Wednesday, November 27, 2019

The efficency of suppliers prequaification Essay Example

The efficency of suppliers prequaification Essay The public owners for instance award contracts o the lowest responsible bidder in order to fulfill the requirements of the law that protect public interest and funds, prevent fraud, collusion, and favoritism, and obtain quality construction at reasonable and fair prices. Determination of the lowest bidder is easy and direct, while on the other hand determining whether the contractor is responsible or not is not as easy. Selection of contractors based on the lowest bid price has been criticized by a section of the construction industry itself. It has long been a source of frustration to those involved with competitive-bid construction projects that owners often treat low- laity construction work no differently from high-quality construction work. Both owners and contractors have acknowledged this problem. In a study carried out for SHASTA by Minch Jar. And Smith, 2001 , it was observed that contractors who were confident in their ability to produce high-quality work expressed their perceptions that public owners actually reward poor workmanship, at least indirectly. According to the contractors, they do this by not penalizing poor workmanship, thus giving a bidding edge to those contractors who take advantage of the owners reluctance to penalize them. The contractors performing high quality work are discouraged about the prospect of continuing to bid for construction work against contractors who consistently submit low bids and produce low quality products. In many cases, it was expressed that these same low bidding contractors consistently submit change orders for extras even when the claimed work was part of the original design. We will write a custom essay sample on The efficency of suppliers prequaification specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The efficency of suppliers prequaification specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The efficency of suppliers prequaification specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer No evidence was provided, however, to support these claims. Contractor prettification is one of the processes among many others that are used to ensure that the right contractor is chosen for the right Job. Briefly, contractor prettification can be defined as a decision making process by which an owner evaluates the competence of a candidate contractor to perform the requirements associated with a given project even before the final bidding process is set in motion. Contractor prettification will be described in greater detail in the subsequent chapter. One or any combination of the following may be considered for prettification: Contractors. Subcontractors. Suppliers. Products. Services, including professional services. Prettification of contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, products and services for publicly funded projects is problematic and the potential for criticism by the private sector, particularly by those parties who are not qualified, is always present. Thus making it obvious for everyone that the prettification process is not be taken lightly and also that its application is a function of a projects complexity and magnitude. Several multi criteria decision making models for contractor prettification are available for use in the industry and research field. These decision making models encompass a wide range of methodologies beginning with the simple Point Allocation PA) methodology and ending up with complex models such as models based on genetic algorithms, neural networks and stochastic probabilities. Each method has its own unique group of users. Users have based their choice of prettification models on varying factors such as user sophistication, cost of application of method, appropriateness of application of method to the particular project etc. This proliferation of prettification models is both a boon and a bane for an educated owner since it gives the owner a wide range of models to choose from while at the AMA time it creates doubt in the owners mind regarding the best possible method or model for prevailing contractors for a particular project. The models that are on the high end level of the methodology ladder are too sophisticated to be easily understood and appreciated by an average owner thus leaving the owner with no choice but to choose a model from the existing simpler ones being used in the industry. The advantage of using models implemented in industry is that they are simpler and easily understandable by everyone in the construction industry. This type of models can be labeled as Practical prettification models. Within the Practical models the level of sophistication varies from the simple to the highly complex. The issue of concern is to determine how efficient these contractor prettification models really are. Which contractor prettification model gives the best result when each prettification model is supplied with the same set of contractor information? This issue can be best addressed by a comparative analysis of prettification models. This analysis would include both quantitative as well as qualitative analysis in order to arrive at a proper conclusion regarding the efficacy of he prettification models.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Free Essays on Colonial America

Assignment 2 – â€Å"Colonial America† The colonization of America started around 1520, when the Spanish entered North America after the fall of Mexico. St. Augustine in Florida became the first European settlement, based on North American soil. Today these areas are American, but many of them still bare Spanish names such as Albuquerque and San Antonio. In 1608 the French founded the city Quà ©bec, in what is now called Canada. They colonized land along the St Lawrence by the 1630s and in 1663 they were in possession of their own colony named New France. Expeditions along the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico discovered lands now known as Louisiana. More examples of colonized areas in the name of France were Detroit in Michigan and Mobile in Alabama. England founded their first colony in 1607 at Jamestown, Virginia. The period from 1607 to about 1624 was characterized by sickness and hunger, and many colonists died. However, by 1934 Virginia’s population was increasing, reaching 40000 in the 1670s. The inhabitants tried to grow sugar canes, lemons, oranges and more without success, before tobacco was discovered in 1612. This was the beginning of something the South has become well known for: its plantations. When we speak of colonial America, we divide it into three areas; the South, the Middle Atlantic and New England. The Middle Atlantic was a tolerant colony, and had a broad variety of nationalities; English, Dutch, Irish, Norwegian, Swedish, Italian, German and more. This became the home of the radical Quakers. Other groups like Baptists, German Methodists and Lutherans and various sects also thrived here. In 1620 the Mayflower containing a hundred pilgrims arrived in Plymouth. Boston was soon inhabited, and became the capital of the colony New England, which is normally associated with puritans. These hard working people with strong religious beliefs made use of the harbour and the sea to become a prosper... Free Essays on Colonial America Free Essays on Colonial America Assignment 2 – â€Å"Colonial America† The colonization of America started around 1520, when the Spanish entered North America after the fall of Mexico. St. Augustine in Florida became the first European settlement, based on North American soil. Today these areas are American, but many of them still bare Spanish names such as Albuquerque and San Antonio. In 1608 the French founded the city Quà ©bec, in what is now called Canada. They colonized land along the St Lawrence by the 1630s and in 1663 they were in possession of their own colony named New France. Expeditions along the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico discovered lands now known as Louisiana. More examples of colonized areas in the name of France were Detroit in Michigan and Mobile in Alabama. England founded their first colony in 1607 at Jamestown, Virginia. The period from 1607 to about 1624 was characterized by sickness and hunger, and many colonists died. However, by 1934 Virginia’s population was increasing, reaching 40000 in the 1670s. The inhabitants tried to grow sugar canes, lemons, oranges and more without success, before tobacco was discovered in 1612. This was the beginning of something the South has become well known for: its plantations. When we speak of colonial America, we divide it into three areas; the South, the Middle Atlantic and New England. The Middle Atlantic was a tolerant colony, and had a broad variety of nationalities; English, Dutch, Irish, Norwegian, Swedish, Italian, German and more. This became the home of the radical Quakers. Other groups like Baptists, German Methodists and Lutherans and various sects also thrived here. In 1620 the Mayflower containing a hundred pilgrims arrived in Plymouth. Boston was soon inhabited, and became the capital of the colony New England, which is normally associated with puritans. These hard working people with strong religious beliefs made use of the harbour and the sea to become a prosper...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Department of Maritime and Logistics Management-Voyage Planning Essay

Department of Maritime and Logistics Management-Voyage Planning Assignment - Essay Example It is not specified whether or not the ship will be able to carry a cargo on its way to either Manila or Shanghai in order to take either of the two jobs available. Conventional logic dictates that whenever a ship makes an oceanic voyage, it is more efficient for the ship to contain a cargo rather than simply travel empty. If at all possible, any cargo vessel should attempt to carry cargo of some sort even if its ultimate objective is to arrive at a different port city to undertake a more valuable cargo. Without knowledge of whether or not the vessel can undertake a cargo on its way to either of the major ports, then this analysis will presume that there is no cargo known it to be available for this ship when it arrives in Hong Kong. Therefore, if a situation arises where the cargo vessel must travel empty then the links of an empty voyage should be minimized. Therefore, it is more logical in this instance to travel from Hong Kong to Manilla due to the simple fact that the distance t he ship will have to travel without a cargo will be minimized, as opposed to a trip from Hong Kong to Shanghai, a greater overall distance in nautical miles. Moreover, a shorter journey would enable the ship to undertake the paying job faster. What this analysis must determine is whether or not the expense and profit potential of option one would outweigh the benefits of option two in the long run. If there is a potential for greater profit at the end of the final voyage, it must be great enough to outweigh the potential for lost time and the expense of traveling to either destination without cargo. The amount of the respective cargoes the ship can hold must also be considered based upon the available price. For steel, each unit will be packaged as .91 m? per tonne as opposed to 1.20 for the timber. So for the same amount of weight, a greater volume of steel can be loaded onto the ship. In addition to the weight over volume difference between the two commodities, the price for steel is also higher. By calculating cubic meters, it has been found that the same weight of steel will take up just slightly more than three fourths the volume of the same weight in timber. Under these circumstances, it is necessary to make determinations concerning the most useful cargo carrying strategy for the ship in question. Additional information that would aid in this determination is whether or not the Nunki is specialized for one cargo or the other. All ships have weight and volume limitations, the ship specialized for a particular cargo but loaded up with a different commodity with an unusual stowage factor may find itself in the situation of being unable to fully utilize its entire volume by carrying the cargo in question. The same weight in steel represents just over 75% of the same volume in timber, and this must be factored into price calculations. With the net tonnage of 18,800, we must still subtract from that 400 tons of dead weight (including freshwater and constants) leaving 18,400 tonnes remaining. Under ideal conditions, and traveling an identical distance it would be more logical to carry the steel cargo, unless specialized factors in ship construction would further reduce the available volume if steel were not the originally intended cargo of the vessel. But in this case, the different destinations will represent differences in the time and route of the two possible voyages. Calculations: Net Tonnage 18,800 0.91 / 1.2 = 0.75 Steel 24.50 per

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Undue Influnce in law of Contract Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Undue Influnce in law of Contract - Essay Example e banks agents for the purpose of advising Mrs Etridge and the bank was entitled to rely on the solicitors assurances, even though those were false† (United Settlement n.d.). Under English law, undue influence is a reason for rescinding a contract if it can be proved by the victim. There are many relationships where one party can hold influence over another due to its inherent nature. An employer can have influence over an employee or a husband can have influence over his wife. But it need be undue influence or through duress for a contract to be set aside. According to Lord Nicholls, one of the judges in this case, â€Å"The law has set limits to the means properly employable for this purpose. To this end the common law developed a principle of duress† (United Kingdom House of Lords 2001). Under English law there is no precise definition as to what constitutes undue influence and will depend upon the circumstances of each case. But what should be proved is that a relati onship with influence has been to abused or exploited to claim undue influence (e-lawresources.co.uk n.d.).In this particular case, since there was no evidence of undue influence by Mrs Etrdige’s husband, the fact that she had sought independent advice is not relevant. So it can be said that unless undue influence existed and the same is proved by the wronged party, there is no recourse and a contract is valid. In any relationship, either of the parties can be in a position to receive information that should not be made public. It can be between a lawyer and client, between a doctor and patient, or a banker and customer (O’Neill 2007). So if a relationship has this feature, then it is a confidential relationship. Here again there is no formal definition, and the fact whether a relationship is confidential will depend on the facts of each case. In that sense, the relation between husband and wife can be deemed to be confidential in nature since they may share information which should not be

Sunday, November 17, 2019

New Doha International Airport Design and Construction Research Paper

New Doha International Airport Design and Construction - Research Paper Example Area 3 includes airport terminal facilities, while Area 4 includes landscaping and support buildings for the airport. The New Doha International Airport is designed to cover more than 22 square kilometers of land, which amounts to about one quarter the size of the old city of Doha, and about 3 times the size of the existing airport in Doha. The airport is designed to cater to as many as 50 million people, 2 million tones of luggage, and also handle as many as 320,000 aircraft takeoffs and landings per year. â€Å"By opening day, as many as 8,700 passengers can go through the terminal complex in a single hour. The airport’s eastern runway will be 4,850 meters long, only150 meters shorter than the longest commercial runway in the world at Ulyanovsk-Vostochny International Airport in Russia. By opening day, the 350,000+ square meter passenger terminal facility will be the largest building in Doha, covering an area equivalent to 50 full size football pitches. As such, it will be bigger than Doha’s City Center Plaza which has an internal area of 290,000 m2. Flights and passenger processin g facilities will be organized in a way to minimize walking distances for various travelers. Moving walkways will also help to shorten the distances to the contact gates. The new airport check-in and retail areas alone will be big enough to squeeze in ten wide body aircraft. When completed, this area will be about 12 times bigger than the retail and check-in areas at the existing facility, making the journey through check-in much quicker, and the shopping experience more varied.† (Airport Technology - New Doha International Airport, Qatar). The New Doha International Airport is designed to be one of the most advanced airports in the world, and will serve as home to Qatar Airways, which is a leading airline worldwide. The airport is designed to be able to handle operations of some of the biggest passenger planes in the

Friday, November 15, 2019

Methods used in conducting social research

Methods used in conducting social research Historically, it was perceived that social research could be performed objectively using positivistic techniques related to the natural sciences. Despite their ideological variations, Comte, Durkheim and Marx all perceived that natural scientific methodologies could be applied to social studies thus providing objective value free research. Yet the social sciences are divided as the objectivity of social research has been a highly contested issue within ontological schools of thought claiming that the social world cannot be explored wholly objectively. This debate was brought to the forefront when Becker who takes an interactionist perspective, claimed that it is impossible for social researchers to make values free judgements and that sociologists take sides namely that of the underdog, the oppressed and the powerless. This essay will explore the concept of objectivity within social research by giving a historical account of social theory before critically analysing the claim that th e objectivity of the social researcher is fatally compromised when he or she takes sides. The Becker/Gouldner debate will be critically addressed before analysing the notion of public sociology. Before addressing the debate, the historical significance of social theory must be addressed as there is a long history regarding issues of objectivity, and value free research. Prior to World War Two, social research was dominated by the paradigm of positivism. Philosophers such as Comte (1798-1857) strongly affirmed that methods applied to the natural sciences such as physics should be applied to the study of social behaviour (Benton Craib, 2001). The positivist perspective placed great emphasis on the objectivity of social research, accepting Science as the only general form of knowledge that produces reliable social scientific knowledge that can be generated into theory applicable to social behaviour within society (Benton Craib, 2001: 23). Moreover, like the natural sciences it requires both logical and empirical support. Causal relationships can be identified and truths can be falsified thus, positivist sociology assumes that law-like generalisations can be derived from socia l research Pedraza (2002: 75). Postivism was widely accepted throughout the nineteenth centuary as science was assumed to be the highest form of knowledge, thus by applying the methodologies of the natural science to the newborn social sciences allowed for some level of acceptance. As far as objectivity is concerned, positivist methodological approaches claim that objectivity is an ideal that is attainable, as the social realtiy of society can be observed it without any antecedents. As a result, the aim of the social scientist is to be exogenously detached from the research subject. Although not positivists,both Durkeim and Marx both ascertained that social research could be studied using natural science techniques therefore obtaining objectivity. Although not a positivist himself, Durkheim drew upon positivistic methods in his study of suicide using statistical data to identify patterns of causal relationships. (REF) Turning to Weber (WEBERREF) changed the direction of social research claiming that although social research should be value free, obtaining completely objective research was impossible. This is simply because researchers are subjective humans. Weber coined the term value free sociology and urged that sociologists need to be unconfined by personal values if it was to make a positive contribution towards society. Weber recognised that personal values would to some extent influence research topics but encouraged objectivity in exploring a topic once chosen. For Weber, value freedom is then a non-judgemental analysis of society in its own terms. Although Weber advocated this approach to social research, it must be acknowledged that values can enter research in a variety of ways ranging from the choice of research area, formulation of the research question; methodology including data collection, analysis of data; interpretation of data and overall conclusions (Bryman, 2008). Following from Weber the epistemological position of positivism has been overtly critiqued by various theorists, particularly those who take an ontological, interpretivist stance. For example, Becker (1964: 245) argues that, there is no position from which sociological research can be done that is not biased in one way or another. Therefore, social research cannot be completely objective as researchers can unknowingly contaminate their exploration of an issue with values developed throughout their own biography. Furthermore, Becker (1964) claims that, sociologists must either write from the position of a superordinate or from that of a subordinate (Lawson, 1991: 591). In addressing this claim, Becker (1964) discusses the credibility of hierarchy which explores the notion that social groups whom are perceived to be superior within a given society are in a position of power that can define the rules of society. The exclusivity of the natural sciences within society is an example of thi s. Becker (1964: 242) goes on to surmise that sociologists challenge this rule by refusing to acknowledge the established status order in which it is surmised that the truth of knowledge is unequally distributed. Therein, Becker suggests that social research should focus on the underdog in order to reform knowledge distribution. This is similar to the view that has been taken up by feminists such has Hartstock (2004: 7) who place emphasis on relativist standpoint theories whereby knowledge is shaped by power relations, that it is socially situated. Therefore those oppressed can give the best account fo the internal workings of their group. Hartstock (2004) attains that prior to feminist sociology, research disciplines and public policy did not account for women as group with their own knowledge. For Hartsock (2004), any social research that does not address the unequal distribution of knowledge, is therefore, potentially skewed. Thus drawing upon the Marxist notion of historic materialism standpoint theorists such as Hartstock (2004) and Harding (DATE) chose to address this with the aim of exercising social research from the position or standpoint of women. It can be surmised from this perspective that it is therefore it is impossible for a social researcher to extract themselves from power relations in thei r own situation. Therefore the feminist approach strongly advocates that objectivity should not be the primary aim of a social investigation. Rather, it is important for researchers to adopt a stance and consider how their values will influence their research. In addition, it should be recognised that feminist researchers shape the results of their analyses no less than do those of sexist and androcentric researchers. The objectivist stance should be avoided as it attempts to make the researchers cultural beliefs and practices invisible, while simultaneously skewering the research objects, beliefs and practices to the display board (Harding, 1987:9). What are the arguments against this? GOULDNER Gouldner is in consensus with Becker that social research cannot be value free yet he openly criticises Beckers claiming that Becker does not address the reasons why sociologists are more inclined to take the side of the underdog. Furthermore Gouldner asserts that is not always the case, the manner which some sociologists conceive the value-free doctrine disposes them to ignore current human problems and to huddle together like old men seeking mutual warmth. This is not our job, they say, and if it were we would now know enough to do it. (Gouldner, 1973: 13) It is clear that subjectivity poses a severe limitation for the positivist objective approach to social research. For Gouldner, however, the positivist approach posed another extensive problem, it was useful to those young, or not so young, men who live off sociology rather than for it, and who think of sociology as a way of getting ahead in the world by providing them with neutral techniques that may be sold on the open market to any buyer (Gouldner, 1973: 12). In others word Gouldner saw self interest as a powerful motivator the outcome of research being affected by the context in what it is undertaken. Thus the social researcher is not necessarily on the side of the underdog. In laymen terms Lawson (1991) suggests that the crux of this debate is the question of whether sociologists are allied with the state, accepting the state as the overall authority or should they adapt a more ethical, moral role in addressing social problems of society. Ultimately social researchers are divided by this dilemma that as Gouldner suggests, depends on the social context of the researcher. What Gouldner recognises is that the attempt of sociologists to draw upon the natural sciences to obtain an objective approach does not entirely fit with social studies and that the institutions in which professional sociologists consult such as government, academia and business can have a profound effect on a researchers values. Parsonian sociologists such as Haak (1994) and Hammersely (2000) are critical on views promoted by Becker and Gouldner arguing that that the politicisation of social research is not only misguided, but inherently dangerous, and that an intelligent and sceptical commitment to the principles of objectivity and value neutrality must remain an essential feature of social research (back cover). Hamersley (2000) promotes the idea of value-free, objective social research placing emphasis on academia as the key institution to producing knowledge. Yet the University as a place for producing knowledge itself is under threat. This can be demonstrated by addressing the tragedy of the anticommons. ANTICOMMONS 300 In response to Hardings Tragedy of the Commons whereby a resource is exploited by overuse, (HellerRosenburg1998)) address the notion of the anticommons where upstream and downstream technologies are compatible for the development of a new product yet the technology is patentable and ownership is fragmented thus the price of the new product becomes high and its consumption ends up being small or there is a gridlock in the development of the products EXAMPLE OF ANTICOMMONS This is not objective research if the notion is to make profit 250 This situation can be directly perceived by examining changes within university systems. For example, in Japan, national universities that conduct public research have transitioned to University Corporations by which there is an emphasis in profiteering from any innovations it may develop (Nishijima, 2004). According to Nishijima (2004) the Japanese ministry of education has advocated universities to acquire patents of innovations and to partake in research activities with private organisations such as corporations. through establishing Technology License Office for the past few years. The transition of National University to University Corporation implies that results of basic research will suddenly change from public goods to private goods and that the anticommons problem will emerge in the product innovation where basic research and development of new products are complementary. In the case of National University, there seems no consensus (no argument so far) on how economists should formulate the objective function of national university.10 Even if we assume that national university behaves as if it maximized a particular objective function such as probability of research success subject to budget and other constraints, equilibrium variables of national university will not be far from those arbitrarily given, as long as the particular objective function is not convincing. Therefore we have no choice but to exogenously give particular values to variables Thus as Oliver (1992) ascribes, social research are sometimes forced to take sides as funding bodies are not willing to take risks and support user-controlled research. The point that Gouldner (1973) puts across is that sociology should focus on social change therefore it must take sides. Essentially, Marx emphasised the need for social research to contribute to social change, The Standpoint of the old materialism is civil society; the stand point of the new is human society, or social humanity. The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways; the point is to change it. (Eastman, 1935) like Marx, Gouldner (1973) believed that sociology should count towards human emancipation thus Gouldner became a strong believer in public sociology. REFLEXIVITY 300 The notion of reflexivity. Researchers must give an indication of the purpose of their research and how they have come to partake in such research This illustrates some of the factors that can affect social research. Namely, the need for profit. PARSONIAN SOCIOLOGY ARGUES FOR EPISTIMOLICAL RESEARCH DISCUSS!! BURAWOY PUBLIC SOCIOLOGY DISTINCTION BETWEEN THOSE THAT ACT AND THOSE WHO DONT As Burawoy (2005: 324) asserts the possibility for public sociology comes from sociologys spontaneous connection to its reflexive relation with civil society. Burawoy clearly recognises that sociology in itself is a reflexive paradigm and suggests that it clearly needs to move from ideological theory to commitment to action. In a sense Burawoy (2005: 325) advocates that social research must take sides claiming like Marx and Gouldner that society should place human society or social humanity at its organising centre. 200 words Whilst this debate continues, a few conclusions can be drawn from this essay. Firstly, it is near impossible for social researchers to complete value free research. There are several factors that account for this. Namely as Gouldner asserts, the social context in which research is conducted. Secondly, It would seem that social research is clearly divided by professional and public sociology. Thus it is not a case of whether or not to take sides but more a case of which side our values empower us to choose. Those inclined towards professional sociology may attain that objectivity is not compromised whereas those inclined towards public sociology may recognise that it can be and even more so, that it is necessary to evoke humanitarian changes.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Importance of Slavery to the Caribbean Essay -- History Slave Slavery

Importance of Slavery to the Caribbean The significance of the role played by slaves in the history of the Caribbean cannot be overemphasized. Nearly everything that defines the Caribbean today can be traced back to the advent of Africans to the sugar plantations several centuries ago. For this reason it is impossible to ignore the issue of slavery when studying the history of the Caribbean, as we are doing in this class. Through our numerous readings on the status of slaves and their treatment by the societies in which they lived, we have learned much about the sufferings and ordeals of these people. The following is an attempt to organize my own particular feelings and reactions, which I have previously posted on-line throughout the course of the semester, to the readings on this subject and to the reactions of other students as well. Imperialism, Plantation Slavery and the Slave Trade: 16th-18th Centuries It is interesting to note the ever-increasing reliance on slaves as the transition to sugar plantations not only occurred but also proceeded to become the main form of economic activity in the Caribbean in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. When the main crop out of the Caribbean was tobacco products in the sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, the slave trade was non-existent. But when this crop failed, in addition to ginger, coffee and others, the inhabitants began to try sugar. This, of course, took off immediately, and the need for slaves became imperative. Thus began the true slave trade from Africa, which would forever alter the demography of the Americas. Also interesting to see are the two forms of non-exploitation society that thrived (contrary to European desire) in the Caribbean: the Maroons ... ...e, no present-day obstacle could stand in their way. The religion, skin color, music and culture of the Caribbean are all based on the difficult past of its people. Despite the rampant poverty that still plagues the region today, many of the people seem strangely content and remain optimistic. This alone speaks volumes about the strength of character these people project. It is a lesson for the rest of the world to learn from. Happiness is far more important than any material goods or trivial pursuits that we will ever pursue. It is certainly something that I will take away from this class, and I hope others do as well. Sources Beckles, Hilary and Shepherd, Verene. Caribbean Slave Society and Economy; The New Press (New York, 1991). Knight, Franklin W. The Caribbean: The Genesis of a Fragmented Nationalism (2nd ed.); Oxford University Press (New York, 1990).