Saturday, August 31, 2019

Human †Religion Essay

I really have to give credit for my religion & beliefs for my search on the meaning of life. I’m a fully baptized Catholic, and a part of God’s Church. 17 years of being a Catholic and in search of the meaning of life, I have always thought it is about the Call to Holiness. My religion taught me that being a part of God’s Church is no accident, but because God wanted to share in His own blessed life, and in doing so He wanted me to desire & serve Him freely by following His will. And by following his will, God will grant me eternal happiness which will lead to my salvation. All Catholics knew that God sent His son, Jesus, to set an example for us. Jesus showed the perfect example & answered the call to Holiness. He showed us that we should love our neighbors as God showed His love for us; and that is what the Call to Holiness is. In search for the true meaning of life, it will take plenty of years, but for now I plan to stick with what my religion has taught me. Carl Rogers Carl Rogers emphasized & focused on self-actualization. He believed that a person should develop his/her potential to the fullest, and in good condition. In doing so, the environment of a person should be inherently good. A person will only stop developing if constraints block the development. A fully developed person shows that he/she achieved the highest level of being a right & fully-functioning human being. Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi, which means â€Å"great soul,† was an ideologist during the Independent movement of India from the British. As an ideological leader he believed violence should never be an answer to fight for his people’s rights, and should never take discrimination. He also believed that harmony, truth & equality exists between all religions. With these 2 influential personas, I have noticed similarities between them. They both talk about human beings having a common good inside of them. They emphasized that all humans were born good, but because of destructive  environment, they tend to turn their backs on what is right. Sources: http://www.simplypsychology.org/carl-rogers.html. http://www.ask.com/question/what-were-gandhi-s-beliefs.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Errors In Solving Equations Reducible To Quadratic Form Education Essay

In the General Cambridge Examination Ordinary ( G.C.E. O ) Level Additional Mathematics course of study, work outing equations reducible into quadratic signifier plays an of import function as it affect about all mathematics strands in the course of study: Algebra ; Geometry and Trigonometry ; Calculus. The important Numberss of subjects in Additional Mathematics that requires the construct of placing and work outing equations reducible to quadratic signifier highlights the importance of this survey.Problem StatementStudents in Singapore secondary schools are expected to get and get the hang the accomplishment of algebraic use and work outing equations peculiarly additive equations and quadratic equations by the terminal of Secondary 2 ( Grade 8 ) ( Ministry of Education, 2007 ) . Students who take Extra Mathematicss in their Upper Secondary ( Grade 9 – Grade 11 ) are expected to be able to reassign their algebraic cognition and accomplishments peculiarly in work outing equati ons and use constructs and utilize it to work out more complex equations. Complex equations work outing in Additional Mathematics involves higher-degree algebraic powers, exponential maps, logarithm maps and trigonometry maps. Over the old ages, I have observed many pupils who were unable to work out equations reducible into quadratic signifier when given different maps as mentioned. This present survey is an effort to analyze pupils ‘ mistakes in work outing equations reducible to quadratic signifier through written and verbal signifier every bit good as supply some contemplation on instruction.Purpose of the StudyThis survey attempts to place the types of mistakes that pupils make in work outing equations reducible to quadratic signifier. The equations in this survey refer to equations affecting exponential maps, logarithm maps and trigonometry maps which can be simplified to ax2 + bx + c = 0 ( a, B and degree Celsius are invariables and ten is the maps mentioned ) . This su rvey intends to reply the undermentioned inquiries: What sort of mistakes do pupils hold when work outing equation that is reducible to quadratic signifier? Why do these pupils ‘ make these mistakes? How we can avoid such type of mistakes?Significance of the StudyIn mathematics, equation resolution is an of import accomplishment in progress algebra subjects. The usage of equation as a job work outing tool is applicable to other subjects such as Physicss. The mistake analysis that is being carried out in this survey would lend to an apprehension of the cause of pupils ‘ failure in work outing equations and to better schoolroom direction. Error analysis reveals both common and unexpected mistakes. Acknowledging and understanding the beginning of mistakes made by pupils will assist instructors to be after instructional activities to avoid some of the common mistakes if instructors are cognizant of the nature of their pupils ‘ misinterpretation. An apprehension of pupils ‘ mistakes in equation resolution will supply a better successful redress action by instructors.Conceptual ModelThe followers is the conceptual model of the survey. Beginnings of mistakes can be fou nd at any phase and the mistakes will be analysed. Equation in footings of P, where P are map such as exponential, logarithm or trigonometry Substitution, allow p = ten Identify structural characteristics Quadratic equation signifier: ax2 + bx + c = 0 Interpret solution Solve for P Solve for tenLITERATURE REVIEWIn the literature reappraisal, a general overview of algebra will be discussed, followed by troubles in larning algebra and troubles in work outing equations. Next, research of types of mistakes will be discussed. Last a reappraisal on understanding mathematics constructs is examined.2.1 AlgebraAlgebra involves variables ; whereas algebraic looks contain variables, invariables and operation marks ; whereas algebraic equation contains algebraic looks and equal mark. Students are required to understand the construct of variables, the significance of algebraic term before cut downing algebraic look right ( Filloy & A ; Rojano, 1989 ) . Thereafter, pupils need to cognize that that the construction of an equation is based on equality of algebraic looks ( Kieran, 1981 ; 1989 ) . Variable plays an of import portion in advanced therefore I am utilizing Usiskin ( 1988 ) construct of school algebra into four constructs where he emphasized on the function and signi ficance of variables in each of his construct. One of the of import characteristics of variable in this survey is sing algebra as a survey of construction ( Usiskin, 1998 ) .2.2 Surveies on Troubles in Learning AlgebraMany instructors and pupils will readily hold that algebra is hard to larn. Many surveies have been conducted to place or explicate pupils ‘ troubles in algebra are chiefly from primary or in-between school. The surveies on algebra are chiefly focused on variables, looks and work outing additive equations ( Kuchemann, 1981 ; Rosnick, 1981 ; Sleeman, 1984 ; Booth, 1988 ; Kieran, 1989 ; Wagner and Parker, 1993 ) . There are few surveies on the troubles or misconceptions on work outing quadratic equations ( Vaiyavutjamai & A ; Clements, 2006 ) in assorted National Council of Teachers of Mathematics ( NCTM ) research publications. There is besides fewer surveies conducted on algebra which are focused on high school or university degree ( Wagner & A ; Parker, 1993 ; V aiyavutjamai & A ; Clements, 2006 ; Novotna & A ; Hoch, 2008 ) .2.3 Troubles in Equation SolvingStudents ‘ troubles in understanding the construction of algebraic look will hold an impact on work outing equations ( Kieran, 1981, 1989 ) . Research on equations and work outing equations dealt with pupils ‘ acknowledgment and usage of construction, either implicitly or explicitly ( Kieran, 1989 ) . In acknowledging the construction of different types of equation, work outing it requires different processs. Hence, pupils require the right process before they can successfully work out an equation right. Ekenstam & A ; Nilsson ( 1979 ) survey found that the place the unknown every bit good as the types of solution in the equation affect the public presentation of the pupils. Using concrete theoretical accounts approach to understand the construct of equality to minimise pupils ‘ troubles in work outing equation was successful in Filloy & A ; Rojano ( 1989 ) survey. However, this survey does non back up state of affairs where negative Numberss are used. Lima ( 2007 ) cited Linchevski and Sfard ( 1991 ) research where pupils made errors in work outing equation as they misinterpret the techniques used to work out equation every bit good as deficiency the significance of the mathematical symbols.2.4 Surveies on Error AnalysisMathematical mistakes are a common phenomenon in pupils ‘ acquisition of mathematics and there is a long history for mistake analysis in mathematics instruction ( Peng, 2010 ) . Knowledge of the common mathematical mistakes and misconception of pupils can supply instructors with an penetration into pupil thought and a focal point for learning and larning ( Chua and Wood, 2005 ; Kaur, 1989 ; Ryan and McCrae, 2005 ; Wong, 2000 )2.4.1 Types of MistakesMistakes can be classified as procedural and conceptual mistake Bagni ( 2000 ) concluded in his research that high school pupils improperly extend simple regulations into two types ; misconceptions of additive functions and balance misconception. These misconceptions are operational misconceptions which were caused by an improper over-use of metaphorical projections. Bagni ( 2000 ) classified the undermentioned illustrations as misconception of additive functions, while Wong ( 2000 ) classified it as inappropriate usage of distributive jurisprudence: ; wickedness ; Example of balance misconception is as follows: where Bagni ( 2000 ) suggested that to get the better of these mistakes, the function of counterexamples dramas an of import portion to do pupils cognizant of wrong replies and of their conflicting thoughts. Some of the ill-famed confusion regulations are in work outing of algebraic equations utilizing the â€Å" move-over and change-sign † ( Wong, 2000 ) or â€Å" Switching-Addends † mistake ( Kieran, 1989 ) and â€Å" Redistribution † mistake ( Kieran, 1989 ) . Wong ( 2000 ) accent that is was no surprise that pupils frequently mix up the regulations because they do non hold relational apprehension of what they are making and their long-run memory is jumbled with legion regulations that look similar.2.5 UnderstandingUnderstanding was defined as doing connexion ( Hibert & A ; Carpenter, 1992 ) . Understanding new construct means to construct a relationship between the new construct and the old construct. Hibert and Carpenter ( 1992 ) suggested different ways to ease understanding by traveling through undertakings which requires contemplation, communicating and working on reliable or real-life jobs. This is verified by the survey of Brenner et. Al ( 1997 ) with junio r high school pupils on the construct of maps. Mistakes are the symptoms of misconstruing. If the grounds on why pupils made mistakes can be good understood, it should be easier to better their apprehension.2.5.1 Conceptual and Procedural UnderstandingConceptual and procedural apprehension in mathematics has its topographic point in mathematics. There have been two schools of idea when it comes to learning and acquisition of mathematics ( Long, 2005 ) . Novotna and Hoch ( 2008 ) survey was with high school pupils and university pupils, where they have troubles in developing deeper apprehension of mathematical impressions in their mathematics classs even though, they were high-achieving pupils in middle-school or high-school. These pupils have deficiency of construction sense a term created by Linchevski and Livneh ( 1999 ) , in other words they do non hold conceptual apprehension of construction. Kieran ( 1989, 1992 ) discussed pupils ‘ inability to separate structural charact eristics of equations. Thomas and Tall ( 1991 ) indicated the versatility of idea is necessary to exchange from an analytical attack to a planetary one, giving as an illustration to see 3x + 5 as a common factor in the look ( 3x + 5 ) 2 – 2x ( 3x + 5 ) . These illustrations indicate that pupils are required to hold conceptual apprehension in larning mathematics constructs when it comes to progress mathematics.MethodologyA qualitative attack was chosen for this survey, as I want to happen out about the mathematical thought underlying the mistakes when work outing equations. Experimental attack or quantitative attack will non be suited to seek the information required in the research inquiries. In order to show a wide image of the pupils ‘ mistakes and apprehension, it was necessary to utilize a written trial. Semi-structured interview Sessionss will be conducted after the analysis of the written trial. Interviews session will be the platform where pupils supply penetrati ons into the grounds for mistakes. Beginnings of informations from the written trial, interview Sessionss and past markers ‘ study will be able to triangulate the beginning of mistakes which is required in this survey. The sample of the survey is secondary Five ( Grade 11 ) pupils. They were selected for the survey as these pupils would hold covered most types of equations as compared to secondary Four ( Grade 10 ) pupils. The pupils ‘ cognition in mathematics could be tested in more state of affairss and would pull out greater assortment of mistakes. This survey was planned to: analyze the mistake patterns in phases of work outing equations reducible to quadratic signifier, compare the mistake forms of convergent thinkers of different abilities in work outing equations, place the idea procedure underlying the mistake patterns.WORKPLANAll pupils are given the instrument incorporating 7 inquiries on work outing equations. Duration of the trial is 40 proceedingss. The written solution will be marked and mistakes that are surfaced for each inquiry will be written and categorised. Following, the Markss of the trial will be tabulated and the pupils will be categorized to three sets: high ability ; medium ability ; low ability. The mistakes from each set will be farther analysed. Interview Sessionss with a few pupils from each set will keep to happen out why these mistakes occur. During the interview session, worked out solution of the pupils ‘ ain working and other pupils solutions will be used to analyze how the mistakes occurred. Interview session will be held in the period 7 March – 11 March 2011. In the hebdomads to come, I will finalise my findings from the interview. I will go on to read more literature on symbols, apprehension, mistake s and equation work outing for readying of the concluding study.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Business Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Business Case Study - Essay Example The emphasis is on communication, training and the overall culture or value system in the organization (Hiatt and Creasey 10). In relation to the provided scenario in the case, it is observed that Engenco’s operations comprise most kinds of energy generation and supply, with making investment in order to develop new technologies, including piloting household wind turbines along with supporting the creation of domestic fuel cells. Engenco employs around 25,000 personnel solely within the UK as well as another 5,000 primarily in North America. The average age of employees is between 25 and 35 years. Moreover, a substantial portion of employees i.e. 30% are women. The various activities of the company are performed across national boundaries, which bring in the aspect of cross-cultural management. The European Commission’s proposed energy strategy will address these different attitudes by breaking up companies that produce and supply energy into separate ownership. The com pany also developed a reputation for its scheme to employ women into engineering and initiatives to facilitate individuals with disabilities. Apprenticeship schemes had been prepared in both the UK and Canada, where there was a shortage in terms of skilled trade. These activities also substantiated the organization’s focus to possess ethical culture and to act in a proper way. The company also invested in training of 1000 newly recruited engineers along with providing their other 7500 engineers with advanced training. This training was kept almost in similar pattern for customer service and engineering support staff and 2,500 had been recently trained in new systems. Management development programs cover each stage of a manager’s career, ranging from the talent development to delivering the business strategies which further include change, people, business and personal skills. Typical development activities included work shadowing, coaching, and mentoring, projects and secondments comprising international m opportunities. The senior leadership program had been developed in conjunction with a major business school for high potential senior managers. The company also offered flexible benefits and savings to buy shares with a bonus scheme to encourage higher performance of the employees. For senior management, rewards included performance related pay, opportunities for international experience, contracts altered as per the individual needs and flexibility to fit with lifestyle. Flexible working is also supported to enable other employees to balance work and caring commitments with the added benefit of saving on office space. After obtaining an understanding of the scenario prevailing within the organization, it can be stated that the changes made the employees dissatisfied as they were working in that particular environment in a flexible manner when suddenly the company decided to move their most of the operational activities to foreign destinations such as India. The employees became dissatisfied with such decisions which lowered the employee engagement and they thought of not recommending the company to their friends. It significantly affected employee morale as they were not satisfied with the changes. The employees wanted to stay in their flexible environment and work

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Climate change and H5N1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Climate change and H5N1 - Essay Example This subtype virus was first discovered in 1960 in china. It was then discovered in Hong Kong as a direct transmission of the virus from birds to humans. Recent studies show that the wide spread statistics of the virus is reported over 60 countries in the world. Scientists have been on the look out to analyze whether the global climate change has any risk factors towards the widespread viral situation (Joan,138). Different studies have been reported towards the virus highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses H5N1. Through understanding the causes of the condition mode of spread, findings can be concluded towards the effects of climate change as a risk factor. A number of studies will be analyzed here. Different years will be analyzed also. Data for the different continent spread is analyzed here through the periods when the global climatic effects were felt. The disease influenza is caused by transmission of the virus from birds to humans. The predisposing risk factor is coming into contact with the virus. Research was done over the different continents from January 2004 to December 2009. Throughout this period, the epidemic waves are assessed. Global warming that has enhanced the mosquito transmitting the virus to thrive in different continents. These have been felt largely in the northern America as well as Europe. The excessive heat during the early summer period has seen a huge outbreak of the disease. The mosquito transmits the bird in turn it enters the human systems. The virus has been analyzed and seen to survive more effectively during the cold weather. This in turn leads to its wide spread during the winter and early summer. The global change in climate has cause a different trend in the movement of birds that carry the virus from Asia to other parts of the world. Their movement entails a longer stay in one place, lack of ordinary migration movement in time assessment, the length before stopping

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Macro Economics Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Macro Economics - Assignment Example Jim Flaherty, the Finance Minister, asserted that the balanced budget was not negotiable. The IMF’s report also pointed out some of the probable storm clouds on the horizon including the cooling housing market, historic debt-to-income levels, along with increased risks in the United States and Europe that could affect the Canadian exports and interest rates. As cited by Jackson, the Harper government requires a sound fiscal thinking, and not balanced laws2. The report by the Washington-based agency further outlined that Canada requires a strategic plan for long-term growth including a fiscal policy that focuses on the reduction of government debt. The fiscal policy needs to have a positive impact on the Canadian economy. Direct and indirect taxation, budget balancing, and government spending can be utilized to counter-cyclically smooth out volatility of real national output. The graph below shows that anything that influences a change in government spending, consumption, or investments will shift the Investment Saving curve3. Therefore, an increase in national spending as well as increasing the demand for goods and services in similar rates pushes the IS curve to the right. The aggregate demand together with the gross domestic product of the nation is increased4. On the other hand, interest rates need to increase in order to equilibrate the liquidity preferences and loanable funds. This will cushion Canada from economic down turns. Jackson, Andrew. 28 January 2014. Canada needs sound fiscal thinking, not balanced budget laws. Accessed 22 October 2014 . The Canadian Press. 3 February 2014. IMF: Canadian economy to grow, slightly, by 2.2 per cent in 2014. Accessed 22

Monday, August 26, 2019

The UK Medical Law - the Ethical Dilemma of Euthanasia Research Paper

The UK Medical Law - the Ethical Dilemma of Euthanasia - Research Paper Example There are some cases that will be identified and included in this research to fully discuss the true meaning in behind if euthanasia is considered legally and illegally permissible in medical cases where the patient is terminally ill.   Also, the emphasis is given as to when medical treatment can be legally withdrawn due to the futility of the medical illness.   In the conclusion, this research points out that although there are legal restraints preventing doctors to engage in treatments that result in the patients’ life being taken, there are numerous ethical considerations that have to be taken into account as well.   Within cases like these, nothing is ever easy, especially when it involves someone who is terminally ill and has no hope of survival.      Euthanasia has been in heated debate for a good while now within the UK.   However, there have been numerous changes taking place within its concept but one must ask do these changes go along with the old idea that insinuates any doctors or family members who engage in treatment regimens that are ultimately meant for ending the patients life should still be held legally liable in a court of law and from there face criminal charges from prosecution?Unfortunately, within the UK there are still legal grounds that are enforced in regards to anyone who ends another’s life regardless of whether it was for a medical reason or whether the individual wanted assistance in ending their life period.   It is not legally permissible or ethical to carry out medical cases such as these but it is being done anyway.   However, those who want to die will search for any means possible such as with cases where patients have traveled to Switzerland to have doctors there perform assisted suic ides or euthanasia procedures because it is legal in that country (Spinney 2005).   The point is that no one wants to have to suffer unbearable and excruciating agony with an illness that has no hope of a cure or adequate treatment program available.   In this regard, the UK needs to realize that its citizens deserve to have the right to die in a dignified fashion when they deem it is appropriate, not when the government states it is logical.   In this case, there is no fallible reason found in the statement that medical treatment should be legally impermissible if it is being carried out in correlation with the patients’ right to die.  

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Geography Bachelor Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Geography Bachelor - Essay Example Then we got tired of the loss of quality of life associated with that kind of crowding, social inequity, and pollution. And through sets of rules and through inventive technology, we invented a better systemwe're talking about global warming." Somverille believes that humans are causing the climate changes, ozone depletion, and global warming. He states, "What we really need is a global technology policy to try to accelerate the rate of development of clean technologies, and to help especially the developed world" On the other hand, Dr. Fred S. Singer believes that although humans do contribute to climate change on a local scale. Singer (2000) "climate change is a natural phenomenon. Climate keeps changing all the time. The fact that climate changes is not in itself a threat, because, obviously, in the past human beings have adapted to all kinds of climate changes. Climate change is a natural phenomenon. Climate keeps changing all the time. The fact that climate changes is not in itself a threat, because, obviously, in the past human beings have adapted to all kinds of climate changes." He stated that during the years of 1900-1940, the temperature increased and that was before the use of energy. Then the climate cooled between the years of 1940-1975.

Saturday, August 24, 2019

The Effects of Entrepreneurial Orientation on Firm Performance Essay

The Effects of Entrepreneurial Orientation on Firm Performance - Essay Example In order to tie these people up together, there is a need to focus on the fact that any action needs to be affective first in order to be effective. This is where entrepreneurial orientation comes in. It has been described as a process that integrates personal and organisational goals so as to form a common value base. This act in itself will help in garnering better performance standards through better allocation and optimum utilisation of resources. This paper seeks to reveal the effects of this entrepreneurial orientation on firm performance through a study based on two premises that have to do with entrepreneurial control as well as competitive advantage so as to discuss the internal and external factors that affect firm performance when entrepreneurial orientation is exercised. The organisation, in the modern day context, has become a body that is made up of its human resource and the quality that this resource base imbibes into the operational sphere of the organisation. The modern day organisation depends to a great extent on the contribution and quality of its human capital. The human capital may be defined as that element of the organisation’s operational sphere that is a living, breathing part of the activities that put the innate resources and factors of production into application. This application results in profits arising out of the activities of the human capital and the efficiency with which this resource carries out its tasks. This in turn, has a bearing on the achievement of the organisation’s goals in the sense that the organisation is structured according to the quality of the HR within it. Also, it shows the principles that are followed by the management in manning the organisation. The entrepreneurial orientation takes place on the basis of the strategic business plan. This plan for any organisation depends on its resource

Cyber Bullying Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Cyber Bullying - Research Paper Example Even though the internet technology affords children very useful avenue to learn, communicate and build relationships, it also opens possibility of technology misuse by children and by other users against children (Martin and Keith, 2005). The internet has brought a new form of bullying known as cyber bullying, which has increasingly become a new emerging problem in today’s world. Cyber bullying is defined as the use of the internet technology to threaten, target, embarrass, or harass another person. It should be noted that cyber bullying relates to young people and particularly among the children; when an adult is involved, the definition of cyber bullying changes to cyber-stalking or cyber-harassment (Brown et al, 2006). This paper will discuss cyber bullying and in particular select an academic organization that has cyber bullying program. It will describe the program, when it was founded, why it was founded, its mission statement, and how it works. Martin Springer Institut e is one of the educational organizations that have a cyber-bullying program. The college has developed a comprehensive cyber bullying program to prevent bullying in the college. The program was developed in 2006. It was developed with the view of addressing the problem of cyber bullying that had become rampant among colleges and grade schools in the United States. The college has developed cyber bullying prevention resources that are aimed at protecting students from cyber bullying, as well as enabling the college to address the problem of cyber bullying as and when it arises. The college offers a variety of cyber bullying prevention resources which include books, Annual Bullying Prevention Conference, Advisements and Connections, and DVDs and films to promote discussion on all forms of bullying including cyber bullying. The program provides the basis upon which students can learn about cyber bullying, report bullying to the college administration, and punishment of cyber bullying (Martin Springer Institute, 2012). The college offers a selection of resources about bullying prevention. These resources provide students, parents, teachers, and general public with information about cyber bullying and how to deal with this problem. The resources offer information on how to respond to cyber bullying. In addition, it provides cyber bullying prevention guides for public, parents, students, and teachers; the guide is designed to enable these categories of people to take advantage of what has been studied and accomplished over the years regarding prevention of cyber bullying. This guide provides the college’s community and the public with information about how cyber bullying has been perpetrated in the society therefore helping them know its various dimensions. Along with that, it provides information on how different schools and colleges have responded to different cases of cyber bullying (Martin Springer Institute, 2012). In an attempt to address the challenge of cyber bullying in the college and the public at large, Martin Springer Institute provides resources that offer information on bullying statistics, fact sheets, research, solutions, stories, an strategies of helping its community and the public to stop cyber bullying. This has been instrumental in helping them realize that cyber bullying is a crime that occurs virtually everywhere and that there is need for concerted efforts to address the ch

Friday, August 23, 2019

Sweatshops Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Sweatshops - Essay Example Nike violated laws about working conditions, working hours, and forced overtime. They have been labeled as employing ‘sweatshop’ conditions in their manufacturing units. Due to globalization markets expanded and the market discipline intensified. This discipline penetrated into the spheres of lives of people previously untouched. The global garment industry offers the western consumers a wide variety of styles and fashion at affordable prices. Competition in the industry gave rise to sweatshops. To survive amidst competition, market restructuring had to be done in the form of buyer-driven commodity chains and lean retailing (Micheletti, 2006). They had to respond to the changing consumer demands for fashion and quality at reasonable prices. They had to invest to create and satisfy the fluctuating demands of the consumers. To deliver fashion and quality they had to rely on the individual garment workers and not the machinery. People started clamoring for branded products and brand culture was what became the decisive factor. Sweatshops are not new to America and since the industrial revolution many generations have toiled in sweatshops. Usually women, children or unskilled workers are used in sweatshops from the poverty-stricken families, who have no other option to earn a livelihood. Their pay is sub-standard and the working conditions are unsafe and unhygienic. Although it essentially started in the garment industry, but it exists in other industries as well. Sweat shops are the result of greed and opportunism; they may also stem from competitive pressures. These have come into existence due to globalization, government regulations, immigration, business practices, racial, ethnic and gender discrimination. The people are underpaid and overworked while the working conditions are unsanitary and far from reasonable. It violates safety, heath, wage and child labor laws. People have gone to the extent of saying that they would

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Liberation Theology Essay Example for Free

Liberation Theology Essay Liberation Theology is a notion born out of the painful colonial legacy of Latin America. Despite gaining evidence from their colonial masters, the Spanish, the new leaders behaved like the former colonial masters. This is the legacy left behind the the colonizers. The tactic of divide and conquer where they favored the local elites and marginalized the majority who are shunted to the lower strata of society, thereby creating a caste system of sorts that saw an unequal distribution of wealth made even worse by American intervention through â€Å"Dollar Diplomacy† and at the height of the Cold War, supported right-wing dictatorships which they saw as the â€Å"lesser evil† as opposed to local communist movements in the name of containment. Whether working with Marxist guerrilla movements or acting independently, Liberation Theology in name began around the 1950s though it had been around much longer. This concept combined Christian teachings with Marxist doctrine. As the name suggests, it is meant to â€Å"liberate† the poor, not only spiritually but materially from their plight (Petrella vii). Liberation Theologists put forward the idea of Jesus Christ as a â€Å"real† liberator who came to free the masses from their plight since is stated in the Bible that â€Å"Blessed are the lowly; they shall inherit the land. † (New American Bible, Matt. 5:5). It can be inferred here that there is more to Jesus in his role as the Savior or Messiah. Liberation Theologists encouraged many to read the Bible but at the same time â€Å"read between the lines† to see that Christ empowers or encourages believers to fight for social justice and give preference to the poor for they are the ones who have less in life. In a way, Christianity is empowering the masses since the elite-backed regimes will not. As a result, the Bible is therefore interpreted in a different way and clerics who subscribe to Liberation Theology end up siding with armed rebel groups in a rather awkward partnership that puts them in a very comprosing situation as far as their vocations are concerned. The rationale is that the governments, supported by the elites represent the hypocrites Christ rebuked in the Bible and His notion that the â€Å"kingdom of heaven is at hand† is seen in a Marxist context as the time to rise up and be truly free from poverty and oppression. However, Liberation Theology was not without its critics. The Catholic Church itself, led by the Pope (John Paul II), strongly ctiricized Liberation Theologists for hijacking Christian teachings to serve political purposes, especially Marxism. They criticize its rather ironic collusion with Marxism which opposes any form of religion, calling it an â€Å"opiate† of society in giving false hopes or a vehicle of deceit to keep the masses poor. The Church has not forgotten the â€Å"sins† of Marxism in persecuting religion and therefore regards it as â€Å"evil† and those who subscribe to Liberation Theology could be considered being on the wrong side of history, if not faith. The Bible again is used to disprove the notion of Liberation Theologists when Christ rebuked Peter by saying, â€Å"Get out of my sight, Satan! You are not judging by Gods standards but by mans† (Matt. 16:23). Furthermore, Christ also said to â€Å"Give to Caesar what is Caesars, but give to God what is Gods† (Matt. 22:21). It can be inferred here that the Church hierarchy does not approve of the supposed â€Å"well-meaningness† of clerics subscribing to this notion of Christ as a revolutionary for the Church as always upheld that Christ came to save mankind from the wages of sin which is death, not to lead a revolt and become a king in a temporal sense (Petrella 121-122). It also did not help with the fact that socialist regimes began collapsing in Eastern Europe following the collapse of the Berlin Wall which symbolized the separation between democratic and non-democratic regimes, culminating with the collapse of the Soviet Union, the â€Å"heart and soul† of Marxism. With the lose of their chief sponsor, Marxist regimes, even those in Latin America, fell and along with it the loss of credibility of Liberation Theology. In addition, the Church itself has adapted liberationist notions that are pro-poor and even created councils and commissions that address the needs of the margnialized peoples of the world, further emasculating Liberation Theologists and taking away what ever power or influence they have in stirring up the masses (Petrella 2, 121-122). At this point, one would wonder where would Liberation Theology go from here. According to Ivan Petrella, Liberation Theology must reinvest itself to ensure its continued relevance and not become an anachronism. He further stated that the present is the opportune time to begin, especially in this day and age of globalization. Much of the world is trying to be competitive to meet world-class standards but the flaw seen here is that this competitiveness would leave behind those who cannot keep up and will therefore be marginalized. However, he pointed out that the current approach they are taking to reinvent themselves are incorrect or improper and in his work, The Future of Liberation Theology, he showed the shortcomings of Liberation Theologists in their attempt to reinvent itself. One attempt to reinvent itself is to reassert its core ideas but at the same time distancing itself from Marxism where it is often associated, especially the growing inequality caused by globalization makes it even more relevant than ever (Petrella 3). One of the mistakes in this approach is that Liberation Theologists seem to have difficulty spearating itself from its Marxist ties as it still continues to see things through the prism of Marxism in their pursuit of social justice. It still maintains its antagonistic stance towards capitalism, thereby becoming more of a hindrance on the ideal essence of Liberation Theology which truly views it from a Christian perspective (Petrella 69). Furthermore, Liberation Theologists have not provided their own model society which is still tied to Marxist utopia – a classless society. In their attempt to reassert their ideas, Liberation Theologists fail to come up with an approptiate response to the cooption of their ideas by democratic institutions and even by the Church. It further contributed to the cooption by eliminating the dichotomy created by the â€Å"old school† Liberation Theologists but unfortunately failed to capitalize on it as it was seized by its perceived â€Å"enemies† especially in the part where the distinction between reform and revolution becomes blurred and its â€Å"enemies† realize that the ideas of Liberation Theology are â€Å"useful† to their purposes without worrying about revolution which is anathema to them and emphasizing the reform component (Petrella 122-123). What is proposed is that Liberation Theologists should reorient their way of thinking where they should stop regarding the concept of liberation as a theme but a guiding principle and must be politically neutral. This way, it can be employed by any political ideology that has social justice in its agenda and is not strictly limited to Marxism or socialism for that matter (Petrella 4). Petrella also encourages an open-minded appraoch for Liberation Theologists in order to remain relevant. He argued that democracy and especially capitalism, is not one-dimensional as they usually regard it to be but rather multi-dimensional. Capitalism in the United States is different from that of Germany and Japan and should not be generalized or viewed in absolute terms. Another point Petrella raised that supports Liberation Theologys continued relevance is that it can still transform society though not in a sweeping manner but in a methodical manner by changing the laws of society rather than calling for defiance or revolution, let alone activism (124). It can be surmised that what Petrella is suggesting is that Liberation Theology do away with revolution and even â€Å"civil disobedience† as the approach but rather work within the system. Liberation Theologists should find allies in mainstream politics whose ideology and platform are attuned to theirs and create an alliance with them. By doing this, they not only scored a moral victory but a political victory as well, something that has eluded them for decades of trying with revolutionary movements. Borrowing ideas from noted Liberation Theologist Leonardo Boff, Liberation Theology is all about mediation – to know and understand oppression and societys ills, reorienting it in a Biblical context without trying to intertwine it with Marxism and through this purview come up with appropriate measures to address these problems short of fomenting unrest and revolution. In conclusion, by looking at Petrellas proposed solution, Liberation Theology stands a chance of living up to its true billing. But as he warned, it must really distance itself from Marxism, the first challenge and really look at problems from Christian context free of any ideology. Rather, it political ideologies must be assimilated by it rather than the other way around and by doing do, become part of mainstream politics in the pursuit of real social justice as Christian teachings define it. Works Cited Petrella, Ivan. The Future of Liberation Theology. Hampsihre: Ashgate Publishing Limited, 2004.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Naked Eye Single Tube Osmotic Fragility Test

Naked Eye Single Tube Osmotic Fragility Test The effectiveness of one tube osmotic fragility screening in detecting BTT was first introduced by Kattamis C. in 1981.(56) NESTROFT is the rapid simple and cost effective screening test. 2.15.1 Principle The principle of NESTROFT is based on the limit of hypotonicity that the red cell can withstand. There is a pronounced decrease in osmotic fragility of red cells in ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia(57) Cells with a decreased surface/volume ratio, have a limited capacity to expand in low osmolarity solutions and lyse (rupture) at a higher concentration of sodium chloride than do normal biconcave red cells. Therefore, thalassaemic cells that are hypochromic and fLatter have a greater capacity to expand and thus have decreased osmotic fragility. (58) 2.15.2 Clinical Implications The different saline concentration is used in NESTROFT test to detect spherocytosis and BTT. Positive test is due to reduced osmotic fragility of red cells at 0.36% buffered saline. Manglani M et al in 1997 studied 165 cases (with MCV Recent published data has shown that the NSTROFT can be a very useful screening tool for ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia Trait. (5, 63-66) Different studies show that NESTROFT with 0.36% saline could detect 96-100% of heterozygotes with ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia. Study published in Indian J Pathol Microbiol, 2002 concludes NSTROFT to be 92.5% sensitive and 95.2% specific for screening of red cell microcytosis.(67) The test proves to be simple, cheap, easy to perform and adaptable for mass screening coming close to an ideal screening test. According to a recent study conducted at PNS Shifa Hospital Karachi, NESTROFT has a Positive Predictive Value of 85.38% and Negative Predictive Value of 97.66%, this correlates to international published data. The diagnostic accuracy was 94.6 % (63) NESTROFT done with 0.36 % buffered saline solution provides more accurate results compared to the other concentrations tested.(5) Routine use of haematological data from automated cell counters may complement the result s of the NSTROFT.(64) 2.16 Supravital Stains Supravital stains are a group of special stains for demonstration of intracellular inclusions in the living tissues. Common supravital stains used are methylene blue, new methylene blue, brilliant cresyl blue (BCB), methyl violet, crystal violet and azure B. Supravital stains in thalassemia are done for the demonstration of reticulocytes and Hb H inclusions as and when indicated. In thalassaemia carrier screening reticulocyte count does not have a diagnostic value. However in the detection of ÃŽÂ ±-thalassaemia, especially Hb H disease, the brilliant cresyl blue stain will detect the characteristic Hb H inclusion bodies. Supravital stains (brilliant cresyl blue or new-methylene blue) are able to stain residual mRNA in immature red blood cells. There are now several automated electronic cell counters able to perform a reticulocyte count using specific RNA staining.(68) Reticulocyte numbers and maturation levels have been studied in different haemoglobinopathies and the results have been correlated with the degree of ineffective erythropoiesis. Laura C. et al in 2003 studied 219 samples from patients with Sickle Beta-thalassemia (n=7), HbSC disease (n=11), BTT (n=33) and IDA (n=47) and non-anaemic individuals(n=60). They found patients with HbS trait (0.83%), IDA (1.18%) and BTT (1.53%) showed Reticulocyte parameters similar to non-anaemic group (1.18%). A non-responsive bone marrow does not release reticulocytes in sufficient numbers to compensate for the degree anaemia. The authors concluded that the absolute number and immaturity fraction were higher in BTT than normal individuals, but without statistical significance.(69) 2.17 Haemoglobin Electrophoresis Hemoglobin electrophoresis (also called Hgb electrophoresis), is a test that measures the different types of hemoglobin in the blood. The method used is called electrophoresis, a process that causes movement of particles in an electric field, resulting in formation of bands that separate toward one end or the other in the field. 2.17.1 Types of Electrophoresis 2.17.1.1 SDS-PAGE SDS-PAGE (Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis) is a common type of electrophoresis used for analyzing proteins, which separates proteins according to their size. The SDS is a protein denaturing detergent that causes unfolding of protein molecule. The detergent binds to the polypeptide in a 1:1 ratio with each segment of the protein to give it a charge. The movement of protein polypeptides through the gel occurs at different rates depending on size. 2.17.1.2 Agarose Gels Agarose gels electrophoresis is used for separation of RNA and DNA molecules. Like SDS-PAGE, this separates the molecules based on charge and size. DNA molecules are negatively charged, so they move through the gel quickly depending on size. Smaller DNA fragments move more quickly than larger ones due to friction resistance. 2.17.1.3 Electrofocusing Electrofocusing analyze the charge and pH values of proteins. A container is filled with a gel solution that has an increasing pH gradient. The amino acids that form polypeptides have different acidic or basic charges. The protein travels through the gel, obtaining or losing protons depending on its charge. As the protein particle moves through the gel, it eventually becomes neutral and gets stuck in an isoelectric position. 2.17.1.4 Capillary Capillary electrophoresis is a method similar to SDS-PAGE. It separates molecules based on their charge and mass. Molecules are placed in rows called capillaries filled with conductive, electrolyte fLuid. The analytes move in a speed relative to their charge and mass. This method is an older technique introduced in the 1960s. SDS-PAGE is usually preferred in labs. 2.17.1.5 Native Gels Native gels are similar to SDS-PAGE, except the detergent (SDS) is not used to denature proteins. Native gels are only able to separate proteins up to 2,000 kDa in size. Because the proteins are left folded, the dyes used are also different than SDS-PAGE. Hemoglobin electrophoresis is the method for identification and quantification of variant Hbs. Electrophoretic methods have been developed that allow for separation at alkaline pH 8.4 on cellulose acetate and at acidic pH 6.2 on agarose gels. These provide a clear background, allowing for quantification of the Hb present by densitometric scanning.(47) Cellulose acetate electrophoresis may be used for qualitative identification of variants, but also with elution for quantitation of the haemoglobins, A2, A, S, D, Lepore, ÃŽÂ ±-chain variants, Hb H and Hb Barts. Agarose gel electrophoresis is not a satisfactory screening technique because it cannot distinguish many abnormal haemoglobins from Hb A. However it can separate the C group into three fractions: HbC, O-Arab, and Hb E plus HbA2. The method can also distinguish Hb S from Hb D, Hb F from Hb A, Hbs Little Rock, Rainier and Bethesda from Hb A, and Hb H from Hb I. (68) The diagnosis of BTT relies on an accurate estimation of HbA2 levels.(69) Raised HbA2 level (>3.5%) is the gold standard for the diagnosis of BTT. Subjects found to be positive in preliminary screening tests by Red cell indices, DFs and NESTROFT are confirmed for thalassemic carrier status by various methods such as cellulose acetate electrophoresis, microcolumn chromatography, capillary isoelectrofocussing and HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography). Subjects with HbA2 levels of 3.5% and above are considered to have BTT. However precautions have to be taken when HbA2 levels fall between 3.3 and 3.7%. In such cases it is recommended to repeat the assay to rule out technical error or treat the patient for IDA before the analysis is repeated.(60) According to the Thalassemia working party of BCSH General haematology Task force both electrophoresis and elution from cellulose acetate or microcolumn chromatography are recommended. They suggested that precision and accuracy of automated scanning densitometry was inadequate for HbA2 estimation. (70) 2.18 Isoelectric focusing (IEF) IEF is another popular method used by laboratories that have a large number of specimens or very small sample volumes that perform newborn screening. This electrophoretic method utilizes carrier ampholytes, small proteins that are able to carry both current and pH (Zwitterions). When the current is applied to the support medium, the ampholytes will gradually establish a pH gradient throughout the gel (for example, a pH range of 6 to 8 for Hb analysis). IEF gives better separation of Hb variants that show similar mobilities on alkaline electrophoresis, which are much sharper. Hb variants such as Hb-Malmo, show separation from HbA which is not seen on alkaline electrophoresis. Minor bands such as HbH, Hb-Barts and Delta chain variants are easily seen.(71) Figure 2.6 Examples of many hemoglobin variants and their migration patterns on Isoelectric focusing. 2.19 Capillary isoelectric focusing (CIF) CIF is a useful analytical technique for characterization of protein mixtures and determination of protein isoelectric points. It is particularly useful in separation of protein glycoforms, characterizing protein microheterogeneity, and resolution of charge variants. The capillary focusing process is analogous to conventional isoelectric focusing in gels, while the requirement for zone mobilization is unique to the capillary format with on-tube detection. A variety of mobilization methods have been described, and the selection of the mobilization method for a particular application depends on the capillary type, the instrument configuration, and the type of proteins to be analyzed. Capillary IEF is generally successful for proteins with a molecular weight up to about 150,000 that exhibit good solubility in aqueous buffers, but may be unsatisfactory for large or hydrophobic proteins.(72) 2.20 Globin chain electrophoresis It is an ancillary procedure in which haemoglobin lysate with mercaptoethanol and 8mol/L Urea to dissociate the globin chain is used. It is run both at alkaline and acid pH. It gives additional information on haemoglobin variants that have similar mobilities by other methods.(71) Globin chain electrophoresis is run at both alkaline and acid pH because some hemoglobin variants show slight differences in mobility at the two pHs. This method often gives additional information on hemoglobin variants that have similar mobilities by other methods. In confusing cases, this method may be useful to document the presence of both an ÃŽÂ ± and a ÃŽÂ ² chain variant Examples of different hemoglobin variants on globin chain electrophoresis are shown in Figure 2.6. (www.cap.org/apps/docs/cap_press/hemoglobinatlas_intro.pdf) Figure 2.7.Examples of hemoglobin variants on both acid (pH 6.2) and alkaline (pH 8.9) globin chain electrophoresis. Source: Adopted from hemoglobin atlas. (www.cap.org/apps/docs/cap_press/hemoglobinatlas_intro.pdf) 2.21 High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) HPLC is a method that has been available for many years. Cation-exchange HPLC is emerging as the method of choice for the initial screening of Hb variants.(56) Run lengths have been shortened from more than 20mins to 6 to 7mins. These instruments are approved by U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the measurements of HbS, A2 and F. These instruments generally utilize a weak cation exchange column. Gradually increasing the ionic strength of the eluting solution causes the Hb protein to come off the column at a particular retention time. This method has a advantage that HbC does not coelute with HbA2, however HbE and HbO-Arab still coelute with HbA2 with this method.(71) 2.22 DNA Analysis The DNA analysis is gold standard for detection of carrier state of ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia. The prenatal diagnosis of affected couple should be carried out to prevent the birth of thalassemic child by selective abortion of affected foetuses. It is essential to characterize the DNA mutations of the parents for prenatal diagnosis of affected couple. The methods available to study DNA mutations are allele specific oligonucleotide (ASO) screening, (73) reverse dot blot, and restriction endonuclease allele recognition.(74) The ASO method is for detection point mutations, nucleotide insertion or deletion in genomic DNA. In this method ASO probes of 18-20 per sequence are used. DNA is denatured and dot blotted on to a nylon membrane and then hybridized to different probes. In reverse dot blot probes are attached to the membrane and DNA hybridizes with dot corresponding to the mutation. A recent method is amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) technique in which specific primers against normal and mutant sequences are used.(60) More than 150 mutations causing beta-thalassemia have been reported from different parts of the world.(74) Studies conducted in Pakistan show the five most common mutations are IVS1-5 (G-C), IVS1-1 (G-T), Fr 41-42 (-TTCT) Fr 8-9 (+G) and deletion 619 bp.(75) Ahmed et al found that there are important ethnic and regional differences in the prevalence of mutations. The five most common mutations, IVSI-5 (G-C) (37.3%), Fr 8-9 (+G) (25.9%), del 619 (7.0%), Fr 41-42 (-TTCT) (6.7%) and IVSI-1 (G-T) (5.4%), constitute 82.3% of the total. Fr 8-9 (+G) is the most common mutation in Northern Pakistan (41.3%), whereas IVSI-5 (G-C) is the most frequent mutation in Southern Pakistan (52.2%). (76) 2.23 Prenatal Diagnosis The availability of prenatal diagnosis added a new option to couples at risk for major haemoglobinopathy, leading to a significant change in the effectiveness of screening and counseling in hemoglobinopathy prevention. Prenatal diagnosis of both ÃŽÂ ±- and ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia was carried out for the first time in the 1970s using globin chains synthesis analysis in fetal blood, obtained by fetoscopy or placental aspiration around the nineteenth week of gestation. The advent of DNA analysis and the introduction of chorionic villi sampling resulted in a notable improvement in prenatal diagnosis because it could be performed generally at 10 to 12 weeks of gestation. Fetal DNA can be obtained also from aminocytes at 15 to 17 weeks of pregnancy. The reported risk of fetal loss with this procedure ranges from 0.5 to 4.5%. After sampling, fetal DNA analysis is performed by the PCR-based methods mentioned for carrier detection procedures. In general, the mutation to be detected in the fet us is first identified in the parents. The results of DNA analysis are very accurate, but misdiagnosis may occur for several reasons (failure to amplify the target DNA fragment, mispaternity, maternal contamination, and sample exchange). However, the risk of misdiagnosis can be significantly reduced using a number of precautionary measures, such as fetal DNA analysis for selected polymorphic markers.(35) Fetal cells, known to be present in the maternal circulation, represent an attractive, noninvasive approach to prenatal diagnosis. Fetal cells, immunological isolated for their low purity, can only be used for prenatal diagnosis of ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia in women whose partners carry a different mutation. Recently, this problem has been overcome by development of a technique able to isolate single fetal erythroblasts from maternal blood by microscopic micromanipulation, making possible the analysis of both fetal genes in a single cell. However, this procedure is associated with several technical and biological problems and it is not widely applicable.(35) The discovery of free fetal DNA in maternal plasma provided the basis for developing another method for noninvasive prenatal diagnosis. However, because free maternal DNA is also present, the application to prenatal diagnosis of thalassemias would be possible only to exclude paternally derived pathologic alleles different from the mot hers mutation.(35) The advent of DNA amplification has made it possible to define the geneotype of a single cell biopsied from cleaving embryos (preimplantation diagnosis) and to analyze the polar body obtained during the maturation of the oocyte (preconceptional diagnosis). These procedures avoid the need to terminate affected pregnancies and permit the transfer of only healthy embryos established from in vitro fertilization. Successful experiences in many couples with this approach have been reported in hemoglobinopathies. However, preimplantation genetic diagnosis is a technically challenging, intensive procedure, which requires the close collaboration of a team of specialists. (35) To date, programmes for ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia prevention based on carrier screening, genetic counseling, and prenatal diagnosis are on-going in several areas at risk in Mediterranean countries, with a marked decline in the incidence of thalassemia major. Effective preventive programs have also been established in countries such as United Kingdom, where thalassemia is a rare disorder that affects diverse minority ethnic groups. Special attention should be given in these programmes to the different religious and social issues and to the different attitude towards prenatal diagnosis of the various ethnic minorities. In case the mutations are not identified linkage studies using restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) or globin chain synthesis by cord blood sampling are the other options used for prenatal diagnosis. (60) In 1999, Maheshwari M and colleagues suggested fLow chart for carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis of thalassemia. (Figure 2.7) In 1994 the thalassemia working party of British Society of Hematology suggested guidelines for investigation of the ÃŽÂ ± and /ÃŽÂ ² thalassaemia traits. (Figure 2.8) Figure 2.8. FLow chart for carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis of thalassemia. Source: Adopted from Maheshwari M, Arora S, Kabra M, Menon PSN. Carrier screening and prenatal Diagnosis of Beta-thalassemia. Indian Pediatr 1999; 36: 1119-1125. Figure 2.9. FLow chart for thalassemia carrier detection suspected on red cell indices Source: adopted from Guidelines for investigation of the ÃŽÂ ± and /ÃŽÂ ² thalassaemia traits, The Thalassaemia Working Party of the BCSH General Haematology Task Force J Clin Pathol 1994;47:289-295 Prevention is better than cure. It is important to develop prevention programmes for thalassemia prevention where there is high frequency, to avoid fatalities from untreated thalassaemia cases, the expense and difficulty of providing optimum treatment for patients which creates a burden on patients, families and national health services. Thalassaemia patients may be left untreated (indeed, they often die without a diagnosis) or grossly under-treated. At the same time, quality of treatment is firmly linked to both survival rates and quality of life. (Thalassemia International Federation, 2003). The countries where prevention programmes are effective resulting in increased survival of thalassemia major patients in comparison to countries where preventive strategies do not exist. (Figure 2.6) Graph A Graph B Figure 2.10. Graph A: Age distribution of thalassemics in a country without prevention Patients are mostly infants (non-prevention) and children (early deaths) Graph B: Age distribution of thalassemics in a country with full prevention treatment. There is gap in early years with patients mostly in their mid-twenties. Source: Adopted from Prevention of thalassemia other hemoglobinopathies, Thalassaemia International Federation, 2003.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

viability of Primark’s strategy in current recession in the United Kingdom

viability of Primark’s strategy in current recession in the United Kingdom 2. LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Introduction Literature reviews are considered as an essential part of the research to understand the theory related to research problem and find out the specific research gap. The research aim is to identify viability of Primarks strategy in current recession in the United Kingdom. In order to fulfil the purpose of the research topic, some selected reviews of the literature have been presented here. This chapter begins by depicting the literature on factors of consumer behaviour, effects of recession and its influence in marketing, recession and economy of Great Britain. After that it follows the concept of marketing strategy and general marketing strategy during recession. At the end of this chapter, it concludes with a summary of the key points made through the literature. 2.2 Consumer behaviour According to Lancaster et al (2002) the main objective of marketing is to understand and identify the needs of the consumer and satisfy the customer accordingly. For which marketer need to understand what influences these needs and how the customer satisfy their needs. It is necessary for marketer to understand the buying behaviour of the existing and the potential customer. The consumer buying behaviour consists of the products and services consumer used to buy for their personal and household use. There are two types of influences that influence customers to buy products or services. It influence customers memory subconsciously or consciously to take the decision for buying. These influences are environmental and individual. The environmental influences are external effects to the customers purchasing decision. Individual influences are personal to the consumer which also affects the purchasing decision. According to Kotler and Armstrong (2010) the central question of marketer is how consumers respond to different kind of marketing efforts by different companies. For the marketer it is important to understand the buyer behaviour. The buyer behaviour is the final consumer that they buy goods and services for the personal consumption. But it is not a simple task to understand this behaviour. The stimulus-response model is a model to give an idea of consumer buyer behaviour. The diagram of stimulus-response model is given below. This model consists of marketing stimuli and other stimuli. Marketing stimuli are the four Ps of marketing. They are product, price, promotion and place. The other stimuli are the major forces and events of the environment around the buyer. These are economical, technological, political and cultural. These stimuli go through the buyer black box which afterwards creates the buyer responds accordingly. In the buyer black box first buyer characteristics influences by different stimuli and then decision making process works according to the buyer behaviour. Buyer takes decision by choosing products, brands, retail, dealer, purchasing amount or frequency of purchase. The buyer characteristics are strongly influenced by different factors which are not under the control of the marketer. Marketer needs to take these factors under consideration. These factors are cultural, social, personal and psychological. The diagram of the factor influences buyer behaviour is given below. Cultural factors had a broad and deep influence on the behaviour of consumer. It is essential to know and understand the culture of buyer, subculture and social class. Culture is the main reason for an individuals wants and behaviour. Buyer culture is learned by a member of society from family and other important institution. These are the set of basic values, perceptions wants and behaviour. Again, each culture has smaller subculture or group of people. They shared same valued system. It is based on common life experiences and situations. Mainly subcultures include nationalities, religions, racial groups and the geographic regions. For example subculture group in USA are Hispanic, African American and Asian American. Besides, in every society there are some similar class who has same types of needs, interest, values and behaviour. In a word there must be an order of different classes in the society. The similar class responds similarly to a product in the society. Marketer needs to understand the different class in the society. Social class can be divided like: upper class, middle class, working class and lower class. These classes are divided in the society according to the income, occupation, education and wealth of people in the society. However, social factors also influenced the consumer purchase decision. These factors are small groups, opinion leader, family and social roles and status which influence the behaviour of the buyer. Persons behaviour is influenced by many small groups. This group can be two or more people interact together. Reference group has a direct impact on persons behaviour and attitude. People sometimes influenced by the reference group which they do not belong to. This group will be aspirational group. People wishes belong to different aspirational group. Sometimes people are influenced by the opinion leader. An opinion leader is a person in a reference group who has special skills, knowledge and personality. By which they can influence others in the society. Family member also has strong influence on the behaviour of the buyer. Marketer needs to understand the role of husband, wife and children on the purchase decision of different products, goods and services. Persons position in a family, class and organization is known as role and status of that person. People choose produ cts and service according to the roles and status. Marketer needs to know all of these which influence the buyer behaviour of the consumer. Furthermore, physiological factors influence the buyer choices. These are four major factors. Such as: motivation, perception, learning and beliefs attitudes. Motivation is a kind of drive that is directing the person to find satisfaction of the need. A person tires to satisfy the most important need at the first. Again, a person already motivated is ready to act accordingly. Perception is the process through which people interpret, select and organize information in a meaningful way. People learn from the experience. When people learns it changes their behaviour. As for example people buy Nikon camera. If the experience is rewarding people will buy this camera again and again. Through the learning and experience people acquires belief and attitudes. Belief is a thought a person holds about something. Again, people have different attitude towards different religion, cloths, foods, politics, music and all most for everything. Attitude is a favourable or unfavourable evaluation or fee lings towards different object or idea. Buyer behaviour are also influenced by these psychological factors. Finally, personal factors influence buyer decision as well. These factors are age lifecycle stage, occupation, lifestyle personality, self-concept and economic situation. People always change the consumption of products and services and buyer behaviour throughout the lifecycle. Normally, the lifecycle stages include young singles, married couples with children and old singles. Now-a-days marketer are catering for some non-traditional growing consumers like unmarried couple, single marrying later in the age, same sex couple, single parents and extended parents. Besides, persons occupation affects the buying decision. The products bought by the blue collar will be different than that of white collar people in the society. Marketer needs to identify different occupational group for their product in the society. Moreover, consumer buying behaviour depends on the individuals life style. Lifestyle is a pattern of living which is expressed by individual activities, interest and opinions. Besides, each person personality influences his or her buying decision. Personality is the individuals unique psychological characteristics. This can be described as self-confidence, dominance, sociability, adaptability, aggressiveness etc. Brand choice depends on these different human traits. Another factor is the economic situation which affects the individual buying behaviour. Product choice depends on a persons economic situation. Sometimes marketers target consumers who have lots of money and resources. For which they charge prices to match with them. And sometimes marketer target consumers in a more modest way. So, consumers personal income, savings and interest rates all of these need to take account by marketers in case of income sensitive goods. They need to watch the trends in the economic situation of the consumer. If there is an indication of downturn in the economy or point to a recession marketer need to take necessary steps. They need to redesign, reposition and re-pr ice their products closely. According to Needham et al (2003) economic environment consists of those that influence consumer buying power, buying decision and marketing strategies. It includes stages of business cycle, inflation, unemployment rates, resource availability and changes in disposal income. There are different stages in business cycle. Recession is one of them. Consumer buying power declines during recession. It may remain in the depressed level when economy enters the recovery period. In the last recession during 1990 in EU consumer buying pattern shifted to more basic products and more functional products cost lower price. Consumer stops spending on nonessential products and rejecting the decision on buying luxurious items like cars. In the recession consumer are on more likely to save rather than spending and buying on credit. In the recession power shifted from the producer to buyer. Unemployment rises during recession. It affects marketing by modifying consumer behaviour. As a result consumer w ill have less income to spend and buying behaviour is likely to be affected. A brief overview of recession and effects in economy which influence the consumer purchase decision are depicted below. 2.3 Recession According to Stock Market Investors (2008) Economic recession is defined as a significant decline in the economic activity across a country, lasting longer than a few months. Normally, the recession is visible in real GDP growth, industrial production, wholesale-retail trade, real personal income and employment. According to tutor2u.net (2009) there are different trends in economy. These trends can be categorized as slump, recession, recovery, and boom. Boom is a period of fastest economic growth due to increase in demand. Slump is a stage when output slows down in economy due to decreasing in demand. As a result confidence in the economy starts to suffer. Recession is a period when the level of output decrease actually and unemployment rises, business looses their confidence and consumer start to save rather than spending. Government will spend more money for unemployment benefit and will get less money from income tax and vat. And recovery is a period when the economy goes through recession and boom. 2.3.1 Effects of recession and its influence on marketing According to Shama (1993) recession creates decreasing demand of raw materials, products, and services. Different researchers and federal agencies technical operational measurement indicates the beginning, progress, and ending period of recession. If for the two consecutive quarters gross national product (GNP) declines it is called as recession in USA. Otherwise, if the leading indicators (LEIs) in the economy decline for three straight months then it also figure out as recession. During the recession marketing strategy need to be modified. In order to be profitable and consumer-responsive it needs to be aware of effects in the recession and necessary steps should be taken. In general terms it means to adapt the marketing mix and/or the target markets needs to be changed. According to Stock Market Investors (2008) there are different cycles in the economy. Recession is one of them. During the recession unemployment rises, prices of products start to increase and the living standard goes down. For which businesses stop in expanding. So, it can be said that recession started. There is another indicator of recession. It is decreasing the gross national product (GDP) of a nation. Many experts consider the negative GDP growth over two consecutive quarters in a as recession in the economy. However, even there was positive growth if it is slowing for several quarters recession seems to start. According to Dibb et al (1994) in the time of recession unemployment problem rises and buying power of the consumer declines. As a result many consumers become more price and value conscious because of decreasing of buying power. The products that are basic and functional customer tend to go for those products. People normally try to reduce the consumption of more expensive convenience foods. They try to save money by growing and preparing of their own food. They will buy fewer durable goods. And people will try to go for more repair and do-it-yourself products. In the time of recession some companies made mistake by reducing their marketing efforts. But it damages their ability to survive in this situation of the economy. Obviously, marketer needs to conduct some revision of their marketing activities during the recessionary period. In the economic downturn functional value of the products is the main concern of consumers. So, company must need to focus marketing research. This rese arch will help to determine precisely about buyers want on the functions of different product. After that it needs to make sure that these functions become part of the products. In the recession promotional efforts on different products should emphasise on the value and utility of it. Russ and Kirkpatric (1982) called business cycles as the fluctuations in the level of economic activity. It will cause changes in the price level which will cause inflation or deflation in the economy. But business cycles in the economy are more typically thought of in terms of production and employment. The bad time in the business cycle is the recessions or depressions with low production and employment. It is the bottom of business cycles. When there are upswings with the high production and employment it is termed as reflect of good times in the economy. The common measurement of business cycle is Gross National Products. By GNP it indicates of a country where it is in the business cycle. Total value of goods and services that are produced in a country is known as GNP. Business cycles also measured by the unemployment figure. It is difficult to understand the causes of business cycle. It is also difficult to predict their turning point of business cycle as well. But, it is import ant for the marketer to forecast the turning points in the business cycle. The sales of product rise and fall with fluctuations in the economy. So, marketer should be able to forecast on the business cycle. However, recession can cause inflation. Inflation is an increase in general price level. The introduction of inflation can be measured by the consumers when they feel pressure on their pocket books while shop for their goods and services. Indexes are used by the government to measure changes in price level. It can be done by using producer price index and the consumer price index. It reflects the market baskets percentage of changes in price of goods. According to the proportion of spending habits of consumer, market basket weight goods. If the individuals are spending for goods different from national market basket then they face more or less service price than average. Marketers are affected by inflation. It depends on direction amount and cause of price level changes. In general, consumers amounts of money are affected by inflation on normally what they have to spend and type of product they purchase. So, from the above literature about recession it is seen that this is a part of cycle in the economy. It can come in the economy which can be identified by figuring out some specific points in the economy. The main point is that there will be a decreasing trend in gross national product of a country. By which it is understandable that the economy is in recession. And if the recession or depression identified the people will stop spending. They will cut the extra price and because of unemployment and the decreasing value of money. They will become more price conscious. It needs to be accepted. For which they need to adopt strategy so that they can become loyal to the customer to conduct business in recession and survive for the existence. 2. 3.2 Recession and UK economy According to Euromonitor International (2009), UK entered in recession in late 2008. It was seen from the financial concerns of the previous year that the economy went to downwards. As a result UK consumers began to stop spending. The devaluing of the housing made the year 2008 as a challenging year for the retail environment. People become scared over job security because of the regular media reports on job losses. As a result a number of retailers entered to administration. It is not only in terms of consumers restricted disposable income but also for the rising in debts. According to BBC (2009) since 1991 official government figures have confirmed that UK is in recession for the first time. The widely accepted of the recession is, there will be a negative growth in the economy in two consecutive quarters in a year. In the last three months of 2008 UK gross domestic product (GDP) fell by 1.5%. Before that it dropped as 0.6% than this quarter. So, it means that the definition has been proved. Since 1980 it was the biggest quarter-on-quarter decline. This fall was 1.8% on same quarter a year ago. It was the lowest value of pound sterling in last 24-year against the dollar. It was one pound buying 1.355 dollar. The figure of Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that largest contribution to the slowdown was made by manufacturing. Every element of economy shrank from the previous three months except of agriculture. Unemployment is rising faster than anywhere else. Besides, businesses were closing every day which is deeply worrying. The unemployment problem is increasing rapidly. Now, about 1.92 million people are out of work. The housing market is depressed and retail sales are in weak condition. The retail figure of December 2008 was raised by 1.6%. It was better than expected. But was done by heavy price-discounting and which should be treated with caution. Since 1955 on an average the recession lasted for three quarters in UK. But the last recession lasted for five quarters. This recession could be last until spring 2010 which is believed by many forecasters. There is a 2.1% decline in GDP in the year 2009 which was a consensus forecast. But in December it might drop to 1.5%. These highlights can be seen by rapidly deteriorating economic picture over recent weeks. As a result, Woolworths and Zavvi and a number of the UKs best known high street retailers gone into administration. Besides, lower value of pound sterling against the dollar which was slumped against the euro as well. In order to driving down the interest rate an d cut the cost of lending the Bank of England has aggressively cut interest rates to 1.5%. It was done to make easier for consumers and businesses to access credit. Banks are now reluctant to lend sufficiently. To encourage consumers for spending and boosting the retail sector for wider economy there was a temporary cut in value added tax from 17.5% to 15%. According to Walyat (2009) the total GDP contraction until now is -4% on a quarter on quarter basis. It is now against the forecast by him which was -6.3% total in the quarter three of 2009. The recent analysis suggests that during the second and third quarter the contraction of GDP is moderating. During the year 2010, GDP points to bounce back. However, because of the post general election tax hikes and deep public cutting on spending it will trigger a double dip recession during 2011 to 2012 according to the forecast which is shown on the above diagram. GDP contraction less than -6.3% it was against the forecast, which implies there will growth in economy in the year 2010. But it will not sustain in the year 2011 as the economy will do an about turn because of the unsustainable mountain of debt. 2.4 Strategy During this situation it needs to implement appropriate marketing strategy for get the consumer for their products. A brief overview of marketing strategy what it all about is described below. According to Mintzberg et al (1995) A strategy is the pattern or plan that integrates an organizations major goals, policies and actions sequence into a cohesive whole. A formulated strategy helps to marshal and allocate an organizations resources into a unique and viable posture based on its relative internal competencies and shortcomings, anticipated changes in the environment and contingent moves by the intelligent opponent. (p.5) Literature on marketing strategy and general strategy in recession are as follows: 2.4.1 Concept of Marketing Strategy According to Perreault and McCarthy (1999) a marketing strategy consists of a target market and a related marketing mix. It is a broad picture of a firms activity in a market. Target market and marketing mix are two interrelated part. In a target market there will be fairly homogeneous customer. A company wishes to appeal to those customers. The controllable variable is the marketing mix. Company puts these together to satisfy this target group. Marketing mix is being surrounded around the customer. A typical marketing mix includes some products offered at a price with some promotion. The reason is to tell potential customer about the product and a way to reach the customers place. According to Bearden et al (1995) marketing strategies consists of target market and marketing mix. First of all a target market need to select and after that marketing mix should be developed to satisfy that markets needs. Marketing exchanges are done with a defined group of consumers or organizations with whom a firm wants to interact. This group is the target market for that firm. Target market is appealed by an overall offer of marketing mix. Marketing mix consists of the decisions of four basic areas. They are product for example development of a product, service, or idea to exchange. Then the pricing like: what to exchange for the exchange. After that communications like as how to communicate with the target market about the possible exchange and finally distribution such as: how to get the product service or idea to the target market to consummate the exchange. The main key to marketing success is to satisfy the needs of the target market better than competitors. For which a c onsistent and integrated marketing mix need to be developed. According to Dibb et al (1994) first of all a target market need to select and analyze that market. After that an appropriate marketing mix for that market need to create and maintain. This is all about the marketing strategy. In elaborately means target market is the group of people to whom the organization wants to reach. And marketing mix are product, distribution, promotion, price and people. It will satisfy the people in that target market. In order to make the best use of the organization resources and tactics the marketing strategy is developed. It helps to articulate the plan to meet the objectives of the organization. It needs to deal with two broad set of variables to develop and manage different marketing activities. These variables are marketing mix and the marketing environment. Product, distribution, promotion, price and people are the decision variable of marketing mix. Organization has control over these factors. On the other hand economic, technological, political, l egal, regulatory, societal/green and competitive forces are the marketing environment variables. Organization has less control over these factors. But these factors affect buyer needs. It also affects decisions related to marketing mix variables. Marketer need to focus on different marketing task such as: market opportunity analysis, target market selection, marketing mix development and effective marketing development for developing and managing of marketing strategies. According to Kotler et al. (1999) target consumer is the centre of the marketing strategy. First of all company need to identify the total market. And then it divides the total market into smaller segments. After that company goes to select the most promising segments. And then company focuses to serving them. In order to serve the promising segment company needs design the marketing mix. Marketing mix are product, price, place and promotion. By using the mechanisms of company goes to work on them. Marketing mix is under the control of the organization. Number of factors need to take under consideration in order to identify an appropriate marketing strategy. These factors are target consumer, competitive environment, demand measurement and forecasting, market segment and market targeting. A short overview of these factors is as follows: Todays marketing place is very competitive. In order succeed in the todays market company needs to centered to the customer. Customers can be won from the competitor by delivering a greater value. However, before satisfying the customer company must understand first the needs of consumer and before going to satisfy them. After that company needs to know about the competitive environment around it. This environment is macro and micro. Political, economical, social and technological are the macro environment. All the organization faces it. Besides this companies also face a unique micro environment. After that it is the time to measure demand of the consumer. Company need to estimate the current and future size of the market and its segment. At first, company will identify all competing products. Then the current sale of the products needs to be estimated. Then it needs to determine whether the market is large enough to support another product profitably. It is equally important of the future growth of the market. If the forecast of the demand looks good then company decides to enter the market. Different types of customers, products and needs are the elements of a market. Marketer has to determine which segment offer the best opportunity in order to achieve the companys objective. In a market segment consumers responds similarly to a given set of marketing stimuli. Company can enter one or more segment of the given market after defining the market segment. Selecting one or more segments after evaluating each market segment is the market targeting. Large companies try to serve all market segments by offering range of products. On the other hand small companies decide to serve one or few special segments. According to Kotler and Armstrong (2008) company decides which market segment to enter. After that company decides how its market offering can be differentiated for each targeted segment. Company need to know about the position it wants to occupy in those segments. A companys product has a position in the market. It is a kind of position which occupies the mind of the consumer relative to the competitors product. By charging lower prices than competitors or by offering more benefits to justify higher prices can be done to offer greatest customer value. According to Wilson (1996) in order to get the competitive advantage over competitor, Michael Porter identified three types of generic marketing strategy in the year 1980. They are overall cost leadership, differentiation and focus. By pursuing a cost leadership strategy the organization concentrates upon achieving the lowest cost of production and distributions. So that it has the capability of setting its price at a lowers level than its competitors. In differentiation strategy the organization gives emphasis to a particular element of marketing mix that is seen important by customers. Focus strategy involves in concentrating its effort upon one or more narrow market segments rather than pursuing a broader based strategy. The firm will typically then depending upon the specific demands of the market, develop either a cost based or differentiated strategy. So, from the above literature about marketing strategy, it can be identified that it needs to know two main things for implementing the strategy. One is the target customer and another is the marketing mix. Marketing mix are product, price, promotion and place. If these are identified properly then it can be made an appropriate strategy for their business. It is important for an organization to run the business in a proper way with the right strategy. If the strategy fails then business will fail and incur losses in the long run. And if it is the recession the marketing strategy needs to be modified. A brief literature on marketing strategy in recession is as follows: 2.4.2 Marketing Strategy in Recession According to Shama (1993) during the recession, by using different strategies consumer demand can be stimulated. First of all target customers and the marketing mix need to redefine. Strategies can be offer the cheaper products, making the product line narrow, and use quantity discounts. Moreover, strategies can be changed by keep the price down, increase the promotion, and consumers need to get direct products offer. In order to protect from the recession, Bonoma (1991) advises to avoid practicing empty middle marketing, not to make mistake expansiveness for empire and need to do more for less. In a related study, Goerne (1991) suggest that in the promotion mix significantly more coupons need to use. To fight from the negative impact from sales during recession it needs to be done. It is important to make sure that the company is actually one of recession what the economic environment facing their organization. According to Dibb et al (1994) marketer and consumer decisions and activities both are influenced by economic and competitive forces of the marketing environment. This examines the effects of general economic condition. It also focuses on the buying power, willingness to spend, spending patterns and competition. In all countries the overall state of the economy fluctuates. These changes in general economic condition affects the forces of supply and demand, buying power, willingness to spend, consumer spending level and the intensity of competitive behaviour. Therefore current economic conditions and the changes in the economy have a broad impact on the success of the organizations marketing strategy. In the period of depression unemployment is extremely high and wages are very low. In this situation the total disposable income is at a minimum level. For which consumers loose their confidence in the economy. In order to remove the effect of recession and depression, governments need t o use both monetary and fiscal policies in the country. Money supply in the economy is controlled by the monetary policies employed by Government. As a result, it affects on spending, saving and investment by both individuals and businesses. Government is able to influence the amount of savings and expenditures through the establishment of the fiscal policies. Government need to adjust the tax structure and change the level of spending on benefits. Depression can be completely removed by the effective use of fiscal policies which is believed by some of the economic experts. According to Hudak (2009) for surviving in the downturn company need to know how it should market itself. Most of the companies respond in recession by cutting their budget to reduce cost. Often, marketin

Monday, August 19, 2019

Kingston and Moraga Essay -- essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In their books â€Å"The Woman Warrior† and â€Å"Loving in the War Years,† Maxine Hong Kingston and Cherrie Moraga write about the persistence of social oppression. They also describe the dynamics of race, sexuality, and gender in everyday experience. Through reading these books I have picked up on several significant events which illustrate these issues. The correlation between these two authors is the importance placed upon these issues that seem to be underlying themes in both books. The persistence of social oppression is an obvious theme in Kingston’s â€Å"The Woman Warrior†. One can pickup on this from the first chapter quite easily. Through Kingston’s recount of the story her mother told her about her father’s sister we can see how cruelly women could be treated in China at that time. In this â€Å"talk-story† as her mother calls it, we learn that Kingston had an aunt who never left China. This aunt was shunned by her village and family for becoming pregnant by a man who was not her husband. The details surrounding this man and their relationship are shady and uncertain, however the villagers decide to ransack her home, slaughtering the family's livestock and destroying their crop. The relationship with this story and the theme of social oppression comes later in the chapter. We learn that after her home was destroyed, made outcast by her family, Kingston’s aunt crawls into the barn and gives birth to the child. She feeds the child and later carries it to ...

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Terrorism and the Contract Security Market Essay -- Business Human Res

Terrorism and the Contract Security Market Contract security has become a billion dollar business within the last decade. It is by far one of the most profitable businesses today. Also, after the events of September 11th we can only expect this field to continue to grow. With the economy and country the way it is today, we can expect to see contract security and proprietary security forces increase in both size and tasks that must be managed. But is the contract security field ready to step up and perform the new duties we need them to perform? The truth is, the contract security field is plagued by many things that impede it's effectiveness: Pay rates are too low to attract the quality employees. Training is insufficient Turnover rates exceed 100% in many contract companies. These are just some of the problems facing the contract security field. Most of the companies manage to turn a profit by practicing the "warm body" approach. This involves recruiting anyone (which is usually the bottom 5% of the population) who will work for the low wages provided. The company provides minimum training. Some companies put their guards to work before paperwork and background checks are even completed. This is not true of all contract security firms. Some do process and provide very exceptional officers; a prime example being Wackenhut Security. Recruitment Recruitment practices have improved in many areas. Some "warm body" approaches are still being used but, overall this is practiced in places such as New York and other heavily urban areas where the process of "low bidding" is used (Hertig 2003). In these areas of the country turnover rates are higher than any other. For the most part this can be blamed on wages. The ... ... Manual. Dated: Oct 1999. Command Security Corp. (1999) Website . Accessed 17 Apr. 2003, http://www.cscny.com Goodboe Michael E; (2002) "How to turn around turnover" Security Management, Nov 2002; Vol. 46, Iss. 11; pg. 65, 3 pgs Hertig, Chris.(1999) "Contracts in Asset Protection." In Davies & Minion (Eds.) Security Supervison: Theory and Practice of Asset Protection. Butterworth Heinemann: Boston Mass. 1999. pg. 371-374. 4pgs Hertig, Chris. In class handouts.; Security and Supervision Class. Spring Semester 03 Johnson, Jordan; (2003) "Get The Most From Your Guard Force"; Security Management, Arlington; Feb 2003; Vol. 47, Iss. 2; pg. 73, 5 pgs Thibodeau, Charles; (1999) "Staff Training and Development." In Davies & Minion (Eds.) Security Supervison: Theory and Practice of Asset Protection. Butterworth Heinemann: Boston Mass. 1999. pg. 118-126. 9pgs

The central theme of both the poems is old age. Sylvia Plath and Jenny

The central theme of both the poems is old age. Sylvia Plath and Jenny Joseph express their ideas of old age through the poems Mirror Mirror and Warning Introduction The central theme of both the poems is old age. Sylvia Plath and Jenny Joseph express their ideas of old age through the poems ‘Mirror’ and ‘Warning’. The intention of Sylvia Plath and Jenny Joseph are different. The message they want to get through to us differs. Jenny Joseph gearing us up towards old age through Warning and Sylvia Plath making old age sound terrible in Mirror. In the poem mirror, Sylvia Plath uses a lot of dull and negative words making old age sound terrifying â€Å"darkness† â€Å"drowned† and â€Å"terrible†. â€Å"Then she turns to those liars, the candles the moon† in this sentence she refers to the candle or the moon being a liar putting a negative image. Where as candles and moons are know to be a source of light making it positive. However the poem is very complicated to understand because it has a lot of hidden meanings. She use a lot of vivid language and personification meaning bringing lifeless object to life, for example when she says â€Å" Now I’m a lake† first line second paragraph. The lady also portrays her life to be like a non-living thing mirror, lake. This is because she describes her life to be less objective comparison to Warning. Here Jenny Joseph describes the lady to be quite cheerful, happy, and looking forward to old age. There is a rhythmic pattern in Warning. The repetition of the word ‘and’ and ‘ I shall’ goes on through out the whole poem. The word and suggest Jenny Joseph is writing while she’s thinking, as she goes along perhaps. This is telling the readers she is looking forward to her future and old a... ...tive, uglier. The word terrible is used in both the poems. Mirror â€Å"Like a terrible fish† giving it a negative image. And Warning â€Å"You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat† making it a positive word. The woman in Mirror is dreading old age in fear of becoming uglier. And the woman in warning looks forward to it believing that it is fun being old, like having her youth back. Conclusion I think ‘Warning’ by Jenny Joseph is more successful in getting its message across to the readers. Her message is that old age can be really fun, and after reading the poem I believe so too. On the other hand ‘Mirror’ by Sylvia Plath is also slightly effective but not as much. Sylvia Plath is trying to say old age is something to dread because of how you may look but no everything is about your appearance. Overall Warning wins for being more effective and lively.