Project Management Process Groups and the Six Questions in Pmlc

Mapping the six (6) questions to basic Process Groups of the PMBOK methodology. According to Wysocki (2012, p. 25) ‘Project management is a set of tools, templates, and processes designed to answer the following six questions: What business situation is being addressed by this project? What do you need to do? What will you do? How will you do it? How will you know you did it? How well did you do it? ’ Wysocki (2012, p. 4) also added that; ‘In addition to answering the six questions that a valid project management methodology must answer, whatever project management life cycle model you use must contain all of the following Process Groups; Scoping (PMI calls the Initiation), Planning, Launching (PMI calls the Execution), Monitoring & Controlling and Closing. The process groups will each be completed and in sequence, some or all of them may be repeated a number of times’.PMI recognized the five process groups and nine knowledge areas to make up the Project man agement Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). PMI also identified the five process groups as building blocks of every project management life cycle. Scoping is identified by PMBOK as Initiation. Projects brainstorming, client need analysis, resource requirements, documentations and management approval are handled at this stage. This stage clearly answers questions like; â€Å"what business situation is being addressed? † and â€Å"what needs to be done? †.Key inputs at this stage can include contracts from the clients, deliverables from a company’s annual business plan, policy, procedure and other social factors where the project will be cited. The outputs of scoping process group are Project Charter and Preliminary Project Scope Statement. Scoping is aimed at addressing the business situation at hand by indicating what needs to be done. For example, IT projects scoping in NLNG activities are handled by a multi-disciplinary team of subject-matter experts (SMEs) – in cluding IT eams from Strategy and Planning. The whole team reports to IT projects review team of senior management positions to secure management approval on the project. Planning follows Project Charter and Preliminary Project Scope Statement produced by the scoping activity to establish project objectives and how to go about achieving such objectives within the project scope. Planning will answer the questions; â€Å"what to do? † and â€Å"how to do it? by setting clear objectives for the project, allocating resources, identifying the best-fit model, setting milestone/targets throughout the project lifespan, etc. A Project Management Plan is drawn up at the end of the planning process. For example; in NLNG a three-year IT projects plan document is updated with latest approvals, milestones and closeouts to produce what is called â€Å"IT Master plan for the year† which various project managers use throughout the year in implementing IT projects.Launching/execution w orks with the Project Management Plan to deploy human and material resources to ensure all deliverables are achieved as planned. The question of; ‘how will you do it? † gets answered here. Project management plan is the only input here and it must be strict to objectives, targets and specifications. The output at this stage a performance according to plan. In NLNG, IT project teams work across company locations in line with IT Master plan all through the year.Monitoring and Controlling process group ensures projects are run in line with targets by identifying KPIs for periodic monitoring – based on client’s requirements in the project plan. Changes to project scope, budget performance, maintenance/repairs to project equipment, etc, are all represented here in an attempt to answer the question; ‘how will you know you did it†? Project deliverables are only recognized at this stage. Key inputs to this process group are KPIs of the launching/executi on group while their output is the project delivery/milestone status.In NLNG, various teams are involved in monitoring and controlling projects. Ranging from the Cost Controller who monitors budget and reports cost (work-in-progress), through quality assurances and process auditors who ensure compliance with procedure, risk management and corporate governance. Closing process group collates all deliverables and closes all sub-process when a project is adjudged completed. Contracts and procurements, manpower engaged, work-in-progress close out and so many other project administrative supports are rounded up here.At this stage, the final product derived from the project is presented to the client according to specifications. The question of â€Å"how well did you do? † will be answered when client approves of the output, asset/output gets installed, audit tests post-implementation status and a final report submitted. In NLNG for example, IT projects are closed with a report and a â€Å"go-live† activity. In conclusion, the questions of what business situation to address and what needs to be done are critical success factors to any project.The Project Charter and Preliminary statements derive from such questions and are therefore essential to how a project plan is developed with achievable objectives, what resources are required to launch/execute the project, how to monitor and control parameters and when to identify project ending and close out. Wysocki (2012, p. 9) aptly captures this in his definition of project as; ‘a sequence of finite dependent activities whose successful completion results in the delivery of the expected business value that validated doing the business’.Therefore, until a business need is identified, there cannot be a project. Reference: 1. Project Management Institute (undated). Available online at; http://www. pmi. org/pmief/learningzone/KCMA_Curricula_Documents/Lesson_1-Five_Processes_Definitions. pdf (Accesse d 23rd March, 2013) 2. White, D. (undated) ‘The 5 project management process groups’. Articles Dashboard, Available online at; http://www. articledashboard. com/Article/The-5-Project-Management-Process-Groups/484871 (Accessed 23rd March, 2013)

Haverwood Furniture Inc Case Study Essay

Background on the merger In April 2008 Haverwood Furniture merged with Lea-Meadows, a manufacturer of upholstered furniture for living and family rooms. The merger was not planned in any conventional sense. The merger proceeded smoothly since the two firms were located on adjacent locations and the two companies would maintain as much autonomy as was economically justified. The only real issue that still remained was merging the selling efforts. The question was straight-forward â€Å"do we give the upholstery line of chairs and sofas to our sales force, or do we continue using the sales agents?† Haverwood’s vice president said the line should be given to his sales group, but Lea-Meadows said the upholstery line should remain with sales agents. Lea-Meadows Inc. Lea-Meadows Inc. is a small, privately owned manufacturer of upholstered furniture for use in living and family rooms. The firm is more than 75 years old. The company has some of the finest fabrics and frame construction in the industry. Their net sales in 2007 were $5 million and the total industry sales in 2007 were $15.5 billion. A forecasted industry sale for 2008 is about $16.1 billion. Over the past 5 years sales had increased 3% annually, also believing that this trend would continue. Lea-Meadows employed 15 sales agents to represent its products. Sales agents found it necessary to deal with several buyers in a store in order to represent all the lines carried. On a typical sales call, a sales agent first visited buyers to discuss new lines, in addition to any promotions being offered by manufacturers. These new orders were sought where and when it was appropriate. Lea-Meadows paid an agent commission of 5 percent of net company sales for these services. Also were thought to have spent 10-15 percent of their in-store time on Lea-Meadows products. There is no influence on who to sell their products to but there is a stigma of not selling to discount houses. Records show that agents were calling on specialty furniture and department stores. An estimated 1,000 retail accounts were called on in 2006 and 2007. All agents had established relationships with their retail accounts and worked closely with them. Haverwood Furniture Inc. They are a manufacturer of medium- to high-priced wood bedroom, living room and dining room furniture. Their net sales in 2007 were $75 million; and the industry sales of wood furniture in 2007 were $12.4 billion. It is projected that in 2008 they will have $12.9 billion in industry sales. The company has 10 fulltime sales representatives, who call on 1,000 retail accounts. They perform the same activities as sales agents but were paid a salary plus a small commission. In 2007 the average sales representative received an annual salary of $70,000 and a commission of 5% on net company sales. Total administration costs were $130,000 Haverwood’s salespeople were highly regarded in the industry. They were known particularly for their knowledge of wood furniture and willingness to work with buyers and retail sales personnel. Sales representatives were presently making 10 sales calls per week with an average sales call running three hours. Their remaining time was accounted for by ad ministrative activities and travel. It was also recommended that the call frequency be increased to seven calls per account per year. Pros and Cons Points in favor for combing the two companies Haverwood has one of the most respected sales force in the industry. Their sales force could easily learn the lingo to interacting with upholstery buyers. Selling Lea-Meadows would only require 15% of present sales call times More control over sales efforts is possible and a combined sales forces fits with the belief that â€Å"only our people are willing and able to give† It would not look right if both representatives and agents called on the same stores and buyers because of the overlap on the companies on both companies’ accounts. Points in favor of keeping in the sales agents All sales agents had established clients and were highly regarded among the store buyers. Sales agents represent little cost beyond commission Sales agents were committed to the lea-meadows line. Sales agents were calling on buyers not contacted by haverwood sales force. Haverwood sales people would have a tough time learning the ways of lea-meadows because there are over 1 billion possible items to learn. Both companies make valid points but the main thing is to determine the cost and profitability. Financial calculations based off the cost of sales force,  and sales agents. Haverwood 10 (sales force members) x $70,000 (average salary) = $700,000 .005 (commission) x $75,000,000 (net sales) = $375,000 x 10 = $3,750,000 $130,000 (total sales administration costs) Total cost of sales force $4,580,000 Lea-meadows 5,000,000 (net sales) x .05 (commission) = $250,000 x 15 (sales agents) Total cost of sales agents $3,750,000 Although Lea-Meadows pays their sales agents less with 5 more employees, their profit margins fall 5% below that of Haverwood. It ultimately will affect them more than the cost for Haverwood affects them. If Lea-Meadows were to give their line to the Haverwood sales force, they would only need to pay for 15% of the cost for the sales force. Haverwood Total sales force cost = $4,580,000 Lea-Meadows $4,580,000 x .15 (percentage of time devoted to Lea-Meadows line) = $687,000 The decision to give the line to Haverwood saves Lea-Meadows $3,063,000. Haverwood’s sales process Haverwoods personal Sales forces Retail Consumer Lea-Meadows sales process Lea-Meadows Sales agency Retail Consumer

Glaxo Wellcome Mini Case

Glaxo Wellcome Inc. Mini-case Report April 2, 2007 [pic] Executive Summary Glaxo Wellcome Inc’s primary business is to market prescription products to physicians and health care providers. One of the top three pharmaceutical firms in the world, Glaxo Wellcome Inc. held about 4 percent of the worldwide prescription pharmaceutical market. The U. K. based company was formed in 1995 when Glaxo Pharmaceuticals acquired Burroughs Wellcome. While the company is based in the U. K. , the U. S. market represented approximately 40 percent of worldwide sales while the U. K. produced about seven percent. As of 1997 Glaxo Wellcome Inc. had 22 local operating companies in nine countries including the U. S. Because of the harsh requirements of the Food and Drug administration (FDA) most products are introduced in one of the other eight countries before seeking U. S. approval. Migraine medicine is a primary growth area for Glaxo. The company was first to manufacture and market triptans, a new class of prescription migraine medicine. Triptans were launched in 1993 and work specifically on the 5HT-1 receptor sites believed to be the primary cause of migraine headaches. Imitrex was the first triptan produced and sold by Glaxo in the U. S. The concern now is how the company should best market the second-generation triptan by the company, Amerge. This will be the first time a pharmaceutical company has two prescription triptans available on the market. Problem Statement and Key Issues Glaxo Wellcome’s U. S. division faces the task of determining a positioning strategy for their new triptan, Amerge, to increase total market share in the currently underdeveloped migraine market. Not only should the marketing decisions combat pressure from competitors with comparable products, but also the pharmaceutical marketers must elevate the importance of the new product’s placement on the formularies of managed care plans. Additionally, the development of a direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising campaign that is informative and persuasive, without offending the medical community, must be included as a part of the positioning strategy. SWOT Anaylsis for Glaxo Wellcome Inc. Strengths: Seen as a reliable prescription drug manufacturer, therefore has a positive reputation †¢ Global company with 4% of the worldwide prescription pharmaceutical market †¢ Company has a strong balance sheet and growth potential †¢ Imitrex dominates the migraine market as the first and only triptan available from 1995-1998 Weaknesses: †¢ Does not have a clear marketing strategy for the triptans †¢ Largely focused on competitor activity instead of growing market shar e †¢ FDA regulations create long approval periods The recent business combination of Glaxo Pharmaceuticals and Burroughs Wellcome in 1995 has created organizational challenges Opportunities: †¢ 90% of the migraine market is underdeveloped †¢ More marketing options include the ability to directly contact consumers as well as doctors and hospitals (in the U. S. division) †¢ Ability to market line extensions for new products such as Amerge †¢ Difficult for new competitors to enter the market because of R&D and approval processes Threats: †¢ Non-acceptance as a formulary of managed care plans Competitors’ products, such as Zomig, released before and out-performing Amerge †¢ Changes in healthcare legislation, including Medicaid and Medicare Alternative Courses of Action 1. Replacement Strategy: the U. K. division chose this plan of action, ceasing all promotion of Imigran (U. K. name brand for Imitrex) and positioning Naramig (the U. K. brand nam e for Amerge) as the recommended drug to start treatment of migraine patients. The replacement strategy results met Glaxo U. K. expectations, but damaged the growth of Imigran and did not prevent Zomig from successfully entering the market. Furthermore, the U. K. market has two major differences from the U. S. market: pharmaceutical companies cannot legally advertise their products to consumers, and the health care system is socialized. The implications of these two differences in terms of positioning strategies are vast. The inability to utilize DTC advertising prevented the U. K. from successfully pursuing alternative positioning strategies, such patient-based segmentation, due to concerns about the physician’s ability to identify such segments and further confusing the prescribing process. Moreover, in a socialized health care system where patients are entitled to free medical care, patients can seek treatment easier and can be less involved in the prescribing process than in an insurance-based system where there is more monetary involvement. Although this strategy might communicate a clear message about the drug’s superiority, it would devalue the brand name built for Imitrex, drastically impacting its potential profitability as well as the ability to continue to recuperate the high investments already sunk into the R&D and marketing of Imitrex. . Competition Strategy: since Zomig is expected to be launched prior to the FDA approval of Amerge, Glaxo U. S. can position Amerge directly against Zomig. They can utilize their position as the market leader to leverage Amerge’s positioning as the true second-generation triptan providing the best relief on the market. Glaxo U. S. can back up their claims with the results from the UK where the majority of previou s non-triptan users prefer Naramig. Although this strategy could successfully prevent the competition Zeneca from gaining substantial market share through the marketing of a second-generation triptan, it would also devalue the Imitrex brand similar to the replacement strategy. 3. Pricing strategy: one of the weaknesses identified for Imitrex is its relatively high price in comparison to over the counter (OTC) medication, which is further exacerbated by the medication’s high rate of recurrence. Since most patients in the US pay either partially or fully for their medication, Amerge could be positioned as an affordable alternative to Imitrex. Amerge could be priced similar to OTC medications and its lower recurrence rate could be promoted to further emphasize its affordability. A possible downside to this strategy is devaluing the image of Glaxo Wellcome for physicians because of a perceived â€Å"lack of quality† that can accompany low priced products. On the positive side, it could detract from competitor’s noise and would allow Imitrex to continue in its position as the market leader. It could also improve the consumer perception of Glaxo Wellcome as a company that cares for patients that cannot afford expensive medication. 4. Lifestyle Segmentation Strategy: Glaxo U. S. could create an emotional appeal for Amerge by merging the facts about its efficacy, side effects and dosage with the feelings of patients. Prospective consumers seek treatment for their migraines not only to abate the pain, but also to be able to continue productivity in their lives during a migraine episode. Therefore, Amerge’s proven efficacy, combined with low risk of side effects, low recurrence rate and ease of administration could be used to promote it as the migraine medicine that â€Å"let’s you get on with life†. Unlike the pricing strategy, this course of action would emphasize the product benefits and thus would be more beneficial to Glaxo’s image. But similarly to the replacement and competition positioning strategies, it weakens Imitrex’s position in the marketplace. 5. Benefit-based Portfolio Strategy: Glaxo U. S. can present both migraine medicines as a portfolio of solutions to migraine pain. Amerge could be positioned as the â€Å"milder† new-generation triptan, and Imitrex could be repositioned as the â€Å"strongest and fastest† triptan with proven efficacy to treat acute pain. This positioning strategy would allow Glaxo U. S. to continue to reap the benefits from the marketing initiatives already invested in Imitrex, while utilizing its current standing as the market leader as a platform from which to launch Amerge. Possible drawbacks to this strategy include cannibalization of Imitrex sales as well as confusion in the minds of physicians and consumers as to which drug would be the best option for a patient. Recommendations Given the considerable expenditure in R&D and marketing of pharmaceuticals, we recommend that Glaxo U. S. choose the benefit-based portfolio strategy. We feel strongly that Glaxo U. S. should not abandon the efforts placed in the marketing of Imitrex, but rather leverage its current market position to support the launch of Amerge. We believe this strategy could effectively combat competitors’ efforts to enter the marketplace. The company can utilize DTC advertising to send a clear message of the benefits each drug offers to patients. Nevertheless, it is imperative that Glaxo U. S. also invest resources in conveying the right message to physicians and negotiating placement of both drugs on the formularies of managed care plans; otherwise the likelihood of switching to a different brand or forgoing treatment altogether increase significantly. With a portfolio strategy and clear differentiation among the products, Glaxo U. S. is better armed to capture the 90% of migraine sufferers that were not being medicated with a triptan as of 1997. Conclusion Although Glaxo Wellcome is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world it has many opportunities for growth and development. One of these opportunities is with the migraine medicines known as triptans. Although Glaxo already has one triptan on the market, there are still many migraine sufferers that are not being treated. With the benefit-based portfolio strategy Glaxo can market its second-generation triptan, Amerge to the millions of migraine sufferers.

Climate Change in Boreal Forests Research Paper

Climate Change in Boreal Forests - Research Paper Example According to the research findings the shifts occurring in climate is hence highly likely to affect the forest areas as well, due to the change in precipitation conditions, leading to an expansion in some forest areas, particularly those falling within temperate zones; and contraction in certain other areas, such as those witnessed in the Boreal forest regions and the tropical forest regions. The changes are believed to have occurred due to the change in global climate and precipitation levels, over the years. Although it is highly difficult to predict with accuracy, the exact change in forest areas, which can directly be attributed to climate change. There are various evidences based on empirical research on the subject and other available literature, which is discussed in the following sections. Research suggests that the factors such as climate change fuelled with unsustainable human activities such as deforestation and extensive land conversions are driving the deterioration of f orests and natural habitation worldwide. According to Burton et al such activities is likely to increase the risk of natural disasters such as forest fires especially in forest areas which have low precipitation and is prone to dryness in the weather as is observed in the Boreal forest range. The conifer-dominated Boreal forest comprises of almost one third of the earth's forest systems covering approximately 1.7 billion hectares stretching across Scandinavia, Alaska, Russia and northern Canada. (MNR.org, 2012). Almost two thirds of this forest range is located in the Eurasian region and the remaining one third in the Canadian province and Alaskan region (Hare and Ritchie, 1972). In Canada the boreal forest spans over a region of 290 million hectares and extends from the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence forest in Ontario to the lowlands in Hudson Bay. The Boreal forest comprises of a vast and varied range of flora and fauna, ranging from larch, pine, spruce to fir, birch, aspen, willow and alder. The overall composition of the boreal forest i.e. the natural vegetation, the soil, and the climate is relatively simple yet its interaction with the external forces as a result of climate change, such as the availability of necessary nutrients, rising temperature, and the ecology of forces has added to the complexity and gravity of the issue (Bonan, 1989; Bonan & Shugart, 1989; Viereck & Schandelmeier, 1980). The uniqueness of the composition of the Boreal forest enables it to sustain in the cold weather and store the large amount of carbon deposits which are held in its organic soils (McGuire et al., 1995; Alexeyev & Birdsey, 1998). The fact that the mean global temperature are on a steady rise and the temperature rise in the Boreal forest region, due to climate change, has been recorded in the upper latitudes in Northern Hemisphere (Serreze et al., 2000). The large scale transformations in the forest management practices, owing to the increase in unsustainable human activi ties, have resulted in a simultaneous rise in the GHG emissions (Schlamadinger & Marland, 1996). According to researchers, there are various other factors which account to an imbalance in the forest atmosphere which are likely to have a far worse and negative impact on the ecology, as compared to the CO2 emission (Jackson, et al., 2008; Bonan, 2008). These factors arise from the manipulation of the earth’s surface due to human activities, and have the capacity to affect the reflectivity of solar power leading to instant heating up of the atmosphere in and around the area hence ultimately resulting in disturbance and unequal distribution of energy within the climate system (Marland et al., 2003). The following figure shows the change in

Nursing Management in Australia Research Proposal

Nursing Management in Australia - Research Proposal Example Caldwell Checklist is grouped according to the health team’s work pattern, preparation before going to the bedside, patient consultation, relevant bedside charts, ceiling of care, discharge planning, planning, documentation, summing up, and any conversation with relatives and in which yellow-colored areas represent essential check domains and while those white areas represent domains applicable only to some patients such as blood glucose chart (see Fig. 1) (Herring, Desai, and Caldwell, 2011, p. 21). The use of Caldwell checklist in a ward round may improve the standards of care because of its simplicity that takes up only one side of the A4 paper, ease of adaption in the clinical context, and recording of matter that has been considered and decided if needed. Upon establishment of the proposed changes and the checklist that would be adapted, the next step is to integrate the proposed changes and the checklist into the institution’s operation. This could be done by creating a medical group forward rounds that include medical staff, chief nurse or nurse managers, consultant, and other professional observers. One of the members of the medical staff will act as a leader and each nurse will do their routines in assessing, monitoring, evaluating, and documenting the client’s concerns and conditions. The leader will assign a checker (either the chief nurse or nurse manager) that will observe nurses’ documentation of ward rounds, ensure everything to be covered, and report and correct any omissions or errors. Yellow domains that are not covered may be marked with a circle while white domains can simply be left blank. Omissions or errors that are corrected can be a tick off and be considered in the documentation process. The f inal review of the filled-up checklist will be on the hands of the medical staff and other professional observers but only the members of the medical staff are allowed to get all of the items on the list addressed.

Product Marketing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Product Marketing - Assignment Example This is happening as additional customers demand for more products deemed to be environment-friendly, not only due to sustainable production methods but also due to the ease of disposal and consequent environmental conservation (Gordon, n. p.). Product Description â€Å"Green Diapers† provide users with a wide array of disposal options, that is, tossing, composting or flushing. Additionally, the fact that these diapers are biodegradable implies that, microorganisms which occur naturally, and those that are responsible for decomposition of materials, can easily breakdown or weather the diapers. Further, the nutrients can be recycled into the environment, without leaving behind any injurious residues. The disposable inserts incorporated into â€Å"Green Diapers† usually decompose in approximately 50 to 150 days when composted at home. These diapers, unlike the conventional ones can also be flushed down the toilet without clogging the system. This implies that less garbage will be transported to landfills, hence preventing environmental pollution. â€Å"Green Diapers† have undergone numerous tests by autonomous laboratories, thus, proving beyond reasonable doubt that they are really biodegradable (Weinberg and Parrs, n. p.).   Market Conditions Based on a market survey conducted by BusinessGreen (n. p.) consumers’ demand for different green products rose from 15 percent in the year 2008 to 70 percent in the year 2009. This trend has continued to grow since then, and by the end of the 2012 fiscal year, demand for green products has reached a high of 83 percent. These consumers posit that they would opt to buy a product deemed to be green, rather than purchase a relatively priced, ordinary product. This trend, therefore, provides a lucrative opportunity for the company, as it ventures into the sale of biodegradable diapers. The prospect appears to be even more profitable, since approximately two-thirds of customers that buy green commod ities have upheld this purchasing habit throughout the tough economic times. This serves as a clear indicator that the market for green products is relatively stable, thus providing the company with a competing platform at par with that of ordinary disposable diapers. The statistics also prove that the shift towards green products is not a trend anymore, but a sustainable societal lifestyle. The company can also borrow traits from businesses currently selling green products and pursuing green marketing strategies, since most of these ventures continue to reap benefits like: Increased revenue: with continued growth of the green market there is an increment of opportunities to lure new customers. Further, there is broadening of the customer base through product modification, product innovation and promotion, eventually increasing revenues. Reduced costs: manufacturing of green products involves utilization of fewer and locally available resources to develop products and market them to consumers. This greatly cuts down costs incurred in the production process. Enhanced reputation of brand hence high market value: companies’ attempt to protect the environment through manufacturing and selling green products develops a positive impression among many customers. This, in turn, promotes the brand name and its popularity among consumers. Risk mitigation: numerous studies have shown that green companies can stay ahead of their competitors, as administrations make an effort to enact more rigorous environment regulations to mitigate

Tulsidas, Saint Poet of India Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Tulsidas, Saint Poet of India - Essay Example Tulsidas was born Rama Bhola in the mid-sixteenth century, during the reign of Humayun, in a place called Rajpur in India. It is assumed that he was born under an unlucky star, because he was abandoned immediately after birth. Adopted by a wandering sadhu, or ascetic, he roamed the width and breadth of India, visiting many holy places - a story in part supported by passages in his poems. The sadhu renamed him Tulsidas, servant of the sacred tulsi plant, which was used in a ceremony of purification of the infant. It was from his guru, Narahari Das that he first learnt the story of Ramayana, but since it was in Sanskrit, the language of the Brahmin classes, he only grasped the story after many recitations. The beauty of the sacred epic made him determined to write it in the vernacular for his own benefit and for that of others in his position. Tulsidas married early, a girl named Ratnavali, by whom he had a son named Taraka, who died at an early age. So lost was he in the devotion of his wife, that for a brief while he deserted his God, Rama. He was recalled firmly back to his path by his wife who reproached him for showing more affection to her than to his Lord. Struck with remorse, Tulsi left her and took to an ascetic life. With his base as Ayodhya, he visited d

The critical race theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The critical race theory - Essay Example However, white privilege is dissimilar from conditions of extreme vestiges of racism and/ or prejudice, whereupon the predominant race actively finds it rational to oppress other racial tribes for their own gain. Similarly, theories of white privilege stipulate that the whites perceive their social, economic and cultural knowledge as a custom that everyone should experience, as opposed to a merit that should be kept at the expense of others (5-9). This normative discernment unreservedly restrains the discourse of racial dissimilarity within the predominate discussion. Ideally, such interpretations are limited certain particulars which are detailed to downgraded racial groups. These disadvantaged groups are assumed as having failed to realize the norm. Ironically, the resort concentrates on what should be done with a view to helping those racial groups accomplish the normal principles experienced by whites (Stefanic 22-24). Stefani argues that the theories of privilege affirm discussi ons on racial dissimilarity do not genuinely discuss variations between Non-white and whites social status. Come to think of it, these theories only converse about the malfunction of non-white racial groups to accomplish normal white status. This supposition on the hand turns the subject of race into a problem which doesn’t involve white racial groups (12-14). Racialization of individuality and ethnic downgrading of blacks and the colored formed the basis for ideological slavery and subjugation. Whiteness satisfies the expansive ideas of property as illustrated by classical theorists. Granted, whiteness stipulated the legal position of a person as free or a slave. White individuality awarded corporeal and valuable privileges. Ownership of property included the privileges of use and enjoyment. If these privileges were essential characteristics of property, it was the individuality of whiteness that had to enjoy them. Whiteness was perceived as an aspect of individuality and pr operty significance because it is something that can be experienced and dispatched as a resource (Stefanic 133-137). The United States is the patron of race subornation. In this context, the dominion of legal associations, judicial explanation of racial individuality primed on the white supremacy replicate that race underestimation at the institutional level. By metamorphosizing white into whiteness, the law disguises the ideological aspect of racial interpretation. The overall assertion of theories of white privilege is that the lack of racial equality can’t be determined only by looking at the life circumstances of the underprivileged groups. In this context, they thus state that imperative solutions to the viable challenges of lack of racial equality can be accomplished by overtly talking about the inherent merits that whites as a privileged racial group uphold in the community (Stefanic 77-76). According to Stefanic in the period of nineteenth century, the retinues of whi te laborers, while they were reimbursed relatively minimal wages, were remunerated in general through a public and psychological wage. These white laborers were also accorded public distinction and titles of honor since they were simply white. They were acknowledged unquestionably well with all other groups of white people of to best public schools, public places, and or public functions. Some of them were recruited into the American police. Additionally, these groups of people were treated with laxity by the American courts with a view to encouraging lawlessness. Besides, they freely voted for American public officials (185-188). However, this had

Global Navigation Satellite System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Global Navigation Satellite System - Essay Example The present working GNS system is the 'Global Positioning System (GPS)' developed by USA. The use of GPS is mainly for military purposes and controlled by the military. Europe is going to launch its own GNSS under the name of 'Galileo'. Galileo is Europe's first GNSS which is intended to be used by various civil sectors such as transport, social service, judicial system, public works, rescue teams, etc. Galileo is set to be fully operational by 2008. The fully deployed system consists of 30 satellites (27 operational + 3 active spares), positioned in three circular Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) planes in 23616 km altitude above the earth, and at an inclination of the orbital planes of 56 degrees with reference to the equatorial plane (ESA, 2005). As a large number of satellites are working together with three active spares, therefore the dysfunction of one of the satellites does not have much effect on the overall functioning of the system. Each satellite of a GNSS is provided with an atomic clock which measures time very accurately. The satellites continuously emit signals simultaneously indicating the time of leaving of the signals from the satellite. A receiver on the surface of the earth has the exact details of the orbits of all the satellites in its memory. By reading the incoming signal it can thus recognise the particular satellite, determine the time taken by the signal to arrive and calculate the distance from the satellite (EUROPA, 2006). The ground receiver receives the signals from about four different satellites simultaneously. Once it does so it can calculate the exact position of itself. The control of the satellites and performance of navigation management is carried out by 'Ground Control Centres (GCC)' located at different places on the earth. The control centres contact with the satellites through 'Up-link stations' and carry out the operations such as time synchronisation. Development The first experimental satellite, part of the so called 'Galileo System Test Bed (GSTB)' will be launched in the second semester of 2005 (ESA, 2005). This satellite is intended to test the technologies still under development. Then in the second stage about four operational satellites are scheduled to be launched in 2006 for In Orbit Validation (IOV). After this the remaining satellites will be launched to make it fully operational in 2008. Uses GNSS has to provide four basic services as follows. Position, Velocity and Time Service (PVT) Accuracy and Integrating Services (AI) Ranging and Timing Services (RT) High Integrity Services (HI) Politics There is an opposition to the European 'Galileo' GNSS mainly from GPS who want to be the sole satellite navigation system. The US is continuously making some announcements regarding GPS in order to derail Galileo. These sorts of announcements, however, do not have any effective impact on the development of Galileo. The objections from US side are that Galileo will be purely used for civil navigation without the control of military over it. Instead of this opposition from the US, development of Galileo will surely go ahead. This is a big step forward because it is for the benefit and welfare of the common people. It will directly benefit various sectors of the society and indirectly almost whole

Grandparents Essay Essay Example for Free

Grandparents Essay Essay The bond between grandparents and their grandchildren is one that can never be broken and will always be cherished forever. They basically set up a bond as a parent would. They take care of them while their parents are at work, provide financial support, and providing much needed emotional support to make sure the children get the best childhood without stressing out which is bad for the brain and development. The presence of a grandparent helps stable a child throughout childhood and infancy giving that child support while the parents are not there. Research believes that an integration of the evolutionary, sociological, and economic accounts will be necessary to fully explain the impact grandparents have in their grandchildren’s development. Once the children have been exposed to the love and caring of grandparents they begin to treat them with isolation to help control what is to come with dealing with attachment. They are beginning to conduct disciplines to determine what it is grandparents do to prompt the development of their grandchildren.

A study on the various personality type tests

A study on the various personality type tests It is only fairly recently that personality tests have become a common practice by companies looking to employ people. These personality tests enable organizations to match people to specific jobs and tasks. The tests also help to eliminate false information given in the interview. For example: A person being interviewed is asked how well they can work as part of a group. Naturally the person will say they like working as part of a group. A personality test will make it more difficult for the person to lie about things like that. History The basic principles or foundation of the modern personality type test can be traced back to the ancient Greeks. The ancient Greeks identified four personality traits known as the four temperaments or four humours. These four types are cheerful, sombre, enthusiastic, and calm. These four temperaments provided Carl Jung with the inspiration to develop his own physiological theory. Carl Jungs physiological theory provided the foundation for Myers Briggs and David Keirsey to build their assessment systems. These two systems are considered the modern day personality tests. Carl Jungs functional types Carl Jung categorised psychic energy into two types. The types are introverted and extroverted. These two categories are used extensively in the world today. They are two of the main types of personalities identified and used by the Myers Briggs personality test. Jung did not just leave it at this. He then went on to create four psychological types, these being: Thinking, Feeling, Sensation and Intuition. Jung also stated that things were either rational or irrational. Thinking and Feeling he considered to be rational. Sensation and Intuition he classified as irrational. Though his theories make sense the application of these theories for test purposes was difficult and tedious. Myers Briggs type indicator This type indicator is probably the most commonly used personality type test. It is based on Carl Jungs physiological theory. It is in the form of a questionnaire with the purpose of measuring psychological preferences with regard to how people make decisions and how they perceive the world around them (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator). Myers Briggs converts Carl Jungs theory into a methodology and system that can be used to understand and assess personalities. The Myers Briggs model can be used for: Gaining an understanding of and developing oneself To develop and understand other people Gain insight as to what motivates other people Assess other peoples strengths and weaknesses Developing and working in teams Agreeing on and allocation of tasks and responsibilities The Myers Briggs test is composed of four pairs of personality types. These types are: Extrovert vs. Introvert (EI), Sensing vs. Intuition (SN), Thinking vs. Feeling (TF), and Judgers vs. Perceivers (JP). Once an individual takes the test he/she will fall into one of sixteen possible personality groups. The sixteen personality groups are all the possible combinations of the four pairs of personality types. The sixteen personality groups fall into four distinct groups. These groups are: Internal Sensual Group, External Sensual Group, Internal Intuition Group, and External Intuition Group. This can be seen in the table below taken from Kersey.com (Keirsey Temperament Website). Internal Sensual Group External Sensual Group Internal Intuition Group External Intuition Group ISTJ ESTJ INTJ ENTJ ISFJ ESFJ INFJ ENFJ ISTP ESTP INTP ENTP ISFP ESFP INFP ENFP The advantage of this test is that if done honestly it can accurately reflect the individuals personality. This would enable managers to assemble a team of people with different personalities and each personality suited for the job required. The disadvantage is that this test may not necessarily be accurate as the individual could choose an option that they would most likely perform in their current state of mind. This could mean that the result could change if they were to take the test again under different circumstances. This would mean that their true personality would not be identified as the result is subject to the persons current mood and chain of thought. David Keirseys Personality Types Another personality type test is that of David Keirsey. Known as the Keirsey Temperament Sorter it helps people to better understand others as well as themselves. This test has been developed from the four temperaments and from Carl Jungs theories. Like the Myers Briggs test Keirsey categorises human personality into sixteen types and each type belongs to one of four categories. The four categories are: Artisans these are people who say what is and they do what will work. Guardians these people say what is and do what is right. Rationalists these are people who say what is possible and do what will work. Idealist these are people who will say what is possible and do what is right. Keirsey places the sixteen personality types into the four categories as seen in the table below taken from Keirsey.com (Keirsey Temperament Website). Artisan Guardian Rationalist Idealist Promoter (ESTP) Supervisor (ESTJ) Fieldmarshall (ENTJ) Teacher (ENFJ) Crafter (ISTP) Inspector (ISTJ) Mastermind (INTJ) Counsellor (INFJ) Performer (ESFP) Provider (ESFJ) Inventor (ENTP) Champion (ENFP) Composer (ISFP) Protector (ISFJ) Architect (INTP) Healer (INFP) Note: The letters in brackets are the equivalent Myers Briggs personality types. Like the Myers Briggs test Keirseys test is subject to the individuals frame of mind when taking the test and can only marginally determine the individuals temperament and personality. Another con is that if the person applying for the job knows the desired personality he/she can determine the outcome of the test. There are books on how to answer the test to achieve the desired personality for the job. Eysencks Personality Inventory Hans Eysenck brings a new dimension with the addition of emotional stability. Eysenck used two scales to measure personality, these being as follows: Introversion and Extroversion Stability and Instability With these two scales Eysenck created four types of personalities: Unstable introvert means that the person can be moody, anxious and unsociable Unstable extrovert this means that the person is aggressive, impulsive and changeable Stable introvert means that the person tends to be even-tempered, calm, reliable and controlled Stable extrovert this category means that the person is outgoing, lively, easy-going and is a good leader It is the dimensions of stable and unstable that sets Eysenck apart from systems of Myer Briggs and Keirsey. This helps to add a new view on the four temperaments. It also enhances the perspective of Jungs psychological types and adds to the Myers Briggs and Keirsey tests. Katherine Benzigers brain theory type Benziger has a different approach as compared to the likes of Myers Briggs and Keirsey. She places great importance on the fact that one should not try and falsify ones personality type. Benziger reckons that most people falsify their type so as to get the job for which they are applying. This could have an impact on their performance as they are not really the right people for the job. Like with the other tests she drew inspiration from Carl Jungs work. Her theory is that personality can be mapped in four quadrants of the brain: The Rear Left part is for processing and routines. The rear Right is associated with empathy and intuition. The Front Left part is associated with logic. The Front Right is associated with creativity and vision These quadrants can be linked to Jungs functional types. Benziger Jung Front Left Thinking Rear Right Feeling Rear Left Sensing Front Right Intuition The advantage of Benzigers test is that it places a strong emphasis on not falsifying personality type. There is even a section in the assessment that assesses the extent to which the person is falsifying their type. This can help in determining those who are honest and those who are not. This helps a manager select the best possible candidates for a position or a team. DISC This test determines four behavioural aspects by testing a persons preferences when it comes to word associations. The four dimensions of DISC are: Dominance Influence Steadiness Conscientiousness Dominance and Influence represent extrovert. Steadiness and Conscientiousness represent introvert. Some of the benefits of the DISC profile are: Being able to understand behavioural challenges and strengths in others as well as yourself. Gain an appreciation for the strengths and differences in others Identify tools to aid in conflict resolution Decrease conflict within the team and improve teamwork Gain an awareness of how to deal with diverse people Understand client behaviour resulting in increased sales Enhance customer satisfaction By identifying communication styles you can improve communication skills These benefits can help place the right people in management. Being able to motivate and understand people is a very good trait to have as a manager. The problem is that like most other assessments DISC is not one hundred percent accurate and therefore it does not display a reliable measurement. The Big 5 personality test This test measures your intensity to deal with change, people, work, and depression situations. The five factors are: Agreeableness or Accommodation this is how you deal with people. The higher the degree the more agreeable or courteous you are. The lower the degree the more unpleasant and aggressive you are. Openness to change the higher the degree the more open to sudden changes you are. A low degree means that you oppose change with vigour. Extroversion A high degree represents an extrovert while a low score represents an introvert Conscientiousness A high degree here means that you are focused and organized when it comes to work. On the other hand a low score means that you are lazy and dislike lots of work. Neuroticism This is your ability to handle depression. The higher the degree the more stability you have when pitted against depression. A low score means that you take a long time to recover from the shock caused by depression. This type of test is considered better than the Myers Briggs and DISC test. This is because this test does not focus on types or temperaments. Instead it tries to measure your ability to handle five factors. Conclusion There are many personality tests out there all of which can be used to gain insight into others and ourselves. Companies may use personality type tests to gain an idea as to how people think and then based on the outcome of the test build the best possible team. Managers can also use these tests to help them place the right people in the right position. Though these are great positives the downside is that the tests are not 100% accurate and some people know how to answer the test as to get the desired outcome. This means that you may get the wrong person for the job due to them being good liars.

King Tutankhamun and His Treasures Essay -- Essays Papers

King Tutankhamun and His Treasures The ancient Egyptians were noted for many things, one of which would have been their artwork. Egyptians used many medians in their artwork that enhanced the details and beauty of every piece of art. Their artwork is fascinating and mysterious, which pulls in the viewer into wanting to learn more. One of the most important and unique Egyptian artworks belongs to King Tutankhamun, a young pharaoh of Egypt. A brief history of the discovery of King Tut’s tomb and the importance and beauty of certain pieces found in his tomb, will be discussed in this essay. King Tutankhamun’s tomb was the prize that archaeologist Howard Carter sought out for in the Valley of the Kings. Carter was running out of time and also the Earl of Carnarvon’s patience. Disappointed for years by Carter’s discoveries, Carnarvon told Carter to not apply anymore for the renewal of his excavating concession. Only by his pleading and offers to pay the cost himself if nothing were found convinced Carnarvon to add one more excavating season. At the time, thirty-three tombs had been discovered, and thieves who had pillaged and destroyed them had already broken into all. Because of this, it was believed that the Valley burial ground held no more secrets. Carter disagreed and was more determined than ever to find the tomb. Eventually, three pieces of evidence discovered by Theodore M. Davis, and examined by H. E. Winlock, led Carter to believe that King Tut’s tomb was yet to be found. The three artifacts were a faience cup bearing the pharaoh’s name, a small, mud-filled pit tomb containing pictures and inscriptions of King Tut and his wife, and the third was a collection of pottery jars, each sealed with King Tut’s seal. Carter had a hypothesis that King Tut’s tomb may be found in a small area in the Valley where archeologists had not yet dug into. It was a very strenuous job, considering the floor of the Valley was covered with tons of rock and sand, and all they had was manual labor. Soon enough though, a staircase was discovered followed by a door with its seals still intact. In 1922, Carter had indeed discovered the tomb of King Tutankhamun! King Tut became pharaoh at the age of nine and ruled for nine years until his death at eighteen. The cause of his death is unknown. The period he ruled was that of economic prosperity and some re... ...s the god Shu, holding the curved piece, which was to represent him saving the world from chaos by holding up the sky. A lion was also carved on the base on the left and right side of Shu. The base represented the earth and the lions symbolized the mountains on the western and eastern horizons. This piece has no close parallel in Egyptian art. The artwork described above was only a tiny portion of what was discovered in King Tutankhamun’s tomb. It was very interesting to see the ancient artifacts and know the purpose that each one served—jars holding organs and concoctions, musical instruments, and statues that served as protection are just a few examples of what the Egyptians used in their tombs. Their art represents how loyal and elegant the Egyptian culture was. Even though King Tutankhamun was not one of the most famous pharaohs, his treasures will live on and educate people into knowing more about him and the Egyptians. Bibliography Buckley, Tom, and Wente F., Edward. Treasures of Tutankhamun. Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1976. â€Å"Tutankhamen.† Encarta, 1998 ed. CD-ROM. Microsoft, 1998. National Geographic Society. Ancient Egypt. Washington D.C., 1978.

Into the Wild: The Tragedy and Triumph of Chris Mccandless Essay

It is like a tag on a shirt that keeps bothering your tender skin, it is the reason why you rip the tag off and make your own choices while walking into the unknown land of the wilderness, striving for the adventure that has dire consequences if executed improperly. Walking the unknown land of Hades abyss might have taken the sensitive life of one man, but it was done in a blaze of glory with no regrets. This man of course is Christopher McCandless in the book, Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, which is based on a true story. In the book, McCandless strives for the cold Alaskan journey into the wild to satisfy his final thirst for the wilderness but tragedy strikes and it ends by him losing the most valuable thing to him, his life. Chris McCandless had exceptional reasons for vacating the life he lived which are also justified; he was also was not foolish for leaving that life and the outcome of his journey was a triumph and not a tragedy. McCandless had exceptional reasons for leaving home and taking on the life of a homeless person living in the wild. McCandless wanted to experience this type of individuality and to experience the life that Henry David Thoreau once lived, however there where more reasons on why he ultimately left home and decided to live the life of a free man. In the book, McKinney explains that Chris was convinced that humans had grown into inferior people and that it was his goal to return to the natural state of being a human (74). He also continued to say that Chris was experiencing what ancient civilizations experienced and that by the end of his lifestyle he had incorporated elements of Neolithic (74). This reveals his intensions from the beginning of his state of being an ultimately the beginning of his un... ... the milky crisp mountains of Alaska, it was everything he imagined it to be. However his burgeoning haplessness ended in the tragedy of his death. Though he abated in a world of reverie, he found enough energy to say his impeccable goodbyes to his loved ones and family. McCandless like a judge in the Supreme Court of the United States was justified in the absence of attending his life with his family and was not a fool for doing so. Though his incredible journey ended in demise, it was a feat for him and all of those who loved him. To quote Henry David Thoreau , â€Å"I learned this, at least, by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.† Works Cited Krakauer, Jon. Into the Wild. United States. Villard Books, 1996. Print Into the Wild: The Tragedy and Triumph of Chris Mccandless Essay It is like a tag on a shirt that keeps bothering your tender skin, it is the reason why you rip the tag off and make your own choices while walking into the unknown land of the wilderness, striving for the adventure that has dire consequences if executed improperly. Walking the unknown land of Hades abyss might have taken the sensitive life of one man, but it was done in a blaze of glory with no regrets. This man of course is Christopher McCandless in the book, Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, which is based on a true story. In the book, McCandless strives for the cold Alaskan journey into the wild to satisfy his final thirst for the wilderness but tragedy strikes and it ends by him losing the most valuable thing to him, his life. Chris McCandless had exceptional reasons for vacating the life he lived which are also justified; he was also was not foolish for leaving that life and the outcome of his journey was a triumph and not a tragedy. McCandless had exceptional reasons for leaving home and taking on the life of a homeless person living in the wild. McCandless wanted to experience this type of individuality and to experience the life that Henry David Thoreau once lived, however there where more reasons on why he ultimately left home and decided to live the life of a free man. In the book, McKinney explains that Chris was convinced that humans had grown into inferior people and that it was his goal to return to the natural state of being a human (74). He also continued to say that Chris was experiencing what ancient civilizations experienced and that by the end of his lifestyle he had incorporated elements of Neolithic (74). This reveals his intensions from the beginning of his state of being an ultimately the beginning of his un... ... the milky crisp mountains of Alaska, it was everything he imagined it to be. However his burgeoning haplessness ended in the tragedy of his death. Though he abated in a world of reverie, he found enough energy to say his impeccable goodbyes to his loved ones and family. McCandless like a judge in the Supreme Court of the United States was justified in the absence of attending his life with his family and was not a fool for doing so. Though his incredible journey ended in demise, it was a feat for him and all of those who loved him. To quote Henry David Thoreau , â€Å"I learned this, at least, by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.† Works Cited Krakauer, Jon. Into the Wild. United States. Villard Books, 1996. Print

I Must Help Others :: Medicine College Admissions Essays

I Must Help Others    I grew up amidst the poverty and deprivation of the Third World, and for the majority of the twenty years that I lived in Jamaica, I lived with a sense of hopelessness. I lived with my mother, one brother, and two sisters in a one-bedroom house without any roof. The day before my final exams, during my first year in high school, we were evicted from the house. I never got another chance to take my exams, and I had to spend the next school year repeating the same classes.    At the age of thirteen, I dropped out of school for about nine months because we were without any resources. During that time out of school I came to realize the value of education. I realized that I could improve the quality of my life and that of the people around me with an education.    While in high school my decision to become a doctor became real. As a member of the Hospital Club I visited the Kingston Public Hospital and saw that there were people there that had been waiting for days to see a doctor because they could not afford to go elsewhere. I had to do something to help.    As I pause to think of the forces that have motivated and influenced me, I remember the harsh experiences that I have endured, and the obstacles I have overcome. But, I would rather focus on the positive experiences that I have had. In doing so, I recall the many times that I was called upon by the headmistress of my high school to teach a mathematics class when the teacher was out ill, including the class in which I was enrolled. I remember the many times that I was voted in as class monitor and I also recall during my senior year being one of the fifteen prefects for the student body, which consisted of approximately 1500 girls. These experiences gave me a sense of pride, dignity, and the will to carry on.    I graduated from high school in 1985, and during that summer I worked as a clerk at the Police Forensic Laboratory. My interest in Physics and Biology blossomed as I watched the ballistics and other experiments being performed in this Laboratory. These were classes that I had never taken before.

In the arms of sleep

It happened again last night. Just like before. It began slowly, with little things. Then it got worse. Much worse. I suppose this is your way of punishing me. If it is, it's working. If it's not when I'm awake, it's when I'm asleep. Mad isn't it? That's what most people think anyway. Sometimes I think I'm going mad. Am I? No. I can't be. It's so real. I can feel it. It is more than a nightmare. Trapped. Trapped under the hideous black carpet that chokes the sky. Darkness complete. Shadows begin to move, writhing, with an eerie shrill sound of the sucking of the air. Unmoving, I watch. Without breathing. Without thinking. The wind pounds against my face like a thundering waterfall. My breath illuminates the sky in a vivid cloud of white smoke. A trail of ivy cradles gravestones like newborn babies. An ominous feeling of dread seeps through my bones. I am in a churchyard. This is no ordinary churchyard. This is where it happened. He was standing over there. I remember now. Right next to that cross. I shouldn't have done it should I? But I had no choice. There was no way out at the time. I can feel him now. Watching me like a hawk. His hot breath creeping up my neck. Hark! What was that? Did you hear it? There it is again. I turn my head slowly to locate the sound. It's coming from the church. The sound is distant and musical – almost menacing. The organ! It plays on like an instrument of torture. I hold my breath. It stops. One . . . two . . . three. There it is again. Calling me. Calling me so softly at first; so softly it could be the blood rushing to my ears. I can hear the words. Katherine . . . Katherine. Come and find me. You know you want to. I'm walking. Walking. My feet have a mind of their own. Uncontrollable. Eyes glued in front of me. I feel like a ventriloquist's dummy. The church door lies in front of me, like the gateway to hell. My hand trembles violently as I push the heavy iron handle forward. Then the door slams behind me with a metallic slice, like a falling guillotine. Silence. Nothing can be heard except the soft pit-pat of rain. The stillness is worse than noise. I know he's in here. I can feel his eyes – watching me. Stalking me. I can smell him. The smell of decay and dried blood wafts up my nose like rotten eggs. I feel sick. A thin hot trail of sweat runs down my temple. I need to get out of here. I need to get out of here now! But where is the door? It was behind me. That noise. There it is again. That faint tune. Sheer black terror is sweeping though me, every hair on my body erected. It is dark. So dark. Too dark. My entire body goes cold with terror. Something is watching me. Something is hunched over the organ. Something is there. No. It can't be. Can it? Just one yard away from me. On my feet, skin crawling and body washed with adrenaline. He plays on. Back turned, but I know he is aware of my presence. My neck prickles as I edge away. The music stops. I walk backwards. Away. Going nowhere. My eyes afraid too – open painfully wide, then narrow – struggling to focus. My eyes close in the terrifying reality of it, lips mouthing frantic prayers, teeth clenched. I dare not look upon his face. I can smell his breath; making me feel nauseated. Heart banging like a drum. I can't stand much more of this. I've got to get out of here. I must open my eyes. I must go. He breathes hard, and a raging movement disturbs his limbs. His yellow skin has sunk into his body, showing the crevices of his bones. His hair, of a lustrous black, reminds me of a beetle. These features only form a more revolting contrast of his eyes. They glow in their own light, like fire fox. They are cold, ravenous. So different. Every shred of decency, kindness, forgiveness and passion, is gone. Replaced by the unmistakable look of a predator. His jaw opens, saliva dripping down his chin. He breaks into a fiendish grin. He cackles loudly, echoing across the hollow room. Stop! Make him stop. Make it go away. Make him disappear. I never could've imagined . . .never dreamed of such a foul creature. The devil of devils. I've never looked him directly in the face before. His gaze is hypnotic, mesmerizing. He lifts his arm up, his long knifelike fingers pointing towards the ceiling – clenches his fists, so tight – a trail of blood slowly trickles down, like a falling raindrop. He thrusts his arm down in anger; causing a sickening crack as it hits the organ. I shudder violently. He wants to punish me. He's going to do it properly. Whimpering, I move away. I can't watch this wretch lead me to my merciless death. I'd rather die with my dignity left alone. A scorched, rotting smell fills my lungs. I can't breathe. Gagged. I am going to die. No! I will run. I will save myself. I can't. He is too strong. He throws back his demon head, and lets out a howl of laughter. I look away. Trying not to look upon his face. I can feel fear ripping; opening my chest. Can he not see that I have suffered enough? Can he not see I am sorry? I can feel a surge of dizziness rush through me as my eyes rush in and out of focus. I stand still, very straight, as if paralysed. He rests his cold, lifeless hands on my cheek. My heart contracts with sorrow and pain. My knees buckle. I grab the organ to stop me from falling. This is not happening, I'm thinking. Why? Why are you doing this? Have you no heart? No soul? You did . . . once. But now it is long gone. Buried forever. Now leaning over, to kiss me goodbye – lips purple and cracked, flesh peeling off his face like the petals of a rose. His eyes glittering. A gust of wind whips my hair, stinging some feeling back into my cheeks – some coherence back into my brain. He puts his hands round my neck. Gasping for breath. I feel like a stuffed animal. Like a balloon about to pop. He is angry. He is not going to let go. Please . . .God no! I wake up. Neck throbbing with pain. Sucking in every ounce of air. Relieved. The wind wails as it bangs against the cold glass window. A faint knocking on the door, a gentle rattle of the knob. My door creaks. I stare into oblivion as my life flashes before me. I can feel him. Watching me. Trapped.

The Challenge Facing Managed Care Organizations

The greatest challenge for managed care organizations (MCOs) in our current time is how to obtain lower priced medical fees. As we all know, American health care should essentially be a nonprofit enterprise. However, the privatization of American health care holds that health care in general and hospitals in particular are increasingly operating on a for-profit basis. In fact, the for-profit hospital sector has accounted for a relatively constant share (about 15 percent) of hospital beds over the last twenty years (Morrisson, 1999). This is why recently the U.S. Congress tries to push more â€Å"consumer-directed† health plan options to avoid cash-strapped managed care organizations (MCOs) to boost their deductibles, raise premiums and even defy federal law by authorizing policy holders to buy prescription drugs from low-cost vendors in Canada (Smith, 23 September 2004). Managed care organizations (MCOs) often apply the traditional fee-for-service models, which do not provide adequate financial controls and utilization incentives for physicians and hospitals to contain the costs of providing healthcare. Under managed care, the needs of the patients are balanced with efforts to provide cost-effective care. Typically, MCOs enroll subscribers by promising to provide all necessary medical care in exchange for a fixed monthly premium. The MCO also contracts with hospitals, physicians, and other healthcare providers to dispense the necessary medical care to its enrollees at a discounted reimbursement rate. In exchange for accepting reduced fees, the caregivers gain access to the MCO’s enrolees (Kirby, Sebastian & Hornberger, 1998). A problem with managed care is that employers who offer a health maintenance organization (HMO) to their employees often pay the premium as long as the HMO premium was not higher than the fee-for-service premium. This behavior by employers creates distorted incentives for the HMO in controlling its costs. Enthoven (1993) suggested that this incentive distortion can be corrected when employers design better alternatives for their employer contributions. The employer could contribute a fixed-dollar amount for health insurance with the employee paying the full difference between plans. The greater the portion of the marginal premium paid by the employees is, the stronger the incentive is to choose lower-cost plans. For example, if the employer pays 80 percent of the premium and the employee pays the remainder, then the employee pays only 20 percent of the difference between the low (let’s presume here) HMO premium and the higher fee-for-service premium. HMOs and other managed care arrangements are organized on a prepayment basis that appear in a wide variety of forms. An HMO could hire physicians on a salary, contract with a preexisting group practice of physicians, or contract with physicians who maintain a fee-for-service practice. According to Luft (1991), â€Å"Because specific social, legal, historical, political, and economic aspects of the medical care environment have shaped delivery systems such as the HMO, it is not reasonable to expect that the typical HMO could be transplanted intact to another country† (p. 173). The key to HMO cost savings is the organization’s wide range of medical services, both inpatient and outpatient. In this way, the HMO can receive the cost savings implied by reduced hospital use. This may be difficult to manage in systems where there are separate financing mechanisms for primary care physicians and inpatient care. As Luft (1991, p. 180) remarks. â€Å"If there were no way to shift funds from the ‘hospital side’ to the ‘physician side,’ it would be difficult to reward clinical decision makers for the development of more cost-effective practice styles.† This is why three areas appear to offer a magnitude of opportunities where MCOs can assist patients, these are ambulatory care, mental health and the alternative therapies. Firstly, ambulatory care-sensitive conditions reflect the quality and availability of primary care services, since they are readily treatable without the need for hospitalization. There are differences in the hospitalization rate for ambulatory care sensitive conditions. Shenkman et al. (2005) had indicated that specialty ambulatory care is important for many children with chronic conditions. However, access to such care may be constrained within managed care environments. The use of primary care providers (PCPs) as gatekeepers for managed care organizations (MCOs) is one commonly used strategy to control specialty care use. Studies of the impact of gatekeeping on children's receipt of specialty care have resulted in mixed findings. Some studies found more specialty care use in gatekeeping MCOs, compared with non-gatekeeping MCOs. Other researchers found that the replacement of a gatekeeping system with an open-access model increased specialty visits among a group of children with chronic conditions. Although the focus on gatekeeping in general yields some important information, MCOs use many other strategies concomitantly with their PCP gatekeepers, such as capitated payments, financial incentives, and prior authorization procedures. The use of these concomitant strategies may meet the unique needs of children with chronic conditions, including their need for specialty physician care. On the other hand, managed care had been significant contributor on delivery systems for mental health services. Taylor et al. (2001) had indicated that direct and indirect persuasion to provide more cost-effective treatments has been one consequence. The cost-saving qualities and the effectiveness of group interventions have produced clear expectations for an increased use of therapy groups. In the research of Taylor et al. (2001), they compared perceptions and uses of group treatments on a national sample of managed care organizations and mental health providers. Implications of differences and similarities between directors of managed care organizations and treatment providers are examined and discussed across five response categories (familiarity/training perceived effectiveness, likelihood of reimbursement/referral, daily use and expectation for future use). Taylor et al (2001) favored the approach where MCOs calibrate treatment referral/reimbursement decisions. Recently published comparison outcome studies and meta-analyses can and should empirically guide the present treatment delivering systems. Lastly, many managed care organizations have already begun to integrate complementary and alternative medical therapies (CAM) with conventional medical providers. Medical practitioners are obligated to assess CAM therapy with patients. Alternative therapies require professionals to rethink staff competency, patient assessment, and patient-focused care. Medical leaders must understand CAM trends and therapies to better integrate these concepts into health care policy, standards of care, and ethical decisions (Parkman, 2001). Among ambulatory care and mental health care, alternative therapies, or CAM, offers the most favorable and cost-efficient strategy for MCOs. This is because the aging â€Å"baby boom† generation is beginning to experience chronic but non-life threatening conditions, such as joint pain, headaches and menopause-related complaints and they are willing to explore options other than prescription drugs. For health plans, the attraction of offering alternative care products lies in retaining and attracting new members, diversifying their services from competitors in a congested managed care market and in attempts to address current or proposed state mandates (West, 1997). In 1997 alone, expenses for professional services were $21.2 billion, a 45% increase over the earlier 1990 data. Expenses for professional services, herbals, vitamins, diet products, books, and classes totaled $27 billion. Five surveys conducted since 1990 have reported frequent use of CAM, ranging from 30% to 73% by patients suffering from conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, arthritis, HIV and AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Furthermore, the demand for CAM by the general public is increasing, despite the fact that its use is largely paid by consumers without coverage by third-party payers. In 1997, Americans spent an estimated $13 billion for visits to CAM providers and an additional $2 billion for commercial diet supplements and over-the-counter megavitamins (Pelletier & Astin, 2002). Managed care should not only focus on cost savings, but they should also look into diversifying their services. MCOs have generally contributed to the decline in the U.S. health cost growth rate. Their potential will continue to be limited to the extent that employers fail to offer true financial advantages to consumers who choose the low-cost health plans. Thus, more reforms in the policies should be reviewed and revised so that more people could benefit from the quality health care everyone deserves. References Enthoven, A.C. (1993). The History and Principles of Managed Competition. Health Affairs, supplement, 24-48. Kirby, E.G., Sebastian, J.G. and Hornberger, K.D. (1998, Jan/Feb). The Effect of Normative Social forces on Managed Care Organizations: Implications for Strategic management/Practitioner Response. Journal of Healthcare Management. 43(1):81-106. Luft, H. (1991). Translating the U.S. HMO Experience to Other Health System. Health Affairs 10:172-186. Morrison, I. (1999). Health Care in the New Millennium. NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Parkman, C. (2001, February). Alternative Therapies Are Here to Stay. Nursing Management, 32(2): 36-40. Pelletier, K.R. and Astin, J.A. (2002, Jan/Feb). Integration and Reimbursement of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Managed Care and Insurance Providers: 2000 Update and Cohort Analysis. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 8(1): 38-44. Shenkman, E., Tian, L. and Schatz, D. (2005, June). Managed Care Organization Characteristics and Outpatient Specialty Care Use Among Children With Chronic Illness. Pediatrics, 115(6): 1547-1555. Smith, C. (2004, Spetember 23). Senate Panel Examines Health Care Choices, Insurance Costs. Knight Ridder Tribune. Taylor, N.T., Burlingame, G.M., Kristensen, K.B., Fuhriman, A. et al. (2001, April). A Survey of Mental Health Care Provider's and Managed Care Organization Attitudes Toward, Familiarity With, and Use of Group Interventions. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 51(2): 243-264. West, D. (1997, November 10). MCOs Integrating Alternative Care. National Underwriter, 101(45): 58.   

Just the Unjust for Martin Luther King Jr.

When Martin Luther King Jr. was detained for having organized peaceful protests for the Negro community in Birmingham, he felt compelled to write the white clergymen who criticized the protesters instead of defending them from the immorality of segregation.   His letter accused the white clergy of not only ignoring the moral laws of God but also enacting against it because of their own prejudicial principles.   He explained the difference of just and unjust laws to show that he was merely giving his highest accordance to what is morally right. First, he said that any law that degrades human personality is just but one that degrades human personality is unjust. Western civilization created laws to put order and respect to humanity.   However, segregation, according to King, distorts the soul and damages the human character because it gives the white people a false sense of superiority to degrade the dignity of Negroes. He argues that segregation makes whites treat blacks as objects instead of considering them as people with feelings and rights like their own. Considering other people as inferior and not worthy of having the voice to speak out their needs is immoral because Christians are supposed to treat each other as brothers and not objects. In today’s American society, the woman’s right to abort her baby, I believe, is also a law that degrades the human personality.   Although women are given property over their bodies and have the right to protect their lives from problems, this does not mean that they can degrade another person – the fetus inside of them. Like the blacks that King was defending, babies have yet to find their voice in society.   It is even more inhumane to kill these babies because doing so murders the right they could have had to give their own opinion someday. Another clarification made by King on the subject of just and unjust laws refers to the implementation of a majority group’s rules over a minority.   King believes that is unfair if a majority group forces a minority to obey but does not make the rules binding on itself. Western, specifically American laws, provided that each man must have the right to vote. However, during his time, blacks were not considered as part of the American society with legal rights and therefore had no privilege to elect nor implement and revise the legal system. King believes that this is totally wrong because the laws that were being executed stepped on the human dignity and rights of the Negroes.   What the whites wanted, they got – even if it was hurtful to the lives of colored people. The law protected the white people but did not take the plight of the blacks in consideration. This still happens in America today, although it does not necessarily just encompass the Negro community.   After the fatal attack on the World Trade Center, the Bush administration has decided to go full force against terrorism without enough consideration for the human rights of the Iraqi people. The American military operations in Iraq have caused grievous insults to the dignity of the Iraqi civilians and even death.   Being the democratic majority globally, the American government has led other nations to invade another country and decided to impose its presence to â€Å"prevent† terrorism.   However, the cultural identity and traditional beliefs of the Iraqi people have been ignored greatly which I feel is very unjust. King also pointed out that sometimes a law is just on its face and unjust in its application. He cited that the clergy and government were one-sided in enacting the First Amendment especially when it came to the parades and peaceful assemblies King’s organization was organizing.   He reminds the readers that all citizens must have the right to freedom of expression even if it means going against the government’s policies. He believed that legally binding laws do not always protect what is morally right.   He also mentioned that Hitler did everything legally but the results were terribly wrong and unjust to the Jews. Laws, like most things, have advantages and disadvantages. Great care and analysis must be taken to understand what can be appropriately done for the gray areas.   American immigration laws, for example, can also be hurtful in its application if simply implemented without enough thought. U.S. deportation policies have become hurtful to many illegal immigrants who have lost their rights because they were not given enough consideration. There are many illegal immigrants who desired that better democratic life that Americans have.   Many of these do not know how to speak English well and are victims of wrong criminal accusations causing their deportment. Many of these were not able to defend themselves properly and have had to carry the burden of being separated from their children who were already born in the U.S. King’s Birmingham letter addresses the clouded and prejudiced vision of the white clergy but his clarifications on the justice of laws are classical principles that should guide every good citizen who wishes to follow any legal system.   In truth, laws are structures that help keep peace and order but one must consider everything from the view point of what is morally right and wrong.   Laws are merely man-made but the rule of God and nature should always be everyone’s primary guide.   

Customer Service and Hard-to-get Auto Air-conditioning

Hill’s Automotive, Inc. Hill’s AutomotiveInc. , is an aftermarket producer and distributor of automotive replacement parts. The business slowly expanded which began as a supplier of hard-to-get auto air-conditioning units for classic cars and hot rods. The firm has limited manufacturing capability but a state-of-the-art MRP system and extensive inventory and assembly facilities. Components are purchased, assembled and repackaged. Profits have fallen considerably. In addition, the customer service level has declined, with late deliveries now exceeding 25% of orders.And to make matters worse, customer returns have been rising at a rate of 3% per month. I. Point of View Art Hill II. Time Context At present III. Statement of the Problem The main problem of the study pertains to the declining profitability of the company and how will this decline be solved. IV. Statement of the Objectives * To be able to prepare a plan that will help the firm back on course toward improved p rofitability. * To be able to identify the symptoms, the problems and the specific changes to be implemented in the firm. * To be able to show the importance of MRP played in the plan. V. Assumptions * Hill’s Automotive Inc. s known as a supplier of hard-to-get auto air-conditioning units. * Hill’s Automotive Inc. is a financial stable manufacturing company. * The whole management of the Hill’s Automotive Inc. is responsible and effective employees. * The slow expansion of the business is consistent. VI. Areas of Consideration SWOT Analysis Strengths * Hill’s Automotive Inc. is a supplier of hard-to-get replacement parts. * Hill’s Automotive Inc. is a financial stable manufacturing company. * The manufacturing company has a state-of-the-art MRP system and extensive inventory and assembly facilities. * The firm has accurate bill of materials. Weaknesses The firm has a limited manufacturing capability. * The company’s discretionary segment has put downward pressure on volume and margins. * The company is suffering from considerably fallen profits. * Customer service level declines. * Customer returns are rising. * The firm has poor quality control and low productivity resulting to acquire high cost. Opportunities * The firm has a limited manufacturing capability. * The company is suffering from considerably fallen profits. * Level of customer service and returns. * Quality level and standards Threats * Competitors * Economic change * Declining customer service level. * Doubtful quality

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

Telecom - Essay Example However, to serve simplified organizational goals that are specifically identified by smaller organizations, the need to design and establish a workable R & D that could address the mission and goals of the organization and within an identified budget would suffice. Smaller organizations can update themselves of telecommunications trends using various medium. As emphasized by Sachenko â€Å"organizations are becoming internetworked enterprises that use the Internet, intranets, and other telecommunications networks to support e-business operations and collaboration within the enterprise, and with their customers, suppliers, and other business partners† (1). In an article written by Rubin, it was disclosed that â€Å"small companies spend proportionally more of their revenues on research and development than large ones† (par 1). Likewise, in another study, Klein revealed that â€Å"small and midsize companies don’t know how to capture qualified research expenses and quantify them. Also, in most small companies, the R&D is heaviest up front, when they are developing products and services† (1). In this regard, small organizations could solve the problem by availing of R & D tax credits. As explained by Klein, " if you’re a startup and you don’t have research expenses for the previous three years, you can use 6 percent of your qualified research expenses to offset your tax liability, if you have any. If you don’t have tax liability, perhaps because you have no income as a startup, you can claim the credit prospectively and carry it forward into a year when you do owe taxes. The great thing is that there’s a 20-year carry-forward provision for this credit† (1). Therefore, through availing of R & D tax credits, the amount of tax liability could be minimized depending on the income of the small organization. Likewise, by being aware and recognizing which R & D

Observation is a crucial element in ensuring successful provision for Essay

Observation is a crucial element in ensuring successful provision for children in the early years setting. Detail the key elements necessary to maximize the eff - Essay Example The causes of many problems, which parents and teachers face (the lowered cognitive activity, infringements in communication, restraint and the heightened shyness, or on the contrary, aggression and hyperactivity of children, etc.), lay in the early childhood. As matter of fact correction of these deformations at preschool and school age represents essential difficulties and demands much greater efforts and expenses, than their timely prevention. High-grade development of a child in the early years setting demands an adequate and qualified psychological and pedagogical support from the professionals possessing corresponding qualification. However, nowadays there is a certain deficiency of such experts (psychologists and teachers) able to work with small children. Today a great attention is paid to a principle of the account of individuality of each child. This principle predetermines the corresponding approach to education, especially in the age of from 3 till 7 years. At first sight, all children of the same age seem similar to each other, but at detailed observation over each of them, we are able to consider born or got particular features or deviations in their development. Some of them may and should be corrected and, on the contrary, observers should provide the best development to positive qualities of a child. Not all adults working with children are involved in formal observation of the children. However, â€Å"all are observing and making judgments on a daily basis. Structured, purposeful observation is a vital tool for the educator. Through observation we can not only monitor young children and their learning, but we can monitor our own actions and reactions to situations† (Sutherland, 2005, p. 22). Observation is one of the most widespread and accessible method of studying of children in early years setting development. Scientific observation is understood as a specially organized perception of

Football or Tennis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Football or Tennis - Essay Example Tennis, on the other hand, has its own magical aura and unique charm, but in my opinion, when compared to football, it almost fails to bag the first position when it comes to the popularity of sports. This might be due to the fact that because of involvement of many players, naturally huge interest develops compared to the simplicity related to only two players involved in tennis. The comparison between the two games can be discussed in terms of the state of mind. Decisions have to be made in tennis that does not spare much time for the players. No one can disagree that all those trickiest decisions have to be made in a fraction of second and all this strategy involved in this highly fiddly game require the extraordinary presence of mind. An acute decision at the correct moments is what professional tennis is all about. The point is, all the crucial decisions have to be made single-handedly, that is in huge contrast to football, where teamwork is included and prostrating pressure doe s not have to be faced by only one person. Furthermore, tennis is primarily a one-man show whereas football requires teamwork. Also, the former is played with hands while the latter is played with feet. Summing up, hopefully, this much becomes clear from the above discussion that both games have their huge share in the entertainment world, but it would be unfair to underestimate any one of them. Deficiencies are always there but what matters is how long any game stays in vogue and both games have more or less managed to achieve this position.

Human Biological Systems, Co-ordination & Control Essay

Human Biological Systems, Co-ordination & Control - Essay Example Different Parts of the Nervous System The human nervous system includes three main parts. These are central nervous system, peripheral nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. The CNS consists of brain and spinal cord while the other two are formed by neurons clusters known as ganglia. The brain is comprised of three major parts. The cerebrum controlling the human senses of touch etc, the cerebellum which controls coordination and balance and the brain stem that provides the linkage between brain and spinal cord as well as controls breathing, heartbeat and digestion. Spinal Cord is a tube consisting of neurons that move up the spine and links to the brain stem. The signals from the body parts are first conveyed to the spinal cord, from where they are either responded in case of autonomic responses or else are conveyed to the brain. 2. Types of Neurons The neurons or nerve cells are classified on the basis of their function as motor neurons, sensory neurons and inter- neurons. Motor neurons dispatch signals from the CNS to the other body parts. Thus carries a message that has been send by the CNS to generate an appropriate response, sensory neurons convey the external stimuli that triggered the nerve impulse to the CNS. These stimuli may be sense of taste, hearing, sight, smell, touch and pain. While inter neurons relay information among groups of neurons or neurons for information processing to occur within the brain in a similar way as computer’s logic circuits. They also convey information within the CNS. 3. Nerve Impulse Initiation Animals have various kinds of mechanical stimuli receptors. Each receptor begins nerve impulses within the sensory neurons on going thru a physical deformation introduced by an external stimulus like pressure, touch, stretching, sound waves and motion. A nerve impulse starts within a living cell by receptor cells. These all possess exceptional voltage-gated sodium channels, but are gated instead by the suitable stim ulus either directly or indirectly. For instance: In tongue the sodium channels are chemical-gated which opens the taste receptors on coming in contact with a particular food chemical while sodium channels in the inner ear hair cells are mechanically-gated that are disturbed by sound vibrations. In either case the right stimulus leads to the opening of sodium channel, leading the flow of sodium ions into the cell, causing membrane potential depolarization and ultimately influences the voltage-gated channels of sodium located nearby and initiates an action potential. Nerve impulses transmission Electrical transmission Neurons receive and send messages from and to one another and the body. This communication takes place via

Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 25

Business - Essay Example On the other hand bring it with the organization structure of Hostess and this will depend on the Human Resource department exhibited by the firm, the teams owned by the firm verses the individual behavior of the individual members of the original company. This will go hand in hand with the communication models of the companies and the employee handling skills used by the employees. This may not be actually relevant for the firm since the firm will decide on whether to use distributorship, which operates through contracts. Therefore, the task that is left for this individual is to gunner all the information with regards to the form of distribution they would wish to use and land on the form that is appropriate for Worde white Bread name(See the attachments). A business mode to be employed by a company is quite a formal plan for earning a profit for the company, a business model is otherwise called a profit model and if the right procedure and channel were used in formulating and implementing it then the business would earn a profit out of it (Hoque). This is because the business model employed by for example by the Pepperidge Farm Bread Company would set the bread products and services to be offered to the customers and the way the company will offer such products and services. The distribution model implemented depending on how it is adopted will consider the cost structure and the manner to improve on the sales for the company to bring in more money to widen the gap for profitability while minimizing costs hence expanded profitability. The distribution model if enacted through a good model has always ensured that a wide range of costs as those on employees are negated hence they come in below the sales revenue widening the probability of increasing sales to improve on the profitability. For the distributor model to work as opposed to the employees’ model a series of steps as defined below must be followed in

Online Learning versus Traditional Learning Essay

Online Learning versus Traditional Learning - Essay Example Assessment in some cases is done online whilst in other cases, students go to a place to sit examinations under supervised conditions. Personally, I find out that online learning is convenient. It enables people to learn at any location and at anytime. This convenience is borne out of the fact that all what a person needs is access to the Internet and from there, the person can access all course materials at the convenience of his home or on his laptop anywhere in the world. This is a convenience that is not available to people who study in campuses where they are required to put aside other things and attend lectures to meet the requirements for graduation. Dosckocil (2008) states that online learning is very popular with adults who seek to study. This is because online learning allows older people to balance their career and family commitments with education. This is very convenient and allows people who do not have the opportunity to put aside some important elements of their live s to go back to school to also access education. This can come in handy when one wants to gain some career improvement through the attainment of better qualifications. Personally, before enrolling in this online course, I had a lot of responsibilities and thought it will be difficult for me to balance a traditional learning system. I dreaded the idea of enrolling in a traditional course since that would cause me to put aside a lot of important things in my life to meet the attendance requirements and other enrollment demands that such courses have. This course has allowed me to kill two birds with one stone because I can study and also make time to do important things in my life. Also, online learning gives an individual the opportunity to use sophisticated tools and techniques to support his studies. For instance, online learning courses often give an array of important study resources like online libraries and journals that can add up to the potentials and abilities of the student . Additionally, the use of computers enables an individual to build important skills and potentials like typing and computer usage which are imperative skills for employment in our era today. Traditional Learning Traditional learning on the other hand is far from being extinct. There are numerous reasons that imply that people will continue to patronize the normal brick-and-mortar classroom study for a long time to come. Hall (2007) identifies that some courses like natural sciences, teachers education and psychology are not suitable for online learning. This is because such courses require important skills that can only be studied in an environment where there is a concentration of support services and infrastructure. For instance, a medical student cannot graduate by studying online only. This is because the student needs to be accustomed to a schedule that will require him to go to the laboratory, go for lecturers offered by specialists and access traditional libraries. This ther efore makes it imperative for such students to move to a traditional university campus to get a balanced education. Also, traditional study systems solicit for more commitments and promote important elements of studies which cannot be made available through distance studies. This is because there is some kind of personal rapport that exists between the student of a traditional course which is missing in an online course. Additionally, students in a