International Trade and Brief Company Profile

Political-Legal Environment Country’s differences in relation to political and legal systems can have dramatic impact on the benefits, costs and risks associated with expanding a business internationally (Hill, 2008, p. 219). In order to make a well analysed decision on feasibility of expansion of Octahedron into either Mexico or Colombia, the political-legal environments of each country must be researched and analysed. Beginning with Mexico, the current government type of Mexico is a Federal Republic.Question of  FEDERAL TRADE at  https://donemyessay.com/apush-chapter-29/The current government is in the process of improving many of the country’s economic challenges, in particular, the improvement and modernisation of labour laws. According to online website run by the U. S Department of State (2011, para. 7) the President’s main priorities are to create more job opportunities within the country, which can be interpreted that the country is open to internatio nal business expansion, as it will provide more jobs within the country, which in turn will improve the economy of Mexico.However, there are some setbacks in the way of political risks if Octahedron were to expand to Mexico, as it is very difficult to improve such things with so much corruption in the country and a high amount of organized crime on the streets. Such corruption often scares international iinvestors away, as it is not worth risking one’s life to expand a business internationally. However, the current government is working hard to improve this situation and have assisted Mexico in dramatically improving international trade.According to online website ‘Encyclopaedia of the Nations’ (2012, para. 4) the success of this can mostly be attributed to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) which they joined in 1994. As well as NAFTA, Mexico is part of another Free Trade Agreement with the European Union. These agreements set Mexico up as a highly s ought after country for international expansion, as it is one of the only country’s with special access to both the North American and European markets. Expanding to a country that is part of these free trade agreements s exactly what Octahedron needs, as according to Mcgee, working with a free trading country will save costs of imports and exports (2011, para. 1), therefore increasing the company’s profitability. However, the political-legal environment of Colombia must also be analysed as a potential player for international expansion of Octahedron. The form of government currently running is a Constitutional Republic. According to journalist Pablo Mejia (2011, para. 2) Colombia is perhaps best known as one of the highest drug trading countries in the world, which is never a positive reputation to hold, especially not for international expansion.However, over the past decade Colombia has had a dramatic decrease in crime rates, increase in pro-business politicians who have encouraged more openness to foreign trade (2010, para. 3). The political risk of a country is a key consideration for iinvestors hoping to emerge into a new market. Another journalist, Kimball states that the most threatening political risk of expansion to Colombia is social unrest within the country and the high level of corruption (2011, para. 2). It has been ranked among the world’s most violent countries, due to the guerrillas and drug gangs.

The paper shall proceed by providing

The paper shall proceed by providing a complete and concise introduction of amazon. ae so that a foundation can be established in order to follow further on with an elaboration upon the numerous fundamental internal and founding aspects that can influence the success of the brand. It is essential to highlight here that there are certain suppositions that have been made in the paper. However, in order to add originality to the development of the paper, it is necessary to highlight at this point that the paper has considered amazon. ae to be a UAE version of the well known website, amazon. com and shall proceed with knowledge acquired from sources that have analyzed the same in the past.Amazon. ae Amazon. ae is the world’s largest online retailing organization that generates revenues worthy of envy even from the toughest names in the business. It was founded in the year 1994, and the initial product it offered online was an online bookstore, however as the years progressed it br anched out into various product lines and brand extensions. The various product lines it adopted beneath the shade of its vast umbrella were VHS, CD’s DVD’s, furniture, toys, apparel, electronics and many others.It is due to the eventful branching out of various product lines that Amazon. ae is the most famous, easily accessible, reliable where deliveries are concerned and constitutes a large number of clientele that it maintains to its credit. Due to the difference in product lines and the necessity of marketing in regions where the products were most needed it was highly necessary that its online information be easily available in all conspicuous regions of the world where easy access would be the name of the game (Rich).Therefore it has established different websites in many different regions like, The United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, Dubai, China and Japan. Due to its ultimate success in whatever product it adopted, a necessary survey and inspection was car ried which yielded a result that claimed that Amazon. ae was the favorite music and video retailer in the UK and held third position in all around global retail rankings. Although its Headquarters are in Dubai, Amazon. ae has many regional offices around the globe, which makes its services easily accessible.This way the consumers if facing any difficulties, find Amazon. ae headquarters close at hand where they can review their situation and find solutions at the customer representative’s helpline and helpdesk. This serves to make Amazon not only a web based organization that would face suspicions of fraud and mistrust, but a tangible organization with a solid background and reputation. Apart from its offices Amazon. ae has adopted many software houses to assist in its numerous features, these are located within the Indian, Chinese and USA locale.Amazon. ae not only provides retail selling services but also provides fulfillment warehousing services for various globally reputed companies in the following regions like Delaware, Phoenix, Nevada, Kentucky, Texas etc. Amazon. ae recognizes the ultimate necessity of customer and client feedback. It has established a highly efficient customer review monitoring system which monitors customer feedback, recommendations and complaints so as to leave no room for mishaps. If any negative comment is recorded, immediate action is taken to rectify the error.It is due to the caution and care with which Amazon. ae performs its duties that it is reputed as the most reliable and trustworthy web based organization with efficiency that rivals a tangible organization with tangible services. The customer reviews monitoring system is not the only extent that Amazon. ae has gone to, it has further established means for each and every customer to actually rate and comment on each product that the customer favors or shows interest in to buy. This way on a scale of 1 to 10, Amazon.ae offers products of limitless ranges, from somethi ng as cheap as a set of tarot cards and baby’s toys to intricate electronic appliances, all based on the customers likes, dislikes, needs, wants and economy of income. A fact of importance, Amazon. ae customers need not possess separate accounts; all accounts to be held by any customer of Amazon. ae are handled and maintained by Amazon. ae itself. This is a feature that provides Amazon with a distinct edge, at least an edge over eBay. StrategyIn order to develop a concrete marketing, it is essential to follow the approach that pertains to the four P’s which elaborate upon the price, promotion, and product and positioning of the brand. These four allow the complete, concise and concrete analysis and determination of the strategy that a brand should be subjected to during its development and launching. It is for the same reason that the following paragraphs shall elaborate upon the possibilities that amazon. ae can implement in light of the introduction to amazon. ae tha t has been presented above. PriceIn terms of price, it is necessary to understand that amazon. ae is serving as a sales person or as a middle man for a wide variety of products, in this regard, it is essential that in order to avoid the occurrence of instances where website visitors who are potential website visitors choose to opt for another internet based service to buy the same products that amazon. ae has to offer (McGraw-Hill). It is therefore essential that amazon. ae uses advertising space to generate the major part of its revenues and ensures that the products being offered on amazon.ae are of a price that the consumer does not feel inconvenient in any way (Sweeney). If a consumer finds a cheaper copy of the same book or a version of the same jacket at a lesser price at another online store, there will be almost no chances that the consumer will not opt to save money. In the same regard, it is just as essential to realize that amazon. ae exists in a market where there are al ready a large number of players in the same field, and it is therefore imperative that amazon.ae offers one or the other augmented product or service that consumers cannot find or take advantage of from another online source (M. Gordon Hunter). Promotion With concern to promotion, it is necessary to see that amazon. ae will be known for its reputation as a web based portal through which consumers can attain their desired products rather than as a commercial entity, it is therefore necessary to ensure that the promotion for amazon. ae is carried through the use of websites that users can be expected to switch to in the absence of amazon. ae. Hence, in technical terms, amazon.ae will be generating a void by introducing consumers to a web based portal where their multiple needs can be entertained in one go, and will then offer itself as the solution to fill that void. Product In terms of product, one cannot help but accept the fact that having established credibility and reliability, a mazon. ae has an opportunity to become the Mark & Spencer of online stores. It is therefore important to realize that amazon. ae offers itself as one product that brings a vast range of commodities in access (Rich). It is therefore necessary to ensure that amazon.ae is introduced and its reputation is maintained to be that of a complete package rather than that of a link to other links. Position Internet based services such as amazon. ae is currently providing a successful blend of products and services that enable them to attract a wide range of consumers. The can position themselves in a manner that enables them to appeal to consumers from all segments and industries from the society. Perhaps the one factor that contributes to this aspect the most significantly is that with the help of a single drop down menu, websites such as amazon.ae can direct the website visitors to the precise areas of the website where they can find their desired product, hence allowing amazon. ae to positi on itself in a manner that is somewhat compatible with as many consumer segments as possible. Works Cited M. Gordon Hunter, Felix B. Tan. Advanced Topics in Global Information Management. Pennsylvania: Idea Group Inc, 2002. McGraw-Hill. Business week. California: McGraw-Hill, 1998. Rich, Jason R. The unofficial guide to starting a business online. New York: John Wiley and Sons, 2006. Sweeney, Susan. 101 Ways to Promote Your Web Site. New York: Maximum Press, 2004.

Managing Human Resources Essay

This assissment is going to be about Human Resource Management and it’s going to contain information about different perspectives of human resources management and what the role involves. . HRM system is based on HR system , both work together to the same way. The example is HR strategies defining the direction in which HRM intends to go. We got few models of HRM , one I want to describe is Guest’s Model of HRM. David Guest’s model of HRM has 6 dimensions of analysis : HRM strategy HRM practices HRM outcomes Behaviour outcomes Performance outcomes Financial outcomes This model is prescriptive in the sense that it is based on the assumption that HRM is different from traditional personal management. How guest’s model is adopted in Harrods? In my opinion is adopted by having similar commitments for example the Guest model is prescriptive on the sense that it is bases on the assumption that HRM is distinctively different from traditional personnel management and rotted in strategic management. Also the Guest’s model of HRM outcomes are fairly similar as Harrods engages employees to continues success of the business by committing to what they are doing and one of the outcomes that the Guest’s model states is commitment. David Guest’s analysis financial outcomes in his model of HRM and when looking at the financial outcome at Harrods, we can see that they are loosing money due to the employee turnover. When looking at the case study it shows that the research that has been done about the turnover indicates that the employee turnover has significant cost and performance effects to the business. For example the employee turnover at Harrods measures the rate at which employees leave their employer normally after one year. The claim of the Guest model that it is superior to others is partly justified in the sense that it clearly maps out the field of HRM and delineates the inputs and outcomes. But the dynamics of people management are so complex that no model (including the Guest model) can capture them comprehensively. P. 1. 2 The purpose of HRM is to ensure that the employees of an organization are used in such a way that the employer obtains the greatest possible benefit from their abilities and the employees obtain both material and psychological rewards from their work. Personnel management is the traditional approach to managing. It deals with the reactive side, which are rules, and regulations, wages, pension, and leave administration. It is administrative in nature. Human Resource Management are people oriented an treats employees as an asset. It is the modern approach to managing an organisation and people in the organisation. It is the proactive side of managing which puts people first. The term â€Å"industrial relations† has developed both a broad and a narrow meaning. Industrial relations is increasingly being called employment relations or employee relations because of the importance of non-industrial employment relationships. Industrial relations has three faces: science building, problem solving, and ethical. In the science building phase, industrial relations is part of the social sciences, and it seeks to understand the employment relationship and its institutions through high-quality, rigorous research. From this perspective, an industrial relation covers all aspects of the employment relationship, including human resource or personnel management and employee relations. The difference between personnel management and human resource management is that personnel management basically deals with the employees, for example they deal with payroll recruitment. Where the HRM deals with the management of the work force, training and the well-being of all employees. Also we can say that Human Resources is to incorporate and develop personnel management tasks, while at the same time seeking to create and develop teams of workers to the advantage of the organization. Personnel management comprises mainly of administrative tasks that are considered to be traditional and routine. The Human Resources management at Harrods helps to build a competitive edge by positively getting involving the employees. The HRM at Harrods use an appropriate leadership style and they use two-way communication, which is very effective as it allows information to be passed on correctly and quickly. Similar organization which adopted IR practice and Personal is NHS. The NHS UK practice managers work within the primary care sector, where they manage the overall running of general practices surgeries. Practice managers come from a variety of backgrounds and do not necessarily need to be a qualified healthcare professional. Industrial relations in the UK health care sector are characterised by high levels of social dialogue and joint regulation, particularly in the public part of the sector. P. 1. 3 At Harrods the role of the line manager is to encourage communication targets and advice to employees through face-to-face interactions. This might involve sitting down in the staff room, or in a more formal setting, to agree objectives and to give advice about improvements and new ways of working. Acting as a coach helps the line managers to develop their managerial skills, build relationships and reinforce trust at Harrods. Employees play the most vital role in HRM because they are the key advantage and we also must remember that high-performing and innovative employees are the foundation of productivity. Some major implications for HRM are, they can set direction and implement a company strategy, which builds commitment to what they do. Employees at Harrods help to develop performance metrics for on going improvements in the business. In order to increase the productivity at Harrods the line manager or HRM support their employees by communicating effectively and giving them regular feedback on their performance and by them doing that it decreases the errors and frustration caused to employees at work. Also an effective reward system for employees at Harrods motivates them towards better performance. Non-monetary factors like better status can motivate employees in addition.

(the public problem that you choose) Assignment

(the public problem that you choose) - Assignment Example Rate of Obesity in Adults Approximately 68 per cent of grownups are having obesity and in America only 75 million grownups are obese, according to National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2007-2008. Rate of Obesity in Children The rate of obesity is on the rise in children as well. The rate of obesity among the children between the ages of 2 to 5 years has more than doubled in the last 30 years, while the rate of obesity among the children between the ages of 6 to 11 years has tripled in the last 30 years and the rate of obesity in youngsters between the ages of 12 to 19 years has increased to more than triple in the last 30 years. Furthermore, according to statistics I child in every 6 children is obese and almost 17 per cent of American children between the ages of 2 to 19 years have obesity. Why Obesity needs to be addressed? Obesity does not only cause the increase in the weight and makes one lazy but it is also gives rise to many other health problems which remain conne cted with the obese person for the lifetime. The person having obesity has greater chances of having diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, some kind of cancers, gout, arthritis, coronary thrombosis and  gall bladder, liver disorders and certain long lasting illnesses. It has been shown by research that a child who has obese becomes overweight and takes obesity in his adulthood. In the United States only among adults of age 20 and older 13 per cent have diabetes and among these 13 per cent 40 per cent have not been diagnosed earlier with obesity, the statistics have been showed by 2005-2006 NHANES survey. 95 per cent of all diabetics have type 2 diabetes and almost all of the undiagnosed patients having diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Pre-diabetes does not have any symptoms and the increased risks of having type 2 diabetes and heart diseases which majorly include heart attacks or strokes are caused by pre-diabetes. Causes and alternatives of Obesity O besity is usually caused as a result of eating more food as compared to the physiological requirement of the body. People who do not take part in the activities of life actively, prefers sedentary routine and are habitual of taking in food more than required by their daily life style are prone to become obese. People do not succeed in adjusting their desire of eating food according to their requirement gain weight and as a result become obese. The possibility of occurrence of obese is equal in both sexes i.e. male and female and can arise at any age. Normally women become obese after their pregnancy or in menopause. During pregnancy women usually gains a lot of weight which they fail to shed after the birth of their new born. This extra fat stored in their body makes them obese. The problem of obesity is a serious public issue and should be dealt seriously as this excessive storage of fat is the cause of having stress not only on heart but also on kidneys and liver as well. This ext ra weight caused by the excessive storage of fats puts strain on the joints like knees, ankles and hips that causes shortening of duration of life. Though recently much have been done to increase the awareness about obesity and the dangers it causes to the human life but a lot is still left to be done. Isolated, bored, unloved, hopeless, sad, unsatisfied and displeased with their family members, financial dissatisfied are the people who become involved in the habit of

Business Economics 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Business Economics 2 - Essay Example 70% of bank funds were diverted to real estate mortgage. The income of families and household was diverted from buying goods and services to buying properties- houses and buildings. A large chunk of money was used in payment of debt service to banks and financial companies. The payment of debt service by the economy’s non-financial sectors interrupts the circular flow of income supposed to exist between produces and consumers. The problem of financing network became more complex. Britain faced acute credit crisis in the recent periods caused by slack lending practice by banks, financial turmoil caused by dearth of liquidity, extending risky loans to unpredictable parties and passing on to other institutions, excessive dependency on credit rating companies, over dependence on in financial markets or inadequate liquidity risk management. This has put many sectors of the economy at risk such as  · UK commercial property sector, Stock markets, First-time buyers, Buy-to-let investors, UKs sub-prime borrowers and many others. There was exponential growth of savings and debt in UK market. They were used mainly for financing the purchase of real estate, stocks and bonds. Net savings don’t increase in the economy because it is used in re lending for or refinancing assets. This process does not necessarily promote new investment in tangible assets or new factories that add to new employment. No more output is added, no more factors of production is paid. Consumption from household, which accounts for about 70% of GDP, is the basis of production. Exports add to the consumption share because it takes off consumption of other country’s consumption also. Consumption of UK in recent years had been 90% that was financed out of the real income of the country and not debt. Consumption by household should flow directly from

A sustainable nightclub in London Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 7000 words

A sustainable nightclub in London - Essay Example These words represent the essence of the challenge of sustainability, which nowadays is one of the major themes in scientific discussions and political debates. The term â€Å"sustainability† was initially coined by agricultural and ecological scientists, they understood it as the â€Å"sustainability of natural ecosystems† and defined as â€Å"the dynamic equilibrium between natural inputs and outputs, modified by external events such as climatic change and natural disasters†. Today the sustainability is understood more broadly; it is generally applied to various socio-economical systems and includes â€Å"the capacity of a system to maintain output at a level approximately equal to or greater than its historical average, with the approximation determined by the historical level of variability†. As one can see from the Meadow’s formulation, the sustainability’s challenge is closely related to the sustainable development, which in its turn is understood as a â€Å"development that meets the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs and aspirations†. Dominski et al suggest one more important meaning of the sustainability as a â€Å"dynamic balance among three mutually interdependent elements: protection and enhancement of natural ecosystems and resources; economic productivity; and provision of social infrastructures such as jobs, housing, education, medical care and cultural opportunities†.

International Transportation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

International Transportation - Essay Example nts have made the transportation industry highly competitive and the companies offering their services have to provide superior services at comparatively low charges to remain competitive in the market. The provision of cost effective as well as high quality service for the international transportation of goods is a challenging task that requires the transporters to focus upon several issues and aspects related with transportation. The following essay aims to discuss different elements of the provision of high quality and cost effective goods’ transportation services to the customer internationally. The essay identifies certain ways through which the international transportation service providers can maintain low cost and competitive services without compromising on the quality of their services. In this regard, the essay highlights the key attributes that the transportation system or service must possess in order attain high quality and cost effectiveness. Moreover, the essay further enlists the key elements and strategies that can assist the companies to provide cost effective and high quality service for the transportation of the goods internationally. The above mentioned attributes must be acquired by a transportation company in order to provide high quality and cost effective service at international level. Following are the elements and strategies that allow the companies to achieve the above mentioned quality attributes at low cost. (These elements will be described in reference to different modes of transportation like road transport, shipping etc) Transportation integration is an important element that can assist the transporters minimizing total cost of the transportation while maintaining the customer trust on the quality of their service. Integrative transport basically refers to the assurance of doing the right assortments at right time, right place and in right condition throughout the supply chain. It implies that the supply chain must be s

Science and Technology - Laboratory Course (SCI103-1404A-04) Lab Report

Science and Technology - Laboratory Course (SCI103-1404A-04) - Lab Report Example d 3 appear to be more acidic due to the fact that they are located on the downwind direction from the lake described as 1 which is surrounded by an industrial and settlement area. Carbon (iv) oxide and sulphur (iv) oxide are emissions associated with industrialization and are carried downwind by the wind and fall end up falling as acid rain. Lake 2 is found to suffer most from acidity as it is said to have a higher elevation as compared to Lake 3. Acidity falls in the form of either snow, rain or fog. The pH scale usually has a range running from 0-14. A pH value that is equal to 7 is said to be neutral. A pH value that is less than 7 is said to be acidic in nature and a pH that is greater than 7 is said to be basic. The PH scale is normally used to measure the concentration of hydrogen ions that is present in a solution. A low pH usually represents solutions that have a high concentration of hydrogen ion while high PH usually represents solutions with low concentration of hydrogen ions. Acids on a PH scale are substances that when added to water increases the concentration of hydrogen ions thus lowering the PH. A base on the other hand usually lowers the concentration of hydrogen ions thus raising the PH. There are other substances called buffers that enable solutions to resist changes in

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS-SEEN EXAM Coursework

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS-SEEN EXAM - Coursework Example 2. By using or combining several time series of cross section observations, panel data provide â€Å"more informative data, more variability, less collinearity among variables, more degrees of freedom and efficiency† as per Baltagi’s discussion (1995, p. 3-6). 3. Panel data are able to study better the dynamics of change because the panel data technique is able to cover repeated cross section of observation across time. Thus, panel data is believed to more appropriate than either of the two methods (cross section and time series analysis) in the study of situations like successive waves of minimum wage increases across localities and local minimum wages and over time 4. Panel data can detect and measure effects better than what purely time series and cross-section data can do. 5. Panel data are able to study complicated behavioural models like economies of scale and technical change---better than what pure time series and pure cross-section analysis can do. For example, panel data can study the interaction of the variables involved over time, which cannot be done by pure time series data. 6. By covering more units over time, panel data can minimize the biases that may result as data are aggregated. In 1995, Baltagi pointed out that time series and cross-section studies were not controlling for heterogeneity and run the risk of obtaining biased results (p. 3). For example, Baltagi (1995, p. 3) cited for example that consumption of cigarettes is often modelled as a function of lagged consumption, price, and income but the specification of the same function can vary across countries, state, and time. Baltagi 1995, p. 4) added that panel data are able to control for location specific and time invariant variables while a time-series study or a cross-section study cannot at that time. As panel data can cover heterogeneity, Baltagi (1995, p. 4), not accounting for country heterogeneity can cause serious specification error. In addition, Baltagi (1995, p. 4) said that panel data are able to study the dynamics of adjustment. Meanwhile, Verbeek (2008, p. 655) said that the main advantage of panel data over either time series or cross-section analysis is that through panel data, economists are able to specify more complicated and realistic models than a single time series or cross-section data can do. (b) Explain the intuition behind the fixed effect model (FEM) and describe the least square dummy variable (LSDV) and the time demeaned approaches to estimating a FEM. [30 Marks] Verbeek (2008, p. 359) defined the fixed effects model as simply a regression model in which the intercept terms vary over the individual units. Gujarati (2004, p. 642) pointed out that the main intuition behind the fixed effect model or FEM is that although the intercept may differ across individual elements, each specific intercept does not change over time or is time invariant. The methods for estimating the fixed effects model (FEM) are the least square dummy variable (LSDV) and the time demeaned approaches towards estimating the FEM. In the LSDV method, the main instruments for capturing the fixed effects are dummy variables. The time demeaned variable approach to FEM modelling, reconstruct the basic model yit = ? + ?xit + uit as departures of a variable from its mean over time or yit - i ?(xit - i ) + ( uit - )i) where the values with bars denote the time mean of the said variable (Brooks

Roman Empire Essay Example for Free

Roman Empire Essay The world of Literature before 1500 AD encompassed the era from the day when the civilizations came into existence till AD 476, when Roman Empire fell and again from the Florentine Renaissance in late 15th century to the renaissance. The literature saw the growth in the lands of Hebrews, Greeks and Romans who made remarkable contributions in poetry, and drama form. The ancient Greeks in the period from 356 BC to 323 BC formulated their work on basis of the works of the well-known and famed Pericles, Plato, and Aristotle using politics and philosophy as their tools under the leadership of Alexander, the Great. In the same way, Hebrews exerted an enormous impact on world history through their holy book, the Bible, which is still considered sacred by both Jews and Christians. Fragments of the literary works in the ancient era were discovered in nineteenth century â€Å"Beowulf,† the Norse sagas, the â€Å"Kalevala,† the â€Å"Nibelungenlied,† the â€Å"Song of Roland. † Starting g from 2700 B. C and written uptill 2000 B. C, Gilgamesh was the first great heroic narrative. It was lost due to the vagaries of time but it was found again in 1872, and its importance came to be known when the Utnapishtims Story of the Flood, was rediscovered. Gilgamesh is a Saga of spirituality, and the psychology of character is embodied in the character of Gilgamesh who took upon the journey to attain immortality, but he found his journey was fruitless and he lamented, â€Å"For whom have I labored? For whom have I journeyed? For whom have I suffered? I have gained absolutely nothing for myself, I have only profited the snake, the ground lion! † (angelfire. com, online edition) He realized that death was inevitable and should make most of the short life. The literature came into prominence in the Western world in 100 AD. The earliest of the medieval literature were Epic poems in vernacular language depicting the heroism, myths and supernatural elements derived from oral tradition. Beowulf is a good example of an Old English heroic elegy, written in 700-750. It has 3,183 lines. It is originally Anglo-Saxon poetry but created an indorrebale influence on the literatures of the generation ahead and had become â€Å"England’s National Epoc†. The poem composes of legends. Beowulf, a hero of the Geats, fought battles with three antagonists; Grendel who was always destroying Heorot, its inhabitants in Denmark, Grendel’s mother and later a dragon. Between the years 1340 to 1400 was the age of Chaucer. His period was the age of transition, as this age saw the meeting of the two incongruous periods-the medieval and the modern or the Renaissance. The most crucial aspect of the medieval period is the belief in spirituality and abstract ideas, whereas the Renaissance period believed in sensuous and the concrete. Medieval period supported communism whereas Renaissance supported individualism. Medieval mind never tolerated free thoughts whereas the period of Renaissance advocated individualism. Chaucer represented his own age and held the mirror to the life of his time. He was truly the social chronicle of England during the same period. His poetry is a reflection of the fourteenth century not in fragments but as a whole. Other poets of this age focused on certain aspects prevalent at that time for e. g. anonymous author of Pearl tells us about the mysticism of the refined minds. Wycliff gave us the surging wave of religious reformation, but Chaucer focused on wide and variegated life. Chaucer symbolized the Middle Ages and poster the spirit of medieval world but underneath him flowed the spring of Renaissance. Writers of medieval period captured the foibles and follies of the contemporary society in the mysticism nature. Chaucer also used Nature in its full as symbol of life, which is fresh and serene and stirs up the emotion of erotic love in his most enduring and popular â€Å"The Canterbury tales. † The Canterbury Tales begins with the season of spring in the month of April when the flowers are in full bloom, the birds are swinging from the trees and giving the chirping sounds, which is a symbolic of spiritual renewal. Spring also is a symbol of erotic love and we can have an essence of it in a scene when Palamon looks at Emelye, who is gathering fresh flowers to make garlands in honor of May and the Squire too participates in the beauteous and ardent scene of love. His courtly love signifies the freshness of the month of May. In the General Prologue, the garments are also symbols signifying characters personality and reveal the true nature of characters. The rich silk and fur gown, which the Physician’s is wearing shows his love for wealth and the flower brocade on the tunic of the Squire shows his youthful vanity and the forked beard of the Merchant symbolizes his duplicate nature. Chaucer also used physiognomy to decipher the temperament of pilgrims in the general prologue. The peasants are shown with the exaggerated figures. And the best example is Miller, who has round and ruddy face with a wart on his nose. Chaucer rendered meritorious service to the English language and made it an instrument of social, political and literary thought. Chaucer was realistic too as he revealed the truth as he saw it, which he showed in the journey of pilgrims to the holy shrine in this Canterbury Tales. He imparts the solid touch of realism as he portrayed in this characters. With him the literature also saw the beginning of realism in the new emblem and thoughts. The prose literature was almost negligible. Its bulk was very small and the literary quality was also very less. Though in France and Italy prose writing was in full swing, the English prose was very slow to catch up. Before 1350, there was hardly any prose work written except Ancrene Riwle. It is spiritual and the characteristic of Anglo-Saxon is clearly visible in their works. Higden, a monk wrote Polychronicon in Latin in 1350. In this work, we can find the reflection of the history of the entire world from the early creation to Higden’s own times. By the end of the century, Walsingham of St. Albams compiled Latin chronicles, which are similar to the description of scenes in the pages of Forissart. John Trevisa translated Higden’s Polychronicon and completed in 1387. Chauser’s contribution towards the English prose is also worth noting but he was more of a translator when he wrote prose. His prose works include the Treatise on the Astrolabe, the translation of Boethius. The most valuable contribution was the addition of the new prose in meters, which had not yet appeared before and added the beauty of Boethius. The Astrolabe is an early scientific treatise and an address to â€Å"Little Lewis My son†. This treatise amplifies the scientific application of literature and the literary handling of Science. The contemporary to Chaucer, there were other three chief writers. One was John Gower, who was a wealthy landowner whose tomb with his effigy is placed in St. Saviors, Southwark. Gower was conservative and he focused more on the past then on the future. The large part of his works was written in French and Latin. In his â€Å"Vox Clamantis† (The Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness), he denounced the common people for their revolt against the privileged class and the people of authority. And in this vocabulary, he showed exaggerated bitterness. After the death of Chaucer in 1400 for complete 150 years, there was no great writer and the main cause for the decline of the literature was the restart of the Hundred Years War, and then the War of Roses, which was nothing more than the butchery of rival factions. In this period, the leading poets were only imitators of Chaucer and many of them were Scots. Among them was the Scottish king, James I who wrote beautiful poem â€Å"The king’s Quair†, which is more of an allegory of 1400 lines showing the love of an captive author with a lady who promised to bring him out from the drudgery to the life of riches. This was the historical and the biographical account of his own eighteen years captivity in England. He incorporated the Chaucer’s stanza of seven lines riming ababbcc, which gave him the name of ‘rime royal. ’ (Fletcher, 1918) The most popular were the ballads written by both the English and Scottish writers. Among all the best ballads written are: The Hunting of the Cheviot, Sir Patrick Spens, Robin Hood and Guy of Gisborne, Adam Bell, Clym of the Clough, and William of Cloudeslee; Captain Car, or Edom o Gordon and King Estmere among the few. The ballads, as the old tradition dictates, give the vivid, picaresque and descriptive account of the battles of the Kings and knights. The Author of Par excellence, which fifteenth century saw was the Sir Thomas Malory. His main purpose was to gather important works of Arthurian romance and organize them giving the historical accounts of King Arthur and his knights in his book ‘Le Morte Darthur,’ The Death of Arthur. It was the first English classic, which was published and printed. Women in the medieval period were not treated equally to men. They were mostly religious writers who were canonized as nuns like Clare of Assisi, Bridget of Sweden and Catherine of Siena, who wrote their experiences and insights into religion. But what ever they wrote, they gave charm and feminine touch to their works and in the secular realm, opportunity came in form of Marie de France and Christine de Pizan and from their soul flowed their repressed feelings. They wrote on courtly love. Marie de France was born in France but lived in England in 12th century. In most of her manuscripts are found the characteristic features of Anglo-Norman. The medieval French literature is abounding with stories of courtly love focusing on the queen. The queen for the literary world is the â€Å"natural feminine object of male heterosexual desire†(Kinoshita, Online Edition) and she remains a figure of desire in the hands of King but the Marie de France’s Equitan1 tells us the story of king’s extra marital affair with Senechal’s wife. Even though the lady resisted but she succumbed to his advances and the two plotted to kill Seneschal so they both could marry but Seneschal knew about their disloyalty and he blistered them to death in hot bath and the moral she poster is: â€Å"He who plans evil for another may have that evil rebound back on him† â€Å"Tels purcace le mal dautrui / Dunt tuz li mals revert sur lui† (309-10). 4 (Kinoshita, Online Edition). What lie beneath are the complexities abounded in the courtly forms and the responsibilities of the king? Equitan1 tells about the function of kings, and the principal element is the lord-vassal relations. The feminist theories of today looked into the various aspects that constituted the feminine role in the medieval age and subsequently in their literature. There were very few female writers who had really left an endurable mark on the society. In the patriarchy society, they enjoyed respectable and encouraging social circumstances, though for a limited period. Writers such as the Greek poet Sappho, the Alexandrian mathematician and philosopher Hypatia, and the Chinese scholar Pan Chao (Ban Zhao), were the women of great intellectual abilities. Hypatia was born between 350 and 370 AD. She was a mathematician and also taught astronomy and astrology. She was daughter of Theon, a philosopher and a student in a school of Plato and Plotinus. Her notable works are commentaries on Diphantus’s Arithmetica, on Apollonius Conics and Ptolemy works, but all are lost. She was murdered in 415 AD by Christians mobs. With her murder her works too died. The role of the women was just confined to the domestic affairs which is reflected in the art and literature of the time from Athenian vase paintings to the Homeric verses in both Iliad and Odyssey. In the epics, the woman got the place as mythic figures. Ovid in his Metamorphoses recapitulated women as goddesses who had the power to revenge, as revengeful queens, and on the other hand the cunning witches, and the objects or victims of male aggression and sexual desires. In the classical dramas of Aeschylus, Euripides, Aristophanes and Sophocles, women looked in a different way. Clytemnestra kills the king; her husband Agamemnon but does not hide instead proclaims her deed openly. Agamemnon had killed his only child as he deemed it necessary but Clytemnestra did not forget it and revenged her death. Here Aeschylus poses ethical question on viewers and makes the reader feel sympathetic for women, a thing, which could not be heard, in the contemporary society and Aeschylus bestows on her with title of tragic heroine. On the other hand, Euripides is seemed to be afraid of women. His protagonist Medea is depicted more as a devil than a human being that came on this earth from some other world. She has barbaric attitudes. Euripides was fully aware of the fact that the majority of the women are sensitive human beings, but he was looking at the other side of the women who in the Athenian Age had no rights like that of men and are different than men and when the time came, they are capable to be barbaric too. In Bible, women are shown as heroic female figures like Esther and Judith mostly found in the Old Testament Apocrypha. And the Bible also shows women symbolically as the two opposite poles: temptress Eve and the flawless Virgin Mary. Chaucer in his Canterbury tales presented the women as a dominating personality. Though Chaucer presented the follies of both men and women, he yet gave women her place in the society. In the Knight’s Tale, women find themselves free from the male domination. Emily, Duke Theseus’ sister-in-law, refuses to marry as she considers her chastity as most valuable. His cousins, Palamon and Arcita, both fall in love with Emily. Palamon loves Emily because he thinks that she is a goddess Venus, â€Å"goddess/ But [she] is really Venus [to him]† (Chaucer 1986) whereas Arcita loves Emily because he finds her most beautiful, â€Å"Beauty [that is] so fresh it destroys [him]† (Chaucer, 1986) The plays during the Middle Ages were liturgical, mystery plays but they did not get its due place in the society, and most of the plays had religious fervor. Slowly the mystery plays got popularity in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries with the most renowned and passionate play being Oberammergau. Along with this, morality plays also gained popularity. Twenty years later, people began to watch the Chronicle-History plays. These forms of the plays depicted the glory of the English to inculcate among public, the feeling of pride under Elizabeth and an ardent desire to know the historical past. The plays became popular, as there was an enthusiasm among the people due to the defeat of Armada in the struggle with Spain. After that there was an era of Renaissance, the freshness of the new ideas originated from the new order in the social, political, economic fabric of the society. Reference List Angelfire. com The Epic of Gilgamesh Retrieved on September 10, 2007 from W. W. W: http://www. angelfire. com/mo3/paganfiles/library/ancient/epic_of_gilgamesh. txt Chaucer G. (1986) The Canterbury Tales. Oxford World’s Classics. Oxford: Oxford University Press Inc. Fletcher R H. (1918) A History of English Literature. Retrieved on September 10, 2007 from W. W. W: http://classiclit. about. com/library/bl-etexts/rfletcher/bl-rfletcher-history-3. htm Kinoshita S. Adultery and Kingship in Marie de Frances Equitan1. Retrieved on September 10, 2007 from W. W. W: http://www. luc. edu/publications/medieval/vol16/kinoshta. html

Reflection on Becoming a Teacher

Reflection on Becoming a Teacher I have always had aspirations to be a Primary teacher. Although I am relatively new to the profession I am ] However despite the challenges that face me I am trying to remain positive and make the best out of this situation Before I started writing I felt the best start way to reflect on my practice was to conduct a SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities Threats) to analyse my CPD opportunities in a way to focus on my goals and reflect on my practice so far. (See Appendix 1) By doing this I was able to highlight what I believe to be important and factors that I would like to improve on. I will now look at the political issues affecting education in Scotland, current research and how each have had an impact on my own learning. From this I will then review my position and set my goals for the future. The Political Position Harold Wilson the former Labour P.M. once said: A week is a long time in politics First Minister Alex Salmond discovered to his dismay the meaning of this quote in the first week of December last year. On Tuesday the 1st December 2009 Fiona Hyslop was redeployed from her position as Education secretary marking the first change in the Scottish Government Cabinet since the SNP came into power over two years ago. (Swanson 2009) The question is what happened? Alex Salmond made this decision only days after the Scottish government statistics showed a fall in teacher numbers of 1,348 over the past year, despite his plea to increase them. Fiona Hyslop has suffered a lot of criticism as education secretary the main reason being her failure to deliver the SNPs biggest education pledge of lowering primary 1-3 class sizes to 18. The final straw was Ms Hyslop threatening to centralise education taking power away from local authorities. The opposition parties also threatened a vote of no confidence in the Education Secretary if the First Minister did not do something to deal with the situation- a threat that could not be taken lightly. (Macleod 2009) By the 8th of December the SNP Government and the new Education Secretary Mike Russell faced its first challenge an enquiry into the class sizes pledge a major part of the SNP 2007 manifesto was called into question of whether or not the pledge was deliverable in their time in office. As if the current situation wasnt bad enough on the 11th Dec 2009 the General Teaching council published their report of probationers gaining employment after their initial year and their findings were not encourage able. The report stated that out of teachers surveyed only one teacher in five (20.2%) gained a full time permanent job after completing probation this summer and a significantly greater number of new teachers more than 1 in 4 have been able to gain employment as a teacher at all. Commenting on this report EIS General Secretary Ronnie Smith said The fact that so many of our newly qualified teachers are unemployed or under-employed on very patchy, short-term, contracts is a tragedy not only for these individual teachers but also for Scottish education and its pupils. (EIS 2009) Current Research and Personal Experiences Every aspect of being a teacher draws on both your professional and personal resources and values (Moyles and Robinson 2002 cited Asprey, Hamilton and Haywood 2002) Watzke (2007) amongst others talks of stage theory in teaching stating that there are distinct changes in a teachers thinking throughout his or her career. Fuller (1969) was one of the first to comment on this matter and suggests that in the beginning teachers are not concerned about teaching but their own survival. This stage known as self concerns e.g.. Can they survive and pass their probationary year? Later in their career Fuller stated the focus is on actual performance as teachers calling this stage task concerns. This makes sense as it is only natural once you have confidence in yourself to then focus on improving your learning experiences. The last stage after successful teaching the focus then moves on to having a meaningful and positive influence on their pupils which is known as impact concerns. As teachers learn and grow in the teaching profession they learn what works and what does not and this is something that comes from experience therefore it makes sense to follow a path like Fuller suggested. All teachers are very different and each have their own unique learning style. However, one thing what I would hope all teachers would have a shared value is the belief that the children are the most important part of their job and is their job as teachers to get the best out of the children they teach. As humans we all have our own values as individuals and as teachers. Eisner and Vallance (1974) talk of three main dimensions on which varied value positions are held. They suggest that that they are best represented as continua: Individual society This is the concept of whether education should be geared to meet individuals needs rather than educational terms being planned to meet the needs of the society. values skills This is the concept of whether education should focus on developing individuals sense of values in a moral ethical context, or on developing their skills. adaptive reconstructive This is whether education should prepare children to fit into the present society, or strive to change and in turn changing society. ( Eisner and Vallance 1975 cited in Pollard 2005) By looking at these three dimensions, we can perhaps see where our own values fit in. Pollard (2005) like Watzke (2007) talks of how teachers change and adapt as they gain more experience throughout their career. Pollard (2007) uses this example; a newly qualified or student teacher may place their self at the individual extreme of the first dimension placing more importance on skills extreme and feel more comfortable with the adaptive extreme of the third dimension. However, as time goes on and more experience is gained opinions may change. Being on supply I am able to see good practice in many different schools in my area. I also have the opportunity to be flexible and work in different establishments Nursery, Primary and the Additional Support Needs (ASN) sector. Working on supply you get to know particular schools and soon realise the schools that are nice to work in and the ones you may want to steer clear of. The question is how do we know this? What makes something feel like this?   I think what it comes down to is the culture of each individual school. Culture is both a dynamic phenomenon that surrounds us at all times, being constantly enacted and created by our interactions with others (Schein 2004 p1) Every organisation whether they realise it or not has their own unique culture. Being in so many different schools you come across just how different the working environment can be from school to school. The tricky part is being able to gauge the culture and act accordingly because what wouldnt be an issue in one school could be in another. The most popular example is the staff room. If it is my first time working in a particular school you have to gauge the environment and try to follow suit for example the seating arrangements, the biggest mistake you can make is to sit on someone elses seat if this happens you may either depending on the school get asked to move or be given the evil eye for the rest of the day. Another example especially in a big staffroom is when you sit down and other groups come in after and sit in little groups and you are left in the middle on your own twiddling your thumbs. To be on the safe side I usually wait until everyone is in the staffroom and then ask is it ok to sit in a particular seat. Sometimes you ask Is it ok to sit here?   To which the reply will be Oh yes you dont need to worry, we dont have particular seats in here but then you realise that every break time and lunch all of the staff remain in the same seats. Therefore culture is so in built they dont even realise its there but from an outsiders point of view it is more apparent. Once youve got your seat the next obstacle is talking to people. As soon as you walk in to a staffroom you can immediately sense the ambience, it is hard to explain but it is very apparent. As noted above you soon realise what schools you prefer to be in and those you arent as keen on, because in some schools you are only the supply teacher and you can sit and be ignored. On the other hand you walk in to some schools and you immediately feel a good atmosphere and although you still go through the same ritual in the staffroom asking where to sit you dont feel as apprehensive as the staff talk to you and make you feel welcome and generally seem interested in you as a person. Although I dont currently have a base school I do have schools where I work in more often. One such school is the school I worked in during my probationary year. Looking back it is funny how your first impressions of a place can be somewhat different after you have worked in a place for a while. The dynamics of a place can be very different on the outside than they are on the inside. NEED TO ADD MORE HERE On the whole my probationary school is a very good place to work on and portrays an ethos of respect and supportiveness. During my time in the school I had two very good mentors who I could always go to when I needed help which was the case for  most  of the staff in the school. However, I found out very quickly who I could ask advice from and who not to bother. My class had a lot of problems and was one Continuing professional development (CPD) is now an obligatory and accepted part in the contracts of all teachers who teach in Scottish schools. 35 hours worth of professional development activities is required over the course of the year. Teachers decide on what goals they would like to achieve over the school year and tailor this around what courses they will attend. With the advent of the Curriculum for Excellence (CFE) the Government is proposing CPD opportunities to be more specific and clearly linked to the priorities of the CFE. The biggest study carried out on CPD in the early stages of teachers career was by Draper et al., 1991, 1997, 1998 The Scottish Study of Probationers: 1988-1991 and 1995 -1996.   The research followed a group of teachers as they completed their probationary year. The researchers hypothesised the CPD would be at the fore front of the probationers activities and believed they would regard it as a priority. However, what they did find was probatio ner teachers stated that they spend more time proving to others that they could do their job rather than trying to further develop their practice. From a personal experience this is something that I myself can relate to. From the minute you walk into a school as a probationer you (unconsciously in some cases) are being judged for competency. This idea also ties in with Fuller (1969) first stage of self concerns teacher are concerned with their own learning and the thoughts of others around them. Draper et al also found that the teachers who completed their probationary year on a supply based method was more likely to threaten their development as they were not in the same place for any one time. Results showed that the second cohort 1995/96 was more satisfied with their professional development experiences than the first cohort 5 years previous to them. However, those teachers who completed their probationary year through short term contracts reported lower levels of satisfaction an d perhaps have an impact on their practice in the future. As one of their participants in the study commented: The effect of short-term contracts on initially keen and dedicated staff is disastrous. Morale, dedication and professionalism quickly evaporate. (Draper et al., 1997, cited in GTCS 2006) This is not surprising as the chances of those teachers being in a position to partake in many CPD sessions are rather low as what school nowadays would fund a place on a course for example for someone who a) isnt a permanent member of staff and b) probably wont be in the school long enough for the training to benefit the school. Without a doubt this will have an effect on a teachers morale if little or no opportunities to develop present themselves. I myself find myself in a similar position a supply teacher the professional development opportunities are little or none. (Draper et al cited in GTCS Research Jan 2006) It may sound clichà © but for as long as I can remember I have always wanted to be a Primary teacher. I applied for Primary Teaching in 6th year at school however I was not successful. Teaching for me at the time had been my only option and at the time I was devastated but soon realised that I could apply again. I then went on to complete a B/A honours degree in Psychology at the University of Psychology and then went on to the Post Graduate Primary course at the University of Paisley. Looking at my strengths I believe teaching ICT seems to be one of them. ICT is something that I enjoy and is something that the children always respond well to. It comes very natural to me given the fact that I have grown up using computers. This is probably why the children enjoy it as they can see that is something I love doing and this in turn enthuses them. In my probationary school I led an in service on Activ Primary for my colleagues who were either new to the IWB (Interactive whiteboard) or were still puzzled after attending the course on Activ Primary. By doing this I felt good as it felt like I was giving back to the school by supporting colleagues rather than being supported all the time. Even now as a Supply Teacher I carry my pen drive around with me which has along with many other things ICT activities. Teachers in different schools often ask me where I get my resources most of which are from the internet. A recent example is an interactive advent calendar Power Point w hich I use with the children in the lead up to Christmas. Although I do feel that ICT is a strength of mine like everything else I am constantly learning new ideas and will continue to learn. Looking at the SWOT analysis I have some experience using Active Learning in the upper school I would like to gain experience in using active learning in the early years. As a whole one of my goals is to try to keep abreast of current developments in early years education especially in light of the CFE. I recently was given the opportunity to attend an in-service in Story Grammar one of the schools in which I do supply in. I found this to be very interesting and very beneficial in the early years. By attending this course this prompted me to look more closely into the curriculum where Story Grammar came from Key to Learning Curriculum and I purchased the Curriculum book by Galina Doyla. I have tried to use some of the ideas from the book in my work in the Nursery. Obviously just now I only volunteer in the Nursery my first and foremost goal for the future would be to gain a permanent job in early years. REFERENCE LIST Asprey, E., Hamilton. C Haywood.S (2002). PGCE Professional Workbook Professional Issues in Primary Practice. Exeter: Learning Matters BBC News. (2009). Demoted SNP education secretary endorses successor. Available: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8388141.stm). Last accessed 4th December 2009. EIS. (2009). Collapse of jobs for new teachers is damaging pupils education prospects says EIS. News release Available: http://www.eis.org.uk/public.asp?id=431dbase=3. Last accessed 15th December 2009. GTC SCOTLAND RESEARCH. (1996). Developing Teachers: A review of Early Professional Learning. Available: http://www.gtcs.org.uk/Research_/publishedresearch_/CPDresearch/research_cpd.aspx. Last accessed 20/12/09. Macleod, A. (2009). Fiona Hyslop stripped of education role in SNP Cabinet. Available: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6939026.ece. Last accessed 10th December 2009. Pigge, F.L. and Marso, R.N. (1997) A seven year longitudinal multi-factor assessment of teaching concerns development preparation and early years of teaching, Teaching and Teacher Education 13(2): 225-235. Pollard, A, Collins, J, Maddock, M, Simco, N, Swaffield, S, Warin, J Warwick P (2005) Reflective Teaching (2nd edition) London: Continuum Schein (2004). Organizational culture and leadership. (3rd edition) San Francisco: Jossey Bass. SNP. (2007). SNP 2007 Manifesto. Available: http://www.snp.org/node/13534. Last accessed 11th December 2009. Swanson. I. (2009). Fiona Hyslop sacked. Available: http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/politics/Fiona-Hyslop-sacked-as-Education.5871555.jp. Last accessed 4th December 2009. Watzke, J.L. (2007). Longitudinal research on beginning teacher development: Complexity as a challenge to concerns-based stage theory. Teaching and Teacher Education. 23 (1), 106-122.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Physiology

Rheumatoid Arthritis Physiology Introduction Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is defined as a chronic, autoimmune condition that affects 400,000 people in the UK (Cooney et al. 2010). It is both bilateral and symmetrical in pattern and is typically presented in individuals between 30 to 50 years with females being more afflicted than men (Cooney et al. 2010). Although, RA is of unknown aetiology, causes are said to be both genetic and environmental in nature (Abhishek et al.2010). More specifically, inflammation, inactivity and loss of mechanical stability around joints plays a role in causing pain, stiffness and swelling of multiple joints. Consequently, long-term effects of RA been associated with reduced muscle strength (Ekbolm et al. 1974) and aerobic capacity (Minor et al. 1988). Currently, there is no cure for RA and therefore, management emphasizes on decreasing symptoms and promoting quality of life through either Drug Modifying Anti-Rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or physiotherapy (Arthritis Research, UK). Indeed, DMARDs are a first line treatment for RA; however, not everyone responds adequately to DMARDs (Smolen and Keystone, 2012) and RA patients usually refrain from using this due to the potential occurrence of life-threatening side-effects (Kinder et al. 2005). Today, physiotherapy for those with RA consist of many passive interventions such as patient education, delivery of heat or cold, massage and electro-magnetic energy (Wasserman,2011). However, despite earlier fear of aggravation of symptoms, increased disease activity and joint damage, there is now scientific evidence showing that exercise is safe and beneficial; making it an imperative part of rehabilitation (Stenstrom and Minor, 2003). Specifically, the most valued by RA patients is Hydrotherapy treatment (Hall et al. 1996) due to its ability to alleviate symptoms suddenly through exercising in water. The use of water properties such as buoyancy and warm temperatures enables patients to move freely through decreased weight bearing on joints, increased range of motion and reduced pain (Campion, 1997). Although, Hydrotherapy is growing significantly in popularity, literature in regards to the effectiveness of Hydrotherapy for RA has not been evaluated adequately. For example, Eversden et al. (2007) concluded that the Hydrotherapy group reported a greater perceived benefit in comparison to the land-based exercise group after six weeks. Importantly, these authors conducted a fairly well-designed study in that they took some precautions to eliminate bias through true randomization and concealment processes. However, these findings were not reflected in the physical functional or pain scores. Alongside this, there was a greater number of participants in the Hydrotherapy group compared to the Land-based group leading to potential biases. Secondly, Hall et al. (1996) found that all groups assessed (Hydrotherapy, Seated Immersion, Land Exercise and Progressive Relaxation) demonstrated joint tenderness and pain relief. However, Hydrotherapy presented the most improvements (26% mean decrease) after 4 weeks treatment. This study demonstrates strengths over Eversden et al. (2007) in that they had assessed disease activity rather than just improvements in functionality. However, it was not clearly stated whether or not improvements in Hydrotherapy group were statistically significant and treatment dosage, if longer (>4 weeks) could have produced a greater therapeutic effect. Thirdly, Bilberg and Mannerkorpi (2005) found significant improvements in muscle function and endurance of upper and lower extremities and grip force. However, this was not supported by an increase in aerobic capacity as indicated by their hypothesis and primary outcome measure (Cycle Ergometer Test; Astrand 2006). Unlike, Eversden et al. (2007) and Hall (1996) this study reported intensity of exercise (70% of HR) and addressed longer term effects (12 weeks). However, sample size was small (46 patients) and temperature of pool was not specified, making it difficult to generalise data. Overall, there was inadequate reporting of depth, temperature of pool, type and intensity of exercises. Although, outcome measures differed between studies, they were appropriate for use (Al-Qubaiessy et al). Therefore, there is some evidence showing that Hydrotherapy plays a role in reducing pain (Hall et al. 1996). Finally, this highlights the importance of using standardised exercise procedures, longer term-interventions especially as RA is a chronic condition. This will help in making specific recommendations. Therefore, in accordance to PICO, my research question is The long term effects of using specific Hydrotherapy exercise protocols: Aqua-Aerobics Programme and The Bad-Ragaz Ring Methods for RA. A randomized Controlled Trial. Research Design From a pragmatic viewpoint, a mixed methods approach will be best-suited for this study as pain is a multi-dimensional phenomenon. However, a positivist would argue that this study should be carried out only objectively as this would allow generalizable conclusions to be drawn (Brooms and Willis, 2007). Alongside this, they would argue that researchers are detached from the investigation, thereby reducing bias (Bryman, 2004). Contrastingly, an interpretivist would support a qualitivate approach which would allow greater and richer insight into patients perceptions of pain (Bryman, 2001). Therefore, yielding both qualitative and quantitative data will help increase findings and reliability of results (Bryman, 2004). For example, this study will be able to assess the subjective nature of pain whilst still observing the relation between pain and disease activity objectively. Thus, taking this stance, will allow to address the biopsychosocial approach rather just a biomedical model of care objectively (Engel, 1977). Finally, an experimental, embedded design will be used in this study. Alternatively, an interpretivist would use a case-study that assesses an individuals experiences; this will have high ecological validity but lacks the ability to produce generalizable conclusions.ÂÂ   By employing a multi-faceted approach, it will strengthen causal inferences by providing the opportunity to observe data convergence or divergence in hypothesis testing (Abowitz and Tool, 2010). Research Method In line with Rogers et al. (2003), the embedded experimental design utilised in this study will involve a two-phase sequential approach (Creswell et al. 2005). This will include qualitative analysis carried out before intervention to inform the development of the treatment and after to help explain treatment outcomes (Figure 1). Figure 1: Experimental Embedded Design. (Creswell 2005). Alongside this, an RCT will be used. In accordance to the hierarchy of evidence an RCT is suggested to be one of the most powerful in research (Akobeng, 2005) due to its ability to reduce risk of bias and systematic error (Bryman, 2004; Suresh, 2011). Contrastingly, a cross-over design would be difficult due potential carry-over effects even with a washout period (Saks and Allsop, 2013). Intervention Details The CONSORT statement will be used in order to enhance completeness and transparency of the study (Schulz et al. 2010). For example, attrition bias will be reduced through reporting drop-outs and reasons for this will also be included (Schulz et al. 2010). Reporting of eligibility criteria is essential to determine whether results can be applied to others in the same condition (Bluml et al. 2011).ÂÂ   In this instance, patients (men and women) aged 18+ (in line with the American College of Rheumatology) with chronic RA who meet Steinbrocker Functional Class I, II, or III (Steinbrocker, 1949) will be recruited from NHS outpatient settings in the West Midlands. Those who sustain a steady drug intake for 30 days in relation to Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) 3 months and DMARDs will be included in the trial. Although injections and corticoid injections in the 4 weeks leading up to the study will not be permitted, drug changes and injections will be during; this reflects the pragmatic nature of this study. Consequently, recruiting in this manner will increase ecological validity as it represents a real-world situation (Broom and Willis, 2007). Those, which have received physiotherapy treatment within 30 days of assessment will be excluded in order to avoid any carry over effects. Also, patients who have had joint-replacement surgery within the last 6 months will be excluded. Likewise, contraindications of exercise and immersion in water needs to be taken into account (e.g. patients with uncontrolled epilepsy or fear of water) will also be excluded. It is true that greater exclusion criteria can reduce generalisability of results. However, such steps have to be taken in order to eliminate occurrence of confounding data which could potentially have a negative impact on the results of the clinical trial (Broom and Willis, 2007) Group Details Patients will be randomized using sealed opaque envelopes with treatment allocation. Random sequence of numbers will be established through flipping a virtual coin (Eversden et al. 1996) to either: Hydrotherapy 1 (Aqua Aerobics Group) (Eccentric, Concentric Exercises). Hydrotherapy 2 (The Bad Ragaz-Ring Group). Home-Exercise group that continue with daily activities. Unlike previous research (e.g. Hall 1996; Eversden et al. 1996), this study will consider intensity at moderate level (70%) as it has been shown to demonstrate physiological improvements (Astrand, 1986); assessed via a heart rate monitor throughout sessions. Additionally, depth of pool will be just under chest height whereby 50%+ of bodyweight is offloaded through buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure has been suggested to reduce swelling at this level (Becker, 2009). Importantly, temperature will range from 33.5-35.5 degrees which is safe and sufficient enough to produce therapeutic benefits (Becker, 2009). Finally, treatment dosage will be twice a week consisting of 30 minute sessions for a 20 week period. This will address longer-term effects. Outcome Measures A research assistant blinded to the treatment allocations will evaluate the outcomes measures in order to reduce detection bias. Bilberg and Mannerkorpi (2005) used a C Reactive Protein (CRP) (i.e. higher levels demonstrates active inflammation) in order to test assess disease activity. However, it is said that more than 40% of RA patients have normal CRP levels (Sokka and Pincus, 2009), thus decreasing validity and clinical applicability. Therefore, this study will use Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as the primary objective measure due its ability to present visual aspects of inflammation within the synovial membrane; shown to be a superior method and very relevant for RA (e.g. Østergaard, 2009) (Figure 1). This will be taken, baseline and post treatment for all groups. Secondary outcome measures will include Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (Figure 1) assessed on a 10cm scale, whereby 0cm indicates no pain. This is widely used to assess rheumatic diseases and a number of studies have established data showing that VAS results are very reproducible (e.g. Dixon and Bird, 1981).ÂÂ   Other physical measures will include the Ritchie Articular Index in order to assess joint tenderness; intra-reliability of this test has been shown to be acceptable (Levy and Dick, 1975) and is easy to perform. Finally, aerobic capacity will be analyzed through a submaximal test in accordance to Astrands Principle (Astrand and Rodahl, 1986); shown to have satisfactory reliability in RA populations (e.g. Mannerkorpi and Ekdahl, 1997). Both of which taken pre-post. Statistical Considerations and Analysis Analysis will be completed via the Fishers exact test and continuous variables by Wilcoxon signed rank tests for within group comparisons. Importantly, data analyses will be completed according to the intention to treat principles. Ethical Considerations In line with Beauchamp and Childress (2001) it will be essential to have respect for autonomy. Respecting this value, means to protect participants through data protection/confidentiality and ensuring they are adequately informed about what is proposed. In order to keep data anonymised personal details of quantitative data sets will be replaced with numbers. Most importantly, informed consent will be obtained before commencing the study to ensure participants are not subject to an intervention they do not want. To further fulfil these requirements, an information sheet for participants will be written which will also state risks as well as what data will be used for. Conclusion The main advantage of this study is that is assesses disease activity on a physiological level objectively and also observes the impacts subjectively via VAS scale; an unpopular approach in the Hydrotherapy literature (E.g. Hall, 1996, Bilberg et al. Eversden et al, 2007). Findings from this study, will hopefully assist in creating structured and standardised exercise programmes that could be used throughout healthcare systems. Finally, limitations of this study include the high costs that are associated with MRI scans and Hydrotherapy facilities. Nevertheless, this will address the longer term effects of Hydrotherapy for RA. Referenced Material Abhishek, A., Butt, S., Gadsby, K., Zhamg, W. Deighton, C.M. (2010). Anti-TNF-alpha agents are less effective for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in current smokers. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology. 16(1): 15-8. Abowitz, D.A. and Toole, T.M. (2010). Mixed Method Research: Fundamental Issue of Design, Validity, and Reliability in Construction Research. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management. 136 (1). Akobeng, A.K. (2005). Understanding Randomised Controlled Trials. Archives of Disease in Childhood. 90. 840-844. Ã…strand, P.O. Rodahl, K. (1986) Textbook of Work Physiology, 4th edition. New York: McGraw- Hill, 1986. Beauchamp T. and ChildressÂÂ   (2001). Principles of medical ethics. Fifth Edition. New York: Oxford University Press Becker, B. (2009). Aquatic Therapy: Scientific Foundations and Clinical Rehabilitation Applications. American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 1. 859-872. Bilberg, A., Ahlmen., M. Mannerkorpi, K. (2005). Moderatley Intensive Execise in a Temperate Pool for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Study. Rheumatology. 44: 502-508. Blumle, A., Meerpohl, J.J., Rucker, G., Antes, G., Schumacher, M. and Elm, E.V. (2011). Reporting of Eligibility Criteria of Randomised Trials: Cohort Study Comparing Trial Protocols with Subsequent Articles. British Medical Journal. 342. 18-28. Broom, A., and Willis, E. (2007). Competing paradigms and health research. In Mike Saks and Judith Allsop (Ed.), Researching health: Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods (pp. 16-31) London: Sage. Bryman, A. (2001) Social Research Method, 1st Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Bryman, A. (2004) Social Research Methods. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press Campion, M.R (1997). Hydrotherapy: Princples and Practice. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann. 3-24. Cooney, J.K., Law, R.J., Matschke, V., Lemmey, A.B., Moore, J.P., Ahamd, Y., Jones, J.G., Maddison, P. and Thom, J.M. (2011). Benefits of Exercise in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Journal of Aging Research. 1-14. Creswell, J.W., Clark, V.I., Gutmann, M. and Hanson W. (2003). Advanced Mixed Methods Research Designs. In A. Tashakkori, A. and Teddlie, C. (Eds). Handbook of Mixed Methods in Social and Behavioural Research (pp. 209-240). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Dixon, J.S. and Bird, H.A. (1981). Reproducibility along a 10 cm vertical visual analogue scale. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 40. 87-9. Ekblom, B., Lovgren O., Alderin, M., Fridstrom, M. Satterstrom G. (1974). Physical Performance in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. 3(3): 121-5. Eversden, L., Maggs, F., Nightingale., P. Jobanputra, P., (2007). A pragmatic randomised controlled trial of hydrotherapy and land exercises on overallÂÂ   well being and quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 8(1), p.1. Hall, J., Skevington, S.M., Maddison, P.J. Chapman, K., 1996. A randomized and controlled trial of hydrotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheumatism, 9(3), pp. 206-215. Kinder, A.J., Hassell, A.B., Brand, J., Brownfield, A., Grove, M. and Shadforth, M.F. (2004). The treatment of inflammatory arthritis with methotrexate in clinical practice: treatment duration and incidence of adverse drug reactions. Rheumatology.44 (1): 61-66. Minor, M.A., Hewett, J.E., Webel, R.R., Dreisginer, T.E. Kay, D.R. (1988). Exercise Tolerance and Disease Related Measures in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis. The Journal of Rheumatology. 15(6): 905-11. Saks,M. and Allsop,J. (2013) Researching Health: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods. 2nd ed. London: Sage Schulz,K., Altman,D. and Moher,D. (2010) CONSORT 2010 Statement: Updated guidelines for reporting parallel group randomised trials. British Medical Journal, 340:698-702 Smolen, J. and Keystone, E.C. (2012). Rheumatoid Arthritis: Where are we now? Pathogenesis, treatment response and tailored therapy. Rheumatology. 51(5). 18-20. Steinbrocker 0, Traeger C.H. and Batterman RC. (1949). Therapeutic criteria in rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of The American Medical Association. 140: 659-662. Stenstrom, C.H. and Minor, M.A. (2003). Evidence for the benefit of aerobic and strengthening exercise in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis Care Research. 49(3). 428-434. Sokka, T. and Pincus, T. (2009). Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, C-Reactive Protein, or Rheumatoid Factor Are Not Normal at Presentration in 35%-45% of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Seen Between 1980 and 2004: Analyses from Finland and the United States. The Journal of Rheumatology. 36(7). 1387-1390. Suresh,K. (2011) An overview of randomisation techniques: An unbiased assessment of outcome in clinical research. Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences, 4(1):8-11 Ostergaard, M. (2009). Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Quantitative methods for assessment of the inflammatory process in peripheral joints: Summary of Thesis. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. 28. 265.ÂÂ   Wasserman, A.M. (2011). Diagnosis and Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis. American Family Physician. 84(11). 1245-1252.

Emily Dickinson’s This was a Poet- it is That Essay -- Poet Poem Poeti

Emily Dickinson’s This was a Poet- it is That Emily Dickinson was an unrecognized poet her whole life. Her close family members recognized her talent, and her needs to write poetry, but the literary establishment of her time would not recognize her skill. Even though she was unrecognized, she was still quietly battling the established views through her poetry. Her literary struggle was exposed after her death since, while living, only five of her poems were published. Many of her poems were a reaction to the rejection of many publishers and other literary critics. This particular poem’s character comes from Dickinson’s reaction to Ralph Waldo Emerson’s statement that â€Å"poets are thus liberating gods.† Here she is challenging the established literati by questioning popular Emersonian views. In particular, this poem is a reaction to Emerson’s belief that â€Å"the poet is the sayer, the namer, and represents beauty.† Basically, it is a reaction to the idea that the poet is the creator of beautiful words, liberating the common people by giving them words they would not have access to. This was a Poet  ­ It is That by Emily Dickinson This was a Poet  ­ It is That Distills amazing sense From ordinary Meanings - And Attar so immense From the familiar species That perished by the Door - We wonder it was not Ourselves Arrested it - before Of Pictures, the Discloser  ­ The Poet  ­ it is He  ­ Entitles Us  ­ by Contrast - To ceaseless Poverty - Of Portion  ­ so unconscious - The Robbing  ­ could not harm - Himself  ­ to Him  ­ a Fortune - Exterior  ­ to Time  ­ In the first stanza the author is describing the role of the poet. The poet is one who recreates an irregular view, or creates a s... ...nd the commoner, both victims of the relationship they have with each other. Although she does agree with Emerson that the poet is a namer, she disagrees with some of his other thoughts. Through this poem, Dickinson is setting herself apart from the Poets of her time. She does not consider herself a robber baron of words. She also chooses to deny that the poets are liberating gods because she feels that the poet is in fact dominating the ordinary person, not liberating them. Instead, Dickinson chooses to categorize herself with the ordinary people. She is criticizing Emerson’s obvious belief that the poet is above the ordinary man. He calls himself a liberating God because he is a poet when Dickinson just wants to be a normal person who is a poet. Dickinson does not want to be above the ordinary person in a condescending way, but wants to be among them.

All Quite On The Western Front Essay -- essays research papers

â€Å"All Quiet On The Western Front†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  World War I was a fierce and very disturbing time for many people. During war people will stretch their own personal boundaries and limits just to stay alive. Although every solider was someone’s son, by the end of the war this was not a factor. By thinking of an enemy as less then human, the act of killing someone’s son was a little easier on the minds of each soldier. To everyday people it is apparent that the war changes people, but the extent of the change is not so easy to see. This change is symbolized in the movie, â€Å"All Quiet On The Western Front.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  At the beginning of the movie, Paul Baumer and his friends were excited about the war. Their teacher Mr. Kantorek, had put a theory in their heads that war was a patriotic duty. If you loved and wanted to support your country, then going to war was a must. With this theory in your head, the act of war is a very difficult thing to handle. Paul realized that war was a horrible place to be. Yes you were fighting for your country, but at the same time all of your friends and family were dying around you. In the end was it really worth it? This was the question that ended up on Paul’s mind, and was a question that would not be soon to leave his conscience.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Paul was a good boy. He had a good education, was a non-smoker, and had many friends. His teacher was amazed a...

Foreign studies: Chinatown Essay

Extreme traffic congestion and crowding cerate an aggressive atmosphere (cp. fig. 7.2.1.8). Thus, experienced atmosphere carriers like colourful shops, Chinese pharmacies, exotic market places (cp. appendix A fig. 21, 22), the picturesque Binondo Church (cp. appendix A fig. 23) come not fully into one’s own due to the disorganized surroundings. Numerous untidy areas with visible garbage, filthy canals, fetid sewers and dilapidated heritage buildings are discouraging and leave a lasting memory of neglect and insufficient cleanliness (cp. fig. 7.2.1.8 and appendix A fig. 24). Prevailing monotonous (dark) grey colouration is perceived as oppressive. The activity spectrum refers mainly to education or shopping with guided tours or through self-exploration. Stimuli are mainly audio-visual, olfactory (spices) and food tasting The district is perceived as complex, with numerous confusing pathways. The orientation is difficult due to missing signage, brochures and absent references to landmarks. Inner district attractions (e.g. market places, temple) are not signposted and difficult to find while on self-exploration. Main attraction elements like Binondo Church, authentic Chinese historic shop-houses, exotic Chinese pharmacies, authentic restaurants, hidden spiritual places are not tourism oriented accentuated and staged for visitors. Unbearable crowding supports a feeling of insecurity. The district offers numerous catering facilities and shops but public restrooms are unavailable. Interconnectivity to adjacent sites (Escolta, Rizal Park, Intramuros) is conveniently within walking distance. The plan was to build a huge bargain shopping place that would dwarf all the popular thrift, wholesale haunts in the neighborhood. Three years hence, and what rose on one whole block on Reina Regente Street in the heart of Binondo has indeed eclipsed every structure in its vicinity. But it wasn’t the discount behemoth originally planned that opened last February, but a posh, multilevel mall that this side of town had never seen before. â€Å"We took a risk,† said Kevin Tan, first vice president and Commercial Division head of Megaworld Corp., the developer of Lucky Chinatown shopping mall. â€Å"Chinatown is a known bargain area, but midway we felt that we ought to do something different, one that’s never before seen in this area.† The five-level Lucky Chinatown, interconnected by bridge walkways to Megaworld’s twin-tower residential condo, Cityplace, has a supermarket, four cinemas, a food court, an appliance center, a kids’ zone, a fashion zone, and a host of dining, service and retail shops previously seen only in upscale malls in Makati. Tan’s father, real estate tycoon and Megaworld CEO Andrew Tan, always wanted to build something special for the Binondo of his childhood, according to Teresa Pesigan-Valentino, Megaworld’s AVP for marketing and business development. The 3-hectare location of Lucky Chinatown is considered a heritage site where two public high schools, Rajah Sulayman and Josà © Abad Santos, used to be. (When Megaworld acquired the property from the Manila city government in 2008, the developer relocated and built new structures for the two schools, also in Manila.)

The influence of myths in the lives of man

Introduction Man is a complex creature, as compared to other living organisms that has walked the earth. He is able to act and cooperate with other people in order to create or do something productive. He is gifted with a rational mind which enables him to make rational judgment and decisions in his everyday life. He was blessed with emotions that enable them to express what they feel, show their appreciation or disgust. Man is complex creature such that he is able to believe something that he doesn’t see or he has no proof of its reality. He believes in myths about how he should act or react about something, thus setting it as a standard or as a norm in life. Looking at man and woman, man is said to be the more myth-believer than the woman. Man, an egoistic creature believes and values a lot of things, including abstract principles like chivalry, his big ego and his responsibilities in his life. Males, which generally see themselves, stronger than the females, often take much of the responsibilities especially when it comes to his family. It is common to see fathers who choose to work away from the family so that they will be able to supply the needs of his families. Men may consider themselves as superior to women, yet they compensate this claim by shouldering the hard work not because they like to do so, but because they are compelled to do so, as dictated by their beliefs and personal myths. Men choose to take these responsibilities not because they feel superior, but because of the fact that they are men. Even though men think this way they don’t lack fear and respect for women. In Theodore Dreiser’s short story, he pictured the main character, Rufus Haymaker, as man who has it all when it comes to material things. He lives a wealthy lifestyle, a good job, a house, doesn’t go hungry, everything that a man would strive for in his life. But then, Rufus Haymaker is not a happy man. He may have every material thing that a man may wish, but he lacks happiness. He is not fulfilled, not having lived his life to the fullest. Rufus Haymaker can be considered just like any other person in this world, someone who lacks will power and strength to decide for themselves, thus oftentimes regretting the way things in his life are going. Rufus Haymaker’s life is a typical rags-to-riches story. Because of poverty, he was driven and forced to go out and face the world. In his own, he was able to return a different man, yet he still thinks that there was really no change that happened. This resulted to suffering and mental torment, leaving him with the dilemma between duty and desire. Rufus’ situation is a common myth in men. He would strive hard in order to prove something, in order to excel, yet, in the end; he doesn’t realize that he already has proven something. He gets so engrossed with work because of his goals, he tends to forget his real reason why is working hard. In the end, he would grow old not knowing that he already met his goal, thus continuing to work hard for it. He wasn’t able to live his life to the fullest, because of his sacrifice and obedience to conventions, duty and moral order; he has lived an unfulfilled life. Rufus Haymaker already had it all, but because of moral restraints, his moral choice, he has lived an empty life. Rufus Haymaker was held back by his moral choice, because he chose to stick with the norms. He followed obediently, without knowing that it cost him his freedom and happiness. In this story, Rufus Haymaker has a wife. This is another manifestation of his loyalty and obedience to the norms. At that time, the concept of â€Å"one life, one love† was the norm being followed (Vaz). This became a restraint to Rufus life. He is pretending to be enjoying his life with his wife, but the reality is that he hates every moment of it, that her illness gave him a spark of hope. Her possible death gave Rufus another chance to be free; the moment his wife is gone, his attachment to the norm would be gone also, because she will be dead. The concept of one love is already nullified with death. Rufus’ lived a life at a time when people are bound to conventions, thus keeping them attached to their duty as a person, their beliefs where in they believe that following it means living a healthy life. Because of that, these beliefs hindered them from enjoying the real meaning of life, of being free, of seizing the day while it lasts! For Rufus Haymaker, there was this feeling of satisfaction with the idea that she is going to die, because in his marriage, he was looking for love and happiness, but with his wife, he never had it. But because of the norm, he remained bounded to his wife, and suffered emotionally. To wrap it up, Rufus Haymaker achieved the freedom he longed for so many years. But ironically, he did achieve his freedom, yet it didn’t make him happy. He found out that he was to old for the life that he was craving, and it was too late for him to recover. His great attachment with the myths and norms made him forget about time, that he was already growing old while waiting for the moment he could be free. Rufus Haymaker, the man who wished that his wife never recover from her illness, will never be happy with the freedom that he was able to get with his wife’s death. It was to late for him, because he didn’t seize the opportunity when it came to him. Reference: Vaz, Teresa Moraes. â€Å"Irony and Naturalism In â€Å"Free†, by Theodore Dreiser†.   1996. February 3 2007. .      

Orlando Garcia, Jr. vs. Ranida and Ramon Salvador Essay

Orlando Garcia, Jr. (Community Diagnostics Center) vs. Ranida and Ramon Salvador G.R. No. 168512 March 20, 2007 FACTS: Respondent Ranida Salvador underwent a medical examination at the Community Diagnostics Center (CDC) as a prerequisite for regular employment. Garcia, a medical technologist, conducted the HBs Ag (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen) test. On October 22, 1993, CDC issued the test result indicating that Ranida was â€Å"HBs Ag: Reactive.† The result bore the name and signature of Garcia as examiner and the rubber stamp signature of Dr. Castro as pathologist. When Ranida submitted the test result to Dr. Sto. Domingo, the Company physician, the latter apprised her that the findings indicated that she is suffering from Hepatitis B, a liver disease. Thus, based on the medical report submitted by Sto. Domingo, the Company terminated Ranida’s employment for failing the physical examination. It was later determined that there was an error in the previous examination and that the respondent was not suffering from Hepatitis B. Respondent was rehired by the company. ISSUE: Whether Garcia (CDC) is liable for damages to the respondents for issuing an incorrect HBsAG test result. HELD: The Court held that CDC was negligent because there was no licensed physician in CDC as required by law. CDC is not administered, directed and supervised by a licensed physician as required by law, but by Ma. Ruby C. Calderon, a licensed Medical Technologist. In the License to Open and Operate a Clinical Laboratory for the years 1993 and 1996 issued by Dr. Juan R. Naà ±agas, M.D., Undersecretary for Health Facilities, Standards and Regulation, defendant-appellee Castro was named as the head of CDC. However, defendant pathologist is not the owner of the Community Diagnostic Center nor an employee of the same nor the employer of its employees. Defendant pathologist comes to the Community Diagnostic Center when and where a problem is referred to him. Castro’s infrequent visit to the clinical laboratory barely qualifies as an effective administrative supervision and control over the activities in the laboratory. â€Å"Supervision and control† means the authority to act directly whenever a specific function is entrusted by law or regulation to a subordinate; direct the performance of duty; restrain the commission of acts; review, approve, revise or modify  acts and decisions of subordinate officials or units. Moreover, Garcia conducted the HBsAG test of respondent Ranida without the supervision of defendant-appellee Castro. Lastly, the disputed HBsAG test result was released to respondent Ranida without the authorization of defendant-appellee Castro.

Bmw Management

OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT Table of Contents 1. Introduction3 2. Discussion4 3. BMW area of improvement6 4. BMW Solutions7 5. Recommendations9 6. Conclusion11 References13 1. Introduction Operations management is a process where system direction and control of the processes transforms inputs into finished goods and services. It is also the way organization do produce goods and their services. It’s a process of transforming and oversetting set of resources that is inputs in to services and goods which is output. Operations Functions of B. M. W comprises of a significant number of employees and their physical assets in various organizations (Mondy & Premeaux, 1992). Its also determins the equipments which are used and some information should go in an operation system and also how this equipments can be able to market the place. Managers they are the one who are supposed to be responsible on their activities such as quality management and control in their business. The Importance of operation have increased in recent years. Managers they do play a big role in satisfying their customer’s needs and making their business to be firm and strong. Inputs recourses might be raw materials or information or customers. Some examples of inputs in the B. M. W Company which include:-customers – this is a process where you are involved in processing your ticket and baggage. Raw Materials this is where some plastics product they are melted and they do form a mold. Information; a divisor do gather some information to clients and assist in developing in financial plans. Output it’s a product or services required by customers and its broadest sense of the word. Overview functions they involves a lot of different disciplines. Productions do have service which operations have (U. S Departments of Education Institute of Education Sciences, 2009). Discussion Operation management is the way products and goods and services are concerned with organizing the process of getting thing which are been done. The operation is also used for transforming process and converting a set of resources into services and goods. Operations management’s functions of the B. M. W involve different disciplines, production and services. Operation management functions do have a central role in most firms. The functions which are defined to select this determine which product or services will be produced and by which process (Mondy & Premeaux, 1992). Designing in the B. M. W sector involve creation method, whereby the operation involves actual process and meeting of schedules and also do certify production and standards. Operations functions here manager is supposed to be responsible for the success of the products units. This person need knowledge which is base in technology of products which are been processed . In customers participation it leads to storage ,transporting and stocking, and at the same time customer supplies with some of the products. Using customers as labor, enables them to do self service and this require customers to physically and mentally able to help themselves (Mondy & Premeaux, 1992). Retaining an existing customer at the B. M. W Company is much cheaper costs of winning new customers. The designing of a poorly product or service can fail to market needs and expectations. It’s more important to make products are well delivered and processed and closely linked. The designer must work together with the product so that he or she can make it to me more successful introduction of a new product or services. Products they are experience through materials, equipments and people, People they do know what can be done so as to solve problems (Chase & Jacobs et al, 2001). The right quality it’s not best but it’s determined by the cost of the products and the technical characteristics and the requirements. Manufacturers should procedure the best products in the right numbers and if they are produced in excess of the demands the capital will lower the inventory but if the quality is in short of demand its leads to shortage of products. The advantages of operation management in job shop production, the operator will become more skilled and its will compete other jobs and its will give the other business the opportunities. The Opportunities of B. M. W exists to create methods and innovates some ideas. Batch productions it’s defined by American Production and Inventory Control Society. The characterizes includes, whenever there is shorter productions to run the business, when machines and plant are flexible, when the manufacturer lead time and the cost at lower as compared to job order productions. The Advantages of Batch production are when there is better utilization of plants; the cot per item is lower as compared to job orders production (Mondy & Premeaux, 1992). Objectives of the operation management of the B. M. W Company should ensure its products are being produced at more clear and attractive services of right quality and quantity at the right time and at right manufacturing costs. The products are supposed to be of right quality and the right quantity. The quality is established based upon the customers and their needs Mondy & Premeaux (1992), the manager defines objectives for the operations of the organization and its polices, The operation manager provide the role and the flow of information within the operations . They determine activities which are required so as to achieve the goals and assign them responsibility for carrying them out. Operation manager must exercise to control by measuring outputs and comparing their plans in managements. Managers they are the one who are supposed to be concerned with how efforts to plan, organize and to control the behavior of human (Ames, 1995). Manager plan, organize and control the conversation process within the organization. Operation management is concern with achieving of both satisfactory customers and services, the B. M. W company should be tacked with these two objectives in mind, and many of the problems will favor the operations manager this is because of the conflicts hence operations manager must attempt to the balanced their basics objectives (Mondy & Premeaux, 1992). BMW AREA OF IMPROVEMENT (SUPPLY CHAIN AND CUSTOMER RELATIONS) The services operations at the B. M. W Company are not immune to some problems associated in making services of operations to meet its objectives (Mondy & Premeaux, 1992, pg 3). The designing of the something do limits for existing equipments, capacity and facilities, the product upgrades with the new features do have some significant effects on the operations. With the fixed of the process is highly repeatable and the process can be easily be monitored and varied. The importance of the aspect of the designed concentrates on utilizing and efficiency in addressing the demands valuables and the customer participations. King the customer out do the processes whether it’s possible and adopt the industrial process which is designed the processes which are not involving the customers. Mondy & Premeaux (1992), the production/operations management this is the process in which combines and transforms various resources which are being used in productions. It’s the part of organization which it’s been concerned with the transformation or the range of some inputs into the required field. Operations management strategies at the B. M. W Company is to improve the efficiency and effective of transportation through low cost and management to improve and to program (Megginsion, 1992, pg8). To associates with problems and their limits of current process techniques. Management is a process whereby an essential business functions take place and manager is some who is responsible for people and project together. The two topics includes the general manager’s job this is where manager take his or her ole in leading and managing an enterprise and to be responsible on the company the other one role to determine the long run of all enterprises. The most important role of a manager is to rule the business this is where business need different ways of thinking and way of acting in the business (U. S Departments of Education Institute of Education Sciences, 2009). What makes a manager to organize and also manage his or her he should be competent and he is organized in his dutie s. There are travel demands, these are transporting system management and intelligent transporting systems which improves strategies that do improve mobility. Management quality can certify and help Manufacture Company and put systems and control to ensure few and more profitable business (Megginsion, 1992, pg12). The company that do approach the certification at the end it’s the one whose succeed; effective quality management system its standard of quality (Megginsion, 1992). The standards involve overtime which reelects aspects of the industry. When businesses gets standards quality that when it becomes certified and these show the customers that it’s well practiced and the product they are of high qualities (Mondy & Premeaux, 1992). BMW Solutions Business which certifies doesn’t always go on by certification practices which are need to increase their quality. The short-term thinking leads a business in some problem . One particular do challenge the quality management. The old standby quality approach they are six sigma and they change your organization culture to drive strategy and business transformation. This deserves much intensity to all other initiatives that can operate in big companies. The strategic six sigma principles and practices which can help companies they include. This is formulating and new existing business strategies. They also deal with changing and they increase complex of customer requirements, they also facilitate merge and acquisitions. The growing of number of companies beginning to realize the implications caused by six sigma’s; especially engine to accelerate corporate strategies and organizations (U. S Departments of Education Institute of Education Sciences, 2009). The BMW ought to entail below solutions to cub their problems: †¢ To help the company’s top leadership team by implement six sigma and developing a committed team of leader to support. †¢ Thinking and practicing into some strategies and planning. Establishing connections with customer and their large market place where the companies do operates. †¢ Ensures leaders view the companies not as a set of isolated functions or independent. †¢ To develops measures and demands which are tangible results from people in their works. †¢ To be committed in fulltime to the business, aspects of grogram to ensure that work is progressing toward achieving goals and objectives. †¢ Megginsion (1992), the BMW company should avoid to introduce new work processing and product without have relied with your customers through design and development processes. Recommendations By choosing some issues good manager should know that he can able to bring some talents within his organization and he do choose those which have the greatest and which are long term and those one which can make his talents to be more productive. Under ordinary time he will have three or four major objectives during any single period of time. Megginsion (1992). Management is one role that is fast of growing the security market while continuing security to enable to increase attention to identify issues. All managers they perform some same basics functions to make sure the business runs well. Manager is supposed to strive hard to reach al objectives in an organization. As a manager it’s good to make use of your time and the functions of managements are to control in devising way to ensure all plans are being achieved well. As a manager you are responsible to ensure thing of yourself they are running well and they are all correct and measure are being taken (Chase, 2004). Person whose proficiency has applied the competency repeatedly and successfully in their performances of his or her jobs but has much to the advance (Megginsion, 1992). Aspects and behaivior which is associated with the B. M. W Company and operation managements. Person with high level can have knowledge and experience with competency and can apply well on job with any assistance. In this stage one is expert and has experience many careers in his or her own work. To share list of keys people organizes and resources so as to help solving Problems College to have trained or mentor you on how to effectively schedule this skill will lead to the best learned from job which is trained. In informal interview, the manager is involved in with scheduling and attending of meetings with him if it’s possible. To have relations with your customers in your business you can be able to understand their needs and their concerns. Making you available its will direct you to contact with your clients. To rotate your job and assignments of various employees so that you many know how your employee interacts with their customers. As a manager you should be asking assignment in workforce planning. It’s good to spend time observing your work operation so that you may know processes and problems that needs to be solved. As a manager it’s good to have a meeting with your employees so that you can be able to solve tasks with schedules. To make work to be organized and activities to run smoothly and efficiency manager is supposed to be responsible (Chase & Jacobs et al, 2001). Whenever manager of the B. M. W Company move to many places, he develop a network for some information in many different departments. He do keeps the sources and keep them open no matter how high they will be. Skillful manager usually leave members of his organization so that they can judge them and decide which level to inform him. Managers are supposed to respond immediately with a reasonable in various problems and how to overcome them. Another skill is to save time and energy for various issues. For keeping someone informed. About a wide range operation and decisions which are been made in different steps in a company (Chase & Jacobs et al, 2001). The importance of operation management in the B. M. W Company has highly increased the function to enable to increase and improve productivity while providing a broader high quality of the products. The benefits of establishing the standards includes decision making. It’s also requiring thinking outside the organization and use of new technologies and also resolving of the provided mechanisms. A customer is an individual or a group and he can be the process in the organization, this is by providing of some law materials. In Operation management expectations includes cost, time and delivery, the enviroment, level of services, and the quality of the product or services (Mondy & Premeaux, 1992). In designing of the products can fail to meet the market expectations in the market. Organization functions they entails addition to setting of the department structures. To compare productions and the services in an operations most services have elements which are based operations integrated with service delivery. The situations which are faced by a service operation manager may be less significant and less encountered by the production and manufacturing manager. The depth of planing and preparation which enable products to be consumed, Customers they see only the delivery of the products and services they are given and some customers may not mind the time that they will take to wait. Some customers will not wait and wait for the responds. The difficulties in stocking a service they include the capacity wasted if not in use. The isolation of the customers is less for services than for goods and when personal services if offered the customers they are more involved. Customers immediate are more less such that the systems are more sensitive and more personal to control (Mondy & Premeaux, 1992). Conclusion If the managers do operations of business or organization smoothly and in right order, he will get the benefits in the organization. But if they do not cooperate with his organization well, it will have fewer benefits. In my view point, it will have conclusion on how I can believe my experiences of the operations managements and it’s could be one of my benefits. Also for the B. M. W business to run well it’s should have some inputs and outputs and to make an organization to be successful it’s supposed to have objectives of operations managements of how is speed when doing your work and cost of your varieties and goods (Mondy & Premeaux, 1992). The quality of your goods matters a lot in your organization and your goods it’s good to have better qualities so as to attract more of your customers in your organizations. For a manager is required he or she to be focused in his daily duties and also he should be capable to make the organization to be organized and it’s been operating well (Ames, 1995). In a company foundation it is also more important that is when business have a good start its can enable it to learn well. Manager is responsible to make sure every department its learning well and everybody is well located in his or her own departments. The operations function of B. M. W is responsible in producing the services of goods and managing the supply that would provide the incoming resources. Manager is required to innovate and ensure successful of new products in the market (Ames, 1995). It is the responsibility of the management concerning Operations management strategies at the B. M. W Company to improve the efficiency and effective of transportation through low cost and management to improve its productivity and to program its services world wide. Lastly, the B. M. W Company should try and incorporate the use of internet and e-commerce to market its products to the customers (Chase, 2004). References Ames M. Wilson. (1995). An historical perspective on Operations Management, Production and Inventory Management Journal Chase F. (2004). Operations managements for competitive advantage: Inventory management Journal Chase, F. & Jacobs, N et al. (2001). Operations Management for Competitive Advantage: New York, HarperCollins Megginsion, L. (1992). Management 4th Edition Concepts and Applications: New York, HarperCollins Mondy, R Wayne & Premeaux,Shane R. (1992). Management Concepts, Practices and Skills Seveth Edition. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall U. S Departments of Education Institute of Education Sciences. 2009). Clarifications of Instructional programs (CIP). US, California University Clark, G. and Johnston, R. (2005) BMW, Service Operations Management: Improving Service Delivery, Harlow: Pearson Education. Ohno, T. (1995) Toyota Production System: Beyond Large-scale Production, New York: Productivity Press. Slack, N. , Chambers, S. and Johnston, R. (2004) BMW, Operations Management (4th Edition), Har low: Pearson Education. Chase, R. , Jacobs, R. and Aquilano, N. (2005) Operations Management for Competitive Advantage (11th Edition) New York: McGraw-Hill. Ackerman, K. B. 1997, Practical Handbook of Warehousing, 4th Ed. , Chapman & Hall. (ISBN 0412125110). Ballou, R. H. , 1998, Business Logistics Management: Planning, Organizing, and Controlling the Supply Chain, 4th Ed. , Prentice Hall, (ISBN 0137956592). Blanchard, B. S. , 1998, BMW, Logistics Engineering and Management, 5th Ed. , Prentice Hall, (ISBN 0139053166). Bowersox, D. J. and D. J. Closs, 1996, Logistical Management: The Integrated Supply Chain Process, McGraw Hill, (ISBN 0070068836). Christopher, M. and H. Peck, 1997, Marketing Logistics, Butterworth-Heinemann, (ISBN 0750622091). Council of Logistics Management (CLM), 1998 Bibliography of Logistics Training Aids, prepared by R. L. Cook (Central Michigan University), CLM, 2805 Butterfield Rd. , Suite 200, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Copacino, W. C. , 1997, BMW, Supply Chain Management: The Basics and Beyond, The St. Lucie Press/Apics Series on Resource Management. Coyle, J. J. and E. J. Bardi, 1998, Transportation, South-Western Pub. , (ISBN 0538881801). Coyle, J. J. , E. J. Bardi, and C. J. Langley, 1996, The Management of Business Logistics, 6th Ed. , West/Wadsworth, (ISBN 0314065075). Coyle, J. J. , E. J. Bardi, and R. A. 1994,Novack, Transportation, 4th Ed. ,West/Wadsworth (ISBN 0314028536). Glaskowsky, N. A. , D. R. Hudson, and R. M. Ivie, 1992, Business Logistics, 3rd Ed. , Wadsworth Pub, (ISBN 0534510353). Handfield, R. B. and E. Z. Nichols, 1998, Introduction to Supply Chain Management, Prentice Hall, (ISBN 0136216161). Kasilingam, 1999, R. G. , Logistics and Transportation: Design and Planning, Kluwer Academic Pub. , (ISBN 0412802902). Lambert, D. M. , J. R. Stock, L. M. Ellram, and J. Stockdale, 1997, Fundamentals of Logistics Management, McGraw Hill, (ISBN 0256141177). Langford, J. W. , 1994, Logistics: Principles and Applications, McGraw Hill, (ISBN 007036415X). Leenders, M. R. , Purchasing and Materials Management, 10th Ed. , McGraw Hill, 1992 (ISBN 0256103348). Nerseian, R. L. and G. B. Swartz, 1996, Computer Simulation in Logistics, Quorum Books, (ISBN 0899309852). Orsburn, D. K. , 1991, BMW, Spares Management Handbook, Tab Books, (ISBN 0830676260). Patton, J. D. , 1986, Logistics Technology and Management: The New Approach- A Comprehensive Handbook for Commerce, Industry, Government, Solomon Press, (ISBN 0934623023). Pooler, V. H. and D. Pooler, 1997, Purchasing and Supply Management: Creating the Vision, Chapman & Hall, (ISBN 0412106019). Robeson, J. F. (Preface) and W. C. Copacino (Editor), 1994, The Logistics Handbook, Free Press, (ISBN 0029265959). Kidd, P. T. and W. Karwowski (Editors), 1995, Advances in Agile Manufacturing: Integrating Technology, Organization and People, IOS Press, (ISBN 9051991762). McMahon, C. and J. Browne, 1998, CADCAM: , Principles, Practice and Manufacturing Management, 2nd Ed. , Addison-Wesley, (ISBN 0201178192). Ross, P. J. 1995, Taguchi Techniques for Quality Engineering: Loss Function, Orthogonal Experiments, Parameter and Tolerance Design, 2nd Ed. , McGraw Hill, (ISBN 0070539588). Tompkins, J. A. , Y. A. Bozer, E. Frazelle, J. Tanchoco, and J. White, 1996, Facilities Planning, 2nd Ed. , John Wiley & Sons, (ISBN 0471002526). Eppen, G. D. , 1998, Introductory Management Science, Prentice Hall, (ISBN 0536012024). Evans, J. R. , 1996, Production/Operations Managemen t: Quality, Performance, and Value, 5th Ed. , West/Wadsworth, (ISBN 0314062475). Hillier, F. S. and G. J. Lieberman, 1995, Introduction to Operations Research, 6th Ed. McGraw Hill, (ISBN 0078414474). Krajewski, L. J. and L. P. Ritzman, Operations Management: Strategy and Analysis, 5th Ed. , Addison-Wesley, 1998 (ISBN 0201331187). Taha, H. A. , 1996, BMW, Operations Research: An Introduction, 6th Ed. , Prentice Hall, (ISBN 0132729156). Canada, J. R. , W. G. Sullivan, and J. A. White, 1996, Capital Investment Analysis for Engineering and Management, 2nd Ed. , Prentice Hall, (ISBN 0133110362). Fabrycky, W. J. and B. S. Blanchard, 1991, Life-Cycle Cost and Economic Analysis, Prentice Hall, (ISBN 0135383234). Fabrycky, W. J. , G. J. Thuesen, and D. Verma, 1997, Economic Decision Analysis, Prentice Hall, (ISBN 0133702499). Grant, E. L. , W. G. Ireson, and R. S. Leavenworth, 1990, Principles of Engineering Economy, 8th Ed. , John Wiley & Sons, (ISBN 047163526X). Ostwald, P. F. , 1992, BMW, Engineering Cost Estimating, 3rd Ed. , Prentice Hall, (ISBN 0132766272). Stewart, R. D. , 1991, Cost Estimating, 2nd Ed. , John Wiley & Sons, (ISBN 0471857076). Thuesen G. J. and W. J. Fabrycky, 1993, BMW, Engineering Economy, 8th Ed. , Prentice Hall, (ISBN 0132799286).