Bilingual Versus Dual Curriculum Instruction Essay

Bilingual Versus Dual Curriculum Instruction - Essay Example The essay "Bilingual Versus Dual Curriculum Instruction" talks about the history of bilingualism in education which can be categorized into four major stages: permissive, restrictive, opportunist and dismissive. Prior to the arrival of the European immigrants, United States was home to a variety of native languages, and after the advent of foreign immigrants into the country, the number of languages spoken within its territory increased to approximately two hundred. Throughout the nineteenth century till the beginning of the First World War, the existence of such diverse languages was commonly assimilated throughout the country. Language diversity was acknowledged as the custom and promoted via religion, print media such as publishing of newspapers in diverse languages, as well as using education as a tool to promote language use. Evidence of such permissive period in the history of bilingual education in the country can be found in the various schools which exist throughout the United States. During the early nineteenth century, the government endeavored to suppress certain indigenous communities such as the Indians, by laying out regressive policies which sought to restrict them to their reservations. Furthermore, several institutions, such as the American Protective Association, were established which strongly encouraged an English-only system of education. The Immigration Restriction Leagues was established during the same period, which aimed at eluding the immigrants from entering the U.S.

John Dewey Essay Example for Free

John Dewey Essay Synopsis John Dewey was born October 20, 1859, in Burlington, Vermont. He taught at universities from 1884 to 1930. An academic philosopher and proponent of educational reform, in 1894 Dewey started an experimental elementary school. In 1919 he cofounded The New School for Social Research. Dewey published over 1,000 pieces of writings during his lifetime. He died June 1, 1952, in New York, New York Early Life John Dewey was born on October 20, 1859, to Archibald Dewey and Lucina Artemisia Rich in Burlington, Vermont. He was the third of the couple’s four sons, one of whom died as an infant. Dewey’s mother, the daughter of a wealthy farmer, was a devout Calvinist. His father, a merchant, left his grocery business to become a Union Army soldier in the Civil War. John Dewey’s father was known to share his passion for British literature with his offspring. After the war, Archibald became the proprietor of a successful tobacco shop, affording the family a comfortable life and financial stability. Teaching Career The autumn after Dewey graduated, his cousin landed him a teaching job at a seminary in Oil City, Pennsylvania. Two years later, Dewey lost the position when his cousin resigned as principal of the seminary. After being laid off, Dewey went back to Vermont and started teaching at a private school in Vermont. During his free time, he read philosophical treatises and discussed them with his former teacher, Torrey. As his fascination with the topic grew, Dewey decided to take a break from teaching in order to study philosophy and psychology at Johns Hopkins. George Sylvester Morris and G. Stanley Hall were among the teachers there who influenced Dewey most. Upon receiving his doctorate from Johns Hopkins in 1884, Dewey was hired as an assistant professor at the University of Michigan. At Michigan he met Harriet Alice Chipman, and the two married in 1886. Over the course of their marriage, they would give birth to six children and adopt one child. Philosophy Dewey’s philosophical treatises were at first inspired by his reading of philosopher and psychologist William James’ writing. Dewey’s philosophy, known as experimentalism, or instrumentalism, largely centered on human experience. Rejecting the more rigid ideas of Transcendentalism to which Dewey had been exposed in academia, it viewed ideas as tools for experimenting, with the goal of improving the human experience. Dewey’s philosophy also claimed than man behaved out of habit and that change often led to unexpected outcomes. As man struggled to understand the results of change, he was forced to think creatively in order to resume control of his shifting environment. For Dewey, thought was the means through which man came to understand and connect with the world around him. A universal education was the key to teaching people how to abandon their habits and think creatively. Education Reform John Dewey was a strong proponent for progressive educational reform. He believed that education should be based on the principle of learning through doing. In 1894 Dewey and his wife Harriet started their own experimental primary school, the University Elementary School, at the University of Chicago. His goal was to test his educational theories, but Dewey resigned when the university president fired Harriet. Writing Dewey wrote his first two books, Psychology (1887) and Leibniz’s New Essays Concerning the Human Understanding (1888), when he was working at the University of Michigan. Over the course of his lifetime, Dewey published more than 1,000 works, including essays, articles and books. His writing covered a broad range of topics: psychology, philosophy, educational theory, culture, religion and politics. Through his articles in The New Republic, he established himself as one of the most highly regarded social commentators of his day. Dewey continued to write prolifically up until his death. Later Life and Death In 1946, Dewey, then 87, remarried to a widow named Roberta Grant. Following their marriage, the Deweys lived off of Roberta’s inheritance and John’s book royalties. On June 1, 1952, John Dewey, a lifelong supporter of educational reform and defender of rights for everyman, died of pneumonia at the age of 92 in the couple’s New York City apartment.

Pestle Analysis Of The Beer Industry Economics Essay

Pestle Analysis Of The Beer Industry Economics Essay This report examines two organizations operating in the same industry, and their responses to the environment during the period 2007 to 2009. Heineken N.V (Heineken or the company) operates internationally through a global network of distributors and breweries. The company is one of the leading brewers that owns and manages a portfolio of more than 200 varieties of international premiums, regional, local and specialty beers. It owns or joint ventures 125 breweries and distributors in over 70 countries in five geographic segments: Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. It is headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and employs about 55,301 people. SABMiller is similarly engaged in the production and distribution of beer, malts and carbonated soft drinks. Its brands include international premium beers and the company primarily operates in the Americas, South Africa and Europe. It is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom (UK) and employs about 68,635 people. The companys markets its products in both the developed economies in Europe and North America to emerging markets such as China and India. SABMiller is also one of the largest bottlers of Coca-Cola products in the world. SABMillers operations segmented across beer manufacturing and soft drinks business and also has brewing interests or distribution agreements across six continents. This report critically analyzes Heinekens financial performance compared with one of its many competitors, SABMiller and examines the market conditions and economic statistics during the period 2007 to 2009. 2. ECONOMIC OVERVIEW In the report entitled Emerging or Developed Markets which will lead global economic recovery? by SABMiller Globalization Debates, it was concluded that Western developed economies will be the hardest hit by the current economic slump. The report confirmed that major nations and regions would emerge from this slump by the first or second half of 2010. The Middle East was expected to be the first to recover, followed by China and India. Canada is the highest place of the developed nations, in fourth. The United Kingdom (UK) and Italy were expected to be last to emerge into recovery. Heineken N.V. Heineken N.V. in its first trading update in 2009 made the following statement, The global economic downturn, bad weather and smoking bans caused global beer sales volumes to drop 6.3 percent in the first three months of 2009. However, better selling prices largely compensated for lost volumes, yielding a revenue decline of only one percent. In the first quarter of 2009, revenue increased 24 percent compared with the first quarter of 2008 owing to first-time consolidations and better pricing. This was partly offset by the financial impact of lower volume and unfavourable exchange rate fluctuations. Organically, revenue decreased one percent. Beer sales volumes declined across West European markets, while in Africa and the Middle East volumes grew. Organic volume was adversely impacted by a combination of factors, including the global economic downturn, unfavourable weather, the continued effect of smoking bans, distributor destocking, excise duty increases and selling price increases, Heineken said. Given this scenario, the company focused in 2009 on initiatives to reduce debt and costs, and improve the performance of newly acquired companies. In February 2009, Heineken announced a 74 percent drop in 2008 net profit but said it remained optimistic, as beer consumption was relatively resilient in hard economic times. The exceptional economic circumstances required Heineken to reduce the value of goodwill in Russia, their investment in India and the pub portfolios in the United Kingdom (UK). In Malaysia, consumer confidence reached an all-time low and with that Malaysians became the worlds third greatest savers, with more than half choosing to cope with rising costs by cutting down on their spending. Heineken in recognizing its challenges recommitted to utilizing its global marketing excellence to build its key brands across all markets and to maintaining, or where possible improving, its price positioning. SABMiller SABMiller, its competitor also reported, in a trading update, a dip in global beer volumes for  its fourth quarter of 2009, reflecting the impact of the economic downturn in its markets across Eastern Europe, Latin America and Asia. Compared to a similar basis, beer sales by volume  were flat for the 12 months to the end of March 2009 and fell by 1% in the final quarter of the year. Beer volumes on a non-comparable basis rose by 2% for the year of 2009. Beer sales suffered in the fourth quarter of 2009 due to the effects of the global economic downturn on consumer spending, the UK-listed brewer said. It added, however, that full-year sales revenue rose by high single digits, due to beer price rises, and that trading for the year of 2009 was in-line with the companys expectations. In 2009, Eastern Europe proved particularly difficult for SABMiller. Like-for-like beer volume sales in Russia fell by 7%, due to wholesalers running down their stocks amid weakening consumer confidence, although volumes were flat in the fourth quarter. SABs volumes also fell by 4% in Czech Republic for the year. Volumes rose by 18% in Romania, but slowed significantly in the second half, the brewer said. In other markets, China reported a 4% rise in beer volume sales for the year, despite a weakening economy and the earthquake in 2008 in Sichuan province, one of SABs strongholds in the country. China saw double-digit growth in the fourth quarter. SABMillers ability to contribute its business profitability was largely due to the impact of its business in Latin America and in the United States where it performed reasonably well. 3. THE BEER INDUSTRY 1The saturation of traditionally thriving beer markets such as North America and Europe has driven the consolidation of the industry. Major brewers have sought growth through strategic mergers and acquisitions, which has reorganized the industry and strengthened the market positions of the industrys largest brewers. Expansion into key emerging markets has become a strategic priority for leading firms, who are now competing for market share in several important regions of the world (Hutter, pg. 1). China In 2003 China eclipsed the US as the worlds largest beer market. Although China has low unemployment levels and growing urban centres, it is seen as the worlds next big consumer market. The local beer industry is firmly established and contains approximately 300 brewers (Slocum, et al. p. 35), à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨primarily supplying the urban coastal areas. Many multinational firms have invested heavily in the Chinese beer market and although there is a threat of overà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ saturation, relatively low perà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨capita consumption levels indicate that this market has room to grow. India 1India is one of the worlds fastest growing consumer markets. A rapidly growing population, an emerging middle class with rising perà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ capita incomes and blossoming urban centers make India a powerful emerging market. India has an established local beer industry and although perà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ capita consumption is low, as the country becomes more westernized younger generations have the potential to be highà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ volume consumers. However, regionalism, political unrest and the potential for growing pains temper this markets attraction. South Africa South Africa is one of the fastest growing beer markets in the world. This region has an active domestic brewing industry and a population of high perà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ capita beer consumers. Favorable agricultural conditions exist for harvesting beer ingredients and consumer tastes are shifting from sorghumà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ based beer toward Westernà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ style products creating growth opportunities for light beer and specialty brewers. However, SABMiller, one of the largest brewers in the world has roots in South Africa and has a strong market position there. Opportunity still exists in this market for brewers keen on pursuing a market thirsty for western imports. South Africas beer market provides an attractive investment opportunity for a multinational firm looking to capitalize on this regions high perà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ capita consumption and changing, westernized, tastes. Russia Latin America 1The early 2000s saw booming beer consumption rates in Russia, which spurred a flurry of foreign investment, but a subsequent slowdown and strict government regulations have driven this markets costs up. Russias longà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ standing preferences for spirits have waned and beer is now more ingrained in the culture, but brewers must now find opportunity in the higherà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨margin specialty markets. Latin America is an active beer market with high growth potential, largely driven by growth in key demographics, a favorable farming climate, Brazils developing economy and Mexicos high levels of beer consumption. Supporting Data Figure 1.1 shows that China surpassed the US as the worlds larges beer market in 2003. However, as Figure 1.2 demonstrates, the country has relatively low perà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ capita consumption rates suggesting that Chinas growth has been driven by its massive population. Whether this unique dynamic limits growth or represents significant room for growth will be a key factor in Chinas future strength as a beer market. Figure 1.3 demonstrates recent general population growth trends for the key growth demographic of 15à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ 34 yearà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ olds. Asia and Latin America have shown significant growth while the US and Western Europe haveà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨ demonstrated flat or negative growth rates. This is further evidence that the key growth opportunities in theà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨ brewing industry are primarily in emerging markets, rather than traditional established markets. 3.1 PESTLE ANALYSIS ON THE INDUSTRY PESTLE is the Political, Economic, Sociological, Technological, Legal, and Environmental factors that describes the macro-environmental factors used in the environmental scanning component of strategic management. The following factors demonstrates: Political (includes Legal) The beer brewing industry is one that faces a large amount of government regulation. A cause for the large amount of regulation is due to the fact that in some areas brewers can be regulated by the federal government, state governments, and localities. The federal government has seven different areas of regulation relating to the beer industry. The area relating to breweries and beer production is the one that affects the beer brewing industry. The government agency that is responsible for regulating this industry is the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. The bureau has issued regulations regarding brewing of beer that include restrictions on the location, use, construction, and equipment of breweries, as well as laws pertaining to the qualification of breweries and their issuance of bonds and consents of surety. Beer breweries also face brewing process regulations include mandatory approval of the formula and process for domestic flavored beers, such as lambics, and requirements for the measurement of beer. In addition, federal law imposes a special occupational tax (SOT) on all brewers. Breweries also face state regulations that vary according to each individual state in which they are located. The government regulations that breweries face help to prevent barriers to entry for potential firms considering entry into this industry. This is a benefit to the firms currently in the industry as it promotes an environment that is conducive to sustainable profits. Economic The Scope of competitive rivalry is one the best ways to identify the economic characteristics of any industry; with the beer industry the scope entails the global geographic area over which most of the leading brewing leaders compete. Penetration in the foreign market arena is becoming a key success indicator for most of the competitors in the beer industry. The market size of the beer industry is incredible. As you can see, this is a very large industry, which provides many jobs, and the market consists of many competitors, some being very large and some operating on a very small scale. The competitive rivalry is broken up into three segments, National, Regional, and Microbrewers. National competitors have wide market coverage and generally a large company. Regional competitors are smaller than National in the fact that they only distribute in certain regions. Microbrewers are the smallest of the three because their size and capacity limit them to only distribute to small geographic areas. The market growth rate of the beer industry is perplexing. Economies of scale are defined by Porter as the declines in unit costs of a product as the absolute volume per period increase (Porter 7). Therefore the greater quantity of a product that is produced the lower the cost of each will be to the producer. This creates an advantage for a high volume producer like those seen in the brewing industry. Economies of scale in the brewing industry also exist in areas other than in production and these include purchasing, distribution, and advertising. For example, national brewers achieve economies of scale in advertising through bulk media purchases and umbrella brand marketing. Local-craft brewers spend more than twice that spent by large brewers on marketing and advertising per barrel. Social Cultural Issues Throughout history there has consistently been opposition to the sale and use of alcohol. This opposition to the use of alcohol traditionally stemmed from a moral or religious opposition to the consumption of alcohol. Today however, increasingly it isnt a moral or religious reason that prompts this opposition; its the negative medical effects that abuse of alcohol has been shown to have on the human body. Society is also feeling the effects of alcohol abuse; it is because of this that Sin Taxes have been levied on alcohol, as an attempt for government to find a ways and means to profit from the sale and consumption of alcohol. Technological New harvesting and production technologies must be identified to increase process efficiency and ensure continued growth. Environmental The beverage industry is extremely competitive, with private labels greatly influencing the environment. In developing markets, the consumption of beer has fluctuated due to changing beverage preferences and relatively slow population growth among key demographics. Brewers must seek growth in developing countries such as India, China, South Africa and others, where global middle class is rapidly emerging. Therefore, players in the beer industry should look for ways to reinvent themselves in attracting the younger generations by responding to varying tastes and a wide range of products. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨ 4. FINANCIAL ANALYSIS The years selected for review were 2007, 2008 and 2009. The outlook of these three years provides a perspective on general developments in the international beer industry, their effects on Heineken and SABMillers position, its profit forecast and its capital investment. It examines some key financial ratios, analyzing its profitability and liquidity making a comparison between Heineken and its competitor, SABMiller. The factors, which were used by the company, are contained in the report to shareholders by the Chairman and the Chief executive Officer and it is this report that provides the basis for our review. The analysis of operating ratios is seen in Appendix I and II. 4.1 The Chairman Chief Executive Officer Overview for 2007 2009 4.1.1 Heineken N.V. 2007 According to the review, 2007 was an outstanding year because of the following: The company achieved cost reductions New profit grew by 22.6% Beer volumes increased by 6.5% Premium segment increased by 10% Strategic acquisition Building leadership and; There was focus on selective opportunities For 2007, Heineken continued to benefit from their ability to extract value from their mature markets. In May of 2007, Heineken renewed the sales and marketing agreement in the USA for a further ten years which would significantly impact the growth segment in the US markets and secondly, they regained control of the Amstel brand in South Africa and decided to construct a brewery there. Performance for their Central and Eastern European (CEE), African and Asian markets were considered outstanding given the state of the market and showed signs of growth in profit and volumes. Consolidated volumes grew by 9 percent and earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) (beia) rose by 22 percent. With an 18 percent volume growth and 41 percent EBIT increase, Africa and Middle East region was again consistent in rowing both its consolidated volumes and EBIT (beia) and their Asia Pacific region continued its positive growth in volumes, revenue and profitability. Heinekens strategy continued to focus on ensuring that environmental and social sustainability remained high on their agenda. They strengthened their existing commitment to responsible consumption activities in partnership with their employees, the industry and third parties in order to play an active role in addressing alcohol misuse. They continued to maintain their focus on meeting the environmental and safety targets that they have set for themselves an invested in their people and business resources. 2008 2008 was considered a unique year, there was large-scale industry consolidation, a global slowdown in category growth, significant increase in input cost and cost pressures and above all, an unprecedented economic crisis. Heineken managed to maintain in this environment a strong organic growth in net profit of 11 percent, revenue growth of more than 27 percent and 16 percent increase in group volume. However, goodwill in Russia had to be reduced due to the economic circumstances as well as their investments in India and the pub portfolios in the United Kingdom. Heineken entered 11 new markets and completed the largest acquisition in their history in 2008. They attained leading positions in 59 of their 66 markets, none of which accounts EBIT (beia) for more than 10 percent. The economic downturn impacted significantly on the performance in UK and a combination of other factors such as smoking bans, excise duty increased and adverse exchange rates. In this regard, Heineken reduced costs significantly, restructured parts of their business and improved pricing in order to increased the efficiency and profitability of the UK business. Heineken continued to focus on increasing their value share in all markets by increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of their marketing investments. They also focused on reducing their debt levels and introduced a company wide program aimed at restoring their cash conversion rates to more than 100 percent by 2011. 2009 In 2009, the company focused on a creating a more globally competitive business as a number of beers showed a reduction in sales in 2008 because of the economic slowdown. Transformation occurred and focus moved to growing their brands and value share in critical markets, leveraging their leadership position and developing specific action plans to grow and strengthen their business and the category. Heineken also looked at ways to accelerate their investment in consumer focused innovation. 4.1.2 Results of 2007 2009 ACTIONS In summary, an overview of the period 2007 to 2009, will indicate that Heineken was one in which the company found its market place affected by a number of very challenging events and it responded through various interventions. At the end of the period the company was transformed and able to survive. The operating profit margin declined over the years, 2007 to 2009. Although there was a decline in operating profit, Heineken is still effective in controlling its cost and expenses associated with its business operations. After reviewing its financial statements net profit continues to grow well ahead of their forecast as beer volumes continue to grow. From 2007 to 2009, cash flow from operating activities continue to improve mainly due to: Cash flow from operations before changes in working capital and provisions increased Decrease in working capital; resulting in a positive contribution to cash flow Decrease in cash flow used in operational investing activities as a result of reduced CAPEX. Heinekens net profit has grown over the years with an increase of 11 percent between 2007 and 2008 and a further increase of 18 percent from 2008 to 2009. Despite the economic downturn, Heineken experienced the highest number and value of new acquisitions ever, however, the economic situation impacted the value of certain assets and investments, it affected foreign translation reserve, hedging reserve in equity and also impacted other net financing expenses significantly. Revenues increased over the years showing a 27.3 percent between 2007 and 2008 and a 2.7 percent between 2008 and 2009. However there was a fall in beer volumes in 2009 due to the economic environment and excise duty increases. This is reflected in the decrease in the operating profit margin. The return on equity ratio had a significant decline between 2007 and 2008. This impact came about as a result of the investments made in that year when Heineken entered 11 new markets and completed their largest acquisition in history when they acquired the Scottish and Newcastle businesses in the UK, Portugal, Finland, Belgium, Ireland, India and the USA. In addition, they acquired breweries across Europe and Africa and they began construction of a brewery in South Africa. These investments would also have impacted on the returns received in that year. Heineken continued to outperform the sector with EBIT growth over the years. In 2007, the performance from the Central and Eastern European, African and Asian markets was outstanding and began to deliver on their potential for both profit and volume growth. As in 2007, the Africa and Middle East continued to grow in volume and profits hence increasing EBIT figures while Asia Pacific region continued its solid growth record. In 2009, Heineken continues to benefit from developing markets with a further increase in EBIT. In analyzing the current ratios, the companys shows that it is unable to pay off its obligations when they become due. However it does not necessarily mean that the company will go bankrupt as there maybe ways to access financing but it shows that the company may not be in good financial health. In concluding, Heineken has a high gearing ratio and based on the beer industry this can be considered risky. This is so as shareholders are concerned at the very high level of debt relative to equity and borrowers might doubt the companys potential to service the interest in new borrowings. High gearing ratios simply indicate that a company has placed a greater reliance upon borrowing than equity to finance its operations. The higher the ratio the more highly geared or levered the company is said to be. Although it should provide a higher return to its shareholders when the economy is experiencing boom conditions, during period of increased interest rates, economic recession or simply loss of customers the opposite will apply. A company which has high gearing is particularly vulnerable and might find that it cannot continue to finance its borrowings. 4.1.3 SABMiller Analysis 2007 2007 was a successful year for the group when developing and developed market operations generated 10 percent organic growth in larger volumes and 12 percent growth in earnings before interest and tax and amortization (EBITA). SABMillers total volumes in lager, soft drinks and other beverages increased and their net cash was 22 percent above the prior year reflecting the overall strength of the trading performance and strong cash characteristics. That year, SABMiller shaped and expanded its international portfolio business. Acquisitions and joint ventures in China, Vietnam, Australia and Angola have been further steps in creating an attractive, international spread of businesses with good exposure to fast growing, developing markets. 2007 was a year of good growth with strong performance in the fourth quarter. However there were challenges in increased commodities, cost pressures and the need to rebuild share of premium segment in South Africa. Despite those challenges, progress was expected. 2008 In 2008, economies in general and the brewing sector were faced with challenges such as the economic melt down and the food price inflation. However, SABMiller beverage volumes continue to grow and the net cash generated an increase from 2007. 2008 was a year of strong growth with results continuing the trend of several strong years. 2009 SABMillers growth over the previous two years had been almost double their normal expectations, despite with the growing economic pressures on consumers. In 2009, commodity prices and the cost of brewing materials increased. However, SABMiller delivered yet another year of creditable results as beverage volumes continues to grow. The market capitalization also grew and SABMIller continued to invest in the business, with capital expenditure during the year totaling some US$2,100 million and acquisitions a further US$300 million. Despite this very significant investment, net debt at the year-end was lower than the prior year and the group remains financially strong. SABMiller continued to develop their international portfolios with joint ventures in the United States. 4.1.4 Results of 2007 2009 ACTIONS In summary and overview of the period 2007 2009 for SABMiller also found its external environment changed by circumstances and responded by a number of changes to its business model. At the end of the period, it has grown through market growth. SABMiller reported EBITA profit measures give shareholders additional information on trends and make it easier to compare different segments. Segmental performance is reported after the specific apportionment of attributable head office service costs. There has been a continued growth in EBITA margins as it grew 12% in 2007, 9% in 2008 on an organic, constant currency basis. In 2007, reported EBITA, which includes the impact of currency movements and acquisitions, grew by 22% and in 2008, SABMiller managed to maintain an EBITA of 17.4% and growth in EBITA reflects the benefits of volume and revenue increases as well as productivity. Between 2007 and 2008, net cash inflow from operating activities before working capital movements, Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) rose 12% and continues to grow in the following years. The groups cash flow generation was again strong as demonstrated by the ratio of EBITDA to revenue (both metrics excluding results of associates) at 21% (2007: 22%). Total assets continue to increase over the years. Goodwill increased in 2007 and 2008 as a result of foreign exchange on goodwill denominated in currencies other than the US dollar and on the acquisition of the Fosters India business and the various minority interest acquired. However, Goodwill decreased in 2009, primarily as a result of the contribution of goodwill relating to the Miller business into the MillerCoors joint venture and the impact of foreign exchange rate changes on goodwill denominated in currencies other than the US dollar. In addition, goodwill was reduced by impairments in Europe, partially offset by goodwill arising on acquisitions in Europe and Africa and Asia. During the period there was also a marginal increase in equity earnings attributable to minorities less balances acquired as part of minority interest acquisitions. The group has a good record of generating cash, and increases in cash generation reflect growth in profitability before interest and tax payments and investment activities. 5. ANALYSIS Heineken N.V. vs. SABMiller Some Observations A SWOT analysis was conducted to compare the positioning of both companies as it relates to the industry. The following was taken from Data Monitor report (published on August 12th 2010) and these were the findings of the analysis: Heineken N.V. Strengths Strong and diverse brand portfolio. Large scale of brewery and distribution network for efficient global supply chain management Brand innovation to adjust with the changes in consumer tastes and preferences Strategic planning and cost containment measure to improve cash flow and profit margins Opportunities Rising disposal income and cultural shift towards alcoholic beverages in Asia Association with sports events enhances the companys visibility and popularity Partnerships and strategic acquisitions Weaknesses Higher debt poses liquidity problems Weak presence in the top beer consuming countries Threats Declining beer market in Europe Stringent advertising regulations for alcoholic drinks SABMiller Strengths Globally spread operations Wide portfolio of international and local brands Opportunities Partnering with big retailers Booming beer industry in China Strategic alliance Weaknesses Sluggish financial performance Weak employee productivity Weak liquidity position Threats Rising raw material prices Sluggish growth in the US and Europe Increasing labour costs The global economic environment will continue to lead to lower beer consumption and down-trading in a number of regions in the foreseeable future. Heineken N.V. However Heineken plans to continue utilizing its global marketing excellence to build its key brands across all markets and to maintaining, or where possible improving, its price positioning. Price increases will be at levels well below of those of 2009. Heineken aims to continue passing on excise duty increases through its higher sales prices. Heineken has significant market leadership in Europe and there are plans to capitalize on this opportunity despite the intense competition. However, that task would not be easy given the economic, market, consumer and regulatory dynamics across many markets. The company will leverage their leadership positions and develop specific action plans to grown and strengthen the business and the category. Heineken will accelerate their investment in consumer-focused innovation especially on the Heineken brand. SABMiller SABMiller has a record of improving its productivity over time, notwithstanding increases in capital investment and in sales and marketing expenses. In summary, the group delivered resilient underlying results over the period 2007 to 2009 despite the strong h

The Happy Girl :: Character

The Happy Girl Jackie's small features curled up in horror as I unceremoniously plopped down on the hotel room floor. "Ew! That's so disgusting, Sarah!" she exclaimed, stomping her slipper-clad foot soundly on the floor. "I can't believe that you're sitting on the carpet! You know how germ-a-phobic I am!" Rolling around some more, I laughed as her hands clasped around a jumbo-sized container of Lysol. Even on the band trip to Colorado, she was still as cautious of "infection" as ever. Shaking her head at me, she smiled somberly as she shook the can, preparing to thoroughly disinfect our room. Based on this alone, most people would classify Jackie as, well, a freak. Most likely, they'd be right. But she's "freaky" in an amazingly wonderful sort of way. I've known Jackie since sixth grade. When I first went to West Hempfield Middle School, I didn't know many people. Most of my friends were sent to Harrold, while others became "popular" seemingly overnight, leaving their slightly geeky bookworm of a best friend behind as they went on to become cheerleaders, athletes, or student government representatives. One of the girls from my homeroom that I quickly befriended introduced me to Jackie at the beginning of the school year during sixth-grade lunch. From the moment we met, I knew that we'd make great friends. We had a lot in common, including interests in music (we both play clarinet), television (we're both huge X-Files fans), and art. Even when we'd disagree about something, she was still fun to be around. Jackie is the kind of girl that is always perky, helping anyone out of a bad mood, even when she's in one herself. I can't help but smile when I talk to her; her happiness is seemingly infectious. On any given day, Jackie's outward appearance is bound to be something unique and creative. With her traditional Italian looks - thick black hair, dark brown eyes, and lightly tanned skin - she can easily dress in many different styles and still look adorable. Her manner of dress ranges from punk to preppy, gothic to grunge. At school, she can appear to be a perfect little angel, yet be a hard-core, glamorous, punk-rocker at a party the same night.

HIV/ AIDS Essay

A lot of people don’t get tested because they don’t believe something like this can happen to them until it do then they walk around miserable and feel as if life is over. Getting tested every six months makes a difference depending on how sexually active you are you might want to get tested more. I personally get tested every 3 months because my mother died from this virus and I do not want to leave my kids the same way she left me. Although you may not be that comfortable it is for the better of you that you get tested and make sure you protect the people around you. You have to think of other people when you think about possibly getting a virus that can never be reversed. This is a very tricky thing to have to tell your loved ones about you don’t want to have to sit down with your kids and tell them something like this. There are a lot of things that you will have to go through once you are diagnosed with such a virus you have to not only make sure that you stay healthy, so that you stay around for your family. We have more information on this virus meaning we can keep you alive longer you might not be able to do things the way you use to but you will be alive as long as you follow your doctor’s orders. There are still a high number of people that are not aware of this virus. It’s ashamed to the number of people that aren’t aware. There are about 12,000 people who are not aware of their status because they do not get tested. Our youth is being infected with this virus because they want to experiment with sex. There are about 57 percent of our youth that are gay or bisexual and are just going around infecting each other. Things need to change and quickly because if not we won’t have a future of healthy people. There are many types of ways people can get tested and many dif ferent places that you can go without any one finding out that you got tested as well as what you status is. You just have to have the courage to go get tested. I found it easier to go with a friend or your loved one to make you more comfortable. As long as you get tested to make sure you are safe is all that matters. Families need to inform their children on how important safe sex is we have to realize that they are going to do it anyway no matter what we say so all we can do is keep them safe by providing them with everything they need to experiment safely.

Distortions of Reality Essays

Distortions of Reality Essays Distortions of Reality Essay Distortions of Reality Essay Essay Topic: Diary Of a Madman Lolita In both Vladimir Nabokovs novel Lolita, and Thomas Pynchons novel The Crying of Lot 49, the protagonist is consumed by an obsession. These obsessions affect the characters behavior, actions, and interaction with the world. Most importantly, however, both authors reveal that obsession distorts a persons perception of reality. In Lolita, the protagonist and narrator, Humbert Humbert, has an obsessive lust for nymphets which warps his view of the world, ultimately driving him to paranoia. His sexual fixation for nymphets is projected on all that he sees. It prevents him from seeing the world clearly, void of nymphet-sexual overtones. His interactions and perceptions of girls are consumed with sexual fantasy, which obstructs their true nature. He becomes delusional due to paranoia, causing his imagination to take hold of his notions of reality. Humbert writes the following accounts from a prison cell, where he is able to use his retrospect to narrate the novel. He describes his obsession with nymphets at great lengths. Whenever he comes into contact with them he is overcome with sexual lust and yearning. He tells the reader, I was consumed by a hell furnace of localized lust for every passing nymphet (18). His obsession is intensified by the agony and frustration he feels due to his inability to act on his desires. Humbert even convinces himself that there is nothing wrong with being infatuated with girl-children, justifying it as, a question of attitude (19). This rationale is further justified through his numerous references to man-nymphet sexual relationships throughout history. He has done thorough research on the topic because of his utter fascination with girl-children. This fascination has also led him to pursue the detailed study of the pubescent stages of female development. Humbert describes the feelings that his obsessive lust evokes. He says that his random infrequent interactions with girls on the metro or in the park created a revelation of axillary russet[that] remained in my blood for weeks (20). Whenever nymphets are near him he feels euphoric and becomes enraptured in his fantasies. The world around him stops, and he dreams of being left alone in my pubescent park, in my mossy garden. Let them play around me forever. Never grow up (20). He uses imagery of a mossy garden to emphasize his forbidden desire of young girls. Moss is green, which symbolizes youth or something that is unripe, while the garden refers to Eden, where Eve was forbidden to eat from the tree of knowledge. Nabokov similarly uses imagery to reveal Humberts misconceptions of reality. His obsessive lust for young girls is reflected in the world that he sees, which is expressed through images of a mirror. While he is with a nymphet prostitute he notices his reflection that distorted my mouth (22). This mirrors his distorted view of young girls that he projects throughout the novel. He cannot see himself clearly in the mirror, just as he cannot see young girls clearly. His inability to see outside of his world, which is consumed by thoughts and feelings of obsessive lust, is also seen through imagery of a window. The prostitute is wrapped in the gauze of the window curtain, which symbolizes that Humberts obstructed view of reality is just like the obstructed view that a curtain provides a window. Similar imagery is seen during Humberts life with his first wife Valeria. Humbert and Valeria, who resembles a little girl, live in an apartment that has a hazy view in one window, a brick wall in the other (26). Humbert cannot see outside the box within he lives. He cannot see past his warped sense of women. His mind has slipped into a world confined by his sexual desire. While living in this apartment he is driven mad by the shadow of the grocers little daughter (26). This image reveals that his picture of girls is only a dark reflection of light, thus it lacks substance and clarity. Similar images persist when Humbert notices through the store window of an art dealer, a locomotive with a gigantic smokestack, great baroque lamps and a tremendous cowcatcher, hauling its mauve coaches through the stormy prairie night and mixing a lot of spark-studded black smoke with the furry thunder clouds (26-27). This image of smoke, light, and clouds reflects Humberts obscured understanding of h is world. Instead of seeing things clearly and illuminated, his head is in the clouds. The novels theme of obsession leading to the distortion of reality is reiterated through the work that Humbert does when he goes to America. The intense research that is involved in his job of writing the history of French literature causes him to have a nervous breakdown and he is sent to a sanatorium twice. This reflects the larger theme of the novel that intensity, like compulsion or obsession, leads to mental disorder. While Humbert is on an expedition to arctic Canada, he feels curiously aloof from [himself]seated on a boulder under a completely translucent sky (33). Nabokov uses imagery of clarity to make Humbert feel disconnected from himself. Under a clear sky he cannot see himself clearly. Humberts arrival at the Haze household marks the beginning of his most powerful obsession: Lolita Haze. The name Haze is an intentional play-on-words that Nabokov uses to emphasize the obscured perception and confused state of mind that she causes Humbert. Humberts obsession with this twelve-year-old girl is chronicled in an entire diarys worth of entries that mark every stage of his growing lust for her. It is filled with imagery and language that illustrate his lack of perspective. Mrs. Haze takes a picture of Humbert while he sits blinking on the steps (41). Humberts blindness from watching Lolita is accentuated by the fact that it is captured in a photograph. In another instance, while Humbert daydreams of Lolita, Mrs. Haze interrupts by asking him for a cigarette light (43). This refers to Humberts obscured view of Lolita and is an example of the subtleties of language used by Nabokov to reveal a greater theme. The leitmotif of the mirror is again seen in these diary entries when Humbert observes one day that he and Lolita are in the same warm, green bath of the mirror that reflected the top of a poplar with us in the sky (43). Their position in the sky depicts that Humbert is not grounded, nor does he have his feet on the ground, because he is completely preoccupied with his lust for Lolita. Humbert also reveals self-recognition of his biased perception of Lolita. He explains, Never have I experienced such agony. I would describe her face, her ways and I cannot because my own desire for her blinds me when she is near (44). Humbert is both literally and figuratively blinded by Lolita. He is unable to notice anything but his lust for her. One day, as he lustfully watches her leaning through a window while talking to the newspaper boy, he confesses, I seemed to see her through the wrong end of a telescope (55). Again, Nabokov uses figurative language to depict Humberts inability to see Lolita clearly while she is leaning outside of a window. By looking through a telescope from the opposite end, her image appears much farther away, and thus obscured. Humberts obsession with Lolita causes him to recreate reality. He figuratively takes on the role of an artist. He says, you have to be an artist and a madman (17) in order to lust after nymphets. This aspect of his character is emphasized when Lolita shows him a picture of a surrealist painting in a magazine (58). Nabokov uses this allusion to refer to the surreal nature of Humberts perception of Lolita. Humbert admits, What I had madly possessed was not she, but my own creation (62). He has molded his own image of Lolita in his mind, which has objectified and glorified her. His obsession with this figment of his imagination has clouded reality.

Petai Plants Essays

Petai Plants Essays Petai Plants Paper Petai Plants Paper Petai [pic] In the world of plants, petai plants can be classified in the family Leguminosae (Mimosaceae). Petai scientific name is parkia speciosa . Petai usually grow with the height of 5-25 meters and forms a lot of branching. Part of the petai that is most important  is the seed. Petai can be eaten raw as a fresh vegetable, boiled, fried or even baked. Petai is also widely used as food flavoring. It is very popular in Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and also Laos. Parkia speciosa is quite similar with long beans with bright green beans inside. The shape is similar with almond shape. Petai is sold in various forms such as sold in bunches, in pods, seeds or petai seeds that are packed in plastic bag and some even sold in the form of pickles and in the form of frozen. Studies by Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute [MARDI] indicated petai has a good amino acid profile, particularly essential amino acids. Essential amino acids help maintain blood sugar and energy level balance. They are needed to produce hormones, enzymes, muscles, tissues, bones and collagen. Essential amino acids also assist the process of metabolism in human’s body andfacilitates the function of the central nervous system (CNS) Parkia Speciosa Nutrition Components Parkia speciosa contains  nutrients  that are good for health and some of them are Vitamin A, B complex, C, Potassium, Magnesium, phosphorus, iron and fiber. [pic] Benefits of Parkia Speciosa Parkia speciosa contain three natural sugars -sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, it provides an immediate, sustained and boost the energy. Research has proved that with two servings of parkia speciosa provide sufficient energy for a exhausting 90-minute workout. No wonder parkia speciosa is the number one bean with the worlds leading athletes. Nevertheless, parkia speciosa can help people to retain fit as it can also help to overcome or prevent substantial number of illnesses and conditions. The benefits of parkia speciosa are: ? Depression According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND among the people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating parkia speciosa. This is because it contains tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin known to make people relax, improve their mood and generally makes people feels happier. ? Anemia Parkias peciosa contains high iron and also can stimulate the production of red blood cells. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Parkia speciosa contains high calcium but low in salt, so it is good for reducing blood pressure. ? Strokes According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine,† eating parkia speciosa as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40% ? PMS(premenstrual syndrome) The vitamin B6 in it regulates blood glucose levels which can affect mood. ? The brains ability High in calcium can help increase the brains ability to learn. ? Constipation Parkia speciosa contains high fiber to restore normal bowel action . Mosquito bites, itching, and swelling It can use to rub the affected area of bites using the skin of parkia speciosa Smoking Parkia speciosa also can help people trying to give up on smoking. Vitamin B6 and B12, as well as calcium and magnesium contained in parkia speciosa help the body recover from the effects of nicotine. Stress Potassium in it can help to normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates bodys water balance. When people are stressed, their metabolic rate rises and therefore reduce the potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium parkia speciosa snack. Temperature control Many other cultures see parkiaspeciosa as a cooling beans that can lower both the physical and emotionalt emperature of pregnant mothers. In Holand, for example, pregnant women eat parkia speciosa to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature. Ulcers Parkiaspeciosa is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach. Morning Sickness Snacking on parkia speciosa between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness. Negative effects of ParkiaSpeciosa. Bad breath and smelly stomach gases A major effect of eating parkiaspeciosa is it gives bad breath and smelly stomach gases. It contains certain amino acids that give a strong smell to ones urine that can be noticed up to two days after consumption. High content of amino acids Although there are many  parkia speciosa benefits  to the human body, but by eating parkia speciosa too much every day also gives effect which is not good for the body because of the high content of amino acids can damage the kidneys. THE ISSUE : PHYTATES AND TRYPSIN INHIBITORS IN PETAI What is phytates? Also known as phytic acid and acts as the main storage form of phosphorous in plants. It also named as inositol hexakisphosphate It reduces the absorption of important vitamins and minerals such as niacin, calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc. What is trypsin inhibitors? Trypsin inhibitors  are chemicals that reduce the availability of  trypsin which is an  enzyme  essential to humans as well to animals. The issue There are many opinions and thoughts upon the effects of phytic acid towards human body. Phytic acid can cause negative impact in forming some  bonds with the basic vitamin  niacin that can cause  a condition known as  pellagra. It also involve in th process of bond creation between the  acid  and the vital minerals that make it insoluble and therefore useless. As our main issue is upon petai or the scientific name Parkia Speciosa contains phytates and trypsin, the phytic acid elements in petai can inhibits and interfere the protein digestion as well as zinc and calcium absorption. Other common foods also have been identified in containing phytic acid such as: Most whole grain cereal foods (wheat, rye, rice, oats) Nuts and seeds (pumpkin, sunflower) Soybeans and other types of beans Potatoes Artichokes Blackberries Broccoli Carrots Figs Strawberries Soaking and other cooking processes of the â€Å"smelly beans† may slightly reduce the effects. This might be one of the biggest and significant reasons why the traditional societies and also our a ncestors practice certain process on foods such as fermenting soybeans into tempeh and the glutinous rice to produce tapai. By conducting certain cooking methods and processes, the level of phytic level can be reduced in massive amount. Below are some of the cooking methods that might facilitates in reducing the phytic acid level: Baking Soaking Fermentation Cooking Many scientists and researchers clamied that people should avoid eating too much petai especially the raw beans as phytic acid in food reduces the bodys ability to absorb the minerals the food has to offer. Somehow, phytates or phytic acid have been viewed and labelled as â€Å"anti-nutrients†. This scenario might concern people nowadays as some of them depending on grains and legumes as a source of diet especially for the strict vegans. People usually consumed petai by eating the raw beans. As the phytic acid level only can be reduced through conducting and implementing cooking processes, the practice of eating petai in raw condition might be a sceptical and subjective question as it is a common practice in Malaysia especially among the Malays. For Malays petai is considered as ulam which can be as similar to the western people who consume ceasar salad as their complementary side dishes. In preparation of cooking petai, some dishes such as Sambal Udang Petai do involve in elaborate cooking process which certainly reduce the phytic acid level. But the main issue right now is that other food containing phytic acid such as soybeans do involve in cooking process unlike petai which basically eaten in raw condition. So, it trigger a question whether people should be expose and aware to the sense of concern when eating petai. [pic] [pic][pic]Parkia Speciosa also known as ‘EVIL-SMELLING BEAN’ Filipino : u’pang Javanese : pete Malay : chou dou, cong dou, nyiring, patag, patai, petah, petai Thai : sataw, sator, sator dan, sator kow, to dan, to khao The [pic][pic]secrete a nectar that attracts BATS and other POLLINATORS. Exported in jars or cans, pickled in brine or frozen[pic] The YOUNG LEAVES and fresh parts of the flower stalks can also be eaten RAW!! [pic]The WoOD is used in the manufacture of PaPER Creative products ranging from tea to milkshake[pic] IN HTF 523 FOOD SCIENCE[pic]

Del Monte Provides secure Connections for Telecommuters Essay Example

Del Monte Provides secure Connections for Telecommuters Essay Example Del Monte Provides secure Connections for Telecommuters Essay Del Monte Provides secure Connections for Telecommuters Essay Name: Course: Instructor: Date: Del Monte Provides Secure Connections for Telecommuters The primary concern of making a private network available to employees who are outside the office is for security purposes and reliability. When an organization opens up connections over the internet, it makes its network more vulnerable to hackers. Furthermore, in terms of security, the private network requires internet connections that are more stable so that it can get a reliable service as time and quality is a necessity in the Del Monte. Therefore, supplying them with the necessary information enables them to have access to information systems such as the corporate enterprise resource planning (ERP), data warehouse, and customer relationship management (CRM). This is because Del Monte required a system that employees could use to access the corporate network so that they could work as effectively as the employees in the corporate offices could. Technologies employed by Del Monte to address this primary concern include firewalls, encryption, IPSec, and AAA Server. Firewalls are used to offer strong barrier private network and the internet. Firewalls can be set as a restriction to numbers of open ports, the type of packets passed through and the protocols that are permitted through. Therefore, it should be noted that a person could have a good firewall first before implementing a VPN, although a firewall can also be used to destroy the sessions of VPN (Hoover 195). Another technology used is Encryption, which is a process that takes all the information that one computer sends to another and encodes it into a form that only the other computer will be able to decode. IPSec which refers to as internet protocol security protocol has the main function of providing improved security features like better encryption algorithms and extra significant authentication. Lastly, Del Monte employed another technology known as Authentication, authorization and accounting servers (AAA). This technology is mainly used to provide more security in a remote-access VPN surrounding. AAA checks the identity of the person sending a request, provides permission on what to be done, and then accounts for what a person actually does. Therefore, Del Monte employed these technologies in order to set up a secure website for the employees and partners to access the any internet connections. These technologies could keep hackers out and permit the authorized users’ in. The users are enabled to access only the parts of the network and data that they have been authorized to access. In addition, Del Monte supplies its employees with even secure connections for employees that work at home. The benefits enjoyed by both Del Monte and its employees include the speed of communication. Extranets provides access of information from anywhere especially from home in an effective and efficient manner to all partners by connecting intranets for urgent access to critical data. For instance, salesperson traveling far from the distributor is able to access information very fast and securely over the extranet, rather than calling a distributor for information. An extranet offers access to information in a very affordable price. For instance, companies are able to spend a very small amount in establishing and printing information for suppliers, distributors, and customers. Extranet also helps in reduction of hassles especially for an IT professional. It is sometimes hard to keep equipment and connections, while attempting to stay ahead of the access technology changes. Therefore, extranets tries to reduce these frustrations by permitting the IT organizer to outsource the difficult physical infrastructures. Extranets also tries to reduce long-distance phone charges. Hourly access fees charged by ISPs are up to 50 percent cheaper than the best available negotiated toll-free rates. Employees have a Cisco ASA 5500 Series Adaptive Security Appliance, which is a network device that offers a firewall and intrusion prevention system to keep hackers out and virtual private networking to encrypt and safeguard data flowing over the network. The device also enables the professionals to stay in contact while at home. If I were to choose whether to work at home or in a corporate, I would prefer working at home. This will thus enable me to work, at the same time attend meetings and do my own work at home. The company benefits from the devise in the general saving of money by allowing the company to erode expenses. I would prefer working at home rather than based in corporate office because it is easier to balance my personal life with work. For instance, working in an office requires daily commuting to and from work, which is hard to deal with when with children requiring to taken care of. Working from home also saves money and time and most of the time home environment is cool for working with no distractions from work mates, and I can plan my work in more organized manner. There is flexibility when working at home. My job can become flexible as long as I choose to be committed and reproductive. For instance, I can choose to work over the weekends, during the night and any time I am free. Therefore, working from home is very flexible since am able to make my own schedule and follow it to achieve the set goals. Working at home also gives time to spend with family members and friends. Hoover, Nicholas. Telecommunication: the internet, intranet, and extranets. New York, NY: Press, 2008.

Effect of Tax on the Selling of Apples in a Small Scale Assignment

Effect of Tax on the Selling of Apples in a Small Scale - Assignment Example This scenario takes two rounds or instances of selling and the supplier’s interest are the amount of profit. According to the data, in round 1 the supplier sold a bushel of apples at $10 and the second round at $19. The formula to calculate profit is: In the second set of data, session #1 has apples sold for every unit from 1 to 20. The indication is that the demand for the apples is high when there is no tax charged during the buying and selling of the apples. The demand for the apples in the experiment is less elastic than the supply. In the second session, the supplier bears the tax burden. In the experiment, the apple supplier still has a seller cost of $18 for a bushel of apples. Above the seller cost, the supplier must pay a sales tax of $15. However, if the seller does not sell any apples, he does not pay either seller cost or sales tax. From the record of prices and profits, the supplier never sold a bushel of apples in either round 1 or 2 showing a significant decline in the profits to zero when the supplier pays the tax. From the second data set, session #2 indicates a drop in the supply of the apples. In the first 14 units sold, the sellers supply pattern indicates some increase in volumes of the sales of apple. On the other hand, from 15 to 20 units, the seller never sold any apples due to the high costs from taxes. The tax burden shifts to buyers in the third session. The supplier of apples in the first set of data does not sell any apples due to drop in demand since the buyers deter from buying. In the second data set, the buyers could still afford the bushel of apples for up to 12 units sold. From 13 to 20 units, the supplier does not sell any apples. This experiment uses a method of comparative statistics to analyze the effect of the tax on demand and supply. The economic theory that comes into play in this scenario is the optimal tax theory. This theory  suggests the best way to affect taxation with minimal distortion of the demand and supply. According to this theory, the sales tax imposed on suppliers and buyers has the same effect; reducing the demand and supply.

Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 3

Ethics - Essay Example As with all opinions, just because they are diverse, does not mean that one is right, or one is wrong. Aristotle’s views, while not necessarily congruent with Plato’s views, do show a strong influence as a result of what Plato taught. Plato’s discourses are heavily influenced by the Pre-Socratics and Sophists, and none too little influenced by Socrates himself, however, while they may show those influences, the views are entirely his own. Plato’s primary literary form was the dialogue; he would use two characters of opposing sides arguing each point with the other in order to show both sides of the philosophical question and in doing so, allow his true views to show through. In The Allegory of the Cave, an excerpt from Plato’s Republic, the reader receives some insight into what Plato believes â€Å"the good life† to be. Plato speaks first of the State, and discussing how it can be tailored to be the best that it can be, speaking of how †Å"the State in which the rules are most reluctant to govern is always the best and most quietly governed, and the State in which they are most eager, the worst (The Allegory of the Cave, 4).† This is one of the more influential teachings of Plato’s in relation to Aristotle, something that will be touched upon later. Plato, still in The Allegory of the Cave, discusses Homer’s perspective, â€Å"Better to be a poor servant of a poor master, and to endure anything, rather than think as they do and live after their manner? Yes, he said, I think that he would rather suffer anything than entertain these false notions and live in this miserable manner† (6). Plato refers to the concept discussed regarding those whose eyes are not yet opened to the fact that the shadows are not reality; that anything at all would be better than to remain under the false impression that the shadows dancing on the wall are all that is there, are all that is real. He would rather have enlightenment, knowledge, and suffer, than to remain in the dark forever, thus showing that one characteristic of â€Å"the good life† in his view, is knowledge. A key insight into Plato’s view comes along towards the end of The Allegory of the Cave when he pronounces â€Å"they who are truly rich, not in silver and gold, but in virtue and wisdom, which are the true blessings of life† (10), showing that in order to have it good, one must have virtue and wisdom, before any form of monetary wealth, in order to be considered to have a high quality of life. It is not just Plato’s Republic, however, that shows what his opinions are on what is good and what is right; one must look to Plato’s other works in order to find out more. Plato took it upon himself to write of Socrates, and the trial which took place during his life. Socrates had a habit of not writing down any of his teachings, preferring instead to spending the time teaching others to question the world as he did. Among Plato’s other works were the Euthyphro, the Apology, and the Crito; these works speak of the trial, the sentencing, the imprisonment and the death of Socrates. Based upon the way that Plato has written these discourses, in fact, the way that he wrote all of his works, it is a task of relative ease to pull key phrasing from these dialogues, in order to find out more about what Plato considers to be â€Å"the good life.† In the Euthyphro, Plato makes it clear that distinction is important. It is not enough to know generally of what a thing is,

Concert Review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Concert Review - Essay Example With her live performance of Are You Alright?, Mama You Sweet, Unsuffer Me, Learning How To Live, Come On, Wrap My Head Around That, and Fancy Funeral, I could essentially point out suitable comparisons with Kath Bloom, Carole King, Courtney Love, and Kenia somewhere along the quality, tempo, and Lucinda's way with her vocals. Coming from a background chiefly resigned with rhythm and blues, punk, and some influence of modern jazz, at first it seemed like I was drawing a blank and couldn't grasp or make sense of the objective and persuasion that go with her type of music. Eventually, as I got myself to sincerely pay attention to the substance and its rhythm, I began to feel psychologically seduced to perceive how sensible it could get in relation to my own genre and environment of artistic inclinations. In the middle of the concert, I could say that I had yielded to an 'acquired taste' of her rare lyrical creation with which to ride along spontaneously. For a moment, while getting mod erately moved at my seat some five meters from the overwhelmed stage, I was seriously enamored to anticipate every detail following the course of Williams' singing â€Å"Unsuffer Me.† The justice done to this song conspicuously surpassed critical expectations based upon the delighted response I and the rest of the audience could not help expressing as if we were suddenly struck by an excruciating but meaningful realization of life. To me, it mostly came as a surprising attempt of reconstructing creativity with literary ballad that makes one suppose it can be patterned from the style in Annie Lennox, Dido or Alanis Morissette's music to converge with an amount of solemnity Sarah Maclachlan is known for. Through her genius instrumental arrangement and choice of words and theme altogether, Lucinda managed to take me to the track of recognizing poetry in the social dimension of the song's content beyond rhythmic exertion. The figurative aspect of â€Å"Unsuffer Me† is some thing that can be attributed to Bob Dylan's rhetoric technique of putting across a warm and thoughtful mood with a mildly outrageous sentimental effect. In the majority of the aforementioned pieces played, there had been mixtures of country rock, ballad, and blues which sounded modern enough for perhaps a fraction of diverse culture in this age yet I feel they possess certain elements that are key to paying respect to the classical worth of their roots. L. Williams only had a few words to speak in between performances and her introduction of each song was so reserved that it was adequately justified by her light yet intellectually aggressive performance. As she strove to fulfill the concert's aim of marketing the essence of West, it makes me wonder who among the contemporary artists under her category and influence would carry on the legacy or be challenged to at least enhance potentials by innovating to achieve the level of significance and quality Lucinda devotes for her compositi on to deserve as she sees fit. Hers is a kind of music which, in my understanding, does not instantly conform to being released without attaining the intended refinement of every consideration by the musician-artist. Williams' original composition in her West album I think is

Battle Royal( Ralph Ellison) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Battle Royal( Ralph Ellison) - Essay Example In the beginning of the chapter, the African American Narrator is praised by the white folks for his speech in satirical terms. But the black man will not relent. He wishes to protect his essential dignity, notwithstanding the fact that the white people are out to ridicule him on all counts. The black narrator is firm about his decision. Instead of avoiding the white men, he wishes to actively associate with them, to prove his worth. But racial segregation continues. Social harmony between the people of black and white races is still a distant dream. Blacks undergo horrific experiences and Ellison has availed the option to make the story full of imagery and satire than come out with statements and statistics. Strange situations are created for the humiliation of the black youngsters. This happens in an all-white men’s club, where a black protagonist of the story, considered to be a brilliant orator, is invited for a speech on cultural issues. A clever plan is hatched to humiliate him and other black youngsters. He is supposed to give a talk on humility but what is the use of talk on such a topic to people devoid of humanity? In the next situation, describing a fight scene in the ring Ellison states, "It was complete anarchy. Everybody fought everybody else. No group fought together for long" (942). This is the broad indicator as for the tactics used by the white people to keep the blacks suppressed, divided and fight amongst

Are Health Hazards Greater If A Person Begins To Smoke As A Teen Research Paper

Are Health Hazards Greater If A Person Begins To Smoke As A Teen - Research Paper Example 1). The number of teen smokers is increasing daily with around 3,900 of them below 18 years of age and 1,500 of them become habitual smokers in the future (Teen Smoking par. 4). Teen smoking declined in the middle of the 1990s but again increasing in number (Teen Smoking par. 1). The American Lung Association report mentioned that 4,800 teenagers are tasting their first cigarette every minute (par. 1) during their sixth or seventh grade (Teens and Smoking par. 6), and 2,000 of them will become chain smokers (par. 1). Girls smoke tobacco products as much as boys do (American Cancer Society 4). Everyday, around 6,000 individuals below 18 years start out to smoke (Teen Smoking Statistics par. 2). With around 2,000 of them to continue smoking, they comprise the new 800,000 new smokers annually (par. 2). The present statistics of adult smokers has 80 percent that started as teenagers (Teens and Smoking par. 1). ... 2). During the 2009 survey, for every four high school children, one is a tobacco user (American Cancer Society 1). Statistics have also shown an increase in smoking among Hispanic and white teenagers, but a decline among the black (Teen Smoking par. 2). Current trend indicate that an estimate of 6.4 million adolescents and teens will â€Å"die prematurely from a smoking-related disease† (Teen Smoking Statistics par. 2). With continued use as teens get older, they will have the following problems: early heart disease and stroke, chronic lung diseases (e.g. emphysema, bronchitis), gum disease and tooth loss, hearing loss, and vision loss (e.g macular degeneration) (2). There are around 4,000 chemicals (Some of the Chemicals par. 1) found in tobacco products (many of them cause cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases) such as, Acetaldehyde, Acetone, Acrolein, Acrylonitrile, 1-Aminonaphthalene, 2-Aminonaphthalene, 3-Aminobiphenyl, 4-Aminobiphenyl, Ammonia, Anabasine, Anat abine, Arsenic, Benzene, Benzo[a]pyrene, 1,3-Butadiene, Butyraldehyde, Cadmium, Carbon monoxide, Catechol, Chlorinated doxins/furans, Chromium, Cresols, Crotonaldehyde, Eugenol, Formaldehyde, Glycerol, Hydrogen cyanide, Hydroquinone, Isoprene, Lead, Menthol, Mercury (Example Constituents 1-8), and numerous others. Smoking will expose a teen or adolescent with so many harmful and toxic chemicals from tobacco that can cause cancer and other diseases. The body of a child smoker is still fragile and undergoing development which can be affected by the toxic components. Starting to smoke as a teen poses greater health hazards to a person due to toxicity of cigarette chemicals, the fragility of a teen’s body, and addiction nicotine induces on the smoker. Causes of Teen

Financial statements ratio analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Financial statements ratio analysis - Essay Example The company has a relatively high turnover of more than one. A ratio of more than one means the net sales are more than the total fixed assets. This means that one dollar of fixed asset invested generates more than on dollar of sales. However, this ability decreased across the period. Current ratio highlights the capability of a company to meet its current obligations as they become due. A ratio of less than one as in the case of the company implies that the company has more obligations than the assets hence cannot meet them. In 2013 the ability increased but still does not satisfy all the obligations. Debt to total assets ratio shows the portion of the company’s financing provided by the creditors that is it measures a company’s financial leverage. From the calculation above the company has more assets than liabilities hence it is less risky since it has a ratio of close to 0.5 implying that it has liabilities of close to 50% of its total assets. Across the period the percentage increased from 56% to 63% meaning it increased its liabilities. Return on equity illustrates the company’s ability to generate profit or return from its shareholders’ investments. It therefore shows how efficient a company uses the shareholder money. From the ratio above the company is a bit efficient in using the shareholders’ money but the efficiency decreased in 2013 from 36% to 28%. With regards to the profit margin, the company’s ability to convert sales into profit is lower than that of the industry. Accounts receivable turnover shows that the number of times a company collects its receivables is lower than that of the company. Further, its fixed asset turnover is also lower than that of the industry implying that it uses its fixed assets less effectively. The company also has a lower current ratio than the industry thus it has more liabilities in relation to its assets than the

Battle Royal( Ralph Ellison) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Battle Royal( Ralph Ellison) - Essay Example In the beginning of the chapter, the African American Narrator is praised by the white folks for his speech in satirical terms. But the black man will not relent. He wishes to protect his essential dignity, notwithstanding the fact that the white people are out to ridicule him on all counts. The black narrator is firm about his decision. Instead of avoiding the white men, he wishes to actively associate with them, to prove his worth. But racial segregation continues. Social harmony between the people of black and white races is still a distant dream. Blacks undergo horrific experiences and Ellison has availed the option to make the story full of imagery and satire than come out with statements and statistics. Strange situations are created for the humiliation of the black youngsters. This happens in an all-white men’s club, where a black protagonist of the story, considered to be a brilliant orator, is invited for a speech on cultural issues. A clever plan is hatched to humiliate him and other black youngsters. He is supposed to give a talk on humility but what is the use of talk on such a topic to people devoid of humanity? In the next situation, describing a fight scene in the ring Ellison states, "It was complete anarchy. Everybody fought everybody else. No group fought together for long" (942). This is the broad indicator as for the tactics used by the white people to keep the blacks suppressed, divided and fight amongst

Financial statements ratio analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Financial statements ratio analysis - Essay Example The company has a relatively high turnover of more than one. A ratio of more than one means the net sales are more than the total fixed assets. This means that one dollar of fixed asset invested generates more than on dollar of sales. However, this ability decreased across the period. Current ratio highlights the capability of a company to meet its current obligations as they become due. A ratio of less than one as in the case of the company implies that the company has more obligations than the assets hence cannot meet them. In 2013 the ability increased but still does not satisfy all the obligations. Debt to total assets ratio shows the portion of the company’s financing provided by the creditors that is it measures a company’s financial leverage. From the calculation above the company has more assets than liabilities hence it is less risky since it has a ratio of close to 0.5 implying that it has liabilities of close to 50% of its total assets. Across the period the percentage increased from 56% to 63% meaning it increased its liabilities. Return on equity illustrates the company’s ability to generate profit or return from its shareholders’ investments. It therefore shows how efficient a company uses the shareholder money. From the ratio above the company is a bit efficient in using the shareholders’ money but the efficiency decreased in 2013 from 36% to 28%. With regards to the profit margin, the company’s ability to convert sales into profit is lower than that of the industry. Accounts receivable turnover shows that the number of times a company collects its receivables is lower than that of the company. Further, its fixed asset turnover is also lower than that of the industry implying that it uses its fixed assets less effectively. The company also has a lower current ratio than the industry thus it has more liabilities in relation to its assets than the

Emotions make the world go round Essay Example for Free

Emotions make the world go round Essay Emotions are one of the unique traits of humans. Not all living things created by God were able to have emotions, only men are permitted to feel and express. Although animals have the ability to sense some things, it is not as powerful and as expressive as that of the humans. Human emotion speaks a thousand words†¦ in silent mode. What we have to understand when it comes to emotion is the reality that it comes from different factors which affects the cycle of emotion and feelings. Organism and environment has something to do with this but it is always linked to the question, â€Å"how do you feel? † which basically means that in emotions, feelings are essential (Kuhl, 1986). Do you ever wonder why a new born baby cries after his or her birth? Scientifically speaking, babies cry after birth because they are cold but there is a long story behind this one which we will not elaborate anymore. Looking in another aspect, away from science, babies cry because it signifies their ability to live. It serves as a sign that they are alive and it assures the people inside the delivery room about the baby’s existence. Looking at this situation through science’s perspective, an infant’s emotion is more likely associated with both conditioning and stimulation. Remember that around four (4) minutes before the baby is born, something happens inside his or her body which triggers the crying when the time to get out of the mother’s womb comes (Morley, 2002). On the other hand, when the baby is already born, we all know that the doctor taps the baby which ignites a little sense of feeling or sensitivity on the baby’s side. Therefore, conditioning and stimulation happens before and after the baby is born, thus, it is clear that there is really an effect both inside and outside the baby’s body. Although science can explain almost everything in life including emotions and feelings, in the end, it does not really matter that much when you were used in feeling and not thinking too much. Emotions are reactions in everything which happens to you. Others might associate it with adrenalin rush but thinking outside the box, emotions were proofs regarding your humanity. It is not the basis of weakness but instead, it is the sign that you are alive and doing well. Many people were not able to express their emotions like anger, fear happiness and sadness and decide to go to medical doctors for check ups. Perhaps, this is one proof that emotions are not just a thing in our life but ability. Works Cited Kuhl, J. (1986). Motivation and information processing: A new look at decision making, dynamic change, and action control. In R. M. Sorrentino E. T. Higgins (Eds. ), Handbook of motivation and cognition: Foundations of social behavior (pp. 404-434). Chichester: Wiley. Morly, G. M. (2002). Why Do Babies Cry? The Anatomical and Physiological Changes During the Moments After Birth. http://www. cordclamp. com/Why Do Babies Cr1. htm

Importance of Research in Nursing Practice and Theories

Importance of Research in Nursing Practice and Theories Introduction This essay will consider the definition of nursing research, different types of research and design, and why research is important in nursing practice. It will also illustrate examples of research influencing practice, and make recommendations for current or future practice. Main Body Nursing research can be defined as any scientific (i.e. systematic) enquiry into the effectiveness or value of nursing practice (Parahoo, 1997; Sullivan, 1998; Polit Beck, 2004). It denotes any empirical evidence on which nursing care is based. This includes both quantitative and qualitative research evidence (Comack, 1996). Qualitative research essentially entails analysis of individual subjective experience. It focuses on meanings and experiences as conveyed for example through philosophies such as grounded theory, phenomenology, discourse analysis, and experientialism (Coolican, 1994). Data collection is typically in the form of interviews, case studies, and systematic observation, while data analysis generally involves the identification of themes, for example through thematic analysis. Quantitative research relies on positivist philosophy, where only measurable phenomena are considered worthy of investigation. Randomised clinical trials (i.e. controlled experiments) are the preferred method of inquiry albeit questionnaire and archive-based surveys, in the form of retrospective or prospective designs, and other methodologies, may also be used. Data analysis is based on statistical tests (Howitt Cramer, 2005). Why is research important? Given the growing emphasis on evidence-based practice in nursing care across the Western world (Sullivan, 1998), there is a need for an ample body of accumulated empirical evidence to which nurses can refer in order to inform clinical practice (Polit Beck, 2004). Any responsible and accountable vocation claiming to be a profession, and answerable to a professional body, requires an empirical evidence base. This is the only way that standards of practice can be evaluated and improved, for the benefit of the general public. The value of empirical evidence, as contrasted with casual observation and anecdotes, is that it is systematic and typically obtained under controlled conditions. Research enables nursing practice to keep pace with a rapidly changing world in which health care practices must continually improve to meet changing and ever more demanding patient expectations and requirements (Eastabrooks, 1998). Only through continued research activity can a ppropriate evidence-based ‘best practice’ guidelines be introduced to ensure the good quality nursing care (Ring et al, 2005). Examples where research influences nursing practice aren’t difficult to find (Polit Beck, 2004). A review of electronic databases such as Internurse, High-Wire Press, Science Direct, and Academic Search Premier, yields an abundance of quantitative and qualitative studies on nursing practice. Five varied examples are as follows, including both quantitative and qualitative research; Meyer et al (2002); Barr et al (2005); Hughes Umeh (2005); Ring et al (2005), and Lee Knight (2006). Meyer et al (2002) conducted a randomised clinical trial contrasting the effectiveness of two different bandaging techniques nurses use for treating venous leg ulcers. The study showed that ulcers treated with higher compression bandaging didn’t heal any quicker than ulcers administered lower compression bandages. Barr et al (2005) studied archived data of all self-harm patients who presented at A E units over a given period, to ascertain the extent to which nurses carry out psychosocial assessment. It emerged that nurses do not always conducted psychological evaluations, as stipulated. However, patients were more likely to be assessed if they were considered ‘high risk’. Hughes and Umeh (2005) studied stresses experienced by nurses at work. Extremely heavy and stressful workloads can impair the quality of nursing care, for example by increasing the frequency of sick leave. Certain nursing groups may be more susceptible to stress, with implications for clinical practice. This study was based on a questionnaire survey, administered to general and psychiatric nurses. Analysis revealed that general nurses experienced more stress than their psychiatric counterparts, notably in the absence of social support from colleagues, friends, and family. Ring et al (2005) employed a qualitative design to evaluate the degree to which nurses adhere to best practice statements (BPS) in clinical practice. BPS reduce variations in the quality of care patients receive, and hence is a fundamental component of clinical practice. The methodology involved conducting semi-structured interviews with a small group of registered nurses involved in the formulation of BPS. Several themes emerged from the data, indicating considerable variation in the implementation of BPS. Hareendran et al (2005) also used a qualitative method. This study aimed to establish the effect that venous leg ulcers may have on a patients’ quality of life. Patients suffering from venous ulcers attended semi-structured interviews and completed a questionnaire. Interview transcripts showed that ulcers caused uncomfortable symptoms (e.g. itching, pain, interrupted sleep) in the majority of patients. Furthermore, one-half of patients were dissatisfied with the quality of care they received. Clearly, these examples illustrate how research evidence can influence clinical practice. For example, Meyer et al’s (2002) study could facilitate understanding of the impact of bandaging, and improve care delivery, such that ulcer patients aren’t unnecessarily inconvenienced by highly compressed bandaging which clearly isn’t going to speed up recovery. Hughes and Umeh’s (2005) study may lead to better redistribution of workloads, and more potent social support systems, thereby maintain the quality of care nurses dispense. Despite the advantages, there are significant barriers to research utilisation. Consider the notion of best practice guidelines. These are standards firmly rooted in empirical research, consistent with ethos of evidence-based practice. However, nurses have identified considerable hindrances to such evidence-based practice (Polit Beck, 2004), including a lack of resource, deficient training, a general apathy towards change amongst nursing staff, multidisciplinary issues that are difficult to resolve, and a lack of inspirational clinical leadership at local level (Ring et al, 2005). One way to resolve these hindrances is clearly by improving nurse training, for example, in how to translate raw research findings into practice, and/or liase with other health professionals in working out how best to implement a best-practice statement. Nurses can also be encouraged to form and/or join a journal club (Wikipedia, 2006). This is essentially a group of individuals who convene on a regular ba sis to review recent empirical findings and perhaps work out feasible modalities to translate evidence into practice. Conclusion Overall undertaking rigorous research and translating evidence into practice are indispensable elements in the development of any profession, and nursing practice is no exception. On a positive note there is continued (and growing emphasis) on evidence-based nursing practice, supported by both the Department of Health, and Nursing Midwifery Practice Development Unit (NMPDU). Despite inconsistent implementation, nursing care is likely to continue to benefit from empirical research. However, on a less optimist note, a review of nursing research indicates a paucity of randomised clinical trials. The bulk of empirical evidence appears to be based on less rigorous research methodologies, making it difficult to establish causal relationships. For example, although qualitative evidence has revealed potential barriers to research utilisation, it isn’t certain there is a causal link between these factors. Future research needs to redress this imbalance. Bibliography Barr, W., Leitner, M. Thomas, J. (2005) Psychosocial assessment of patients who attend an accident and emergency department with self-harm. Journal of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, 12, pp.130-138. Coolican, H. (1994) Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology. London: Hodder Stoughton. Cormack, D. (2000) The Research Process in Nursing: Fourth Edition. London: Blackwell Science. Eastabrooks, C.A. (1998) Will evidence-based nursing practice make practice perfect. Canadian Journal of Nursing Research. 30, pp.15-36. Lee, S. Knight, D. (2006) District nurses’ involvement in mental health: an exploratory survey. British Journal of Community Nursing, 11, pp.138-142. Hafner, J., Botonakis, I. Burg, G. (2000) A Comparison of Multilayer Bandage Systems During Rest, Exercise, and Over 2 Days of Wear Time. Archives of Dematology, 136, pp.857-863. Hareendran. A., Bradbury, A., Budd, J., Geroulakos, G., Hobbs, R., Kenkre J. Symonds, T. (2005) Measuring the impact of venous leg ulcers on quality of life. Journal of Wound Care, 14, pp.53-57. Howitt, D. Cramer, D. (2005) Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology. London: Pearson. Hughes, H. Umeh, K. (2005) Work stress differentials between psychiatric and general nurses. British Journal of Nursing, 14, pp.802-808. Meyer, F.J., Burnand, K.G., Lagattolla, N.R.F. Eastham, D. (2002) Randomised clinical trial comparing the efficacy of two bandaging regimens in the treatment of venous leg ulcers. British Journal of Surgery, 89, pp.40-44. Parahoo K. (1997). Nursing Research: Principles, Process and Issues. Basingstoke: Macmillan Polit D.F. Beck C.T. (2004) Nursing Research Principles and Methods (7th ed). Philadelphia: Lippincott. O’Brien, J.F., Grace, P.A., Perry, I.J., Hannigan, A., Moloney, M.C. Burke, P.E. (2003) Randomised clinical trial and economic analysis of four-layer compression bandaging for venous ulcers. British Journal of Surgery. 90, pp.794-798. Ring, N., Malcolm, C., Coull, A., Murphy-Black, T. Watterson, A. (2005) Nursing best practice statements: an exploration of their implementation in clinical practice. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 14, pp.1048-1058. Sullivan P (1998) Developing evidence-based care in mental health nursing. Nursing Standard. 12, pp.35-38. Wikipedia (2006 Journal Club [online] MediaWiki: Available from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journal_club [Accessed April 15 2007]

Coffee Essay -- Essays Papers

Coffee It is 9:00 A.M. on a Monday morning. By this time, many people are out and about, fully charged. I am still snug in bed, sleeping like a log. The alarm begins to beep. I press the snooze button. Nine minutes later, it beeps again. I press the snooze. One more time. Beep. Snooze. Finally, pressing the button has drained my energy and the next time it begins to beep, it goes on for a good five minutes. The incessant beeping pounds on my brain so I get up, unplug my alarm, crawl out of bed, and to my closet. Thus, the struggle through the day begins. Yet, this morning picture isn't the same picture of happiness and energy that I usually am at about 11:30 A.M. This drastic change is due to one word. This one word brings light to the eyes of non-morning people. This word means hope. This word is coffee. I've become addicted to the frothy warm drink. Five minutes late to class, I still have to stop by the cafeteria to fill up a 16 oz. Styrofoam cup. Without it, my day is incomplete. It gives me the energy I need to get through the day. It told me to try and climb that tree. It gave me my jump. It gives me the bright outlook that I have on life. It tells me that everything will be just fine, even if I haven't studied for that exam that I will be taking in the next hour. I would be a walking zombie without my French Vanilla cappuccino. I would be lying on a bench, asleep, without my French Vanilla cappuccino. It's my one true love. When I smell its sweet perfume, m...

Literature - Postmodernism, Economic Domination, and the Function of Art :: Literature Essays Literary Criticism

Postmodernism: Economic Domination and the Function of Art    Does aesthetic creativity relate to or influence reality? Does art possess the capacity to heal society? These questions seem implicit to Walker Percy's understanding of literature and art in general. Literature is a thought-involved process concerned with communication; it selves as a moral guidepost to commend society as well as correct it. Literature represents and describes; it presents readers with a method of articulating and resolving problems in society.         Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   "So it is clear that redescribing a world is the   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   necessary first step towards changing it" (Rushdie   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   18).       Art, in one sense, creates its own political agenda. Percy pursues his diagnostic theory of literature having reckoned with the basic relationship between language and life. Percy seems to answer the initial two questions posed with a resounding yes.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The issue of art's impact upon a society is not quite so easily resolved, however. Not every person writes or thinks about art with the same set of assumptions. In order to strike at the heart of the question "what is the purpose of art?" we must first identify, understand and appreciate certain fundamental assumptions inquiries, mediating contexts, surrounding the political nature of art and the role of the artist in authentic creativity. I would like to frame my discussion within the apparent struggle between two ideological contexts: modernism and postmodernism. Using Percy's diagnostic theory of literature to facilitate the discussion, we can examine how modem and postmodern assumptions attempt to shape the purpose of aesthetic creativity.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Percy's approach to art is inherently modern. He is concerned with unity and truth and achieving them through the creative process. Modernism claims to Speak to some form of ideological absolute, a universal quality. All things ultimately move to reveal a unified whole, a universe bathed in Truth. Reason is the primary tool of the modernist. It is privileged above all other human faculties. Reason allows humanity to possess knowledge, to know, to assimilate, to unify. Truth and knowledge are hopelessly intertwined. The search for knowledge is thus the search for truth as well. Percy mirrors this modern reverence for the power of human thought, when he claims that literature is essentially cognitive. Art is an expansion and extension of the mind. Art is thus actively involved in the search for Truth.