Computerized Grading System Essay

Automation has had a notable impact in a wide range of industries beyond manufacturing (where it began). Once-ubiquitous telephone operators have been replaced largely by automated telephone switchboards and answering machines. Medical processes such as primary screening in electrocardiography or radiography and laboratory analysis of human genes, sera, cells, and tissues are carried out at much greater speed and accuracy by automated systems. Applying automation to Grading systems wherein it will also make a task easy and accurate. Education must share the responsibility of developing technologically literate people (Bitter & Legacy, 2008). Both systemic reform and curriculum cannot be achieved without the aid of technology (Fletcher & Wolf, 2007). Grading and reporting are relatively recent phenomena in education. In fact, prior to 1850, grading and reporting were virtually unknown in schools in the Philippines. Throughout much of the nineteenth century most schools grouped students of all ages and backgrounds together with one teacher in one-room schoolhouses, and few students went beyond elementary studies. The teacher reported students’ learning progress orally to parents, usually during visits to students’ homes (Guskey). Researches in learning assessment, especially in terms of academic performance, have long criticized traditional rating schemes that provide feedback to students. Because learning is multi-faceted, most critiques of such formats tend to see these as superficial and inadequate arguing that they tend to cover only the areas in learning that are widely rated, leaving other areas in learning under-assessed. As a result, different systems were proposed and varying rating structures were employed by different schools in the country such as point system averaging and weighted averaging. This school year, the Department of Education (DepEd) will be using a new grading system in public elementary and high schools in connection to the implementation of K to 12 BEC (Basic Education Curriculum) program. The traditional numerical values in report cards will be replaced by letter-scheme grading system, with â€Å"A† (abbreviated â€Å"Advanced† level of proficiency) as the highest grade and â€Å"B† (short for â€Å"Beginning†) as the lowest. In the event that this format will be fully implemented in the target school, which in this proposal will be San Isidro Elementary School, the workload of the teachers will be increased because they will have to compute for the numeric equivalent of each letter grades. The proponents of this proposal wish to reduce their workload by eliminating the need for manual computation and recording of each grade. The common problems encountered in manual recording and computations are error- and file-handling, and redundancy. As the workload gradually increases with growing amounts of grades and student lists that need to be attended, it becomes tedious on the part of the teacher to proficiently manage them in time for documentation and file submission to higher education authorities. As such, this paper aims to produce a workable computerized grading system that will address these issues.

Foundation Degree Paramedic Science Essay

Assignment – Critique of research article, â€Å"life after cancer; Living with the risk† Word count 2500 (excluding refs) Submission date – 6th July 2012 The purpose of this essay aims to provide a critical evaluation of a research article titled life after cancer; living with risk (Wilkins and Woodgate, Cancer Nursing 2011 vol 34, no 6, P487-494) it will be structured according to the recommendations of the critique guidelines of Parahoo, 1988. Parahoo states that the title should not be long and complicated and should reflect as much as possible what the research is about (Parahoo and Reid 1988, P69). The title in this case meets this criteria, it is concise but clear and suggestive of the content and context. It does not presume to validate or invalidate the research; again this is a recommendation of Parahoo 1988. The title is 2 parts, Life after cancer; this could be interpreted as life of a carer or relative after a cancer patient has died or indeed life for a cancer patient after successful treatment. The second part of the title (living with risk) goes someway to qualify the first and elicit that the subject matter discusses living with risk after cancer treatment. It does not however explain in the title what â€Å"the risk† refers to. This perceived risk could be research into a possibility that cancer survivors take more risks in everyday life than non-cancer survivors as they have faced their the harsh reality of their own morbidity and overcome this. It is not until reading the full text that it becomes apparent that the risk refers to the risk of being diagnosed with a secondary form of cancer. The researchers of the study have a strong affiliation to the field and both possess recognised formal qualifications, unusually both in the fields of nursing and medicine making both very credible. No conflicts have been disclosed again adding credibility to the study and findings as unbiased. The abstract of the does provide an overview of the intentions of the study, the sample used, an overview of the results, conclusions and the implications for practice. The abstract lists key area’s under the bullet points of, â€Å"background, objective, method, results and conclusions.† Making the study easy to follow and read in a logical and accepted format. The abstract is suitably brief but enticing with a word count of 225 words, this word count is an average size for an abstract but goes slightly over the 150-200 words recommended the book entitled, â€Å"the art of abstracting†, (Cremmins, Edward, The Art of Abstracting 2nd Edition, Info Resources Press, April 1996) The objective attempts to explain the rationale for the study and is neatly and subsinctly summarised in one sentence. The method of the study is of an interprative, qualitative nature examining in some depth the feelings perceptions and views of cancer survivors though a descriptive approach using face to face semi structured interviews. The interviews took place in the subjects own homes, this would suggest that the subject was comfortable and at ease leading to an open, frank and honest interview providing valuable and unbiased data. An interview guide was used during the interview to assist participants to articulate their thoughts; the study does not go into any further detail to clarify what was contained within the interview guide and how this may affect any results obtained from questions throughout the interview process. The results data was analysed by the constant comparative method of data analysis. This method of data analysis lends itself to complex and sensitive situations allowing the researcher to gain the trust of the subjects. (Method of Qualitative Analysis, Barney G. Glaser, Social Problems, Vol.12, No. 4, 1965, pp. 436-445) The conclusion summarises the key findings and recommendations contained within the study and is to the point leading onto the implications for practise which are summarised in context with the study. There is an acknowledgement within the implications that the findings are a foundation which is subjective that further research would be beneficial to build on findings of the subject with the objective of improving detection, treatment and views on secondary cancer. The literature review discusses numerous previous studies on the subject matter and references 11 others containing both qualitative and quantitative research giving a broad background into the study. The vast majority of previous studies appear to be of a quantitative nature which adds validity to the alternative qualitative approach chosen for this study. All of this indicates that the authors have researched the topic and acknowledge previous work contributed by other researchers in the study area. This strongly suggests a high awareness of the topic and gives due credit to other researchers, it is mentioned in the data collection methods section of the study that the literature review influenced the interview guide developed to assist with data collection which further acknowledges previous research. It does not appear within the context of the study that the literature review has bias or undue influence on the findings but rather to support their validity as the method of the st udy and findings of this study are presented from a different perspective. However to maintain a balanced perspective we should consider the reasons that to date only one previous study has been a qualitative study with almost 10 times that amount of previous quantitative studies in the area, the rationale for this is approach is discussed and addressed with good effect in the last paragraph of the literature review. An argument for using qualitative a method for this study is that quantitative studies can be criticised for attempting to reduce a highly complex situation into a simple cause and effect paradox. Therefore the rationale for using qualitative methods does seem highly relevant and would support the data collection method chosen and the survey design. As interviewing allows the researcher to gain unique insight into other perspectives about the phenomenon being researched (Glesne and Peskin 1992) the argument put across is a rather compelling one to support further research using the method chosen to give a balanced view with evidence from both q ualitative and quantitative data research rather than from just one perspective. The hypnosis attempts to establish the perceived risks of a secondary diagnosis of cancer following successful treatment and attempts to obtain the views of the participants in relation to screening for the well-established increased medical risk, the hypothesis sets out to demonstrate that views are conflicting and wide ranging; throughout the text this hypothesis becomes well established. The overall approach of the study as previously discussed was an interpretive, descriptive qualitative design although the purpose states that this is part of a larger mixed method study aimed at establishing themes and patterns through the views and opinions of participants that had been specifically selected for inclusion due to their previous diagnosis, treatment and subsequent survival of various forms of cancer. The sample group was a relatively small number using only 22 participants (16 women and 6 men, it could be argued that this was a female dominated sample group that may have implications on the results) however using the qualitative format the sample group was of an acceptable size, the focus of the qualitative data is on the quality of the data collected as each participant is a source of a large volume of data. (Boswell and Cannon, Introduction to nursing research, qualitative research meathods, chapter 8, page 196.) The sample group was specifically selected to fit the inclusion criteria (Cancer survivors who were 5 or more years out from the initial cancer diagnosis, at least 19 years old at the time of the interview, resident to the area of the interviews and could speak and understand English) The nature of the selection and inclusion was purposive in nature, this is perfectly acceptable as the objective is to explore and describe the phenomena and not generalise the findings as qualitative research by its nature is not specifically designed to be representative of the general population. (Holloway and Wheeler, 2010, p 138) The research method chosen was specifically designed to be an emic perspective to describe the thoughts and feelings of post cancer patients, this method is ideal to understand and describe complex and sensitive information. Purposive sampling has been used as the participants have all been selected due to specific criteria. The primary goal in purposive sampling is not to generate a sample that is representative but rather one that is selected to represent certain subject characteristics that are relevant to the investigation. (Stommel and Wills, Clinical research, concepts and principles for advanced practice nurses, p302-303) A clear description of the sampling rationale and recruitment process is evident, (Bluff 1997). To maximise variation participants were selected that had differing ages at the time of the initial diagnosis and different types of cancer. This demonstrates an excellent cross section of variables to maximise results. Participants were recruited exclusively from a central cancer registry and hospital based database, the study goes on to state that this register is â€Å"largely untapped† meaning that the participants would not have preconceived ideas or previous experience of prior studies of this kind. Non eligible potential participants were excluded from the study prior to recruitment to ensure validity of the study. The age range was 19 – 87 years, however with the upper age range it could be concluded that the perceived risk of secondary cancer and subsequent screening views may vary vastly from younger participants due to the age difference. Fifteen of the participants were employed (full or part time) and the remaining participants were either retired or disabled, it could be argued that unemployed and disadvantaged people were not represented in the sample group who may have had differing views from the sample group interviewed. This assumption could also be continued that as all participants were white, ethnic groups were under represented and again may have differing views due to racial, cultural or social backgrounds. An argument that only white participents were deliberately selected for the study is a moot point as cancer is not a racially or culturally specific disease as perhaps a study into something like sickle cell crisis would be. The age range was wide and the average age is listed as 40 years old at the time of diagnosis however we know that some participants were far from the average age at the time of diagnosis but this maximises variation in the study. The data was collection method for the study was done using a semi structured interview technique; the same researcher (Krista Wilkins, PhD, RN) completed all of the 23 face to face interviews. By using the same researcher we can assume continuity of the interview with the same structure being followed throughout. It is noted that 1 participant was interviewed twice because the first interview had ended early, the study does not elaborate as the reasons why the first interview ended early. By being interviewed twice an argument could be put that the data collected should not be included as the participant may have had time to think about, discuss and research the upcoming questions in the repeat interview which could potentially affect the validity of the findings, this presumably was not considered to be an issue as the participant and data were not excluded from the study or conclusions drawn. As mentioned previously in the literature review key themes that had been discovered in the literature review were included to develop an interview guide. This suggests that all of the interviews were conducted not only by the same researcher but also following the same structure (or semi structure) with the interview guide being used as an â€Å"aide memoir† to keep the interviews on track and relevant. A person centred open ended approach was used as research shows that people respond well to this type of questioning ensuring that the information elicited was detailed, personal and rich in information.(Geer JG, Public opinion quarterly, volume 52, issue 3, p356-357) The interviews took place in the participants own homes which would establish both comfort and confidence in a familiar and â€Å"safe† environment encouraging an open, honest and useful interview and eliminating the desire for social acquiescence however we must remind mindful of participant reactivity to the researcher in this technique. The interviews lasted generally no longer than an hour, the timeframe given is credible and suggestive that the participant was allowed sufficient time to relax and â€Å"open up† within the interview ensuring rich data collection but without the effect of feeling rushed or exhausted discussing a potentially stressful, personal and emotive topic. However no upper or lower time limit was set so that if the data being collected at the point of an hour was valuable the participant was not cut short and valuable data excluded. Field notes were taken immediately after the interviews and included observations about the setting and impressions including non-verbal communications. This could be criticised as being a subjective observation and no reference is made to indicate the qualifications of the interviewer to make meaningful conclusion from observations of this type. All interviews were digitally recorded (with the participants consent) the recordings and field notes were later transcribed verbatim which supports the validity and credibility of the study immensely. There was no evidence of a pilot study to add further validity to this study. In this study all proper ethical principles have been adhered to, ethical permission was granted by gaining informed consent from all participants and from local university and hospital ethical review committees. The process lead to a delay between the study being carried out and publication with the study taking place between July 2008 and July 2009 and publication in issue 34 of the publication, Cancer nursing in Nov – Dec 2011. (Wilkins and Woodgate, Life after cancer – living with the risk, Cancer nursing, issue 34, p487 – 494, Dec 2011) but this length of time is not uncommon. The importance of gaining ethical approval is so that no harm comes to participants and the research community as a whole is not affected by the negatives of publicity which bring the research community into disrepute and go against the very objective of research to improve evidence based practice (Blaber, A. 2008, Foundations for Paramedic Practice, a Theoretical Perspective). The data analysis in this case forms the main body of the study and gives numerous personal experiences and thoughts to form the findings, all quotes have been annomalised to maintain the dignity and privacy of the participants. The data is broken down in a logical format helping the reader to understand the conclusions reached by the researchers and go a long way to help understand how the findings were reached. The limitations of the study are readily acknowledged and openly state that the findings are not generalised to all cancer survivors, it goes on to state that the data was only collected at one time point, this could be addressed by further studies and perhaps a longitudinal study would be beneficial to broaden the picture. The study failed to reveal any risk perceptions due to different variables for example age, type of cancer etc. To its credit the limitations does acknowledge that ethnic variability may have revealed additional information. The discussion is an in depth appraisal of the study as a whole including the findings, the conclusion is brief and does not introduce any new information, rather it summarises the previous sections of the study and draws the reader to an informed conclusion. Reference List Blaber, A. (2008) Foundations for Paramedic Practice, a Theoretical Perspective. Open University Press, pg 49. Boswell, C and Cannon, S. (2011) Introduction to nursing research, qualitative research methods, Jones and Bartlett publishers, chapter 8, pg 196. Cremmins, E. (1996) The Art of Abstracting 2nd Edition, Info Resources Press, pg. 46 Geer JG, (2005) Public opinion quarterly, volume 52, issue 3, Lawrence Erlbaum associates publishers, p356-357 Glaser, B. (1965) Method of Qualitative Analysis, Social Problems, Vol.12, No. 4, pp. 436-445 Holloway, I. and Wheeler, S. (2010) Qualitative Research in Nursing and Healthcare. 3rd ed. West Sussex, UK: Wiley-Blackwell, pg. 6, pg.138. Parahoo, K. (1988) Research Skills, Number 5. Critical Reading of Research. Nursing Times, 84 (43),pg 69-72 Stommel, M and Wills, C. (2004) Clinical research, concepts and principles for advanced practice nurses, Lippincott Williams and Williams, p302-303 Wilkins, K and Woodgate, R. (Dec 2011) Cancer nursing, Life after cancer – living with the risk, Lippincott Williams and Williams, issue 34, p487 – 494.

Summary of an article Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Summary of an article - Essay Example Therefore it is no more a rare occasion for the hospitals to encounter the patients whose money is tight. In facts, according to the survey conducted by the American Hospital Association as early as in November 2008, 50 per cent of their members are facing the considerable increase of the number of patients who are willing to save money and switch onto cheaper health insurance schemes. Certainly the situation must be aggravated even more now that the national unemployment rate has increased 8 per cent. However, doctors – and this is a no surprise – have humane feelings, and are willing to help their patients in need. During this turbulent times, they are concerned not only about the state of their patients’ bodies and minds but also about the wellbeing of their purse or banking account. Some doctors, like, for example, Dr. Moritz whose advice to the patients has been quoted in the article, ask their long-term patients whether they are still employed first thing during the appointment. If the answer is no, then doctors assure them that their medical bills can be negotiated. How? First thing to remember is – doctors and hospitals are used to negotiating, as they have to do it themselves with the insuring companies. The cost of every single medical procedure may differ depending on which insurer the hospital does it for. Therefore, a patient’s wanting a discount will hardly get hospital’s accounting department shocked. What are the pieces of advice to those struggling to reduce their medical bills? When talking to doctors, take into account the following: speak up if you need help – as doctors will always help on this occasion. It is better to say blatantly about your financial difficulties, and you are most likely to get a good price break. As there is a very widespread problem with unpaid bills that causes hospitals to lose thousands of dollars annually, your offer to pay them cash upfront will make them happy,

Design of one Operation Unit Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Design of one Operation Unit - Essay Example The technology currently accounts for more than 20% of air separations. In cryogenic distillation applied in this design, air is liquefied, and then fractionally distilled, separating the air into its constituents primarily nitrogen, oxygen and argon. This is a complex process that is the most common and efficient method of large scale oxygen production. It is also the most efficient method of storing oxygen. Liquid oxygen storage is six to eight times more efficient than high pressure cylinders. The complexities and cool down requirements highly favour continuously operating production plants; this is not usually the mode of operation for field medical facilities. Liquid oxygen can be stored, but there is a loss rate that is dependent on the size of the container, the amount of liquid oxygen in the container, and the ambient temperature. Liquid oxygen cannot be stored for long term use. It is a simple matter to safely fill high pressure oxygen cylinders using liquid oxygen. Cryogeni c air separation is currently the most efficient and cost-effective technology for producing large quantities of oxygen, nitrogen, and argon as gaseous or liquid products. An air separation unit using a conventional, multi-column cryogenic distillation process produces oxygen from compressed air at high recoveries and purities. Cryogenic technology can also produce high-purity nitrogen as a useful by product stream at relatively low incremental cost. In addition, liquid argon, liquid oxygen, and liquid nitrogen can be added to the product slate for stored product backup or byproduct sales at low incremental capital and power costs. Capacity and product specification The designed system comprises of 3 columns with a length of 1 meter each. Its ID is 3cm. The system is equipped with an automated control system for regulation of each cycle’s time to monitor and record rate of flow, system pressure, and temperatures of the columns. The designed system can be applied to an extensi ve range of absorbents and pressures in facilitating the adsorption process. The targeted optimal rate of flow of oxygen to be produce by the system is 80 lit/min. design specifications are illustrated in the tables below, Capacity table: Theoretical Model Fix layer and dynamic regime adsorption is often characterized by continuous fluid flow phase going via an adsorbent layer within a time variable process (Nexant Inc., 2010). This is theoretically represented in the diagram below: At the process start, free adsorbent layer volume is considered as filled up with a given component A which cannot be absorbed and further, the solid is â€Å"clean†, and does not have any absorbing component B. Other assumptions made are that the gas is ideal; the absorbent layer has constant temperature, the section has constant speed, and that there is an insignificant pressure drop in the layer. This process is represented in a mathematical model which incorporates multiple equations referring to adsorbed component in volume element of height, fluid phase, and solid and the balance equation. These equations are illustrated hereafter, Product stands for mass transfer coefficient per absorbent layer’s unit volume. The first two equations can be simplified using a modified time variable as follows, The equations can be solved simoultaneously with knowledge of limit conditions: At the start, adsorbed component concentration is zero at any point in the adsorption

How does place relate to cultural performance Essay

How does place relate to cultural performance - Essay Example The cultural geography enables the researchers to predict why a specific group of people exhibit a particular behavior. Specific places have specific groups of people who may have similar or different behaviors which are consistent and enduring. Through cultural performance, one is able to appreciate the behavior of a specific group in their everyday life. One pertinent issue before the classification of any behavior is that what is observed has to be consistent over a period of time. This will avoid biasness and subjectivity when reporting about a particular group of people. Having conducted a fieldwork study in a bus, different patterns from the population were established. Majority of the people in the bus were students, who displayed different values, and norms. Individualism, lack of concern for others, and lack of interaction were the main issues that were recorded from the fieldwork study. There was also a discrepancy between the way the older generation and the young behaved. While the older generations seemed to like interacting with others through communication, majority of the young adults in the bus perceived this as interfering with their privacy. With most of them glued to their phones, and listening to music, interpersonal communication was hindered. The following discussion will also focus on the report of the fieldwork conducted on the homeless population in a particular street. Methodology used For the purpose of this fieldwork study, the observation method was used. The behavior observed was recorded in a form. This was done for a number of days in order to ensure consistency in values, beliefs and norms before making a conclusion about the population of study. The place The place for the study was the bus, and also in the street. I choose this place owing to the fact it was more convenient to me since I used this means of transport almost daily. Further, I saw the same people almost every day. For this reason, it was possible to study the co nsistency of the behaviors manifested by the population I was dealing with. The bus was also the best way to have unbiased sample owing to the fact that any person in my neighborhood used this means of transportation. The results would therefore be imperative in making an inference about the rest of the population. At this site, my main subjects of study were passengers, who included the students, drivers, and a few working class individuals. The fieldwork was also conducted in the street where the main focus was the homeless population. In this second setting, there were the old, children and young adults. The performances This refers to the act of studying the behavior of a specific group of people in their day-to-day activities1. The main reason is to establish the values, norms and beliefs of the people from the manifested behavior2. For the purpose of this study, these performances were to be studied from the passengers and the homeless population. As indicated before, the ease of reaching these people almost on the daily basis prompted me to choose them. One of the main aims of the fieldwork is to be able to be able to describe the behavior of the subjects. It is also vital to highlight the reason making a specific group of people behave the way they do. The following discussion seeks to establish the

Quantitative Methods and Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Quantitative Methods and Analysis - Essay Example Information can be gathered from huge number of people in a very less time, Questionnaires are also considered as feasible, encompass low financial resources and collects immense amount of knowledge in a lesser time. It is suitable for variety of topics relating to variety of fields for variety of jobs. Questionnaires are also considered as cost-effective as to gather and pool the information has nowadays become much easier due to readily available computer software (DÃ ¶rnyei & Taguchi, 2010). The primary reason of unreliability of questionnaires is that many respondents do not have research sense and are unmotivated as they feel that it would not benefit them from in any way therefore they do not prefer to provide the correct answers which lead to the unreliability and misleading information. The researcher has no opportunity to correct the mistake of the respondents. Respondents often forget or hide the true information intentionally or unintentionally. Sometimes respondents even don’t know the exact response towards the questions. If the overall impression of a person towards the topic is positive he will less likely provide answers in a negative manner (DÃ ¶rnyei & Taguchi, 2010). The study of Olivero & Lunt (2004) used interview technique as part of data collection tool to compare the privacy and willingness in terms of e-commerce exchanges. Long qualitative interviews were held for participants using repeated e-mail exchanges. Interview data were combined with insights from the literatures on self-disclosure, sociology, and consumer research in a grounded theory analysis. In a grounded analysis of theory, based on self-disclosure, consumer research and sociology, the interview data was gathered in light of previous studies. Initially an introductory e-mail was sent to participants elaborating the purpose of research and the interview process. Before conducting the

Larval therapy for venous leg ulcers Literature review

Larval therapy for venous leg ulcers - Literature review Example The maggots then proceed to consume the infections present in the wound and eventually ‘clean’ up the ulceration. This study shall provide a critical appraisal of larval therapy for venous leg ulcers. Initially, the background and aetiology of the disease shall be provided, followed by a critical appraisal of eight studies pertinent to this topic. This study is being carried out in order to establish a scholarly and comprehensive assessment of available literature on larval therapy on venous leg ulcers; it also seeks to assess the future general applicability of this therapy in the clinical practice. Venous leg ulcers are chronic and non-healing wounds or ulcerations on the leg or foot (NHS Choices, 2010). It is usually accompanied with symptoms of pain, itching, and inflammation in the affected area. Venous leg ulcers are seen when there is a persistent high pressure of blood in the veins of the legs which can later cause damage to the skin. Venous leg ulcers affect 1 i n 500 individuals in the UK with rates increasing sharply with age (NHS Choices, 2010). About one person in every 50 over the age of 80 has a high risk for venous leg ulcers. Risk factors for this disease include immobility, obesity, advancing age, and varicosities (NHS Choices, 2010). The prognosis for venous leg ulcers is more or less good, however, with diabetic and elderly patients, the management may take longer. Nevertheless, with appropriate treatment, the healing can be ensured. Venous leg ulcers are caused by damage to the veins located in the legs (NHS Choices, 2010). Venous problems can be seen with the valves in the veins improperly functioning. As a result, blood flows backwards into the previous valves causing pooling in the lower trunks of the veins. With increased pressure in the veins, damage to the veins, and later the skin can become apparent (NHS Choices, 2010). Constant high blood pressure in the legs can cause leaks which then cause swelling and damage to the s kin, thereby leading to the ulcerations. Critical appraisal In the study by Dumville, et.al., (2009), the authors clearly presented the goals of their research which was basically to compare the clinical effectiveness of larval therapy with standard debridement techniques for necrotic leg ulcers. The relevance and importance of the research was indicated by the authors, mostly in relation to cost effectiveness of various therapies for venous leg ulcers (Dumville, et.al., 2009). This goal is relevant because of the fact that the cost of medical interventions has increased and the need to decrease and manage medical costs for patients and for health care in general has become a more imperative requirement in the current age of health and economic crisis. The introduction and the literature review were able to establish the concept and the idea behind the research, including its possible benefits to the clinical practice. The hypothesis has not however been clearly stated, but can be i mplied from the initial chapters of the study. The author implies the higher benefits which can be gained from the use of larval therapy for venous leg ulcers. The main terms of the study are defined and can easily be deduced from the authors’ presentation. The research also presented a well focused question, including a clearly defined population specifically defined through the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The interventions to be used by the authors were also specified with specific expected outcomes defined. In assessing the design chosen, the

English Schools Foundation in Mainland China Case Study

English Schools Foundation in Mainland China - Case Study Example e feasibility and profitability of establishing an English Schools Foundation (ESF) school in Mainland China especially in the emerging cities in Mainland China. China is now a super power. It is the country with the largest population in the world. Due to her advance in the industrial field, Chinese products are today flooding the markets in every part of the globe. To catch foreign markets, a knowledge of English is essential. The present standard of English is very low. The people now desperately want to study foreign languages because proficiency in them is a must if they want to retain their leadership and sell their products in other countries. The simplest and most natural solution is to start international schools. English Schools Foundation ('ESF' the abbreviation will continue to be used in the text) is one of the renowned international schools in Hong Kong. ESF is the largest international school in Hong Kong operating 19 schools at different locations including kindergartens, primary, secondary and one for Special Needs. The target markets are the native English-speaking children and also non-English speaking children who are unable to go to a local educational system due to lack of Chinese language ability. All ESF schools are subsidized by the Hong Kong government and operate independently with a Head Office - ESF Centre which oversee all ESF schools and governed by the Education & Manpower Bureau of the Hong Kong government. Within the last three years, ESF had opened two new private independent schools in Hong Kong which are run privately by ESF without government subvention and the governance of the Hong Kong Government. (www.xinhuanet.com, 2008) On the other hand, there is a huge contrasted phenomenon in the emerging cities like Shanghai,...The simplest and most natural solution is to start international schools. English Schools Foundation ('ESF' the abbreviation will continue to be used in the text) is one of the renowned international schools in Hong Kong. ESF is the largest international school in Hong Kong operating 19 schools at different locations including kindergartens, primary, secondary and one for Special Needs. The target markets are the native English-speaking children and also non-English speaking children who are unable to go to a local educational system due to lack of Chinese language ability. All ESF schools are subsidized by the Hong Kong government and operate independently with a Head Office - ESF Centre which oversee all ESF schools and governed by the Education & Manpower Bureau of the Hong Kong government. Within the last three years, ESF had opened two new private independent schools in Hong Kong which are run privately by ESF without government subvention and the governance of the Hong Kong Government. (www.xinhuanet.com, 2008) On the other hand, there is a huge contrasted phenomenon in the emerging cities like Shanghai, Beijing and some other cities that consist of a booming group of middle-class Chinese, expatriates, local Chinese, etc.

Factors influencing participation in sport Essay Example for Free

Factors influencing participation in sport Essay Some people have very different views on training and the factors that affect them to participate in sport. They have very different attitudes to training. Im doing climate affecting participation. Some people may want to go out in the rain and train as they may find this enjoyable, but a lot of other people may dislike the cold and wet weather and stay indoors to participate in sport or just sit about. Also the majority of people would rather be outside, but in the warmth, with the sun shining. The countrys climate is a big factor that affects the participation and type of sport that they do, this also affects their attitudes towards training, for example, people in Australia will play more outdoor sports such as windsurfing and skateboarding as their climate is ideal for this type of exercise. Kenya has produced a lot of world class athletes, this is due to their climate, hot and dry all year. This encourages people to train a lot more and also outdoors. Kenya are world class at long distance running as are morocco, this is mostly due to when they train, and what type of weather they train in. If the weather is hot all the time, athletes will train on a regular basis, but if the weather is cold and wet, the athletes will not be motivated enough to go out and train, they will either train indoors or simply just sit around and watch tv or play boardgames. This is the scene in Northern Ireland, and Sweden etc as these countries have unpredictable weather and climates so no one knows what type of day it is going to be. When the weather changes this can change most athletes attitude to training. The heat outside motivates athletes to train outdoors. Fumes from traffic and factories, over a long period of time will start to affect the community in which people live in, this will, in actual fact, bring you bad health. The fumes will bring harm to your lungs and make breathing difficult. This means your fitness level will suffer. The environment also affects your performance in a sport event; for example, on a hot day you can overheat which makes you weak and dizzy. And think what a windy day can do to a tennis match, all these factors affect the performance and attitudes towards the training and participation in sport. At high altitudes air is thinner than at sea level, so you must breath harder in order to get the right amount of oxygen to your lungs. To perform well in a sport at high altitude you must first need time to adapt to the climate and the type of environment you are playing the sport in. All types of weather affect the way in which we think about sport. Hot, cold, dry, wet.

Six Simple Ways to Go Green Essay Example for Free

Six Simple Ways to Go Green Essay These days it seems you can`t even go two hours without seeing or hearing something about being green, whether it`s an advertisement for an Earth-friendly product, news about an environmentally-sound investment, a report about a business or community that`s taking steps to be more eco-conscious, or just general advice on how to save the planet. Going green isn`t just the latest trend though; it`s something we all must do to conserve resources, combat climate change, and preserve our planet for generations to come. Here are six easy-but essential-things you can do to green your lifestyle (and save a little cash too:) 1. Green Clean Your House: Conventional household cleaners and bug-killers can contain as many as 200 industrial compounds, pollutants, and other chemicals. These harmful toxins are dangerous for you, your children and your animal companions, as well as harmful to the environment. Chemicals in cleaning products have even been implicated in Parkinson`s disease, infertility, brain damage, cancer, and other health problems. It`s safer and greener to buy only organic, all-natural cleaning products. Many natural, cruelty-free cleaning products are available in many supermarkets and drugstores. Thrifty cleaners can also make their own green cleaning supplies with everyday, inexpensive ingredients like baking soda, borax, cornstarch, and white distilled vinegar, which is effective for killing bacteria and germs. 2. Garden with a Green Thumb: Americans use approximately 80 million pounds of pesticides in their gardens every year. Like chemical-cleaners, pesticides and synthetic fertilizers pose a threat to you and your loved ones, and the environment in general. Instead, use compost and plant native plants, which have adapted to the environment and require less water and attention, in your garden. By composting you can recycle your yard and kitchen wastes (even your dinner scraps) to fertilize your own garden. This saves you time and money and helps the environment. 3. Don`t Be in the Dark About Green Light Bulbs: Compact fluorescent light bulbs are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and cost-effective. They can be purchased at most hardware stores and cost under $4 each. If you use compact fluorescent light bulbs instead of standard incandescent ones, you`ll not only help save the environment, but you`ll also save around $30 on your electric bill. 4. Curb Consumerism: Do you really need more knick-knacks, techno-toys, fad fashions, and stuff that will ultimately land in a landfill? Cutting back on unnecessary purchases not only helps save landfill space (and all the materials needed to make the must-have merchandise), but it will also save you money for more important things. When you do go shopping bring along reusable canvas shopping bags. Every year Americans use up to 100 billion plastic bags, which equals about 12 million barrels of oil. Some stores offer a small discount if you bring your own bag, and by not using a non-biodegradable, petroleum-based plastic bag, you can help save wildlife. Thousands of animals choke to death on plastic bags, thinking they are food. 5. Eat Green: If you want to be green, it`s important to eat green-vegetarian, that is. Meatless Mondays or Thursdays, or what have you, are a great start. The less meat you eat the more you help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, curb pollution, and conserve water, land, fossil fuels, and other resources. Consider this: *A United Nations report revealed that the meat, egg, and dairy industries are responsible for more greenhouse gasses than all the cars, SUVs, ships, tractor trailers, trains, and jumbo jets combined. According to the Live Earth concert handbook, refusing meat is the single most effective thing you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. Researchers with the University of Chicago even report that going vegan is 50% more effective in stopping global warming than switching to a hybrid car. *The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that run-off from factory farms pollutes our waterways more than all other industrial sources combined. The EPA also reports that about 80 percent of ammonia emissions in America come from animal waste. *It takes more than 4,000 gallons of water per day to produce food for a meat-eater; only 300 gallons of water a day are needed to produce food for a vegan. Nearly 80 percent of the agricultural land in the U.S. is used to raise animals for food. E: The Environmental Magazine has reported that more than one-third of all fossil fuels produced in the U.S. are used to raise animals for food. 6. Buy Local: If you buy locally-grown fruits and veggies rather than produce that has been trucked across the country, you can help conserve fossil fuels and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and other harmful pollutants released into the air. Buying produce from a local farmer`s market also supports local farmers, who often do not use as many harmful chemicals and waxes on the food they grow. You can usually find your local produce cheaper at the Farmer`s Market than in the grocery store.

Career Of Pedro Almodovar Film Studies Essay

Career Of Pedro Almodovar Film Studies Essay Pedro Almodovar is undeniably one of the great film auteurs of our age, having defined decades worth of Spanish national cinema. As stated by Isabel Cadalso By the time Francos death released Spains seething subculture, Almodovar was at the centre of it. (Cadalso)His combination of witty, flamboyant and daring scripts, brilliant performative actors and the vibrant setting of Spanish culture in Madrid always manage provide an in depth insight into the turbulent lives of his characters. Madrid has figured prominently in Pedro Almodovars cinema, gradually coming into focus as the implicit protagonist of nearly every work. In these films, the city is regularly images as a cultural force, producing forms of expression and action that challenge traditional values by tearing down and rebuilding the moral institutions of Spanish life: the family, the church and the law. (DLugo)There are always many layers to Almodovars films, particularly in the setting and social context, usually being Madr id. Throughout his career we can see how they have developed with the changing political climate of Spain as well as his maturing age, with his films being particularly different from the 80s to the 90s and onwards. Madrid is a metaphorical subtext in his films in many different ways, be it relating to characters, situations they are in or the political climate. As stated in A Punk called Pedro Madrid functions as a character, breaking down boundaries between the public and the private arenas. Madrid provides a framework for the new interactions between social behaviours and becomes the site of a radical series of social desires. (Toribio) Madrid is a place for Almodovars characters where They are able to seek kindred spirits in an atmosphere that is socially liberating and the impetus for new artistic creativity. (Toribio) As the city it changes, adapts and explains much of the action that is not in Almodovars films. Early in Almodovars career, he directed two fantastic, yet very different films; Labyrinth of Passion and Matador. These films were both critically acclaimed and duly noted for their vibrant display of Madrid as setting and as a representation of the new Spanish culture. As written in Pedro Almodovar: A Spanish Perspective during the 1980sSpain was experiencing a fascinating period of giddy and radical changes. It was a country thousands of miles away from the distorted portrait Franco had shown to the rest of the world, a portrait that fit only within the hypocritical moral values of a dictatorship. (Cadalso)It was during this period that Almodovar thrived and these two films were made. Madrid is the realistic, almost unaltered decor in which Pepi, Luci, Bom and Labyrinth of Passion were filmed and in which the characters could move more freely, reflecting the experience of a generation of Spaniards, like Almodovar himself, who could only quench their thirst for creativity in the la rge urban areas: cityscapes in these early films tend to emphasize the concept of physical movement and social mobility underscored the very word, Movida, movement.' (Toribio) We can see in Labyrinth of Passion the colourful new wave of Spanish culture, so vibrant and different to anything previously known to Spain. A prime example of this is in El Rastro a Sunday street market of Madrid, which was an important showcase for all subcultures, but significantly for the movida, because of its unsanctioned and vaguely transgressive status. It was used as a meeting place and some stalls displayed their fanzines, records of emergent punk groups etc. For this reason it is an apt setting for Labyrinth of Passion (1982), especially the opening scene where it becomes Sexilias shopping area for sex partners. (Toribio)We see the completely different society to that of what we would have seen under the Francoist regime, there is liberty and freedom, life and passion, which had not been experience d before, culminating in a paradise of difference. As kinder states The tortuously complex plot follows the tangled passions of an ensemble of young Madrilà ¨nes trying to escape the crippling influences of repressive fathers in order to pursue their own pleasure. (Kinder) The subtext of Madrid is telling us how The Castilian director unfolded his passions amid a society that had just started to enjoy its own freedom. His uncontrolled and colourful films found a receptive audience in a population that was eager for spontaneity and light, for new stimuli that could again bring joy to the living. The Mediterranean spirit of freedom had been squeezed for four decades, and suddenly there was Almodovar, who dared to show on screen all the passion that previously had been politically impossible for Spanish society or its arts to express. (Cadalso)We see as Sexilia moves through the city how there are many kindred spirits reciprocating the feeling and the buzz, yet there are also occasion ally non-movida city people, dressed in drab colours and expressionless, provide a background against which Sexilia, in her colourful attire, is distanced from the Spain they conjure up. (Toribio)This heightens her difference from traditional Spain and the old regime. In hiding the citys shortcomings Almodovar was able to reveal the mood of the country once more as it progressed through the initial euphoria of democracy into disenchantment. (Toribio) This shows how Maria fits into the Madrid setting and population easily with the new mentality and expressionism present in the place and her peers. In Matador we also see the new Spanish mentality evidenced through Madrid and its citizens. As stated in Pleasure and the New Spanish Mentality, it is a fast paced revolt that relentlessly pursues pleasure rather than power and a post modern erasure of all repressive boundaries and taboos associated with Spains medieval, fascist and modernist heritage. (Kinder) We see Diego furiously masturbating to dead bodies and mutilation, Maria stalking her prey in the dusty court yards of Madrid and Angel training to be a Matador in the bull fighting school. The setting of Madrid allows these events to be believable as it is part of Spanish culture to fight bulls as well as being renowned rampant lovers. Almodovar says I believe that our culture is more visceral. Intuition and imagination influence us more than reason. There is more adventure and spontaneity. We dont fear disorder or chaos. (Kinder)Appreciating this we see characters not traditional of Madrid or even Spain. To many, out of thi s context the events and people would seem perverted or unbelievable, yet Almodovars style and use of Madrid and its social context allow us the insight to look past the moral conflict we may experience. As Almodovar himself stated I always try to choose prototypes and characters on modern day Madrid, who are somehow representative of a certain mentality existing today, I think that since Franco died new generations have been coming to the fore, generations that are unrelated to former ones, that are unrelated to the progressive generations that appeared during the last years of dictatorship. How do people 20 years old live in Madrid? Its quite complex The characters in my films utterly break with the past, which is to say that most of them, for example, are apolitical. (Kinder)We can see how Spain has changed more in Almodovars films simply by viewing them, as this kind of film would never had been made under Franco. This is evidenced by another quote from Almodovar where he explai ns his films; They represent more than others, I suppose, the new Spain, this kind of new mentality that appears in Spain after Franco dies. Above all, after 1977 till now. Stories about the New Spain have appeared in the mass media of every country. Everybody has heard that now everything is different in Spain, that it has changed a lot, but it is not so easy to find this change in the Spanish cinema. I think in my films they see how Spain has changed, above all, because now it is possible to do this kind of film here. (Kinder)This is clearly shown and epitomised through his use of Madrid as the setting. The subtext of the city allows us an insight into the change of Spain as a whole. If we analyse Matador in a much more literal sense we can gather an even greater insight into the new Spanish mentality. It shows many famous and recognisable locations such as the scene where Maria is on the bridge and Diego is looking up at her after following her through Madrid. The bridges location is the Segovia Viaduct in southern Madrid, a notorious suicide spot since the nineteenth century. (Smith, Desire Unlimited: The Cinema of Pedro Almodovar)This provides an understanding of the character of Maria and her internal conflicts for natives of Spain who know the significance of this bridge, yet for the international audience it is still enough of a clue to foreshadow the film. Almodovar also makes a cameo appearance as the designer in the fashion show, that Eva is part of, where he tells scatty reporter Veronica Forque that the show is called Spain Divided, because Spaniards are either envious or intolerant. Almodovar thus invokes, parodically, the topos of the two Spains, of the painful divisions notorious in Spanish history, but in a playful register which deprives such clichà ©s of their continuing resonance. (Smith, Desire Unlimited: The Cinema of Pedro Almodovar)His use of Madrid as a forum for these insights allows the viewer an in depth comprehension of the social subtext prevalent in post modern Spanish culture. Almodovar states We have consciously left behind many prejudices, and we have humanised our problems. We have lost the fear of earthly power (the police) and of celestial power (the church), and we have also lost our provincial certainty that we are superior to the rest of the world that typical Latin prepotency. And we have become more sceptical, without losing the joy of living. We dont have confidence in the future, but we are constructing a past ourselves because we dont like the one we had. (Kinder) It is this kind of New Spanish Mentality that he shows in Madrid, representing Spain as a whole. Moving into the 1990s we see a slightly different take In Almodovars films, particularly in Live Flesh, where he directly confronts Franco and his regime at the beginning and culmination of his film. It was highly popular as it showed a maturing of Almodovar and its appeal to social and historical issues was untouched by the directors previous films. (Smith, Live Flesh) He states Yes, my relationship with Madrid is less intense now. Being known makes it harder for me to have a relationship with the reality of the city. And if I dont know it, I dont deal with it; I move to the reality of interiors. Its something like a married couple who are together out of habit, but Im longing to leave for other places. (Delgado)This could be why he shows Madrid in a past time of turmoil where its citizens were scared and helpless, rather than the times he thrived in and is most known for portraying in his films. Madrid, however, is not a static setting. Almodovar increasingly manipulates our view o f the city scape and adapts the mis en scene to the social advancement of his characters. (Toribio)Madrid changes as a setting as Victor matures throughout the film, it is a symbiotic relationship where both Spain and Victor are decidedly different and better at the end of the film. (Smith, Live Flesh) Through the subtext in Live Flesh we see what it was like in the past to be Spanish and how society rapidly changed when freedom was given. If we analyse the opening and closing in particular of Live Flesh it begins in Madrid with the ominous tones of the Francoist minister Manuel Fraga (still today a leading politician)announcing the suspension of what few civil liberties Spaniards enjoyed under Franco; it closes, boldly, at Christmas a quarter of a century later with a voice over from Victor stating that, A long time ago we stopped being afraid of Spain. The political framing of the personal melodrama makes Almodovars collective protagonist (the five central figures) the embodiment of a national narrative whose grand theme is the shift from dictatorship to democracy. (Smith, Live Flesh) From the beginning of the film we are thrust into a lonely and isolated Madrid, where no one is free and they are only out to survive, evidenced by the bus driver who is unwilling to help a pregnant woman in need. Citizens liberties are nearly non-existent, shown by the empty plazas. Madrid is used in particular for this scene as it is Removed from the provinces and the rural setting that were so familiar in Francoist cinema, the city is the only milieu in which Almodovars characters function. As DLugo points out, this may be partly because the rural and provincial settings were used to epitomize the purity of moral values which his characters reject. (Toribio)This again is evidenced by Paul Julian Smith claiming Victors birth is a new Nativity (with a bus taking the place of Christs stable) played out at a portentous time and place: a state of exception in the dying days of the Francoist regime and a spectral, deserted Madrid, lit only by tawdry neon decorations. (Smith, Live Flesh)The Madrid setting and subtext signifies the political situation the country has been immersed in. As we progress through the film and the characters develop more and more, we see how important Madrid is as a setting: by placing the characters in perfect settings where all their social and professional needs have been met, Almodovar ha s fulfilled his theory of contentment within the diegesis: the characters have no external worries and can concentrate on affairs of the heart. (Toribio)This is possibly why Almodovars films storylines and content are more accepted and believable. Madrid is the perfect setting because it encapsulates the buzz and hype of the social context but changes and adapts with the characters, allowing a deeper perception of the film. Madrid is an effective subtext in most of Almodovars films. As Toribio claims We may conclude that what comes out in the treatment of Madrid as part of the mis-en-scene is the directors own anxieties and fears inspired by a country in which the 1980s cosmetic changes have not been reflected in factual change. (Toribio)We are able to see how Madrid is very personal to Almodovar himself and his characters. The subtext of the city allows us to see the change the country has undergone to get to where it is today, mirroring the characters at the conclusion of the film. Madrid is embraced and an essential axis of meaning in much of his filmic work, while the icons of Francoist cinema those related to religion, the family, and sexual repression are set up as foils to stimulate the audience to embrace a new post-Francoist cultural aesthetic that ever present in Madrid. (DLugo) To summarise, as DLugo states, Madrid and This foregrounding of the city as an assertion of a vibrant Spanish cult ural identity is built around a rejection of the traditions that ordered Spanish social life for four decades. (DLugo)

Social Responsibilities of businesses :: essays research papers

"Outline the argument for and against business having social responsibilities beyond that of making a profit. In the light of this, do you think businesses should make charitable donations to the Tsunami appeal? Justify your answer." 26th April 2005 To best understand the nature of the posed question I propose the articulated finding of the widespread acceptance that cooperate official and labour leaders have a 'social responsibility' that extends beyond the realm of serving shareholder and its members (Friedman 1962, p. 133). The following essay is aimed at highlighting the role of businesses, whether they are to have interest other than solely making profit and if so what groups should benefit from the success of a company. According to Wilson (2004, Vol.23, p. 23) arguments, the nature of existence for business or corporations should be 'everything to do with service to society, and only secondarily to do with profitability.' But this is quite on the contrary to the apparently antediluvian view put forward by corporate executives Friedman and Levitt (cited in Wilson, 2004, Vol.23, p. 23) highlighting '.the business of business is making money, not sweet music.' So why is there discrepancy between the ideal view of business and which should be placed under higher priority the shareholders or stakeholders (society). To understand both points of view we need to identify the party's involved and the relationship they have to the business and business operations. A stockholder (shareholder) is one that owns or holds a share or shares of stock in company, enterprise or organisation (The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition, 2005). Shareholders are the financial backing in the organisation, they are generally people interested in making a profit (in the form of dividends) and they supply capital to the organisation. On the contrary stakeholder are seen as any party that has an interest in an organization. Stakeholders of a company include stockholders, bondholders, customers, suppliers, employees, and so forth (Scott, 2003). Given the definition or both involved parties it is clear to see that the success of the business in making a profit will please the shareholders however, to make long-run profits in turn requires compatibility and complacency from its revenue source; the stakeholders. This requires the need for mission and vision driven company which must be truly responsive to stakeholders not only its shareholders (Wilson, 2004, Vol.23, p.23). These 'social responsibilities' must however be driven directly at the stakeholders involved with the business dealings in order to serve equally the shareholders. A clear example of miss-aimed social contribution and one which resulted in strong shareholder opposition was outlined when a number of Australian companies pledged finances to the tsunami relief effort in

Security Risk Management SRM and Auditing Essay -- essays research pap

Abstract The term â€Å"be prepared† applies especially well to today’s business environment, where enterprises across all industries and locations are challenged by a volatile, increasingly unpredictable world. In addition to protecting their internal resources, organizations must consider the security and well-being of their employees, partners, suppliers and customers, as well as the reliability of the web of networks and systems on which most now depend. Stop Managing Security. Start Managing Risk. The way forward lays in a security risk management (SRM) approach that protects your company from the most severe threats to critical IT systems and operational processes. SRM helps your organization understand its assets and analyze the vulnerabilities it must address. Security risk management also facilitates internal and external compliance initiatives. It enables your organization to enforce policies that relate to the integrity of customer data, the configuration of corporate applications and databases, and the accuracy of financial reports. Companies that take a systematic approach to SRM reap additional benefits: operational efficiencies that lead to better management of resources and reduced costs. It's up to all the parties involved in the IT operations and security mission to demonstrate that they can take on the demands of this new challenge. Security is a wide concept, it is a separated subject with its own theories, "which focus on the process of attack and on preventing, detecting and recovering from attacks" (William 1996). Certainly, these processes should be well organized in coping with the complex system issues. A coherent approach should be taken, which builds on established security standards, procedu... ...om norm', Network World Canada, Jun 24, Vol. 15, Is. 12, pp1-10, Gulati R, 1999, 'Network location and learning: the influence of network resources and firm capabilities on alliance formation', Strategic Management Journal, Vol. 20, Is. 5, May, pp 397-399 Osborne, Keith (1998), 'Auditing the IT Security Function', Computers &, Security, Vol. 17, NO.1, pp35-39. Hampton D K, Peter R &, Walker H T D, 1996, Relationship-Based Procurement strategies for The 21st Century, Vis, Canberra. Johnson, Jim (1995), 'CHAOS: The Dollar Drain of IT Project Failures', Applied Development Trend O’Brien, James and Marakas, George (2007) Introduction to Information Systems, 13th ed. McGraw-Hill William C &, Dennis L &, Michael S (1996), Information Security Handbook, NY: MacMillian Press LTD Gladstone D, 1988, Venture Capital Investing, Prentice Hall, New Jersey.

Buddhism: A Belief System

A belief system is a form of human spirituality which is accompanied symbols, beliefs and practices, often with a supernatural â€Å"god† or savior at the height if it. Belief systems are usually expressed through prayer, rituals, meditation, music and dance, among many other things. It also reflects cultural or ancestral traditions in modern day. My belief follows that of Buddhism or the path of the enlightened one. As a devout Buddhist I am force to refrain from many things. I am not allowed to take what is not given to me this is directed mostly towards thievery of all kinds.Acts of violence are against my beliefs as well lying. Intoxicants that induce loss of mind or foolish behavior such as drugs or alcohol are a sinful substance. These thing shapes the course of my everyday life in all situations in this way my beliefs make up a religious belief system. I personally was born into Buddhism, my parents were also devout Buddhists. My parents taught my daily from birth the B uddhist religion and I faithfully follow it. I believe in its practices wholeheartedly. A practice of Buddhism is karma or, the belief anything you do will be repaid in the same manner.For example if I find a wallet on the ground and turn it in to the police station, I may come upon a positive financial gain in the future. My parents taught of this and many other practices of the Buddhist religion. Being born into Buddhism early life was not easy with so many clear cut rules to abide by however, I have been devout since an early age and do not plan to change my ways in this lifetime. Buddhism: A Belief System 3 There are many more benefits than disadvantages in the Buddhist belief system. A disadvantage would be that fact alcohol cannot be consumed even in a social manner.This can sometimes ruin a small party of friends trying to have a good time. A benefit also comes along with the no alcohol rule which is prevention of alcoholism. This in turn helps me to be a better person and al ways have a clear mind. Another benefit of Buddhism is have a clearly stated no thievery law to abide my in my religion the people around me see me as a more trustworthy person. Finally, karma itself I see as a blessing as long as I do the right thing and treat people the right way then great things will become of me. Tradition plays a major role in the Buddhist belief system.There are various holidays that Buddhists celebrate to recognize special moments or events in history or the present. Such as Visakha Puja which occurs on the full moon of the sixth month around the time of may. It is one of the most important days for Buddhists because it is the day that the Lord Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, and died. All three of these special events fell on the exact same day. Visakha Puja is usually celebrated with a sermon during the day and a candle lit celebration to pay respect to the Lord Buddha at night. This only one of many traditions that help shape the Buddhist religio n.Tradition plays a very important if the the most important role in my belief system. Buddhism: A Belief System 4 The role of tradition in general is what makes a religion what it is. Tradition is the coincides with beliefs to make the basis of every religion. Without traditions a beliefs system would be nothing but a set of rules. It also reminds the followers the reason or spirit behind the religion they believe in. Christianity's Christmas or the Jewish Hanukkah is a reminder of the reason their ancestors began to follow their belief system.Holidays like the Cristian and Catholic easter remind of the hardships their ancestors had to go through to believe what they believed in. Traditions are what help us keep our faith in what we believe is true even in the darkest of times. It is very important to be knowledgeable about religions other than your own. For instance something you do or say may be alright within your beliefs but within others may seem crazy or offensive. Religion i s the very thing that drives some people so it's best you respect it. Knowing about other religions is also enlightening for yourself, knowing what other people believe to be true or their practices.It is different to discriminate against someone religion that other tings because religion has no face or color of beliefs. To try and deny someone their beliefs is near inhuman. In conclusion a belief system is that which binds a group of people together as well as a way of life. It is not just religion but our morales as well as our happiness and fear. A belief system is the basis of all mankind because everyone needs to believe in something. Buddhism: A Belief System 5 Buddha Dharma Education Association Incorporated. BuddhaNet. – Worldwide Buddhist Information and Education Network.25 Feb. 2009 . The World Book Encyclopedia. 2007th ed. Vol. 2. Ser. 3. Worldbook inc. , 2001. Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 25 Feb. 2009 . â€Å"Your Belief System. † Fringe Wisdom â €“ Spirituality, Love, Food, Nature, and The Art of Being Human. 25 Feb. 2009 . â€Å"The Need for a Belief System †¦ a system of organization for your experiences! † Self Improvement from SelfGrowth. com. 25 Feb. 2009 .

Economies and Balance Midterm Exam Essay

1. Economies of Scope refers to situations where per unit costs are 2. For a short-run cost function which of the following statements is (are) not true? 3. According to the theory of cost, specialization in the use of variable resources in the short-run results initially in: 4. Economies of scale exist whenever long-run average costs: 5. The existence of diseconomies of scale (size) for the firm is hypothesized to result from: 6. If TC = 321 + 55Q – 5Q2, then average total cost at Q = 10 is: 7. Using demand and supply curves for the Japanese yen based on the $/Â ¥ price for yen, an increase in US INFLATION RATES would 8. An appreciation of the U.S. dollar has what impact on Harley-Davidson (HD), a U.S. manufacturer of motorcycles? 9. In a recession, the trade balance often improves because 10. The purchasing power parity hypothesis implies that an increase in inflation in one country relative to another will over a long period of time 11. Companies that reduce their margins on export products in the face of appreciation of their home currency may be motivated by a desire to 12. The import of Apple iPads assembled in Shanghai at a $295 wholesale price ($213 cost and $82 profit margin) adds more than it should to the U.S. trade deficit with China because 13. Trading partners should specialize in producing goods in accordance with comparative advantage, then trade and diversify in consumption because 14. Marginal factor cost is defined as the amount that an additional unit of the variable input adds to ____. 15. The marginal product is defined as: 16. The isoquants for inputs that are perfect complements for one another consist of a series of: 17. The primary purpose of the Cobb-Douglas power function is to: 18. Given a Cobb-Douglas production function estimate of Q = 1.19L.72K.18 for a given industry, this industry would have: 19. In a production process, an excessive amount of the variable input relative to the fixed input is being used to produce the desired output. This statement is true for: 20. An example of a time series data set is one for which the: 21. Smoothing techniques are a form of ____ techniques which assume that there is an underlying pattern to be found in the historical values of a variable that is being forecast 22. For studying demand relationships for a proposed new product that no one has ever used before, what would be the best method to use? 23. Time-series forecasting models: 24. The variation in an economic time-series which is caused by major expansions or contractions usually of greater than a year in duration is known as: 25. Consumer expenditure plans is an example of a forecasting method. Which of the general categories best described this example? 26. Given a Cobb-Douglas production function estimate of Q = 1.19L.72K.18 for a given industry, this industry would have: 27. In a production process, an excessive amount of the variable input relative to the fixed input is being used to produce the desired output. This statement is true for: 28. The primary purpose of the Cobb-Douglas power function is to: 29. Which of the following statements concerning the long-run average cost curve of economic theory is true? 30. The cost function is: 31. What method of inventory valuation should be used for economic decision-making problems? 32. According to the theory of cost, specialization in the use of variable resources in the short-run results initially in:

My Favorite Person

My favourite person â€Å"Michael Jordan† † I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. † Those encouraging words were spoken by Michael Jordan. Michael Jordan was born in Brooklyn, New York, on February 17, 1963. He moved to Wilmington, North Carolina. I am going to tell you why Jordan is in fact so famous. He had to go through tough obstacles all his life.His love for basketball began when his older brother, Larry, continuously beat him in one-on-one pickup games. Michael was taking the challenges but he didn’t give up, that was why he became a better player. Jordan played basketball for Laney High School in Wilmington, North Carolina. When he was a sophomore Jordan was cut from varsity basketball team. Instead of giving up he was working hard, hour after another. He spent a lot of time in the gym practicing, only reason why he did that was to achieve his goal by becoming a professional player and to make the team.Finally he made the team and let it to the state championship. Jordan then accepted a basketball scholarship from the University of North Carolina. Two years later he got drafted into the NBA. Michael Jordan was the most valuable player for a long time. Everyone knows and consider him the best basketball player ever. There is no such person that doesn’t know who is Michael Jordan. I picked this person because I really think that MJ was the one who brought the game of basketball on a new level. His thoughts and philosophy motivate nowadays other great players.He was a strong guy during his life, the death of his father was a shock for him but he stood still and went back to the NBA. That’s the quality that few people have is moving forward to your dreams no matter what happens in your life. I am going back to MJ’s words † I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. † Becoming a successful person is a long way full of failures and mistakes and that makes someone successful in something it’s the dedication and hardwork.

Drama Evaluation Example

On 12th of December we went to Stifford Clays Primary and performed our piece to 180 year 4’s and 5’s. When we got there we had to straight away bring in our set and therefore had to quickly work out our staging. We all agreed to have the boards on a slant so that we could get changed and await our queues without the children seeing us as if they did it would ruin the illusion. We did this and got changed into our costumes in 20 minutes which I thought was really good and professional.As a group the performance went really well, we all knew our queues and our lines and worked really well together, the costume changes were done in time and nobody came out of role, there for a bit of empty staging but I think this was due to the fact that we were in a new performance space and were not use to it. People were not coming off the right side and therefore ended up having to cross the back of the stage, but it was not obvious as it was in character.As an individual I think the performance was ok, the children booed as I came on as the teacher as they thought I was still the Wicked Witch, I think I did change each characters characterisation but the costume wasn’t different enough and I think they thought I was the Wicked Witch in disguise. Also when I did come on as the Wicked Witch they did not stop booing me, according to the video they booed me for a full minute.I was not expecting such a huge reaction and I just did what I thought my character would do and tell them to ‘be quite’ and ‘shut up’ I also did hand gesture of them talking, it was really tough to deal with as every time I went to talk they just started booing again. I then decided to stand there and wait for them to calm down which they eventually did. Although it was annoying I think the booing was a good sign as they believed in my character and really hated me as much as they were supposed to. As the teacher I think I did well in adopting a different role and I changed my voice and body language making everything precise.The audience interacted with everything and more and seemed to have a lot of fun. When Catherine and I did the chase scene the children loved the water gun being fired, as I ran through they grabbed my cape which I had to react to again in the way the Wicked Witch would I told them to ‘Get off before I turned them into frogs’ from this I learnt that my teacher character needs more of a disguise, that I need to hold onto my cape while running through the crowd and to react to the boo’ing at first but then stand there and wait or them to quieten down. When I melted as the Wicked Witch I melted to the side of the stage and therefore had to stay there for a little while, which I didn’t mind as I needed to catch my breath anyway, I had to pick the right time to move off the stage and therefore picked the time when Sophie and Jess were running as I though the audience’s attention would be on them, it turned out it was and I did pick the right time to slip off.When we were at the performance we had forgotten the limbo poll and the camera and therefore had to improvise with the limbo poll and use another poll at the school, we also used Catherine’s phone to record the performance. I think as an individual and a group we met the assignment brief as we engaged, entertained and educated, We engaged the audience as they interacted with all points possible, they were entertained as they all were shouting and reacting and they were educated as when the fairy god mother asked questions they knew the answers. Over all I think the performance was really good and went really well.

Brilliant Minds Essay Research Paper Running head

Brilliant Minds Essay, Research Paper Runing caput: BRILLIANT MINDS Brilliant Minds of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth Willie B. Hill, Jr. Southern Illinois University at Carbondale ________________________________________________________________ ELM-300 Introduction to Electronic Management Research Spring Semester 2000 Fort Gordon, Georgia Contentss Page ABSTRACT # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; .3 INTRODUCTION # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; 4 MOTION STUDY # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; .4 FATIGUE STUDY # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; .6 CONCLUSION # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; .. # 8230 ; # 8230 ; .7 REFERENCES # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; # 8230 ; .. # 8230 ; # 8230 ; .8 Abstraction Frank and Lillian Gilbreth were two of the great innovators of in the survey of Scientific Management. Two of there major Hagiographas were on Fatigue Study and Motion Study. Business bookmans use many of their Hagiographas, today. Many of their consequences affect the work conditions in many companies. Brilliant Minds of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth Frank Gilbreth was born on July 7, 1868 in Fairfield, Maine. Lillian Gilbreth was born on June 24, 1924 in Montclair, New Jersey. The Gilbreths # 8217 ; are considered two of the greatest American bookmans in the field of scientific direction. Many professional concern directors use many of their Hagiographas. Many of their Hagiographas include The Psychology of Management, Fatigue Study, Motion Study for the Handicapped, Applied Motion Study, Motion Study, Primer of Scientific Management, Bricklaying System, and Concrete System. One of the great literary Hagiographas by the Gilbreths was the survey of gesture. Gesture survey is a agency to permanent and practical waste riddance ( Gilbreth, 1917 ) . This work is aim to depict the work countries that gesture survey can be or is being applied and different methods to use to the survey. Finally, the consequence of the survey. Gesture survey was chiefly used in American Industry. The end of this survey was to extinguish unneeded attempt used in the industry to every bit low as possible. The betterment of a occupation undertaking while increasing productiveness was the consequence. The American industrial sector was used because it was spread outing during this clip and America needed to better industrial techniques to stay competitory against other states. Gesture survey analyzed every detailed in the operation to execute a peculiar undertaking and determined the method which used the least sum of energy. An illustration of this research is the assembly of piece used in the production of the braider manufactured by the New England Butt Company ( Gilberth 1917 ) . After analysis utilizing gesture survey there was a three hundred and 50 per centum addition in production with no addition in worker weariness ( Gilbreth 1917 ) . The analysis consisted of what is the unit of step, the difference methods used, an d devices needed. All three are needed to be incorporated to obtain a consequence. The usage of chronocyclegraph gesture devices was another method used in gesture survey. Chronocyclegraph devices were used in the survey to explicate a precise scientific decision to an probe. Clocks, temperature, and location devices was used during the survey. This was necessary to acquire the accurate clip of twenty-four hours, temperature, and topographic point a survey was performed. The information can be mention in the hereafter or the present by scientist and bookmans to compare other scientific consequences from gesture survey. The 3rd type used to make a decision in gesture survey was a gesture theoretical account. Gesture theoretical accounts were used chiefly in educational sector ( Spriegel 1953 ) . It dealt with the different methods of instruction by an person. The outline of the survey was that different methods are used to execute the undertaking than what is taught by the instructor. In one illustration, the instructor taught a individual who was unfamiliar with a topic a really thorough account on how to carry through the undertaking, which was really clip consuming ( Gilbreth 1917 ) . On the other manus, when really executing the undertaking the teacher used cutoffs that reduced the sum of clip to execute the undertaking ( Gilbreth 1917 ) . Another of the Gilbreths # 8217 ; plants was a survey of weariness in the workplace Fatigue is the fatigue from labour or effort ( Webster 1994 ) . This was designed to foremost, to find what types of business causes different sorts of weariness. Second, to measure how unneeded weariness can be eliminated. Third, to cut down the sum of weariness in the workplace every bit low as possible. Fourth, to find different methods to battle weariness. Fifth, to set the information gathered by the survey in a signifier that the mean worker can understand. The two types of weariness are necessary and unneeded. Unnecessary weariness is caused by work that uses more energy to carry through a undertaking than is needed or executing a occupation that should non be performed to make a end ( Myers 1953 ) . A good illustration of otiose energy is the work of the bricklayer. The method for centuries was for the bricklayer to raise his organic structure, the howitzer, and the bricks from the land to the top of the edifice ( Gilbreth 1916 ) . This type of work used a big sum of unneeded energy. Necessary weariness is caused by the achievement of any undertaking. For illustration, there might be an betterment to a work method, which resulted in an addition of productiveness by 50 per centum. Even though more work was accomplished in the same sum of clip it did non or can be expected to extinguish all weariness. One of the most effectual ways to cut down weariness is to better the work environment of an employee. The employer needs to guarantee a worker has adequate clip to rest and pass clip with the household at the terminal of the twenty-four hours. One of the ways to guarantee an employee is non exhausted is to supply a lunch period and at least one twenty-four hours a hebdomad off from work. Another method is to guarantee the proper equipment is used to execute a undertaking. The Gilbreths # 8217 ; did a survey, in which, they provided a lean backing chair to all workers in a company. After one hebdomad of usage the company addition productiveness with less worker weariness ( Spriegel 1953 ) . Proper lighting in the workplace is another manner to cut down weariness. If a workplace has excessively much or non plenty illuming the workers will tire at a greater rate because it will do changeless accommodation and re-adjustment of the eyes. Decision Improvement of working conditions is indispensable to increasing worker productiveness. The Gilbreths # 8217 ; dedicated their lives to contrive methods to cut down worker weariness and waste of unneeded energy. Many of their thoughts are incorporated to many Torahs passed by the authorities during the 1930s # 8217 ; and 1940s # 8217 ; . Failure of concerns to follow the rules of the Gilbreths # 8217 ; could ensue in lower worker productiveness and morale. An of import ingredient in a company # 8217 ; s profitableness is a good relationship with direction and the employee. Bibliography Mentions Gilbreth, F. , A ; Gilbreth L. ( 1916 ) . Fatigue Study. New York: Sturgis A ; Walton Co. Gilbreth, F. , A ; Gilbreth L. ( 1911 ) . Gesture Study. New York: D. Van Nostrand Co. Merriam-Webster # 8217 ; s School Dictionary ( 1994 ) . Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster Inc. Meyers, C. E. , Spriegel W. R. ( Eds. ) . ( 1953 ) The Writings of the Gilbreths. Homewood, Illinois: Richard D. Irwin, Inc.

Pizza Hut Franchise Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Pizza Hut Franchise - Essay Example 2002 Tricon Global becomes YUM! Brands Inc. The Quad Pizza is launched in the UK. Pizza Hut opens its 500th restaurant. A & W and Long John Silver’s join the Yum brand. 2001 Pizza Hut begins a franchising programme with its delivery stores 2000 Pizza Hut introduces The Edge, a thin pizza with toppings all the way round the edge 1999 Pizza Hut has over 400 restaurants, employing 14000 people. The Italian Pizza is launched in the UK 1998 Pan Pizza is relaunched as Grand Pan in the UK 1997 PepsiCo decided to focus on their (sic) drinks business. As a result, Tricon Global Restaurants is born, creating the largest restaurant brand in the World. Tricon became the partner company with Whitbread. The Sicilian Pizza is launched in the UK. There are 277 restaurants and 100 delivery stores in the UK 1995 Stuffed Crust is launched in the UK 1994 10,000 Pizza Huts are open world-wide 1993 There are 300 restaurants and delivery stores in the UK 1992 There are 9000 restaurants in 84 countri es 1990 Pizza Hut reaches Russia. In the UK there are now 200 restaurants 1989 The first restaurant is converted into a Restaurant Based Delivery store 1988 The UK’s first delivery unit opens in Kingsbury, London 1987 An average of one restaurant opened each week in the UK 1986 100 restaurants in the UK and 5000 world wide 1984 50 restaurants so far in the UK 1982 UK joint venture commences between PepsiCo and Whitbread 1980 Pan Pizza Introduced 1977 PepsiCo buys Pizza Hut 1973 Pizza Hut goes international with restaurants in Japan, Canada & England. The first UK Pizza Hut opens in Islington, London 1972 1000 restaurants are open throughout the USA 1958 Frank and Dan Carney open the first Pizza Hut in Wichita, Kansas.†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ (www.pizzahut.co.uk). As part of a consortium, Yum! Brands,... In recent years, the economic downturn in the world has impacted the restaurant industry. Thus, quick and cheap service restaurants like Pizza Hut cater to the needs of pocket tight consumers by offering quality food with a wonderful dining experience. As a national and international brand name, Pizza Hut maintains its position as the leader in the pizza industry, providing great food at reasonable prices. Moreover, it offers new tactics to retain and enlarge on its market share among its customers. In addition, through effective advertising and marketing strategies, it maintains a reputation of brand recognition (www.pizzahutfranchise.com). At Yum! They have developed a growing international dominance by emphasizing four major business strategies: 1). promote industry-leading, long-term franchise and shareholder value; 2). design dominant brands in China of every major classification; 3). encourage forceful global development and establish powerful brands; 4). significantly enhance U.S. brands in returns, consistency, and positions. Its focuses on four principal strategies as pictured below: In addition, Yum maintains reliable figures of achievement in 2010 with 17% Earnings Per Share (EPS) growth. This commercial success underscores the fact that Yum has obtained at least a 13% percent growth for nine consecutive years, which surpassed its 10% EPS growth expectations. Moreover, for that year alone, it established almost 1,400 new restaurants on the international scene. Significantly, Yum has retained its Return on Investment Capital (ROIC) of 20%+ and still is the market leader in the industry.

The Reasons Surrounding the Global Financial Crises Essay

The Reasons Surrounding the Global Financial Crises - Essay Example The essay "The Reasons Surrounding the Global Financial Crises" talks about the Great Depression which occurred in 1930 and was triggered off by the sharp and unprecedented decline in the American stock exchange, the Americans wrapped themselves up around Hoover blankets they had no jobs and the unemployment rate went completely out of control. The recent economic meltdown gave rise to a plethora of economic problems; it was triggered off by the subprime crisis. This paper will shed more light on the subprime crisis. Barrack Obama had to issue a bailout package to save the economy of America, earlier the credit rating of America was triple A but after the recession, it became double A which means America is less likely to pay its debt than earlier. Such news often sends panic waves across the world. The financial crisis triggered off because of the subprime crisis, subprime refers to excessive borrowing and the inability to pay back the debt. â€Å"Several times recently, Treasury Secretary Paulson has claimed that the "root cause" of the current financial crisis is "the housing correction." (Root Cause of the Financial Crisis) The people in the US took loans from banks and other major financial institutions and invested that money into the housing sector but the prices of their houses declined sharply and they were unable to pay their loans back. Institutions like Lehmann Brothers and others went bust because they could not recover their loans and the ever-increasing debt affected them immensely.

Client profile Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Client profile - Assignment Example I will be your primary contact during the time of this engagement. In any event that you have any questions concerning this engagement at any time, you may either contact me directly through my extension or through my email address. I will send to you an approximation of the time and total costs that this engagement may incur, including the expenses and the fees. Kindly note that this information remains only an estimate, and that it may change depending on the complexity of activities done and time taken. I have also attached for your records and information one copy of the interview form. Please notify me immediately in any case that any information therein is incorrect. Mason does not have a pension plan. Julia has a pension plan provided by her employer. 5% of her earnings go the pension plan, and the employer matches her contribution. Julia’s plan has a balanced mandate investment of 50% bonds and 50% equities. Mason is the plan’s beneficiary. Both Mason and Julia are medium risk investors with little knowledge of financial market workings. As such, do not have a complete investment plan. However, with their assets, Mason and Julia have undertaken investments that earn revenue for them. Their investments are low risk and their returns are moderate. The family lives within its means, with the expenses being 39.1% of the family’s total annual income. The amount that this family spends is below the average amount of money spent by households in Canada. In 2014, the average pending for households with children was at $80056 according to Statistics Canada. Mason and Julia’s family spends $50251.2 annually. This ratio shows that the family is prepared to either fund itself or acquire additional funds in case of an emergency. The family has significant savings and sources of funds that will be important in the event of an emergency. These funds include life insurance policies, Julia’s pension scheme and

Cigarettes and the effects Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Cigarettes and the effects - Essay Example It is inevitable that smoking cigarettes have devastating effects on health although smokers often claims that it helps them to relax and release stress and also gives them recognition and acceptance. The causes and effects of cigarette smoking are discussed worldwide by scientists and health officials ans it has been discovered that cigarette smoking causes some life threatening diseases and also badly affects the heath quality. However there are number of factors that make people addicted to it. (NY Times) An important cause and temptation towards smoking is nicotine. Nicotine intake brings up a level of good feelings among individuals. People often argues that nicotine has stimulating effect and it relieves tension, depression or even boredom. (Neal, 95) They are actually psychological effects because smoking cannot provide stimulation and reduce tension at the same time. It’s just the release of brain chemicals which makes smokers feel like this way. People who need to smoke a certain numbers of cigarettes in a day at particular times for e.g. after a meal, have already formed a habit and so continue to smoke. They feel that something is missing. Reports show that the dependency on nicotine has increased to12 percent. (CDC) Some young people smoke because they believe that smoking is symbol of adulthood. Statistics show that nine out of ten smokers start to smoke before they are eighteen years old. The advertisers try to give the impression that maturity, social status, happiness and success are linked with smoking (CDC). Some young people start to smoke out of curiosity and then get addicted to it. Many of them start due to peer pressure. They try to intimate their parents or want to be accepted as members of a group of friends who smoke. Their friend’s persistent teasing and urging make them believe that they are not sporting enough. The harmful effect of smoking develops in a period of time. There