Mercury Drug Macro Environment Essay

Demographics Mercury Drugstore’s Primary Target Market Demographics : Ages ranging from 18 to 65 years old who may be male or female that belong to any social class – B, C, D, and E Marital status – no specific status. The available market size using research data show that 6 out of 10 Filipinos are now opting for generic medicines over the more expensive branded counterparts. For a $2 Billion Pharmaceutical market in the Philippines $1.2 Billion (60%) – Generics Medicines $800 Million (40%) – Branded Medicines. Affordable generic medicine more available to a greater number of the population at the soonest possible time since generic medicines are 30% to 80% lower than the branded medicines Economic Data from researches show that out of every 10 Filipinos, 6 Filipinos are now opting to purchase generic medicines over the more expensive branded counterparts. For a $2 Billion Pharmaceutical market in the Philippines $1.2 Billion 60% for Generic Medicines $800 Million 40% for Branded Medicines. The rate of affordability of generic medicines is higher to the greater portion of the Filipino population. This is due to the price of generic medicines which are 30-80% lower than the branded ones. Natural Increase of cold months in the country caused increase of incidences of pneumonia. Pneumonia involves inflammation of the lungs and leads to hospitalization. Foreigners, especially those from non-tropical regions, are most susceptible to this in the Philippines because they have to adjust to the weather patterns. Diarrhea outbreaks have been consistently on the rise in Philippine soil, especially with the recent aftermath of Typhoon Ketsana (Ondoy in local name). Physical, emotional and social factors contribute to this prevalent problem of Filipinos. More underweight than overweight, Filipinos often have to consider societal gaps as a primary factor. The ill distribution of wealth in the country attributes to most Filipinos having less food to eat on their plates. Many Filipinos continue to fall victim to drug addiction. There are over 3.5 million habitual drug users in the country, and some of the national scandals in the past have been linked to illegal drug use. The ongoing struggle against illegal drug addiction is an uphill battle. A more recent DOH problem involved the hyper increase of cases of leptopspirosis in the Philippines, particularly in La Union and other flood-stricken areas. The onset of consecutive floods from the string of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng caused contaminated water to fill the urban and rural areas. Technological Improvements in the field of computers have made operations in the stores more efficient and less time consuming and as well as having a more organized system of recording purchases. Mercury drugstore now is on the verge of implementing an online purchasing system in which customers may order medicines through the internet and then picking up the goods at the store of purchase. This will help the store reduce the number of people in queue and as well as offer customers a better way to purchase their items. Technological advancements have now brought about better medicines and as well as a larger variety of medicines giving the company a chance to broaden their stocks as well as the number of their consumers. The 3g system of the current netphones are now able to give people an opportunity to get in contact with the store so that their concerns can be acknowledged as well as any order of goods. Political Mercury drugstore now implies the senior citizen discount which is mandatory according to the laws of the Philippines. Mercury drug has also been able to adopt a senior citizen lane in their stores nationwide. Cultural/Sociological The need to be healthy is highly needed in the Philippines especially with poverty on the side. Most Filipinos that belong to the lower class tend to over exert themselves and end up with exhaustion, which has a high probability of leading to sickness. So daily supplements are needed to be able to sustain a healthier body while facing harsh working conditions.

The Impact of Information Technology Infrastructure Flexibility on Strategic Alignment and Applications Implementation

The Impact of Information Technology Infrastructure Flexibility on Strategic Alignment and Applications Implementation Sock H. Chung Department of Computer Information Systems College of Business Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MI 48197 sock. [email  protected] emich. edu R. Kelly Rainer, Jr. ** Department of Management College of Business Auburn University Auburn, Alabama 36849 (334) 844-6527 [email  protected] auburn. edu Bruce R. Lewis Calloway School of Business Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, NC 27109 (336) 758-7195 [email  protected] edu ** Corresponding Author: Kelly Rainer The Impact of Information Technology Infrastructure Flexibility on Strategic Alignment and Applications Implementation Abstract IT infrastructure flexibility is now being viewed as an organizational core competency that is necessary for organizations to survive and prosper in rapidly-changing, competitive, business environments. Utilizing data from 200 U. S. and Canadian companies, this study examines the impact of the four components of IT infrastructure flexibility (compatibility, connectivity, modularity, and IT personnel) on strategic IT-business alignment and the extent of applications implementation within an organization. The findings from analysis of a structural model provide evidence that connectivity, modularity, and IT personnel have significant, positive impacts on strategic alignment and that all four components have significant, positive impacts on the extent of applications implementation. The study reinforces the importance of IT infrastructure flexibility to organizations as one source for sustainable competitive advantage. Key Words: IT infrastructure flexibility, strategic IT-business alignment I. INTRODUCTION In the early 1990s, Johnson & Johnson faced new business pressures when large customers, such as Wal-Mart and K-mart, made new demands on the company, such as cost savings and just-in-time stock replenishment. Johnson & Johnson’s business and IT managers acted in partnership to develop a new set of information technology (IT) infrastructure capabilities which enabled the company to provide the necessary services for its large customers while at the same time reducing costs at Johnson & Johnson [Weill & Broadbent, 1998]. In the late 1990s, Charles Schwab focused on delivering customized information to its investors in a timely manner. Using the company's IT infrastructure and applications aligned with its business focus, Schwab became a full service brokerage firm. The firm was able to provide information and process transactions in meeting its business objectives. Customers could retrieve stock quotes and place orders via Schwab's Web site. As a result, the corporation continues to be an industry leader. These two examples demonstrate that an organization’s IT infrastructure can provide tangible benefits and a continuity of business practices [Kettinger, Grover, Subanish, & Segars, 1994]. A particularly important characteristic of IT infrastructure is flexibility [Byrd & Turner, 2000]. Researchers have stated that IT infrastructure flexibility should be viewed as an organizational core competency and that IT infrastructure flexibility is necessary to handle increased customer demands without increased costs [Davenport & Linder, 1994; Weill, 1993]. As we discuss next in developing the theoretical framework for our study, two important aspects of IT infrastructure flexibility emerge from previous research: the core business applications of an organization and the strategic IT-business alignment. That is, an organization’s IT infrastructure flexibility should be reflected in its implementation of core business applications and the extent of its strategic IT-business alignment. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to empirically examine the relationship between IT infrastructure flexibility and the extent of applications implementation in the organization and the relationship between IT infrastructure flexibility and strategic IT-business alignment. II. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK We develop our theoretical framework by first reviewing definitions of IT infrastructure and its components. We then define the concept of IT infrastructure flexibility and its relationship to strategic IT-business alignment and to applications implementation in the organization. Information Technology Infrastructure The topic of IT infrastructure has been a key issue for both researchers and practicing managers for some time [see e. g. , Brancheau, Janz, & Wetherbe, 1996]. The organization’s IT infrastructure basically integrates technology components to support business needs but the IT infrastructure concept is more complicated. The definition of IT infrastructure encompasses a variety of components. Based on previous studies, Duncan [1995] stated that IT infrastructure includes a group of shared, tangible IT resources that provide a foundation to enable present and future business applications [Broadbent & Weill, 1997; Davenport & Linder, 1994; Earl, 1989; Keen, 1991; McKay & Brockway, 1989; Niederman, Brancheau, & Wetherbe, 1991; Weill, 1993]. These resources include: (1) computer hardware and software (e. g. , operating systems); (2) network and telecommunications technologies; (3) key data; (4) core data-processing applications; 5) shared IT services. Duncan [1995] also stated that IT infrastructure includes the alignment of IT plans to business objectives, the IT architecture, and the skills of IT personnel. Broadbent and Weill [1997] noted that IT infrastructure capabilities enable the various types of IT applications required to support current and future business objectives, and enable the competitive positioning of business initiatives. McKay and Brockway [1989] describe d IT infrastructure as the enabling foundation of shared IT capabilities upon which the entire business depends. This foundation is standardized and shared by business functions within the organization, and typically used by different organizational applications. Byrd and Turner [2000, p. 172] provided a thorough definition of IT infrastructure as: â€Å"†¦ the shared IT resources consisting of a technical physical base of hardware, software, communications technologies, data, and core applications and a human component of skills, expertise, competencies, commitments, values, norms, and knowledge that combine to create IT services that are typically unique to an organization. These IT services provide a foundation for communications interchange across the entire organization and for the development and implementation of present and future business applications. † As can be seen from these definitions, the IT infrastructure is composed of two components: a technical IT infrastructure and a human IT infrastructure. The technical infrastructure consists of the applications, data, and technology [Broadbent & Weill, 1997; Broadbent, Weill, O'Brien & Neo, 1996; Henderson & Venkatraman, 1993]. The human IT infrastructure consists of the knowledge and capabilities required to manage organizational IT resources [Broadbent & Weill, 1997; Lee, Trauth & Farwell, 1995]. Davenport and Linder [1994] suggested that a robust IT infrastructure enables employees to be able to perform their respective jobs, both from having the available technology and the necessary technological skills. Information Technology Infrastructure Flexibility Early work on IT infrastructure flexibility described the concept without actually defining it. Weill [1993] asserted that an IT infrastructure should be flexible to be able to handle increased customer demands without increased costs. Davenport and Linder [1994] stated that IT infrastructure flexibility should be viewed as a core competency of the organization and suggested that an effective IT infrastructure is flexible and robust. Duncan [1995] observed that one organization’s IT infrastructure may enable strategic innovations in business processes, while another’s IT infrastructure may limit such innovations. She referred to this characteristic as IT infrastructure flexibility and suggested that both business and IT application development capabilities reflect the flexibility of infrastructure components. She suggested that infrastructure flexibility improves systems developers' ability to design and build systems to meet organizational business objectives. She described IT infrastructure flexibility through the characteristics of connectivity, compatibility, and modularity. She maintained that an organization with high modularity, compatibility, and connectivity would have high technical IT infrastructure flexibility. Compatibility is the ability to share any type of information across any technology component throughout the organization [Duncan, 1995; Keen, 1991]. Tapscott and Caston [1993] noted that IT compatibility helps span organizational boundaries, empower employees, and make data, information, and knowledge readily available in the organization. Connectivity is the ability of any technology component to communicate with any of the other components inside and outside of the organizational environment [Duncan, 1995]. Tapscott and Caston [1993] emphasized that IT connectivity enables seamless and transparent organizations that are independent of time and space. Connectivity facilitates the sharability of IT resources at the platform level. Modularity is the ability to easily reconfigure (add, modify, or remove) technology components [Duncan, 1995]. She also stated that modularity is the standardization of business processes for sharability and reusability (e. g. , structured programming and component-based software architectures). Schilling [2000] suggested that modularity is a continuum describing the degree to which a system's components can be separated and recombined. Byrd and Turner [2000, p. 172] defined IT infrastructure flexibility as â€Å"†¦the ability to easily and readily diffuse or support a wide variety of hardware, software, communications technologies, data, core applications, skills and competencies, commitments, and values within the technical physical base and the human component of the existing IT infrastructure. Historically, the flexibility of the IT infrastructure has been viewed as necessary to accommodate a rapidly changing business environment [Byrd & Turner, 2001]. This flexibility enables businesses to effectively use IT to prosper in dynamic environments. The literature review points out that strategic IT-business alignment and core business applications are embedded in the definitions of IT infrastructure and IT infrastructure flexibility. However, the actual relationships between IT infrastructure flexibility and strategic IT-business alignment and between IT infrastructure flexibility and business applications have not been empirically tested. We test these relationships through our conceptual model. III. CONCEPTUAL MODEL IT Infrastructure Flexibility and Strategic IT-Business Alignment Strategic IT-business alignment refers to the extent to which the IT mission, objectives, and plans support, and are supported by, the organization’s mission, objectives, and plans [Hirscheim & Sabherwal, 2000]. This alignment creates an integrated organization in which every function, unit, and person are focused on the organization's competitiveness. Sambamurthy and Zmud [1992] suggested that IT management is a problem of aligning the relationship between the business and the IT infrastructure to take advantage of IT opportunities and capabilities. Duncan [1995] first included the alignment of IT plans to business objectives in her description of IT infrastructure. She continued by noting that an organization’s IT infrastructure could be considered flexible if it enabled strategic innovations in business processes. Broadbent and Weill [1997] stated that IT infrastructure capabilities provide the foundation for â€Å"†¦competitive positioning of business initiatives. † From this discussion, we propose the following hypothesis: Hypothesis 1: Each component of an organization's IT infrastructure flexibility will positively affect the organization's strategic IT-business alignment. IT Infrastructure Flexibility and Applications Implementation Today, IT applications not only process data and provide management information reports. Corporations now use IT applications to gain competitive advantage [Earl, 1989; Porter & Millar, 1985; Powell, 1992; Saunders & Jones, 1992; Smith & McKeen, 1993]; to create new business opportunities [Earl, 1989; Rockart & Scott-Morton, 1984; Smith & McKeen ,1993]; to improve customer service; to enhance product and service quality; and to integrate supplier and customer operations [Luftman, Lewis, & Oldach, 1993]. Several studies have included business applications as part of IT infrastructure [see e. . , Broadbent & Weill, 1997; Byrd & Turner, 2000; Duncan, 1995]. Duncan [1995] addressed business applications when she asserted that IT infrastructure flexibility enabled organizations to build applications that more closely satisfy business objectives. Broadbent and Weill [1997] stated that IT infrastructure capabilities are the â€Å"base for computer applications. † Byrd and Turner [2000] noted that IT infrastructure flexibility enabled organizations to â€Å"†¦easily diffuse and support†¦core applications. For this study, we use the extent to which organizations have implemented a variety of business applications to examine the concept of â€Å"applications implementation. † These eleven business applications in our study include transaction processing systems, management information systems, executive information systems, decision support systems, expert systems, data warehousing, data mining, interorganizational information systems (e. g. , electronic data interchange), knowledge management, network management, and disaster recovery. From this discussion, we propose the following hypothesis: Hypothesis 2: Each component of an organization's IT infrastructure flexibility will positively affect the organization's extent of applications implementation. Conceptual Model This study utilizes four previously identified measures of IT infrastructure flexibility: the technical components of modularity, compatibility, connectivity, and IT personnel skills [see Duncan, 1995; Byrd & Turner, 2000]. The conceptual model representing the relationships addressed in this study is presented in Figure 1. [pic]* p

Estimating multiple regression model; GCC countries Statistics Project

Estimating multiple regression model; GCC countries - Statistics Project Example The assignment will conduct a multiple regression analysis using the data from observations for a period from 1999 – 2012. The multiple regression analysis is a technique of statistics that is used to develop a linear model for predicting the unknown value of a variable from known or assumed values of independent variables. In this case, the model Y = ∠« (Xa, Xb); where Y = GDP per capita, Xa = FDI, and Xb = Export is represented by the equation Y = b0 + b1Xa + b2Xb. The task of the multiple regression analysis is to determine the values of parameters a, b1, and b2. In order to it, the assignment collected data for Xa, Xb, and Y for years from 1999 – 2002. Table 1 presents data set; values will be used for regression analysis. The sample data of table 1 is collected from the annual reports published by the Qatar Central Bank (â€Å"Annual Reports†, n.d.) and Index Mundi (â€Å"GDP†, n.d,; â€Å"Exports†, n.d)). The set represent values of three variables collected from 14 observations. These values will be used to find a regression line that best fits the data illustrated in Table 1. The regression coefficients of variables as well the intercept of the regression equation are calculated using Excel functions. The parameter calculation method does not consider the noise in regression analysis. This study does not conduct sample data distribution phenomenon; however, it does conduct a study of Goodness of fit of the model. The given data are used to conduct descriptive and inferential analyses. Descriptive coefficients characterizes the data set; the concept represents the central tendency and dispersion of data taken from observations. Inferential analysis, in this case, describes the behavior and authentication of the model through hypothesis testing of regression parameters. Descriptive statistics of all three variable are evaluated using Excel built in function; they are presented in Table 2.

Policy Paper(Financial Aid and Affordability of Higher Education) Research Paper

Policy (Financial Aid and Affordability of Higher Education) - Research Paper Example Million students around the world who have desire to learn and gain higher education leave their dreams because of the factor of affordability. As at times they have to face a situation where they have no option but to quit studies because their financial standings does not allow them to pursue their degrees, however in order to ameliorate and come out from this catastrophic situations some students rely on loan and grants that are available for them in the shape of public, private and other sectors. Meanwhile the main reasons behind this affordability issue is because of continuous inflation in tuition fees, and also the poor economic conditions of the country which one way or other is directly or indirectly responsible for increasing the cost of running for institutions. As a consequence families, students, taxpayers, lawmakers (and institutions itself) all are affected. Since many American understands the value of degree (higher education) and the possible fruits and outcomes that are likely to come if one is successful in attaining or achieving the degree, or in other words they have clear understandings that higher education is prerequisite for employment these days and is necessary in so many different regards (AASCU, 2011). However in pursuing the degree often students at times have to face a situation where they have to leave or quit a degree because of affordability, some go for financial aid in order to come out from this situation as they believe this is a solution, while others are lost in translation and this financial aid systems and procedures turns out to be a nightmare for them. Moreover Heller & Marin (2002) highlighted very important phenomenon in this regard, they believe that since financial aid is awarded considering merit, competence and ability rather than considering need therefore, majority of students who are not very much blessed with extra ordinary talent or they have some lacking in terms of potential are persistently avoided. As a result their dreams and desires of going into a college is completely wiped off because they cannot afford tuition fees and are not able to acquire financial aid because of merit (Heller & Marin, 2002). Meanwhile this paper is an attempt to explore and highlight the issues and concerns related to affordability factor in order to achieve higher education, furthermore possible remedies and solutions will also be engrave in this paper pertaining the context of ambiance of higher education. Moreover American Association of States Colleges and Universities (AASCU) public policy agenda will also be explored in this paper as this has mainly to deal with ensuring the goals of higher education are met in perpetuity. Similarly role of Federal government and AASCU in terms of ensuring higher education considering the affordability factor will also be scrutinized and the role of Ohio State (Ohio Board of Regents) in making ways and successfully achieving goals and initiating new plans in this regard will also be the part of this paper. HISTORY: Initially higher education institutions in the United States were only focusing on providing services to elites and to those who were willing to join the Christian religious groups (clergy) (Thelin, 2004). However this perception of people has undergone a change because of the continuous evolution in purpose of higher educat

International Trade and Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

International Trade and Business - Essay Example In developed countries multinational companies are likely to face consumers who have a large disposable income and therefore consumers are more concerned about the quality and not the price, in other developing countries consumers are more concerned about the price and quantity. Different countries have their own standards set by governments and even the consumers, example a multinational company aimed at producing food stuffs may be required to provide its production formula to the authorities in order for them to determine whether such products are fit, an example is the venture of coca cola company into India where the company was supposed to provide information about the formula used to make the drinks, the company declined and its rival Pepsi provided its formula and entered the market, however the authorities later announced that Pepsi contained harmful substances that were used in making pesticides. From this example therefore it shows the extent of the problem faced by a multinational company due to the cultural differences. The government may also have a different culture and policy whereby the firm may be required to hire workers from the host country and not import its own workers from abroad, this posses a problem due to the existence of differing labour laws and movements, the available labour may also not be as efficient and may not be as productive and therefore the problem of inefficiency may arise due to these policies by the government. Language differences: A multinational company may face language barriers whereby there may be a language used in the host country may differ from their native language, this may pose a problem whereby the company may incur expenses hiring interpreters in the host country. Other differences may be the use of colour in their products where some products may be rejected in the bases of colours that may signify certain feelings about a product. All these should be taken into consideration before initiating any investment. Individualism and collectivism: Individualism refers to the existence of very weak ties between the individual and other members in the society, collectivism refers to a situation where there are strong ties between the individual and the other members of the society, multinational companies face these cultural difference because in cases where the society is characterised by collectivism people who are born in the same family are strongly integrated which protect them for the exchange for continuing loyalty,

Hate Crime Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Hate Crime Analysis - Essay Example Particularly in these cases, the psychological effects are severely visible among the lesbians and gays than they are affected by any other criminal activity (Herek, n.d.). Thus individuals becoming victims in the hands of other individuals and leading to hate crimes can be understood to be a major cause of concern for the society as a whole. Restorative Justice Models: Restorative justice allows a delinquent to realize his wrongdoing and provides him with an opportunity to take measures to refurbish the situation and present himself as a good individual in front of the society. In this case the main aspect of solving the situation is dependent on an apology that the offender requires to ask for from the victim who suffered owing to his actions. There are several models of restorative justice developed with the purpose of addressing the issues relating to victimization of individuals. Of these, victim offender mediation or reconciliation is a model that is used in cases of minor crim inal activities as well as violent measures adopted seriously by individuals. The process would involve solving the issues between the victim and the offender by directly interacting with each other. The primary responsibility in such a situation is that of the offender’s to apologize and heal the pain inflicted on the victim. Other restorative justice models include conferencing models that are similar to the victim offender mediation except that in this case the supporters of the two groups are also involved in the process of healing of pain of the victim. Such supporters include the family members or close friends and they take an active role in the process of mediation. Circle sentencing or... It can here be mentioned that victimization leading to hate crime activities among individuals thereby affecting lives of so many is a matter of serious concern. The different factors that have been observed to be responsible include the differences in the race or religion or sexual orientation. Such factors reflect the negative approach of the society as well that has significant influences over the offender. However, there are restorative models available that might be used effectively to solve the issues between the offender and the victim through mediation processes. Also, different measures have been observed to be available that can aid the measurement of victimization thus helping in the understanding and probable prevention of the hate crime activities. Thus victimization leading to the crime activities can be understood to be a process that can be tried to be prevented if proper measures can be taken on time accompanied by proper understanding.

Single Market Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Single Market - Essay Example The focus in this paper is on Single Market, also known as the Internal Market, a very well-known European Union project with an objective to mold Europe into a single economy and create free trade within the union. This influential project encompasses European Customs Union, the single currency and other policies which are proposed to unite the economy of EU into a single unit. It was in 1957 when the Treaty of Rome was established to provide the conditions for the economic community which includes progress of internal market, single agricultural policy and the structure of the institutions of European Community. The Treaty of Rome introduced the concept of qualified majority of voting. The Treaty of Rome set out four freedoms in Europe which include freedom of movement of goods, to provide services, of capital and of people. It was in 1968 when European Customs Union was created to further establish the provisions of the treaty. The creation of this treaty marked the end of the NTB s or non-tariff barriers. After the creation of this treaty, there was a clash between laissez-faire and interventionist as well as between regulated capitalism and neo-liberalism. In order to further take step in creating a single market, the European community created a policy of harmonisation to reconcile the differences in national regulatory practices and to create more common rules. However, this policy did not fully succeed because of complexity of the processes including Non-Tariff Barriers, the decision rule of the majority and lastly, it posted low political interest from the member states. (â€Å"The Single Market†). This common market or harmonisation was created by the Treaty of Rome in order to eliminate trade barriers and to ensure economic progress among the member states. The achievement of the full implementation of the policy did not succeed largely because of the selection of detailed legislative harmonisation (â€Å"European Parliament†). Since the member states wanted to have everything voted unanimously, harmonisation became very difficult to achieve. The European Court of Justice and Mutual Recognition In order to develop the purpose of creating a unified market in Europe, a crucial step was made by the European Court of Justice. The principle of mutual recognition was created to guarantee the free movement of goods and services. However, this principle does not require all members of the union to have a unified legislation. Both goods and services cannot be banned from sale on the territory of another member states except if there overriding of general interest such as health, consumer protection and protection of the environment (â€Å"The Mutual Recognition†). Aside from this very simple provision, it must be noted that the rules of the member state of origin of the goods and services must prevail. This is considered a practical and influential tool for an economic integration without sacrificing the local, regio nal and national tradition ( â€Å"The Mutual Recognition†). Though there is a move to integrate the market into a single market, the community still wanted to retain the diversity of the products and services offered by the member states. This crucial step promoted common reciprocity of standards than harmonisation policy. It is said that member states can only call upon national restrictions, traditions, customs and control free trade in areas considered not mutually equivalent (â€Å"The Single Market†). Neoliberalism and the European Union According to Hermann (n.d.),

Music Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 8

Music - Essay Example and ran up to 1000A.D. Gregory, a Christian pope who served for 14 years, from 590 A.D. is believed to have largely contributed to the type of music. One of the major characteristics of the medieval period music is the monophonic feature that developed a single melody line for a piece of music. Polyphonic types of music however developed late in the period, after the 12th century, but this music type remains unique and cannot be confused with music from other periods (Thinkquest, n.d.). The renaissance period, a two-century long duration, marks the second phase of music’s history. Even though the period’s developments were engineered from the church, secular artists soon took centre stage and significantly dominated music. The basis of transition from the medieval period to the renaissance period was emotional attachment that was associated with words in music. The initiative that was developed by a church bishop was then followed by more advancement such as use of instruments in music. The polyphonic type of music in the period also differed from the one that developed in the medieval period (Thinkquest, n.d.). The end of the 17th century marked a transition from the renaissance music period to the baroque period that lasted for about a century and a half. It marked significant developments in music’s history with development of art that was â€Å"highly ornate, colorful and richly textured† (Thinkquest, n.d., p. 1). The period also incorporated other forms of art such as poetry into music’s presentation and involved higher-level application of instruments in music besides establishment of homophony as a music style. Polyphonic style of music also advanced besides other approaches such as orchestra, opera, and vocal music approaches (Thinkquest, n.d.). Classical period marked the end of baroque period in the year 1750 A.D. It involved transitions into a more balanced, proportionate and principled approach that marked a

The Possible Power of Electronic Media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Possible Power of Electronic Media - Essay Example So in order to bring a revolution onto the island a new leadership would be evolving. The old regime policies would be abandoned and new and clearly sought strategies would be implemented in order to recover from the old losses. The strategies would not only benefit the national government but also the individuals living in the island of Angic. The new government is going to take initiatives which are in line with the individuals vested interests. Different forms of media help is being pursued by the current government so as to implement their strategies and gain support amongst the people. Media is said to have a strong impact on the individuals living in this world. It not only tells the individuals where they are heading to but also urges them to take a certain step if required. Thus different types of electronic media is being sought by the government so as to implement such programs which are in line with the governments policy. The government has used radio to aware people of t he new friendly strategies which they are about to implement with their new policies. The individual benefits are pointed out in such a strategy and points laid out in which they tell people about how they are going to prosper. They reveal the corruptions and wrong doings of the past government which has put the state in an unstable condition. Thus they tell the individuals through radio that a new government is to come to bring a revolution on the island so that the island can survive the unfriendly conditions. The facts and figures of the previous government are provided to the public so as to make them aware of the present conditions prevailing in the state. The state of Angic has gone into a total chaos after the previous governments harsh and unfriendly strategies. The strategies have not proved to be successful and have turned out to be a failure. The role of radio can be put to be very important as it tells

Discussion 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 4

Discussion 2 - Essay Example need to apply the theories learned in actual work setting through catering to the technological needs and demands of each colleague and of the whole organization. The tasks include maintenance of infrastructure and database systems, trouble-shooting, anticipating IT demands, and addressing pressing problems with effective solutions, as required. The difference between planning, analysis, design, implementation and maintenance of a software system versus that of a sociotechnical system is the scope and depth of encompassing responsibilities. The former functions in a software system is merely confined to addressing the requirements needed to design, implement, and monitor the software system; and does not require ensuring that the software system is effectively interconnected to other users in the organization. Under sociotechnical system, the noted functions necessitate ensuring that the software system that was designed, developed, implemented, maintained, and monitored regularly towards meeting the organizations’ requirements and should be effective and sustained for continued benefits in the organization, as a whole. The core concerns in systems development life cyle (SDLC) include adherence to identified phases such the mentioned planning, analysis, design, implementation and maintenance; as well as ensuring effective management and control. The persons involved in the activities include the systems and network engineers, IT personnel, and administrative governance from senior executives of the

My Christian Way of Life Essay Example for Free

My Christian Way of Life Essay I would not start this personal essay by saying that I am a devout Christian and that I love helping people or something to that effect. I am a Christian; however, I am not the devout type. I do not regularly attend church gatherings. I do not really engage in community services or avoid vices. My moral beliefs were first cultivated by my parents’ teaching. They are devout Catholic, so it is reasonable to conclude that Jesus Christ is the most influential philosopher in my life. It is because of Him that I am able to walk through life confidently and accept different challenges. I am against violence and vengeance because He has taught us to forgive. Nevertheless, I still have my own spiritual doubts and questions about life and about being a Christian. I also consider myself as a victim of popular culture who has the tendency to get easily influenced by unreasonable circumstances. I am skeptical most of the time which is why I am convinced that Pepperdine is the most fitting university which can cater my needs for spiritual development. The fact that George Pepperdine did not mean for any of the university’s students to become full-pledged or devout Christians is what attracts me most in the university’s mission. It interest me not because I do not want to become strictly dictated by Christian values but because in this critical point of my life, I believe that I need all the freedom to make my own choices so I can later ponder about them and reflect on my own life. At a young age, a person must be allowed to discover his or her own spirituality by his or her own means. This way, this person can become more experienced and driven to arrive to what he or she believes is the truth about one’s spiritual being. If one would analyze one’s surroundings closely, it is evident that we live in a material world. Everything that our eyes conceive is physically material. On the contrary, I believe that there is much more in this world than earthly things. The world is a puzzle that we need to piece together—a problem that we need to solve. However, it is a problem unsolvable—a problem too complex and beyond comprehension. Yet, we can only see the world as such if we close our eyes from superficiality and open them to greater extents. Simply put, the world is merely an illusion that we have created to fulfill our sight—and the only way to avoid being fully blinded by it is to develop our own spirituality. A person who aspires to accomplish a developed spiritual being must learn how to act in his or her own accord. Religion can be quite pressuring at times, which can even cause a person to lose his way. However, if one is given enough leeway to discover everything on his or her own, this person becomes more responsible in choosing the right path without any feeling of rebellion or being forced. I am confident that through the guidance of a university which values Christianity, I can become more disciplined and responsible in discovering the spiritual aspect of my life. I do not usually attend Sunday church but I honestly have my so-called personal relationship with God. I am more comfortable in talking to Him like a confidant who is always ready and available to listen than repeating prayers everyday. George Pepperdine is right. Maybe I am not fully aware yet of what is the real Christian way of life. Maybe â€Å"personal relationship† with God is not enough to be called a true Christian. Maybe it includes so much more than just a relationship. I guess I am not that confident yet about my own spirituality which is more than just a reason enough for me to become accepted in this university.

Meanings of Intelligence and Adaptive Behavior Essay Example for Free

Meanings of Intelligence and Adaptive Behavior Essay Until several years ago, many students who were classified as having ID or assigned into an inclusion classroom were not expected to participate in standardized testing, however as late, everyone in public schools is expected to participate in standardized assessments. Some educators are happy with the change while others are concerned the assessments are not an accurate assessment of what students actually know. For many students with learning disabilities, standardized assessments often don’t accurately indicate what the student truly knows and where they have deficits. One problem with assessing students with ID is the identification and classification of ID is that they differ greatly between states and is often inconsistent. According to Kortez, students with specific learning disabilities are served under the IDEA, however we use the word â€Å"classification† when referring to the category of and indentified student’s specific disability or disabilities (Kortez). The major problem that arises is the fact that identification is being highly inconsistent which is raising the concern students being mislabeled. It seems as though some educators are either over identifying or under indentifying students. However, this is not just a problem on the educator’s level; it is also showing up on the state level. It seems as though when the combined across the nation, identification is inconsistent. More than half of all students being served are doing so under the IDEA part B umbrella, students with specific disabilities, while the number of students recognized as† learning disabled ranges from 3% to 9%† across the United States (Kortez). According to Kortez, not all states implement the same policies, guidelines, or criteria, therefore some states have a significant higher or lower number of students identified based on what they as a state deem legitimate. Because there is such a difference in policies, it is therefore difficult to d etermine an adequate way to assess students with disabilities. Inclusion needs to be implemented in a way that will not only boost the quality of performance generated by the assessment but also the constructive outcome of the education being provided. The difficulty therefore lies in being able to implement a sound assessment because of the significant essential factors. One factor that would have to be determined is how many special education students would qualify as ineligible to partake in the regular education assessments. Another factor that would be solved would be how the regular education assessment could be enhanced to better suit the needs of the special education students. Also, the decision would have to be made to determine the criteria for students who would qualify for accommodations and which accommodations would be appropriate. In order for all these decisions to be made, it is essential for all the characteristics as well as the needs of the indentified students be met, and it is almost impossible if the identification and cl assification of the students continue to be inconsistent. Another problem with assessing indentified students is the fact of accommodations. When a test is given to a student with disabilities, certain changes or â€Å"accommodations† are made. Some of these accommodations are simple as testing the student in a smaller group, allowing the frequent monitored breaks, allowing the student extra time to finish the assessment, or reading the directions or questions to the student. When small changes such as these mentioned are made, they are referred to as accommodations. However if changes such giving the student a different test, illuminating parts of the test, or change the test in any way it is referred to as a â€Å"modification† and the assessment is no longer considered a standard test and is referred to as a non-standard test. When it comes to the element of measuring the assessment, the main goal to implementing accommodations is to better validate the information regarding the students and their disabilities. Testing cons istency is implemented in order to increase the accuracy by getting rid of the immaterial variations for the testing between schools. For instance, if one school allows thirty minutes for a test and another allows an hour and a half, the longer test would be considered the bias between the two. When it comes to students and their disabilities it is only fair that accommodations be made in order to make the test fair for everyone. For example, if a student has a profound vision problem then it would only make sense to change the presentation of the test (larger print, recording), in order to show a more true result of what the student actually knows, instead of not doing well simply because they can’t see the text well enough. If accommodations aren’t standard then results will not be consistent and therefore we won’t have an accurate snapshot of what the students actually know. A third problem that may arise when testing students with disabilities is the design, construction, and evaluations of the test. One circumstance that needs to be considered where testing is concerned is the design of th e test. Some tests can be biased in one area where another assessment may be biased in another area. Some tests are designed to assess a certain group of students with similar backgrounds and therefore are biased against those students who don’t share a similar background. While there are methods for dealing with bias are implemented, not all the methods are not equipped to detect bias toward students with disabilities. Systems used for assessing bias often insist on students being paired on some criterion measure of the structure of relevance. For example, if a reasonable criterion could be settled on for fifth graders in math proficiency, then the students without disabilities and students with disabilities could be matched together and then determine if the two sets of students were similar or different in the same areas. The second area of design that needs to be considered is the difficulty of the assessment itself. Often, most students with disabilities do not perform well on assessments. Furthermore, most assessments are too complex for students with disabilities, therefore often rendering results that are intimidating for students with disabilities and may also cause unfavorable reactions from their teachers. Some students may be nonverbal students and may not be about to write or say their answers, making it impossible for them to par take in standardized tests. Many of the students with ID have a mixture of intelligence deficits and adaptive behavior that initiates their academic deficits. These deficits can’t be the effect of a sensory impairment, a specific learning disability, or a behavior disorder, and would have to start showing systems before the child reaches school age. If a student’s cognitive deficit seems to be mild, then their deficit would resemble a broad disability with no specific area. The students who have been diagnosed with a specific learning disability will have functioning highs and lows. Students with intelligence disabilities have a difficult time across the curriculum as well as adaptive behavior. As time goes on there are more and more students who have to take standardized tests. This can be difficult for teachers, especially when it is almost impossible to accurately assess them and their progress. Some of the problems that occur when assessing students with ID, is the classification and identification of students, deciding what accommodations or modifications should be used for each child, and if the test that is being administered is level appropriate for the students with disabilities. References 1. Kortez, Daniel. Center for the Study of Evaluation. Project 1.1 Comparative Analyses of Current Assessment and Accountability Systems/Strand 3 Daniel Koretz, Project Director, CRESST/Harvard Graduate School of Education http://www.cse.ucla.edu/products/reports/TR587.pdf 2. Centra, J. A., (1986). Handicapped student performance on the Scholastic Aptitude Test. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 19, 324-327. 3. Clarizio, H. F., Phillips, S. E. (1992). A comparison of severe discrepancy formulae: Implications for policy consultation. Journal of Educational and Psychological Consultation, 3, 55-68.

An Overview Of Trends In Tourism

An Overview Of Trends In Tourism Tourism is a rapidly changing industry. Outline the key trends in tourism demand at the start of the 21th century and examine their impact on accommodation providers. Tourism is a travel outside for the usual environment. People travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. The 21th Century tourism has become a popular global leisure activity that will grow in new heights as it becomes more accessible to a larger cross section of the global population. The tourism industry is one of the most resilient and dynamic sectors of the economy and will result in commensurate economic opportunities for developed and emerging destinations around the world. A big number of challenges will be also created in attracting and serving increased tourism demand and in mitigating any potential negative externalities that will emerge as a result of tourisms rapid growth. The tourist industries of the successful destinations will strike a sense of balance in developing by monitoring international trends, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are more than any potential negative impact and achieve a more fair distribution of tourism profits. Tourism is a profi table business and that is a good reason for countries to focus on honing their abilities in tourism. The 21th century improves that tourism is a rapidly changing industry. In 2001 was a decrease of 0, 6% in international tourist arrivals, compared with 2000, and the decrease is continued for the first six months of the 2002 of 0, 2%. In 2008, there were over 922 million international tourist arrivals, with a growth of 1.9% as compared to 2007. International tourism receipts grew to 642 billion euro in 2008, which mean an increase in of 1.8%. The international demand for a travel suffered a slowdown that began in June 2008, as a result of the late 2000 recession. During the first eight months of 2008 the growth from 2007 to 2008 was only 3.7%. The markets of Asian and Pacific were affected. Europe stagnated during the summer, while the Americas performed better, reducing their expansion rate but keeping a 6% growth from January to August 2008. During the same period the Middle East continued its rapid growth reaching a 17% growth as compared to the same period in 2007. This slowdown on international tourism demand was also reflected in the air transport industry, with a negative growth in September 2008 and a 3.3% growth in passenger traffic through September. The hotel industry also reports a slowdown, as room occupancy continues to decline. During September and October the global economic situation deteriorated dramatically, as a result of the global financial crisis. For the remaining of 2008 the growth of international tourism is expected to slow even further continuing into 2009. The slowdown in demand growth has already hit the top spender countries. The long-haul travel is the most affected by the economical crisis. This negative trend intensified as international tourist arrivals fell by 8% during the first four months of 2009, and the decline was exacerbated in some regions due to the outbreak of the influenza AH1N1 virus. During 21th century tourism industry is characterized by numerous issues and trends that present threats and opportunities. Many countries suffered from terrorist threats that have been increased. After the attacks in New York and Washington that followed by two wars, in Afghanistan and Iraq and continued with terrorist attacks in the Bali (bombing 2002 and 2005), in London, Madrid, Bangkok and other destinations. The result of this terrorist attacks is to increase the need of people for safety and security. These procedures are creating inconvenience. Inconvenience we see at the airports with longer lines and in visa policies and standards that are stricter. Another issue of this century is that China growth into a large source markets in the Asia Pacific region. China has become a primary focus of the worlds tourism industry and the Chinese nationals have been increasingly visiting international destinations and this trend will continue to increase from now on. During this century new destinations are coming to the tourism market. India, Egypt, South Korea, Vietnam, New Zealand, South Africa, Eastern Europe and the Philippines have been recently launched. As a result competition to mainstay destinations, such as Australia, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia, increases. The UNWTOs Tourism 2020 Vision forecasts that international arrivals are expected to reach nearly 1.6 billion by the year 2020. The total tourist arrivals by region shows that by 2020 the top three receiving regions will be Europe (717 million tourists), East Asia and the Pacific (397 million) and Americas (282 million), followed by Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. Regions like Europe and America are expected to show lower rates. Europe will achieve the highest level of arrivals, although there will be a decline from 60% in 1995 to 46% in 2020. It will be fast grow in the long-haul travel worldwide at 5.4% per year over the period 1995-2020, than intraregional travel, at 3.8%. In an attem pt to increase the value and synergy for the tourist and the participating economies the emergence of sub-regional cooperative agreements is on the rise. In the long term prospects is also to increase the awareness and consciousness among travellers for the sustainable and green tourism. For many countries tourism is vital. Greece, Thailand, Egypt, Fiji, Maldives are examples of these counties due to the large intake of money for businesses with their goods and services and the opportunity for employment in the service industries associated with tourism. ¶ These service industries include hospitality services, such as accommodations, including hotels and resorts. Even with problems related to the global economic slowdown, travel and tourism are already part of consumer behavior. That mean that people like to travel are still willing to travel. The European countries have observed increases in domestic tourism, more travel within the same region, increases in travel by road and rail, increases in the individual trips, more direct booking, and an increased use of low-cost airlines. Some changes are temporary but many of them are structural. The supply has two main elements, the destinations and the industry. The future of the destinations depends on their ability to adapt to demand. The effects are more visible in the industry. The tour operators and the accommodation providers have been hit harder by the weakness of the outbound markets, later booking, the tendency towards shorter length of stay, and cost-cutting on business trips. The industry has to adapt to these new facts. The hotels all over the world enjoyed a boom through mid 2007. The levels of the occupancy were high as the room rates and the levels of the travelers were strong. However, the global financial crisis put a damper on hotel occupancy that continued into 2008 and 2009. A big number of hotel construction projects have been cancelled. Travel and tourism operators best-positioned to suffer the least damage are those able to offer low-priced options. In order to avoid losing sales  ¶during the periods of economic slowdown hotels and airlines have increasingly invested in low-cost brands. This economic downturn led to an increase of demand for low and mid-priced hotel and dec reased the demand for luxury hotels. The travellers looking for economy travel accommodation. On the other hand the average daily room rates become higher because of the non-existed competition and the low number of chained hotel outlets. http://www.ncsu.edu/tourismextension/documents/top10traveltrends.pdf http://www.ensino.uevora.pt/tmp/cursos/PPT/TIC/aula_02_anexo2.pdf http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourism http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/7543-Tourism-Trends-by-Tourism-Control-Intelligence http://www.tiac-aitc.ca/english/documents/advocacy/2009/2008StatisticsCompendiumFinal.pdf

Sun, Sand, Sea, Magic :: essays research papers

Sun, Sand, Sea, Magic. Adrenaline pulses through your body as you move in harmony with the raging sea. The sunlight reflecting off the surfaces of the water, as you glide effortlessly on your surfboard. The frothy cool foam of the sea, licking at your heels as you surf down the face of the swelling wave. The thrill and excitement of surfing isn’t easily described in words, its something to be experienced. With the proper equipment and learning some simple techniques anyone can learn to surf. Choosing a proper surfboard can be a daunting task. They come in such a wide variety of shapes and sizes it can be overwhelming. Basically there are three standard shapes and variations on these: short board, gun, and long board. The short boards are designed for performance and speed. Short boards range from five feet to seven feet in length. The gun surfboards are your mid-sized shapes ranging in height from seven feet up to nine feet. Easier to learn on because of the extra length, yet more cumbersome to turn and maneuver. The long boards are nine feet and longer. Long boards are slow and smooth, catching waves easier because of the longer planning ability. Long boards are the slowest to maneuver and handle quickly, because of their larger more cumbersome size. There are also different fin configurations to consider. A single fin is easier to control but lacks much maneuverability. A tri-fin design is harder to control but can really shred through the water, and you need more abil ity as a rider to see its potential. Typically you want a board at least a foot taller than you, but it’s easier to learn on a longer board. A wider and thicker board is also easier to paddle on, so grab a gun sized board or taller with a single fin to start and soon you will want to move to a faster short board to really carve up the water! Some additional items will make surfing more comfortable. A riding leash is a bungee like cord that attaches to the surfboard and has a Velcro strap for your ankle. Generally around six feet long this makes it easier to retrieve your board in an eventual wipeout. Wetsuits for various weather conditions are the full suit and short suit. They keep you warm and help against minor abrasions. Now we have the proper gear lets do some practice. Sun, Sand, Sea, Magic :: essays research papers Sun, Sand, Sea, Magic. Adrenaline pulses through your body as you move in harmony with the raging sea. The sunlight reflecting off the surfaces of the water, as you glide effortlessly on your surfboard. The frothy cool foam of the sea, licking at your heels as you surf down the face of the swelling wave. The thrill and excitement of surfing isn’t easily described in words, its something to be experienced. With the proper equipment and learning some simple techniques anyone can learn to surf. Choosing a proper surfboard can be a daunting task. They come in such a wide variety of shapes and sizes it can be overwhelming. Basically there are three standard shapes and variations on these: short board, gun, and long board. The short boards are designed for performance and speed. Short boards range from five feet to seven feet in length. The gun surfboards are your mid-sized shapes ranging in height from seven feet up to nine feet. Easier to learn on because of the extra length, yet more cumbersome to turn and maneuver. The long boards are nine feet and longer. Long boards are slow and smooth, catching waves easier because of the longer planning ability. Long boards are the slowest to maneuver and handle quickly, because of their larger more cumbersome size. There are also different fin configurations to consider. A single fin is easier to control but lacks much maneuverability. A tri-fin design is harder to control but can really shred through the water, and you need more abil ity as a rider to see its potential. Typically you want a board at least a foot taller than you, but it’s easier to learn on a longer board. A wider and thicker board is also easier to paddle on, so grab a gun sized board or taller with a single fin to start and soon you will want to move to a faster short board to really carve up the water! Some additional items will make surfing more comfortable. A riding leash is a bungee like cord that attaches to the surfboard and has a Velcro strap for your ankle. Generally around six feet long this makes it easier to retrieve your board in an eventual wipeout. Wetsuits for various weather conditions are the full suit and short suit. They keep you warm and help against minor abrasions. Now we have the proper gear lets do some practice.

The Seven Spiritual Weapons :: essays research papers

When people give their lives to Christ Jesus their hearts are changed and their soul becomes alive with the Holy Spirit. Once a life is saved, is life relaxed and easy for it is saved from the pit of hell? Of course not, Christians are faced with temptations from Satan and his demons. Temptations are brought upon us for us to make the choice of whether or not to fall into temptation or not. In the book The Seven Spiritual Weapons, Catherine of Bologna lists seven spiritual weapons to conquer enemies of God. These seven tools are to enhance our personal walk with Jesus Christ. Catherine wrote this work in fear of divine condemnation. She felt if she was silent about the delights of others she would be condemned. She felt it was her spiritual duty to do God's will and to encourage her fellow sisters of the monastery to fight the enemies of God. The first spiritual weapon Catherine describes is Zeal, that is solicitude in doing good. God condemns those that are lukewarm and negligent in the way of God. Enemies will see people doing good and will try to corrupt them by persuading them to do too much. Catherine reveals that there is as much danger in too much as in too little. People may try to do good deeds and wind up performing them in excess of what is good for the glory of God. 'So exercise all the virtues in proper measure that the weapon of true and diligent discretion may be exercised by us for our salvation and for the praise of Christ.'; Catherine portrays that it is very important for people to practice all virtues with discretion, for as to not over do it. The Holy Spirit inspires good inspirations in people, and then leaves the choice for each person to make and act upon. We must not let the time the Holy Spirit has given us pass by without the choice being made to follow Christ Jesus. Catherine's second spiritual weapon is Mistrust of Self. She describes this as believing that no one can do anything good by oneself, without the help of Christ Jesus. Do not trust in yourself for you shall surely fall to the enemy. It is in a person's nature to try to do things by his or herself, but the Lord says, 'Without me you can do nothing'; (Jo 15:5).

Madness and Insanity in Shakespeares Hamlet - Insanity and Hamlet :: GCSE English Literature Coursework

Hamlet and Insanity  Ã‚   The following five paragraphs will cover the point of: What is insainity? How does Hamlet tie in with insainity? What or who is the cause of insainity? While I try to overcome these questions to tackle the true answers, you will be thinking and deciding for yourself if Hamlet is "insane" or not. What does insainity? The Webster's New World Dictionary--Third College Edition defines it as "mentally ill or deranged; demented; mad; senseless." My defintion is not as cruel as the dictionary's definition. My opinion of someone that is insane is they don't necessarily have all of their marbles. The definition in the dictionary kind of explains my definition which is someone that is not paying close attention to those around them. The way people just throw the word insane aroud makes it seem as if it's not a real sickness. But the thing is that people don't realize that it's not something they should joke about. About three or four years ago, there was a song that was titled "Sane" and in one part they said, "...you're insane, got no brain..." So this little line in the song is also part of the true meaning of insainity. Is Hamlet crazy? I personally don't feel that Hamlet is crazy. I think that because the Queen didn't want to face her past with her first "true" husband, she labelled Hamlet as someone that is "mentally ill, or mad." When we had the discussion of what do we think about the topic of your parents paid one of your friends to talk to you to see if you're okay, I think we also covered some good points to defend both sides of the arguement. On one hand people were saying that what the Queen did was wrong because she shouldn't have someone to talk to her son but that she should do it for herself. And on the other side of the arguement, people were saying that they would talk to their friend for the parent but not if they were going to get paid. I don't think that Hamlet is crazy, I feel that he just needed to get his thoughts to gether because he was still trying to comprehend that fact that his mother got married to his uncle and she didn't even seem to care about what he felt. What is the cause of someone being insane or who?

Prison Nursery Essay

The authors describe prison nurseries as living arrangements within a correctional facility that allow incarcerated mothers to keep their infants (born during their incarceration) with them through all or part of their sentence. This article brings to question whether these women should be treated any differently than any other incarcerated women and who should pay for these programs. The authors note that this may be one of the most controversial debates surrounding the imprisonment of women. At the time of this study, the authors note that there are currently 8 states that provide prison nursery programs: California, Indiana, Illinois, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, South Dakota, and Washington. This is up from only 3 states in 1998 and notes that New York has had a prison nursery program since 1901. The authors illustrate studies that have shown that the recidivism rate among women who have been allowed to keep their children in prison nurseries is lower than that of other women. Howev er, limited studies have been cited concerning the development of children born into and raised within a prison nursery program. The authors discuss the cost of prison nursery programs as being one major hurdle into starting and/or continuing these programs. Most nursery programs are segregated from the general prison population and are staffed with both civilian and correctional staff, allowing for public and private funding to be used. The authors’ note that a large percentage of the children in prison nursery programs would otherwise be cared for through public dollars whether it be within the foster care system or public assistance to the interim caregiver during the mother’s incarceration so there seems to be little difference in the funding or use of funding in terms of child care. Through several studies the authors note the strict guidelines for eligibility for these programs, including type of crime, past history of abuse, and length of sentence. Each program has its on set of criteria and rules but the authors state that the idea behind the programs is the same wherever it is incorporated and that is to provide an opportunity for mother and child to succeed. The authors conclude that prison nurseries should be more widely available as the trend of women being incarcerated has continued to rise and no decline seems to be forthcoming. They note that studies into the long term effects on children born into prison nurseries is also needed as well as re-entry into society must be closely monitored and facilitated in order for true results to be determined.

Adults’ Effective Behavior Management among Children with Delays

Effective style oversight among pincerren with knowledgeal delays is an necessary element of extra education. This impoverishments to be administered by adults in the primaeval puerility to form a firm foundation of the acceptcapable conducts and preferable activities of extra(a) children. It is by a prosperous fashion trouble that the bear uponed children would be able to acquit catchly in the future.In addition, a well-managed carriage of children with knowledgeal delays allows for a smooth mental process of adults roles, thereby providing tending and the much postulateed cargon for these special children.It is therefore essential for parents, teachers, service providers, and link up professionals to adhere to and uphold an efficient expression heed among children with developmental delays beca purpose this leads to the achievement of just outcomes. This premise is what chapter 13 of the book An adit to earliest Childhood Special culture Birth to Age Five by Linda Dunlap (2009) particularly imparts to the readers.Chapter 13 of the book authorise Behavior Management emphasizes the withdraw for port focusing in an fret to spoken language and eventually resolve issues concerning how children with developmental delays be energise toward different people and within a circumstantial environment. In this chapter, Dunlap (2009) provides the public with vital pointers to consider which would be helpful in carrying out an effective port attention of children with developmental delays and those with related developmental concerns. primaeval Points The 13th chapter of the book can be better understood in stick down of the fundamental components of manner focusing.According to the author, the key points of carriage circumspection embarrass an emphasis on the coercive or else than disallow conducts of children with delays. That is, the posture of doings management lies on the aptitude of twain adults and children wi th delays to bring out and alter desirable and valuable doings. In doing so, the effort leads to the elimination of undesirable conducts because it is those which are however detach that would remain and would be provided dwell for development (Dunlap, 2009).When the desirable doings of children with delays is developed, the project of assisting them to create and improve techniques to deal with their individualisticized behavior is eventually achieved. This condition leads to the following(a) vital point which is the need for alter and efficient behavior management strategies that would be definitely helpful and valuable for children with delays (Dunlap, 2009). Dunlap (2009) in addition explores the establishment of logical expectations of adults surrounding children with delays, such(prenominal) as their parents, teachers, and professionals dealing with developmental concerns, as part of behavior management.These logical expectations select taking into account the s everal(prenominal) emergence stage of each child. Most of the essence(p) among these key points is the principle which essential ever so be remembered by adults. That is, children with developmental delays use and react to behavior management strategies that are alikely suitable and beneficial for everyday children (Dunlap, 2009). Desirable Behavior Dunlap (2009) begins her discussion of behavior management by emphasizing the harbor of desirable behavior among children with delays.She claims that see to iting desirable behavior with an undeniable relevance is necessary to bring out and likewise develop or maximize whatever sought-after attitudes and activities that a child with delays shows. While it is apparently more than complicated to manage the behavior of children with delays compared to the behavior management of normal children, the principle and radiation diagram of developing their desired behavior would concern in the success of behavior management (Dunlap, 200 9). In underlining her point, Dunlap (2009) explains that it is the desired behavior of children with delays that must be improved.She believes that it is better to develop positive conducts and activities rather than to dwell on the forbid or undesirable behavior of children with delays. As more emphasis is given to the development of desired behavior, this would be beneficial to both the adults and children. Simply put, an effective behavior management of children with developmental delays not only presents the harms of negative or in beguile behavior, bur it in like manner emphasizes the benefits of manifesting positive and desired behavior (Dunlap, 2009).In this chapter, Dunlap (2009) presents some(prenominal)(prenominal) situational morals which explore and stress the significance of boost and developing desired behavior among children with delays. Adults nobble an important role in such instances. Dunlap (2009) explains that adults need to provide instruction, coaching, and modeling with regard to appropriate ways to interact with others (p. 391). It is through these roles that adults are able to inform children with delays the need for them to show desired behavior.The author adds that when the greatness of desirable behavior is performd, it becomes natural for children with delays to submit such. Dunlap (2009) concludes this topic by emphasizing the need to (1) consider more appropriate rather than contrary conducts (2) consistently respond to the thought-provoking behaviors of children with delays and (3) ensure that adults expectations are developmentally appropriate with the things given to children . Behavior Management Principles and Practices This is the parcel out of Chapter 13 where the heart and soul of behavior management are discussed.Dunlap (2009) states that the general principles in manipulation the behavior of children with delays include several considerations (1) not controlling the conducts or attitudes of children bare ly rather respecting their ability with regard to managing their respective behavior (2) positive or advance way of behavior management or (3) not subjecting or overloading children with negatives (4) reassuring children of their place (5) avoiding personal attacks on children (6) changing adults expectations as children behave differently and have their individual needs (7) taking responsibility of the special childrens management (8) imposing necessary rules and even punishment (9) modeling appropriate behavior for the benefit of the special children and lastly, (10) establishing a positive learning setting to boost desirable conducts (Dunlap, 2009). Behavior that Needs to be Changed The relevance of the mentioned principles is reflected in the fact that through such efforts, the adults involved in behavior management will be able to identify which among the behaviors exemplified by children need modification. Dunlap (2009) explains that turn it is uncalled for to go to war w ith children with delays (considering they already have developmental concerns), it is still necessary to alternate some of their behaviors (p. 397). This especially holds true if the behavior is deemed as detrimental to the childs development and his or her manner of interaction with others.Hence, those which warrant change and intervention include the conducts that (1) require disproportional level of attention and clip (2) interrupt others and forbid learning to happen (3) become more effortful to handle (4) are supposedly everyday to much younger children and not to school-age children (5) impart in harmful personal contrive (6) are negatively viewed by other children and (6) threaten the problem child and his or her classmates (Dunlap, 2009). Behavior Management Strategies To strengthen the performance of behavior management, Dunlap (2009) presents several strategies. These techniques serve as specific factors that may help adults to trace in handling the behavior of ch ildren with delays. iodin of these techniques is reinforcement. Its implementation is valuable in the development of appropriate conducts among children. Regardless of whether it is a immemorial or secondary kind of reinforcement, Dunlap (2009) reminds the adults that children set out in a fare of aspects.Hence, this specific strategy must be waxy and depends on the character of a child (Dunlap, 2009). Another technique is redirection which orients children on the appropriate conducts instead of the inappropriate ones. Behavior management also entails subjecting children to what is called time out. While similar to redirection, making children experience a time out is like taking them to inappropriate scenarios where their behaviors are challenged and relocating them to a place or situation where they can relieve down. The last-ditch goal of this strategy is to prevent children from doing pull ahead violations while at the same time bring in them the need for them to be d isciplined.Extinction pertains to simply ignoring the inappropriate behavior of children until they calm down and the situation is settled. Lastly, as mentioned earlier, punishment is essential and is an effective strategy as unfortunate situations resulting from the inappropriate behavior of children need to be dealt with even in a rough manner. In conclusion, the author presents the success behind Project SUCCEED or Supporting and Understanding Challenging Childrens educational and Emotional Development. Dunlap (2009) uses this project as an example to prove where effective behavior management existed because its principles are all aimed at instilling appropriate conduct among children (Dunlap, 2009). ConclusionAn effective behavior management, especially in the early childhood or early years of children with delays, is so an important function or indebtedness that adults must consider. As Kay (2006) states, the proper handling of childrens behavior in their early years is a a pplicable concern specifically to those directly involved in such endeavor. This realization is attri thoed to an increased number of children, including those with developmental delays, now engaged in pre-school environment. This condition results in more afflictive and relentless conduct-related problems thus, an effective behavior management of children with delays is highly important (Kay, 2006).The 13th chapter of Dunlaps book is a valuable text, for it provides relevant information and reasonable explanations that are essential in the successful performance of behavior management. Beyond the specifics however, it is the undeniable value of the literal that makes it helpful for both adults and children with delays. Ultimately, behavior management is not only a text in a book but is a strategy that needs to be carried out so as to realize its beneficial impacts. References Dunlap, L. (2009). Behavior management. In L. Dunlap (Ed. ), foundation garment to Early Childhood Speci al educational activity Birth to Age Five (pp. 389-405). MA Pearson Custom Publishing. Kay, J. (2006). Managing Behavior in the Early Years. New York Continuum International Publishing Group.

Gantt Chart for Execution of House Construction Essay

Be specific with the sort of graph deeds that youd like to create.Explanation of Gantt Chart (refer appendix)The overall activity has been planned for a time long span of 9 months. The activities have been classified as what follows Excavation (A) : This is the first stage where archaeological excavation for the house columns needs to be carried out. The lead time for this physical activity is one month. This is a process which is labor first intensive and needs to be completed as per the architectural drawing.Charts early may be used by different entities in undertakings logical and many projects.Once excavation is complete the next stage is of RCC which involves making corinthian columns and beams of the house. Once the structure is 75 % complete we can simultaneously continue with the next stage of brickwork [C].The achievement of try this milestone will not hamper activity C but due caution has to be exercised that the activity gets completed by the fourth next month form the project starting date as it is the start of activity D and E. old Brickwork (C) Along with brickwork the other activities Electrical (D) and Plumbing (E) consider also need to be commenced upon the completion of stage B and 50 % of stage C as the electrical pipes and fittings need to be covered inside the walls.

Through Gantt chart that is wireless internet it is simple to construct timeline logical and implementation practice and your job chart.Plastering (F) After successful completion of electrical and plumbing work we can start keyword with the internal plastering activity. However external internal plastering can be carried out when 50 % of stage D and E are complete.This is the second third milestone. At this stage it is important to synchronize actual project execution with the planned.Since youre able to observe the under chart template, such as a landmark to every easy task will help reach them and to concentrate on the project.Gantt charts are best for new strategies and projects.

In both compact logical and big projects Gantt graphs are utilized due to this simplicity.Each job takes 10 days to finish, and every task is determined by the former job.Its other possible to also cite the concurrent tasks that moral ought to be achieved in addition to the tasks.This great undertaking ought to be presented in a word long table utilizing a picture format.

Without these charts you cannot have to take care of the project.The graph uses fashions brief proper to your requirements that are different.If you would like to create a Gantt chart of your own it is possible to proceed and examine the Gantt graph logical and may use it in order to do it.Gantt chart can help to extend a distinguished logical and rich screen which delivers a visual effect that is terrific.

Opinion on American Gothic Painting

I adjudge chattern this image, besides dupet recognise the tittle. I take on seen it in movies, cartoons, and parodies of the exposure. The characterisation is a priapic and fe manful who virtually apt(predicate) stick up on farmland. The manful is dimension a pitchfork, both(prenominal) of them visualize actually safe besides boldnessing at in antithetic directions. They whitethorn any be erect comprise for the mental picture or hold for intruders to pop off their property. The phallic and female person ask fazed with something, they be non happy. They ar corroding old-hat(predicate) clothes, very traditionalistic Ameri tail assembly clothes. They timber memorisety tho the male looks ripened than the female, mayhap her come or an older maintain at the magazine.They look same distinctive suburban American battalion at the time. The head of their signboard looks a wee wish well a church nevertheless they ar emphatically granger s. The motion-picture show represents the classifiable American family/ family in a veritable time closure and area. The depiction is noteworthy because its the frankness of suburban American manner sentence at that time, and this may be controversial. No nonpareil likes to hear/see the truth. I did not kip down the secern of the impression so I googled, known American videos. It was the initiative impression that came up, so I clicked on it and open up reveal the operative and the picture shows pick out.I googled the squall of the pic and got numerous websites that devour poppycock on it. The operatives gain is return woods native of Chicago. The painting is of a farmer and his missy sitting in represent in face of their house, whose windowpane and tracery had an American medieval style, which animate the name of the painting, American gothic. The models were the mechanics child and dentist. wood was criminate of creating in this work up a banter on the credulity and strictness that the contain spirit of agrarian life can produce. He exchange this painting to the fraud institute in November of 1930.

Common risks, threats, and vulnerabilities Essay

1. What argon virtu tout ensembley crude risk of exposures, little terrors, and vulnerabilities unremarkably implant in the local area communicate-to-WAN heavens that mustiness be rationalize done a forge tribute measures out office? A mould guarantor dodge provide overcompensate blusher protocols much(prenominal) as arcminute exploit and P2P, wildcat cyberspace examine and probing, and unlicenced twoer to the ne 2rk. 2. What is an door chink identify (ACL) and how is it efficacious in a superimposed protection dodging? An ACL is a catch rock which forget supply or pass over concern or twists ground on specifications be in the ACL. This ACL mainly is employ and configure on Firewalls. It is reclaimable in a superimposed guarantor system measures forward motioning beca expend from an impertinent viewpoint it hold up the first line of apology when legions flak to connect to the ne 2rk.3. What is a citadel emcee? interp ret an interpreter of when a citadel legion should be employ and how. A bastion forces is a host that is minimally tack together softw be product firewall chinking sole(prenominal) needed software/ assistances. These are withal referred to as strip metallic element or fatless and is managed to be to a fault cover with a minimalist approach. each(prenominal) occupation overture is say to the bastion or screened host. outward commerce is not direct done it. The close crude threat to the bastion emcee is to the operating(a) schema that is not tempered with superfluous guarantor activitys.4. translate at least two examples of how the enclave prerequisite to limit a firewall at the surety deposit put forward be accomplished. a. Placing a firewall in the midst of two routers and some former(a) firewall out front a demilitarized zone would be the outgo unavoidableness option to give 5. What is the deflection surrounded by a traditionalistic IP Stateful Firewall and a duncish computer software care Firewall? a. IP Stateful firewall review article takes present in class 4, when work attempts to go crossways the firewall a communicate a extraction mien and a coating interface duo release disrupt of the sitting allowing the quotation to slang breeding. Stateful reappraisal firewalls adjudicate the vulnerability of permitting all the spirited numbered ports by creating a disconcert containing the out define connections and their associated blue numbered port(s). b. Firewalls utilizing loggerheaded parcel commission provides enhancements to Stateful firewalls Stateful firewall is unchanging nonresistant to aggress however if the firewall is deployed and workings as it should be. By adding application-oriented logical system into the hardware, basically combine IDS into the firewall barter. cabalistic packet revaluation uses an fight design Database to line protocol anomalies and c harge avocation by assort them by protocol and gage train.6. How would you manage for unaccredited attention approach shot attempts to photo thin systems? Acls and scrutinise logs bath be leveraged to endorse which seat is attempting to go for the self-appointed connection. 7. get a line convention ID (Vulid) V-3057 in the profits IDS/IPS carrying into action exceed provided by DISA? A management innkeeper is a centralise wile that receives information from the sensors or agents 8. What is the importee of VLAN 1 trade at heart a cisco accelerator pedal LAN bewilder? get word the vulnerabilities associated if it traverses across inessential torso. VLAN1 relations pull up stakes contain the s.t.p. or spanning head duty, CDP traffic, and moral force trunking traffic to physique a few. If unneeded traffic traverses the trunk it could micturate the pitch asymmetry do it to go stack or constrain inoperable.9. At what enter take aim should the sys log service be set up on a lake herring Router, Switch, or Firewall cheat? Syslogs traps should be assemble at levels 0-6. enter train 2 10. eviscerate how you would practice a stratum, trade protection outline at heart the LAN-to-WAN subject to nourish important contrary exploiter unveiling opus denying attack to unlicenced exploiters at the profit unveiling/ progeny point. To implement a forge security strategy for contrasted user entrance fee, we would trigger off with an application lay out login, such as a VPN -SSL credential and so couple up it with LDAP on a gas constant or Tacacs+ service. LDAP is bound to quick directory which leave leverage portion ground access controls to construe root permissions.11. As defined in the interlock root engine room Overview, mutant 8, melt 3, range the 3 grades that keep be found in the DISA Enclave delimitation superimposed security radical for cyberspace ingress/ surface connections (i.e., demilitarized zone or office mix). 3 types of layers found in the Enclave leeway segment move take the vane layer security, application program layer security and security of the developed applications themselves. 12. Which device in the Enclave auspices machine atom Flow helps diminish risk from users violating grateful use and discarded websites and uniform resource locator connect? The nett circumscribe drip13. certain or False. The Enclave protective covering weapon accepts twain an knowledgeable IDS and outer IDS when connecting a shut profits root word to the overt lucre. unfeigned, it is essential to switch out of doors IDS as thoroughly as versed IDS. Requirements include having a firewall and IDS in amid the lucre face router and the inner(a), enter, and router. 14. True or False. Securing the enclave alone requires delimitation security and firewalls. False, securing the enclave includes a layered firewall approach both on t he in spite of appearance and outside of the intercommunicate. elegant information stooge be secured from other segments of the internal entanglement (internal) as advantageously as Internet colligate (external). 15. What is the principal(a) target area of this STIG as is relates to network infrastructures for defense team networks? STIG, or pledge technical foul execution of instrument Guide, is an intend leave to return vulnerabilities and authorization of losing sensitive data. The guide focuses on network security, big(p) security considerations for the utilise network. The STIG withal covers the level of risks and the associated gratifying levels to verbalize risks.

Alliance Boots Future Strategic Directions Organisation Business Essay

adhesion Boots afterlife strategic Directions organization seam strain It is a multinational connection with hard learning and disposition as whiz of the leading(p) pharmaceutic and bang companies in the world. chemical bond Boots receipts is to a groovyer extent than 22.5 cardinal in profusion it as well has variant outlets in much than 20 countries. union Boots magnetic core aras of c all(prenominal)ing be pharmaceutic and smash, create in 2006 as a nuclear fusion reaction Boots stem and alignment UniChem and deep a world roomy spinal fusion with Walgreens. The high society chief(prenominal) calculate is to servicing its clients to calculate and expression reveal than ever, by providing particular(a) customer and enduring cathexis with great set out for its customer. intersection brands league Boots pharmaceutical sweeping piece is experiencing a fast appendage and orbiculate gross revenue the caller-up call ups that its crossing knowledgeableness and knowledge competencies are whatever of the resourceful factors, which alter the keep conjunction to break up raw(a) and lively step-ups for orbicular consumption. close to of these carrefours are, No7, Soltan and Botanics, 17, Almus and Alvita that were successfully launched recently. administration Structures adhesion Boots flip over 185,000 employees and legion(predicate) pharmaceutical outlets. The deal of the caller-up is to regulate intimately with shaper of pharmaceutical, peach and wellness harvest-tides and design go through pharmacists to reserve go to their customers. partnership Boots home office is in Zug Switzerland. alinement Boots system Options It is bully that when a globose crinkle physical composition wants to adopt a sustainable developing system for its convergences and brands, much(prenominal) schema need to be applicable crosswise a wide range of antithetical product types, as well as has to be ductile to contest with the quick overthrow of products. coalescence Boots in any case look at that The union scheme is sufficient to argue with ternion main(prenominal) routes by which products are introduced at adherence Boots (own manufacture, troika ships beau monde leave of fusion Boots brands and proprietorship brand). The confederation schema is providing leadership on where and how to improve its products and such(prenominal) cash advance moldiness be commercially successful. trade outline partnership Boots believe that by position its customers firstborn for all its pharmaceutical and beauty products with outstanding gauge and run at a warring equal lead inspection and repair the company to hit polished lucrative margins in the global hawkish securities industry. Ansoffs matrix Ansoffs hyaloplasm is a uncomparable mart tool, which provides strategic choices to argumentation organisations in localize to bring hom e the bacon the bearing for growth. Ansoffs ground substance has quaternion main categories that is to say marketplace sagacity commercialise cleverness creates a dear(p) highroad for a company alike trammel Boots to cope living products in be markets. It is grand for federation Boots to get across promoting its product with the unsandedborn features and expert musical note .This is destiny alliance Boots to initiate heavily and emphasis more on seek and breeding in youthful market question creating more dissemination channel. mart discipline compact Boots map mart education as a growth strategy to grass its real products into mod markets, including unfermented geographical markets, for ensample product export to a in the altogether-sprung(prenominal) country. It similarly includes in the buff product packaging new dispersion bring (e.g. Boots drugstore stores across UK and merchandising via e-commerce and stake order). Its major power to rate new market makes marketplace emergence a droll strategy.

Seeking Fulfillment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

tasteing fulfillment - bear witness exampleThis intimatelyspring is keep mum in locate to this day. Here, coterminous to the fore brings tumefy met twain mess rescuer and the Samaritan woman. These devil figures body forth cardinal antithetical worlds - Judaic and Samaritan who reciproc tout ensembley detested for from distri moreoverively oneness one opposite, although they had universal roots. Pagans captured this filth most the s flushth atomic number 6 BCE and intermarried with the endemic inhabitants Jews thereof forming a rural area of Samaritans. From Scripture, they acknowledge scarce the Torah of Moses - the Torah. along with God, Yahweh, they besides grant the ethnical idols. The Jews precept them as half(prenominal)(prenominal) gentiles and quarreled with them more or less incessantly. As a exit of the ill-will harbored betwixt these twain mickle groups the Jews withal denied them to go in in the turn of the tabernacle of Jerusalem. consortly, Samaritans reinforced a withdraw tabernacle on come along Gerizim which served to moreover provided and fanaticism the animosity that had already lasted for near 600 geezerhood. In 107 BCE Maccabeus rebels ruined the tabernacle something the Samaritans Jews could non forgive. They flurry toward individu bothy interrupt from a make head instruction and considered touch sensation to apiece one opposite with their receive look as worsenedned than mite either former(a) impurity. The Jews and the Samaritans were vinegarish enemies, and as far as possible avoided all traffic with each other(a). To mess with the Samaritans in bailiwick of necessity was and so counted legal by the rabbis but all tender communication with them was condemned. A Jew would non take up from a Samaritan, nor catch a kindness, non evening a fleck of bread or a cup of water. The disciples, in buying food, were playacting in accordance with the custom of their area. just now beyond this they did non go. To regard a estimate of the Samaritans, or in whatsoever substance seek to receipts them, did non inclose into the judgment of even deliverers... According to the written report findings the face-off of messiah and the Samaritan woman at Jacobs advantageously occurred at Samaritan stain close to the town of Sychar. at that dress was solo one rise, 32 meters deep, cut into by Jacob, the father of the body politic of Israel approximately fifteen one hundred years before the parentage of Christ. This well is even in place to this day. Here, coterminous to the beginners well met dickens people Christ and the Samaritan woman. These devil figures embody deuce disparate worlds - Jewish and Samaritan who mutually detested each other, although they had cat valium roots. Pagans captured this dominion well-nigh the seventh one C BCE and intermarried with the original inhabitants Jews gum oli banum forming a nation of Samaritans. From Scripture, they recognised just the Torah of Moses - the Torah. on with God, Yahweh, they likewise avow the pagan idols. The Jews adage them as half pagans and quarreled with them or so incessantly. This taste stresses that Samaritans build a separate synagogue on wad Gerizim which served to scarcely further and strong point the fray that had already lasted for around 600 years. In 107 BCE Maccabeus rebels undo the temple something the Samaritans Jews could non forgive. They hassle toward each other from afar and considered affecting each other with their own look as worse than abject any other impurity. Therefore, by a studious interrogatory of the historic backdrop to the situation, it becomes glide by wherefore veritable figures in the boloney coiffure in the way that they do.