A Study Of Barclays Bank Plc And Globalisation Finance Essay

A Study Of Barclays Bank Plc And Globalisation Finance Essay A phenomenal development in the concept of globalisation has been observed over the last couple of decades. Globalisation can be explained as a multidimensional concept that is expressed through several ways by many theorists. The significance of globalisation cannot be denied hence it has increasingly gained ever- growing supremacy that in the modern businesses today. Due to the increasing significance, need and requirement of globalisation to be adapted by organisations / and businesses, the author of this report is particularly interested in further exploring the concept of globalisation in context to financial institution such as Barclays Bank plc. The author also understands that globalisation had been explained with various perceptions where as parameters of the concept are hard to define because of several factors influencing the conceptualisation of globalisation. For example, the political, environmental, social, technological, legal etc. factors influence how firms globalis e and operate their businesses. Therefore, this research study is also interested in identifying a valid explanation of globalisation that must be adapted along with the subsequent practices. In addition, it has also been observed that globalisation brings in new challenges and transformations that must be adapted by businesses in context to new risks and opportunities at the same time. Therefore an important question that emerges here is that how does globalisation influence on an organisational capacity of defining its business. In order to explore and examine these questions pertaining to and dimensions of the concept of globalisation, the author chooses the subject of globalisation to be explored in context of UK financial sector. Reasons for choosing Barclays Plc. Due to the global economic recession, the most affected business sector has been the financial sector. As evident, the recent economic recession claims high influence on the banking sector of the world. The after effects are established leaving the stakeholders of the global banking industry with high concerns such as whether or not the returns on their investments made into the financial sector and specifically financial institutions will be returned. Secondly, stakeholders are also equally concerned with business challenges faced by financial institutions such as Barclays plc. These challenges have been observed as loss of customers, high employee redundancy, loss of market share, loss of global supremacy of the bank in the global financial sector and so on. It has been further observed by analysts that these challenges are a result of misconduct of US Federal reserves (Protchard, 2008). According to the bank these challenges are likely to result in increasing inflation affecting t he financial assets of the bank and financial sector. The increasing challenges thus claims immeasurable influence with an increasing deteriorating circumstances leading the stakeholders in a grey area concerning the future of the bank and investments made by the stakeholders in the bank. Summing up the challenges, this research study aims to explore and identify the effect of globalisation on the bank in context to the challenges while redefining its business. The particular reason for choosing Barclays Bank plc is that it is one of the leading banks across the globe that has been successfully adapting globalisation long before other businesses had realised the opportunities to globalise their business operations. Secondly it is also intended to assess that how does a global giant redefines its business in order to address the challenges posed by globalisation. This particular bank has also been chosen because it operates in the global financial sector that has been immensely affected by the global economic recession. Introduction to Barclays Plc. Barclays Bank plc is one of the major global banks that have been providing financial products and services in commercial, and investment banking and retail banking for over a period of 300 years. It is listed on New York and London stock market, whilst operating in 50 countries across the globe including United States, Asia, Africa and Europe. Employing 156,000 people across the globe and serving 48 million customers, the bank has developed its to business clusters that are: a) Commercial Banking and Global Retail and b) Investment Management and Investment Banking. These business clusters are made up of world-class financial and businesses brand portfolio. During the worst period of recession i.e. 2008, the bank announced a profit of  £ 6.1 billion before tax (Barclays plc Sustainability Review report, 2008). The bank is headquartered in the UK and is called as Group Centre facilitating functional operations (Group.Barclays.Com, 2009). Research objectives and research questions This paper aims to discuss tasks of defining an organisation mission influenced by globalisation. The objectives of this study are: To identify globalisation influencing on how firm redefine its business. With in the same context, what remains compelling now and what must be adapted and Why redefining business mission and subsequent practices is significant and must be adapted. To make recommendations. The research questions are: What is globalisation and how does it affect the businesses in redefining their business? What factors are influential upon managements decision on redefining businesses due to globalisation? Overall research approach and research framework developed to address the project objectives and research questions The overall research approach (Walsh and Wigens, 2003) that has been adapted by this study is explained as: a) identify research subject, b) obtain and review contextual / background information of the subject, c) identify research questions, d) define research strategy, e) identify the process and techniques of collecting data, f) carry out pilot study, g) analyse and interpret data, and h) draft research report. The data sources used for the purpose of this study are primary and secondary, where as the research strategy is the case study and survey strategy. Deductive approach of logical reasoning has also been implied along with using qualitative data analysis techniques. The research study has been underpinned by appropriate theories. PART 2 Information gathering and business techniques The data and information that has been collected concerns the subject of globalisation and its impact on the business operations of Barclays bank plc. The primary and secondary data sources enabled the researcher to collect information regarding impact of globalisation on business operations of the bank. The researcher also concentrates on evaluating current business operations of the bank by means of using three business research tools, which are Porters value chain analysis model (Katisioludes, 2006), Porters five forces analysis model (Ahlstrom and Bruton, 2009), and Porters model for competitive advantage (Porter, 1998). Utilization of these business tools directed the research study towards making analysis and evaluation of the current business global practices adapted by Barclays bank plc. Once the process of analysis and evaluation is completed, the generated information was drawn to identify those factors that influence business operations in context of globalisation as well as impact of globalisation on the bank. This information has been further used to recognize and determine the need to redefine the business mission and subsequent strategies and practices. The last step was to make recommendations through which the bank can possibly address to the changing needs of the global market specifically customers and stakeholders. The chosen business techniques Sources of information The research data has been obtained from primary and secondary sources. Primary data source is formed of survey research study that has been carried out for the purpose of this specific study. In addition to primary research data surces, secondary data sources are formed of academic books, research journal articles, online newspapers, company published reports, independent reports published by organisations such as Datamonitor etc. Description of the methods used to collect information, including online access The data has been collected through implying two research tools i.e. a) survey research questionnaires and b) using and reviewing secondary sources to obtain background information regarding the context of subject of globalisation and Barclays Bank plc. The survey questionnaires are designed as open-ended and semi- structured in order to draw in-depth analysis concerning the participants experiences, viewpoints and opinions along with addressing the research questions. The strength of survey questionnaires lies in drawing out perceptive responses, exceptional characteristic and contradictory (if any) views of the participants. Secondly survey research method also draws out interpretive standpoint of the survey participants (Mack and Woodsong, 2005; Marshall and Rossman, 2006). This technique of primary data collection is cost-effective and efficient. The primary data was collected through a self-administered e-mail platform and the survey participants were randomly selected. An estim ated number of hundred employees of Barclays Bank plc were contacted and invited through e-mails to participate in the survey research study. The purpose, objectives and outcomes of the survey research were explained. Only 35 of these contacted employees replied positively, demonstrating their interest and commitment in participating in the survey research. A pilot study was first conducted through inviting 10 respondents. The comments and feedback (explaining the validity and viability of questions, ease of understanding the questions, possible interpretations of the questions by the participants etc.) of these respondents were valuable in reforming the final survey questionnaire. Once the final questionnaire was designed, it was sent to all survey participants through e-mail. The respondents were provided with a period of four weeks to fill in the questionnaires and return it to the researchers provided e-mail address. The secondary data was collected through reviewing research journal articles accessible through databases such as Emerald, Sage Journals, Informaworld, ScienceDirect, Willey Science, Datamonitor etc. Secondary data was also collected through reviewing reports published by Barclays Bank plc, along with reviewing online newspapers. The data was reviewed and analysed to extract valuable information concerning the subject. Research limitations while gathering information While collecting the information certain limitations have been encountered by the researcher such as possibility of biased reviews regarding the organisational performance of the bank that is likely to mislead the researcher while forming opinions. Secondly while carrying out the primary research, it is expected that the survey participants may be influenced by certain factors that can affect the quality and validity of their replies. Lastly the researcher aimed to contact at least 75 employees in order to draw significant research findings, however due to limited survey population it is expected that the research findings and analysis may not be viable due to the fact that sample population may not represent the actual population. Drawing on these limitations, it is expected that the data validity can be challenged. Identification of any ethical issues that arose during information gathering and how such issues are resolved While carrying out the primary research, researcher was particularly focused towards maintaining the integrity of the collected data. This means that all the data and information collected as a result of primary research must be protected against any misuse of information. For example the research explained the survey participants that the collected data will only be used for the identified purpose and objectives. In order to maintain the researchers claim, it is crucial that the data stays with the researcher where as the name, contact details such as email addresses etc. of survey participants are kept confidential. The data integrity has also been maintained which means that data has been interpreted and analyzed through avoiding any biased views of the researcher towards the studied organisation and collected data. Secondly, while referring to the secondary data collected for the purpose of this study, the researcher was particularly focused towards ensuring that all the previous research studies used for this study are appropriately and sufficiently referenced, credited and acknowledged. For this reason, the researcher ensured that all the data provided by previous researchers have been appropriately referred and acknowledged. For that reason, this report is free of plagiarism, where as all the previous research studies have been appropriately referenced and credited. An explanation of business techniques that have been used, including a discussion of their limitations. The business research techniques that have been used for this research study are case study and survey strategies, qualitative data analysis techniques and deductive approach of logical reasoning. The case study strategy is explained as strategy of carrying out research including practical examination and analysis of a specific contemporary phenomenon as explained within its real-life business scenarios through implication of multiple sources of data validation (Robson, 2002). The limitation of this strategy is to draw perceptive meaning out of the collected data that can vary from researcher to researcher. The perception of the data can also be influenced by the context of the research subject (Yin, 2004). The survey research strategy is explained as carrying out survey research by means of involving a sample of population to answer provided questions. The limitation of this strategy is that the researcher is solely dependent upon the data provided by the survey participants, hence the research findings and analysis is a result of data provided by the participants that may not be validated if required. The data analysis technique adapted by this research study is qualitative data analysis technique. The qualitative technique enables the researcher to determine information that is extracted according to the constructivist perspective or participatory perspective or even both. Constructivist perspective has been explained as research built upon several interpretations of various understandings collected by the researcher with an ambition of establishing a theory or research pattern. On the other hand, participatory perspective has been explained as constructing upon issue- related, change oriented or combined perspectives (Creswell, 2003). This research study adapts the constructivist perspective of data analysis technique. The limitations of this technique experienced by the researcher are a) difficulty in making structured comparisons while analyzing and interpreting data, b) process of data analysis is dependent upon the skills of the researcher, c) time-consuming process and d) r elatively less easy to generalise the data. In addition to above technique, deductive approach of logical reasoning has been implied by this study. This approach is directly associated with research environment. Deductive approach of logical reasoning has been utilised by means of using following pattern: a) making observations, b) observing research patterns, c) testing hypothesis and d) testing the theory involved (Miles and Huberman, 1994; Cooper and Schindler, 2006). The limitation of this approach as experienced by the researcher is that conclusions are made based on assumptions drawn through empirical evidences that can be different within the context of different research environments. PART 3 Results, analysis, conclusions and recommendations A description of the results that have obtained and any limitations This section of the report aims to present all the collected data and information, based upon which, analysis and research findings have been presented in the following section. This section identifies global challenges faced by the bank while operating globally. Upon identifying these challenges, the adapted practices of the bank are examined in redefining its global business mission resulting in subsequent strategies and practices. The limitations faced during the data collection and data analysis process are same as identified in the previous section of this report. Challenges faced by Barclays Bank plc as a result of globalisation Globalisation has been explained as a multi- faceted phenomenon carrying different viewpoints as has been realised by the review of the literature (e.g. Rapley, 2004; Meffert and Bloch, 1991). This means that the dynamic nature of the phenomenon is likely to raise challenges such as global warming, carrying out ethical business, addressing social responsibility issues, paying back to the communities where the business operates and so on. These challenges were not known about 50 years ago before the advent of globalisation. Similarly, even though Barclays Bank plc has been increasingly expanding its global business, nevertheless the aforementioned issues increasingly and continually keep challenge the bank. In addition, other economical challenges such as poverty and taking strategic steps to combat poverty require competent economic policies to be adapted that supports the business policies at the same time (Fischer, 2003). Therefore, Barclays is increasingly challenged to not only d eliver business performance excellence but it is also challenged to serve back the communities by means of addressing issues such as fighting poverty with in the communities where it is operating. Secondly the economic challenge faced by the bank is addressing to the issues of credit crunch. The recessed economy restricts economic development of countries where it is currently operation. As a result of which, management has to take decisions such as job redundancies. For that reason it is argued that despite of the fact that globalisation fosters equality, the results of integration of global economy, and the consequences of flow of capital across national boundaries is likely to threaten the global financial structure of the economies (Fischer 2003; Lloyd and Demos 2001; Baldwin and Winters 2004). Another issue that is faced by the bank is technological advancement, which is considered to be a dominant driver for the changes experienced by the bank in the due course of process of globalisation (Mulgan, 2007). The same researcher states that those organisations which were household names with in last 20 years time of time period, are now web- based organisations with established and fundamental fears that Internet could further advance into more commercialised and develop in to inaccessible commodity then it can be realised today (Mulgan, 2007). Upon identifying these challenges, the researcher now aims to examine the business operations of the bank in context to creating its value chain and competitive advantage. This identification leads the researcher towards assessing how the effect of global age, and globalisation resulted in defining the business mission and subsequent strategies and practices by Barclays Bank plc. In context with the above challenges faced by the bank due to adaption of globalisation as a fundamental business need, the research study now aims to analyse and evaluate current value chain of the bank and industrial competitive forces in order to identify how these challenges influence the redefinition of business mission and subsequent strategic practices of the bank. Implying the value chain analysis as proposed by Porter (Katsioloudes, 2006), following findings and analysis has been presented. The data of Barclays Bank has been extracted from Barclays Bank PLC Sustainability Review (2008) and primary data collected through survey research questionnaires (see appendix 1). Inbound logistics Suppliers of the bank are required to attend to challenges such as supply chain risks, business integrity, human rights and environmental issues so that a sustainable supply chain steering group can be established that will be accountable to improve business processes, tools and techniques along with addressing training and development needs of its employees as well as supply chain partners in order to operate successfully in the global market. Operations The UK and the European business operations of the bank equalized operational carbon emissions as well as reduced energy consumption per employee by a rate of 2.1 per cent. The same carbon operations had been executed and practiced across the global operations by the end of year 2009. Secondly the bank demonstrates its commitment to stabilize economies those extending beyond its own operations and procurement strategies so that a distinguished role of the bank can be recognised in developing long-term relationship with its customers and stakeholders. Outbound logistics The bank capitalizes on the advantages laid by new regulations on the banking and financial sector to secure a handful of distributors. Previously, the bank was connected to one provider and regulated by the legislative requirements, however today it is tied to 6 distributors such as fund managers, life insurance and so forth. Marketing and sales The bank has been observed and reported to be supporting small and medium enterprises in the UK even though the local economy had been under financial distress that resulted in an increment of 6 per cent in its lending to the small and medium enterprises. In context of its global operations, the bank also announced and executed a debt repair line for South African customers who were facing financial difficulties. Further on with an ambition of attending to the changing customer needs and demands, the bank has been increasingly observed and reported to be developing its customer relationship along with investing in innovation and technologically enabled and advance services and products. Customer relationship have been improved through implying customer relationship management practices, however drawing on the collected data, such practices needs to be further developed and improved. Services Due to innovative products and services offered by the bank during the recessed economic situation, the bank reported an improvement in its financial records. For example during the year 2008, more than 57,000 employees of the bank were engaged in volunteering and fundraising activities with a purpose of serving the community such as collecting donations for charitable causes. In addition to this, the market share of the banks mortgage lending also increased from 8 per cent to 36 per cent, whereas the income rate of the bank also increased up to  £ 23.1 billion by the end of year 2008. As suggested by the value chain analysis model, the above strategic system obtains further support through business infrastructure of the bank that has been assessed below: (Data source: Group.Barclays.com, 2009; Primary research see appendix 1) The infrastructure The bank has also been reported to form partnerships and alliances with micro-finance firms, technical providers, local charities and government so that the needs and demands of its customers and stakeholders can be addressed. The bank also cultivates a performance- base management system supported by organisational culture that regulates and facilitates target- oriented performances to be delivered by the employees and subsequently the bank. Human Resource Management The bank also practices diversity (cultural, ethnical and gender- based) while recruiting employees across the globe, solely based upon their talents. Secondly, the hard efforts and good performances of employees are rewarded and recognised. Most importantly the bank reports that women fill 25 per cent of senior managerial positions. This proportion has increased from 2 per cent from year 2007 up to 25 per cent during the financial year 2008. An estimated number of hundred and fifty three thousand employees are employed by the bank across the globe. Most importantly the bank claims to practice work- based diversity. Technological development The bank employs technology- based equipment in order to generate clean energy, reducing gas and carbon emissions along with reducing use of electricity and water. In order to further reduce the consumption of paper, it offers mobile banking services in India, UK etc. In South Africa, the bank offers services and products that help government welfare beneficiaries to obtain inclusion in the financial system. Procurement Barclays Bank plc also adapts to industrial best practices in supply chain monitoring in order to evaluate supply chain verification along with deploying tools and techniques that are aligned with adapted business strategies. The supply chain stretches across 50 countries where the bank operates. The strategic intent is to employ competent supply chain management practices so that the strategic and long-term business benefits can be obtained. Upon assessing the value chain of the bank, their researcher and now aims to examine five competitive forces responsible for redefining business strategies. In order to do so Porters (1998) tool of assessing five competitive forces have been implied: The force of threats of new entrants has been evaluated at a moderate level because the bank obtains its increased share of 36 per cent mortgage market in 2008, which is an increase from just 8 per cent market share in the financial year 2007. The bank had also obtained higher customer satisfaction rate in the UK raising from 64 per cent in 2007 to 67 per cent in 2008. Nevertheless, the bank also demonstrates increasing potential to bring this force to minimum because of the strategic practices it has adapted such as business diversity, employee diversity, environmental consumption, inclusive banking and strategic supply chain management initiatives. The industrial force of bargaining power of suppliers has been evaluated to be low due to the banks policy of development and deployment of supply chain through carrying out strict screening policies so that the business vision of the suppliers are in line with the business vision of the bank. It has also been observed that because of its dominant market presence, strategic market positioning along with banks investments made into developing its supply chain, Barclays is privileged to be the first choice of suppliers thus making this force low. The bargaining power of buyers has been evaluated to be at a modest level because buyers have other substitutes (banks, and financial institutions etc.) to attend to their banking needs. These needs can also be addressed by the competitors such as ABN Amro, Lloyds TSB, Royal Bank of Scotland, Standard Chartered and so on. It has also been assessed that this force can be lowered through banks continued commitment towards addressing customer demands and conducting ethical business. The threats of substitutes have been evaluated as low because of the distressed economic situation that makes it intricate for the substitutes entering into new markets that are regulated by cash starved economy. On the other hand, emerging economic nations such as Brazil, Russia, China and India could be a potential market for substitutes that are likely to promise positive results. This can induce competition for the bank with in the emerging / and developing economies. The industrial force of market rivalry among the financial organisations has been evaluated as extremely high because of the volatile banking sector resulting from mergers and business acquisitions, business alliances etc. that had been recently experienced by banking giants such as HBOS and Lehman Bros. In addition to this, the global economic distressed situation increases rivalry among financial institutions, services and products that are offered in the market since they are closely associated with economic conditions and interest rates, governed by the individual governments. A critical analysis / evaluation of results including an explanation of significant research findings Competitive advantage of Barclays Bank plc as a result of redefined business mission, strategies and practices Utilisation of competitive advantage model as proposed by Porter (table 3.1) while evaluating the banks competitive advantage demonstrates that the bank keeps an ambition of producing innovative and unique products and services by means of using innovative and technologically enabled organisational resources. In addition the organisation resources and subsequent competitive advantage that has been achieved by the bank adds value to the business by means of the adapted practices of supply chain management (section 3.1.2). Along with, the bank also provides inclusive banking services and products. Inclusive banking has been explained as helping those who are excluded from the financial system to join and benefit from it through opening 1.77 million accounts for low-income customers (Barclays Bank PLC Sustainability Review 2008, p12). The bank also concentrates to exercise sustainability strategy by means of demonstrating its commitment towards stabilizing and developing those economies where the bank operates. In addition the bank also concentrates on carrying out ethical business (such as reducing water gas and electricity usage, lowering down carbon emission, making communal investments, practicing diversity at work etc.). In particular the bank has also been observed as developing relationships with its stakeholders (employees, customers, shareholders, supply chain partners, business creditors and investors, community etc.) Conclusively the competitive advantage of the bank has been assessed as to differentiation and focused according to the Porters model of competitive advantage as illustrated in the table below. Table 3. 1. Porters model for competitive advantage Competitive advantage Low cost Differentiation Competitive scope Broad target Cost leadership Differentiation Competitive scope Narrow target Cost focus Differentiation focus 3.2.2. Drawing on the above analysis and evaluation, following factors have been identified that influences the redefinition of business mission and subsequent strategies and practices: The global economic recession that had influenced almost all the industrial sectors along with banking and finance sector, had immensely threatened industries resulting in bankruptcy, losing customers, losing market share, reduced global dominance along with business sustainability and growth. As suggested by analysts, the world is experiencing financial storm, further warning that US Federal Reserve has allowed the inflation genie out of the bottle and let its credibility fall below zero (The Sydney Morning Herald business 2008, p.1). The chief equity strategist of Barclays bank explains current economic situation as inflation shock underway further predicting a negative impact for financial assets (The Sydney Morning Herald business 2008, p.1). Barclays Bank further requires providing its clients and customers with innovative and competitively priced products and services so that the economic recession is cushioned otherwise cutthroat industrial competition could immensely effect the performance of the bank. This factor thus influences the bank to redefine its

The impact of Ig G levels on routine clinical biochemistry parameters i

Summary: The minimisation of neonatal mortality is critical for the success of an animal management programme. The period between calving and weaning is the most crucial period in the animal's life. A major management tool that could be used to reduce health problems in calves is feeding with colostrum. Colostrum is rich in energy, protein and vitamins (especially vitamins A, D, E and B12). Most importantly, colostrum is essential for newborns, in that it contains high levels of immunoglobulins, which transfer passive immunity to the calf, and thereby, enable it to fight with infections. The aim of the present study was to determine the correlation between serum Ig G levels and routine biochemical parameters in neonatal Holstein calves given colostrum. For this purpose, serum was extracted from blood samples collected from 79 calves within 24-48 hours of calving. The passive transfer status of the calves was determined by measuring the Ig G content of serum by ELISA. Based on their serum Ig G levels, the calves were divided into 3 groups (insufficient n=13; partial n=14; and normal passive transfer n=52). Serum ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, LDH activities and serum BUN, creatinine, albumin, total protein, total bilirubin, triglyceride, cholesterol, and glucose levels were analysed. A statistically significant increase was determined in the serum GGT activity and total protein and urea levels of calves with normal passive immunity transfer by colostrum, compared to the other passive transfer groups (p0.05). Key words: Colostrum, Passive Transfer, Calf, Clinical Biochemistry Introduction The minimisation of neonat... ...Passive transfer of colostral immunglobulins in calves. J Vet Intern Med 14: 569-577 10. Willard MD, Tvedten H (2004): Small animal clinical diagnosis by laboratory methods. Saunders, MO, USA. 11. Wilson LK, Tyler JW, Besser TE, Parish SM, Gant R (1999): Prediction of Serum IgG1 concentration in beef calves based on age and serum gamma-glutamyl transferase activity. J Vet Intern Med 13:123-125 12. Zanker IA, Hammon MH, Blum WJ (2001): Activities of ÃŽ ³-glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate-aminotransferase in colostrum, milk and blood plasma of calves fed first colostrum at 0–2, 6–7,12–13 and 24–25h after birth. J Vet Med 48: 179-185 13. Zarilli A, Micera E, Lacarpia N, Lombardi P, Pero ME, Pelagalli A, Angelo D, Mattia M, Avallone L (2003): Evaluation of goat colostrum quality by determining enzyme activity levels. Livest Prod Sci 83: 317-320

Othello: Explain the important and effectiveness of ‘Act three, Scene three’

In the 17th century, Shakespeare found the plot for ‘Othello' in Giraldi Ginthio's collection of tales ‘Hicatomithi' (1565). The play itself is set in the 16th century Venice and Cyprus. At the time of Shakespeare, Turks were considered to be barbarians as opposed to the Christians who represented civilization and morality. In the play there is a reference to a Turkish naval attack on the Venetian controlled land of Cyprus. It's because of this battle that most of the plot takes place in Cyprus. The third scene of the third act in the play is an intense and important scene, which displays the turning point of events that begun in the previous two acts. Such events as the migration of Othello, the moor, Desdemona, Othello's wife, Iago, Othello's ensign, Cassio, Othello's lieutenant, Roderigo, Iago's friend, and many Venetian men and women, from Venice to Cyprus. This change of location for the characters and the plot led to opportunities for later aspects of the play; in particular the evil plan created by Iago began to take shape as things fell to place in his favour. In act three, scene three, and the audience can witness Iago's newly found control over the general, Othello. Iago manages to convince Othello that Desdemona is having an affair and is a false woman. This definitely comes as a shock to the audience due to the good, loyal and trusting image of Othello that they saw at the start of the play. There is also a display of Iago's power of manipulation that allows him to use them in any way he wants, so he can achieve his goals. Othello is much changed in this scene; he believes that his wife is having an affair and starts to have doubts in the marriage he so strongly believed in. Othello shows signs to his more vulnerable and weaker side that makes the audience question his character. The events in this scene build up to a tragic ending that the audience can predict from the moment they realise Iago's evil plan and role in act three. Tragedy is inevitable and the audience can clearly see it, due to their understanding of Shakespeare's real intensions in the scene. In conclusion it can be said that in this central scene of the play, Othello begins to lose control of the situation and Iago takes possessions. Scene three is the turning point of events in the play. It's the point where Iago's plan starts to fall in place and the audience notice the power of Iago's words over Othello. But these events begun long time before this scene: At the start of the play we are introduced to Iago, Othello's ensign and advisor, Roderigo, Iago's friend that's in love with Desdemona. The audience learn the fact that Roderigo is paying Iago to get Desdemona away from Othello. From the first conversation, it becomes clear that Iago is evil, cruel and selfish. He talks of the fact that Othello made Cassio lieutenant instead of him and how much he hates and wants to bring down Othello. Iago's evil plan begun when he told Brabantio that Othello has secretly married and ran away with Desdemona, Brabantio's daughter. This caused for Othello to be taken to court and accused of using witchcraft on Desdemona. During this event Othello stays cool and calm while Iago was hoping for him to get angry and in more trouble. At the end of the act, Othello is sent to defend Cyprus from the Turkish attack. In act two, Othello, Desdemona, Iago, Roderigo and Cassio arrive in Cyprus. As Iago continues his plan against Othello, it becomes clear that it's not just Othello that will get hurt at the end. Iago decides to use Cassio in his plan by making him vulnerable; so he gets Cassio fired. With the intension of making things worse, Iago advises Cassio to meet with Desdemona and beg her to persuade Othello to consider giving him another chance. Cassio arranges to meet Desdemona in her house. At the start of act three, Iago plans for Othello to arrive at his house just to witness Cassio leaving and makes sure that Othello does not forget the sight of cassio by sounding suspicious of Cassio's appearance and suggesting that there is something going on between Desdemona and Cassio. Even though Othello doesn't accept any of this, he keeps the thought in his mind. The audience are now aware of Iago's plan and Othello's jealous mind and all they await is to see how far this would drive Othello and how it will affect the outcome of the play. At the end of the scene Othello loses control when he finds himself having to decide between his love for Desdemona and his trust of Iago's word. This shows Othello's weakness and foolishness to the audience. Shakespeare's intension is to prove that not everyone would fall for Iago's plan and that Othello was made vulnerable through out his life and was open to attack from Iago. Through out the play, the audience witness the rapid change of character in Othello and unlike Othello himself, they realise that Iago is responsible for most of it. Iago was the person that didn't seem very dangerous at the start of the play but as the events following up to act three, scene three took place, he showed his true colours by initiating his evil plan to destroy Othello, Desdemona and Cassio's life. Iago's hate for Othello started because of his despite for black people, his jealousy of Othello's fame and finally because of the fact that Cassio was made lieutenant instead of him. Iago felt betrayed and destroyed and decided to make life hell for Othello by acting as his friend but working secretly as his enemy. As time passed, things changed in his favour and all he had to do was to give them a push in the wrong direction and enjoyed the show as Othello's wonderful life went to ruins. It is very important to understand the tricks and skills used by Iago during the time which he brainwashed Othello. At first he tried to throw hints and ideas but Othello ignored them for some time. ‘ Cassio, my lord? No, sure, I cannot think it that he would sneak away so guilty like, seeing you coming' 3:3(38-40). He continued his manipulation by telling false facts and proving his points using any possible situation. But he still held back made his words sound like suggestions while Othello is taking in every word without being aware. ‘I speak not yet of proof, Look to your wife; observe her well with cassio' 3:3(194-195) Finally, he took his case to the extreme when he realised that Othello would not give in without proof. Iago told Othello about a made up event in which he witnessed Cassio having an erotic dream about Desdemona. Othello immediately believed this, which proved just how little he trusted his wife and how much he trusted Iago. †In sleep I heard him say: ‘ sweet Desdemona, let us be wary, let us hide our love† 3:3(416-417) Iago talked to Othello about false acts done by cassio and other wrong men but most of the time the actions he spoke of are the same things he did and continued to do; while Iago and the audience were completely aware of that, Othello had no clue, making this an example of dramatic irony. ‘ O beware, my lord, of jealousy! The green-eyed monster, which doth mock the meat it feeds on' 3:3(164-165). Othello was introduced as a brave, understanding man, famous in the army, loved by his wife and respected by the court. After all the work done by Iago, Othello completely changed and did things he could not imagine before. By the end of act three, scene three Othello had gone past denial and just needed enough time and proof to be completely convinced and to make a tragic decision. In act one, Iago and Roderigo's description of Othello made him look like an evil man who kidnapped a girl and betrayed a friend; when Othello first made an appearance, everything changed due to the contrast between his good personality and the fake description. The audience thought of Othello as the good characters that wont change under any condition; it is clear that when Othello resorted so low to think false of his wife, he would be a disappointment to the audience. Iago's words and speeches had the worst effect on Othello and Shakespeare shows this through the weird and wild actions from Othello towards Desdemona and cassio, which eventually led to murder. Shakespeare demonstrated Othello's confusion and disturbed mind as he fought a battle in his head between suspicion and reality. Then there was the loss of control, which managed to bring down Othello and let him be consumed by jealousy created by no other than another man. At this point Othello acts and talks just like Iago with a mind of blood, hatred and vengeance; he starts to use animal imagery to describe woman and specially Desdemona. Was this fair paper, this most goodly book, made to write ‘whore' upon? What committed! ‘ 4:2(70-71) The audience didn't feel sorry for Othello anymore. He fell into a deep hole and cannot be rescued. They knew that there would be tragedy at the end of all this and they could guess it will be mostly Othello's doing, because Iago did his part already; Othello would roll down the hill by himself and hitting rock bottom is inevitable. A lot of tragic events take place in ‘Othello' that cannot be blamed completely on one person. On one side of the argument, there is Iago a racist, sexist and cruel man who is driven to the very edge by hate for others and selfishness. He manages to use everyone in order to complete his plan of ruining the lives of others. On the other side there is Othello the tough, likable and kind man who proved weak when put in the situation of choosing between false suspicion and his love and trust for his wife. He tried to fight the control of jealousy over him but due to the doubts he kept in his heart, it was no use; so he lost control of his mind, which drove him to his death. It is real hard to figure out whom Shakespeare wanted to blame for the tragedy as both characters played a big part in it. It's true that Iago started the whole issue and made it known by any means necessary but it was the Othello, the man meant to be better, that gave in to some words. Shakespeare wanted to make it clear that even though Othello made all the bad decisions but he didn't always have complete control over his conscience because of his past. It was made clear that at the time black people were not treated right by all. He lived most of his life as a slave and he was mocked and beat down by all kinds of people and it is obvious he lost self-confidence and trust but the fact that he made it from nothing to a famous and respected general is incredible. In some way it can be said that they were both to blame for the bad events. But then again Othello is the main character and the audience believed in him from the very start and he managed to ruin things for the one he most cared for. It is very important to keep in mind the effect that the racist society of the time had on him. Haply for I am black and have not those soft parts of conversation that chamberers have; or for I am declined into the vale of years. ‘ 3:3(260-264). In a deeper look at the scene there are many small details that helps a lot more into the understanding of the decisions made by the characters. In contrast to the previous two scenes, this scene is lengthy. Here we watch as Othello's mind is poisoned. Desdemona and Emilia offer cassio their assurance that Othello will soon restore him to favour. Desdemona insists that she will talk her husband ‘out of patience' (line 23) until he agrees to reassign cassio. As they talk, Othello enters with Iago. Uneasy and ashamed, cassio leaves when Desdemona offers to plead for him until she is heard. Iago immediately sets to work, observing briefly that he does not like the manner of Cassio's leave-taking. Iago continues to suggest that he suspects him of false behaviour with Desdemona. He urges his master not to be jealous without telling him directly why he should be jealous. Othello insists that he is not given to jealousy, but his mind has clearly been moving in the very direction Iago intended because he then speaks of his wife's attributes and talents. He also brings up the subject of rivalry when he says ‘ she had eyes and chose me' (line 192). Iago knows he has ensnared his victim. He then offers Othello specific advice; watch Desdemona with cassio, remember that Venetian women are deceitful. Iago continues to twist the knife by pointing out things that he knows Othello would think about. Finally it becomes clear that the doubt is created in Othello's mind and heart when he says ‘ why did I marry? ‘ (Line 245). Iago is merciless so he returns to offer more wicked advise until Othello is completely under his control. After this long and important conversation, Othello and Desdemona go to dinner. Emilia comes back to find Desdemona's handkerchief that she dropped earlier; unaware of the importance of the handkerchief to both Othello and Iago, Emilia steals the handkerchief and hands it to Iago. Here we discovers that the handkerchief is a big part of Iago's plan; the handkerchief will be left at Cassio's lodgings to serve as proof of his secret affair with Desdemona. When Othello returns, he is absorbed with thoughts of his wife's treachery. He now seems absolutely convinced that desdemona is guilty of deceiving him and is tormented by the lack of evidence. He also regrets finding out about any of this; he says he was happier when he was ignorant of ‘her stolen hours of lust'. Iago feeds othello's jealousy by telling him that it will be hard to get evidence and then he continues to give a description of an event in which he shared a bed with cassio and witnessed him having an erotic dream about desdemona in which he tells her to kiss and such. This drives Othello angry and he turns to violence and revenge but not as much Iago would've wanted. Iago then moves to his serious back up plan; he tells the general about the handkerchief that's been seen with cassio rubbing his beard with it. Othello is now utterly consumed by ‘bloody thoughts' (line 460). They both kneel and vow to help each other and correct what's wronged. Othello asks Iago to kill cassio. Iago then receives the promotion he has been looking for; he is made lieutenant when he agrees to murder his ‘friend' (line 476). Othello always needs someone to completely trust and believe, so it can be said that Iago's devotion has replaced the harmony Othello received from marriage with Desdemona. This scene ends, as a new phase filled with hate, blood and vengeance, is about to start. In terms of characters, Iago is most to blame for the events in this scene that build up the road to tragedy for Othello. Following scene three, a short but funny moment takes place in which desdemona and a clown have a conversation. This to stop the tension built up in the previous conversation between Othello and Iago. This lighter start makes the audience forget about the tense events of the last scene and to get them to look forward to the outcome of the play. We see Othello very confused and angry with Desdemona regarding the missing handkerchief. Desdemona realises that her husband is acting like a different man as he shouts and accuses her of false actions. The audience can identify that the tense events of the last scene have definitely changed Othello for the worse. It is understandable that some people would feel sympathy for Othello even though he is being weak and stupid in believing Iago and loosing faith in his wife. But the sympathy can be described in different ways, some might feel sorry for him because they believe him to be a victim of racism and an evil, psychopath like Iago while others believe that Othello is partly to blame for the events of the play but still a victim. But no matter what kind of sympathy they have for him, they all know he was a victim to some extent because even though he denies it, he misunderstands women and doesn't give Desdemona a chance to explain herself. He believes that he is allowed to judge people and decide their fate. Through out his problems, he loses his pride and resorts to hiding and eavesdropping which results in even more jealousy that eventually leaves him shattered and vulnerable, in other words, a victim. Shakespeare's intensions are to put the audience in a situation where they can choose what they want to think of Othello. But he still wants them to feel the same thing about the plot when the play is over; Othello is responsible for a monstrous murder and then destroys himself in an act of self-slaughter. However the final response from the audience will be great sadness because of the moor's death and relieved and glad that his tormentor will be definitely tortured. Othello was a noble, compassionate and courageous black man that against all odds, served in a white man's society. He tried to be more than a soldier by loving his wife more than anything else in his life. Throught out his youth, he was tortured and broken down and just when he thought that he had found everything he's ever wanted, Iago turned up in his life. Iago tortured him, just by using the precise words at the right place and at the right time. The audience were constantly aware that he was directly under his ensigns' poisonous influence and was being pulled in many directions. The audience felt that his desire to revenge himself on cassio and Desdemona was the terrible result of Othello's attempt to combine his roles as soldier and lover. When he feared that his wife had betrayed him, he said woefully, ‘ Othello's occupation's gone! ‘ (3:3. 360); it is almost as if Desdemona was the prize he earned for his military victories; she had perhaps replaced his career as the source of his pride and honour; no wonder he felt her loss so keenly. In the final scene, before he killed himself, Othello reminded us of his previous services to the society and the man he was. Shakespeare wishes for us to know that Othello was a worthy man before he was ensnared by Iago. Othello heroically takes his own life as his punishment for killing his honest and loyal wife. In his final act and speech, he realised who he was and allowed the soldier inside him to kill the lover. But some might say that it was all too late for him, for Desdemona and for their beautiful life and marriage.

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