefore it isn't recorded. The volume of the music in Les Noces often indicates mood or feeling. For example, in the last scene ‘The wedding feast', the sound becomes significantly louder and seems more joyous. Les Noces is performed on a proscenium arch stage. This is probably because the choreography in the dance wouldn't lend itself to being performed in the round or anywhere site specific. In this dance there is good communication with the audience. The names of the scenes and there contents all tell a story. This is helped by the mood created by the music and the facial expressions of the dancers. Because Les Noces is based on a realistic event many people may feel that they can relate to it. It may also create some interest and intrigue as it portrays a Russian marriage. In the early part of the twentieth century there wasn't the same cultural understanding between nations that there is know. Many people would know nothing of Russian culture. I definitely felt on a personal level that I could understand what the dance was trying to communicate to me. The feelings of change, love and moving into the unknown. The dance was definitely very compelling.I thought that the way that some of the characters swore oaths was very mysterious. I also liked the way that Les Noces included everyday things and movements such as cuddling. I think that Les noces is a very interesting dance and I can see how it could have been a very radical piece of choreography for it's day. It is a good example in how dance has changed throughout the ages. I am sure that Les noces is an important piece of dance history. I thoroughly enjoyed watching it being performed.

12 Angry Men

The theme may be a life lesson that was discovered by one of the characters or it may be an evaluation that the author offers regarding an aspect of existence; in other words, a theme is a profound observation about people in general or the way the world works. Theme is primarily shown by the resolution of a conflict. Whether the conflict is between opposing forces (character vs. character, character vs. society) or is within the characters themselves (internal struggle), how a problem is solved and how the characters react sends a powerful message. As we know, the events surrounding the trial of Tom Robinson in the Pulitzer Prize winning novel To Kill a Mockingbird reveal much about the character of people. Similarly, the 1957 classic movie (adapted from the play 12 Angry Men) uses a trial to explore human nature, revealing many important themes. Because both texts explore similar issues of justice (racism, social class, etc. ), they share many of the same themes, including the 12 listed below. 1. Prejudice obstructs the truth (and justice). . True understanding requires time, study, and effort. 3. Intuition can be deceptive neither dismiss initial judgments, nor trust them blindly. 4. There are many interpretations of the facts; few things are truly black or white. 5. Patient silence and loud persistence can both be powerful, at the right times. 6. One determined individual can wield great influence. 7. Courage â€Å"†¦is when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. † 8. Respect and understanding are the keys to peaceful coexistence. 9. Real leadership is not derived from titles, but from leading by example. 10. â€Å"You can never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view—until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. † A person must examine and respect who people are and where they come from if he is to truly understand them. 11. A person is often not what he or she seems to be; everyone has something inside that motivates him or her to be who they are. 2. People will go to great lengths to preserve their pride. Your task then is to select one of these themes and in a comparative essay, explain and compare how this message is revealed in 12 Angry Men and To Kill a Mockingbird, providing specific supporting examples from each text. Therefore, as you watch 12 Angry Men, you will need to take notes on the problems that the characters face, how these conflicts develop, and how they are resolved. Following the movie, you will then craft a response in which you explain how the chosen message (theme) is revealed in the book and the movie and support your conclusion with specific evidence from the film and the novel. You can draw on your own experiences and prior knowledge to judge the situations. For example, if you believed the message of the film (and the novel) is that â€Å"Prejudice obstructs truth†, you would support this conclusion with evidence from the movie and discuss how this truth is seen in life. Plan BEFORE you begin writing; use the tools provided to prepare for your essay. This assignment is worth 100 points. Your response should be well-thought out and organized, including: _ (x2) a well-crafted written introduction that funnels to your thesis (position on theme) _ (x3) organized body paragraphs supporting the thesis, showing how the theme applies to texts _ (x2) use of specific evidence and insightful interpretations of the whole stories _ (x2) a final conclusion about how the theme is revealed similarly/differently in both texts. (x1) writing free of grammatical errors that interfere with a reader’s understanding. Identifying the Characters For your writing assignment on this film you will need to identify the different jurors. We only know the names of two of them. To identify the others you can refer to them by their juror number, occupation, personality trait, or appearance. Juror #1 – foreman of the jury, an assistant coach Juror #2 – short man with the high voice who worked in a bank Juror #3 – angry man who had a son he didn’t speak to Juror #4 – wealthy stockbroker Juror #5 – demonstrated how to use the switch blade Juror #6 housepainter Juror #7 was in a hurry to leave because he had tickets to a baseball game Juror #8 – Mr. Davis, the man who persuaded the others that the boy may not be guilty Juror #9 – Mr. McArdle, the old man with the keen eyesight Juror #10 – was prejudiced against other races Juror #11 – watchmaker, a refugee from Europe Juror #12 – tall thin man with glasses who worked in advertising Funnel Method of Organization General Introduction General Conclusion Thesis about Point #1  ¶ about Point #2 Thesis Crafting Your Thesis Statement 1) What are the questions you are answering? Ex: How is the theme revealed in the text? Ex: How is this similar/different? 2) Decide what you think. Ex: Both texts use a trial to prove that everyone has something inside that motivates him or her to be who they are, but they use different people. 3) Include reasons/points with your position to show w hat you will talk about Ex: The book uses conflicts between witnesses to show people’s motives; the movie uses conflicts between jurors. ) Use transition words and phrases to make the relationship between ideas clear. Ex. Thesis: Although both the book To Kill a Mockingbird and the movie 12 Angry Men use a trial to show the theme that everyone has something inside that motivates him or her to be who they are, the book uses witnesses to show how people’s motives influence their actions while the movie uses jurors to prove this point. Introduce Texts Compare Texts

Authenticity & Socio-econmic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Authenticity & Socio-econmic - Essay Example Though it did not really mention the specific enhancements done on their new model, it did not exaggerate or claimed anything beyond what the product really is. This second print ad is to advertise a new line of fragrance from Gucci. It has been known to be a prestigious brand not only because of its high end quality of perfumes but at the same time the exclusivity of the brand as it only targets a certain market who can afford these kinds of perfume they make. However, in this ad, it strongly implies or sells love and lust which is very misleading to the audience. Although the male model seems to be drawn closer to the woman model as he seemingly love how she smells, the manner in which it was portrayed, employing nudity or sex is a form of environmental degradation or commoditizing human beings. The use of this line of perfume should not be associated with getting one physical satisfaction or

Middle East Politics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Middle East Politics - Essay Example The author starts with a personal interview of Osama Bin Laden when he was constructing a road in Sudan. He contrasts this with his second interview with Bin Laden in Afghanistan when Sheikh Osama declares war on America and the Royal Family of the Saudi Arabia. The book, though a non-fiction, presents the entire sequence of the history with such aplomb that goes very well like a novel. The interest of the reader is held to the author's attention and slowly but steadily ensures that the points he raises sinks into the minds of the readers. One of the typical issue that is being raised by the author is about the US aggressive nature and its allies trying to make out the best commercial benefit from the situation in the middle east rather than sort it out and restore normalcy. In addition to the situation this created, the author tries to explain the steps taken by the US government to enhance the level of confrontation in every area in the Middle East. In order to go with his theory, the author takes us through a short interlude on how the Bin Laden regime in Afghanistan originally supported and cultivated by Saudi Arabia and the United States, turned against them slowly and steadily after the Iraqi war. The literary reviews that the author invokes during the course of the book are quite comprehensive and relevant. He refers to the Holocaust in Armenia and a number of other events which did not happen during the 30 years that the author is covering in the Middle East history. His comfortable knowledge of the various writings on the subject and on the historical happenings prior to the modern history of the Middle East has defined the way the book has flown. All along the book the author maintains his critical approach of the western politics and the steps taken by various governments of the west in increasing the instability of the region. The problems of today are more or less their own making by ignoring the earlier warnings on the horizon. 3. Methodology The author has taken up a macro research on the political scene in the Middle East. He has successfully built a case to augment his originally theory, that of unwanted US interference in the Middle Eastern politics resulting in loss of face due to an erroneous statement in the parliament for Blair and Bush duo. Similarly, the resultant political scene after the Iraqi war and other reprehensible moves in the Middle East, the author says, that the amount of gains that the US and its allies got was slowly lost and the entire victory is now tending towards a loss for the US and allies. This has been further strengthened by the bad move of the Israeli attack on Lebanon. The author leads us to this story and tries to solidify the cause and effect of such an approach, including the people behind it and how this would benefit the American People, if at all it does and how this might help the men in the deserts of the Middle East. The book has a hypothesis which the author does not say in so many words. But the hypothesis is underlying in the entire

Constitution questions Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Constitution questions - Article Example That said, however, I would advise that you follow certain guidelines. First, the funding should go to organizations which do not discriminate based upon religious belief or affiliation. Second, the group must not link the distribution of the social benefits to attendance at a church or conversion to a faith. If these guidelines are followed, then the funding of the faith-based initiatives should be fine. Let me begin by stating that free speech is guaranteed under the First Amendment, and should not be abridged except in the most serious of circumstances. This case, as you can see hardly rises to this level; indeed, the pamphlets are merely descriptive and carry no political or ideological message which might be construed as an incitement to violence or the causing of a panic. That something may be offensive is hardly a justification for abridging speech. Without more, these pamphlets, however distasteful to some, ought not to be censored. It must be noted at the outset that defamation, the publication of a fact which is false and harms a person's reputation, is not accorded First Amendment protection in many situations.

Compare the NIMBYism Between China Three Gorges Dam and India Delhi Essay

Compare the NIMBYism Between China Three Gorges Dam and India Delhi Dam. (Research Project) - Essay Example While the authoritarian government in China hardly allows people to give own opinions, people in India have the power to complain and provide personal opinions. Due to this difference, transnational movements have great influence over the Indian people than the Chinese people. India enjoys these privileges because the country endures a democratic regime. The other key factor discussed in the paper that also creates the difference is the history of each dam project. The Indian project is much older and has resulted to more damages as compared to the Chinese dam project. People in India would more likely to perceive future disasters than the Chinese people making their case more complicated. This implies that political structure is the most important as analyzed in the paper. Dr. Yat-Sen first proposed Chinese Three Gorges dam project with the main objective being to control the flooding of Yangtze River and generation of electricity. However, according to a public opinion survey by Chetham, the local population felt that the extra energy generated by the project would not benefit them as the project was aimed at producing energy not intended to the local consumers. The dam spans River Yangtze by the Sandouping town. The dam is the largest power station in the world with respect to its installation capacity of 22,500 MW. The Three Gorges Dam became fully functional in early July 2012, but the dam itself was completed in the year 2006. At this time, the main turbines within the underground plant started production of hydroelectric power. Every main turbine is known to yield a power capacity of up to 700MW. In total, the project has 32 main turbines, which together with other smaller generators, 22,500MW of electric power is generated. On the other hand, the Delhi Dam project started with an embankment dam specifically on River Maquoketa. It was situated about two and half