Cognitive Therapy

Cognitive therapy Is an effective tool In treating anger Issues In young children, especially teens and adolescents. Cognitive therapy has been used by counselors for many years, and has been proven to be quite effective in the management of teen anger issues. Different methods and techniques have been used for different individuals suffering from anger issues. The specific method used depends on the severity of the anger, and on what works best because each individual will react differently to certain types of treatment.This type of therapy Involves the ability for one to change their irrational Hough processes into more rational and healthier thoughts. Cognitive therapy also allows teens to cope with their anger in a healthier way. It Is especially Important to help teens control his or her anger because teenagers can be very rebellious and stubborn in changing their ways (Hall, 2012). Anger management can be counterproductive for any individual. It can cause problems with relation ships, employment, or during social events. Cognitive therapy teaches teens ways in which this type of unhealthy anger can be channeled properly (Hall, 2012).Counselors have found that cognitive therapy Is extremely effective In reading teenagers with anger problems. Cognitive therapy Is especially necessary In situations in which the teen can have a severe and sudden outburst. These types of scenarios can cause teems to bring harm to themselves or others, and should never be taken too lightly. When anger is noticed in adolescents, it is a necessity that such issues be dealt with at a very young age. If the child is left untreated for too long, serious damage can occur later on In that Individual's life.These types of programs have been proven to change the behavior and the way information is processed for the teen. It shows them a new way to cope with their anger and to change their ways of behaving. Of course these are Just some techniques and tools used for anger management in te ens. Anger management uses different ways of controlling and managing anger to avoid rash behavior. Teenage anger should not be ignored it can lead to violence, substance abuse, or participation in high-risk behavior. An example is a teenage multiple offender with road rage is ordered by a Judge to attend anger management classes.This tool helps teenagers to identify their triggers, warning signs, and ways to diffuse their anger effectively, before they react. It helps reduce stress, anxiety, and antisocial behaviors. An important skill for teenagers to cultivate is healthy anger management. Anger is normal, and we must deal with it in an appropriate way. Anger management skills are stress management techniques, communication, and problem-solving skills. Techniques of anger management require practice but becomes like second nature with repetition.It is acceptable to Just leave the situation that may make the teenager angry. It can be best for them to give themselves time to cool do wn. It is important for the teenager to give creative expression to defuse the emotion. They can write down what they feel and be honest about their feeling and what made hem angry. The writing should be private and not read by anyone. It is important for the teenager to get the feelings out instead of bottling them up inside. Playing calm music can be relaxing to some as well and help settle the anger.A walk, Jog, or work out can help a teenager channel their anger. This helps to reduce a person's emotional tension. Exercise helps endorphins neuron chemicals that help calm and relax them. This allows them to constructively deal with the situation that angers them. The teenager must recognize the emotion and sensations that come with anger to allow them to manage and prevent the anger from turning into rage. The signs are a racing heartbeat and muscle tension. Knowing the signals that trigger the anger can help the teenager constructively deal with the anger.Relaxation is a good tec hnique to use. The five steps that teenagers need to learn are to identify the source of the anger, identify three possible solutions, identify possible consequences, choose their response, and analyze the reaction after the situation is over. The teenagers can use the games found in â€Å"104 Activities That Build†, by Author Alan Jones. They help build on self-esteem and hide anger and fears. If teenagers manage their stress and anger it lowers their risk for eating disorders, depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, and substance abuse.The most critical years for a child's development are his or her teenage years. Children are observing the surroundings and making mistakes to learn new experiences. What the child is exposed to challenges that are pleasant and unpleasant and the way the child learns to deal with them is what molds his or her personality (Crawl, 2009). When that child becomes a teenager, when he or she s exposed to an upsetting or unpleasant situation , the teen often lashes out. When these situations escalate, the situation may become unmanageable, and this is the time to seek professional help for the teen.Learning to control anger and take positive steps to control impulsive behavior can be accomplished through counseling. Counseling helps empower teenagers how to react in a stressful situation and retain this information well into adult life (Crawl, 2009). The teenager is taught through counseling to evaluate every situation before making a decision that may prove to be damaging. Crawl (2009), â€Å"There are various methods for anger management among teenagers, but the end result is what really matters† (Para. 3).Many teens find it easier to express his or her feelings freely and is not afraid to hear what the counselor has to say. The counseling sessions will encourage teens to make slow but steady changes. The teen believe that the therapist provides a supportive environment and the therapist cares what will happen to him or her, so the teen will feel relaxed enough to want to change. There are many effective techniques to help teenagers deal with pressure; cognitive hereby has been proven to work more effectively than others.

Are Science and Religion in Conflict?

Are Science and Religion in Conflict? Indeed,a conflict does exist between science and religion however the conflict is based on the lack of acceptance and vast misconceptions which members of either side are unwilling to let go of. The conflict between science and religion exists because there is a lack of congruence between the results achieved through scientific discovery and the beliefs required by a religion to follow. This has led to the formation of two extremes i. e. either accept faith and the doctrines required by faith to be observed or accept the rational methodologies of science.In an article published by â€Å"The Atlantic†, the author is of the opinion that solving the riddle that creates the conflict between science and religion is of utmost importance for the current generation. This is because of the reason that these two schools of thought are the most influential forces and guide the way we live our lives (Alfred). Science and religion since their inception have been in a state of continuous development. However this development has been in the opposite direction i. e. nitially science studied the literature provided by religion however with the development of scientific research, certain religious concepts remained unproven because they were considered â€Å"Abstract† by science. This has led to people accepting one side to be true and the other false (Alfred). There is a conflict between science and religion however this is because of the fact that people are hesitant to study both and stick to one side. This has led to the permanent housing of misconceptions in the minds of people and is adding fuel to the fire i. e. increasing the conflict between the two ways of life.The major reason behind the conflict between science and religion is the lack of acceptance of conclusions reached by either science or religion regarding a particular matter. If science put more light on the topic under discussion, religious scholars would de ny those facts based on the grounds that the research is â€Å"blasphemous† and contradicts basic religious principles. An article by the â€Å"Times† magazine states the Christian Church and other religions including Islam focus on key aspects of human creation such as the possession of a soul by every human being or the miracles performed by saints and â€Å"Men of God†.Science however focuses on new ways of quantifying and measuring human evolution; both the concepts create a conflict (Dan, 2006). Science has been able to prove the physical existence of emotions such as passion, anger by locating it in different parts of the brain. This contradicts with the principle followed by most religions regarding the presence of a soul in every human and how that soul is free from bodily functions etc.However acceptance of this is denied by religious scholars based on the grounds that the concept of the Afterlife is fundamental to most religions and the concept of the soul is greatly in congruence with the Afterlife (Dan, 2006). Scientific research should not be viewed as a threat to the fundamentals of a religion rather the studies should be perceived as being insightful i. e. the research further clarifies religious concepts rather than denouncing them. There are certain driving factors that govern the existence and acceptance of the conflict between science and religion.Upbringing, Education and Social behavior are some of the factors that lead to people in both the scientific and religious communities to accept that there indeed is a rift between science and religion. In an article by Elaine Howard of Rice University and Jerry Z. Park of Baylor University, they provided the results of a study they carried out which involved the selection of 21 American scientists who were considered to be among the elite of the time. They studied their attitude towards religion and deduced that all scientists i. e. hether a naturalist or social scientist, hav e different levels of acceptance towards the conflict that exists between science and religion. The acceptance is affected by their culture and extent of religious practice (Ecklund& Park, 2009). Since everyone needs something to believe in, scientists who do not belong to a strict religious background readily accept the conflict since they have devoted their life to one particular school of thought. This perception is formed after extensive research based on rational thinking and seeking proof of everything which makes scientists so skeptical about religious beliefs.Among scientists however there is a lack of acceptance towards a religion even if he/she is a believer. This is because of the perceived pressure they would receive if their peers in the scientific community were to discover this fact (Elaine, 2010). The only way to resolve the conflict is to accept religious diversity as well as the free discussion of scientific concepts without being judged as being blasphemous. It is through this open discussion that the misunderstandings that exist between scholars of both extremes be cleared.The ways the scientific concepts are taught in schools are one of the major causes of the conflict. Since the teachers do not have clear knowledge and understanding of the scientific concepts, they pass on inadequate information to the students attending. In an article named â€Å"First Year College Students’ Conflict with Religion and Science† issued by the Georgia State University, the author tells us that it is in the human nature to perceive oneself to be better than the rest. The general public tends to interpret and create their own perceptions regarding scientific concepts and religious beliefs.The self-interpretations lead to misconceptions which are major cause of the rift that exists between science and religion (Martin, 2008). The schools and teachers within those schools teach in a manner that fixes and restricts the brain of the student to think beyond what is thought. The rigid concepts become permanent with the passage of time which leads to the rejection of anything other than the closely held concepts. Science and religion develop over time, sometimes even complimenting each other. If a clear understanding of the advancements would not be obtained, there would always be room for misinterpretations.Therefore to remove the conflict at an elementary stage, teachers should encourage students to interpret scientific research however they should know what is right and what is not in order to correct the misconceptions when they arise. An Evangelist is a person who preaches faith based on his or her own perception about the beliefs fundamental to the faith. Christian evangelists have always been skeptical towards scientific concepts as well as theological theories about the creation of the world. Amos Yong carried out an analysis of various literary works related to the explanation of the conflict paradigm between science and religion.The findings were summarized in the article named â€Å"Science and Religion: Introducing the Issues, Entering the Debates – A review essay† and focused primarily on discovering ways to align the methods of the church with scientific methodologies (Yong, 2011). The study identified various conceptual frameworks that could be adopted which would align the thought process of the evangelist with scientific methodologies. Other measures that could be adopted include targeting the people lower in the hierarchy at the church. These people could be taught the concepts of science and how science can better explain religion (Yong, 2011).The only way to resolve the conflict that exists for evangelists is to align their religious beliefs with rational scientific methods. Since an evangelist is a strict believer in faith, the beliefs would always be fundamental however better scientific knowledge can help bridge the differences. Science is based on methods and the ration ale behind every phenomenon. Religion however on the other hand requires the believer to keep faith in the fundamental principles. Both present a different picture of the same thing and it is this difference in perception that has developed a conflict between science and religion.Science and Religion are two sides of the same coin. These two schools of thoughts add to each other rather than diverging. Religious concepts such as morality can be better understood through scientific research which helps understand and adhere to religion better. There is a connection of knowledge between science and religion which if strengthened is in the favor of the future of the human race. Science and religion have a point where the two schools of thoughts converge. One of the points is quality of being spiritual.Although scientists work on the basis of rationality, they still have a spiritual side which allows them to keep faith while exploring the horizons of science and reasoning. In an article titled â€Å"Science vs. Religion: What Scientists Really Think†, the author Elaine Ecklund states that even atheists have a certain level of spirituality within them. The spirituality may not necessarily be associated with keeping faith however there is a curiosity regarding the origination and formation of our plant and existence (Elaine, 2010). The spiritual side within scientists is promoted by their upbringing and education.The spiritual side makes them interested in religious beliefs. Through their scientific approach and belief in religious concepts, it makes it easier for them to focus on scientific research and proving religious concepts to be accurate (Elaine, 2010). Therefore spirituality leads to a better scientific reasoning approach to be adopted. Through religious involvement scientific research can be refined and complex questions can be answered. Morality and reality go hand in hand. Morality is the set of values and attitudes that are generally acceptable by a particular society for a particular moment in time.Religion requires a greater focus on displaying moral behavior. Morality can be better displayed by understanding reality and how it is affected by moral thinking. Morality is required by religion whereas reality is explained by science proving that there is a deeper link rather than a conflict. Through scientific reasoning we are able to deduce the right way to behave in a society. These studies can help assess what moral behavior is. The article â€Å"Religion vs. Science† outlines the scientific efforts to better understand moral behavior which helps us adhere to religious principles in a better way (Honner, 1994).Science is able to study all factors that affect behavior including societal norms, environmental conditions and personal feelings. By quantifying morality, we are able to develop a better understanding of what constitutes morality. This indicates that the relationship between science and religion is one of cl arification rather than a source of conflict (Honner, 1994). Therefore rather than thinking about a conflict being in existence, we should follow the results of scientific research and studies to better clarify religious beliefs.Through scientific research we are able to uncover and understand the abstract concepts that religion defines. Queries about our existence can be answered by a careful examination of religious concepts complimented with a thorough scientific analysis. In an article name God, creation, science, religion: the conflicts by Tom Chivers, the author tells us that scientist in order to deduce the actual age of the Earth moved to religious transcripts appearing in the Bible. Although the Bible did not provide dates however did contain information on the characteristics of the people at the time.This was a major input in the scientific breakthrough (Tom, 2009). The scientific declarations cannot be denied as they have been institutional to the development of the know ledge and understanding regarding the universe. By further considering the importance of religion we would come across certain questions that have been yet to be answered by scientific research. Through this connection we can uncover various mysteries concerning the universe and everything within it (Tom, 2009). People should develop a thorough understanding of the concepts of both extremes.Through this understanding we would be able to develop a much better connection between science and religion and resolve all mysteries which would give us a better understanding of who we are and why we exist. Referring to the first counter argument, it states that science and religion converge because a level of spirituality exists between the followers of the two extremes. The argument is refuted by the original thesis stating that although the spiritual level does exist however this would not lead to the convergence of ideas arising within the two schools of thoughts.The reason behind it is th e fact that there is a lack of acceptance of conclusions by scholars of both the extremes leading to a never ending conflict. Referring to the second counter argument, it states that science and religion add to each other in way that science leads to a better understanding of moral behavior which is a pre-requisite for religious believers. However the original thesis refutes this argument by saying that although the concepts add to each other however there are vast misconceptions in the minds of the followers of both science and religion.These misconceptions come in the middle and cause the conflict to extend rather than reaching a resolution point. Referring to the final counter argument, it states that there is no conflict between the fields because religious beliefs and knowledge acts as a basis of scientific research and discovery. This argument is challenged by the original thesis in a manner that although this can be the case however people classify themselves as being either religious or scientific. Due to this classification, the connection between science and religion cannot be established.References Alfred, N. (n. d. ). Religion and Science. Retrieved on October 4th, 2011 from http://www. theatlantic. com/magazine/archive/1925/08/religion-and-science/4220/ Dan, C. (2006). God vs. Science. Retrieved on October 4th, 2011 from http://www. time. com/time/magazine/article/0%2c9171%2c1555132%2c00. html Elaine, H. (2010). â€Å"Science vs. Religion† discovers what scientists really think about religion. Retrieved on October 4th, 2011 from http://www. washingtonpost. com/wpdyn/content/article/2010/05/28/AR2010052801856. tml Ecklund, E. , & Park, J. Z. (2009). Conflict Between Religion and Science Among Academic Scientists?. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 48(2), 276-292. doi:10. 1111/j. 1468-5906. 2009. 01447. x Honner, J. (1994). Science vs. religion (II). Commonweal, 121(16), 14. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Martin-Hansen, L. (2008). Firs t-Year College Students’ Conflict with Religion and Science. Science & Education, 17(4), 317-357. doi:10. 1007/s11191-006-9039-5 Tom, C. (2009). God, creation, science,

Aurora Leigh and The Odyssey

Aurora Leigh and The Odyssey Essay In Elizabeth Barrett Brownings Aurora Leigh the conquest of the feminine is present, though its form ridiculed and its male perpetrators abased so that some measure of equity between the sexes can be achieved. Not present is the one sided subjugation which features prominently in The Odyssey, for in her adaptation of the epic form, the now female protagonist conquers and is subtly conquered herself. The Odyssey presents masculine heroism (partially) predicated on the oppression of women; for a hero to even project some semblance of authority, he must be the master of his home. The home however is the domain of women and thus the inference is made ad hoc ergo propter hoc. Odysseus conquers both mortal (Penelope) and immortal (Circe) women, while conquering (resisting) the lure of the Sirens. Even the goddess Athena is enamoured with his wit and wily charm, sending aid or bringing it in person. Thus the whole of the feminine world, both perceived and sublime is at his command, either directly or indirectly conquered. All the women he conquers make the hero, pushing him to his greatest potential. They instil in him courage, ambition and humility, and are thus integral Odysseus very being a hero. The Greek ideal of the hero therefore bases itself on dominion over the female sex. Telemachus follows this path also, for no hero he would be if he had not established social order at home with his mother, nor hanged the treacherous maids. Elizabeth Barrett Browning shows women as able in their own right however. No longer are they confined to womanly chores, but can be artists, intellectuals, they can succeed in the ultimate domain of men. A full and willing surrender to fate is not in order, the protagonist and hero or Aurora Leigh being both headstrong and female. Both the baser, in Lady Waldemar and pure, in Mariam sides of womanly nature are shown. It can be inferred that Browning means to caution while promoting freedom, for some human instincts must be controlled. Female strength however, is sometimes found in the most unlikely of places, among the denizens of brothels and hovels, in Mariam. She, having been abandoned by Romney, denies him marriage when he returns many years later proposing this. Thus Browning alters form, in her poetic justice, Romney must be rebuked, and soundly so. Another Greek dogma is abandoned with her differentiating between love and rape, love being an entity that cannot be forced upon one party. Aurora is her own woman, writing poetry for a living, and even acting as a benefactor to Mirian, a decidedly male role. Love is not conquest, nor conquest love she says: When we learn to lose ourselves, and melt like white pearls in anothers wine , equating love with a soft stupor, yet one for the better, where the self of one becomes the whole of two. Aurora struggles to assert herself, yet does so, even though the hostile forces of her aunt and Romney try to hold her back. The departure from the style of The Odyssey however is not complete, Browning muses that no epic of true value and meaning can Aurora write, museless as she is (without Romney). She finds her poetic inspiration reconciling love and her poetry (a symbol of her independence); feminist thought was not so radical in Brownings time. However, there is a clause to be fulfilled for the reconciliation to be fulfilled, Romney, once so strong and sure of himself, must be humbled. He previously sought to double himself in what he loves, and make his drink more costly by our pearls This train of thought was however equivalent to the Odysseian archetype and thus cannot be upheld in Brownings epic; change is in her opinion necessary. Aurora acknowledges her own weakness in love, and succumbs to it, but is self-critical in doing so, realising her own folly. Portraying Aurora so, Browning can be considered an early feminist, and her thought radical for her age. However, she also meant to comment on Victorian society, and its hypocritical views on women and the home. READ: Characteristics of an epic hero EssayHers was the age of Victoria, of prudish behaviour, where one slip, one impropriety meant ones end. Yet at the same time, there was a surplus of women, and as often follows, a proliferation of prostitution. Marian herself becomes one, but Browning meant her not to be viewed as vile, but rather with compassion. Society made the woman, and her strength in persevering should be glorified rather than her actions vilified. In Brownings narrative, it is not only the women who are humbled, but also the men. Romney did not see clearly what Aurora deserved, and thus he is blinded literally so that he can accept and acknowledge what she means to him. He mistook his own heart, and that slip was fatal , as did Aurora, and thus they both conquer each other, entering a relationship of equals. The feminine is conquered in Aurora Leigh, but not in the sense that it was in The Odyssey. Women as heroes can agree to be conquered, once both they and their lovers have grown morally, and shed the false skin that is the collection of judgements society makes of them, and in turn expects them to believe.

Emerging Political Tensions between Israel and Palestine Research Paper

Emerging Political Tensions between Israel and Palestine - Research Paper Example Palestine is controlled by two governing bodies i.e. Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Fatah in the West Bank. The division of governance has resulted in suspension of peace making attempts between Israel and Palestine. The recent war occurred in 2014, is a result of political tensions between the two states. This research paper focuses on the major political issues due to which peace-making attempts have been failing between the states. The conflicts between Israel and Palestine have become sensitive at present due to several issues. In the year 2006, the Palestinian Authority held elections in Gaza and the West Bank on the request of George W. Bush’s administration and Israeli support. Despite making attempts, Hamas won the majority of seats. The United States responded by cutting off aid to Palestinian Authority, on the other hand the Israelis withheld tax revenues they collected on Palestinian’s behalf. The Bush’s administration encouraged Abbas to go against Hamas with the help of Fatah and its chief Mohammad Dahlan (Brownlee 113). The circumstances were severe during the period and Fatah was defeated by Hamas in the battle. Finally Hamas took charge in Gaza. These situations became even worse when United States did not make any attempt to talk to the new formed government. The Israelis started to block exports from Gaza, which led to drop of per capita income to 17 percent in the year 2011, compared to 2005. The Israelis even banned exports to the West Bank, which made the life of people worse in Gaza. The people of Gaza were suffering from unemployment and malnutrition on a very high scale. The circumstances forced Hamas to attack Israelis, for the benefit of their people and save his government. The attacks disturbed the life of people and most of the citizens were exposed to threat. The occurrence of cold-war was merely due to the political issues that happened in the year 2006.  

The effect French Revolution had on the main events in European Essay

The effect French Revolution had on the main events in European history in the 19th century - Essay Example Also, there was the rise of the capitalist bourgeois class that clashed with the aristocratic noble classes over political power. Though there was a new rising bourgeois class, France was still very much tied to old ways of politics: France in the eighteenth century still possessed a large measure of medievalism—a condition reflected in its diversified legal structure, in its powerful guilds, in its communes, in the church, in universities, and in the patriarchal family (Nisbet 157). These factors are tied to the overall effects of the revolution on France and all of Europe, those effects being a rise in individualism, patriotism, and nationalism. These ideas were trenchantly in opposition to the prevailing monarchies of the time that ruled over Europe at the time of the revolution. The French Revolution did not merely replace one set of rulers with another; it replaced an entire ideological system with another throughout the western world. As was mentioned, the causes of the revolution are very much tied together with the effects. The debt and poverty caused by the decisions of the monarchy were one of the chief concerns of the new bourgeois class: â€Å"a new a revolutionary class, the bourgeoisie, had risen in wealth and power during the eighteenth century, but had been denied political power and social recognition by the old ruling class of aristocrats and nobles† (Stromberg 88). This aspect has two main ideas behind it. First, the capitalists were financially hurt because of the decisions of the aristocracy. They were subject to the decisions of the aristocracy, as these decisions had a direct effect upon the economy of the country in which they functioned. To put it specifically, the decisions of the aristocracy had a direct effect on the capitalists ability to make money. Secondly, because the bourgeoisie

Different SPI Models of Cloud Computing Case Study - 1

Different SPI Models of Cloud Computing - Case Study Example Cloud computing is actually a colloquial expression that refers to an array of varying types of computing concepts that consist a large number of computers interconnected to each other by means of an actual, simultaneous communication like the Internet (Carroll et al., 2012). Also, cloud computing is a model that is used to allow pervasive, global, and convenient network access to a common collection of configurable computing resources such as networks and servers (Mell & Grance, 2011). Essentially, the objective of cloud computing is to maximize shared resources. This has been carried out by sharing services and resources that are made available on the World Wide Web. How? At the root of cloud computing is a deeper concept of combined infrastructure and shared services. So, why the thought of using clouds as part of the phrase? Cloud computing allows shared services including servers, not actual serves but virtual servers which are interconnected to each other using the internet. These servers do not really exist in actuality; hence, they can be moved around or expanded while the end-user is not being affected at all – similar to a cloud. Cloud computing has different SPI models and each of them has a specific use. But first, let us learn about what SPI means. SPI is an acronym that refers to conventional cloud computing models. SPI stands for the following: S is for Software as a Service (SaaS); P is for Platform as a Service (PaaS), and I is for Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). SaaS is specifically intended for the end-users, which are transmitted over the internet. PaaS is a collection of means or instruments meant for coding and setting up applications quickly and efficiently. And lastly, IaaS simply pertains to the hardware and software that make everything work effectively. These include servers, networks, operating systems, etc. (Mell & Grance, 2011). SaaS is normally end-user applications that are being delivered by means of the internet.  There is no need for installation as long as a browser and a connection to the internet are set.  

Biol Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Biol - Essay Example (Lipstadt 27) Lipstadt is a well-known researcher and historian with a Ph.D. and the professor of Modern Jewish and Holocaust Studies at Emory University. (Alumni, Lipstadt Ph.D.) What Dawkins is discussing is the inevitable progression of people from belief to disbelief to outright lies in the attempt to ignore what we know is true. He later makes the statement that evolution is fact not a theory and that there is a difference between the fact that is evolution and the theory of its journey (Dawkins, Ph.D. FRS, FRSL) Clearly the purpose of this book is to first discredit attempts to disprove evolutionary theory while providing a basis for his approach. It is my opinion that he does a credible job in his approach In continued reading it becomes apparent to me that he has done his research and his proofs abound. His clear delineations between the â€Å"fact† as he calls it and the â€Å"theory† of what drives it tend to be very convincing.

Task Identification Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Task Identification - Essay Example (Embrey, 2000)† Of the several known methods in task identification, the process or steps may include critical incident technique and linear sequencing. In the critical incident technique, the key factor is the gathering of any and all available facts or incidents and analyzing what actually occurred as a result. Based on the analysis and interpretation of the data into information, assessments and inferences are made on how to use the findings to improve on future performance or output. Thus the basic step in critical incident technique can be summarized as: â€Å"Step 1: Gathering facts; Step 2: Content analysis; and Step 3: Creating feedback. (EMMUS, 1999)† In information technology (IT), the critical incident technique (CIT) is one of the methodologies in software and applications development. â€Å"The CIT is an open-ended retrospective method of finding out what are the critical features of the software being evaluated. It is a method for getting a subjective report while minimizing interference from stereotypical reactions or received opinions. A critical incident is defined as one which had an important effect on the final outcome. Critical incidents can only be recognized retrospectively. CIT analysis uses a method known as Content Analysis in order to summarize the experiences of many users or many experiences of the same user. (UsabilityNet, 2006)† When linear sequencing is used in task identification, the method describes putting in lined or straight order a sequence or series of events. It follows at times a hierarchical or incremental level of presentation or reasoning. â€Å"Reasoning about events commonly requires assembling the events into a sequence or order of events such that a temporal pattern of events becomes distinguishable and more understandable. For many reasoning tasks involving events, users

Ethical Dilemma In Marketing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Ethical Dilemma In Marketing - Assignment Example This is a case of flaws in parts of its cars as it appears in After Ratings Drop, Ford Reworks Touch Screens Published: March 5, 2012 (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/business/after-ratings-drop-ford-reworks-touch-screens.html?_r=0) in The New York Times.This is an issue of ethical dilemma in marketing. Ford Motor Company has been a global firm that manufactures cars and has equally faced significant challenges including stiff competition. The most critical aspect of the problem it experiences involved realized flaws in some parts of its models. The company added touch-screen control systems to some of its most popular models as a way of meeting the demand of the customers. They also did this to gain the competitive advantage over other firms. However, with time, the customers noted significant inefficiencies with the system which was bound to affect the image of the company. Considering a number of resources Ford had invested in marketing and the intensity of surety and guarantee they gave clients. This put them in a dilemma to recall the cars or leave the customers to survive and make changes in the yet to be released ones. The customers felt disappointed and inconvenienced by the response of the system. This forced Ford motor company to decide between the two difficult alternative decisions. If they are to recall, they will incur huge losses and lose the confidence of the consumers. By leaving the customers in the dark will equally make it fairly difficult to boost the image of the firm.

Slashing Prices, Stabbing Backs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Slashing Prices, Stabbing Backs - Essay Example Wal-Mart has been successful in perpetuating their elitist position through the manipulation of media outlets, political groups, and public policy organizations. They have continually pursued a conflict of interest course by donating money to those that are supposed to produce an unbiased report on them. On a local level, they have used contacts with other elitists, and political corruption to gain favorable zoning ordinances for their stores. Public policy is often cheated by research on Wal-Mart that is financed by Wal-Mart. These are typical examples of the transgressions made by the power elite as they seek to dominate the lower classes. Wal-Mart has brought significant harm to the middle and lower classes. They have exploited gender as well ethnicity in their quest for control. They reveal their own stand when Sally Pipes, a reporter with a financial interest in Wal-Mart, defends the company against a charge of sex discrimination by claiming, "The case against Wal-Mart, [...] follows the standard feminist stereotype of women as victims, men as villains and large corporations as inherently evil" (qtd. Barbaro & Strom, 2006). The reply makes it obvious that they see the world through the lens of strata domination. Meanwhile, Wal-Mart exploits the working class by exporting vast numbers of manufacturing jobs.

Bombardier Transportation & the Adtranz Acquisition Essay Example for Free

Bombardier Transportation the Adtranz Acquisition Essay Bombardier had evolved from its humble beginnings as a snowmobile manufacturer based in Joseph-Arman an Bombardier’s garage to a global business in which it’s once core recreational products were over shadowed, on a revenue basis at least, by its offerings in transportation, aerospace, and capital. In every segment in which the company operated it was either number 1 or 2 globally. This was not the case for the Transportation group (BT) in Europe, where in 2001 it sat in fourth place behind Alstom, Siemens and Adtranz (AT). However, the AT acquisition presented the opportunity to vault BT to the forefront of the industry. At a price tag of US$715 million (23% of AT’s 2000 revenue) AT was a bargain and an opportunity worth considering for several reasons: Revenue Growth : Unlike all other Bombardier businesses, BT’s revenue was counter-cyclical so growth in the sector would provide better balance to its overall revenue (Figure C1 in Appendix C).With the addition of AT, BT’s annual rail-related revenue could grow to US$7.6 billion in 2001 (up from US$2.2 billion in 2000) with a backlog of US$14.5 billion. 1 While BT was a low margin business it was a cash generator that helped to finance other Bombardier businesses. Geographic Expansion : AT had a presence in a broader range of European markets and the region was viewed as the center of technological development. Asia and South America utilized European engineering and practices so AT provided BT better access to future markets. Completion of Product Portfolio : BT lacked propulsion system and train controls competence. This had been mitigated by outsourcing to competitors and suppliers; however it was a competitive weakness as was exemplified by AT’s exclusion from a key deal in the UK in 2000. AT excelled in these areas, and provided immediate cost synergies and long term strategic strength. Naturally the acquisition was not without its downside. There were many aspects of the deal that warranted consideration: Acquisition Size: While BT had a successfully track record of acquisitions it had never integrated a company of AT’s size. Based on 2000 figures, AT had nearly 40% more employees, just under 50%more in sales, and operated in 60 locales. The differing company structures were also of concern. Financial Performance: AT posted net losses going back 4 years in spite of restructurings. Even at a bargain purchase price, an unsuccessful integration could threaten BT’s income and cash flow. Due Diligence: AT was understandably reticent to let a competitor gain full access to its â€Å"books† should the deal not complete, so BT’s diligence process was not comprehensive. Furthermore BT’s European management had not participated in the deal; only amplifying the potential risks. Customer Loss: The acquisition could trigger the loss of customers or new contracts. Additionally, AT had earned a reputation for poor production and servicing that competitors could exploit. A comprehensive plan would be required to realize the projected synergies, tackle the above noted concerns, and should the deal clear anticipate and address regulator stipulations.

Utility of Domesticated Animals Essay Example for Free

Utility of Domesticated Animals Essay The biosphere around us comprises of plants, animals and humans. Each has its own role and part to play. They contribute immensely to make it functional and viable for each other. It is indeed true that it would not be full circle if one part or whole would be missing. Man however has utilized his supreme intelligence to extract the best from plants and animals for his very existence and to lead a luxurious lifestyle. Man has domesticated animals since times immemorial. It is man who has used camels, horses, cows, sheep, goat and dogs for his own needs. A camel is an amazing animal inhabitant to the dry desert. The shorter, two-humped Bactrian camels are cold climate camels while the Arabian camels having a single hump live in hot deserts. Camels provide transport, shade, milk, meat, wool and hides. Their gait like a rolling boat has earned it the adage of being the ship of the desert. Camel has a large mouth with sharp teeth to eat thorny bushes, grass, grains, seeds and dates. Long eyelashes, ear hair and sealable nostrils protect it from sand. Camels have long, thin legs with powerful muscles which carry heavy loads over long distances. Camels milk is more nutritious than cows milk; low in fat and is sweet. Young male camels have the best camel meat and its hump is a delicacy. Camels hair makes high quality coats, artists brushes and garments. a camel draws energy from its hump fat during its long and tedious journeys. the God gifted camel is the symbol of adaptability and toughness. A cow is a gentle animal. It is revered as the second mother to millions for its milk. They are found in herds on farms. They are raised for milk, meat and leather. They graze on grass and feed on grains, crops and legumes. India has the largest number of cattle in the world followed by Brazil and China. Its milk is used to make cheese, butter, ghee, cottage cheese, curd, whey, sweets and ice-cream. Its hide is used for leather to make shoes and clothing. Combs are made from its horns. The small, honey-brown Jersey cow is famous for the high butterfat in its milk and its genial disposition. In Hinduism the cow is a symbol of wealth, strength, abundance and selfless giving. A horse is a noble animal. It has four strong legs, a stout body and a short tail. The mane on its shoulders makes it look magnificently powerful. Arabian horses are the best in the world. In old days horses were used for traveling and in wars and games. Later they were harnessed to carts and carriages to pull goods. Now-a-days horses are seen in cavalry, circuses and race courses. Horses feed on grass and lentils. Horse is the symbol of power and courage for its great speed and splendid look.

Employability as Educational Performance Indicator

Employability as Educational Performance Indicator Definition of Employability Employability has been used as a performance indicator for higher education institutions (Smith et al, 2000) and represents a form of work specific (pro) active adaptability that consists of three dimensions: career identity, personal adaptability and social and human capital (Fugate et al, 2004). At the same time, Knight and Yorke (2004) have put forward the four broad and interlocking components of USEM account of employability: Understanding (of the subject discipline) Skilful practices in context Efficacy beliefs Meta-cognition Nabi (2003) mentioned that employability is about graduates possessing an appropriate level of skills and attributes, and being able to use them to gain and remain in appropriate employment. From a human resource development view, employability is a concept that emerged through the 1990s along with a growing perception among employees that they cannot count on their employers for long-term employment. Employability is a promise to employees that they will have the skills to find new jobs quickly if their jobs end unexpectedly (Baruch, 2001). Prior to this, Harvey (2001) has defined employability in various ways from individual and institutional perspectives. Individual employability is defined as graduates being able to demonstrate the attributes to obtain jobs. Commonly, institutional employability relates to the employment rates of the university graduates. However, Harvey argued that employment outcomes of graduates are not an indicator of institutional employability. He presented an employability-development model shown in Figure 1. The model illustrated a multi-perspectives view of employability with all related stake-holders. Employability and Higher Education: Key issues Despite the burgeoning research on employability and availability of a wide range of models purporting to explain it, employability itself remains a contentious concept open to a ‘plethora of micro-interpretations (Harvey, 2003). This can make the task of curriculum development particularly difficult. [p5] The growing importance of employability According to McNair (2003), graduate employability has become a more important issue for institutions. This is: because of the changing nature of the graduate labour market, mass participation in HE, pressures on student finance, competition to recruit students and expectations of students, employers, parents and government (expressed in quality audit and league tables). On a broader level, it has been noted that higher education, through the generation and dissemination of knowledge, directly impacts economic competitiveness on a national and international level (Brown et al, 2003; CIHE, 2003; UUK, 2007; DIUS, 2008). The significance of the UK HE system to the wider economy has been generally acknowledged since the Robbins Report was published in 1963. However, this relationship has been made more explicit in recent years and it was with the publication of the Dearing Report (1997) that the connection found prominent expression. Dearing strongly expressed the need for a globally competitive economy containing highly skilled, highly trained and highly motivated graduates who could perform effectively on the worlds stage. This coupled with the further development of human-capital theory (Becker, 1975), which asserts that one role of government is to provide and nurture conditions which will increase the pool of skilled labour, has created a fertile forum for the discourse of ‘employability to flourish. The changing nature of the graduate-labour market Dearing (1997) stated that ‘learning should be increasingly responsive to employment needs and include the development of general skills, widely valued in employment; however, the labour market is changing dramatically and at a much faster pace than in the past. Emerging markets and rapid expansion of the knowledge economy means that the same set of employability skills which were in demand ten or even five years ago may not be required in the evolving graduate-employment market. Employers are increasingly seeking flexible recruits who can work effectively in the ‘de-layered, down-sized, information-technology driven and innovative organisations in existence today (Harvey et al, 1997: 1). Employers are seeking people who can do more than just respond to change, they need those who can lead change. McNair (2003) comments on the speed of labour-market development and notes that a higher percentage of the workforce is employed in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), a trend also reflected in graduate-employment statistics. While this may offer opportunities to gain early responsibility in less structured and hierarchical work environments, graduates need to have the skills to create rewarding graduate roles role in what Purcell and Elias (2004) refer to as ‘niche-graduate occupations. Niche-graduate occupations are those: where the majority of incumbents are not graduates, but within which there are stable or growing specialist niches that require higher education skills and knowledge (Purcell and Elias, 2003: 5). Students therefore need to be equipped with skills which enable them to ‘grow jobs to graduate level. HE has been criticised by some as being too slow to recognise the changing nature of the labour market and is producing graduates who are ill equipped to deal with the realities of graduate employment (CBI, 2006). Government policy to widen participation in HE, aiming to increase the proportion of 18-30 year olds to 50 per cent by 2010, will no doubt have a significant impact on the supply of graduates in the labour market. According to Elias and Purcell (2004) participation rates in UK HE almost doubled in the decade 1991-2001, from 1.2 million students to 2.1 million. Such rapid expansion has raised concerns that the increase in the number of highly qualified individuals may not be coupled with an equivalent rise in demand for their skills and qualifications (Brown and Hesketh, 2004; Brynin, 2002; Keep and Mayhew, 1996, 1999 in Elias and Purcell, 2004). While Elias and Purcell (2004) conclude that the expansion of HE at the end of the twentieth century has been primarily positive, Purcell et al (2005: 16) express concern that ‘the fit between the supply of graduates and employers demand for their knowledge and skills clearly falls some way short of ideal. There are mixed reports about whether demand for graduates will be affected by increasing participation in higher education. The supply of graduates has been steadily rising and there were 258,000 graduates in 1997 compared with 319,000 in 2007 (HESA, 2007). Despite rising numbers leaving HE, according to DIUS (2008), demand for graduates remains high and the latest report by the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR 2007) suggests that the number of graduate vacancies increased by 15.1 per cent in 2007. Both DIUS and AGR do however raise concerns about the mismatch between what employers are looking for and the skills graduates possess (see Chapter 2 for a more detailed analysis of skills). Despite much controversy about the impact of increasing student numbers, it is indisputable that graduates are facing a changing, more competitive labour market and they need to be prepared accordingly. The changing nature of the higher education landscape Beyond pressures facing graduates in the labour market, universities are facing increasing demands to account for what they do and prospective students and parents are becoming discerning ‘customers when shopping for the most suitable HEI (McNair, 2003). Given the importance of employability in the equation, institutions cannot overlook the significance of developing this aspect of provision. Allison et al (2002) allude to the pressures facing HEIs as evidenced by the publication of increasing numbers of performance indicators and guidance documents such as the QAA Code of Practice for Careers Education, Information and Guidance (2001) and the Harris Review of Careers Services (2001). Yorke and Knight (2002: 4) have expressed some concern about the way in which statistics on employment rates used in league tables can distract HEIs from the important task of enhancing employability. They state that: once employment rates become an institutional performance indicator (HEFCE, 2001), there is a pernicious backwash as institutions seek to ‘improve their scores since they know that these scores will end up in the so-called ‘league tables published in the press. Consequently: there is a danger that maximising the score will command more institutional attention than fulfilling the educational aim of enhancing employability. Higher Education in the UK has gone through considerable change during the last two decades. The move from an elitist system to one of mass participation has been highly significant. Shelley (2005) indicates that the number of 18-30 year olds in HE rose from 12 per cent in the 1980s to 43 per cent by 2002. This he points out has not been matched with commensurate levels of funding and between 1977 and 1997 government expenditure per student fell by 40 per cent. In recent years however funding levels have improved with HEFCE announcing a figure of  £6,706 million in recurrent funding for 2006-07 to universities and colleges in England (HEFCE, 2006). Increased funding levels have led to systems of accountability being put in place. These in turn have led to the development of managerial practices intended to promote new efficiency and customer-focused, customer-led policy frameworks which should ensure success in a new competitive market. In the eyes of commentators such as Bekhradnia (2005) the last decade has seen a mixture of successes and failures of managerial initiatives. For some commentators (e.g. Brown and Lauder, 1999; Green, 1993) these policy directives coupled with the emphasis placed on the contribution of HE to the global economy has led to the ‘marketisation and the ‘commodification of HE and its teaching. Brown and Lauder (1999) contend that there has been a movement towards a ‘neo-Fordist approach to HE in which teaching and learning is now emulating the Fordist manufacturing processes of the early twentieth century. This concept was characterised by the production assembly line ‘just-in-time unitisation production methods of manufacturing industries. For HE this manifests itself in several ways which Brown and Lauder describe as: learner organisations with emphasis on ‘numerical flexibility (i.e. outcome-related education and cost-driven agendas), mass production of standardised products (i.e. modularisation/unitisation of curricula), and emphasis on quality systems to ensure standardisation which result in a bland mechanistic experience of learning. [p9] Given the apparent consensus among the key stakeholders about which skills are important and on the need to address employability in HE, it seems strange that there is so little commonality in approaches taken by universities to enhance employability. There remains considerable debate on how best enhancement of employability can be achieved, and indeed the extent to which HE can influence this aspect of student development. In an extensive review of HE provision, Little (2004: 4) concludes that while there is: international concern that higher education should enhance graduate employability, there is little evidence of systematic thinking about how best to do it, let alone any model that can be badged as ‘best practice and adopted wholesale. Developing a common understanding of how to enhance employability is a highly complex issue, although Knight (2001) believes government and others persist in treating it in much the same way as ‘innovation, as ‘something simple, to be planned, delivered and evaluated (Knight, 2001 cited in Lees, 2002: 1). Attempting to form a coordinated and holistic approach to skill development, government has introduced many programmes and initiatives to promote skill development and these seem to have had some impact. The DfEE Higher Education Projects Fund 1998-2000, for example, included projects to develop key and transferable skills and Harvey, Locke and Morey (2002) have reviewed the trends in institutions approaches to embedding employability. They note that there has been a shift in HE from developing the specific employability skills within specialist modules to a more holistic approach where institutions are embedding employability and skills throughout the curriculum. They present examples of employability initiatives from different HEIs which were highly varied and based on differing philosophies. Perhaps it is inevitable that institutions and even individual departments and academics will vary widely in their approaches to developing employability as they will be operating in the context of their own frame of reference about education, and will be dealing with students who will vary hugely in their ability and ambitions. However, it is clear from the research on employability skills that the attributes which employers value and educators recognise as important are very similar, and there is hope that such consensus in thinking can contribute to a more coherent approach to curriculum development.

Bipolar Disorder Essay example -- Research Disorders Bipolar Essays

Bipolar Disorder   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Bipolar disorder is often considered a hereditary disease. According to the National Mental Health Association (2001) a specific genetic link to bipolar disorder has not been found. Studies show that 80 to 90 percent of those who suffer from bipolar disorder have relatives with some form of depression (NIMH, 2001). Bipolar disorder is a mental illness involving one or more episodes of serious mania and depression which causes individuals to feel an euphoric type high or feeling really low. Over 2.5 million people in America have bipolar disorder. This disorder usually occurs during adolescence or early adulthood and continues throughout life. Although, young children can be diagnosed with manic depression as well. Bipolar disorder also shows symptoms by being very irritable and having destructive tantrums throughout the day. Sommers (2000), wrote that teenage guys and girls are equally likely to experience manic depression, but it is often more apparent in girls ( p.15 ). This is because guys do not like admitting to being depressed because it makes them look weak and have no control, so they tend to hold back their feelings which will only make their life more difficult. In contrast girls are more prone to talk about their feelings than guys are. Diagnosing individuals with bipolar disorder is very difficult due to the fact that many people deny that anything is wrong because he or she likes the feeling of being in high mood. Another reason diagnosing is difficult is because the problem may be related to some other type of illness or accompanied with a coexisting problem like substance abuse, poor performance in schoolwork and jobs.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Bipolar disorder ( a.k.a. Manic Depressive illness) is a disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function ( National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2001 ). This disorder consist of severe episodes of highs and lows that individuals go through. These highs and lows have a much greater impact on an individuals life than the normal highs and lows people go through everyday. These episodes can lead to unwanted behaviors, depression, anxiety and can lead to suicide if not treated. There are four categories in which bipolar disorder is classified according to symp... ...s through medications. There are several different types of medications on the market today used for treating bipolar patients but the oldest one that has shown a significant decrease of episodes is known as lithium. Lithium is a natural and standard mood stabilizer that has been extremely beneficial in treating bipolar patients. Also, many BD patients will also be prescribed to some type of antidepressants like, Zoloft, Prozac, and Paxil. Sleeping aids are sometimes prescribed for short term therapy for patients dealing with insomnia. Most common prescribed sleeping aids are xanax, topamx. A combination of these medication has shown to be effective, but reported patients having hard-take side effects. Taking a combination of anti-psychotics, sleeping aids, thyroid supplements, and benzodiazepine is sometimes called med cocktails. Patients taking medications are also advised to seek professional help from psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist, or some type of mental health professional. This is an essential part of treating people with bipolar disorder who want to keep this disease in control and not it controlling ones life.

Langston Hughes and Religion Essay -- African American Poets Poetry Li

Langston Hughes and Religion Langston Hughes in several poems denounced religion, inferring that religion did not exist any longer. In reading these poems, the reader canes that Hughes was expressing his feelings of betrayal and abandonment, against his race, by religion and the church. Hughes had a talent for writing poems that would start a discussion. From these discussions, Hugh es could only hope for realization from the public, of how religion and the church treated the Black race. Hughes wrote two poems that generated a lot of discussion about religion and African-Americans. One was â€Å"Drama for Winter Night (Fifth Avenue),† the other was â€Å"Goodbye Christ.† Once when Hughes was asked about religion, he responded, â€Å" I grew up in a not very religious family, but I had a foster aunt who saw that I went to church and Sunday school† (qtd. In Emanuel 914). Even though Hughes grew up attending church and Sunday school he could see how religion and churches treated his race. This is evident in â€Å"Drama for Winter Night (Fifth Avenue)†. The poem begins: You can’t sleep here My good man, You can’t sleep here. This is the house of God. The usher opens the church door and goes out. (1-5). In doing this, the usher of the church on â€Å"Fifth Avenue,† abandoned someone less fortunate in order to maintain a good appearance. This â€Å"house of God,† which should be opening its doors to give a he lping hand, turns away a man in need of help. Hughes shows betrayal in the same poem, when the less fortunate man asks St. Peter if he can stay. St. Peter replies, â€Å"You ca... ...nt of the Black race by religion and the church. I feel Hughes was successful in this endeavor. Hughes sums his whole perspective of religion, the church and the Black race, when he told a reporter, â€Å"Religion is one of the innate needs of mankind. What I am against is the misuse of religion.† (qtd. Emanuel 914). Works Cited Berry, Faith. â€Å"On Hughes’s Repudiation of ‘Goodbye Christ.’ â€Å" Meyer. 916-17 Emanuel, James A. â€Å"Hughes’s Attitudes toward Religion.† Meyer. 914-15. Hughes, Langston. â€Å"Drama for Winter Night (Fifth Avenue).† Meyer. 891: ---. â€Å"Goodbye Christ.† Meyer 898-99. Meyer, Michael. ed. â€Å"Langston Hughes (1902-1967).† The Bedford Introduction to Literature 4th ed. Boston: St. Mart in’s Press,1996. 883-89. Meyer, Michael. ed. The Bedford Introduction to Literature. 4th ed.Boston: St.Martin’s

Treasure Island :: Free Essays Online

Treasure Island Robert Louis Stevenson was born on November 13, 1850 in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was the only child of Thomas Stevenson and Margaret Isabella Balfour. Stevenson's father belonged to a family of engineers who were responsible for many of sea lighthouses built around the coast of Scotland. His mother, Margaret, came from a family of church ministers and lawyers. Due to his father's distinguished career, it was naturally believed that Stevenson would follow in his father's footsteps, just as other family members had accomplished through the generations. Surprisingly found, writing would be his natural calling. At age two, Stevenson caught what is known as the croup, which is an inflammatory disease of the larynx and trachea. As a young child, Stevenson was plagued with illnesses, just as his mother. It was originally believed that Stevenson might have inherited tuberculosis from his mother Margaret. It is somewhat ironic that the actual cause of his premature death was due to a cerebral hemorrhage just as his father apparently died due to thrombosis, or the clotting of his blood. Unfortunately, Stevenson’s health was continually questionable throughout his lifetime. In 1867, Stevenson entered Edinburgh University and initially began to work towards a Science degree. He later switched to Civil Engineering to appease his father and spent some time working in the field. His interest in writing began at an early age but his father hoped to convince Stevenson that it was a great hobby because his father had aspirations of him carrying on with the family tradition and become a civil engineer. Coincidentally, while Stevenson was vacationing on an island named Earraid, he met a stonemason, who at the time was working on a lighthouse, named John Silver. This name will eventually be used and well known in his famous novel, Treasure Island. The summer of 1881 proved to be a turning point in Stevenson's career. Shortly after his marriage to Fanny Osbourne, Stevenson would begin a novel, which would mark the beginning of his career. Due to inclement weather and Stevenson’s questionable health, the family spent an increased amount of time indoors. On one particular day, Stevenson and his stepson Lloyd drew and labeled a map, which would eventually be the inspiration for Treasure Island. The map triggered Stevenson's imagination and he began by writing a chapter a day, a total of nineteen, and read the chapters aloud nightly to his family for entertainment.

Prevention of Healthcare Associated Infections in Developing

Introduction: Developing countries are normally defined as those lacking the level of nationwide industrialization, infrastructure and technological advances normally found in Western Europe and North America. The vast majority of countries in Africa, Asia, Central & South America, Oceania and the Middle East fall in this developing category and often face addition challenges in terms of lower levels of literacy and standards of living. Nevertheless, within this broad group, there are various sub-categories, each having different characteristics as well as economic strengths.Indeed some are relatively wealthy oil exporting nations or newly industrializing world economies; a considerable number are middle income countries. At the end of the development scale lie around fifty very poor nations with predominantly agricultural economies, which tend to be heavily dependent on external aid. From a medical perspective, many developing countries are often characterised by significant health and hygiene issues. Indeed it has been estimated that more than 1 billion inhabitants in these countries do not have access to safe water and even less to basic sanitation (1).Around 1. 5 million children in the developing world die per year; diarrhoea is responsible for more than 80% of these deaths (2). One of the reasons for this state of affairs is the low expenditure and budgetary allocation within the poorer countries of the world towards health. Indeed the proportion of annual expenditure for health related initiatives in many developing countries is often less than 5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), sometimes less than 0. 1% (3). Healthcare associated infections in developing countriesUnlike more affluent countries, infectious diseases continue to pose a heavy burden of morbidity as well as mortality in developing nations (4). Amongst the more important disease entities are a wide range of respiratory diseases including tuberculosis, various gastrointestinal infections, AID S and HIV plus a spate of parasitic infestations of which malaria is the most significant. However this situation is not limited to ambulatory settings and is equally relevant within healthcare institutions.Deficient infrastructures, rudimentary equipment and a poor quality of care contribute towards incidences of nosocomial infections which have been estimated to be between 2-6 times higher than those in developed nations (5). In many instances, such figures are often guesstimates because surveillance systems are often either non existent or else unreliable. However, the limited studies on prevalence of healthcare associated infections in some developing countries in the world suggest that up to 40% of these are probably preventable (5).This situation appears to particularly severe within intensive care settings where up to 60 to 90 infections per 1000 care-days have been reported; excess mortality rates in more severe infections such as blood stream and lower respiratory infection s approaches 25% in adults and more than 50% in neonates (6). The challenges of infection in healthcare facilities within developing nations is also of a wider spectrum than that normally found in equivalent hospitals in the western world.Numerous publications have highlighted the frequency by which normally community infections, such as cholera, measles and enteric pathogens, spread nosocomially within such institutions (7, 8). In many instances outbreaks are traceable to an index case who would have been inappropriately managed in a background of overcrowding and limited hospital hygiene. Similar cases of transmission have also been reported in the case of respiratory infections including measles (9).Tuberculosis transmission in healthcare facilities is a major occurrence in many African countries as well as parts of Asia and Latin America (10). In many instances this disease is strongly related to the rise of HIV within these same geographical regions and is not uncommonly compli cated by increasing prevalence of multi drug resistant mycobacteria. Blood borne infections are not restricted to HIV alone. Hepatitis B remains a major nosocomial pathogen in many hospitals within the developing world (11).More dramatic and life threatening have been outbreaks of viral haemorrhagic fevers in institutions within several countries in the African continent (12). Hospitals are also liable to healthcare associated infection caused by more conventional pathogens which, just like in their western counterparts, can carry the additional burden of antimicrobial resistance (4). Unfortunately data on the prevalence of resistance in nosocomial pathogens is poorly documented in the developing world. However recent publications suggest that this may be even more common than in developed countries.Recent publications from the Mediterranean region have highlighted proportions of meticillin resistance Staphylococcus aureus to exceed 50% in several countries in the Middle East with r esistance to third generation cephalosporins in E. coli exceeding 70% in some participating hospitals (13). There may be diverse and often complex backgrounds to this epidemiological situation. Factors facilitating transmission and management of nosocomial infections The infrastructure of healthcare facilities in some of the poorer nations often lacks basic requirements for the prevention of transmission of infectious diseases.Inadequate or unsafe water supply together with lack of resources or equipment for affective environmental cleaning is often compounded by significant overcrowding due to inadequate beds to cope with demand (14). There is often lack of strategic direction as well as effective planning for healthcare delivery at both national as well as local levels. A functional sterilisation department is by no means a standard occurrence in every hospital, even in the larger urban institutions.Other areas of concern include poor awareness or knowledge about communicable dise ase transmission amongst healthcare workers and lack of commitment within senior management (15). This is particularly relevant in developing countries where nurses, doctors and patients are often unaware of the importance of infection control and its relevance to safe healthcare (16). Medical practitioners may have a tendency to be heavily committed towards individual patients and disinclined to think of them in groups, a concept which is the antithesis of basic infection prevention and control (17).They are often unaware of risks of nosocomial infections, attributing such possible developments to be natural or inevitable (18). On the other hand, nurses have more intimate contact with patients and are trained to take care of patients in groups. Although this increases the potential to serve as sources of cross-transmission, nurses are likely to more positive towards infection control policies. However this is hindered by the comparatively lower status offered to nurses in the devel oping world and also complicated by a gender bias in environments where emancipation of women has been slow.Attitudes of senior medical staff may further compound the problem through personality clashes, resistance to change or improvement as well as reluctance to work in tandem with other health professionals. Non existent litigation further accentuates lack of accountability at various levels. Furthermore, many patients have limited expectations, already regarding themselves fortunate to have any sort of institutional care and as a result accept a significant degree of morbidity as part of their hospital stay. It must be emphasised that even in the poorer countries, this set of circumstances is by no means universal in all hospitals.It is not uncommon that, even where most of the hospitals in a country lack all these basic requirements, individual institutions (often either private or NGO managed) would be in a position to offer healthcare as well as infection control standards of the highest quality. However it would only be a small minority of patients, often coming from a more affluent background, that would be able to benefit from them. The risks of infection in hospitals within the developing world are not only restricted to the patients who receive care within them.Occupational health is an equally low priority in many of these facilities and, as a result, it is not uncommon for healthcare workers to also be exposed and become infected by pathogens causing healthcare associated infections, including viral hepatitis, HIV and tuberculosis. In such limited resource environments and in situations where medical practice is biased towards intervention rather than prevention, it is not surprising that basic infection control programmes are often lacking, particularly in smaller hospitals in rural areas (18).Even within larger urban facilities, infection control teams, composed of both an infection control nurse as well as doctor, who have been trained and hav e managerial backup are very much in the minority. They are often restricted to academic institutions, heavily funded government or private tertiary care units. Even where present, these teams tend to encounter numerous logistical obstacles including lack administrative, clerical and IT support. Infection control output therefore tends to be significantly variable; policies and procedures are either absent or lack consultation, evidence base or suitable addressing f local needs. Healthcare professionals also face significant challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious disease (4). Diagnostic facilities are often lacking. Laboratories may be absent or limited as a result of inadequate resources of both a material as well as human resource nature. Trained laboratory scientists are very much in the minority whereas the implementation of quality control programs to ensure validity in the laboratory’s output is not viewed as a crucial.This situation is worsened by poss ible lack of confidence in the laboratory from clinicians who would prefer to undertake treatment blindly, based only on clinical judgement or recommendations from other countries rather than local epidemiology. One reason for this is the lack of feedback of local resistance data (20). This risks inappropriate treatment which would not properly cover local resistance prevalence patterns. Another major factor hindering the treatment of infectious disease is the presence of poor quality antimicrobials, even counterfeit, with little or no active ingredient within the formulation (21).Addressing the challenge It is therefore clear that in order to improve the effectiveness of infection control in many developing countries, a multifactorial set of initiatives needs to be undertaken that are both feasible as well as achievable in this background of economical and social deficits (15). It is essential that infection control teams increase their presence within hospitals in these regions. T hese key personnel must be provided with the necessary training as well as administrative support and facilities in order to deliver the required services.Such teams would be able to identify the major challenges and assess relevant risks through tailored surveillance programmes. Surveillance constitutes a challenge in such environments since it is often time consuming and resource dependent (22). In addition it requires a reasonable level of laboratory support. Nevertheless it is possible using simplified definitions of healthcare associated infections, as suggested by the World Health Organisation, to achieve a surveillance programme even with very limited resources (23).Such initiatives need to concentrate on the more serious infections and document their impact in the respective facility. Trained infection control personnel would also be appropriate drivers to eliminate wasteful practices which siphon resources away from truly effective practices. Dogmas include routine use of d isinfectants for environmental cleaning, use of unnecessary personal protective equipment such as overshoes, excessive waste management procedures which treat all waste generated in the hospital as infectious.Infection Control teams will be able to spearhead cost-effective interventions based on training of healthcare workers to comply with relevant infection control measures related to standard precautions, isolation together with occupational health and safety. It is possible to achieve significant reduction in the prevalence of healthcare associated infections through low cost measures; interventions aimed at preventing cross transmission of infection are particularly effective. There is no doubt that one of the most cost effective interventions in limited resource environments is improved compliance with hand hygiene.The World Health Organisation has indeed designated improvement of health hygiene within healthcare facilities worldwide as a priority and chose this topic for its first Global Patient Safety Challenge under the banner ‘Clean Care is Safer Care’ (6). A comprehensive set of tools have been tested worldwide in pilot hospitals, the majority of which were in developing countries. The emphasis of this initiative focuses on the availability and utilisation of alcohol hand rub for patient contact situations where hands are physically clean.This is made possible through local manufacture of inexpensive, good quality products according to a validated formula. A multimodal strategy requires these alcohol hand rub containers to be available at point of care and for the staff of the hospital to receive adequate training and education in their use. Hand hygiene practices are monitored and feedback on performance regularly provided to the users. Reminders in the workplace sensitise awareness and belief amongst healthcare workers in general.Infection prevention and control in healthcare facilities within the developing world continues to offer n umerous challenges as a result of reduced resources related to socio-economics, infrastructure and human resources. However it is possible to achieve substantial progress even within such challenging circumstances through a programme led by trained and empowered infection control professionals. Such initiatives need to concentrate on low cost, high impact interventions and emphasis on training, backed by interaction and networking with colleagues and societies within the country itself and beyond.References: 1. Moe CL, Rheingans RD. Global challenges in water, sanitation and health. J Water Health. 2006; 4 Suppl 1:41-57. 2. Boschi-Pinto C, Velebit L, Shibuya K. Estimating child mortality due to diarrhoea in developing countries. Bull World Health Organ. 2008;86:710-7. 3. World Health Organization. Implementation of the global strategy for health for all by the year 2000. Eighth report on the world health situation. Volume 6 Eastern Mediterranean Region. Second Evaluation. World Heal th Organization. Regional Office Eastern Mediterranean Region, Alexandria, Egypt; 1996. 4. Shears P.Poverty and infection in the developing world: healthcare-related infections and infection control in the tropics. J Hosp Infect. 2007; 67:217-24. 5. Wenzel RP. Towards a global perspective of nosocomial infections. Eur J Clin Microbiol. 1987;6:341-3. 6. Pittet D, Allegranzi B, Storr J et al. Infection control as a major World Health Organization priority for developing countries. J Hosp Infect. 2008;68:285-92. 7. Mhalu FS, Mtango FD, Msengi AE. Hospital outbreaks of cholera transmitted through close person to person contact, Lancet 1984; ii: 82–84. 8. Vaagland H, Blomberg B, Kruger C, Naman M, Jureen R, Langeland N.Nosocomial outbreak of neonatal Salmonella enteritidis in a rural hospital in northern Tanzania. BMC Infect Dis 2004; 4: 35. 9. Marshall TM, Hlatswayo D, Schoub B. Nosocomial outbreaks – a potential threat to the elimination of measles? J Infect Dis 2003; 187 :S97–S101. 10. Mehtar S. Lowbury Lecture 2007: infection prevention and control strategies for tuberculosis in developing countries – lessons learnt from Africa. J Hosp Infect. 2008; 69:321-7. 11. Lynch P, Pittet D, Borg MA, Mehtar S. Infection control in countries with limited resources. J Hosp Infect. 2007; 65 Suppl 2:148-50 12.Fisher-Hoch SP. Lessons from nosocomial haemhorragic fever outbreaks. Br Med Bull 2005: 73: 123-137 13. Borg MA, Scicluna E, de Kraker M et al. Antibiotic resistance in the southeastern Mediterranean–preliminary results from the ARMed project. Euro Surveill. 2006;11:164-7. 14. Borg MA, Cookson BD, Gur D et al. Infection control and antibiotic stewardship practices reported by south-eastern Mediterranean hospitals collaborating in the ARMed project. J Hosp Infect. 2008 PMID:18783850. 15. Damani N. Simple measures save lives: an approach to infection control in countries with limited resources.J Hosp Infect. 2007;65 Suppl 2:151-4. 16. Sob ayo EI. Nursing aspects of infection control in developing countries. J Hosp Inf 1991; 18: 388-391. 17. Meers PD. Infection control in developing countries. J Hosp Inf 1988; 11: 406 – 410. 18. Ponce-de-Leon S. The needs of developing countries and the resources required. J Hosp Inf 1991; 18: 378-381. 19. Raza MW, Kazi BM, Mustafa M, Gould FK. Developing countries have their own characteristic problems with infection control. J Hosp Infect. 2004; 57:294-9. 20. Borg MA, Cookson BD, Scicluna E; ARMed Project Steering Group and Collaborators.Survey of infection control infrastructure in selected southern and eastern Mediterranean hospitals. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2007;13:344-6. 21. Lynch P, Rosenthal VD, Borg MA, Eremin SR. Infection Control: A Global View in Jarvis WR: Bennett & Brachman’s Hospital Infections; 2007. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, Philadelphia. 22. Damani N. Surveillance in Countries with Limited Resources. Int. J. Infect Contr 2008; 4:1 23. World Healt h Organisation. Prevention of hospital acquired infections: A Practical Guide. 2nd ed. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2002. WHO/CDR/EPH/2002. 12.

‘A taste of honey’ and ‘My mother said I never should’ Essay

The two drama texts we have studied are ‘A taste of honey’ and ‘My mother said I never should’. These two texts have similar themes and issues. They both deal with growing up, single parenthood, leaving home, friendship, family relationships including conflict between daughters, parents and the attitude toward different class behaviour. In this essay I shall be exploring the similarities and differences between the two texts. I shall start with an analysis of ‘A taste of honey’ and compare this with ‘my mother said I never should’. ‘A taste of honey’ is set in the 1960’s in a scrubby little worn-down flat. It deals with the life of a young girl called Jo and her mother called Helen. In this drama text, Jo and Geof do not get on well with Helen. They are in conflict with each other all the time. We know this because the text illustrates lots of aggressive language like â€Å"oh, go to hell†. Helen has a boyfriend called peter she leaves Jo to live with him, but when she finds out that Jo is pregnant she returns to the flat. When she returns she finds that Jo is living with a young man called Geof. He is a homosexual and peter is quite homophobic so he insults him constantly. We know this because he calls him a pansy. Jo is similar to Jackie in ‘My mother said I never should’ because they are both young single mothers that have dropped out of college however, they are slightly different too because Jackie, Margaret and her family are middle/upper class opposed to Jo’s and Helen’s family which are lower/working class. ‘A taste of honey’ we see Helen come back to look after her daughter, but she runs out on her Jo and her new baby. In ‘My mother said I never should, the daughter is required to give up her role as a mother to return to art college. Jo never has this option and this is another difference between the texts. ‘My mother said I never should’ has many themes that are the same as ‘A taste of honey’ for example both deals with young mothers. In this play, there are four different generations of women. The characters names are Jackie, Margaret, Doris and the baby is called Rosie. Attitude to sex and having children has changed through the play form generation to generation as the different characters reflect this. For instant, Jackie is a young child, Margaret is pregnant, we know this because the play goes back in time to a scene in the garden where Margaret tell Doris how she feels about her miscarriage. Margaret says, â€Å"I thought I didn’t want it, till I lost it†. Doris, Margaret’s mother tells Margaret that she shouldn’t have worked while she was pregnant. She seems to think that working was the reason that Margaret lost the baby. This shows that in the 1960’s women were supposed to stay at home in bed, resting and not working. Margaret thinks that this idea is very sexist. Later in the characters’ lives Jackie challenges her mothers attitudes to sex before marriage. We learn that Jackie is already sexually active. We know this because the text states that Jackie slept with her boyfriend at his parents house Jackie say, â€Å"It was a relief to get it over with†. Her mother is not particularly happy about it as she says, â€Å"oh you can wound me sometimes, Jackie†. She is unhappy about the fact that Jackie could possible be pregnant. Later in the play we see Jackie with little baby Rosie. They are living in a run down council flat, which shows that the area is lower class. We also learn that the father is not there to help look after Rosie so Jackie is therefore a single mother. Her mother comes to visit and we learn that Jackie’s mother is pressuring Jackie into giving up the baby and return to art college. As we learn from the text, Jackie is not happy about this as Jackie mother says, â€Å"Jackie, we can’t go over this again †¦ you know as well as I do, it would be impossible† and Jackie replies by saying † I don’t believe you†. Margaret and her husband are ashamed by single parents. We know that her father is unhappy about Jackie and Rosie because he won’t go into the house however Margaret is more relaxed about the situation that Jackie and Rosie are in. she comes to pick up Rosie and Rosie’s clothes as she will be her new mother. Jackie is reluctant in giving Rosie to Margaret. Jackie is now free to go to Art College again. This reflects that attitudes towards working mothers have changed from one generation to the next. In conclusion I think both are similar in most of their themes however they differ when it comes to how the mothers react and why they react to the situation. For example Helen wanted Jo to move in with her because she thinks she cant cope and Margaret want Jackie to give the baby to her so she can go back to art college because Margaret is from an upper class family and a young single mother is shamed upon and she also wants to have a better life.

8 Themes of Ap Biology Relating to the Cell Membrane

8 themes of biology relating to the cell membrane Science as a process: Science is a process which encompasses many methods in order to reach a final conclusion. This relates to the cell membrane because it carries out many processes to reach a final product. For example, the cell membrane forms a barrier between the inside of the cell and the outside, so that the chemical environments on the two sides can be different. The cell controls those differences to optimize the working of the organelles inside the cytoplasm. The cell also causes brief changes in the internal environment by transporting proteins and other materials across the membrane. These changes are the ways in which the cell responds to its environment. All these functions work together as a process to keep the cell happy. Evolution: The early cell membrane’s purpose was to enclose genetic material and protect it from the surrounding environment. The evolution of a membrane surrounding the genetic material provided two huge advantages: the products of the genetic material could be kept close by and the internal environment of this proto-cell could be different than the external environment. This breakthrough would have jump-started evolution to an organism much like a modern bacterium. Also, the modification of many membrane properties throughout millions of years made it possible for new evolutionary forces to show themselves in eukaryotes, dealing with the presence of cholesterol in the cell membrane directly associated to protein thermo stability. Energy Transfer: The cell membrane participates in energy transfer with active transport. The cell membrane moves molecules against the concentration gradient from low concentration to high concentration. This function requires energy, or ATP, to carry out the process. At times, the cell membrane uses a protein pump to channel the molecules for easier transport. Two types of active transport the cell completes are antiport and symport. To transport large molecules through the membrane, the cell membrane uses vesicles. Those vesicles transport the material to the necessary organelle which will eventually turn the material into usable ATP. Continuity and Change: All species tend to maintain themselves from generation to generation using the same genetic code. However, there are genetic mechanisms that lead to change over time, or mutations. Cystic fibrosis is a product of a mutation in the cell membrane. Cystic fibrosis results from the mutation of a gene coding for a trans-membrane protein regulating chloride ion transport across the cell membrane. This multisystem disease cripples children and leads to early death. This mutation represents the changes found in the cell membrane, but the cell membrane has been doing the same job for millions of years with slight changes. Relationship of Structure to Function: The cell membrane structure depends on its function; to hold the shape of the cell and to regulate the traffic of the cell. It consists of a phospholipid bilayer which acts as a semi-permeable membrane, various proteins which carry out molecule transfer and certain active transport jobs, carbohydrates, and cholesterol. The shape of the cell membrane all depends on the environment inside the cell. Regulation: The cell membrane regulates the traffic of the cell. It is semi-permeable which means it allows diffusion for only certain molecules. It regulates what enters the cell and defends against diseases that may want to enter the cell as well. It also regulates the shape of the cell and holds it together. The membrane is one of the most important structures in a cell. Interdependence in nature: The cell membrane not only regulates the traffic of the cell, but is also the liaison for communication outside the cell. The membrane includes receptor protiens which aid in communication between cells. The receptor protiens receive specific chemical signals from neighboring cells or the proteins environment. These signals tell a cell to perform a certain job. It could tell a cell to divide or die, or to allow certain molecules to enter or exit the cell. Science, technology, and society: The study of the cell membrane has further increased our knowledge of the modern cell. We can now fully understand its parts and create valid conclusions of its structure and function. Society can benefit from this because they can be fully aware what is happening in the life around them and also in themselves. The cell membrane is one of the most important structures of the cell and has a very important role in an organism-to keep it healthy and functioning.

Secondary Data

Q) What are Secondary Data? Secondary Data Secondary data is information gathered for purposes other than the completion of a research project. Data previously collected by someone else, possibly for some other purpose that can be used later for making decisions if found suitable for the purpose, other than the original one. Secondary data can be acquired from the internal records of the organization, their departments, subsidiaries or sister organizations and also from external sources, such as chambers of commerce, government, professional and commercial consultants subject to the availability of data . e. g. , data in books, journals, newspapers, magazines, etc. †¢ e. g. , data in reports, surveys, etc A variety of secondary information sources is available to the researcher gathering data on an industry, potential product applications and the market place. Secondary data is also used to gain initial insight into the research problem. Secondary data is classified in terms of its source – either internal or external. Internal, or in-house data, is secondary information acquired within the organization where research is being carried out. External secondary data is obtained from outside sources. The secondary information will provide a useful background and will identify key questions and issues that will need to be addressed by the primary research. BENEFITS †¢ Low cost †¢ Less effort †¢ Less time †¢ At times, more accurate †¢ At times, only way to obtain data LIMITATION †¢ Collected for some other purpose †¢ No control over data collection †¢ May not be accurate †¢ May not be in correct form †¢ May be outdated †¢ May not meet data requirements †¢ Assumptions have to be made Q) What are the major problems encountered with Secondary Data? It is necessary that the secondary data are taken from a source which obtained from the original source, and then a secondary source is being used. It is important to avoid the use of secondary sources by using only the original sources for a Secondary Data. The other problems may include: †¢ Secondary information pertinent to the research topic is either not available, or is only available in insufficient quantities. †¢ Some secondary data may be of questionable accuracy and reliability. Even government publications and trade magazines statistics can be misleading. For example, many trade magazines survey their members to derive estimates of market size, market growth rate and purchasing patterns, then average out these results. Often these statistics are merely average opinions based on less than 10% of their members. †¢ Data may be in a different format or units than is required by the researcher. †¢ The methodology used by the party for collecting the secondary data is not explained and the accuracy level may not be verified. Much secondary data is several years old and may not reflect the current market conditions. Trade journals and other publications often accept articles six months before appear in print. The research may have been done months or even years earlier. Q) What are the major sources of Internal Data? Internal Data Internal secondary data is usually an inexpensive information source for the company conducting research, and is the place to start for existing operations. Internally generated sales and pricing data can be used as a research source. The use of this data is to define the competitive position of the firm, an evaluation of a marketing strategy the firm has used in the past, or gaining a better understanding of the company’s best customers. The main sources of internal data may include: 1. Sales and marketing reports. These can include such things as: †¢ Type of product/service purchased †¢ Type of end-user/industry segment †¢ Method of payment †¢ Product or product line †¢ Sales territory †¢ Salesperson †¢ Date of purchase †¢ Amount of purchase †¢ Price †¢ Application by product †¢ Location of end-user 2. Accounting and financial records. These are often an overlooked source of internal secondary information and can be invaluable in the identification, clarification and prediction of certain problems. Accounting records can be used to evaluate the success of various marketing strategies such as revenues from a direct marketing campaign. There are several problems in using accounting and financial data. One is the timeliness factor – it is often several months before accounting statements are available. Another is the structure of the records themselves. Most firms do not adequately setup their accounts to provide the types of answers to research questions that they need. For example, the account systems should capture project/product costs in order to identify the company’s most profitable (and least profitable) activities. Companies should also consider establishing performance indicators based on financial data. These can be industry standards or unique ones designed to measure key performance factors that will enable the firm to monitor its performance over a period of time and compare it to its competitors. Some example may be sales per employee, sales per square foot, expenses per employee (salesperson, etc. ). 3. Miscellaneous reports. These can include such things as inventory reports, service calls, number (qualifications and compensation) of staff, production and R&D reports. Also the company’s business plan and customer calls (complaints) log can be useful sources of information. COMMON SOURCES OF INTERNAL SECONDARY DATA Information originating within the company 1. Sales invoices a. Customer name b. Address c. Class of product/service sold d. Price by unit e. Salesperson f. Term of sales g. Shipment point 2. Accounts receivable reports a. Customer name b. Product purchased c. Total unit and dollar sales d. Customer as percentage of sales . Customer as percentage of regional sales f. Profit margin g. Credit rating h. Items returned i. Reason for return 3. Quarterly sales report a. Total dollar and unit sales by: Customer Geographic segment Customer segment Sales territory Product Sales report Product segment b. Total sales against planned objective c. Total sales against budget d. Total sales against pri or periods e. Actual sales percentage increase/decrease f. Contribution trends 4. Sales activity reports a. Classification of customer account i. e. Mega, Large, Medium and Small b. Available dollar sales potential c. Current sales penetration d. Existing bids/contracts by customer location product Q) What is a computerized Data Base? COMPUTERIZED DATA BASE A database is simply a collection of related information. More specifically a computerized database is a computerized record keeping system. More completely, it is a system involving data, the hardware that physically stores that data, the software that utilizes the hardware's file system in order to 1) store the data and 2) provide a standardized method for retrieving or changing the data, and finally, the users who turn the data into information. For many companies, a computerized database containing information about customers and prospects has become an essential marketing tool. Creating an internal marketing secondary database built upon sales results and customer preferences can be a powerful marketing tool. Databases dealing with published information usually found in libraries, such as books, articles and other types of documents, are commonly called bibliographic databases. Computerized databases published secondary data, the Internet, and internal databases are important parts of an organization’s information system. Intelligent decision making is always predicated on having good information. †¢ When a person uses an automated teller machine to withdraw money from the bank account, he/she is using a computerized database. †¢ When a travel agent makes an airline reservation for the customers, he/she is using a computerized database. †¢ When a telephone operator gives the customer a phone number, he/she is using a computerized database. Any significant collections of information stored on computers are virtually always organized as databases and are known as computerized data base. Computerized Database On-line vendors – purchase (rent) databases from a number of suppliers and sell to the subscribers (e. g. services provided by America Online, DIALOG). ON-LINE DATABASES Provide http: easy and direct access to public information through a computer. There are about 7,000 databases on a variety of topics that one can use. Q) Describe a specialized online data base of marketing manager? An online database which can be used by a marketing manager for Substantial Cost Savings, for Increasing the understanding of the Decision Environment, Upgrading the Decision-Making Effectiveness, Improving the Information Value. This may include: †¢ Internet – World-wide telecommunications network that allows computers to access data, files, pictures and sound throughout the world. †¢ World Wide Web – Component of the Internet designed to make transmission of text and images very easy. †¢ Uniform Reference Locator (URL) – Internet address that identifies a specific location. – A typical Web address looks like the following: http://www. microsoft. com †¢ Search Engines – Internet search directories to aid in locating topics of interest and URLs. – An example is Yahoo at http://www. yahoo. com On-line Databases Consist of: Internet, Direct from Vendors, Direct from Producer, Indirect through Networks Organizations Must Create a Database Management System. Managers must be trained on How to Retrieve Information and How to Manipulate the Data Using Database Management Software. A marketing manager can use a specialized data base to fulfill his/her tasks effectively and efficiently through: †¢ Internet †¢ Website †¢ Emails †¢ Online Subscriptions †¢ Online queries †¢ Online Feed back †¢ Newsgroups on the Internet †¢ Internet sites devoted to a specific topic where people can read and post messages. †¢ Databases on CD ROM A number of companies offer database packages on CD ROM for personal computers that is very useful for manager in decision making and other tasks. †¢ Geographic Information Systems †¢ Computer-based system that uses secondary and/or primary data to generate maps that visually display answers to research questions. †¢ Decision Sup port System – Through Online Data Base an interactive, personalized MIS, designed to be initiated and controlled by individual decision makers. – Managers use decision support systems to conduct sales analyses, forecast sales, evaluate advertising, analyze product lines, and keep tabs n market trends and competitor analysis. Creating Databases from a Web Site -A Marketing Manager’s Dream – Customer’s link to an online store is a two-way electronic link – Allows online merchant to gather information about the customer – Text file place on a user’s computer in order to identify the user when there is a return visit to the Web site. – Helping Managers in creation of a large computerized file of customers’ and potential customers’ profiles and purchase patterns. – It is the fastest-growing use of internal database technology. A manager has to build company’s online Pages on Search Engines. Working online to find out target audiences and provide them information through Internet services performing internet marketing services that are mention above. The services are designed to help the company’s website increase its. Through this Online Database a marketing Manager is able to get, Demographic Dimensions Population growth: actual and projected Population density In-migration and out-migration patterns Population trends by age, race, and ethnic background Employment Characteristics Labor force growth Unemployment levels Percentage of employment by occupation categories Employment by industry Economic Characteristics Personal income levels (per capita and median) Type of manufacturing/service firms Total housing starts Building permits issued Sales tax rates Competitive Characteristics Levels of retail and wholesale sales Number and types of competing retailers Availability of financial institutions International Market Characteristics Transportation and exporting requirements Trade barriers Business philosophies Legal system Social customs Political climate Cultural patterns Religious and moral backgrounds Common Government Documents Used as Secondary Data Sources Statistics of Income Survey of Current Business Through a specialized Online Data Base a marketing manager able to get up-to-date information. A marketing Manager able to, †¢ Evaluate sales territory. †¢ PLC †¢ Identify most profitable and least profitable customers. †¢ Identify most profitable market segments and target efforts with greater efficiency and effectiveness. †¢ Aim marketing efforts to those products, services, and segments that require the most support. †¢ Increase revenue through repackaging and re-pricing products for various market segments. Evaluate opportunities for offering new products or services. †¢ Identify products or services that are best-sellers or most profitable. †¢ Evaluate existing marketing programs. †¢ Database Technologies †¢ Database technologies continue to evolve. For example, Fingerhut, a database firm, uses a Sun Microsystems parallel co mputer, whereas American Express relies on Thinking Machines Corporation’s supercomputers. †¢ Renting Internal Databases †¢ Some companies rent their internal databases to obtain extra income, although this can lead to ethical questions. [pic]