Mind soul Essay

1. How are Plato’s and Descartes’ views of the soul/self similar? Both Plato and Descartes believe that the soul/self is best (or only) to think and learn separate from the body and its faculties. According to Plato, â€Å"the soul reasons best without bodily senses. † Plato claims that sight, hearing, pain, and pleasure are a distraction to the soul in its search for reality, and that true knowledge can only be achieved with pure thought alone. â€Å"The body confuses the soul and prevents it from acquiring truth and wisdom whenever it is associated with it. † Descartes very similarly believes that the body and its faculties, namely imagination and again the senses, are â€Å"distinguished from the self as modes from a thing. † According to Descartes, the essence of the self consists entirely on being a thinking thing. The body can perceive pain and pleasure, but nothing beyond that, it is up to the intellect to â€Å"conduct its own inquiry into things external to us. † Thus, much like Plato, Descartes claims that it is this thinking essence, and not the body, and though alone, and not perception, that is the key to true knowledge. 2. How are Hume’s and Nietzsche’s views of the self similar, and how are they different? Both Hume and Nietzsche believe that the self is a summation of one’s actions and perceptions. According to Hume, the self is â€Å"a collection of perceptions in perpetual flux and movement. † There is no simplicity or identity in the self, but only an infinite system of perceptions in an infinite â€Å"variety of postures and situations. † These perceptions are then linked by the relations of cause and effect, which mutually influence, modify, alter, create, and destroy each other. Nietzsche similarly believes that the self is merely a relation of human desires to each other. According to Nietzsche, desires and pleasures or human drives are the â€Å"commander. † This human drive controls everything else, and the strongest drive is a tyrant, even â€Å"reason and conscience bow down. † Both philosophers ultimately agree that there is no pure forms or simplicity of the self, but that it is rather driven by actions and perceptions, as well as desires and pleasures. Hume’s main idea of the self is that there is no self that is stable over time, rather the self is merely a series of transient feelings, sensations, and impressions of oneself at any given moment. That is, there is no unified self that ties all perceptions together. Nietzsche’s main idea of the self is different as it reaches a little into the very motivation for the self and life. Nietzsche argues that the self is composed of drives, but unlike Hume, goes further to say that these drives almost vie with each other to be â€Å"the ultimate purpose of existence and the master of all other drives. † Nietzsche calls this the will to power and illustrates the point accordingly: â€Å"ever living body within which individuals treat each other as equals does to another body what the individuals within refrain from doing to each other. † The will to power is to grow, spread, seize, and become predominant; it not only drives the self but also the reality of the universe. 3. How is Plato’s view of the world’s creation similar to the ordinary religious view, and how is it different? Similar to the â€Å"ordinary religious view† of the creation of the world, Plato believes that the universe was created by a maker or a god, who not only made the world to be as excellent and supreme as nature would allow it, but who also endowed it with soul and intelligence. Plato’s views also coincide with the â€Å"ordinary religious view† when he claims that the universe is physical and changing, that god is good and fair, and that there is order rather than disorder. Plato however differs from the â€Å"ordinary religious view† of the creation of the world when he claims that there is a second type of universe other than the physical: eternal universe, that never changes. According to Plato, god uses this eternal model of the universe and the forms (of beauty, good, etc. ) as a template to create the existing world. â€Å"The universe resembles an ideal living thing of which all other ideal living things are a part of†¦ the ideal living thing comprehends in itself all other intelligible ideal living things. †

Exploring the Relationship Between Cigarette Essay

OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship between state-specific estimates of youth and adult cigarette smoking prevalences, overall, and after adjusting for cigarette prices and strength of smoke-free air laws. METHODS: Crude relationships were determined using state-specific adolescent and adult smoking estimates from three national surveillance systems conducted during 1997, 1999, or 2000. Weighted leastsquares regression analyses were conducted to assess crude and adjusted relationships between state-specific estimates of adolescent and adult smoking. RESULTS: In each crude analysis conducted, adolescent smoking prevalence was significantly and positively related to adult smoking prevalence. These relationships were attenuated, but generally persisted, after controlling for cigarette prices and strength of smoke-free air laws. CONCLUSIONS: Results support the premise that adult smoking influences adolescent smoking behavior. Funders and policy makers need to consider that an effe ctive youth prevention strategy may be to curb smoking among adults. Introduction Cigarettes are the most common form of tobacco used in the United States, among both youths and adults (1, 2). Interest in preventing adolescent uptake of tobacco use increased substantially during the early and mid-1990’s (3), as adolescent smoking initiation and prevalence increased (1, 4-9). This prompted considerable debate in the public health community about the relative merits of a youth or adult-centered tobacco control approach (10-14). A focus on youth has often been viewed by policy-makers as more politically palatable to the communities they serve; however, many researchers have argued that since the problem of tobacco affects people of all ages, effective solutions must do so as well, thereby favoring a more balanced strategy (10-14). An effective approach would target audiences in every age group, encouraging adults to quit without ignoring the reality that virtually all new tobacco users are children or adolescents. A considerable number of studies have noted relationships between parental and adolescent smoking (15-21). Bauman and colleagues noted that a key distinction in studies of parental and adolescent smoking was to distinguish whether the parents were current, former, or never smokers. When they made such distinctions, they found that the relationship between parental smoking status and adolescent smoking was as strong as that for peer smoking (16-17). Chassin and colleagues found that parental smoking cessation may help to lower the risk for adolescent smoking when the other parent was not a current smoker (20). Farkas and colleagues noted that the earlier parents quit, the less likely their children were to become smokers (21). To test the hypothesis that state-specific smoking prevalence for adolescents and adults would be directly related, we initially studied the relationship using data from the 1997 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (22). We documented a direct relationship, a finding also noted by Males (23). To assess this phenomenon more fully, we conducted similar analyses using data from  additional years and another surveillance system (the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse). Furthermore, because we recognized that cigarette prices and the strength of smoke-free air laws could influence both adolescent and adult smoking prevalences, we also studied the relationship after controlling for these important policy variables (2426). We hypothesized that the relationship between adolescent and adult smoking would be attenuated, but not eliminated, after controlling for these potential covariates. Methods Data Youth and adult smoking data for this study were taken from three nationallycoordinated surveillance systems: 1) the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS); 2) the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS); and 3) the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA). The YRBSS provides state-specific adolescent data on public high school students between the approximate ages of 14 to 18 years. For this study, we used the following measures of adolescent smoking from YRBSS: current smoking prevalence, frequent cigarette use, youth ever smoking, and youth ever-daily smoking. The 1997 and 1999 YRBSS define current smoking prevalence (current cigarette use) as having smoked on at least 1 of the 30 days preceding the survey, and frequent cigarette use as having smoked  on at least 20 of the 30 days preceding the survey. The 1997 and 1999 YRBSS define youth ever smoking (i.e. lifetime cigarette use) as having ever tried cigarette smoking, even one or two puffs (6, 27). The 1999 YRBSS defines youth ever-daily smoking as having ever smoked at least 1 cigarette every day for 30 days (27). Weighted YRBSS data were published for 24 states in 1997, and for 22 states in 1999. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) weighted these statespecific estimates to adjust for nonresponse and varying probabilities of selection. The data are considered to be representative of all public high school students (grades 9-12), in  the respective states. In our analyses, we only included data from states with weighted YRBSS data. State-specific sample sizes ranged from 1,325 to 8,636 participants in 1997, and from 1,248 to 7,125 participants in 1999 (6, 27). Standard errors for these weighted 1997 and 1999 YRBSS data were provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and were used to estimate variances for analyses. The BRFSS provides state-specific estimates of major risk behaviors among adults aged 18 years and older. Adult current smoking and adult ever smoking measures were included as independent predictor variables from 1997 and 1999 BRFSS data. In the 1997 and 1999 BRFSS, current smokers were those who had ever smoked at least 100 lifetime cigarettes and who currently smoked every day or some days. Adult ever smoking was defined by the 1997 and 1999 YRBSS as having ever smoked 100 lifetime cigarettes. We used adult BRFSS data from all states for which we also had YRBSS data, which were 24 states in 1997 and 22 states in 1999. State-specific sample sizes ranged from 1,595 to 3,596 participants in 1997, and from 1,633 to 5,011 participants in 1999 (28-29). The NHSDA provides state-specific adolescent and adult data on substance abuse for adolescents between the ages of 12 to 17 years, adults between the ages of 18 to 25 years (referred to below as young adults), and adults greater than or equal to 26 years (referred to below as adults). In the 1999-2000 NHSDA, current smokers were those who smoked all or part of a cigarette on at least one of the 30 days preceding the survey. Representative samples were drawn from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, with sample sizes ranging from 900 to 1,030 in 42 states and the District of Columbia, and from 3,600 to 4,630 in 8 states. About one-third of each sample represented each age category: 12 to 17 years; 18 to 25 years; and >= 26 years (30). State-specific estimates for price, as of November 1st of each year, were taken from The Tax Burden on Tobacco (31). The average price of a pack of cigarettes was constructed by using weighted averages for a pack of 20 cigarettes based on the prices of single packs, cartons, and vending machine sales, where the weights are the national proportions of each type of sale. These prices are inclusive of state level  sales taxes applied to cigarettes, but are exclusive of local cigarette taxes. Because the price published is as of November 1st, and because the surveys are conducted throughout the year, we created a weighted average annual cigarette price measure by subtracting state and federal excise taxes from the current year’s price and the previous/following year’s price and weighting the pre-tax prices accordingly. Average federal and state excise taxes for the whole year were calculated and added to the weighted average pre-tax price. Data on state-specific smoke-free air legislation were compiled to construct a smoke-free air (SFA) legislation index, using a multi-step process. In itially, these legislative data were taken from the American Lung Association’s ‘State Legislated Actions on Tobacco Issues’ (SLATI) system, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s ‘State Tobacco Activities Tracking and Evaluation’ (STATE) system. We then contracted with the MayaTech Corporation to validate initial coding, and expand upon our initial categorization scheme by incorporating legislative information on additional locations, such as schools, recreational facilities, and cultural facilities. The state-specific SFA index values were constructed from ratings given to each state, based upon the levels of restriction provided for the following 10 locations in 1997, 1999, and 2000: private worksites, health facilities, restaurants, recreational facilities, cultural facilities, retail/grocery stores, shopping centers, public transit, public schools, and private schools. SFA ratings were summed for each of these 10 locations, and additional weighting was given to 6 designated youth-oriented locations (restaurants, recreational facilities, cultural facilities, shopping centers, public schools, private schools), which were multiplied by 2 prior to summation. After the ratings were summed, 20% of this total SFA score was then subtracted for the existence of any state preemption clauses. The calculation of the subtracted preemption percentage was based upon the average estimated percentage of states with SFA preemption in relevant youth-oriented categories, as described in a paper by Chriqui et al (2002) (32). Preemption clauses prevent a local area, within a state, from enacting  smoke-free ordinances that are stronger or more protective than state smoke-free air laws. Statistical Analysis Weighted least-squares regression analyses were conducted using SPSS software. Regression analyses of adult smoking measures, as the independent predictor variables, on adolescent smoking measures, as the dependent outcome variables, were conducted  for BRFSS, YRBSS, and NHSDA data. Analyses with YRBSS data were conducted overall and by gender (male, female). All regression analyses were weighted by the reciprocal of the variance of the dependent variables. Average price of a pack of cigarettes and strength of smoke-free air legislation were included as potential covariates in adjusted weighted least squares regression analyses. Crude and adjusted beta coefficients were calculated and reported, along with standard errors, r-squared values, and statistical probabilities (p-values). Additional weighted least-squares regression analyses were conducted to further adjust for income disparity. These analyses did not produce noticeably different results for youth-adult data; therefore, income disparity was not considered relevant for adjustment. Results Table 1 presents crude and adjusted results from the weighted least-squares regression analyses of youth and adult smoking measures. In each crude analysis conducted, adolescent smoking prevalence was significantly and positively related to adult smoking prevalence. These relationships were attenuated, but generally persisted, after controlling for cigarette prices and strength of smoke-free air laws. Adjusted overall relationships for 1997 YRBSS and BRFSS data, between youth-adult current smoking prevalence and frequent use, were attenuated; but remained significant. This attenuated, but significant, relationship persisted among males for current smoking  prevalence (with borderline significance among females), and among both males and females for frequent use. Crude relationships between youth-adult current smoking prevalence and frequent  use were significant for 1999 YRBSS and BRFSS data, and adjusted relationships remained significant among females for current prevalence an d frequent use. Crude relationships for NHSDA data from all states and the District of Columbia were also highly significant for youth, young adult, and adult smoking in 1999-2000 (See also: Figure 1). Adjusted relationships for 1999-2000 NHSDA data also remained significant for all youth, young adult, and adult smoking data. Table 2 presents results from additional weighted least-squares regression analyses that were conducted to explore a possible relationship between youth and adults with respect to measures of smoking initiation. These analyses, using 1997 YRBSS and BRFSS data, showed a significant adjusted relationship between youth ever-smoking and adults ever-smoking at least 100 cigarettes. Analyses using 1999 YRBSS and BRFSS data showed significant crude and adjusted relationships between youth ever-daily smoking and adults ever smoking at least 100 cigarettes. Discussion These analyses were conducted to determine the relationship between statespecific estimates of youth and adult cigarette smoking prevalence, overall, and after adjusting for important policy covariates. In each crude analysis conducted, adolescent smoking prevalence was significantly and positively related to adult smoking prevalence. After adjustment, the adolescent-adult relationship was attenuated, but remained significant, for: 1997 overall and male current prevalence; 1997 overall, male, and female frequent use; 1999 female current prevalence and frequent use; and all age groups tested using 1999/2000 NHSDA data. Therefore, the relationships generally persisted after controlling for two important policy variables, price and strength of smoke-free air  legislation. Adjusted analyses, using 1997 and 1999 YRBSS and BRFSS data, also showed a significant relationship between the following measures of smoking initiation: youth ever smoking and adults ever smoking at least 100 cigar ettes; and youth ever-daily smoking and adults ever smoking at least 100 cigarettes. There are several limitations regarding these analyses. Results for the YRBSS/BRFSS data may be influenced by the relatively small number of states with weighted data used in analyses. There were 24 states with weighted YRBSS data in 1997, and 22 states with weighted YRBSS data in 1999. BRFSS data from 1997 and 1999 were only used for the same number of corresponding states with weighted YRBSS data in both respective years. The ecological fallacy may also be involved, since smoking behavior data were drawn and analyzed from state-specific population data. Other variables, such as relationship quality between adolescents and parents, may mediate the relationship between adolescent and adult smoking prevalence. Further research is needed to explore additional variables, which cannot be ruled out by these analyses, and may affect the state-specific relationship between adolescent and adult cigarette smoking. Results are consistent with the notion that adult smoking influences adolescent smoking. Findings are also consistent with parental literature, suggesting that youth behavior models adult behavior, and other research, suggesting that if adults quit youth may be less likely to smoke (16, 17, 19-21). These data support the belief that efforts to prevent initiation and promote quitting, among both adolescents and adults, would be included as key components of an optimal tobacco control strategy and an effective public health effort to reduce tobacco-related mortality and morbidity. An optimal tobacco control strategy would also include a component to protect non-smokers from  environmental tobacco smoke. Glantz and Jamieson have proposed that tobacco control efforts directed at adolescents and young adults need to also emphasize smoke-free air policies, which encourage smoking cessation among  youth, as well as adults (26). Research suggests that population tobacco control strategies that influence adult smoking, like price and smoke-free air, also influence youth smoking (33-38). Therefore, these strategies have a two-for-one effect. This lends further weight to the contention that reducing adult smoking is an important strategy to reduce the uptake of smoking among youth. Public health researchers have an important role in explaining why an emphasis on adult cessation is necessary, and why it does not imply any neglect of youth smoking. The public health response to curbing the tobacco-related health burden should be evidenced based, rather than simply popular. References 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Youth Tobacco Surveillance, United States, 1998-1999. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2000;49(SS-10):1-44. 2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Women and Smoking: A report of the Surgeon General. Public Health Service. Office of the Surgeon General. Rockville, MD. 2001. 3. Department of Health and Human Services. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 801, et al. Regulations Restricting the Sale and Distribution of Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco to Protect Children and Adolescents; Final Rule. Federal Registrar; 61(168): August 28, 1996. 4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance – United States, 1993. MMWR Surveillance Summaries. March 24, 1995/44(SS-1); 1-55. 5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance – United States, 1995. MMWR Surveillance Summaries. September 27, 1996/ 45(SS-4); 1-83. 6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance – United States, 1997. MMWR Surveillance Summaries. August 14, 1998/47(SS3); 1-89. 7. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Summary of Findings from the 2000 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse. Office of Applied Studies, NHSDA Series H-13, DHHS Publication No. (SMA) 01-3549. Rockville, MD, 2001. 8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Incidence of Initiation of Cigarette Smoking – United States, 1965-1996. MMWR 1998; 47:837-840. 9. Johnston, LD, O’Malley, PM, Bachman, JG. Monitoring the Future National Survey Results on Drug Use: 1975-2000. Volume I: Secondary School Students. US Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse. NIH Publication No. 01-4924; August 2001. 10. Myers ML. Adults Versus Teenagers: A False Dilemma and a Dangerous Choice. Tobacco Control. 1999;8(3):336-338. 11. Glantz SA. Preventing Tobacco Use – The Youth Access Trap. American Journal of Public Health. 1996;86(2):155-156. 13 12. Hill D. Why We Should Tackle Adult Smoking First. Tobacco Control. 1999;8(3):333-335. 13. McNeill A. Why Children Start Smoking: The Need for a Comprehensive Tobacco Control Policy. British Journal of Addiction. 1992;87(1):24-25. 14. Bayer R, Kiesig V. Is Child-Centered Tobacco Prevention a Trap? American Journal of Public Health. 2003:93(3):369-370. 15. Jacobson PD, Lantz PM, Warner KE, Wasserman J, Pollack HA, Ahlstrom AK. The Social Context of Adolescent Smoking. Combating Teen Smoking Research and Policy Strategies. Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press;2001:79114. 16. Bauman KE, Foshee VA, Linzer MA, Koch GG. Effect of Parental Smoking Classification on the Association Between Parental and Adolescent Smoking. Addictive Behaviors. 1990;15(5):413-422. 17. Bauman KE, Carver K, Gleiter K. Trends in Parent and Friend Influence During Adolescence: The Case of Adolescent Cigarette Smoking. Addictive Behaviors. 2001;26(3):349-361. 18. Bailey SL, Ennett ST, Ringwalt CL. Potential Mediators, Moderators, or Independent Effects in the Relationship Between Parents’ Former and Current Cigarette Use and Their Children’s Cigarette Use. Addictive Behaviors. 1993;18(6):601-621. 19. Chassin L, Presson CC, Todd M, Rose JS, Sherman SJ. Maternal Socialization of Adolescent Smoking: The Intergenerational Transmission of Parenting and Smoking. Developmental Psychology. 1998;34(6):1189-1202. 20. Chassin L, Presson C, Rose J, Sherman SJ, Prost J. Parental Smoking Cessation and Adolescent Smoking. Journal of Pediatric Psychology. 2002;27(6):485-496. 21. Farkas AJ, Distefan JM, Choi WS, Gilpin EA, Pierce JP. Does Parental Smoking Cessation Discourage Adolescent Smoking?. Preventive Medicine. 1999; 28(3): 213-218. 22. Giovino GA. Development of a State Tobacco Database for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s ImpacTeen Study. Presentation at â€Å"Tobacco-Free Future: Shining the Light,† the Fifth Annual National Conference on Tobacco and Health. Kissimmee, Florida; August 24, 1999. http://www.impacteen.org/generalarea_PDFs/giovino0899.pdf. 23. Males MA. Smoked: Why Joe Camel is Still Smiling. Monroe, Maine: Common Courage Press: 1999. 14 24. Chaloupka FJ and Grossman M. Price, Tobacco Control Policies, and Youth Smoking. NBER Working Paper 5740, 1996. 25. Taurus JA and Chaloupka FJ. Price, Clean Indoor Air Laws, and Cigarette Smoking: Evidence from Longitudinal Data for Young Adults. NBER Working Paper 6937. Cambridge: National Bureau of Economic Research, 1999. 26. Glantz SA, Jamieson P. Attitudes Toward Secondhand Smoke, Smoking, and Quitting Among Young People. Pediatrics. 2000;106(6):E82. 27. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance – United States, 1999. 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Chaloupka F, Wakefield M, Czart C. Taxing Tobacco: The Impact of Tobacco Taxes on Cigarette Smoking and Other Tobacco Use. In: Rabin RL Sugarman SD, editors. Regulating Tobacco. New York. Oxford University Press; 2001. p. 39-72. 34. Jacobson PD, Zapawa LM. Clean Indoor Air Restrictions: Progress and Promise. In: Rabin RL Sugarman SD, editors. Regulating Tobacco. New York. Oxford University Press; 2001. p. 207-245. 35. Fichtenberg CM, Glantz SA. Effect of Smoke-Free Workplaces on Smoking Behaviour: Systematic Review. BMJ. 2002;325(7357):174-175. 15 36. Wasserman J, Manning WG, Newhouse JP, Winkler JD. The Effects of Excise Taxes and Regulations on Cigarette Smoking. Journal of Health Economics. 1991;10(1):43-64. 37. Ohsfeldt R, Boyle RG, Capilouto EI. Tobacco Taxes, Smoking Restrictions, and Tobacco Use. NBER Working Paper 6486. Cambridge: National Bureau of Economic Research, 1998. 38. Wakefield MA, Chaloupka FJ, Kaufman NJ, Orleans CT, Barker DC, Ruel EE. Effect of Restrictions on Smoking at Home, at School, and in Public Places on Teenage Smoking: Cross Sectional Study. British Medical Journal. 2000;321:333-337.

Hypercompetition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Hypercompetition - Essay Example Creating and protecting a market position is beneficial if the competition is sparse, or the firm has a unique product that gives them supplier power. However, if a profit is being made on the product, it will attract competitors and innovators will find substitute products (Sull & Escobari 2004 p.15). It may take substantial resources through advertising and customer service to maintain a position in a fluid market (Day & Reibstein 1997 p.52). It may be easier to create a new opportunity than it is to protect an old position. However, new opportunities require resources. Amassing resources can be a definite advantage. However, the value of these resources may erode if other firms can easily acquire them (Day & Reibstein 1997 p.312). A firm needs to evaluate all its resources. Garelli (2006) states, "Competitiveness thrives increasingly on intangible assets that are difficult to value, to account for, to create, and to recover" (p.4). Firms can maximise their competitive edge by utilising their intangible assets as well as they can any other raw material. These resources may be easier to protect than a superior market position. However, in today's hypercompetitive market competitors are quick to take your intangibles such as innovations, employees, and market share. The The signs of hyercompetition are everywhere. In fact, competition has evolved from dirty tricks into criminal behaviour. Global firms such as Proctor and Gamble, Oracle, and Deloitte & Touche have been caught up in scandal in their underhanded attempts to undermine the competition (Grimm 2005 p.7). Competition in the US wireless market has left an industry in paralysis and the world of global products has produced an air of uncertainty (Sull & Escobari 2004 p.17, Woolley 2003). Still, most firms have learned to compete by integrating new strategies to supplement the tried and true theories on creating value. The restructuring of the global economy has demanded that firms not only take every opportunity, but they must create opportunity as well. The goal is, as D'Aveni says, "to upset the equilibrium of the industry, disrupt the status quo, and open opportunities for a new advantage" (1995a p.53). How does a firm reshuffle the product, the market, and the consumer to turn the situation into a competitive advantage To do so it is imperative that the firm understands the nature of hypercompetition. Hypercompetition is a concentrated effort by competitors to create and sustain market instability and to establish an uncertainty of economic conditions (Mittleman 2000 p. 16). By definition it is a rapidly changing environment where there is no long-term sustainability. Firms need to plan for short-term strategies. In D'Aveni's 7S's, he points out two necessary dynamics that a firm will need in a hypercompetitive marketplace; speed and surprise. (1995a p.51). A prolonged strategy of surprise will keep the competitors off balance and the firm will benefit from gaining momentum. Speed can be a valuable asset when getting a new innovation to market. With today's short product life span, the first to enter the market stands to gain. However, with shorter development time costs are driven up, quality suffers, and profits begin to wane (Gibson 1997 p.51). Speed to market may be a short-term necessity, but may not give the

Food science and nutrition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Food science and nutrition - Essay Example In this regard, experts have indicated a few reasons for such huge number of children in poor families. Specifically, some researches indicated that poor families are mostly unaware of family planning and contraception methods that result in a child every year. Secondly, poor families sent their children to work from very early age, and thus, a number of poor families plan childbirths to have a son that will work for the family. Besides, few experts indicate that women in African countries have high fertility rates (Maume, pp. 23-25), and a majority of families is poor in such countries. Additionally, families with more children are able to acquire greater funding from the government packages, and thus, they are willing to take risk of having more children despite of their deprived situation, and risk of child deaths. Starvation is one of the adverse outcomes of poor families; however, it is an observation that individuals in poor families are able to work harder, as compared to people from middle classes. In other words, body metabolism of poor individuals adapts and adjusts with the conditions of starvation. During starvation, or even during fasting, one can observe a rapid reduction in reserves of glycogen that results in the distribution of fat, as well as protein reserves in different parts of the body. In starvation, oxaloacetic acid produces glucose, and studies (Berek, pp. 717) indicated that enhancement in turnover of ketone occurs in the human body due to long-term starvation, and the body reduces production of various components that allows the body to store vital proteins additionally. Within few days, fat stores deplete in the body, and subsequently, body metabolism adapts on acquiring its fuel and energy from fat, and experts term it ‘carbohydrate economy’ of the human body (Berek, pp.

The Application of Such in the Nursing Context Research Paper - 7

The Application of Such in the Nursing Context - Research Paper Example The definition of additional [specialized] training in this context refers to the extra skills which one can go for. These can be twofold; either related to the nursing skills earlier acquired, or totally different from nursing. All in all these skills add up to make the nurse a better professional with added advantages when it comes to completion. These additional skills may be specializing in specific nursing sub-categories (nursing is wide), furthering their level of education, or learning side skills such as healthy living or business skills. The first additional skill that a nurse can acquire is directly in their related field, and that is simply by furthering their nursing knowledge beyond the basic training offered to nurses. Normally, a nurse will qualify to work after they attain a three-year nursing degree (Nazarko 17). Such nurses are general, that is, they do not have any particular specialities. They, therefore, perform the general roles of nursing such as caring for pat ients, instructing them on medical issues, providing personalized care, and all other practices of upholding good health. A nurse may, however, decide to further their nursing skills by pursuing higher certifications such as Bachelor of Science Degrees, then further into masters, PhD, or doctrines in nursing. Those who attain such certifications become ready to be absorbed into the job market, which is ever expanding in terms of higher-skilled labour. These qualifications place one above the basic entry-level nurse. Additionally, a qualified nurse may focus on other speciality options which are multiple in the offering.

Freedom of Information Act Question 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Freedom of Information Act Question 1 - Essay Example The third benefit is ensuring order in the firms that the information is to be accessed. The firms will ensure that the information is kept according to stipulated standards (Mark, 2011). The risks associated with the freedom do information are as the following. First, there are cases of bureaucracy in the process of preparing the information in an effort to meet the requirements. The managers are forced to prepare the information so as to see the desires of the different users of the information that it causes time wastage. The second risk is the exposing of the institution’s information that may be used by the competitors against the government. The users may also be exposed to manipulated information by the managers so as to influence their decisions. There is no platform that guarantees the quality of information provided by the firm. There might be cases where the firms provide the information that has not been scrutinized for relevance (Mark, 2011). For efficient functioning and administration of the act there is a need for few adjustments. The following are amongst the recommendations to make. First the one month limit of waiting for a response from the agency should be reduced to a maximum of twenty days so as to create efficiency within the system. A situation where more time is given those in charge always to relax that it causes higher costs to the firm which would have been reduced if a strict deadline if fixed (Freedom of Information Act guide & Privacy Act overview,1999). Another avenue is for the act to encourage the administrators of the different firms to make use of the social media platforms to post any relevant information. The social media has become one of the cheapest means of communicating among the different people in different parts of the world (Freedom of Information Act guide & Privacy Act

The Shawshank Redemption Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Shawshank Redemption - Essay Example Since the movie is an adaptation of the book, it has certain dissimilarities and differences from the book. Some of the major differences are discussed. These cinematic changes did not really change the flavour of the story and probably the adaptation was necessary to bring out the real essence of the story in the movie. The first difference was the arrival of new prisoners. In the movie, the old prisoners bet with each other on which of the new prisoners would be the one to break down and cry. This is not mentioned in the story though there is a short reference towards the end about "cry baby" inmates, and how Andy was not one of them. The second point of difference was regarding the warden. In the story, the money Andy has in Mexico is his own, which had been invested under a fictional name by Andy’s friend as Andy was being taken into custody, tried, and convicted. The story also does not talk about how he dressed up after climbing through the sewage pipe. Additionally in t he story Warden Norton resigns, rather than committing suicide in his office as the police are standing outside his door. While in the movie, it is shown that Andy kept a second set of books for the warden, in a locker in the wall, and he channelled all the money into another account under an assumed name. When he ran away from the prison (wearing a set of the Warden Norton’s clothes) this is the capital he used to finance his new life in Mexico. Also in the novella, at the time Andy was in the prison, three wardens were at Shawshank, while in the movie only one warden is shown. The third disparity was with respect to the oldest inmate, Brookes. In the story, the oldest inmate Brooks dies in an old peoples’ home. And the crow which is shown as Brooks’s pet in the movie is actually a pigeon. It is a pet of another inmate and not Brooks. In the movie Jake who is a pet crow belongs to Brooks who sets it free once he is paroled. After just a short span of time out o f Shawshank, Brooks commits suicide by hanging himself in his room. The movie does not show give any future reference about the bird but in the story the bird is found dead in the yard one week later it was set free. Continuing the discussion on difference in the literary, Andy initially uses Rita Hayworth’s poster to hide his increasing get away tunnel. He then uses Raquel Welch’s poster, and by the time he finally flees from Shawshank, he has Linda Ronstadt’s poster to cover the mouth of the tunnel. Additionally there were three other posters were also mentioned in the story, Marilyn Monroe, Jayne Mansfield and Hazel Court. In comparison, in the celluloid version of the story, Andy first poster is of Rita Hayworth and when he flees, the mouth of the tunnel is covered by Raquel Welch’s poster. In the novella Warden Norton rips down the poster without realizing there is a gap there while in the cinema, he pelts rocks and one of them tears through the post er, and that is how the getaway excavation is revealed. Further in the cinema the mean and nasty prison guard Byron Hadley is arrested in the same sweep that causes the warden's suicide; in the story, he has a heart attack and retires much before the escape of Andy. The last scene of the movie shows Red walking towards Andy who is working on a boat on a beach. The book ends after Red finds the message and cash from Andy, and is on his way to Mexico. In the story he hopes, "that Andy is down there" and he also hopes that he can cross the border

Book Report on Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui Essay

Book Report on Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui - Essay Example Instead of accumulating objects or bad emotions, Kingston urges her readers to free themselves from this wasted space and embrace a freer, easier way of being. She urges readers to reorder their lives and seek a new way of grounding themselves in reality. She suggests that his way of thinking is very easy to adopt and very cost effective. What did I think of this book? This is one of a thousand different lifestyle books out there in the marketplace. I didn’t find it very convincing and I found many of its ideas were just common sense dressed up as something supposedly special. While I agree with the general principle that people should not be packrats and collect junk that is useless to their lives and that the excessive accumulation of things can even prove to be a fire hazard, I don’t think that eliminating such things will radically alter a person’s lifestyle. People are who they are; most self help books simply suggest they make superficial changes without addressing the serious problems many people have. Most books like this promise huge life changes by doing one or two small things. People love these books because they are essentially lazy and lack an introspective spirit. They are always waiting around hoping to be told by the latest guru what they should do to fixed their messed up lives. Simpler, more appropriate advice would probably be: take a shower, work out, get a job. Cleaning up your apartment so that you’re not surrounded by empty pizza boxes and beer bottles is probably a good idea too. Opening up a window to clear the air is probably a good idea. This is common sense, not something a person should pay for or be told is expertise of some sort. The idea of not holding onto the past is also a frequent theme of self-help books. Once again, this idea is usually surrounded by a bunch of pseudo-scientific ideas like positive

Contemporary Study of the Impact of Standardization and Harmonization Dissertation

Contemporary Study of the Impact of Standardization and Harmonization of Accounting Standards - Dissertation Example However, the existence of dissimilar accounting practices can be a crucial challenge linked with the aforesaid procedure. In this similar context, ethical dilemma plays an imperative part in harmonising along with standardising the accounting standards as it concerns certain significant moral values that include honesty, reliability, durability and integrity among others. From research methodological viewpoint, both quantitative as well as qualitative research approaches have been taken into concern. Moreover, valuable data associated with this research study has been collected through the execution of structured interviews in the form of questionnaires that has been administered to the officials of the companies following different accounting standards like IASB and IFRS among others. Besides, hypothesis testing by utilising a statistical tool of correlation as a form of meta-analysis has also been considered for this particular research study. Table of Contents Abstract 2 Chapter 1 : Introduction 5 1.1Background 5 1.2Research Problems 6 1.3Research Aims and Objectives 7 1.4Methodological Overview 8 Chapter 2: Literature Review 10 2.1 Importance of Standardization and Harmonization of Accounting Standards 10 2.2 Advantages of Standardization and Harmonization of the Accounting Standards 12 2.3 Challenges of Standardization and Harmonization of the Accounting Standards 14 2.4 Role of Ethical Dilemma in Standardization and Harmonization of the Accounting Standards 15 2.5 External Influencing Factors to Support or To Oppose the Benefits of Standardization and Harmonization 17 Chapter 3: Research Methodology 19 3.1 Research Design 19 3.2 Data Collection and Evaluation 22 3.3 Ethical Consideration 24 Chapter 4: Findings 25 4.1. Benefit of Standardisation and Harmonisation to Its Users 25 4.2 Benefits Accordingly Achieved by Companies in the Recent Phenomenon 26 4.3. Role of Ethical Dilemma in Obtaining the Benefits from Standardisation and Harmonisation 29 4.4. Exte rnal Influencing Factors to Support or To Oppose the Benefits of Standardization and Harmonization 30 4.5 Hypothesis Testing 37 Chapter 5: Discussion 40 5.1. Reasons or Motivations behind Standardisation and Harmonisation of the Accounting Standards 40 5.2. Advantages and Challenges of Standardization and Harmonization of the Accounting Standards 43 Chapter 6: Conclusion and Recommendations 49 References 53 Bibliography 61 Appendix 64 Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 Background The perception of standardisation is fundamentally described as the process of creating uniform business methods throughout different locations or divisions. This particular concept tends to diminish the jeopardy of failure by consistently complying with the business related operational expenditures as well as the performance based objectives (Richen & Steinhorst, 2005). Relatively, the conception of harmonisation is commonly described as the adjustment of the inconsistencies or the differences prevailing amid var ious business policy standards, procedures, specifications and protocols (NSCA, n.d.). Contextually, the Accounting Standards (ASs) are primarily recognised as the specific guidelines which are duly authorised by the skilled professionals relating to any accounting, regulatory or government body. The ASs comprises the significant

Organisation Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Organisation Business - Essay Example Another trait which effects emotional intelligence is the gender, as women tend to be more social and empathetic than men whereas men are more self-regulating. Therefore, both of the emotional approaches have different kind of effects on the work individuals do in professional fields (Arteche, et al. 2008, 1). This aspect is discussed further later. A research by Adriane Arteche, Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Adrian Furnham and John Crump was done on the traits involved in Emotional Intelligence. Through this research, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) exposed a four-factor fundamental structure of emotional intelligence which showed high internal dependability and were, without difficulty, interpretable as mood, intrapersonal, interpersonal and adaptability, in line with Bar On. Furthermore, inter-correlations supported a higher order factor in self-assessed EQ-i, as stated by numerous other researchers (Arteche, et al. 2008, 3). Emotionally Intelligent Leadership The next research whic h was looked upon was the research done by Wendy Gordon (2010, 72) that goes deeper on the professional and personal level of the emotional intelligence. In her article, she tells us about how to reduce cost in USAF (United States Air force) and American Express by using the traits of emotional intelligence. In the research, she explains that better Emotional Intelligence means better leadership qualities in a person. With the arrival of Emotional Intelligence evaluation apparatus, companies especially considering the USAF and American express, now have the luxury of generating a methodically validated summary, showing them what behaviors would make up an effectual leader in their meticulous corporation or industry. Researchers at the Center for Creative... This essay stresses that emotional Intelligence is a strengthening factor for any employee in an organization. It means to be in control of one’s emotions and therefore being focused on the goal and clear about one’s course of action, without being impulsive. Somebody who is emotionally intelligent and handles a situation effectively in both rough and calm times would prove to be a great asset to any organization. This report makes a conclusion that personality traits play a big role when it comes to professionalism and emotional intelligence. Many qualities linked to transformational and effective leadership are also positively correlated to emotional intelligence showing that people who are able to control their and others emotions are more likely to be great leaders. Furthermore, it can be concluded that it is the responsibility of managers to manage their subordinates’ emotions in order to minimize their negative effects e.g. negative feedback should be delivered in such a way that the employee remains motivated for improved performance in future and chances of counterproductive behavior are diminished. Although the personality traits of male and female employees vary, it is established that emotional intelligence in a working environment is not determined mainly by the gender of an employee, but by their interpersonal skills while working in a team. Therefore, emotional intelligenc e is essential quality for employees, in order to have a healthy and professional environment for every person working in any organization.

What Are the Reasons for Students to Cheat During Examinations Essay Example for Free

What Are the Reasons for Students to Cheat During Examinations Essay In the 21st century, peoples are much concerned about the certificate. Nowadays, no matter what you want to work, you need a certificate. You can imagine how important the certificate are. Because of a certificate, students cheat during examinations. Firstly, the main reason for students to cheat during examinations is they desire to have a good grades. Most of the students who cheat during the examinations ordinarily have a lot of stress from their family. Especially for those who have brother or sister with good grades in exam. Because of this, they will force themselves to get a good grades in their exam. When they get stuck during exam, they will cheat. In similar, students cheat because of a good fame. When they see their classmates have a good grades in exam, they want this fame too, so they will cheat during examinations. Therefore, students will do anything to get a good grades, even cheating during exam. Furthermore, the second reason that make students cheat during examinations is they desire to have a high-paying job after finish school. Nowadays, students are living in the world who always need good grades and certificate. This make students to think that a better grades will lead them to get a high-paying job. For those who are lazy, lack of study and wanted to get a high-paying job, cheating will did by them during examinations. They don’t even think about when they have been caught cheating during the examinations, this will destroy their future and their personal reputation. Lastly, lack of high self-esteem is also a reason for students to cheat on their exam. Those students who have a high self-esteem will feel shame to cheat during their exam. They will think that they need to get a good grades due to their own knowledge but not to cheat on their exam. Conversely, for those students who have a low self-esteem, they will only value on the final grades but not depend on their own knowledge. They will cheat whenever is possible. This will lead them to a dark future. In conclusion, the reasons that make students to cheat on their exam are desire to have a good grades, high-paying job and lack of high-esteem. Cheat on exam is a very bad and dishonest habit, so, students should avoid cheating during exam and students need to be more hardworking in their studies, because work hard is the only way to lead you to success.

A Personality Self Evaluation

A Personality Self Evaluation In this particular instance the individual whose personality will be examined and evaluated is my own. To begin I will offer a brief overview of my personality as I see it, but this naturally comes with the disclaimer that my initial observations may be biased, especially considering that it is difficult for any person to view themselves objectively. From this point on I will also refer to myself in the third-person (i.e. the subject) to maintain a certain degree of distance from the evaluation. In general, the subjects personality could be described as having a cautious balance between extroversion and introversion. While the subject functions well in both social and isolated environments, he tends to become irritable or bored when forced to dwell in either extreme for too long. In terms of social settings, the subject displays an outgoing personality yet never seeks to dominate a conversation or room. He seems to be comfortable taking up a supporting role, yet will consistently be an active participant in any situation. There is perhaps a more serious side to the subjects personality as well. Especially in isolated or work environments, the subject tends to become quieter and immensely focused on the problem at hand. When looked at in succession, the subjects actions in these two settings seem to display a subtlety dual personality depending on the particular setting in which he is placed. This does not seem to be a faà §ade on any type, but rather the subjects ability to adapt, for a period of time, to any given scenario. This supports the initial conclusion that the subjects personality is fairly fluid and does not remain static over long periods of time. Yet these conclusions only represent a personal opinion of the subjects personality and it is necessary to consider the subject in the light of professional psychological theories. Perhaps one of the most well known theories of personality psychology is the Big Five, which bases its evaluation on five different factors. The first category is openness and within this realm the subject would fall on the lower end of the scale. While demonstrating intellectual curiosity, the subject does not show much interest in artistic or adventurous experiences. So while there is some degree of openness to new pursuits, the subject seems to limit his curiosity to a specific field, which lowers his openness level. The second factor of conscientiousness can be more easily attributed to the subject. In most situations, he will show a good deal of efficiency and display a degree of foresight/planning. While spontaneity might show a willingness to experience new things, the subject prefers to organize such things in advance. Extraversion is the social factor of the Big Five and, as described above, the subject seems to demonstrate both introversion and extroversion. With this in mi nd, the subjects personality falls roughly in the middle of this scale, showing both a willingness to be outgoing and a desire to be on his own. The subject falls high on the agreeableness scale, as he does not display a high amount of aggression in a social setting. There is a natural competitiveness to his nature, but it remains completely in check and is only applied to appropriate situations. The subjects personality shows a desire to be on good terms with those around him, and he does not purposefully judge his peers without reason. In terms of the final category, neuroticism, the subject is once again roughly in the middle of the scale. While he shows a good deal of confidence when entering a new situation, there are also particular instances that will easily anger him or cause him to become nervous. It is difficult to determine which extreme is brought up most often, but it is a fair assessment that the subject displays consistence confidence except for specific situation tha t draw out his ire or vulnerability. This is the basic evaluation of the subjects personality through the Big Five system, but it should not be considered the absolutely correct assessment. While the Big Five is highly regarded as a theory, there are also other beliefs about personality that offer alternate or additional information. Henry Murrays personality theory is one that is not based upon specific categories, but rather is centered on the belief that a persons personality is driven by what they perceive to be their needs and desires. When viewing the subjects personality from this type of perspective, several new conclusions could be brought up. In terms of the subjects life goals, it seems apparent that he does not plan on straying too far from the beaten path so to speak. The lower ranking on the openness level on the Big Five would support the desire of this person to pursue a career within societys norms. His interest in intellectual pursuits would dictate that his desire is to go into an academic or business oriented career. This specific desire would push his personality away from acts of extreme spontaneity or any element that would knock him off his chosen path. The subjects flip-flopping between extroversion and introversion could be based on his desire to occupy both extremes completely, but his inability to do so. As he feels at home in both a social and individual setting, the subject most likely has an innate desire for both situations yet is unable or unwilling to chose a particular lifestyle. The subjects decision to remain as a supporting member of a conversation or of a team could, in Murrays model, indicate a desire to be a part of a team. Rather than lead or risk exclusion by being too upfront with his personal opinion, the subject prefers to be an active yet subordinate member of a group. This could be construed as the subjects desire to conform, but that is too harsh of a judgment and the more accurate conclusion is that the subject has his own opinions and wants but prefers to address them subtly rather than aggressively. Murrays theory, especially when combined with the factors of the Big Five, help to offer a glimpse into the mind of the subject and why his personality has developed as it has. Seligmans theory of positive psychology can only add to the overall evaluation of the subjects personality. This theory looks at the specific aspects of a persons personality that are geared towards promoting a persons happiness, a component that is often overlooked when examining psychology. The subjects personality is very aligned with the pursuit of knowledge, which is considered by Seligman to be a basic part of human happiness. The subject chooses to continually better himself by learning new ideas. This promotes his own happiness by giving him a more educated and diverse view of the world. When combined with Murrays theory, it could be said that the subjects desire to be happy has pushed his personality to be intellectually curious as he recognizes on a subconscious level that these academic pursuits make him a happier person. This could also be applied to the fact that the subject is capable of controlling his baser emotions (anger, fear, etc.) so that they are not commonly vi sible. This shows a degree of self-restraint that allows the subject to exist within a comfortable and pleasant social setting. There are a variety of Seligmans factors of positive psychology that the subject has not had enough life experience to fully be judged upon (courage, humanity, etc.). Nevertheless he does have a personality that can be viewed through the lenses of positive psychology. There are aspects of the subjects demeanor that can only be explained when one considers that he acts this way in order to promote happiness for himself. When these three psychological theories/viewpoints are combined, one gets a much deeper understanding of the subjects personality. If one chooses to only use a specific theory, then there will be a much more shallow assessment of this person and the way he acts. By using these three distinct theories the evaluation was able to understand the basic factors of the subjects personality through the Big Five, gauge the subjects desires through Murray, and see how his personality is adapted to allow for maximum happiness using Seligmans positive psychology. All three are different approaches, but they can be combined and melded to allow for a well-rounded evaluation. At the closing of this paper, it seems appropriate to once again mention that this type of personality self-evaluation could be said to be extremely biased. They represent what I believe to be the most accurate assessment of my personality, yet it is often hard to judge yourself negatively or to admit any ulterior motives for the way you act. I have attempted to give the most fair and unbiased opinion as I could, but in the end, there is a reason that people are evaluated by outside psychologist/therapists rather than being left to their own judgments.

Human Resource Activities at McDonalds

Human Resource Activities at McDonalds Under this recruitment and selection policy, each restaurant is responsible to recruit hourly paid Positions and management recruitment department in East Finchley, London co-ordinates for recruiting the manager positions. McDonalds UK has own recruitment team who initially invite applicants for interview by assessing the online base exam. This team is working efficiently to find out right people with right skill at right time. McDonalds uses best method to fill their current vacancies such as Crew Member, Customer Care Assistant, Manager, etc. All vacancies are advertised on their own website, www.mcdcareers.co.uk . Also it recruits people by the help of local job centre and agencies. People, who interest to a particular position, have to create an account on this website after that by searching suitable vacancies he/she can apply by initial online psychometric test. This test procedure is an initial score. Person who cannot access the internet for them McDonalds has direct hotline. In this process suitable applicants are sent e-mail for interview and OJE (on job evaluation) at that restaurant where applicant applied. This assessment is being assessed for two days by Business Manager. Candidate, who successfully completes the OJE, is invited for final interview after that Manager decides whether or not to hire the applicant. Then all the successful applicants are invited for induction. On the day of induction person have to show documents that s/he is allow working in the UK according to Asylum and immigration Act 1996. And on this day employees are shown some video slide regarding McDonalds, which are given bellow. Job roles Food hygiene and safety training Policies and procedure Employee Benefits Training and development After that new employee are sent to restaurant to meet with trainee. McDonalds operates three weeks probationary period. In this time employees are assessed according to performance and are either retain or have their employment terminated. Objectives of Recruitments and Selection McDonalds recruits dynamic and talent people to meet with customers satisfaction and keep their reputation at high position. To fill up vacancies for running business. To ensure equal opportunity. Motivation and Employee benefits People are important resource of an organisation. Motivation is a process by which employees are influenced to achieve the organisational objectives. Nowadays experienced managers realise that financial reward cannot be the only kind of motivation because some people like money, some like personality. Management of McDonalds emphasise on three components to motivate the people such as financial, non financial encourage, and social policy. Maslows motivation theory includes all this factors. Maslow states that all the needs must be fulfilled one after another. McDonalds allows the all employees to participate in the decision making and Restaurant Manager select the employee of the month by assessing performance of the employee in a month then s/he is rewarded  £25. Also Manager inspires employees for working fast. Employee benefits are given below: Saving with employee discount: All employees get discount on purchase from over 1600 retailers in the UK. Maternity leave/Pay. Open door policy: Committed to all employees so they enjoy career with McDonalds. Crew room PC and internet facility. Every one opinion is valued. Objectives of Motivation To achieve the organisational goals. To get best service from employee. To recognise the performance of employee. Training and Development Each restaurant of McDonalds promises to deliver high standards of service and cleanliness to customers. Management of McDonalds believe that well trained employee can deliver these standards. McDonalds provides comprehensive training program for all employees. It allows the merit based promotion. Welcome meeting is the first stage of training. At restaurant crew trainers work shoulder to shoulder with trainees while they learn the operational skill necessary for running each of the 11 work starting in each restaurant, from the front counter to the grill area. All employees are developed by the effective training so that they can serve the customers quickly, operate equipments and learn McDonalds operational procedure. Most of the training at McDonalds is floor based or on job training because this procedure is very effective to develop them. People learn more and more likely retain information if they physically. McDonalds provides an initial training periods for all new employee, h ere every employee learn how they can develop their skills. Also it has effective crew development program. Also it has e-learning system for all employees. For e-learning employee can access www.ourlounge.co.uk. This company provides management develop program which are divided into four: a) Shift Management, b) System Management, c) Restaurant Leadership, d) Business Most departments in the regional office offer restaurant managers opportunities to second to work in the regional office. This gives experienced manager the opportunity to develop and learn new skills. Objectives of Training and Development To improve the performance of employee. To integrated with human resource management practice. To meet with current change. How human resource activities are achieved McDonalds achieves the above mentioned activities by its experienced, talent and dynamic restaurant managers. Still recruitment process of McDonalds is best in fast food world because of on job evaluation. Moreover, McDonalds provides on job training to develop the employees and allow equal opportunity to all employees for achieving the organisational goal. Theoretical models of human resource management Human resource strategy is generally behaviour based. There are lots of human resource models associated with such processes: The Fombrun, Tichy and Devanna model The Harvard Model The Warwick model Guests model etc The Fombrun, Tchy and Devanna model of HRM This earliest human resource management model is developed by Fombrun et al (1984). This model emphasizes the interrelatedness and the coherence of human resource management activities. In this model there are four key components: selection, appraisal, development and reward (Fig: 1). these four human resource management activities aims to increase the organisational performance. This model has been criticised as being too simplistic because it only focuses on four components. It also ignores stake holder interest, situational factors and notion of managements strategic choice. McDonalds follows all activities of this model to get best performance from employees. But McDonalds considers other factors, such as situational factor, stake holder interest and so on, to keep their position at top. The Harvard model This model was developed by Beer, Spector, Lawrence, Mills and Walton in 1984. This model contains six components; stakeholders interests, Situational factors, Human resource management policy choices, Human resource outcomes, Long term consequences and a feedback loop (Fig: 2). Stakeholder interest can persuade the employee performance. Situational factors are environmental factors which influence managements choice of human resource strategy. HRM policy choices emphasises that managements decisions and action take into account both constraints and choices. HR outcome identifies specific employee behaviours which are considered desirable including commitment and high individual performance leading to cost-effective products or services. There is a basic assumption that human being possess talents that are really used at work and that they show a desire experience growth through work. Long term consequences take three perspectives into account: The individual well being Organisational effectiveness Social well being The feedback loop reflects how HRM policy choices are affected by stakeholder interest and environmental factors and how both are influenced by HR outcomes. This model has gained some popularity in the UK but also some criticism in that it identifies desirable HR outcomes that may not have universal appeal as they generally assume an American view of success. Task 2 HR planning and development Traditional definitions and approaches to man power planning tended to delimit and define it as a central personnel activity which attempts to reconcile an organisations need for labour with available supply in local and international labour markets. In essence, manpower planners initially seek to estimate their current and future employment needs and, like the analogy sometimes made with the practice of navigation, uses scientific method in applying his knowledge and skills. Within the limit of equipment available, in order to establish first his position and then his best possible course and speed, with a view to arriving at a chosen destination by the most suitable route. (Smith 1976 : 16). Every organisation have own model for human resource planning and development. Strategy planning model is very important to keep the organisation reputation at best place and meet with the organisational goals. Here I would like to write about the planning models of a McDonalds restaurant. The basic HR planning model Here in this model (Fig: 3) steps 1 and 5 is strategic human resource planning. Restaurant Manager plans to achieve the organisational objectives. Under this model manager forecast and analyze feasible. And steps 2, 3 and 4 is operational human resource planning such as requirements of human resource and human resource program are designed around what organisational goal. This program analyzes the effectiveness and efficiency of initiatives managed by the human resource department including compensation, benefits, training, staffing etc. In McDonalds restaurant employees are very happy with various benefits example for employee discount card, holyday payment and so on. This model is very effective because all planning is designed for achieving organisational objectives. According to this model manager can analyze on probability of future requirements. The best fit HR planning model This model (Fig: 3) involves on new product line, developing staff, recruitment to meet with new objectives of organisation. McDonalds every year opening new branches in the UK. Managers of McDonalds may apply this planning model to perform their human resource activities. This is the unique planning model for human resource management, which covers all activities from installation of an organisation to its objectives. This model is very effective model for long term and short term human resource planning because it discuss on labour requirement, availability and feasibility. Forecasting demand and supply model In some cases demand and supply of human resources can be forecasted. Here demand means the number and character (abilities, pay levels and skills) of employees needed for a particular job, a particular time and a particular place. Human resource supply means the number of people who are available for particular job. In terms of McDonalds, there are lots of international student are working as a part-time employee. After finishing their study some students leave the UK and some students get post study work permit that is why McDonalds has employee turnover like other organisation. For this reason administration of McDonalds takes strategic planning to reduce employee turnover and recruit employees. According to demand forecasting administration predicts who will leave the job and create vacancies, which job will be eliminated and which one will be created. This model is very effective, if any organisation follows this model, it will not face with any problem about employee shorter. McDonalds may use this model that is why it can fill up vacancy at right time with right skills. Task 3 Performance Performance management is a part of human resource function and one of the key processes that helps the employees know that their contribution are recognised. Performance management is continues process of communication between supervisor and employee that occurs throughout the year, in support of accomplishing the organisational goals. This process includes clarifying expectation, setting goals, identifying goals, providing feedback and evaluating result. HR performance management at McDonalds Restaurant McDonalds has effective motivation system to improve the employees performance. At McDonalds restaurant performance management are operated by restaurant manager. In each restaurant manager is responsible for monitoring employees performance. This process is continues throughout the year, restaurant manager select employee of the month according to employees performance within a month. After that, employee of the month is awarded by restaurant manager. And he/she is given  £ 25 reward. And manager selects employee of the quarter. Then employee progress to operation manager. Moreover, manager arranges CSO (customer satisfaction opportunity) competition among different teams within the restaurant and among restaurant as well for monitoring performance. Furthermore, overall performance of restaurant is monitored by GAPbuster on monthly basis. Here, GAPbuster is a person who has good knowledge in the field of customer experienced management. In each month GAPbuster visits restaurant as a customer to check quality of food, how friendly the employee, accuracy of service, service time and cleanliness. According to these points GApbuster scores to the restaurant. This process is very effective because all employees within this organisation try to do best to be employee of the month and managers are always monitor the performance of staff to get 100 percent score from GAPbuster. Being a Crew Member of McDonalds, I know that manager and supervisor always communicate with all employees to know about their needs. In restaurant we work together as a team and manager always gives hands to any employee. In my opinion, if this process was weekly basis, performance of employees would be better than the current process. Conclusion Being a Crew Member of McDonalds restaurant in Archway, London, I found some positive activities such as employee relation, recruitment process, training system, motivation system and team work, at restaurant, which may keep the McDonalds at top position. Managers are very friendly with employees to solve any difficulty in work. Manager shares all things with the employees by arranged regular basis meeting. And restaurant manager wish the birth day to all employees and arrange party on various occasions. In short manager to Crew all work together to get customers satisfactions and achieve the organisational goals. Recommendation McDonalds always tries to do best for its employees. Yet, I have some recommendations regarding human resource management in McDonalds restaurant. It is seen that most of the restaurant managers have no first degree. McDonalds should recruit people, who have at least first degree on business management for manager post. Moreover, In the UK based McDonalds restaurant, employees ages less than 22 are given  £ 4.87 per hour and age 22+ are given  £5.82 per hour but all employees contribute same for McDonalds. My last recommendation, all employees should be given same wages.

Being Nice to Strangers :: Free Essay Writer

Being Nice to Strangers Throughout this literature class we have been reading stories of love & war, history & heroes, and Gods & Goddesses. This literature that has been introduced to us is about much more than that. It is about life. Everyday life. Our lives. If you understand the literature as it is meant to be understood, then you would be able to put yourself in the characters’ shoes. You would be able to relate with the choices they have to make, the feelings they feel, and the burden of society they have gone through. You are able to do so because these literature works are masterpieces, and masterpieces last forever. They aren’t just stories told only for the times when they were written, they are for all times: past and present. Even if it does take an educated person like Dr. Fajardo-Acosta to get the deepest meaning across to us, once you understand it, everything clicks. You think to yourself, "That’s like the situation I went through last week," or "That’s how I feel." And you begin to realize that these works pertain to you and everyone else. You realize that you aren’t the only one that has gone through something or that feels a certain way. Than you start to crave more. You want to learn, read, and understand more. I believe that deep down all human beings are good. Their ways or thoughts may be tainted but who are we to judge. That concept of judging others is very important in literature. Of course, you can’t possibly stop all judgmental thoughts but the key is to limit them and to realize when you are having these thoughts. We as humans are critical people of ourselves and of others. They way we criticize depends on what we have gone through so far in our lives. We think the way we do and perceive others by what has happened to us, whether it was good or bad. We are all conditioned to think the way we do, whether it is the religion you were born into or the experiences that you went through as a child that are stored deep down inside. Whatever it may be and whether you know it or not, they affect you and the way you think, act, and see other human beings. Let’s take Oedipus for example. As a child he was pretty much tortured and thrown into the woods to die.

Gathering at the River: Cruising on East Speedway :: Essays Papers

Gathering at the River: Cruising on East Speedway "Whither goest thou, America, in thy shiny car in the night?" -Jack Kerouac, On the Road Roll the windows down, turn the music up, and drive slowly. Now you're cruising. Cruising is the art of seeing and being seen, and in Tucson the center of this art is Speedway Boulevard. This six-lane street runs east to west through Tucson and is one of the busiest thoroughfares in the city. It hosts a mix of commercial and private buildings: small shops, offices, restaurants, grocery stores, apartment buildings and older homes, as well as the University of Arizona. Despite the apartments and occasional houses, Speedway is mostly a commercial street populated with strip malls and other businesses. Cruising is most visible along the more commercial, business-oriented East Speedway, which for the purposes of this essay is defined as the three mile stretch of road from Alvernon to Wilmot. Like most streets, Speedway was built for an entirely practical reason: to conduct automobile traffic from one place to another with a minimum of waiting. This utilitarian reason is inverted by cruising. The purpose of cruising, unlike driving, is not to arrive but to not arrive. Cruising is a social activity wherein the cars become tools for meeting other people as well as a means of getting from one place to another. The reputation of cruising, and of the nighttime Speedway, is not nearly so benign. As traffic slows and the music increases, the character of Speedway as a place - that is, a focus for human memory and experience - changes to reflect the activities and desires of the cruisers. The character of Speedway as a place is temporal and spatial; the street of Friday midnight is radically different from the street of Tuesday morning. Daytime drivers quickly change lanes in an attempt to find the one which will deliver them to their destinations the fastest. Speed and efficacy define the daytime Speedway. As the type of driver changes, so does the driver's reason for being there. The weekday commute is replaced by the weeknight cruise. The drivers also become, as a group, less diverse in terms of age and gender. The majority of cruisers appeared to be teenagers. Also, though I saw many young women, the majority of cruisers were male.

Magnetic Fluids :: GCSE Chemistry

1.1 PRELUDE: The phenomenon of ferromagnetism is associated only with the solid state of matter; like iron, nickel, cobalt and some rare earth metals and their alloys. Thus, up to now, there is no intrinsic homogeneous fluid having ferromagnetic properties; although, theories admit the possibility of ferromagnetism in the liquid state, and suggest that there is no inherent reason why they should not exist [1-3,5]. Ferromagnetism occurs when paramagnetic ions in a solid lock together in such a way that their spins all point (on the average) in the same direction . At a certain temperature this locking breaks down and ferromagnetic materials become paramagnetic. This transition temperature is called the Curie point (TC), which is invariably well below the melting point of the corresponding material [1,8,12]. 1.2 MAGNETIC FLUIDS: Magnetic fluids ( MF ) are stable colloidal suspensions of ultrafine ferro- or ferri- magnetic particles ( D100Ao ), coated with a surfactant like oleic acid, in a suitable liquid carriers such as Isopar-M, kerosene, decalin, etc., [1,2]. The idea of MF was put forward independently and almost simultaneously by several investigators. The first prepared MF was developed by Stephen Papell of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the early 1960s. After that, Ronald E. Rosensweig and his colleagues succeeded in formulating MFs that were 10 times as strong magnetically as Papell`s original MF [1]. The special feature of magnetic fluids is given by the fact, that they combine normal liquid behavior with superparamagnetic properties, as will be discussed later. The possibility of magnetic fluid control gave rise to the development of many technical applications in our everyday life [1-3]. Mixtures are classified into three kinds: colloidal suspensions, suspensions, and solutions, and one of the principal features that differentiate one kind of mixture from another is the size of the particles [6]. Colloidal suspensions (also called colloids) are mixtures that are intermediate between solutions and suspensions. Typically the radius of the particle is of the order 100Ao. Since this is much smaller than the size of a single magnetic domain in bulk solids, which is about , the magnetization of the individual particle is saturated, but the direction of the magnetic moment is subject to thermal agitation [1,2,5]. The particles used are commonly Fe3O4, Fe, Co and Ni. MF is a two-phase system with three components, which combines magnetic properties, carried by the solid magnetic fine particles, with fluidity of the carrier liquid.

Albee and Twain: Demystifying an American Dream

Albee and Twain: Demystifying an American Dream â€Å"What Happens to a dream differed? / Does it dry up / like a raisin in the sun / Or fester like a sore- / etc. And then run? / Does it stink like rotten meat? / Or crust with sugar over- / like a syrupy sweet? / Maybe it just sags / like a heavy load / Or does it explode? † ——– Langston Hughes American Dream was a term that first appeared in James Truslow Adams’s The Epic of America, where he states The American Dream is â€Å"that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position† (Adams, 1931) It is this land; Twain throws Huck and Jim to endure the hardships of life, to experience the thrown-Inness of being born into the world unprepared, without choice. Long considered as a â€Å"quest for freedom†, Huck-Finn essentially is as M. Cox puts it â€Å"a flight from tyranny, not a flight for freedom† (Cox, p172-173, 1966). Freedom is essentially a relative term, and freedom may manifest itself in physical and psychological realms. Half of the world still considers itself honored under the nomenclature of â€Å"The Commonwealth†, illustrates the limitation of physical freedom alone. One dreams in order to maintain that freedom, but as Schumacher put it, â€Å"The greatest deprivation anyone can suffers is to have no chance of looking after himself and making a livelihood†, depriving one of one’s existence and consciousness of being free. Kumar, p2672, 1991). Being a Post-American Dream novel, Twain did not go to the extent to overthrow the entire socio-political system to emphasize the impossibility and superficiality of American dream. Europeans found the dark lands flourishing with immense economical and religious opportunities. The idea was perhaps that opportunities could not be isol ated to lands, and certainly these â€Å"islands† cannot claim to provide equality and recognition to people of all races and creed, when its own socio-political apparatus is plagued with racism and lack of consciousness. With Huck and Jim, the racial discrimination prevalent in America was laid bare. Twain does not talk about conscience as a mode of judgment of human actions; rather he infused the transcendental viewpoint of intuition and innate human instincts as the basis of making choices. Conscience, which are essentially derived from society, the learned distinction between good and bad, contrary to black and white, are merely â€Å"false constraints upon natural behavior. Such constraint is what Huck rejects† (Burg, p303, 1974), something which is apparent when Huck says â€Å"always do whichever [right or wrong] come handiest at the time†. There can be no geographical location which can encompass this distinctness of human quality, to change with time as the instincts indicate may be not dictated or etched in law, and no moral order of society could circumscribe the complexity and vastness of intuition. We must not expect Twain to propound any moralistic view regarding the confrontation of races in Huck-Finn. Although set in the past, the novel peeps into the future and without dealing with complexities of master-slave psychodynamics, interprets the nature of ‘freedom’, something which seems to suggest that psychological freedom is hard to achieve in a night with such thing as an ‘Emancipation Proclamation’. If organizations like â€Å"Afro–American Unity†, â€Å"Society of African Culture† and resistance fronts like â€Å"Operation Breadbasket† and â€Å"Don’t Buy Where You Can’t Work† were all prevalent during even the late 1960s, suggesting the fact that the whole concept of American dream was unacceptable to most of the black Americans. The final chapter of Huckleberry Finn which is often considered as a â€Å"chilling descent† is not a flaw in architectural unity, but a denial of celebration of freedom which one would expect from Jim’s liberation. Twain deliberately de-romanticizes and trivializes the whole concept of freedom, since the idea of equality and opportunity was â€Å"White American†; the one who was aware of his past and ensured about his recognition, nativity of his own culture and tradition, the one who assumed the nationality of a land which captured. The slaves, who by now formed the consciousness of a community and not the citizen, was more concerned with their individual identity as Joanna Zangrando puts it â€Å"the quest for black liberation is a search for what whites no longer possess in full measure; a clear and purposeful sense of self identity† (Zangarando, p154, 1970). Jim’s never been and would never be free unless he acquires an identity like the slaves of the African culture did. A slave in Nigeria, would still be a Nigerian, while Jim, does not figure into that frame of nationality, and neither into that ‘dream’ which an ‘American’ saw. The concept of American Dream was built upon the pillars formed by the dislocated and reluctant hands of the slaves, akin to what the Romans did, and just like them, came down the fabrication of entire dream, devastated, stranded and lost. Nationality is not just one issue that can be talked about in reference to American dream. Societal dynamics function through interaction of power, authority and influence. It can well function without the aesthetic and poetic representation of human development. And in a society devoid of sustainable archaic references, financial status does become a determining parameter of individual growth. Although not implicit in the original idea of James Turslow, but economic influence finds its manifestation in the American dream of the common man. Such aspects find distinct voice in Albee’s works which revolve around the social fabric. The general view that â€Å"Edward Albee's plays are ferocious attacks on lethargy and complacency in American society† and â€Å"a savage denial that everything is just dandy† receives a nod from Albee himself (Albee, p8, 1961) and he goes on to confirm his own claim with Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, a play through which historicity speaks out for entire American civilization. How subjects receive names is also interesting. While George corresponds to the then president of United States and Martha being her wife, Albee certainly hits the nail on the head, illustrating a family whose life is drowned deep into the artificialities manufactured under in the social machinery. Near the end of the second act of Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf, George, the professor of history, is left alone onstage while Martha, his wife, and Nick are playing the preliminary rounds of â€Å"hump the hostess† in the kitchen. Attempting to control his hurt and anger he reads aloud from a book he has taken from the shelf, â€Å"And the West, encumbered by crippling alliances and burdened with a morality too rigid to accommodate itself to the swing of events must eventually fall† (II, 174). George is clearly encumbered with a crippling alliance in his marriage to Martha and does seem to be burdened with a kind of morality that makes it difficult for him to respond in kind to her vicious attacks. At the same time, this observation on the movements of history, read in connection with the events of George's personal history, is a splendid example of how Albee has managed to endow the events of the family drama with a deeper significance, suggestive of larger events and movements. Upon the historicity and it’s relation to American Dream, Holton writes â€Å"One of the principal myths on which this country was founded was the notion that America was a New Eden, a second chance ordained by God or Providence in which man could begin all over again, freed from the accumulated sin and corruption of Western history† (Holton, p47, 1973). With Holton’s comment, we move yet closer to the objective of this paper, that not only could the American become a New Adam and found upon the unspoiled continent an ideal human polity, but this new way of life and new order of society could serve as a shining example to redeem erring Europe from her own sinfulness. Such a dream was essentially impossibility in an imperfect world where multitudes dream their own dreams. Thus the majority of American historians, says David Noble, have been Jeremiahs, decrying America's involvement within the transitory patterns of European history and calling Americans back to their duties and obligations (Nobles, p4, 1965). With such a catastrophic dream at hand, the people of American couldn’t have gone far with the nightmare it was to cast. It was not unprecedented, as such a crumbling of social order already shook the British machinery where ‘The Angry Young Man’ was invented during the mid of twentieth century who looks back in anger and, shouts â€Å"I’d love to live too†¦ But I must say, it’s pretty dreary living in the American age† (Osborne, p9-14, 1954). This disillusionment and dissatisfaction with life and lack of recognition in society, was soon realized in America as well. In fact the three acts of the play titled â€Å"Fun and Games†, â€Å"Walpurgisnacht† and â€Å"Exorcism† may be said to illustrate the historic passage of American civilization; from innocence to guilt to madness. America which began as an un-spoilt continent, convinced that it was unique in human history to create a perfect society, just like the Germans once thought, in a race of differentiation, cut themselves from European tradition and history, in effect ‘killed’ its parents. But how can one neglect the parenting they once received in Europe, when memories transform into haunting, only by retreating into madness can one escape the vicissitudes of history. Again in the words of Holtan, â€Å"Both George and Martha indicate at various points that â€Å"back there,† â€Å"in the beginning,† â€Å"when I first came to New Carthage,† there might have been a chance for them. That chance was lost and now their â€Å"crippling alliance† exacts its toll from both of them† (Holtan, p48, 1973). Finally, what Johnson perceived with his panoramic eye while surveying â€Å"mankind from China to Peru† (Johnson, p50, 1749), acknowledging the universality of human behavior, holds true for any nation any â€Å"island† claiming to become land of opportunity. Freedom again is a responsibility, that functions under a collective consciousness of â€Å"being free†, consequently â€Å"whoever, in man's universal condition, chooses freedom chooses it for everybody† concludes Franz Adler (Adler, p284, 1949). Similarly an idea that negates the masses, devoids itself the potential of transformation into a phenomenon, its localization soon consumes its very presence with time. References: Adams, James, Truslow, The Epic of America, Simon Publications, 2001. Adler, Franz, The Social Thought of Jean-Paul Sartre, The American Journal of Sociology, Vol. 55, No. 3 (Nov. , 1949), The University of Chicago Press. Albee, Edward, The American Dream, Coward-McCann, Inc. , New York, 1961. Burg, David, F. , Another View of Huckleberry Finn, Nineteenth-Century Fiction, Vol. 29, No. 3, University of California Press, 1974. Cox, James, M. , Mark Twain, The Fate of Humour, Princeton University Press, 1966 Johnson, The Vanity of Human Wishes, edited by Harriet Raghunathan, Worldview Publications, 2004, New Delhi. Noble, David, W. , Historians Against History, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 1965. Osborne, John, Look Back in Anger, edited by Neeraj Malik, Worldview Publications, 2002, New Delhi. Schumacher, E. F. , Dilemmas of Measuring Human Freedom, Kumar, K, G, Economic and Political Weekly, Vol. 26, No. 47, Economic and Political Weekly, 1991. Zangrando, Schneider, Joanna, Zangrando, L. Robert, Black Protest: A Rejection of the American Dream, Journal of Black Studies, Vol. 1, No. 2, Sage Publications, Inc. , 1970.

Disabilities Websites: A review

Children and individuals with disabilities have unique challenges. Parental dispositions toward their special child are crucial to the child’s progress in their individual growth and development. Fortunately, great strides in researches and/or studies in a specific disability had been made and implemented in private and public sectors. The global internet community keeps abreast with the latest breakthroughs also. The following review of choiced websites has their own strengths and weaknesses as they try to be of help not only to the physically or mentally challenged themselves, but especially to their caregivers – the parents.Discussion A. Provide a brief summary of each website. 1. Blind website Features: Blind Resource center a. Information about blindness b. Newsletter for account members c. Education and development d. Independent movement and travel- workshops or seminars designed for greater independence and mobility. e. Sports, games, and travel Description/Disc ussion: This is considered a good resource center for families with a blind child or children. It provides current advances or innovations meant to enhance the capabilities and minimize difficulties of the blind.For the curious and the people who are just embarking onto becoming a volunteer or potential caregiver for the blind, the cyber site provides an introductory portion to describe what it likes to be blind, broad and specific definitions of blindness; some limitations that typify their experiences with life. Moreover, they provide rich resources for the blind individual including educational opportunities, workshops and/or seminars for improvement of their welfare; their adjustments with society at large. Comments/Recommendations:Children with this kind of disability will greatly be enriched with the resources of this website. Personally, in my own opinion, it has reached the minimum requirements for a website that somehow contributes to a certain extent, something to the targ et population. However, I should say that with regards aesthetic values, the website can do much improvement in enhancing its attractiveness with regards style. Although blind individuals are their primary clients, there many curious visitors who may visit them who will benefit from their resources and attractiveness in terms of web appearance are of great value.Secondly, I have not noticed a â€Å"BrowseAloud† component similar with that found in the NDCCD website, which is vital specifically for the blind person. Thirdly, for teachers who handle this kind of job, I think, the website should provide for such a category; not just for parents and the children with the disability. Teachers can still benefit from accessing the website though (http://www. blindchildren. org/). 2. Deaf website Description: American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC) Features: Resources a. Membership Privileges b. Convention c. Magazine d. Other resources: â€Å"1. ) Communication Access.We believe deaf or hard-of-hearing children are entitled to full communication access in their home, school, and community. We also believe that language development, respect for the Deaf, and access to deaf and hard-of-hearing role models are important to assure optimal intellectual, social, and emotional development. 2. ) Child. We believe there should be access to identification and intervention by qualified providers, family involvement, and educational opportunities equal to those provided for hearing children.The goal should be to provide children what they need in order to become self-supporting and fulfilled adults. . ) Parent. We affirm that parents have the right and responsibility to be primary decision-makers and advocates. For this role, parents need education, access to information, and support. † Description/Discussion: This is a good website with various features both for the parents and the deaf child with different features as promoted by the website such as standard me mbership privileges, and convention/workshops. Comments/Recommendations: In terms of its features, the website still lacks a lot of amenities, like more activities for the deaf child.Although, â€Å"physical appeal† is already evident in the way people behind the web had put their efforts into, there are still rooms for improvement. It looks simple and a lot more resources for parents should be added. Recommended for teachers with students who have hearing disabilities, although with some limitations because the primary recipients are only for the parents and their children with the disability (http://www. deafchildren. org/)National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities. Features: a. Multilingual b. Provision of a â€Å"BrowseAloud† text reader. . Government policies update on disabilities d. Other Government funded resources and researches Description: Excellent resource for the parents and children with a variety of disabilities, especially with its â €Å"BrowseAloud† text reader, accessibility for those with disabilities is enhanced. Provision for funding and update of government projects toward the disabled is also posted periodically in the website. This is important for people/parents or families concerned, and also for advocates. Teachers can benefit a lot from the website. Comment/Recommendation:Understandably, this is one website that many concerned parties are significantly benefited, hence, highly recommended to the curious and those who need resources for research, etc. There is still room for upgrading and development though when it comes to attractive appeal and other resources. The website should provide more pictures and activities update. B. Compare and contrast the 3 selected websites. Given the description and comments, obviously, the third website is the most advanced or developed from among the three where the criteria on appeal, resources for concerned parties are concerned (http://www. ichcy. org/(Nati onal Dissemination Center for Students with Disabilities).Discuss what you found to be relevant and useful to you as a teacher and what you did not. As a teacher, the first two websites are more basic, while the third can be classified as more advanced than the first two; hence I derive much help and assistance in terms of my professional objectives in career and educational requirements from the NDCCD website. I highly recommend the NDCCD website to my colleagues. They will profit from the three websites, but especially in the NDCCD cyber net compared to the other two.