Project Management Trends Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Project Management Trends - Research Paper Example Having an understanding of the trend provides better understanding and lays the ground for success in the field. Agile in project management is the main trend that is evident and has been taken up in managing projects owing to its cost effectiveness and allows for human needs such as purpose, mastery, and autonomy to be reflected in the project. Agile requires the project team to receive constant feedback and the consistent use of Scrum methodology in agile has increased. Organizations that were reluctant in implementing agile have implemented and showed a high commitment ensuring success. In my view, agile is set to stay and will be the main approach for management of projects in a few years owing to the many disadvantages it derives to organizations, project managers, employees, and other stakeholders. Project management has also seen the trend of distributed leadership among team members with each member having to step up to ensure achievement of self-organizing teams. The implementation of agile has resulted in the increased importance of teamwork and collaboration and shared responsibility among project team members in the process distributing leadership responsibilities. The importance of leadership understanding the needs of the team, development of lasting relationships among the team members, and connecting with the people has been emphasized in recent years in project management. Distributed leadership responsibilities among the team members allow for high responsibility for the success of the project and high motivation by the members augmenting the success of projects and accelerating decision-making in teams. The other trend in project management that has emerged in recent years is global project operation and development. Online project management through cloud-based applications and software has enabled project management to operate globally through proving information on scheduling, communications,

Research paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Research paper - Essay Example Hemingway’s statements were short and direct, then there are parts that reflect the way the main character was thinking; Hemingway did not waste too many word explaining, and I liked that. Maupassant’s story was so memorable because it is true today as it was during his time, that people can be just as hypocritical. For the poems, the more memorable ones are â€Å"Facing It† by Yusef Komunyakaa and â€Å"We Wear the Mask† by Paul Laurence Dunbar, because of their courage and outspokenness at a time of bigotry and racial hatred. Sometimes, I mentally place myself in their shoes, and I am unsure whether or not I could be as brave as them. Because of their writings, our literature is all the richer and lessons of history better preserved for generations to come. Yes, I had shared my assigned readings with friends and family, and they were visibly touched by some of these. The poetry evokes a different set of sentiments for each reader, depending upon their pe rsonal experiences. Among the writing techniques I found the most challenging is systematically writing my analysis of short stories. The framework of the literary analysis is specific and highly structured. I also found it diff

Investigate How Patient Choice Health And Social Care Essay

Investigate How Patient Choice Health And Social Care Essay The above-mentioned patient choice agenda in healthcare refers to various types of service providers into the NHS. Choice agenda is dynamic and varies according to time and medical providers. Choice alone without competition gives people a false consciousness without real outcome. Therefore choice and competition work well together rather than individually improving quality and efficiency. Even less competitive health-care providers are motivated to upgrade their services to attract customers. Extending choice agenda tends to eliminate inequalities for less affluent patients. Evidence tells us that choice agenda offers equal opportunities for all and minimise inequalities within healthcare (Dixon, 2003). In 2005 MORI carried out a study and discovered that 5o per cent of the general public prefer to select health-care providers outside their local area comparing with four per of people. Therefore, this study tells us that the general public likes the idea to select for alterative health-care providers. However amplifying patient choice may not successfully eliminated inequities (Stevens, ). Offering choice to the general public is less likely to improve equity if mythological varieties exist within the uptake of choice. Wealthy patients have the freedom pick for private health -care providers if they believe local health-care providers offer poor quality of services, less likely to specialise in their condition and have low rating. Therefore the idea of equal access for meeting equal need to all people failed.  [1]   On the whole, the British Social Attitudes Survey outlines that disadvantaged groups, linked to education, income social class, tend to opt for alternative health-care providers far higher than affluent patients. For instance people with an income of  £10,000, females, working class and low level of educational attainments tend to make use of choice agenda far more than well-off people. A similar study was carried out in Helsinki, Finland and found related results empathising working class people like the idea to choose health -care providers to a greater extent than middle class. Therefore, these examples emphasise no differentiation in the uptake of choice between various socioeconomic classes. 2New Labour accepted the neoliberal model developed by Thatchers administration during 1990s. In 1997 under New Labour patient choice increased and here are some important reforms promoting patient choice agenda: Foundation Trusts (FTs) and rating system. These reforms tend to promote cheap and quality services. This is likely to motivate health-care providers contesting for funding which correlates with the capacity of patients treated. On the other hand Payment by Results which pay secondary care providers using a standard for tariff liked with the amount of patients treated. This reform promotes patient choice upon referral from GPs. Therefore this notion of choice agenda tends to improve waiting list times and quality of services. Last but not least the government tend to places a target system that measures the uptake of choice. The government shifted the attention from competition and continued to promote the business model by promoting partnerships between health-care provider s. In order for promote real choice; the market is obliged to provide alternative providers. Private providers have a long legacy operating within the internal market since 1948 as long as they provide services at a standard tariff. The internal operating under New Labour is less focused solely on competition, but is rather promoting efficiency and quality of services. Evidence shows that patients opt for private health-care providers over public health-care providers because providers exhibit good service quality. In general, patient choice tends to enhance competition among providers to attract customers. On the contrary private health-care providers tend to cover limited services such as non-emergency ones. Patients may demand more services rather than less at higher costs which tend to put pressure on providers to deliver services at high standards. Often private medical providers are likely to display egocentric focused on profit making. In general private providers tend to cost more than services offered by the NHS. Hence this market tends to favour wealthy and competitive patients rather than less well-off. In 2010 White Paper, Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS, the Coalition government tends to promote patient choice by introducing a Commissioning Board in the NHS. The Board monitors the performance of primary care providers to ensure health-care providers offer high standard of service care and involve patients in decision making. In addition the commissioning board is also made responsible for tacking equity within healthcare. Also, the government is aiming to increase competition and turn secondary care providers into Foundation Trusts becoming a financial regulator focused on tariff princes and competition as well as promote efficiency. Finally the Foundation Trusts tend to become social enterpriser which is likely to involve medical professionals in decision-making. Choice isnt real for patients living in certain areas of the UK. People living in rural areas of London tend to be excluded from selecting health -care providers. Less affluent patients are less motivated to travel long distances because car ownership is low among disadvantaged groups. Also some people in low paid employment are unable to take time off from work preventing them further from exercising choice. In general, people travelling long distances tend to have poor attendance records for primary care appointments. A study conducted by () show that age, gender and social class differences prevents people from exercising choice. People over 60 year olds, housewives and working class tend to limit travelling distances to search for providers (both primary and secondary care). Hence gender, social class and age tend to be factors that determine the uptake of choice for health-care providers. Affluent patients tend have resources to purchase houses in areas near good -quality health -care providers. An example discovered by () argues that young, affluent patients and living in inner city areas of London are likely to opt for alternative medical health-care providers.  [3]  Whereas disadvantaged groups with low levels of education are found to least opt for alternative medical providers. The uptake of choice agenda among poor individuals is likely to improve when subsidised transport is offered to people, providing additional transport costs and better public transport on the outskirts of the UK. Hence improving the above issues tends to encourage poor patients to travel long distances to have their treatments. Also, lack of available information tends to prevent patients from exercising choice for medical providers. It is believed that some people need additional support to choice medical health-care providers. Often, less well-off patients, low levels of education and the elderly require supplementary assistance to make effective choices. These types of groups are less likely to have access to internet connections, sources or/ and social networks that work in hospitals often equipping them with information of various health-care which tends to help them navigate the system. This source has been criticised for being resource intense and a real problem for those who are not computer literature. Published data is a key element for choice that emphasis the performance of various health-care providers. Making use of this type of data tends to make patients autonomous and self-responsible for their own health. In general, health- care providers use ranking systems to upgrade their services. With their reputation at stake, medical providers are motivated to improve quality of services in order to remain in business. Often, disadvantaged groups use performance data more than middle class people to make health care choices. But lack of available data is a major factor perverting them from exercising choices. Patient choice agenda tends to lead to equity. Reid () claims methodological variations in healthcare are far more complex rather than focusing solely on resources. Poor people tend to lack self-confidence and knowledge to converse with health-care providers in medicinal vocabulary. Evidence shows patients poor ability of expression creates imperfect freedom of choice in decision-making amongst individuals. In general, these issues lead to unequal ability to navigate the system. Although providing people with choice rather than a voice tends to be more effective for less well-off patients. Patient choice agenda gives disadvantaged groups the opportunity to be heard and necessary self- confidence to exercise choices. Therefore, choice empowers patients that are least knowledgeable how to manoeuvre the system. Middle class people, on the other hand, have power, resources and skills to manipulate the system in a particular way that suites their interests. Certainly affluent patients are more proactive than less -well of patients in comparison to choice agenda. Hence privileged patients are more articulate, confident and persistent which often this system suites privileged patients rather than poor people. The impact of patient choice on health services delivery tends to provide mix views. Patient choice may improve the quality of services under the internal market in response to waiting list times. GP fund holders improve waiting list times upon referral to hospitals and reduce cost for prescriptions. An example that may fit in this capacity is found in a study conducted by London Patient Choice Project. This study states that patients tend to look for alternative medical providers in order to reduce waiting list times. Certainly competition together with high numbers of health care providers may further reduce waiting list times. However dissatisfied patients with services offered by medical providers tend to opt for the option to search for alternative medical providers that meet their needs. Under the internal market, money dictates the choices patients make, meaning that hospitals lose money patients choose alternative medical providers. Thus health-care providers must responsive to consumer demands in order to remain in business, unless they are likely to face closure. Patients tend to empower medical experts to decide treatments because the doctor knows best. Often, patients shift choice into the hands of doctors, particularly in life-threatening situations. In life threatening situations medical staff is likely to decide treatments on behalf of patients. Therefore, the choice agenda in this case regarding to the quality of treatment tends to have no result. Evidence suggests that seven out of ten patients like better to relocate treatment choices to primary care providers (). This example tells us that people like the idea to have an input in relation to deciding medical providers. In reality, GPs are seen as the gatekeepers for making choices. They act as agents for patients rather than patients exercise choice. Often, patients empower medical providers to select treatments. This happens because people tend to have limited skills and access to information that would inform people of various treatments. Middle class people are often informed of the premium treatments. These people have access to internet and sources like books and journals that inform them of various treatments. People with lower levels of education tend to have access to journals and books which allow them to make meaningful choices. London Patient Choice Pilot study, on the other hand, contradicts this view. This study claims the up-take of choice among people with various levels of education has little significance. Only two per cent difference between people with various levels of education tend to look for hospitals that provide treatment. In conclusion middle class people tend to benefit from choice agenda far more than working class groups. Middle class groups have higher income which allows them to purchase houses near good-quality medical providers. In addition middle classes have access to information and money that drive them to travel further in order to have access to the best services. Do patients what choice? Patients tend to like the idea of a good local medical provider (both primary and secondary providers) rather than travelling longer distances to have their treatment.

Joe Jackson and the Black Sox Scandal Essay -- Shoeless Joe Jackson Ba

Joe Jackson and the Black Sox Scandal For anyone who knows anything about baseball, the 1919 World Series brings to mind many things. "The Black Sox Scandal of 1919 started out as a few gamblers trying to get rich, and turned into one of the biggest, and easily the darkest, event in baseball history" (Everstine 4). This great sports scandal involved many, but the most memorable and most known for it was Joe Jackson. The aftermath of the great World Series Scandal left many people questioning the character of Joe Jackson and whether or not he should have relations thereafter with baseball. There is still question today whether or not to let Joe into the Hall of Fame. Many people still question whether or not, Joe Jackson was involved in "The Black Sox Scandal of 1919." "The scandal even left its own legacy that is still inciting arguments among fans today: the fate of "Shoeless" Joe Jackson" (Everstine 3). As the word was being spread to "bet on the Reds", (Everstine 3), an astronomical amount of money was needed to make the payoff to all involved, including the baseball players of the White Sox who were participating in the scandal. Before the beginning of the game on that ‘scandalous’ day, Joe Jackson begged the owner of the White Sox; Charles Comiskey to listen to him in regards to the fix of the game that was about to happen. The evidence was proven that Jackson had even asked to be benched for the series to avoid any suspicion of his involvement in the fix. Unfortunately, Comiskey did not listen to Jackson. "Heavy betting was taking place" (Everstine 3). The game was played, after being fixed; the White Sox lost, even though there were seventeen other players on the team that attempted to do their best. Despite their best efforts, the "fix was successful" (Everstine 3). "As many fans sat in the stands and watched the game, they were not able to tell that the game had been fixed and thrown for the benefit of the Reds and the gamblers" (Everstine 3). Joe Jackson knew of the ‘fix’. Jackson did not take the financial padding that was offered to him. In the sixth game, "Jackson made two hits and nailed a Cincinnati runner at the plate with a perfect throw" (Gies and Shoemaker 58). "In fact, the Black Sox on the whole actually made a better showing in t... ...ty years since his incident. That incident does not seem as bad a spitting in someone’s face. "Joe was banned for life by Judge Landis, and his life is over so give the man his due place in baseball history" (Everstine 4). "He went on to say that many Hall of Fame players also support Joe’s induction into the Hall" (Everstine4). The preceding was stated by Ted Williams, a baseball great and also a member of the Hall of Fame. "Eighty years after the World series that resulted in Shoeless Joe Jackson’s lifetime ban from baseball, the House of Representatives passed a resolution calling for him to be honored" (AP B4). Shoeless Joe was indicted by a Federal Jury, and even they think he deserves the credit he is due. By passing this resolution, the House took its first step towards making the famous Shoeless Joe a Hall of Fame inductee. "Although throwing ball games was not a crime in Illinois, Landis said, Jackson’s confe ssion barred him . . ." (Seymour 331). Even though the law stated that these players had actually committed a crime, Judge Landis saw it as dishonorable and disrespectful to all of baseball, so he punished the accused harshly.

Principles Of Safeguarding And Protection Essay

The booklet must: Ai Describe in your own words what is meant by the following types of abuse: †¢ Physical abuse Physical abuse is the use of physical force that may result in bodily injury,physical pain or impairment.physical abuse may include but is not limited to such acts of violence as striking ( with or without an object) hitting,beating,pushing,shoving,shaking,slapping,kicking,pinching and burning. †¢ Sexual abuse Sexual abuse is any sort of non consensual sexual contact,sexual abuse can happen to men or women of any age. †¢ Emotional/psychological abuse Any act, including confinement, isolation, verbal assult,humiliation intimidation or any other treatment which may diminish the sence of identity,dignity and self worth. †¢ Financial abuse Misuse of a persons money, property or assets through theft or fraud †¢ Institutional abuse Mistreatment of people brought about by poor or inadequate care or support, or systematic poor practice that affects the whole care setting . it occurs when the individuals wishes and needs are sacrified for the smooth running of a group,service or organisation. †¢ Self neglect Self neglect is any failure of an adult to take care of himself or herself that causes or is reasonably likly to cause within a short period of time serious physical,mental or emotional harm or substantial damage to or loss of assests. †¢ Neglect by others Neglect is the failure to provide necessary care, assistance,guidance or attention that causes, or or is reasonably likely to cause the person physical ,mental or emotional harm or substantial damage to or loss of assets. Read more: Identify national policies and local systems that relate to safeguarding and protection from abuse  essay Aii Identify signs and symptoms of the different types of abuse Abuse can show as physical effects and symptoms.these are likly to be accompanied by emotional signs and changes in behaviour,but this is not alway the case. Signs of physical abuse Frequent or regular falls or injuries Pepperpot bruising – small bruises,usually on the chest,caused by poking with a finger or pulling clothes tightly Fingermarks – often on arms or shoulders Bruising in areas not normally bruised such as the inside of thighs and arms Sighns of sexual Unusal sexual behaviour Blood or marks no underclothes Recurrent gentital/ urinary infections Complaints of soreness or infections in the genital/ anal area Frequent complaints of abdominal pain Change in behaviour Sighns of emotional Loss of interest in appearance Loss of confidence Becoming afraid of making decisions Change in behaviour Sighns of financial Sudden change in attitude to financial matters Sleeping problems Feeling depressed or hopeless Any behaviour changes could indicate that the service user is a victim of some form of abuse, but remember that they are only an indicator and will need to be linked to other factors to arrive at a complete picture Aiii Explain the correct actions to take if you suspect an individual is being abused Report your concerns to your line manager/ supervisor. Aiv Explain the correct actions to take if an individual tells you they are being abused If a client tells you they are being abused,you should stop what you re doing and listen carefully to them.all conversations should be treated with confidence and information only passed on to those who need to know.even if the person speaks in strictest of confidence,line managers must still be informed and the discussion written down.never agree with the client that you wont tell someone who can do something about it. Av Identify how to ensure that any evidence of abuse is kept safe There may be situations where you have evidence of abuse,either because you have witnessed it happening or because you have other evidence such as bank slips, forged pension books,ect. In this situation must be reported immediately to your supervisor,or the person identified in the procedures followed by your workplace for cases of suspected abuse.you make sure that you provide all the evidence in detail with full information about how you found the evidence and how and where you have recorded it.if you have witnessed,or intervened in,an act of abuse that may constitute a criminal offence, you must not remove any possible evidence until the police have examined the scene. Avi Identify the national policies that set out requirements for safeguarding individuals Safeguarding vulnerable groups act 2006 No secrets act 2000 Care standards act 2000 Avii Identify the local and organisational systems for safeguarding Safe guarding vulnerable groups act 2006 cqc Criminal records bureau human rights act 1998 Aviii Explain the roles of different agencies and professionals that are involved in safeguarding individuals Police,- criminal(assult ,fraud, theft domestic violence) Council, – to protect people using their service – make sure they re safe  extend help where needed to support those experiencing abuseand neglect in their own homes Social workers – to investigate actual or suspected abuse or neglect Crb-to check an individuals past to see if they have any criminal convictions Gp,a&e staff,nurses,medical professionals – they can diagnose treat and examine and record any evidence Cqc – to regulate and inspect care providers Aix Identify sources of advice, support and information to help social care workers understand their own role in safeguarding Health authorities, local authority social services My manager, colleagues My companys policies and procedures on safeguarding The internet Cqc Independent safeguarding authority Books Training and advise from training 204 Task B Research and Account Identify two reports on serious failures to protect individuals from abuse. Write an account that describes the unsafe practices in the reviews. Suggested word count: 400 words 204 Task C – Short Answer Questions Ci Explain what a social care worker must do if they become aware of unsafe practice. They must report the matter to their line manager or senior using the whistle blowing policy keeping a recorded document of times,places and events of unsafe practise and any other evidence they are able to obtain. If the unsafe practice is by the manager then must report to a higher member within the company so the matter can be resolved. Cii Describe what a social care worker must do if unsafe practice is reported but nothing is done to ensure it is corrected. if a care worker reported unsafe practise and nothing is done to correct it the social care worker needs to keep recorded documentationof the person who they reported  it to, keep reporting it and keep recording it and keeping recorded documentation as evidence and advise the person performing unsafe practise of what they are doing wrong and work to the best practice you know. If still nothing is done to correct the unsafe practice the social care worker can contact cqc and advise them on the unsafe practice. Ciii Describe three factors that may make individuals more vulnerable to abuse than others. Factor 1; physical disability – physical disabilitynof any form can make individuals more vulnerable to abuse as they often are unable to speak out about who is abusing them or what type of abuse is occurring and makes them vulnerable to abusive attacks. Factor 2; age – age of all types can have an effect both young and old are more vulnerable to abuse. Old people are more vulnerable to financial abuse if they are not in control of their own finances along with physical and mental abuse children are vulnerable to grooming ,sexual, physical,mental and emotional abuse. Factor 3; mental illness – mental illness makes people vulnerable as they may be unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves from significant harm and exploitation Civ Explain how adopting a person centred approach which offers choices and upholds rights can empower an individual and help to reduce the likelihood of abuse. Treating individual with respect, supporting individuals rights to control their lives and make informed choices, promoting individual views, helping individual service users and care workers to make complaint and maintaining confidentialty encourage service users to comment and attend in the meeting.those practices help individuals to aquire their self esteem and recognize their values, rights, and powers what protect them being abused. Cv Explain how encouraging and promoting active participation can help to reduce the likelihood of abuse. Encouraging active participation builds self esteem,and the person will refuse to tolerate abuse and will be inclined to report it, theyre also around other people which will help build friendships in which they can share things they may tell one of them if abuse may happen and one of them may pass it on to help. Cvi Explain how an effective and easy to use complaints procedure can help to reduce the likelihood of abuse.  If it is easy to access the complaints procedure,and anyone willing to complain has no difficulty in doing so, then it makes it harder for abuse to go unreported,and hence less likely to take place . if a victim has difficulty complaining then someone who might abuse them is more likely to do so, as they would be more confident that the victim would not be able to do anything about it.

Interfaith Dialogue in a Multi Faith Australia Essay

Australia is a multi cultural country containing a wide range of ethnically and religiously diverse peoples, allowing benefits for Australian society. However, it can pose a potential challenge to social harmony and cohesion because to one faith the idea of what is scared or important may contrast entirely with another. Interfaith dialogue is therefore an effective method for avoiding such clashes. It is a movement aimed towards promoting and understanding different religious traditions, and to clear up any misunderstandings or conflicts. Though debate and argument can be an issue, it is not what it aims to promote, Wendy Wilkie, a Uniting church Delegate stated â€Å" †¦many Christians and Muslims would see the only reason you talk to somebody of another faith is to convert them to your own†¦Ã¢â‚¬  which is why these discussions can be difficult. The four principles of Dialogue are; it begins when people meet each other, depends on mutual understanding and trust, makes it possible to share in service to the community and Dialogue becomes the medium of authentic witness. These principles are all effective and vital to help sustain peace between religions in such a multi-faith country, and therefore Inter-faith Dialogue is of great importance in Australia. A large number of Inter faith initiatives have taken place in Australia; an example is the Australian National Dialogue of Christians, Muslims and Jews, beginning in March 2003 aiming to provide opportunities for these faiths to build understanding and to clarify contentious issues with their respective faiths. Since the amount of religious diversity in Australia is so great, the importance of discussion and resolution through Inter-Faith dialogue is crucial, as clashes between these faiths is an inevitable reality.

How to Write a Controversial Essay on Alfred Russel Wallace vs Charles Darwin

How to Write a Controversial Essay on Alfred Russel Wallace vs Charles Darwin Writing a controversial essay is often a challenge for students because of the delicate nature of the controversy itself; it can be difficult to present information that is both factual and well-balanced, especially when the issues are topics about which both sides feel strongly. Many of the most popular controversial essay topics are considered popular social issues about which people make their decisions based on personal religious affiliations or personal values. It is for this reason that people tie stronger emotional holds to their opinions and take any presentation of the opposition first and foremost as an attack on their related affiliation or values. For this reason primarily, it is imperative that such a writing assignment remain free from personal bias, be full of factual information to substantiate the points, and be critical and thoughtful in the analysis and not â€Å"preachy†. While the overall goal in a controversial essay is similar to any argumentative piece, such that you want to convince your reader with facts and evidence that your side is best, it is nonetheless imperative that you do so in so delicate and confident a fashion that you do not taunt the opposition, use name calling, or imply that it is inferior, but merely that it is not as well supported with evidence as your side. To begin such a piece you must include the following components: Select a topic you are confident you can defend with justification and valid arguments, especially if your overall goal is to persuade the reader to adopt your perspective at the end of the writing. To make your life easier you can choose among the suggested topics on Darwin’s vs Wallace’s theories. Prepare a thesis statement which should function as a stand alone single sentence representative of the point you are making. This thesis statement should be introduced to the reader in the first, introductory, paragraph. This paragraph should be laid out like a road map for your reader, telling them what stops to expect along the way and where your paper is headed. You want to assert your point of view right from the start. For each point you are making to substantiate your side of the controversial topic, you must start a new body paragraph. You must check out amazing facts on natural selection theories by Darwin and Wallace because they can give you clear statement for each paragraph. When you have presented everything, it is time to wrap up your work with a concluding paragraph. This is where you reiterate to your reader what support you provided for your argument and what you did to refute the opposing viewpoint. This should be similar in layout to the introduction, but rather than regurgitating verbatim the introduction, you want to remind the reader what evidence you presented in each of the body paragraphs. You see? It is not a complicated matter if you find the right source to enrich your knowledge about writing a controversial essay. So, read these tips, reflect on them and start writing a paper  now!

The Factors that Contribute to Effective Use of iPads with PMLD Pupils The WritePass Journal

The Factors that Contribute to Effective Use of iPads with PMLD Pupils Introduction The Factors that Contribute to Effective Use of iPads with PMLD Pupils . Waters-Adams, S. (2006). Action Research in Education. Faculty of Education Plymouth. The Factors that Contribute to Effective Use of iPads with PMLD Pupils 1. Introduction The Factors that Contribute to Effective Use of iPads with PMLD Pupils ) recently published an article outlining the role of interactive technology in the SEN classroom, describing pupils as most engaged and motivated when applications were visual and contained sound, music and rewards. An important contributor to the field has been the tablet device, specifically the Apple iPad, a slim, lightweight and multi-touch device for downloading, accessing and interacting with a vast range of applications. To date, little empirical evidence of the effectiveness of the iPad in supporting learning in pupils with PMLD has been conducted and reported, although case studies published by schools that use iPads to support such learners are beginning to emerge. For example, the deputy head teacher at Topcliff School has reported that iPads have had a positive impact and response from their special needs pupils and teachers alike, as the iPad is easy to use, accessible and allows the user to access many well-designed applications, a sentiment shared by the head of music at Mary Elliot Special school, who described the technology as easy to use allowing teachers to feel confident in using ICT, with cheap yet engaging applications. In a blog written by ‘Jwinchester25’ (20 12), a head of year in a generic special school for pupils with a range of special educational needs, the iPad is described as a device that enables and allows learning at any time, with a wealth of sensory applications that are ideal for learners working between p1 and p2, owing to the visual impact and instant feedback provided by its applications. Undoubtedly, the iPad has several factors that are advantageous in supporting the learning of PMLD pupils, including the range and value of its applications, its sleek and easy to use design, and use of touch technology, which can help overcome barriers for pupils facing issues using the traditional mouse and keyboard (Bean, 2012). However, such advantages come with important caveats; teachers must ensure that the device is both adequately positioned and mounted to optimise both vision and interaction (Watson Hyatt, 2010; Rahman, 2012). 2.4. Conclusion Pupils with PMLD have greater difficulties in learning and have additional impairments in functioning and needs that can create barriers to learning. Practitioners and teachers can support pupils to overcome such barriers by providing a learning environment that is stimulating to the senses, and promotes motivation and engagement. The world of technology can augment such learning by enabling pupils with PMLD to communicate and engage with the world around them. However, in order to maximally support such learners, technology must be tailored to the specific and individual needs of each pupil, requiring a thorough and accurate assessment of each pupil’s needs. It would appear that the Apple iPad has great potential to act as a tool for learning for pupils with PMLD, however there remains a gap in the empirical literature regarding the factors that might influence successful use of the iPad in such a teaching environment. 1. Methodology The following chapter discusses the research methodology chosen for the present study and provides the rationale underpinning its selection. As action research was selected as the prime research strategy, this chapter will discuss and explain what action research entails and also provide a brief explanation of the data collection methods that will be employed. Furthermore, the chapter will discuss the technique of sample selection and sample size proposed. The chapter will conclude with a discussion of the research instruments that will be utilised to gather the primary data. 1. Research Strategy According to Lewin (1946), action research is â€Å"a comparative research on the conditions and effects of various forms of social action and research leading to social action (using) a spiral of steps, each of which is composed of a circle of planning, action and fact-finding about the result of the action†. It involves a practical approach to research inquiry in a social institution (Waters-Adams, 2006), and is perhaps more interactive than other research methodologies, as it balances data collection and analysis with problem solving action in the field. This is advantageous as it allows the researcher to derive predictions regarding change within the research site (Reason Bradbury, 2002). It is conceptualised as a collaborative process between the researcher and the research site and population, so it allows not only for observation and reflection, but also action and improvement of practice (Mills, 2006). Action research was particularly appropriate in this context. The author of the present study is an ICT coordinator, and was keen to discover how new technology purchased by the author’s school could be most effectively used with PMLD learners. Action research is often used when a new initiative is about to be implemented, in the absence of knowledge regarding the best method to do so. It allows for the discovery of practical solutions that are directly derived from the specific circumstances of the research site. However, as action research does not involve the objective measurement of phenomena, it can suffer from researcher bias (Mills, 2006). However, all researchers bring a degree of subjectivity shaped by individual experience, and it is the action researcher’s challenge to recognise such bias and build a critical reflexivity into the research process accordingly (Herr Anderson, 2005). Action research can be time consuming, and difficult to conduct in tandem with normal classroom activities. For this reason, Mills (2006) advoc ates developing a timeline of enquiry. The timetable for the current study is as follows: Phase 1 (July 2012): Develop research questions. Phase 2 (August 2012): Conducted critical review of relevant literature. Phase 3 (September 2012): Conduct classroom observation. Disseminate questionnaire to second school. Phase 4 (October 2012): Conducted semi-structured interviews with teachers. Phase 5 (November – December 2012): Data collation and analysis Phase 6 (Early 2013): Review, question and action. Disseminate research findings to interested parties. 3.2. Data Collection According to Mills, â€Å"the importance of data collection is to challenge yourself to explore every possible angle to try to find patterns and seek out new understanding among the data† (2006: 122). The selection of data collection methods forms a fundamental step in the research process and should be underpinned by the concepts of reliability and validity. Reliability relates to the accuracy of the data and urges the researcher to consider whether the data they have collected presents an accurate representation of the reality under study. Validity refers to the essential truthfulness of the data; an assertion that the data collected actually measures the reality under study. Producing high quality research is of particular concern to the action researcher in schools, as the teacher researcher has an additional obligation to their students, and to add to the professional knowledge base (Sagor, 2000). One method of enhancing the quality of research is to triangulate data coll ection; to use more than one source of data during more than one point in time. The present study included questionnaires, observation and semi-structured interviews. The approach therefore was mainly qualitative, although the inclusion of some closed-ended questions in the questionnaire allowed for some limited quantitative enquiry. Questionnaires The questionnaire was designed and will be disseminated via Survey Monkey, an online research resource which allows users to design surveys and collect and analyse data easily. The questionnaire contained both open-ended and closed-ended questions to enable respondents to both answer the specific research questions, and also provide their own responses to add richness to the data. Invitations to participate in this part of the research will be made to members of staff from a different school to the research site, and respondents will be invited to complete the questionnaire via an online link. The questionnaire has been designed specifically to investigate how other schools are integrating iPads into their work with PMLD learners. The main advantage of the questionnaire method is that it potentially allows the researcher to collect a large amount of information in a relatively short amount of time (Mills, 2006). However, the method is notorious for returning lower response rates. Gen erally speaking, postal survey methods have an average response rate of below 10%, whilst typical response rates for online surveys are a little higher, at 20 – 30% (SurveyMonkey, 2012). Observation The observations will be conducted only at the primary research site, and will be participatory in nature, as this allows for more focused naturalistic observation (Bell, 2005). In the present study, observation will take place with four pupils with PMLD as they use iPads as part of normal teaching and learning activities. The observations will be guided by the use of the Engagement Profile (SSATrust, 2010) which will enable the researcher to observe exactly which factors involved in the use of iPads engage pupils. For an example of the Engagement Profile observation sheet refer to Appendix A. Interview The aim of the interview is to elicit information about participant’s attitudes, opinions and perspectives in order to form a meaningful understanding of the phenomena under study (Hannan, 2007). Specifically, this research will include the use of semi-structured interviews, which allow researchers to have a set of specific questions to discuss, but allows for some flexibility on the respondents’ behalf. One interview will be conducted with the class teacher, and will address the ways in which iPads are incorporated into teaching activities with PMLD learners. 1. Sample Size and Sampling Techniques For questionnaire completion, sampling will follow the snowballing technique, a non-probability sampling technique whereby participants in turn recruit future participants from among their acquaintances. In this instance, the link to the online survey will be sent to the target population, with a request that it is passed on to other interested parties. As the likely response rate is as yet unknown, the link will be sent to all possible study participants. The return rate will determine whether any quantitative data analysis will be conducted on the closed-ended survey items. The observations will be limited to four pupils, who will be identified as appropriate for participation via the researcher’s own knowledge of the pupils within the research site, and via discussions with classroom teachers. Only one interview will be conducted with the classroom teacher. Methods were selected that drew upon small samples to provide an in-depth exploration of the area under study, the num ber of observations and interviews was restricted to maximise the effectiveness of such in-depth exploration (see Kruger Casey, 2009 for a discussion regarding sample size when using qualitative methods. 4. Ethical Considerations Of prime concern to any researcher, are the ethical considerations and implications of their work. A full understanding of research ethics, and adherence and accountability to an ethical framework can provide a solid base for the research work in order to achieve completion of said research successfully (Willis, Inman and Valenti, 2010). Adherence to ethical considerations in research promotes the aims of research; prohibiting the falsification of results avoids error. Ethical norms ensure that the researcher remains accountable to the public and can prevent harm; therefore prior to the commencement of any piece of research, it is essential to consider all the ethical implications that may present themselves throughout all stages of the study. Central to research ethics is the issue of consent. The proposed study will provide interview participants with a Participant Information Form (PIF) detailing exactly the aims and processes of the research, and the contact details of the resear cher. A consent form will be given with the PIF for both the participant and researcher to sign. The form will detail the participants’ right to refuse to participate, and right to withdraw consent at any point during the research, without penalty. As the pupil observations will be conducted as part of normal teaching and learning activities, it is not necessary to seek permission from parents. In a dissertation work, keeping the personal details of the respondents secured is a prime ethical requirement, therefore, another major ethical consideration of the proposed study relates to anonymity and confidentiality. Conducting any research within the workplace could raise concerns among participants; therefore the interviews and Engagement Profiles will be anonymised and assigned codes rather than names. Surveys will be conducted anonymously via SurveyMonkey, access to data will be strictly limited to the researcher, and all participants will have the right to access their own information. References Bean, I. (2012) A helping hand. SEN Magazine, February 2012. Available at: https://www.senmagazine.co.uk/articles/856-how-can-we-make-computers-more-accessible-to-all.html (accessed 13.08.2012). Boote, D.N. Beile, P. (2005). Scholars before researchers: On the centrality of the dissertation literature review in research preparation. Educational Research 34 (6): 3 – 15. Carpenter, B., Egerton, J., Brooks, T. Durdle , R. (2011). Engagement in Learning. Available at education.gov.uk/complexneeds/modules/Module-3.2-Engaging-in-learningkey approaches/All/downloads/m10p080c/Special_Children_Engagement_in_Learning_201_June-July_2011_pg40-42.pdf (accessed 29.08.2012). Condie, R., Munro, B., Seagraves, L. Kenesson, S. (2007). The impact of ICT in schools – a landscape review. Becta. Cunningham, J. (2010). Profound education: learning and PMLD. SEN magazine, January 2010. Available at: senmagazine.co.uk/articles/496-profound-education-learning-for-those-with-pmld.html (accessed 29.08.2012) Davis, P. Florian, L. (2004). Teaching strategies and approaches for pupils with special educational needs: A scoping study. Department for Education and Skills. Available at education.gov.uk/complexneeds/modules/Module-1.1-Understanding-the-child-development-and difficulties/All/downloads/m01p010c/II.teaching_strategies%20including_aspects_of_II.pdf. (Accessed 03.08 2012). Department of education and early childhood development. (2010). iPads in special education. Available at: ipadsforeducation.vic.au (accessed 05.08.2012). Department for Education and Skills (2004). Research Report Number 578: Inclusion and Pupil Achievement. DfES Publications, Nottingham. Florian, L. Hegarty, J. (2004). ICT and Special Educational Needs (Learning Teaching With ICT). 1st Edition. Open University Press. Foyle, A. (2012). Switched on to education. SEN magazine, January 2012. Available at: senmagazine.co.uk/articles/378-switched-on-to-education-the-use-of-ict-in-sen.html (accessed 29.08.2012) Hannan, A. (2007). Interviews in education research (online) University of Plymouth. Available at: edu.plymouth.ac.uk/resined/QUESTS/index.htm (Accessed: 03.08.2012). Healy, D., Noonan Walsh, P. (2007). Communication among nurses and adults with severe and profound intellectual disabilities: Predicted and observed strategies. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities 11(2), 127-141. Herr, K. Anderson, G. (2005). The Action Research Dissertation: A Guide for Students and Faculty. Sage Publications, CA. Iovannone, R., Dunlap, G., Huber, H. Kincaid, D. (2003). Effective educational practices for children with autism spectrum disorders. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities 18: 150 – 166. jwinchester25 (2012). iPad in a SEN Environment: Some of the uses. Available at: http://senclassroom.wordpress.com/2012/03/17/ipad-in-a-sen-environment-some-of-the-uses/ (accessed 15.08.2012). Kuh, G., Cruce, T., Shoup, R., Kinzie, J. Gonyea, R. (2008). Unmasking the effects of student engagement on first-year college grades and persistence. Journal of Higher Education, 79 (5): 540–563. Krueger, A., and Casey, M. (2009) Focus groups, a practical guide for applied research (4th edition) Sage, Los Angeles. Lacey, P. (2009). Developing the thinking of learners with PMLD, PMLD Link 21 (2): 15-19. Lacey, P. (2011) A profound challenge. Available at: senmagazine.co.uk/articles/396-designing-a-curriculum-for-pmld-a-profound-challenge.html (accessed 29.08.2012). Lewin, K. (1946) Action research and minority problems. Journal of Social Issues 2(4): 34-46. Longhorn, F. (1998). A Sensory Curriculum for Very Special People. London: Souvenir Press Ltd. Mary Elliot School (ipad case study, apple site) Available at: apple.com/uk/education/profiles/mary-elliot/ (accessed 04.08.2012). Marlow,W., Wolke, D., Bracewell, M. Samara M. (2005). Neurologic and developmental disability at 6 years of age following extremely preterm birth. New England Journal of Medicine 352 (1), 9-19 Mcniff, J. (2003) Action research for professional development: Concise advice for new action research (3rd Edition). Available at: jeanmcniff.com (Accessed 03.08.2012). Mills, G. E. (2006). Action Research: A Guide for the Teacher Researcher (3rd Edition). Prentice Hall. Ofsted (2004a), Report: ICT in schools – the impact of government initiatives: School Portraits – Eggbuckland Community College. London: Ofsted Ofsted (2005,) Embedding ICT in schools – a dual evaluation exercise. London: Ofsted. Piaget, J. (1977). Gruber, H.E.; Voneche, J.J.. eds. The Essential Piaget. New York: Basic Books. Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (2007). Marker Training 2007. National curriculum assessments monitoring report. QCA/07/3421 Rahman, S. ( 2012). Getting started: pads for special needs. Rahman Publishing. Reason, P. Bradbury, H., (2002). The SAGE Handbook of Action Research. Participative Inquiry and Practice. 1st Edition. London: Sage Sagor, R. (2000). Guiding School Improvement with Action Research. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, UK. Sparrowhawk, A. Heald, Y. (2007). How to Use ICT Effectively With Children With Special Educational Needs. Edition. Learning Development Aids. Waters-Adams, S. (2006). Action Research in Education. Faculty of Education Plymouth. Watson Hyatt, G. (2010). The iPad as an affordable communicator. Initial review May 15. Available at: doitmyselfblog.com/2010/the-ipad-as-an-affordable-communicator-initial-review/ (accessed 29.08.2012). Williams, P (2005), Using information and communication technology with special educational needs students: The views of frontline professionals. Aslib proceedings: new information perspectives 57 (6): 539–553. Willis, J., Inman, D. Valenti, R. (2010). Completing a professional practice dissertation: a guide for doctoral students and faculty. IAP. Wright, J, Clarke, M, Donlan, C, Lister, C, Weatherly, H, Newton, C, Cherguit, J and Newton, E (2004). Evaluation of the Communication Aids Project (CAP). London. Available at: DfES. dfes.gov.uk/research/data/uploadfiles/RR580.pdf (accessed 14.08.2012).

What You Need to Know About the Crusades

What You Need to Know About the Crusades The medieval Crusade was a holy war. For a conflict to be officially considered a Crusade, it had to be sanctioned by the pope and conducted against groups seen as enemies of Christendom. Initially, only those expeditions to the Holy Land (Jerusalem and associated territory) were considered Crusades. More recently, historians have also recognized campaigns against heretics, pagans, and Muslims in Europe as Crusades. How the Crusades Began For centuries, Jerusalem had been governed by Muslims, but they tolerated Christian pilgrims because they helped the economy. Then, in the 1070s, Turks (who were also Muslim) conquered these holy lands and mistreated Christians before realizing how useful their goodwill (and money) could be. The Turks also threatened the Byzantine Empire. Emperor Alexius asked the pope for assistance, and Urban II, seeing a way to harness the violent energy of Christian knights, made a speech calling for them to take back Jerusalem. Thousands responded, resulting in the First Crusade. When the Crusades Began and Ended Urban II made his speech calling for Crusade at the Council of Clermont in November, 1095. This is seen as the start of the Crusades. However, the reconquista of Spain, an important precursor to crusading activity, had been going on for centuries. Traditionally, the fall of Acre in 1291 marks the end of the Crusades, but some historians extend them to 1798, when Napoleon expelled the Knights Hospitaller from Malta. Crusader Motivations There were as many different reasons for crusading as there were crusaders, but the single most common reason was piety. To crusade was to go on pilgrimage, a holy journey of personal salvation. Whether that also meant giving up virtually everything and willingly facing death for God, bending to peer or family pressure, indulging bloodlust without guilt, or seeking adventure or gold or personal glory depended entirely on who was doing the crusading. Who Went on Crusade People from all walks of life, from peasants and laborers to kings and queens, answered the call. Women were encouraged to give money and stay out of the way, but some went on crusade anyway. When nobles crusaded, they often brought huge retinues, whose members may not necessarily have wanted to go along. At one time, scholars theorized that younger sons more frequently went crusading in search of estates of their own; however, crusading was an expensive business, and recent research indicates it was lords and elder sons who were more likely to crusade. The Number of Crusades Historians have numbered eight expeditions to the Holy Land, though some lump the 7th and 8th together for a total of seven crusades. However, there was a steady stream of armies from Europe to the Holy Land, so it is nearly impossible to distinguish separate campaigns. In addition, some crusades have been named, including the Albigensian Crusade, the Baltic (or Northern) Crusades, the Peoples Crusade, and the Reconquista. Crusader Territory Upon the success of the First Crusade, the Europeans set up a king of Jerusalem and established what is known as the Crusader States. Also called outremer (French for across the sea), the Kingdom of Jerusalem controlled Antioch and Edessa, and it was divided into two territories since these places were so far-flung. When ambitious Venetian merchants convinced warriors of the Fourth Crusade to capture Constantinople in 1204, the resulting government was referred to as the Latin Empire, to distinguish it from the Greek, or Byzantine, empire they had claimed. Crusading Orders Two important military orders were established in the early 12th century: the Knights Hospitaller and the Knights Templar. Both were monastic orders whose members took vows of chastity and poverty, yet they were also militarily trained. Their primary purpose was to protect and aid pilgrims to the Holy Land. Both orders did very well financially, particularly the Templars, who were notoriously arrested and disbanded by Philip IV of France in 1307. The Hospitallers outlasted the Crusades and continue, in a much-altered form, to this day. Other orders were established later, including the Teutonic Knights. Impact of the Crusades Some historians particularly Crusades scholars consider the Crusades the single most important series of events in the Middle Ages. The significant changes in the structure of European society that took place in the 12th and 13th centuries were long considered the direct result of Europes participation in the Crusades. This view no longer holds as strongly as it once did. Historians have recognized many other contributing factors in this complex time. Yet there is no doubt the Crusades contributed greatly to changes in Europe. The effort of raising armies and providing supplies for Crusaders stimulated the economy; trade benefited, as well, especially once the Crusader States were established. Interaction between the East and West affected European culture in areas of art and architecture, literature, mathematics, science and education. And Urbans vision of directing the energies of warring knights outward succeeded in reducing war within Europe. Having a common foe and common objective, even for those who didnt participate in the Crusade, fostered a view of Christendom as a united entity.   This has been a very basic introduction to the Crusades. For a better understanding of this extremely complex and greatly-misunderstood topic, please explore our Crusades Resources or read one of the Crusades Books recommended by your Guide.

Banking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Banking - Essay Example Depository insurance can be obtained instantly and they are not traded debts since bank incentive take risks and they have no discipline from market prices. Depository insurance have a role of disciplining the management and reduction moral hazard that is, infinite maturity infers that deposits can rapidly disappear; leading to moral hazard; sequential examination also gives a benefit to monitor such services(Pastre?, 2007). Depository insurance helps in ensuring less costly and unnecessary liquidations, duplication of deposits are avoided through monitoring and less probability of runs on solvent thus reducing shock to supply of money at macro level. Depository insurance relates to bank runs in that without monitoring of projects may be vulnerable resulting into socially uneconomical of projects. Allman (2006) describes the lender of the last resort as that institution which is willing to give loans as a last option to banks or other financial institutions that are undergoing financ ial problem that is considered highly risky. Such a firm is usually the country’s central bank. The lender of the last resort produces currency at its discretion to support institutions facing financial problems. ... Since they provide liquidity assistance they help curb the insolvency problem. The lender of the last resort therefore, eases smooth bank runs through recapitalizing the insolvent banks. This helps the financial institutions to enhance their consumer protection. In conclusion, both depository insurance and lender of the last resort have the one thing in common in that they tend to protect various financial institutions from insolvency challenges leading to efficient and effective bank runs. Essay Two An economic theory is a concept or an idea put forward to explain various economic aspects that exist in the world economy. Economic theories are those specifically, these theories explain the aspects in line with monetary effects and financial aspects related to the management and utilization of scarce resources exhaustively (Allman, 2006). The major theories that illustrate the existence of bank include: Economies of scale theory Here, transaction prices at core tend to increase this i s due to fixed cost of evaluating assets thus reducing average costs of trading. This shows that individual cannot at any time diversify perfectly since, bank pool risk and diversify portfolio are cheaper and that the payment services are also cheaper (Pastre?, 2007). A special situation is where liquidity insurance and economies of scale in risk pulling is experienced. Liquidity focuses on the banks cashable deposits as assets are long term and illiquid. Therefore, banks as pools of liquidity gives people with insurance in opposition to idiosyncratic shocks that they can only observe. Banks also protect borrowers from early encashment of loans. Asymmetrical information theory This involves screening to overcome adverse selection whereby intermediaries screen the quality

5 questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

5 questions - Essay Example Additionally, in 1965, Louis Pasteur discovered that silkworm was caused by a protozoan and this added more information on the prior discovery of the 1935. However, there were still limitations as the results were general instead of being particular. Koch’s discovery was so particular in his results that a particular disease is caused by a particular organism. Truly, Koch did not only isolate the causal pathogen, but he also correlated a specific pathogen to a specific disease. Again Koch provided experimental steps and guideline to prove that a bacterium caused anthrax by using a specimen of purified culture of anthrax isolated from dead animals. In the modern era, Koch’s postulates have been used to assert the causation of infectious diseases through pathogenic microorganism culture and with the aid of electronic microscopes. He was awarded a Nobel Peace prize in 1905 for his work on microbiology. 2. In 1884, Hans Christian Gram described a method of staining bacterial cells while not staining surrounding animal tissues; however, he thought the staining method he developed was faulty because not all bacteria stained. In a letter to the editor of the journal in which Gram published his findings, write your response to Grams concern. His discovery was not a faulty one in any way, it just had some limitations. To prove the reality, the stain work in some of the bacteria specimen he used. However, the failure in the other cases opened a new research question, why not in all bacteria? It has been discovered in modern science that there are almost countless bacteria, each possess a different characteristics. Some bacteria secret a chemical substance the reacts with Hans’s stained to blur vision. Now it has been discovered that the chemical mycolic acid. Mycolic acids produced by the bacteria interfere with the dye, deterring the dye to stain. The acid is a species of bacteria

Annotated Bibliography Assignment (free internet on campus) Essay

Annotated Bibliography Assignment (free internet on campus) - Essay Example Similarly, the teachers utilize the Internet to supplement their lessons. In essence, the Internet has benefited education by opening up a substantial amount of knowledge to a broader range of students. Anderson, Janna, Boyles, Jan, and Rainie, Lee. â€Å"The future impact of the Internet on higher education.† Pew Research Center. Web. 23 Mar 2015 Anderson, Boyles, and Rainie examine the impacts that the Internet will present to the higher education in the future. The comprehensive research indicates that advancement in technology will compel the institutions of higher learning to expand online courses and change the credentialing structures. The research, which targets the policymakers in education, articulates the positive impacts of the Internet such as increased collaboration, massive online course, and a shift in the instructional methods. The article will be helpful in the research, as it will offer the future perspective of the Internet. Specifically, the article’s findings will inform the recommendation section to show the significance of providing free Internet on campus. The source is valid because it comes from a credible research institute and the authors demonstrate huge expertise in their fields. In addition, the article has explored the subject matter from different dimensions as opposed to one perspective. Andrew, a professor at Deakin University, refutes the popular view that technology can solely enhance the learning experience. The article, which targets the instructors, indicates that a problem in the instrumental view of the Internet exists. The findings of the article emphasize the significance of examining technology from the social, political, and ethical perspectives. The author argues that socio-economic factors have implications on the Internet. The source is credible

MATHEMATICAL STATISTIC AND ITS IMPACT ON LAWENFORCEMENT Term Paper

MATHEMATICAL STATISTIC AND ITS IMPACT ON LAWENFORCEMENT - Term Paper Example Some areas where statistics has had an impact on law enforcement are; Statistics is employed in conducting survey about the law enforcement agencies. The variables subjected to analysis include the number of state police, municipal police, special police, sheriff departments and count police. The aim of conducting the analysis is to determine on average the number of people served by one policeman. Based on the outcome, significant changes can be effected to improve the number of the law enforcement agencies thus improving services offered to the civilians. The program used to conduct the research is the law enforcement and administrative statistics (LEMAS). This statistical survey also presents other information about the law enforcement agencies, this information include the spending, salaries to employees, levels of employment and departmental functions, based on this information, the agencies can be improved. Thus applying statistics improve the law enforcement process (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2009). Lawyers use statistical tools for their data evaluation and presentation. In the industrial tax appeals, regression analysis of the sales has to be conducted in the determination of tax. This involves econometrics, computation of variance and plays a significant role in determination of the actual value. Lawyers also use statistical tools to evaluate data and evidence presented to him. Lawyers equipped with statistical methods defend their clients better. Lawyers also use deductive logic to defend their clients. Lawyers involved in civil suits have to use statistical tools to compute interests, percentages, tax, proportions, monetary computations and other numerous valuations involved when settling legal claims. The use of statistics tools therefore aid the lawyers in deducing correct descions as well as in calculation of

The historic Development of Chinese Private International Law Article

The historic Development of Chinese Private International Law - Article Example Following the enactment of the process of reform and the opening-up in 1978, the destiny of China has never been the same. For the last three decades, China has realized progress on an unprecedented magnitude. Its economy is skyrocketing as the legal system undergoes continuous improvements. We can deduce that it is the reform policy coupled with the opening up that has attracted the international community to China. This guiding principle has also enabled China to familiarize itself and have an understanding of the international arena2. Within the last three decades, China has also witness a tremendous development in its legal academy, an impact of which much greater research and high number of improved performances have been encouraged and promoted. A case in point is the development of private international law. The nation’s private international legal structure has turned out to be more comprehensive, efficient and effective, especially in view of the actualization of Chapter IX of the draft Civil Code. It is possible to project with certainty that in the few years to come, the Chinese private international legal structure will be one of the most popular systems in the planet, with respect to both structure and composition3. The inception and growth of law and the social context within which it exists are inseparable. The things that private international law oversees are the international civil and commercial legal link. As such, its occurrence and progress cannot be realizable without clear-cut state policy together with a social environment in under which the Chinese can enjoy equal interaction with the international community. Since 1949, a period when new China was formed, to 1978, owing to historical reasons, China was in a comparatively confined social environment4. It was not possible for the nation’s private international law to advance

Interview Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 8

Interview - Essay Example In this way, spirit of each epoch of the 20th century’s American history with its dynamics of a melting pot can be easily senses through musical legacy. Due to impact of social and cultural factors of modern days, our generation has come to give its affiliations mainly to contemporary popular music possessing easy-to-remember tunes, unpretentious lyrics and strong appealing dance rhythm and . Dynamic dance songs accompany us every day in many public places, even if we don’t listen to them willfully: shopping malls, cafà ©s or earphones of our fellow passengers in the underground. Development and popularization of such type of music has been gaining momentum for at least a decade. Pop music in this narrow sense has been a reflection of emotional state of the society and an imprint of its popular culture. On the other hand, each epoch of music history has its underground stage offering an alternative view on contemporary cultural values. However, it has been claimed by researchers, that modern society has become more prone to narcissism with all the more songs containing â€Å"me†, not â€Å"we† and all the more people living and feeling alone. In addition, modern songs contain more antisocial words than songs used to in 1980’s and even 1990’s. Personally, I have always valued various genres and trends in music, considering that they all pose some value for our culture – either supporting modern canons or denying them and adding a pitch of freshness and novelty. However, similar to the lion’s share of our generation, I prefer modern music, that is being â€Å"forged† in the present-day cultural and social environment – including both popular and underground music. However, my friend and interviewee called Tao Yi has a different type of affiliations, being a passionate fan of â€Å"old school† rock music that used to rock the world between mid-1970’s and late

The historic Development of Chinese Private International Law Article

The historic Development of Chinese Private International Law - Article Example Following the enactment of the process of reform and the opening-up in 1978, the destiny of China has never been the same. For the last three decades, China has realized progress on an unprecedented magnitude. Its economy is skyrocketing as the legal system undergoes continuous improvements. We can deduce that it is the reform policy coupled with the opening up that has attracted the international community to China. This guiding principle has also enabled China to familiarize itself and have an understanding of the international arena2. Within the last three decades, China has also witness a tremendous development in its legal academy, an impact of which much greater research and high number of improved performances have been encouraged and promoted. A case in point is the development of private international law. The nation’s private international legal structure has turned out to be more comprehensive, efficient and effective, especially in view of the actualization of Chapter IX of the draft Civil Code. It is possible to project with certainty that in the few years to come, the Chinese private international legal structure will be one of the most popular systems in the planet, with respect to both structure and composition3. The inception and growth of law and the social context within which it exists are inseparable. The things that private international law oversees are the international civil and commercial legal link. As such, its occurrence and progress cannot be realizable without clear-cut state policy together with a social environment in under which the Chinese can enjoy equal interaction with the international community. Since 1949, a period when new China was formed, to 1978, owing to historical reasons, China was in a comparatively confined social environment4. It was not possible for the nation’s private international law to advance

Why ITT Tech students should not use this site Essay Example for Free

Why ITT Tech students should not use this site Essay If you are a student of ITT Tech and use this site I suggest that you read the plagiarism clause in your student handbooks. I am a adjunct professor at the school and use this site to catch my students teaching. By you using this site you are cheating yourself and risking failure / expulsion from the school. Any student who engages on or off the school’s premises in any of the following types of misconduct will be subject to discipline by the school, which may include, without limitation, the suspension and/or termination from one or more courses the student is taking or the student’s entire program of study at the school and the referral to the proper authorities. Any student who, prior to his or her enrollment at the school, has engaged in any of the following types of misconduct may be subject to discipline by the school, which may include, without limitation, the student’s suspension and/or termination from one or more courses the student is taking or the student’s entire program of study at the school. Section D: honesty, including, without limitation, provision of false information, alte ration or misuse of documents, plagiarism and other academic cheating, impersonation, misrepresentation or fraud.

SNPs of ABCG2 in Chinese Advanced NSCLC Patients

SNPs of ABCG2 in Chinese Advanced NSCLC Patients Introduction Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent and fatal malignant neoplasm all over the world and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 80%–85% of all lung cancers(1). The majority of NSCLC patients, approximately 80%, presents in locally advanced (phase IIIA/B) or metastatic (phase IV) stages, which results in quite low 5-year survival rates, 8-14.1% for phase IIIA and 1-5% for phase IIIAB/IV (2). The standard treatment of advanced NSCLC, two-drug chemotherapy based on platinum, has reached a bottleneck with limited effect. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), a targeted drug of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), have been recently introduced for the treatment of NSCLC. Clinical trials indicated that Gefitinib and Erlotinib treating advanced NSCLC patients with EGFR mutation could result a remission rate of 62.1%~84.6% and progression-free survival (PFS) of 8.4~13.1 months, which are significantly higher than that in chemotherapy group (32.2%~47.3% and 4.6~6.7 months , respectively), but not over survival(3-6). In order to implement accurate treatment of both chemotherapy and targeted therapy, it’s urgent to find other predictive targets of NSCLC patients to stratify for treatment. ATP binding cassette superfamily G member 2 (ABCG2), also known as breast cancer resistance protein, was demonstrated to be associated with the effect and prognosis of chemotherapy/targeted therapy in NSCLC (7-9). Because the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ABCG2 are supposed to affect the expression of ABCG2 protein and SNPs of ABCG2 in Asian population are different from other ethnicities (10), we conducted this study to evaluate the SNPs of ABCG2 in Chinese advanced NSCLC patients and its association with their prognosis of TKI therapy. Materials and methods Patients and treatment A total of 100 patients with pathology and cytology confirmed advanced or metastatic NSCLC were enrolled into this study between April 2012 and January 2014 in Hangzhou, China. The mutation of EGFR gene was assessable in 32 patients. Other patients were not assessed EGFR mutation. TKI targeted therapy was implemented in 70 NSCLC patients and other therapy was implemented in the other 30 patients. Patients with TKI targeted therapy were treated with Gefitnid (Astrazeneca pharmaceutical co., LTD) at a dose of 250 mg/day or Erlotinib (Roche pharmaceuticals co., LTD) at a dose of 150 mg/day or Icotinib (Zhejiang beida pharmaceutical co., LTD) at a dose of 375 mg/day. The patients’ characteristics were detailed in Table 1. All patients received chest CT every two months after 1 month of therapy. The efficacy of TKI therapy was clarified as complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD) and progression disease (PD) according to RECIST 1.1 [1]. Patients with CR or PR at more than 6 months were considered as responders. Patients with SD and PD at less than 6 months were considered as nonresponders.[A1] Progression-free survival (PFS) was defined as the duration from TKI therapy to disease progression. Overall survival (OS) was defined as the duration from diagnosis to death from any cause. All patients agreed to participate in this study and signed written informed consent. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Nanjing Medical University and performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice guidelines[A2]. DNA extraction Blood samples were collected before chemotherapy and kept in a microcentrifuge tubes containing ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA). Genomic DNA was extracted using a DNA purification kit (Flexi Gene DNA Kit, Qiagen, Hilden, Germany). The concentration of genomic DNA was determined with NanoDrop 1000 (Thermo Scientific, Wilmington, USA) and then it was diluted to a standard of 25 ng/ÃŽ ¼l. Analysis of ABCG2 polymorphisms The ABCG2 34 G/A (dbSNP ID: rs2231137), 421 C/A (dbSNP ID: rs 2231142), 1143 C/T (dbSNP ID: rs2622604) and -15622 C/T (dbSNP ID: rs7699188) polymorphisms were amplified by PCR with the appropriate primers. The primers for PCR and single base extension (Table 2) were designed by the Sequenom Assay Designer 3.1 Software (San Diego, CA). The PCR reactions[A3] were performed at 95 °C for 2 min, followed by 40 cycles at 95 °C for 30 s, Tm for 30 s, and 72 °C for 60 s. After PCR amplification, single base extension reaction was performed following the method of Wiltshire et al [2]. Finally, polymorphisms of ABCG2 gene were tested and analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization timeof-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and Sequenom MassARRAY system (Sequenom, San Diego, CA, USA). Statistical analysis Allele frequencies of SNPs were calculated and their genotype distributions were assessed using Fisher’s exact test or chi-square test. PFS and OS were evaluated with censored survival time methods and 95% confidence intervals (CI) was obtained from multivariable logistic regression. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted for OS and analyzed with log-rank test. All tests were performed 2-sided and a p-value were carried out using SPSS 18.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) software. Results ABCG2 gene polymorphisms The genotyping of ABCG2 34 G/A, 421 C/A, 1143 C/T and -15622 C/T were performed in all these 100 patients. For the ABCG2 34 G/A polymorphism, the frequencies of GG, GA and AA genotypes were 36%, 50% and 14%, respectively. The allele frequencies of G and A were 61% and 39%, respectively. The wide-type ABCG2 421 C/A genotype (CC) had a frequency of 53%, while the CA and AA genotypes were found in 43% and 4% of the patients, respectively. The allele frequencies of G and A were 74.5% and 25.5%, respectively. The frequencies of CC, CT and TT genotypes for ABCG2 1143 C/T were 66%, 29% and 5%, respectively. The allele frequencies of G and A were 80.5% and 19.5%, respectively. Regarding the ABCG2 -15622 C/T polymorphism, the TT genotype was observed in all patients. Therefore, polymorphism of ABCG2 -15622 C/T was not investigated in the following steps. Polymorphisms of ABCG2 and clinical characteristics Patients clinical characteristics were shown in Table 1, and the relationship between polymorphisms of ABCG2 and clinical characteristics were presented in Table 3. No significant correlations were found between ABCG2 polymorphisms (34 G/A, 421 C/A and 1143 C/T) and patients’ characteristics, including gender, age, smoking history, histology and EGFR mutation (p > 0.05). Although there was no significant relationship between ABCG2 421 C/A polymorphism and EGFR mutation, a trend that CA genotype was observed frequently in EGFR mutation positive patients (47.6% in positive patients vs. 18.2% in negative patients, p = 0.119). Then we calculated the allele frequency of A in these patients and a high frequency of allele A in positive patients (33.3% vs. 9.1%, p = 0.038) was observed. Polymorphisms of ABCG2 and clinical outcome of TKI The sensitivity of 70 patients to TKI treatment was shown in Table 4. NO significant correlation was found between ABCG2 polymorphisms (34 G/A, 421 C/A and 1143 C/T) and sensitivity (p > 0.05). As shown in Table 4, median PFS for carriers of the A-allele and GG genotype at position 34 of the ABCG2 gene who were treated with TKI therapy was 8.0 months (95% CI: 5.9-10.1, n = 45) and 6.5 months (95% CI: 4.1-8.9, n = 25), respectively. There was no significant difference in median PFS of NSCLC patients receiving TKI therapy between CC genotype and CA + AA genotype at position 421 of ABCG2 gene (p > 0.05). Median PFS of patients with CC genotype at position 1143 of ABCG2 gene was higher than those with CT and TT genotypes, but no significant difference was found (p > 0.05). The median OS of patients with ABCG2 34 G/A, 421 C/A, 1143 C/T polymorphisms was shown in Table 4. The median OS of patients with GG genotype at position 34 of the ABCG2 gene was 18 months (95% CI: 14.9-21.1, n = 25) and for those with other genotypes (GA and AA) was 31 months (95% CI: 22.9-39.1, n = 45). Figure 1 showed the Kaplan-Meier curve for OS for NSCLC patients receiving TKI therapy in relation to ABCG2 genotypes at 34 G/A (Figure 1A), 421 C/A (Figure 1B) and 1143 C/T (Figure 1C). There was significant difference between patients with GG genotype and those with GA + AA genotypes at position 34 of the ABCG2 gene (p difference between patients that were CC genotype regarding the position 421 of ABCG2 gene and carriers with other genotypes (CA + AA, p > 0.05). No significant difference was found in 1143 C/T polymorphism (p > 0.05). Discussion Our present study observed that three polymorphisms of ABCG2, 34G>A, 421C>A and 1143C>T occured more frequently compared with -15622C>T in Chinese advanced NSCLC patients. As for -15622C>T, all patients presented a TT genotype. Although no relationships were observed between different genotypes of ABCG2 polymorphisms and EGFR status, a higher frequency of allele A (421C>A) in EGFR mutation positive patients was observed. The other polymorphisms were not related to clinical characteristics. The sensitivity and PFS to TKI of 70 patients was not related to polymorphisms. However, the OS of patients with 34G>A mutant type (GA+AA) was significantly longer than those with wild type (GG). The ABCG2 protein is an important member of the ABC transporter superfamily, which has been suggested to be involved in multi-drug resistance (MDR) in cancer. Screening for SNPs in ethnically diverse subjects has identified more than 80 synonymous and nonsynonymous SNPs in the ABCG2 gene to date (12). The two most frequent polymorphisms identified were 34G>A (resulting in V12M) and 421C>A (resulting in a Q141K substitution) transitions (13). A novel diplotype of two polymorphic loci in the ABCG2 promoter involving -15622C>T and 1143C>T were identified recently (14). Introduction of other ABCG2 SNPs can be found in a recent review (15). Despite the similar allele frequency of 421C>A variant among East Asian populations including Chinese (34.2–35.0%) and Japanese (26.6–35.0%), the allele frequency is higher than that of Southeast Asians (15.0%), Middle Easterns (13.0%), Caucasians (8.7–12.0%) and African-Americans (2.3%) (10). Similarly, the allele frequency of the 34G>A variant in Chinese (20.0%), Koreans (19.8%) and Japanese (15.0-19.0%) is comparable. However, it is much lower than that in Southeast Asians (45%) and higher than other ethnic groups including Caucasian (1.7–10.3%), African-American (6.3%) and Middle Eastern (5.0%) populations (10). The allele frequency of 421C>A variant in our studied population was 25.5%, which was comparable to other Asian populations. However, the allele frequency of 34G>A variant was 39.0%, which was higher than other reports from Asian populations. We found that the allele frequency of 1143C>T variant and -15622C>T variant in our study was 19.5% and 100%, respectively. In Caucasians, it was reported to be 22% and 28%, respectively (16). We unexpectedly observed that all the included patients presented TT genotype of -15622C>T. As far as we known, this gene has not been investigated in other Asian populations. Future studies could be conducted to determine the polymorphism of -15622C>T in Asian po pulation and its potential impact. Physiologically, ABCG2 protein is highly expressed in the blood-brain barrier and gastrointestinal tract, where it is thought to play a role in protection against xenobiotic exposure. High ABCG2 expression has also been found in a variety of tumors and correlated with multidrug resistance and poorer clinical outcomes, as this transporter has the ability to extrude its drug substrates out of the cells, thereby decreasing their intracellular accumulation (17, 18)[16]. Primary structural variations of ABCG2 are associated with its drug-transporter function (15). Therefore, SNPs in the ABCG2 gene would influence the pharmacological effects differently in different patients. It has been demonstrated that 421C>A polymorphisms may express low amounts of ABCG2 (19-22) while the influence of 34G>A polymorphisms on ABCG2 expression remains controversial (22, 23). And regarding to 1143C>T and -15622C>T, some researchers found a decreased protein expression related to these two polymorphisms (21 ) and others found no relation between them (24). Moreover, 421C>A polymorphism has been demonstrated to be associated with ATPase activity and drug transport (18). Thus, several clinical studies have investigated the relation between ABCG2 polymorphism and clinical outcome of NSCLC. Mà ¼ller and colleagues (25) found that carriers of the ABCG2 421 A-allele treated with platinum-based drugs showed a significantly worse OS in all lung cancer patients. However, this effect was not statistically significant in the smaller subgroups of SCLC patients or NSCLC patients with platinum-based treatment. They did not found an association between 34G>A polymorphism and prognosis. Another study of 129 unresectable NSCLC cases treated with first-line platinum-based chemotherapy suggested that ABCG2 SNPs rs2725264 and rs4148149 were associated with OS (26). On the other side, there was also evidence showing that ABCG2 polymorphisms were not related to response or prognosis of NSCLC patients treated with gefitinib (24), erlotinib (27) and gemcitabine and/or platinum-based drugs and/or other drugs (28). In our present study, we found the OS of patients with 34G >A mutant type (GA+AA) was significantly longer than those with wild type (GG). However, we did not observe significant differences concerning other polymorphisms including 421C>A, which was found to be associated with prognosis of other cancer by other study (29). Interestingly, it was reported that ABCG2 34 GA/AA genotypes were associated with poor prognosis of Chinese patients with acute leukaemia (30). Polymorphisms of 34G>A seems to have an opposite impact in different types of cancer. The mechanisms are worthy to be investigated in future large studies. Moreover, ABCG2 SNPs was demonstrated not only related to TKI resistance, but also to TKI induced side effects. Cusatis and colleaguesinvestigated associations between allelic variants ofABCG2 with diarrhea and skin toxicity ingefitinib-treated patients. They found that 16 patients heterozygous forABCG2 421C>A developed diarrhea, versus only 13 (12%) of 108 patients homozygous for the wild-type sequence. However, this SNP was not associated with skin toxicity (28). A recent study found that patientscarrying anABCG2 -15622 TT genotype or harboring at least one TT copy in theABCG2 (1143CT, -15622CT) haplotype developed significantly more grade 2/3 diarrhea (23). In our present study, we did not perform the analysis on side effects. However, this is a serious concern which should be taken into consideration in future studies. In Conclusion, Our findings demonstrate a strong association between the ABCG2 34G>A polymorphism and the overall survival of NSCLC patients treated with TKIs, including Gefitnib, Erlotinib and Icotinib. Since these polymorphisms can be assessed with a simple blood test, it might potentially improve the stratification of patients for TKI treatment by identifying genetically high-response subgroups. Therefore, larger prospective trials are warranted to validate these findings. [A3]The PCR reactions were performed in 20 ÃŽ ¼l volumes on 384-well plates (cat. No. TF-0384/W, ABgene, USA) with 20 ng DNA, 10 pmol for each primer and 1 Ãâ€" PCR-Buffer (Sequenom, San Diego, CA, USA). à §Ã‚ ¼Ã‚ ºÃƒ ¤Ã‚ ¸Ã…“à ¨Ã‚ ¥Ã‚ ¿Ãƒ £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¡

Humanity in Ridley Scotts Blade Runner Essay -- Film Movies

Humanity in Ridley Scott's Blade Runner The issue of humanity is one of the central themes in "Blade Runner." Countless arguments have taken place over whether or not Deckard is a replicant. The replicants are supposed to be "better humans than humans." Director Ridley Scott has many ways to communicate this theme, but one of the most prevalent is eyes. Human eyes are featured both in the beginning of the film and near the end. After a brief introductory text crawl which explains the world in which the movie takes place, "Blade Runner" cuts to a dark, futuristic Los Angeles. There are some flying cars, but mostly we see dark, smog-filled skies and smokestacks belching fire. As the camera moves across this landscape, blue eyes are superimposed on the screen. These eyes first establish traditional humanity as a force in the film. The eyes belong to Holden, a blade runner. Blade runners are police officers who hunt down and kill, or "retire", replicants. Holden is administering the Voight-Kampff test, which determines whether its subject is a traditional human or a replicant, to "Leon." Leon is a replicant, and when Holden asks him a question that he can't answer, Leon shoots him. Eyes are often thought of as the windows to the soul. It is this nebulous concept of the soul which is often used as the line in the sand dividing humanity from everything else. The Voight-Kampff test is designed to measure emotional responses. If the subject doesn't have any, it's a replicant. Leon was going to fail the test and be killed, so he killed Holden. Isn't that a display of the particular emotion known as rage? Well, maybe it's a rational decision or an instinctual survival reaction. However, a later scene lends weight to the... ...l are in love and want to run off together. As they are leaving his apartment, Deckard sees an origami unicorn on the floor. One can interpret this as Gaff showing Deckard that his memories are implants. Regardless of whether one accepts the unicorn interpretation given here, the question of what it means to be human is a core theme in "Blade Runner." After-the-fact directorial revelations aside, by leaving an element of ambiguity in Deckard's identity, Scott mirrors ambiguity in the question. He doesn't have a definite answer, he's not pushing some agenda. Even now, with little help from technology, we face a species-wide identity crisis. The whole issue of the legality of abortions stems from a disagreement over what constitutes a human. This is an important question that we're going to have to do a better job of answering, and Scott makes an excellent start. Humanity in Ridley Scott's Blade Runner Essay -- Film Movies Humanity in Ridley Scott's Blade Runner The issue of humanity is one of the central themes in "Blade Runner." Countless arguments have taken place over whether or not Deckard is a replicant. The replicants are supposed to be "better humans than humans." Director Ridley Scott has many ways to communicate this theme, but one of the most prevalent is eyes. Human eyes are featured both in the beginning of the film and near the end. After a brief introductory text crawl which explains the world in which the movie takes place, "Blade Runner" cuts to a dark, futuristic Los Angeles. There are some flying cars, but mostly we see dark, smog-filled skies and smokestacks belching fire. As the camera moves across this landscape, blue eyes are superimposed on the screen. These eyes first establish traditional humanity as a force in the film. The eyes belong to Holden, a blade runner. Blade runners are police officers who hunt down and kill, or "retire", replicants. Holden is administering the Voight-Kampff test, which determines whether its subject is a traditional human or a replicant, to "Leon." Leon is a replicant, and when Holden asks him a question that he can't answer, Leon shoots him. Eyes are often thought of as the windows to the soul. It is this nebulous concept of the soul which is often used as the line in the sand dividing humanity from everything else. The Voight-Kampff test is designed to measure emotional responses. If the subject doesn't have any, it's a replicant. Leon was going to fail the test and be killed, so he killed Holden. Isn't that a display of the particular emotion known as rage? Well, maybe it's a rational decision or an instinctual survival reaction. However, a later scene lends weight to the... ...l are in love and want to run off together. As they are leaving his apartment, Deckard sees an origami unicorn on the floor. One can interpret this as Gaff showing Deckard that his memories are implants. Regardless of whether one accepts the unicorn interpretation given here, the question of what it means to be human is a core theme in "Blade Runner." After-the-fact directorial revelations aside, by leaving an element of ambiguity in Deckard's identity, Scott mirrors ambiguity in the question. He doesn't have a definite answer, he's not pushing some agenda. Even now, with little help from technology, we face a species-wide identity crisis. The whole issue of the legality of abortions stems from a disagreement over what constitutes a human. This is an important question that we're going to have to do a better job of answering, and Scott makes an excellent start.

Why Do Convenient Stores Have Locks On Their Doors If They Are Always :: essays research papers

Why Do Convenient Stores Have Locks On Their Doors If They Are Always Open? At 1:30 in the morning you are driving down Walton Road when you pass the 7-11. You decide to stop in and treat yourself to a nice big slurpee. As you pull in the parking lot you notice that the sign says, "We're open 24 hr's, 7 days a week, 365 days a year." However, when you reach the door you notice that they have locks on the doors and you think to yourself, why do convenient stores have locks on their doors if they're going to be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year? If they're never going to close then they have no need for locks on the doors. This will only cause an inconvenience for employees and customers. The idea of adding locks onto the doors is only going to cost the store more money. Also, it would give the managers one extra key on their already big key chain that they really have no use for. Since they are open every second of the year, they never need to lock the doors between shifts. When one person's shift is over then the next person will come in and take over. It's not like most stores where at night when the store closes they lock the doors and go home. Then, in the morning whoever is going to be opening comes in and unlocks the store and gets it ready for the first customers of the day. This situation would never happen at a store that is open all the time because there always has to be someone working. On a rare occasion, the store might need to the lock the doors if someone outside is causing trouble. However, if they locked the doors and wouldn't let any customers in they would be lying saying that they're open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Doing this would cause the store to lose money because no one could then get into the store. By adding locks onto the doors would also make people think that sometimes they do close, like on holidays. On almost all national holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, stores will be closed to allow their valued employees time off to spend with family. If this was the case then some people might avoid shopping there on holidays in fear that when they get there they will be closed. Then they would have to drive all the way to another store

Resuming Internationalization at Starbucks Essay

Starbucks is the premier roaster, marketer and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. The first Starbucks store was opened in Seattle in 1971. The current CEO, Howard Schultz, joined the company in 1982 and decided bringing the Italian coffee-drinking culture to the United States. In 1992, the company went public. In 1996, with the home market becoming increasingly saturated, Starbucks opened the first outlet in the Far East. Ever since, the company has pursued a relentless international expansion. By 2012, Starbucks had achieved a global reach of 18,066 stores in 62 countries. With revenues grew on average 30 per cent per year, Starbucks experienced substantial growth from $160 million in 1993 to $10 billion in 2009. In 2007, Starbucks had a presence in 56 countries through approximately 17,000 stores. However, Starbucks’ relentless march had been slowed by increasingly intense competition and rising coffee bean prices between 2007 and 2009. After 2007, demand for Starbucks’ products was badly hit by the global economic recession. At the end of fiscal 2009, nearly all of the approximately 800 US Company-operated stores, 61 stores in Australia and 41 Company-operated stores in other International markets had been closed. Approximately 70 per cent of the stores that were closed had been open for fewer than 3 years. In the third quarter of 2009, The company achieved the first profit since the first quarter of 2008 by the self-save closure. Finally, CEO Schultz made Starbucks backed to the growth trend. But as the criticism the company had receiv ed on a number of fronts, he needed to decide again how to approach international markets. Industry Analysis The 5 forces approach is used in this part and the aim of this analysis is determining the attractiveness of the industry and understanding factors driving past, current and forecast industry profitability. Barriers to Entry: A cup of coffee could be served from many kinds of sources, such as independent operated coffee shops, quick-service restaurant, specialty coffee shops, and international retailers. Considering different types of independent operated coffee shops, the barriers of this industry is not that high. However, being one of recognized and respected band in this industry needs standard quality and high level of capital to support. In this case,  the barriers to entry are medium. Bargaining Power of Suppliers: The coffee beans are mainly plant in Latin America, East Africa and South Asia. Exporters collect coffee beans which are already roasted from farmers and trade with retailers all over the world. Although there are plenty of suppliers in the industry, with the increasing consumption globally and the decreasing production in the large coffee producing countries, the average wholesale price for coffee had increased twofold between 2001 and 2010. The suppliers still keep strong power on bargaining. Bargaining Power of Buyers: The customer have lots of choices even though there will be a variety of request on flavor for different people. They also have low switching cost because of many competitors and brands in the market. Product differences are small and price sensitivity is high. All of these reasons give consumers strong bargaining power. Threat of Substitutes: There are a number of substitutes in the market to buyers. Juice, Tea and other beverages could be another choice for people. There are also many kinds of coffee related products recognized by different making process. In some regions which coffee drinking is not the main habit in daily life. For example in China, Tea obtains considerate market shares in beverage market. Competitive Rivalry: Coffee industry possesses intense competition. The differentiation of products between different entities is low and easy to replicate. Worldwide demand of coffee is growing. More than 500 billion cups of coffee were being consumed yearly. Meanwhile, hundreds of exist competitors led to low switching cost of customers. Starbucks roast 4 hundred million pounds coffee annually. It has high quality requirement on coffee beans. In that case, the company cultivates the stable relationship with its own suppliers. So Starbucks has high cost on switching suppliers. However , Starbucks highlights and chases the experience that their customers can obtain in coffeehouse. The company positions itself as the third place besides workplace and home. This high level of experience and also good quality coffee raise the switching cost of customers and reduce the power of bargaining. SWOT Analysis Strength Starbucks stands one of the most recognized and respected brands in the world. It has the largest chain stores, which is operating approximately 18,000 stores in 62 countries. Besides high coffee’s quality, the strongest advantage of the company is the experience it delivers to the customers. Starbucks is not just passionate purveyors of coffee, but everything else that goes with a full and rewarding coffeehouse experience. The company also provides well offers to employees compared with other competitors in the industry. Weaknesses Starbucks has high price in the market based on its quality and so-called experience. The main was the high cost of the products. It contains the rent of the stores where located in very popular districts. The company offers good paid to their employees. And also, it is influenced by the coffee beans’ price. Starbucks’ main target consumers are well educated white collars. So it is influenced by the cycle of economy to some extent. Opportunities About 79% of the revenue comes from the company-operated stores, which means Starbucks has low levels of diversification. The company need to develop more kinds of products to meet different demand. There are great opportunities in local market, the company could focus on the expansion to emerging economies. The smart phone and moving technology is developing really fast. From online promotion to offline sails, new form of sail brings the company more opportunities. Threats Local competitors could be the direct threat to Starbucks on internationalization. The model and the style is easy to be replicated by new entrants. High cost is the weakness of Starbucks and also brings threats compared with other competitors. The saturated demand in some market needs to be considered carefully in future strategy. SWOT Analysis of StarbucksStrength -Good reputation -Largest chain stores -Quality and experience -Well employees treatmentWeaknesses -High price -High cost -Influenced by economy Opportunities -Diversification -Expansion on emerging -Online to Offline model -Chain stores could promote the diversification -New technology such as App would be used widely -Good financial statement provide capital on emerging -Reduce the influence by diversification and emerging -New model could enhance sails and also get lower on the price Threats -Competitors in local market -Be replicated -Rising price of the cost -Saturated market-Good reputation has strong competitive power in new market -Hard to be replicated -Reliable loyalty of customers -High cost could bring the competitors more opportunities -Close stores after crisis in saturated market Internationalization Company-operated versus licensed stores Starbucks set the mix form of company-operated and licensed stores in a given market. About more than 70% revenue is generated from company-operated stores. See the below chart. Actually, Starbucks could be considered has both forms of chain and franchise stores. The chain stores consist its main profit annually. Compared with Mcdonald’s, the very success in franchise model worldwide, Starbucks has its own advantages on internationalization. The company has the absolute dominate right to decide every aspects of a new store. It contains the decoration style, location picking, training new employees and so on. This form could fully maintain the value and culture of a company. To Starbucks, the experience of the customers and the spirit are the target and  the core value of their products. Its mission is to inspire and nurture the human spirit. Company-operated store is the right way which could assure that the value will be delivered completely. After repurchased the shares of some stores in some first level cities in the world, Starbucks shown its insist in the quality on the expansion road. However, this form costs more higher than franchise. Starbucks need to decide main issues such as the store’s design respectively. The most important is, without local partner, the company will hardly know and understand the real demand and then provide the suitable service. These real problems could not be ignored on internationalization. Local Competition After entering the new market, what is waiting for Starbucks is the intense local competition. Starbucks has to face new problems and balance the profits and its belief in coffee. Price The Price Discrimination in different countries was questioned by media. Starbucks was doubted on the reasonability of price. High price compared to the other coffee retailers let Starbucks to be luxury products in some developing countries. High cost is the main reason of the price. Sails to some extent rely on the growth of economy. This brings more chances to local competitors. Local Demand Coffee is not the irreplaceable drink in people’s daily life in some countries although the consumption of coffee is increasing annually. This situation requires Starbucks obtain brilliant ability on innovation and diversification on products. Providing tea products and acquiring tea producer’s company is the necessary strategy in featured markets. Competitors Starbucks needs to compete with local competitors and international retailers after entering the new market. For example, Mcdonald’s possesses stable relationship with local partners based on its stores and also has long time experience than the others. The wide spread network and well understanding to the local market provide McCafe a perfect stage. The local competitors also have obvious advantages on cost and distribution. Conclusion After experienced the stores closure issue, Starbucks was doubted and received criticism for going and expanding too fast. Actually, Starbucks did not stop its pace on internationalization. According to the numbers provided by the company in 2009, there are about 800 US. company-operated stores were closed out of 1000 planned closure globally. The measurement of Starbucks could be considered as an adjustment which emphasized on the demand saturated market. Its global expansion is still going on especially in the developing market which obtains tremendous potential demand such as China. However, on the road of expansion worldwide, Starbucks still has variety of problem which need to deal with. No matter how its strategy is adjusted, Starbucks should maintain its quality and experience to their customers. Their belief on coffee is the only sustainable way to the future. Reference Resuming Internationalization at Starbucks; Richard Ivy School of Business, The University of Western Ontario Starbucks’ Annual Reports of 2012