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Prof. Colin Cotter, Department of Mathematics, Imperial College London

This coursework is the second of two courseworks (plus a mastery component for MSc/MRes/4th year MSci students). Your submission, which must arrive before the deadline specified on Blackboard, will consist of three components for the submission.

1. A pdf submitted to the Coursework 2 dropbox, containing written answers to the questions in this coursework.
2. A SHA tagging the revision of your clacourse-2020 repository, containing your attempts at the exercises so far.
3. A SHA tagging the revision of your clacourse-2020-cw2 repository, containing your code used to answer questions in this coursework. Where possible you should use the functions that you have completed in your clacourse-2020 repository.

If you have any questions about this please ask them in the Piazza Discussion Forum.

How to create your code repository for this submission

1. Go to this link [https://classroom.github.com/a/N1tRq8Dv] to create your Github classroom assignment repository for this coursework (clacourse-2020-cw2).
2. Clone the repository on your computer and start working on the questions; in this coursework there is no “skeleton” code and you should just add any functions that you need.
3. Your functions should make use of your additions to the cla utils library from the exercises so far in the course. To make use of these functions, make sure that you activate the virtual environment just like you had to do to attempt the exercises. Then you will be able to use the library after writing from cla utils import

*.

• Don’t forget to commit your changes, push them to Github classroom, and record the revisions of both repositories that should be assessed when you submit the coursework on Blackboard.

The coursework marks will be assigned according to:

• 80% for answers to the questions.
  • 10% for overall clarity and succinctness of the written submission.
  • 10% for code quality: correct use of Git, clear and correct code, sensible use of numpy vector operations, appropriate documentation and comments. Where sensible, organise your code into functions in separate module files (just add your own) with suitable tests of your own devising (just keep everything in the root directory of your cloned clacourse-2020-cw2 repository.

Please be aware that all three components of the coursework (the PDF report, the exercises repository and the coursework repository) may be checked for plagiarism.

1. (20% of the marks) We will consider the solution of matrix vector systems of the form



.

 0      0      0      0     . . .     d      c      d

0      0      0      0    . . .     c      d     0

0      0      0      0    . . .    0      d     c

 x = b,                                       (1)





c d 0 0 . . . 0 0 0  d 0 . . c d . . . d c . . . 0 d . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 0 . . . 0 0 . . . 0 0 . . .



where c and d are real numbers, i.e. the matrix A has diagonal entries c, and entries d on the first sub and super diagonals, and zeros elsewhere.

• Derive and present the specific algorithm for LU factorisation and solution by forward and back substi- tution for this case. The algorithm should avoid unnecessarily multiplying by, or adding, entries that are known to be zero.
  • Show that the LU factorisation can be merged with the forward substitution, so that the whole solution procedure can be performed as an algorithm consisting of one iteration forwards through the vector entries and one iteration backwards.
  • Carry out an operation count analysis for this algorithm and compare it to what is known for LU factori- sation for general matrices.
  • Implement this algorithm as code, providing suitable tests.
• (20% of the marks) We will consider the application of computational linear algebra to fast numerical solution methods of the partial differential equation,

u_tt − u_xx = 0,                                                                  (2)

›→

in the interval [0, 1] with periodic boundary conditions u(1, t) = u(0, t) (for all t), and initial conditions u(x, 0) = u₀(x), u_t(x, 0) = u₁(x) for some given functions u₀, u₁ : [0, 1] R. To solve the equation numerically, we first transform the equation into the first order form,

w_t − u_xx = 0,     u_t − w = 0.                                                       (3)

Second, we discretise the equation in time using the implicit midpoint rule,

2

xx

xx

2

wⁿ⁺¹− wⁿ − ∆t (uⁿ + uⁿ⁺¹) = 0,     uⁿ⁺¹− uⁿ − ∆t (wⁿ + wⁿ⁺¹) = 0,                        (4)

where wⁿ⁺¹(x) is our approximation to w(x, (n + 1)∆t), and similar for uⁿ⁺¹(x). Third, we eliminate uⁿ⁺¹ to obtain a single equation,

xx

wⁿ⁺¹− Cwⁿ⁺¹ = f,                                                             (5)

→

where the constant C and function f : [0, 1]     R are to be determined (see later). During each timestep we first solve this equation, and then back substitute to get uⁿ⁺¹.

Finally, we discretise Equation (5) using the central difference formula to obtain

i

i+1

i

i−1

wⁿ⁺¹− C₁ .wⁿ⁺¹− 2wⁿ⁺¹ + wⁿ⁺¹Σ = f_i,                                               (6)

i

where wⁿ⁺¹ is our approximation to w(i∆x, (n + 1)∆t), where ∆x = 1/M .

• For Equation (6), determine the constant C₁ and the form of f_i in terms of wⁿ and uⁿ.
  • Write Equation (6) in the form of a matrix-vector equation, where the vector contains (wⁿ⁺¹, wⁿ⁺¹, . . . , wⁿ⁺¹),

describing the structure of the matrix A.

1          2                  M

• Explain why the structure of the matrix means that there is no advantage to using a banded matrix algorithm. Demonstrate this using your LU factorisation codes that you created during the exercises.
  • Show that A = T + u₁v^T + u₂v^T , where T is a tridiagonal matrix (meaning that it has upper and lower

1             2

bandwidth 1), and describe the form of the vectors u₁, u₂, v₁, v₂. By extending the idea of Exercise 1.13, find a formula for A⁻¹ in terms of T ⁻¹. (Hint: write A = L(I + stuff)U before inverting.)

• Design and describe an algorithm to solve Ax = b, using your formula for A⁻¹ above. Do not explicitly form A⁻¹, but instead translate your formula for A⁻¹ into a formula for the solution of Ax = b that involves the solution of problems Ty = z for suitable y and z, making use of the algorithm implemented in the first part of this coursework to solve them. You should not explicitly form the inverse of any matrices. Make a brief description of the operation count.
  • Implement your algorithm to solve Ax = b as code, making use of numpy array vector operations where possible, and using your code implemented in the first part of this coursework. Provide suitable tests to demonstrate that it works. Is it faster than using your generic LU inplace function?

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Answer the following three questions.

1. (Latest technology, points: 30)

What is 5G? How is 5G expected to change or shape our economy and society? Despite many expectations, it seems that we cannot find killer apps of 5G mobile technology. What about your scope for 5G and beyond? Discuss it in terms of the development of your country or an area you are interested in.

• (COVID-19, points: 30) Select 2-a or 2-b. Please indicate which question you chose. 30% bonus points are given to 2-b since it is challenging.

2-a. Due to the spread of COVID-19, telework (including distance learning) has been widely adopted in various sectors. There are two opposite opinions about telework:

 1) Telework increases productivity.

 2) Telework decreases productivity.

Which opinion do you agree with? Explain the reason with evidence.

2-b. (+30%) There are countries that have succeeded in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and that failed to prevent it. For details, please see

  WHO Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Dashboard

https://covid19.who.int/?gclid=CjwKCAiAn7L-BRBbEiwAl9UtkMuoah_jz0U_a1l7_mUaMs9Re0Zu_GEd6vdcNH9q585VwpqsZ_N67hoC8SUQAvD_BwE

  Although COVID-19 tracking and tracing ICT applications are widely used, the effects vary by country. Discuss socio-economic factors or backgrounds that (may) cause the difference of the effectiveness of tracking and tracing apps. You may pick up a country representing each group for discussion.

• (Monopoly and competition, points: 40)

In the theory of economics, we have believed that competition increases efficiency. However, we observe that people enjoy benefits from monopoly in platform-based services such as those provided by GAFA (US) (similar to BATH in China). On the other hand, there is a lot of discussions in many countries (including in US) that GAFA should be regulated, controlled or even banned because they abuse monopoly power. Discuss pros and cons of regulating platform monopolies.

Note:

1. Each answer should be not less than 1,000 words but not more than 1,500 words, excluding references.
2. Put your answers in one file in MS-Word or pdf and upload it this folder.
3. The deadline is 23:59:59, January 23rd, 2021 JST. Accepting uploads will end automatically at the time.
4. Important: Citation/quotation without appropriate notice or any plagiarism is subject to a penalty.

1 – Company overview and expected corporate benefits of ERP

This option should critically assess the expected benefits of an integrated ERP system from the point of view of the corporation as a whole, i.e. a board of directors’ perspective.

Before you start writing, you will need to decide on a framework for your paper. You could possibly structure it in relation to the company’s business strategies and priorities, as evaluated in the in-module work and presentation. Another approach might be to use a known academic framework such as Shang and Seddon’s categorization of ERP benefits.

An additional useful perspective would be to think about what benefits might be achieved fairly quickly after ERP implementation and which would take longer to achieve, perhaps because they require longer term evolution of management policies and techniques made possible by ERP.

2 – ERP benefits for a specific business function chosen from the BCM

For this option, you first need to choose an individual function from the BCM and declare which function you are choosing. This topic is essentially targeted to win the support of the Director of that particular function.

(You could, if you wish, choose a group of related functions. You must then declare specifically which functions you are choosing and explain why you are grouping them together for the purpose of this discussion.)

You should evaluate the benefits of implementing ERP from the point of view of your chosen business function. Since a key aspect of ERP is its use of a shared database, you will need to consider how the activities of this function could be improved by enhanced exchange of data with other functions (either within one site or across the global organization).

A further aspect to be considered is how the consolidated corporate data can potentially be used via improved business intelligence facilities to support management decision-making within this function.

3 – Business benefits expected from the introduction of corporate performance management (CPM)

Please note: The concept of CPM is sometimes known by other synonyms, EPM (Enterprise Performance Management) or BPM (Business Performance Management). It is a much wider concept than simply HR personnel performance management.

This topic assumes that an integrated ERP database provides a reliable source of consolidated corporate data upon which such performance management capabilities can be built.

It should evaluate and justify the benefits of performance management techniques for management of your case-study company as a whole. It is essentially a head office perspective, explaining to the board of directors how such capabilities could help them improve the performance and profitability of the company over a period of time.

To approach this topic, the student will need to do some reading around concepts such as balanced scorecard, key performance indicators, performance metrics, etc.

Some evaluation of appropriate software tools may be introduced but this should not be the dominant theme of the paper: it should mostly be focused on improvement of the target company business.

4 – Potential use of social collaboration software within the business

This topic addresses the potential benefits offered by social collaboration software in conjunction with the established corporate ERP database.

Since its inception in the 1990s, ERP has been focused on establishing a structured, shared, corporate database. However, around that fixed resource employees have always solved business problems themselves via face-to-face meetings, telephone conversations, e-mails, etc.

Now that social collaboration software is also available, integrated with the corporate ERP database, how might employees use this new capability to enhance human collaboration and decision-making ?

Please note: This question requires serious research and reading around possible relevant topics such as new product design and introduction, resolution of manufacturing operations problems, liaison with customers and suppliers, etc. The discussion must be firmly based within the business context of your case-study target company.

CHALLENGES TO BE FACED IN INTRODUCING NEW SYSTEMS

5 – Implementation challenges and methodology for ERP implementation

This section should discuss the challenges of replacing many local legacy systems in your case-study company with a global, integrated ERP system.

The core concept of the module, around which all the lectures and case study steps have been based, is the use of a multi-stage project management methodology. This approach provides the ability to plan and monitor the progress of the ERP implementation project as a sequence of sequential stages.

You should first declare the methodology framework you intend to use, which should either be the Infor one used in the module or some other well-respected methodology such as SAP’s ASAP scheme. Within each project stage, you should then specify the challenges that are likely to arise at each stage and critically evaluate how each of these challenges is to resolved and by whom within the practical context of your target international company.

Overall, this discussion should explain to the company management how they should plan and manage their ERP introduction. It should bear in mind the technology issues around software and data consolidation. It should also consider the various human perspectives between different management levels and the diverse cultural perspectives, with multiple nationalities and languages, across a global organisation. The interplay between company project staff and international vendor support staff is another important factor to be considered.

6 – Recommended approach for introducing Business Intelligence / Corporate Performance Management methods and tools

This section moves on from implementation of an integrated corporate ERP database to consider how this may be used as a basis for enhanced management information and performance improvement in your case-study company.

It is concerned with transformation of the company mindset to a culture where every location and division establishes performance metrics and monitoring, and knows how to use the tools available to manage this environment. It therefore involves both education in performance management concepts and training in use of BI and CPM software tools.

The discussion is concerned with how such a transformation should be managed, perhaps using ideas such as a Business Intelligence Competency Centre (BICC) acting across the multiple global locations of your case-study target company.

Please note: This is another topic area which requires serious research and reading beyond the material covered in the module. 

GENERAL GUIDELINES

This assignment is not intended to be a theoretical exercise. As with the in-module case study, it is intended to be about practical application of knowledge in a real business situation. The assignment must be based in the company that your group targeted in the case study, bearing in mind its business situation, policies and geographical organization. The benefits identified and the approach suggested for introducing new tools and techniques must be relevant to the company in question.

Potential sources of information for the assignment are textbooks, management journals, research papers in the university on-line resources and also web-sites of software vendors and consultancies such as Gartner Group. However, you should be aware that all assignments will be checked through plagiarism software and copying of material from vendor or other web-sites will not be tolerated.

The purpose of a post-module assignment is to provide an opportunity for further learning beyond what was gained during the module. Therefore this assignment requires quite a lot of research, reading and thinking but only a small amount of writing.

The board of your case-study client company were impressed by your presentation of proposals for their enterprise systems. They would now, in addition, like to have a management overview document which they can use as a basis of discussion among themselves to decide how best to take these ideas forward.

They would like you, as their advisory consultants, to provide a summary of the issues involved. There are two principal issues that they need to consider:

• What might be the benefits to the company of introducing new, corporate systems ?
• What are likely to be the challenges experienced in introducing those systems?

The fundamental decision that they have to make is whether the potential benefits are likely to justify the resources, challenges and business disturbance involved. That is, they need to decide: “Will it be worth the bother ?”

ASSIGNMENT STRUCTURE

The topics below are split into two groups, as explained above – the potential business benefits and the likely challenges which need to be managed.

The choice available to you is either:

1. Choose only one topic overall from the six options available, and explore this topic in considerable detail. [length: 2000 – 2500 words]

or

• Choose one topic from each section and consider those two topics in somewhat less detail. [length: 1000 – 1300 words each]

The whole assignment in total should be no more than 3000 words.

Please explain at the beginning of your paper the choices that you are making about the topic (or two topics) that you intend to discuss.

Caution: Whichever option you choose, your discussion must be firmly based in the context of your team’s target company from the in-module case study. A key element of the marking will be whether you have adequately addressed your discussion to the global business environment of that particular company.

1. A title, with your student number, module, lecturers name and any other documentation required by the university
2. A contents page and if appropriate, an abstract.
3. An introduction which acts as a ‘map’ to the rest of the document, describing the aim or purpose of the work and explaining how this aim is achieved. At this point it is usually helpful to paraphrase your conclusion.
4. Evidence of an appropriate level of background reading of relevant texts
5. Evidence of systematic and clear thinking, indicative of good planning and organisation
6. Writing which makes sense, is clearly and carefully presented (proof read and grammar checked)
7. A critical style of writing which compares and contrasts the main theories, concepts and arguments with conclusions that are based in evidence presented.
8. High levels of accurate academic referencing.
9. A logical and well-defined structure with headings and subheadings.
10. Clearly labelled and well-presented diagrams and other graphics that are discussed in the text
11. Adherence to usual academic standards including length and a timely submission
12. A reference section in which every source that is cited in the text is listed.

Introduction

The All-Brahms Concert performed by Mr. Frank Peter Zimmermann was a stellar performance that was aimed at rewarding Brahms. With the audience expecting a lot from him, he managed to pull-out a stunning performance, which the audience at the Fishers Hall applauded in respect to Brahms.

The article has been named, “the Rewards of Brahms, Playful to Magisterial” in relation to the pieces of music, similar to this one, that were being played at that time. Therefore, the orchestra had an intention of giving honor to Brahms in a magisterial way. The Concert was held on Sunday 22^nd January, 2012 at the Avery Fishers Hall, New York (Tommasini, 2012). The author behind the intriguing New York Times article on the Rewards of Brahms, Playful to Magisterial is Anthony Thommasini.

Main Discussion

Basically, the author, Anthony Tommasini, is seen to have taken intertwined the review from dedicating a paragraph describing the concert to a general approach on what the Philharmonic violinist; Frank Peter Zimmermann has been doing as a residence at the philharmonic. In the first paragraph, he explains the combination of the German violinist, Zimmermann; Pianist, Enrico Pace, and members of the New York Philharmonic, who came up with an excellent performance at the Avery Fisher Hall. However, he laments why the chamber music was played at the Fisher’s Hall, which is too vast for such a performance (Tommasini, 2012). He reiterates that despite the quality of the music, the sound was disappointingly heard from a distant (Tommasini, 2012).

From the foregoing, it is evidently clear that Tommasini praises the quality of the music played at the concert. Despite the vast spaces in the Avery Fisher Hall, with 2,700 seats, the performance was stellar. However, he explains that with more seats empty, it was not clear as it should be according to Zimmermann, who had an urge to be heard by as many as possible; though, this would only have happened, if all seats were full to capacity. Tommasini gives an example of a place where Zimmermann wished the concert to be held, which was at Alice Tully Hall, which has a capacity of 1,100 seats. Literary, this would give Zimmermann an advantage, and nearly everyone would get a taste of his classical orchestra.

Generally, the review of such orchestral music would have many factors to analyze. First, the type of Orchestra and the number of participants would matter a lot, to be able to achieve that desired taste of classical music. This is also accompanied by the setting of the play. Generally, this would be affected by the number of people involved in the orchestral music. Additionally, the inclusion of any other member into the orchestra is a big tuning to the music. It might change the direction the music is headed to or change some aspects of the music.

These occurrences should be notable in any orchestral music. It is also important to note the techniques used to come up with a quality sound, just like the nimbleness and vitality of Mr. Pace’s playing.

When joining at the middle of performance, the demonstration should ensure that the performance is not distracted, yet is able to maintain the pace, without losing its quality, in an elegant manner (Tommasini, 2012).

Conclusion

With much expected from Mr. Zimmermann, hope lies in his forthcoming performances, and probably more is expected of him and colleagues. It is expected that the Avery Fisher Hall will house more people in the coming performances, which are scheduled for this week. Therefore, a lot is expected from the violinist, as he extends his performances on, “the Rewards of the Brahms, Playful to Magisterial.”

Works Cited

Tommasini, Anthony. “Analysis of the Brahms Concert.” Rev. of The Rewards of Brahms, Playful to Magisterial, dir. Richard Temine. New York Times.2012: C1. Print.

Terrorism is one of the burning problems in the United States. After the events of September 11, 2001, many writers try to analyze, investigate, and classify the sources, reasons, and consequences of terrorism. “Defining terrorism is a difficult but not impossible task.” (Simonsen and Spindlove, 2006) Scientists offer lots of captivating ideas, which define terrorism mostly like one of the styles of violence aiming to change people’s attitude and behavior to a certain problem. Usually, terrorism is not collective but small groups’ activities. There is no clear explanation why people are engaged into terrorism. Like in politics, the idea to use terrorism is usually caused by some psychological considerations. The major point about terrorism is that it is not a spontaneous act of violence. It is always deliberate and systematic. It is also necessary to distinguish two types of terrorism: from the left and from the right. If left-wing terrorism is characterized by perfectly planned attacks, right-wing terrorism is considered to be more indiscriminating.

With time, it becomes more difficult to present a clear definition of terrorism from the left and terrorism from the right. “Terrorist groups of the extreme “left” have often become aggressively nationalistic, whereas those of the far right are second to none with their ardent anticapitalism and anti-Americanism.” (Laqueur, 2003) However, the number of deaths caused by both terroristic attacks from the left and from the right is almost the same.

Right-wing terrorism is also called neo-fascist terrorism has nothing in common with liberal democracy. The major purpose of this type of terrorism is to create a kind of fascist state. The reasons of their attacks may be quite different: religious, political, or even social issues. One of the examples of terrorism from the right was killing abortion doctors and the destruction of numerous abortion clinics. Even if all these attacks were spontaneous, the consequences are rather terrifying.

Left-wing terrorism aims at destroying all the signs of capitalistic society and creating a communist state. Terrorism from the left may be also called eco-terrorism grounded on some moral principles. As it has been already mentioned above, left-wing terrorism is more planned and purposeful. The representatives of such type of terrorism create separate groups, set concrete objectives, develop reliable plans, and try to achieve the purposes using all possible methods. The problem is that time goes by, and it is not that easy to find devoted and faithful member in order to trust them such a serious business.

In comparison to right-wing terrorism, where the base of operations is concentrated on rural areas in different camps, left-wing terroristic representatives prefer urban areas and organize all work within safehouses. (Smith 1994) While terrorism from the left struggle for some political principles, the representatives of terrorism from the right fight for their religious beliefs. These are the main differences between terrorism from the left and terrorism from the right.

Analyzing both left- and right-wing terroristic groups, it is necessary to admit that the major differences lie in their ideologies and ways of planning and arranging attacks. It is impossible to say the activities of which group are more severe and which can be justified. The tactics of any terroristic groups have their own grounds. The question is not about the preferences, the point is to analyze why both right- and left-wing groups appear and what may prevent the destructions caused by their activities.

Reference List

Simonsen, C. E. and Spindlove, J. R. (2006). Terrorism Today: The Past, the Players, the Future. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Laqueur, W. (2003). No End to War: Terrorism in the Twenty-first Century. Continuum International Publishing Group.

Smith, B. L. (1994). Terrorism in America: Pipe Bombs and Pipe Dreams. SUNY Press.

The Nazi death camps of World War II produced some of the most horrific atrocities ever recorded. History has seen many accounts particularly from the perspective of holocaust victims. However, not much attention has been paid to the emotional effects suffered by the individuals who worked in these death camps.

These individuals were not guards of SS troopers but rather individuals considered too impure to be part of the German society. Their impurity however was not of the extent that could warranty their execution upon arrival. These people were referred to as “Canadas” and it was their job to clean up after the executions and herd those considered sub-human to gas chamber commonly referred to as “the Canada”. Tadeuzs Borowski’s short story This Way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentlemen, is an account of a young man forced to work in the camps as a Canada.

While not directly responsible for the gassing of Jews himself, this young man definitely participated in the atrocities by helping the Nazis carry out mass murder. History is full examples of such circumstances where young men are forced to commit crimes failure to which they are either killed or bodily harm was inflicted on them. Individuals in such situations were forced to lose connection with their emotional side by ignoring humane attitudes directed towards the individuals being executed.

To stand witness to acts demeaning human life inevitably resulted in the individuals losing all compassion for their victims. To some extent, there is a possibility that these ‘handy men’ ended up hating those being exterminated. This lose of emotion got to a point where the persons involved were in a position of turning against fellow men and start viewing them as animal at the snap of a finger.

Those individuals who were constantly around killing fields had to develop adaptive measures to enable them cope with situation; this in current times is seen presented from the viewpoint of the soldiers’ involvement in the battlefields. They are constantly witnessing their comrades getting killed and maimed right in front of their eyes and hate begins to boil in their hearts directed at the individuals who inflicts these injuries.

With time, their emotional tolerance towards fellow human greatly reduces such that they find it relatively easy to kill a person they consider an enemy. It gets to a point where their sole objective is to merely survive irrespective of the means used to obtain this survival.

Such was the case with the young canada in Borowski’s story. The tolerance in this particular case develops as a result of the conditions in which he lives in as well as the rules that he is expected to follow. His task is to remove all the clothing and valuables from the Jewish prisoners and this has been clearly described in the essay. “Whoever takes gold, or anything at all besides food, will be shot for stealing Reich -property”.

In order to stay alive they must take the food from those condemned to death since the latter are allowed a few necessities required for survival. The Canadas are however forbidden from taking even the smallest article of clothing from the prisoners, as much as these could improve their living conditions and make their lives more bearable (Borowski 342).

Lack of basic essentials like shoes subjected the Canadas to painful moments that further served to enhance their resentment towards their victims. For example, the Canada’s feet developed painful sores and this further intensified their hatred to the Jews. The argument by the Canadas was that it was the Jews’ fault that they lacked shoes.

Aside from physical pain, the Canadas underwent extensive emotional pain. The Canada in Borowski’s story, had to develop ways of copping with shock occasioned by seeing hundreds of dead bloated babies on a daily basis. As Borowski describes the scene, “Naked little monsters with enormous heads and bloated bellies” (344). The sight of these dead bodies must have prompted him to develop a lot of hatred and anger. This kind of anger has to be re-channeled in order for the individuals to maintain some level of sanity.

Since it would have been imminent suicide to try and direct the anger towards Germans, that Canada instead chose to direct it towards Jewish prisoners. The Canada begins to question if he still is a good person after removing the babies in this statement to his friend, “Henri, are we good people? I am furious, simply furious with these people, furious because I must be here because of them. I feel n o pity. I am not sorry they’re going to the gas chamber. Damn them all!”(Borowski 345).

This anger, a direct result of witnessing the horrors around him, is directly attributed to his dislike for manual labor and his anger is particularly directed towards the Jews because in his eyes, it is they that get him out of bed to go and work. In reality, this anger is the direct consequence result of having to experience emotion-numbing ordeals.

The kind of emotional trauma experienced by this Canada demanded that for him to survive and still maintain some degree of mental control, he had to look at prisoners as non-humans and treat them as such. This became evident when the Canada was interacting with a certain Jewish prisoner, “I look at her without saying a word. Here, standing before me, is a girl, a girl with enchanting hair with beautiful breasts, wearing a little cotton blouse” (Borowski 348).

The Canada was in this particular instance staring at a stunningly beautiful girl but his emotional situation did not permit him to regard her as human. Instead he chose to view her as some sort of animal and treat her in the same way an astonished farmer would see one of his cows that somehow starts talking. The Canada was no longer in a position to view this girl as a human being on the mere pretext that doing so would have made her subject to humane consideration.

Unfortunately, fate demanded action when the Canada was faced with such a situation and in his case all he could do was kill the Jews irrespective of how any feelings he had towards them. this was a reasonable response and it definitely proves that no one can witness the events at death camps and still be able to sensibly live in society without viewing other people as sub-human.

When the Canada realizes that he can no longer continue working directly with the prisoners on the unloading ramp, he confides in his friend Henri of his intention to step back. It is at this instance that Henri looks at him puzzled and asks him for the reasons that force him to quit after just a few trips.

Henri cannot understand the Canada’s predicament since has worked the ramps for several months and has had millions of individuals pass through his watch. He has even witnessed some of his friends pass through the ramp, “The worst are the transports from around Paris, one is always bumping into friends” (Borowski 350).

The response that he (Henri) gave to the friends was suggested that they (the friends) would take a bath on the other side and relax. Henri however was fully aware that they were marching to their death but could not bring himself to entertain such thoughts. All senses of emotion had been suppressed to the extent that he viewed old friends as animals on their way to a slaughter house.

The atrocities of the death camps have left lasting impressions on mankind and this is more notable from individual who were forced to work in them. Both the Canada and Henri were forced to start regarding fellow humans as nothing more than animals; a consequence of having witness many people get sent to death. In order to survive without losing their minds, they had to block out all emotional feelings in the process changing how they viewed the rest of mankind.

Works Cited

Borowski, Tadeauzs. “This Way For The Gas, Ladies And Gentlemen.” The Mercury Reader:

Ideas That Matter: Readings For English 111. Boston: Pearson Custom Publishing, 2009. 336-352. Print.

Introduction

The Balkan crisis that began in 1989 was a revolution that put to an end the Soviet-mode Communism in socialist states of East European nations beginning from the Baltic to Balkans; these proved to be both spectacular and largely unanticipated. The Balkan crisis that that began outgrew from collapse due to economic failures, the arms race and the availability of options to Communism.

The crisis started at the time when Slobodan Milosevic ascended to the presidency of Serbia, in 1989 when the country held its first democratic elections since the aftermath of the First World War. He turned out to be the president of Yugoslavia in the year 1997 (Gallagher 201).

The Balkan Crisis

After president Slobodan took over the presidency of Yugoslavia in started making vicious attacks on the Albanian ethnic group inhabiting the province of Kosovo. This led him into military contest with the NATO forces in 1999. The government of Slobodan Milosevic continuously engaged in violence and would only bow to threats of severe military intervention. It is important to note that the Balkan crisis led to the ultimate disintegration of the republic of Yugoslavia.

The disintegration led to realignment of forces which consequently resulted into tensions that were premised on ethnic, religious and political origins. This became intense as Slobodan Milosevic became president and swiftly began consolidating power and coming up with strategies to preserve that power. He initiated the oppression of the Albanian ethnic people who inhabited Kosovo.

It is recorded that the ethnic cleansing began in the summer of 1992 throughout Bosnia. The Serbian nationalists were in involved in ethnic cleansing with a clear objective to create a purely Serbian republic by killing and driving away non-Serbians (Gallagher pp. 202-210).

During the periods of ethnic cleansing, the non-Serbs were attacked by snipers and their villages were destroyed. Thousands of these non-Serb nationalists were tortured, expelled from their residences, executed, detained in camps and some raped, especially women and young females.

It is posited that rape and executions were tactically utilized to destroy the ties that existed in families and also communities. In July, 1995 the civilian women were separated from civilian men by the Serbian forces that then started the campaigns of killing non-Serbian men and even hunting those who were trying to escape through various forests (Gallagher pp. 202-210).

Bratunac killings (1992) that claimed more or less 350 (Muslim) men remain the largest known (mass) killing. Several confrontations ensued between Bosnian Muslims and Serbs of Bosnia in which the town of Srebrenica was interchangeably controlled by the two conflicting group. During the conflict period, the residents of Bosnia converged in the town which had been declared by the United Nations as safe.

Unfortunately, the Serbian forces continued to attack the town despite the United Nation’s claim. The Dutch military personnel tried to protect the Muslim men from the Serbian soldiers but were overwhelmed and could not stop the massacre that took place (Government Printing Office 20206).

In 1993, there was an attempt to resolve the crisis through what was known as Vance- Owen plan. This plan was drawn by a collaboration of various governments which included the United States of America and the Britain with support of other nations; the plan proposed that

The situation that has been experienced with regards to the Balkan crisis requires serious humanitarian interventions due to the fact that gravious violation of human rights has been going on within the state. Even though the issue was resolved by the United Nations in conjunction with other nations, the effects have not yet completely subsided.

The many decades of tension led to economic crises and destruction of property that left millions of people poor. This calls for serious humanitarian interventions even though many states and individuals are against the interventions.

The fact is that humanitarian intervention is one of the most important remedy to a situation where citizens have suffered in the hands of repressive government officials.

As the separated countries attempt to recover economically, so many citizens still go without the basic needs recognized by the United Nations as amongst the fundamental human rights; these are the rights to better healthcare, food, education and shelter.

Besides, it is crucial to note that many citizens who were victims of Serbian military campaign of mass murder have not yet psychologically recovered from the trauma of the mass massacre; they still need lots of counseling that can most probably be provided by humanitarian agencies.

Conclusion

The government of president Slobodan presided over the mass killing of many non-Serbian people in what is described as the first declared genocide in the world. The government created a lot of human crises in which many Muslim and non-Serbs were tortured and killed, women and young girls were raped and killed and lots of property was destroyed.

The impact of the Balkan crisis created a situation in which the region necessarily needs the intervention of humanitarian agencies to help the people of the region rebuild their lives and be able to take care of their fundamental basic needs. There were countries like the United States of American and the Britain amongst others that were involved in resolving the crisis (Gallagher pp. 201-2002).

Works Cited

Gallagher, Tom. The Balkans in the new millennium: in the shadow of war and peace. New York: Rutledge, 2005.

Government Printing Office. Political Science / Government / Legislative Branch. New York: Government Printing Office, 1998.

Mr. ToshiYuki Tanaka is a professor, currently attached to the Hiroshima Peace Institute. He is the sole author of five titles, all of which are related to wars of the past and crimes against persons committed during the time. He has made editorial contributions to three books, performing translations for two others.

It is noteworthy that all these titles are focused on combats and crimes perpetrated in that duration. It should not be forgotten that he has authored electronic publications, book reviews, article critiques and articles in books, all these in addition to giving lectures, in Chicago and Australian universities.

This wealth of experience bestows the right credentials on him to handle the subject objectively. He interrogates the genesis of a disjuncture involving moral identity and human response, by arguing that none of the servicemen, both Japanese and foreign received instructions to avail themselves at these bureaus (Tanaka 4).

He begins this explanation with the story of a woman who was gang raped by members of the force. She took twelve men in an instant, before a thirty minute break was quickly succeeded by another twelve. She further informs that this was the inclination for her and six other ladies in adjacent rooms (Tanaka 1).

During the discourse, personal hygiene was not prioritized, since the unbearable pain could not allow most of the ladies to move their bodies. They also had painstaking schedules, which ensured they were occupied throughout the day up to tardy hours in the late afternoon.

He vividly reports of the horrors abused women had to contend with, including abortions, venereal diseases and stigma. He also contends clear of all uncertainty that instances of abuse to civilians prevailed in spite of the availability of these comfort houses (ianjo), whose existence was sanctioned by senior officials (Tanaka 24).

Questionable methods were employed during the recruitment of ladies to serve in the facilities. Although they were examined on regular occasions for venereal infections, it was challenging to reign in on servicemen and influence them to make use of protective gear during such encounters.

A different aspect of the discourse saw successive Japanese regimes try their best to suppress information on this episode of their history. Cites his frustration by the volumes of classified documents he encountered in the course of his research.

Tanaka attempts to distance himself from the school of thought denying the existence of institutions perpetrating the advancement of comfort women. He also abstains from tasking the existent regime with culpability for the same, although, it should be noted that he does not explicitly state his chosen viewpoint on the said matter (Tanaka, 120).

His attempts to explain the stillness of the global community against these atrocities are evident in the latter sections of the volume. He accurately notes that oversees nations and humanitarian organizations have been conspicuously silent, a factor he interprets as their approval of the happenings.

He rightfully points to the lack of edicts against similar happenings, but informs of a decree against forced labor which is what those in positions of power propagated (Tanaka 30). The paucity of legal aspects into the same qualifies this work to be an interrogation into the factors that made the allied nations abandons the war crimes committed.

He supports this argument by citing evidence of school going children recruited as volunteers who later ended up as console women after they were orphaned or disillusioned in life (Tanaka 129). Tanaka cites credible evidence by word of mouth from multitudes of ladies who were raped by the forces, but admits to the lack of documented versions of the same (Tanaka 110).

He further cites county records, which revealed, daily instances of rape by allied officers (Tanaka 117). In other instances, the management of the associated forces proved they expected similar handling for their troops, although, they did not ask for the favors explicitly. He cites this as the main reason why the global society failed to kick off prosecution.

It should be noted that these revelations prove his work is not an attempted act of contrition to the victims and their families, neither is it an attempt to rationalize the irresponsible actions of the servicemen (Tanaka, 6).

Summarily, he holds Japanese servicemen and all other allied forces during the confrontation, in addition to health officers and the armed forces hierarchy liable for these occurrences (Tanaka 165).

The main strength of the book is Mr. Tanaka’s neutrality. It is a milestone worth mentioning, considering he is Japanese, and the story highlights crimes committed by his nation’s army. He takes a swipe at the international community for their role in the saga, albeit within acceptable bounds.

He also avoids trivializing the issues in the course of the narrative. All in all, the fact that he approaches and dissects such a difficult and sensitive topic without fear or bias is another outstanding strength of the publication.

The lack of material concerning the milestones achieved by human rights advocates after the Second World War disqualifies the term crimes against humanities as used in this story. He also ignores overlooks literature with options that could be pursued, especially by the international community with regards to this matter.

Work Cited

Tanaka, Toshiyuki. Japan’s comfort women: sexual slavery and prostitution during World War II and the US occupation. New York: Rutledge Publishers, 2002, 1-165