TERRORIST USE OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS Research Paper

TERRORIST USE OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS - Research Paper Example Terrorist activities are least likely to take place in high altitude areas since in most cases; these are areas that are always heavily militarized. Nuclear weapons are known to be the most dangerous of all weapons manufactured and utilized for military purposes (O’Neil, 2003). Terrorists are known to be using various weapons ranging from chemical to biological in carrying out their activities. Though they have not been using nuclear weapons, there has been a major concern over the use of nuclear tactic by terrorists in carrying out their activities. This paper will examine the possibility of terrorists using nuclear weapons and measures that countries can initiate to deter this menace from happening. Currently, countries cannot afford to ignore the rise of a new type of terrorism operating cross different countries and boundaries. These terrorist activities have their main aim as inflicting mass casualties and destruction. This move was illustrated by bombing of America’s pentagon House that took place on 11th September, 2001. Many people died, others sustained serious injuries and properties worth billions of dollars were destroyed. This is a clear indication that terrorist attacks using extremely dangerous weapons will remain a realistic prospect now and even in the future (O’Neil, 2003). The prospect of terror groups acquiring nuclear weapons has haunted the world at large for quite a long time now. Nuclear weapons could be made to yield a magnitude and effect of many kilotons and those weapons can be made small enough to increase their portability. There are various ways through which terrorist organizations can acquire nuclear weapons. They are the most powerful of all weapons used by terrorists in terms of their destruction. How easy are nuclear weapons to acquire? This is one question that one should have in mind. Nuclear weapons are attractive to terrorists due to their effects of

Goldenstate Manufacturers Pvt Ltd Business Essay

Goldenstate Manufacturers Pvt Ltd Business Essay Goldenstate Manufacturers has a purpose that is too boost in textiles operating and basically to make Profit in operation with textile garments. They are also in top five business and they still want to be in market for Competition and maintain there Image, reputation and status within the Garment processing industry. Main focus for Goldenstate is to raise the productivity level with high quality output. As seen in the case-study, they were in top five company but they gone down due to customer complain due to poor finished good quality that when the goal was put on to strive for it. Optimize the production and improve the quality of the finished garment. It differs from a Non Profitable Organisation because Goldenstate operates for profit, Brand Name, Image and reputation. Non Profit Organization operates for social service such as Red Cross, Welfare Services, Church, and Mosque. These companies operate to serve the community, provide service to the people, they at times use volunteers to work for them, and normally operate through Aids from bigger organizations or government organisations but Goldenstate has a structure, a management and guide lines for their employees who do paid jobs. (Notes from Lecturer) Answer 1.2 Organisation Chart Goldenstate Manufacturers ( Pvt) Ltd. Board of Directors CEO Mark Fraser HR and RD Depart Accounting Finance OperationManager Carl 1500 + staffs Knitting Dept Manager Adam Sales Marketing Dyeing Dept Manager James Finishng Dept Manager Ron Cutting Dept Stitching Dept Purchase Dept Supervisors Supervisors Supervisors Supervisors Supervisors Supervisors Quality Control QC Staffs 100+ Staffs Staffs Staffs Team Leaders Staffs Team Leaders Staffs Team Leaders Staffs Team Leaders Staffs Team Leaders Staffs Staffs Answer 1.3 Explain how effective you feel the organization is and list the main skills and competencies needed for it to be competitive? Goldenstate is not an effective company: they are lacking in speed production, lacking in communication, they are disorganized and are getting customer complaints due to low grade finished well. High performance was not shown. Co-coordinating the flow of work was less. Examples are like, Carl is firm, strict and finds it hard to communicate, high work pressure in production, lack of liberty for staffs, Dyeing and Cutting overstaffed, production held up in stitching. Goldenstate can use the following skills to reach the end product with high quality to be competitive: Working guidelines can be issued to each staff. Performance Appraisal. E.g. Clear working guidelines, procedures followed. Responsibility and Accountability to be notified. E.g., Quality Control must be thorough checked at each stage of production, and production to rectify the faults before shipment such this can help in increasing company image and make customers happy. Ease in the flow of work. E.g.: Each department must complete their share of task on time considering other sections as well. Clear priorities and work schedules. Staff credits (praises) and encouragement can be a key to success in retaining staffs as well as increasing quality production. (notes from Lecturer ) Team work, respect between Management and Staffs Crystal clear communications between CEO, Managers and Staffs with show effectiveness in GoldenState. Planning of Time and Staff Management should be done weeks earlier so that staffs are not over pressured. They should have a good flow of communication between Managers and Staff members E.g. Meetings, memos(notes from Lecturer ) Question 2 Answer 2.1 Explain the leadership styles of Adam, the Knitting Manager, and James the Dying Manager, and comment on how appropriate you these are in the current situation? James, the Dyeing Manager is liked by his team as his personality here shows that he is like a Laissez Faire. E.g.: the staffs taking care of themselves and James does not say anything and as well as Participative. laissez faire- where the leader sits back and allows things to happen. For example, James, the Dyeing Manager. The leadership style of Adam, the Knitting Manager is straight forward as he quotes My way or NO way is Autocratic. Adam has the control and power over his command. his way is what he wants from his staffs is that things are to be done and accomplished as per his rules. In current situation, his way the staffs under Adam may feel pressured which can result in staff leaving job, lack of communication, not taking staff feedbacks. (notes from Lecturer ) Though as a manager he is responsible for his teams output, he still analyses the situation his way and staffs do it their way to meet output which can be noted as individual participation or good team work, a healthy relationship with staffs. In current situation, James feel accepted and may understand their responsibilities. James is flexible as well as its mentioned that he takes no action if mistake is made. He can attentioned as a Team Player i.e. if one doesnt do he must be doing it himself as a team worker. Overall the company needs to optimize the production and improve the quality of products, so these Managers are doing their best what they can to meet the goals for GoldenState. (notes from Lecturer ) Answer 2.2 Use any motivational theory, or theories, to advise Adam, the Knitting Manager, how he might motivate his staff so they will remain with the company. Make sure you explain what he must do and how he might do it? Currently Adam has a my way or no way theory which does not motivate the staff. To motivate the staff, Adam has to show some Empathy which can show a likeness in staff and feel welcomed at all time. He must encourage and motivate his staffs by offering the liberty to certain extent only, being friendly with them, offer the work diversity or in-house training(considering company budget). To do all this Adam should have regular staff meeting and call for feedbacks from staffs, ask for new ideas and what and how else staff thinks they can be more effective (basic needs and expectancies). Adam can also call for incentives, he should be supportive. In this way staffs will feel welcomed and later Adam should represent his team with his superiors outlaying his department (notes from Lecturer ) concerns. This is the easy and right way of communicating within an organization. Adam should (Ethics) build his trust and confidence amongst his staffs and be a role model and feel accepted and should feel himself in the team. Staff credits (praises) and encouragement can be a key to success in retaining staffs as well as increasing quality production. Job rotation, enrichment and enlargement. Adam can also use the two factor theory like Hygiene factor and Motivator factor. ( recognition, achievement credits, Job security, Organizational policies). The Maslow Hierarchy of needs and Expectancy motivations can also be used by Adam as follows. (notes from Lecturer ) The Maslow Hierarchy of needs and Expectancy motivations can also be used by Adam as follows. Level of performance required by Adam Final expected outcome from Adam and the business. Jobs required by Adam for staff GOLDENSTATE MANUFACTURERS Success Self esteem and confidence Belongingness. Friendliness of staff The Safety and security of the staff Basic needs of staff such as Food, Water, Shelter. Physiological Answer 2.3 Mark the CEO Has told Ron, the Finishing Manager, that he should delegate more. Explain to Ron the steps he must take to delegate effectivevely making sure you clearly explain what he has to do at each step and how he might be able to do kit? According to Mark the CEO, Ron (Finishing Manager) should be more delegative. Ron should take the following steps to effectively operate his team of staffs, as we can notice in case-study that the workers turnover in Finishing Knitting is high. Ron should share the goal of the company with each staff saying that the goal for Goldenstate is optimizing the production and improve the quality of the finished garment, regain Reputation and Image and say lets work towards these goals as a united team. He must also say that improvement suggestions as feedback in knitting process will be highly appreciated. Delegation is a vital management skill. The advise that I can give Ron is: Call up a Team meeting and praise all his staffs for the good work they doing. And say to all that once a person gains experience in this Textile (Garment ) industry, there are higher chances for responsibilities and promotions. Task to be given to the people who Ron thinks is capable of to all. Such as his team has more workers turnover he can assign certain task and also carry on training for those less experience. The Finishing team should be advised by Ron about meeting the deadlines and quality as well, and each member must help each other to accomplish the deadline. Ron must clearly advise his team on Checking and controlling the quality.eg. checking dying, stitching,etc before working on finishing that this is where QCs can be advised. Ron should give his full support and communicate to the bottom level and must also credit for success..e.g. say thanks to each individual on the effort they put in to meet quality. Work review must be done by Ron on daily basis e.g.: checking the assigned task on finishing garments. Ron should plan his weekly target, arrange his weekly working roster and ask the staff for any flexibility and comfort if they have any..e.g. not getting extra workers per shift. Friendliness with authoritative accountabilities to responsible staffs will make them feel accepted and them willing to show www.delegations.uwa.edu.au/Â   extra effort at work. Smart Delegations can get work done Smartly. Ron should also advise his team that when a product reaches Finishing Team and if they find a fault upon QC inspection, it should be NOTIFIED immediately to the supervisor or Ron where Ron can then advise accordingly. www.delegations.uwa.edu.au/Â   These were few the view points for Ron to take and follow to have an efficient team to accomplish the GoldenStates goal and if all the departments work hand in hand they will meet there expected goal and gain customer trust in the market again. There are in the market to be top in competitive garment market and be a leading role model.

Spain and World War Two :: WWII World War 2 Essays

Spain and World War Two Spain was officially a nonbelligerent state, throughout the Second World War. Stemming from three long years of civil war, starting in 1936 and ending in 1939, just as the world was picking sides for the Second World War. At this time Spain was destitute, her people starving, and generally tired of war. Leaning toward the Nazis, because of past help, and basic ideals, yet dependent on English, and American aide, Spain invented the nonbelligerent state. Spain remained uninvolved during World War Two because of Spanish honor, the personality of Francisco Franco, and it was not in Spain’s bet interest to enter the war. As a general rule, Spanish people feel rigidly bound by their sense of honor. This is one major conflict inherent between the Spanish people and entering the war. First Spain had no appreciable quarrel with any country involved in the war, save the Russians. The Russians had given aide the defeated Republicans during the Spanish civil war; the Russians were consequently despised. Whereas the Germans had helped Franco into power, by sending men, planes, and officers to help the war effort, therefor they were close allies. To further complicate things Germany began the war a friend of the Russians. As for the Allies, General Franco had received some military training in France, under the guidance of Marshals Petain, and Foch, who had been badly humiliated by the Nazis. And stemming from his time in France he developed a great respect for the military traditions of the French. Therefore helping the Nazis would be to stab the French in the back. An idea repugnant to General Franco "No Sp anish hidalgo would have done that."1 (A hidalgo is a child that inherits nothing from the family their life choices being the church, or soldering.) Concerning the Americans and British, Spain had absolutely no argument with them at all. The Americans and English were sending valuable raw materials to Spain in an effort to keep her neutral.2 So as a whole the Spanish people felt torn, they didn't want to help the Germans because they were allied with an enemy, and fighting a friend. Furthermore Spain did not want to fight America or Britain. To compound things further Spain did owe Germany. They had helped Franco to power by supplying soldiers, pilots, and machines while he lead his troops to victory over the republicans of Spain.

Role of Finance in Parle G Company

COMPANY PROFILE INTRIODUCTION Vertex Technologies Pvt. Ltd. is a leading IT solutions and service providing center. Established at Nadiad, today we are technically advanced and ready to serve even the toughest of the technical IT challenges. Along with providing IT solutions in terms of both Hardware, Software, Networking, Security solutions(IT), Project works, Solar & Wind energy Solutions, Energy Saving Products & Green Energy Products in Information Technology, Led Lighting and in day to day routines.Our integrated and organized efforts render quality and reliable products and services. We provide solutions, suggestions, software, hardware and other products as per customer needs that are of high quality yet economically viable. We have a highly skilled force of engineers who are at their toes to provide services at the click of a button. Our maintenance and up gradation services are highly reliable and just a phone-call away. Achieving success in a short term Vertex Technologies Pvt. Ltd. has expanded its operations in Gujarat State and moving towards National & International market.VTPL has established its corporate office at Nadiad for National and International operations. At present VTPL has offices in Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Surat. In today’s world, energy is a great concern due to a gap between demand and supply. We need to save energy in order to reduce the cost of operation. Thus, we are in the field of supplying Energy Saving Products. Our energy saving products is tested and certified by various agencies and government authorities. Our products have a high quality, reliability and consistency. ASSOCIATONAlong with providing IT solutions in terms of both hardware and software, we are also preferred partners with SOLAR Panel manufacturer like Vikram Solar, PAE Ltd, Warree, Kotak Urja, Thermal Solutions Redren, Solar Lighting solutions and other technological partners. HISTORY Vertex Technologies Pvt. Ltd. was established with a vision to serv e the IT industry by providing solutions to technical challenges. The company was set initially by three people having vast experience in the computer field for the past 20 years. OBJECTIVES In our efforts to satisfy our valued customersWe at Vertex believe in being at the forefront of technology and provide the best and the latest to our customers at affordable costs. Our Customers always get a winning – edge over their competitors through our services and solutions. In our desire to innovate through research Our team is constantly engaged in Research and Development which culminates into deployment of latest and cutting-edge technology in our products. In our aspirations to provide the best of quality Vertex and its team are committed to achieve customer satisfaction by ensuring competitive and cost-effective solutions and services delivered in time.Our team continuously controls reviews and enhances its performance and thus sustains an effective Quality Management System. In our dream to create a nature friendly world We provide Energy Saving Products that are beneficial to the society as well as nature. Focusing on today’s lifestyle, our products facilitate both energy saving and user satisfaction. In our vision to lead We aim to be the top IT solution providing company. Our biggest asset is our valued customer list. Their satisfaction is our prime requirement. STRENGTHS AND ACHIEVEMENTS Our strength lies in: †¢ Experience since 1989 Intel GID †¢ Support Services †¢ Strong and Innovative R&D team †¢ Technology partners. Important Milestones: †¢ Companies development and expansion going day by day from establishment †¢ Bank of Reputed customers †¢ Operation at Baroda, Surat and other cities in Gujarat. †¢ Providers of N-Computing Products †¢ Overseas operations with CBSI †¢ Software solutions with VBSOFT Talent: †¢ Highly efficient and motivated young team †¢ Out spoken and always rea dy for challenges †¢ Innovation in self OUR VISION †¢ To provide cutting edge technology and build business for our customers. HR We have facilitates to develop employers skills and make them market leaders to have an edge over competitors. Our Green Energy Projects: 1. Vertex Office at Nadiad – 1000w Solar panel installed in May 2010. 2. Palitana Hill Solar power solution 10Kw in progress given for approval MNRE – Delhi. 3. Metro City- Bagodara 2. 4 Kw off-grid solar power plant 2 nos for Hoardings and Lighting. 4. Nirmit Flora & Nirmit Home 1. 0 Kw each at Sanand and Gandhinagar sites. 5. Solar Street Lights at Chhota- Udaipur, Gujarat- in Rural and Jungle area. Solar Products: Solar : †¢ Home light kit †¢ Solar lantern †¢ Solar blinkers †¢ Solar road studs Solar garden lights †¢ Solar water pump †¢ Solar cooker †¢ Solar water heater Led : †¢ Aviation lights †¢ led down lights †¢ Led Lighting Fixtures †¢ led tube light †¢ led wall washers †¢ led flood lights †¢ led high bay light †¢ led RGB †¢ Led street light Solar Panels & Accessories: †¢ Solar panels †¢ Charge controller †¢ Inverters †¢ Dc controllers Solar Solutions: †¢ Off grid solar power plant o 1kw to 2 Kw Solar Power Pack o 10 50 Kw Solar Power Pack o Above 50 Kw to MW level Solar Power Plant Off-Grid & Grid Tie †¢ Wind power solution †¢ Solar wind high-brid solution †¢ Hoarding & Bill board †¢ Centralized Lighting †¢ Water pumping system Roof top MNRE & DGS&D approved products †¢ Led street light †¢ Led home light kit †¢ Led lantern Customize solutions †¢ Led lights †¢ Led with solar power †¢ Led with solar n wind power †¢ Enlighting building with colorful led lights †¢ For architect construction for the projects. IT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES KEY ACTIVITY AREAS: †¢ Computer System & Hardware Peripherals Sup ply. †¢ Vertical & Customized Software Development. †¢ Licensed Software Marketing, Installation & Maintenance. †¢ Maintenance and Up-gradation. †¢ Internet & Intranet Solutions. †¢ Email & Communication. †¢ Anti Virus Solutions. †¢ Wireless & Broad Band Connectivity. Data Base Administration. †¢ Marketing Energy Saving Products †¢ Energy Saving Products †¢ Annual Maintenance Services †¢ E- Commerce Applications †¢ Web Designing and Development †¢ Corporate Design Work †¢ ERP Solution PROJECT WORK: †¢ Networking Setup †¢ Call Center †¢ Cyber Cafes †¢ VPN Solutions †¢ Intra-networking †¢ Wireless network SERVICES: †¢ Out Source Projects †¢ Data Processing †¢ Data Entry †¢ Printing Jobs (Laser Printers, LMP) †¢ Annual Maintenance Services †¢ Job placement †¢ Preventive Maintenance Services †¢ Repairing of Computers and its Peripherals †¢ NRI seminars and hospitality VALUE – ADDED PRODUCTS AND SERVICES: †¢ Ncomputing Security Surveillance †¢ RFID attendance †¢ Biometric Access †¢ VOIP Solutions †¢ Storage Solutions ENERGY SAVING: †¢ Centralized Lighting †¢ Air Condition †¢ Induction Motor †¢ LED Lighting Products SOFTWARE PRODUCTS: †¢ Vidyalaya School Management Software. †¢ Production ERP Software. †¢ Samay Attendance system. †¢ E-Commerce Solutions †¢ Hospital Management System. †¢ E-Panchayat. †¢ Banking Liquidation Process System †¢ Shopkeeper †¢ Web base management software †¢ Customized Software Solutions VALUED CLIENT LIST [pic][pic][pic][pic] [pic][pic][pic] [pic] [pic] [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic] [pic] [pic][pic] [pic] * AND GROWING DAY BY DAY

Abduction Is a Short Story by Shelagh Delaney

Abduction is a short story by Shelagh Delaney, it is a story about misunderstanding the concept of love. However it is also a story about, misunderstanding or not looking for the needs of the ones we love. Abduction is the title, and it refers to the way, that Ann abducts her sixteen year old younger brother from their parents, and brings him to london. Ann is a woman who always new, what she wanted: â€Å"She couldn't get out of Manchester quick enough. Although she'd been born and brought up there it had never been good enough. There was only one place worth living.London. † (p. 1, ll. 24) Ann moved and never looked back, except from the one time, where she came to take her younger brother to live with her in London. There can be many reasons why Ann felt the need to take him away from his home, but all in all she has a very strong need to look after someone, and control their life. Considering the fact, that she is working at a children's hospital, may give the impression, that she would want to have kids on her own, but that is not the case. Already when she was a young woman, she was sterilized.It is a bit of a mystery, because while she loved kids, she did not want any of her own. For her it was more easy to become a mother to her younger brother. Therefore she spoiled him with money, and never gave him have a life of his own. When he gets a girlfriend, who also become pregnant, Ann tells them to get an abortion, and they do what she says. Ann's younger brother's girlfriend points out to him, that there is something wrong between the two siblings: â€Å"She's more like a possessive mother than a sister,† She told him. â€Å"Are you sure you're not really her baby? † (pp, 4. ll, 81).This is said because Ann's behavior is more appropriate for a mother than a sister, because as his sister, she should not take the mothers part in the upbringing. As mentioned before Ann spoils her brother with money. She gives him, what she believes he wan ts, and he is too week to tell her, that what she is doing is wrong. When he graduates from college, (where he had studied media, which he actually despised, but did for his sister sake), Ann provide him with a job, which of course leads to Ann giving him a lot of new and expensive close, he never wanted. After that day, he immediately changed to his belongings from his birth house.Ann's brother married Marianne, the girl who got an abortion, she gets pregnant again, and this time, they keep the child. After Marianne has given birth to their child, Ann transfers her own sense to the child, and spoils it with money, even though the parents tell her to stop. After some years Ann's brother start to drink, and become an alcoholic. Marianne tries to help him, but she decides to divorce him. He moves back to Ann, and they are back were they were before the marriage. This is very satisfying for Ann, because now she can control her brother, the way she like.Again she can spoil him with mone y, and give him the things, she think he wants. He says that he does not want her to spend the money, but she answer him back that it is only money, and that is what they are for. The money she gives him, is her way of expressing her love to the brother. She never think that maybe he wants something totally different, he wants feelings, wants someone to tell him that he exist for a reason. His alcoholism is according to Ann not existing, her brother can simply not have an alcohol problem. It is easy to see, that this is her brothers way of going against his sister.He has the need to do something against his sister, and make her realize, that she can not make him, something he is not. She can not make him wear clothes, he dislike, she can't change him, no matter how big an amount of money she gives him. His life is a mess, he is in a deep alcoholism, even though he loves his child and ex-wife. â€Å"He'd wanted to run away then, run back home to his mother and father. Was it possibl e to start all over again? † (pp, 4. ll, 119) Ann is very controlling, she wants him to stay week, so she drags him back into alcoholism, she thinks that she has all the right answers.That her mother and father was in no condition to raise a child, that she could do it better herself, but all she ever did was doing it the wrong way. Money can not replace true feelings, it can not replace the love between to humans, money can never make a person happy, and it did not make her brother happy, it killed him. Both the picture by Edward Munch, and the text by D. H. Lawrence is about women controlling their men. In the painting, a woman encloses a man with her hair, he is in her power. She has the power to control him. The man in he picture has a very sad look in his eyes, as if he nows that he does not have the power to get out of her grip. In the text a man is describing how his girlfriend is very possessive and wants to control him. â€Å"She had such a lust for possession, a gre ed of self-importance in love†(pp. 6, ll. 7). This painting and the text are both very similar to the themes in the short story. They both surrounds the topic of women being dominant, and wanting to control the men, just like Ann's needs to control her younger brother. Fiction and non-fiction is two very different ways of writing.In fiction you can write anything that comes to you mind, there are no specific rules that inquirer you to do something certain. A fiction story can be very unrealistic, but also very realistic. When looking at the short story Abduction, it is quickly discovered that it is a fiction story. To start with it has a third person narrator. In fiction a narrator can write down the characters thoughts, and him or her, can be very subjective: â€Å"The first time he left his sister's house for the office he felt like a fool togged up in a black cashmere and silk shirts†(pp. 3, ll. 8). Non-fiction on the other hand is submitted rules, in non-fiction you have to stay as objective as possible. Personal thoughts are not to prefer, the writer is telling the story as it happened, him or her is passing on valuable information, and that information has to be unbiased. â€Å"Alfred Adler observed that there was an innate â€Å"drive for power an superiority† that was evidenced in sibling rivalry†(pp. 8, ll. 1) Alfred is observing something, and these observations can be used to conclude something. That would not have been the case, if the text had been fiction.

Extra Classes Essays

Extra Classes Essays Extra Classes Essay Extra Classes Essay Extra classes a waste of time and resources SOME schools extend schooling time to hold extra classes. The schools think that this will guarantee straight A’s students. I do not think so. After-school hours are for students to play games, join some social events or other beneficial activities. And the school holiday is a very crucial time for students because they can rest and indulge in their favourite pastimes like reading, playing outdoor games, travelling, etc, which they would not otherwise have the time for. All these activities are beneficial to them as they are in their growing years. Malaysia is a tropical country with a hot and humid climate and it is not conducive for students and teachers alike to study and teach in the hot afternoon. Extra classes are normally an extension of school hours, which make it very uncomfortable, and coupled with their tiredness make these lessons a waste of time and resources for both teachers and students. One thing about extra classes is that control and supervision by the school authorities tend to be lax. And because of this, students often flout school rules by playing truant and bringing mobile phones to class. This then defeats the whole purpose of having tuition classes! So why have tuition classes? It is a waste of time and resources to parents and the school authorities, not to mention the desired end-results. Students should be committed to their studies when in school. Schools should develop each student’s talents according to his or her potential. That will effectively nurture students. Extra classes burdening and unnecessary? EF International Academy www. ef. com/academy More parents are sending their children, aged between 7 and 10, for private tuition. They cite competitive school environment, crowded classrooms and changing standards of language as reasons. But there are also perceptions that extra tuition places unnecessary stress on the child, writes Rozanna Latiff SHARON Lieu, a 36-year-old mother of three, sends her eldest daughter, aged 8, for Mathematics and English tuition twice a week. Even though Lieu does not believe that primary school children should be attending tuition classes, her daughters struggle to catch up with her classmates had forced the matter. In school, her class is so big that the teachers dont have time to help the few who cannot follow the lessons. Some have even told the students, Ask your tuition teacher when the child says they cant understand. Lieu said she had little time to teach her daughter on her own as she was often busy with work and taking care of her younger children. I wish that I did not have to send her for tuition, but it is the only way she will be able to keep up. I think many paren ts feel the same way, especially as schools have become more competitive. School authorities and parent groups generally agree that sending children under 10 years old for private tuition was unnecessary. Some, such as the National Collaborative Parent-Teacher Associations of Malaysia president Associate Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Ali Hasan, believe that sending pupils for tuition too early could even be detrimental to their social development. Children should be allowed time to play and learn at their own pace. Putting too much pressure on them to succeed academically at an early age means that there will be less time for them to learn to socialise or communicate effectively with others. Stress can also affect them emotionally. Ali said the most important part of early education was learning the basic skills of reading, writing and counting, which weaker students can master under the education ministrys learning and numeracy (Linus) remedial programme. He said tuition should be a measure of last resort when the student is truly struggling with schoolwork. It is crucial that they learn to read and count by Year Three. But apart from that, parents should just let children be children. Nevertheless, the Education Ministry believes that there is little to stop parents from sending their children to tuition outside school hours. Ultimately, it is the parents choice. Im not saying it is healthy, but parents just want the best for their children. If they believe tuition is the way to go, then there is nothing to stop them, deputy education minister Dr Puad Zarkashi said. Puad, however, remained sceptical on whether private tuition centres offered the best education for children. The best kind of tuition allows th e child to study one-on-one with the teacher. But most centres usually have several students to one teacher. Some centres even crowd up to 40 students in one class. So, I dont believe they make much of a difference. Read more: Extra classes burdening and unnecessary? Top News New Straits Times nst. com. my/top-news/extra-classes-burdening-and-unnecessary-1. 52841#ixzz2IFQypuPW [pic]About EF Founded in 1965, EF Education First is the worlds largest private education company. We offer language education for students and professionals in more than 50 countries. [pic]EF Research Unit at University of Cambridge EF has established a Research Unit at the University of Cambridge Department of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics to collaborate on fundamentally improving the way students learn English. EF International Academy Admissions Office Haldenstrasse 4 Luzern 6006 Switzerland Tel: +41 41 417 46 31 [pic]EF International Academy in New York, Oxford and Torbay are IB world schools. [pic]The EF schools in London, Cambridge, Oxford, Manchester, Brighton and Bournemouth are accredited by the British Council. [pic]The EF school in Torbay is accredited by the British Accreditation Council for Independent Further and Higher Education [pic]The EF school in New York is a member of the American Association of Intensive English Programs. [pic]EF International Academy schools are accredited by the University of Cambridge International Examinations Centre.

WARD Name Meaning and Surname Origin

WARD Name Meaning and Surname Origin Ward is a popular  last name of Old English and Old Gaelic origins dating back prior to the Norman Conquest of 1066.   The Old English surname Ward has several possible meanings: An  occupational surname for a guard or keeper of the watch, from the Old English weard, meaning guard.A geographical or topographical surname for a person who lived near a guardhouse or fortress.Also possibly as a topographical surname from the word werd, meaning marsh. The Ward surname may also be of Irish origin from the Irish last name McWard and variations such as MacAward, MacEvard, MacEward, and Macanward. It derives from the old Gaelic name Mac an Bhaird, from the prefix Mac, meaning son of and bhaird, a Gaelic word meaning bard or poet. Ward may also possibly be an Americanized form of the French surname Guerin, which means guard. Ward is the 71st most popular surname in the United States. Ward is also popular in England, coming in as the 31st most common surname. Statistics collected in Ireland from the 1891 census peg Ward as the 78th most common Irish surname. Surname Origin:  English, Irish Alternate Surname Spellings:  WARDE, WARDEN, WARDMAN, WORDMAN, WARDS, MCWARD, WARDLE, WARDLOW, WARDALE Famous People With the Last Name WARD ​Julia Ward Howe - best known as writer of Battle Hymn of the RepublicBilly Ward and his Dominoes - successful African-American RB vocal groupAaron Montgomery Ward - founder of the Montgomery Ward catalog and retail storeHines Ward - former NFL wide receiver for the Pittsburgh SteelersM. Ward - American singer, songwriter Genealogy Resources for the WARD Surname 100 Most Common U.S. Surnames Their MeaningsSmith, Johnson, Williams, Jones, Brown... Are you one of the millions of Americans sporting one of these top 100 common last names from the 2000 census? Ward, Wardle, Warden DNA ProjectThe goal of this Y-DNA surname project is to identify WARD family relationships by placing them each within their own unique y-DNA groups, allowing researchers within those groups to work toward discovery of their common ancestor. WARD Family Genealogy ForumSearch this popular genealogy forum for the Ward surname to find others who might be researching your ancestors, or post your own Ward query. FamilySearch - WARD Family HistoryAccess free vital, census, military, and other records, plus lineage-linked family trees posted for the Ward surname and its variations. WARD Surname Family Mailing ListsRootsWeb hosts several free mailing lists for researchers of the Ward surname. DistantCousin.com - WARD Genealogy Family HistoryFree databases and genealogy links for the last name Ward. Looking for the meaning of a given name? Check out First Name Meanings Cant find your last name listed? Suggest a surname to be added to the Glossary of Surname Meanings Origins. - References: Surname Meanings Origins Cottle, Basil. Penguin Dictionary of Surnames. Baltimore, MD: Penguin Books, 1967. Menk, Lars. A Dictionary of German Jewish Surnames. Avotaynu, 2005. Beider, Alexander. A Dictionary of Jewish Surnames from Galicia. Avotaynu, 2004. Hanks, Patrick and Flavia Hodges. A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1989. Hanks, Patrick. Dictionary of American Family Names. Oxford University Press, 2003. Smith, Elsdon C. American Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 1997.

How to use LinkedIn to get a job

How to use LinkedIn to get a job LinkedIn has positioned itself as end end-all social media portal for your career. It has professional development resources, helpful articles, and- most importantly- the connections and job postings to put you in your next job. But if you’re looking to use it for a very specific purpose, finding your next job, then it can be a little overwhelming. Let’s walk through some of the strategies you need to cut through the noise and use LinkedIn to score your next gig.Understand what LinkedIn does (and doesn’t do)Not all social media is the same, which means it shouldn’t occupy the same space in your job search. Twitter and Facebook are great for content sharing (also funny pet videos), but not necessarily great for the level of nitty-gritty info you want and need to bump up your job hunt. Studies have found that about 75% of LinkedIn users are there primarily for research- about companies, about people, about job openings. If you want to know what a companyâ₠¬â„¢s overall brand looks like, Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook is fine. If you want to get real information about the company that you can use to find your next job, think of LinkedIn as your research assistant. You can use it to get targeted information to take with you into informational meetings you set up with new (or existing) connections, or come up with detailed, insightful questions to ask in an interview.Keep your content currentThis may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be amazed how many people update their LinkedIn profiles once in a while and let them just languish. It happens to all of us. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is completely up-to-date, and that you’re refining it often. Think of this as your living resume.Check your settingsLinkedIn’s â€Å"Open Candidate† settings (found in our account preferences) let you signal to recruiters and companies that you’re open to new opportunities- even if you’re looking on the DL. If you have this setting enabled, you can specify what types of recruitment you’re open to receiving without having to put â€Å"hey, I’m looking for a new job!† on your public profile.Make your profile stand outYour headline is going to be the first thing people see when they click through to your profile. Make sure it’s a strong one that simply, concisely explains your brand: â€Å"Customer support specialist, fixing the world one solved problem at a time† is a good example. It shows off your job title, some key words, and a bit of flair to grab the reader’s interest. Having a flattering, clear profile picture is helpful as well. But remember- always use a work-appropriate headshot.Avoid looking like a seekerSounds counterintuitive, right? You are using the site to seek a new job. But if you use words like â€Å"job seeker† or â€Å"looking for† in your profile, it can come off as a little needy or desperate. Instead of broadca sting what you want, broadcast who you are and your professional brand.Target specific companiesJust about every company these days has a presence on LinkedIn. Start following the company- its content, news about them, any information you can find on the site. That way, when opportunities do open up you’ll likely already be in the loop, and able to jump on it right away.Leverage your connectionsOne of LinkedIn’s strongest points is how it brings the word-of-mouth network into the digital realm. It also lets you see who your connections are connected to, several degrees down the line. Use this data to help visualize how your network connects to someone at the company where you want to work, or someone who can get you an introduction.Don’t be afraid to reach outYour LinkedIn experience can be very passive (people come to me) or very active (I reach out to people who can help me achieve my next career goal). Take advantage of the best thing about LinkedIn- the real -time connections to people all over the world. You have nothing to lose by dropping a note in the inbox of someone you’d like to â€Å"meet† to discuss your industry, their company, etc.LinkedIn can be a great asset to your job hunt when you give it your care and attention. When you put the time in to refine your profile and start engaging with others on the site, it can yield career-changing results.

Research methods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Research methods - Essay Example 114). A grounded theory approach is used when little is known about the topic or area of interest to be studied or when the theoretical perspective does not satisfactorily explain the phenomena. In this case, grounded theory was used because little is known about the processes involved when midwives engage in facilitating the making of informed choices for women in the United Kingdom during pregnancy and childbirth. The article considerably used grounded theory because of the following key elements, namely: use of an inductive approach to generate theory from data, use of constant comparative coding scheme, relying on theoretical sampling and saturation, and omission of a literature review prior to data collection (Lichtman, 2011, p. 48). The article generated theory from data that protective steering was the core category that underlies all activities and issues involved with facilitating informed choice, reduced data into codes and reassembled into categories by axial coding, gathe red additional data to widen the variability of the approaches to midwifery practice studied, and omitted literature review. Theoretical Sampling The term â€Å"theoretical sampling† refers to a type of grounded theory sampling in which the researcher’s main purpose is to elaborate and refine categories of developing categories and theories and not to sample randomly selected populations or representative distributions of a particular population (Rubin and Babbie, 2010, p. 150). In a theoretical sampling, the researcher begins selecting similar new cases that generated previously detected concepts and hypothesis until no new insights are being generated. Often, researchers determined the sample and sample size prior to the beginning of the study but in the conduct of a study where further categories emerged, samples are chosen because of theoretical relevance. This type of sampling is known as theoretical sampling and aims to discover categories, properties, and new in terrelationships in a substantive theory. In addition, theoretical sampling involves decision of what data to collect next and where to find data to elaborate and refine a theory. Theoretical sampling is like combination of deviant and homogenous sampling. Deviant sampling selects unusual samples from both ends of category (e.g. managers’ with extremely high caseloads or extremely low caseloads) while homogenous sampling selects and restricts samples based on one category (e.g. all managers’ with extremely high caseloads). Transferability of the Results of the Study According to Levy (2006), the generalizability or transferability of findings to a wider sample of midwives was not an aim of the study as the article used grounded theory; however, some degree of generalizability can be justified and tentatively claimed (p. 122). In light with this, Bryant and Charmaz (2007) stated that generalizability of grounded theory extends across all kinds of non-probability sample studies with cases similar to the researcher’s study (p. 162). Therefore, the result of the study is transferable to outside study sample, provided that samples were selected on a

Final Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 4

Final Project - Essay Example To prove this, data from Anne Arundel, Talbot, Dorchester, Calvert County, and their relative Chesapeake Bay areas, will be collected and compared. Excessive amounts of nutrients can cause the growth of microscopic plants algae. When its population explodes or thrives, the water quality depletes. The water itself appears cloudy and blocks sunlight to the aquatic plants (SAV) that need the precious sunlight for their survival. When they dont get this energy, they die. These aquatic plants provide food and shelter for Bays inhabitants. Fish and crabs are among the prime animals. Overall, the whole Bays habitat is damaged. Algae grows due to excessive nutrients. And preventing sunlight from reaching the aquatic plants is not the only problem they cause. By blocking the sunlight, they also reduce the oxygen levels in the water during certain months. This is especially true through the summertime as decaying algae starts to sink in the water. The microscopic animals and bacteria feed on these plants. This process consumes the limited oxygen present in the water. As a result of the dying algae and hot summers the oxygen levels in the Bays water start to decline, killing different organisms in the process. It is very difficult to find data on this topic. The Chesapeake Bay area is enormous and finding this complicated, and huge volume of data is a time-consuming process. The primary sources used to obtain data for this study were; First the research area was selected. Then a focused area was selected using ArcMap. This process revealed the permanently preserved agricultural lands. Talbot, Dorchester, Calvert and an Anne Arundel are the four primary agricultural areas. Later the priority preserved agricultural areas were identified such as Annapolis in Anne Arundel. The data revealed oxygen levels less than 0.2 mg/l in anoxic

Philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Philosophy - Essay Example Basing our argument on philosophy, it can be noted that the previous philosophy or rather the ancient philosophy do not give out the same picture as it used to be some years ago. As the way of life changes, so are things like philosophy and sociology just to mention but a few. However, before a change can fully be implemented, there must be a motivation. The same applies to the modern philosophy. Before attaining its current state, there was a motivational appeal, which our ancestors anchored on to foster the attainment of their desires. First, our ancestors had a sense of recognition in that they recognized the existence of a new path that had departed from the medieval scholasticism. From that point, they started to refer to their own philosophizing style as â€Å"modern.† Notably, the recognition of medieval scholasticism departed path designating the modern philosophy. Secondly, the early philosophers acknowledged the Greek philosophical schools, after which they breathed life back to them. The philosophers believed that the schools contained the middle age’s lost vitality, which they knew would help them drive to the modern philosophy. In short, education was a pertinent motivator to the modern philosophy. In other words, education laid a foundation to proper thinking, and so it motivated the philosophy to their destiny. Thirdly, freedom formed another motivator to the current philosophy. Through freedom, the early philosophers got the chance and time to move freely out of the oppression of the Catholic Church. In doing so, they stood on a good position of defending themselves from the trouble they experienced with the religious and legal authorities. It is noteworthy that most innovative philosophers always experienced impeachment as heresy. However, freedom made them overcome these accusations. Lastly, scientific achievements in fields s uch as biology, engineering, chemistry, and astronomy staged the early philosophers on a good platform of

Animal Cruelty Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Animal Cruelty - Research Paper Example From the report it is clear that  animal issue is a very important issue as it contributes to the much needed development of medicines that save human life. But the same time the quality of life when it comes to the animals used in the experiments is adversely affected. The animals suffer prolonged pain, they are alienated from their natural ecosystems and therefore forced to lead normal lives. What this means is that animals’ rights are grossly violated when they are used   experimentally; they are separated from their natural ecosystems, denied their inherent rights such   as that to mate and chose mates as well as to choose what to eat and not. Many of the animals used in experiments end up losing their lives in the process. It raises an important issue i.e. if it is not right cause suffering for animals then animal experimentation results in moral problems that are serious.This essay highlights that  it is a very important global issue especially considering the ri se in terminal illnesses requiring new types of medication. Scientists and medics the world over are busy in search for medicines that can cure conditions such HIV AIDS, cancer, hepatitis B and many other deadly conditions that have no sure cure. This means a lot of research and experimentation is on-going globally and therefore use of animals for testing of drug efficacy. As for my audience the topic is particularly important as it involves important of morality and ethics in treating animals. Animals for instance have rights to live in their natural wild environments, reproduce and lead better lives.  

Earthquake Risk and Early Warning Research Paper

Earthquake Risk and Early Warning - Research Paper Example The information systems can give necessary warnings so that power grids, energy systems and nuclear reactors can be switched off to avoid further destruction. Critical equipments, vehicles and systems can be shut down to prevent explosion and destruction. Fast moving vehicles and trains can be brought to a low speed to avoid accidents. Earthquake risk in a particular location or a typical region is presented by various ground motion parameters. The values of different parameters are measured and analyzed. Ground motion parameters like particle velocity, particle acceleration, motion intensity and values of acceleration are assessed for calculating earth quake risk. The values of these parameters are taken using probabilistic analysis. Local geological conditions, location of earthquake sources and various other parameters are taken into account. Considering the ground motion amplitude with respect to the distance from the earthquake source or the centre of earthquake, different proba bility analysis is performed. Distribution of earthquake source or location of the origin is crucial while calculating earthquake risk. Using these valuable parameters earthquake risk for a particular region is assessed. Operational earthquake forecasting also helps assess risks and forecast possible quakes using different methods. With the help of different seismicity-based methods, several methods are developed to update seismic hazard maps. Different models and seismic based methods are found to be helping in predicting future earthquakes. Probable locations and the expected time are predicted using different parameters. Hazard level warnings are provided for different locations. Region, position and time are analyzed to predict a probable earth quake. Earthquake, the most feared natural calamity was once considered unpredictable as the origin and cause of earthquakes were unknown. Modern earthquake warning systems successfully predict earthquake to a certain extent through thoro ugh study of ground motion parameters and other information related to different locations. It has also been discovered why certain areas are more vulnerable to earth quakes. Earth quake is no longer ignored and considered as a calamity that arrives without any warning. The densely populated urban areas and the expected population explosion in the coming decades make it clear that the world can no longer afford a heavy earth quake. If an earth quake happens in any major city of the world, more than 10 million people would perish within moments. Nations are therefore increasingly concerned about any probable earth quake that would cause a risk to the population. Earth quake warning systems are developed so that people would be intimated of an impending hazard. An Earthquake Early Warning System has been prepared by the United States Geological Survey in order to calculate earth quake risk for the west coast of United States. This warning system provides timely warnings, alerts for a possible earth quake. These warnings are meant to ensure public safety and perform necessary precautionary measures to avoid heavy losses. Effective forecasts and warnings would warn the population about possible attacks and educate them about the do’s and don’ts while encountering an earth quake. Earth warning systems send automatic earth quake

Peer to Peer Push Technology for Content Delivery Systems Annotated Bibliography

Peer to Peer Push Technology for Content Delivery Systems - Annotated Bibliography Example The leading book of Ken is System Analysis and Design. The book explores avant-garde research which is being conducted on emerging information technologies. This book explains the application and relevance to the consultants, managers and to the decision makers. The real purpose of the book is to enable the readers to build bridges from technological coming out to the technological uplifting. The in depth analyses in the book include Data Warehousing, Artificial Intelligence , Information Delivery Systems and Group Support System. From the last decade the research of Dr.Kendall is focused on e-commerce and particularly his sphere of attention is push and pulls technologies. His very famous article "Information Delivery System: An Exploration of Web Push and Pull Technologies" was published in Communication of AIS. This book was helpful for me to understand the Push Technology and was informative for me to know that Push is a realizable technology within the known HTTP protocols, which are quite very well established in the Internet arena today Ranjit Kumar is affiliated with the University of Western Australia. ... Particularly detail on in depth interviewing has been expanded which allows students to analyze different methods of data collection and the book provides separate sections for the analysis of qualitative and quantitative research. 11 new figures one new table are added in the chapter on Research Methodology and Practice Evaluation to enable the students for enhanced analysis and visual learning. It also focuses on developing research skills by giving such examples which are practical example from both qualitative and quantitative research for a balanced and comprehensive grounding in research methodology. The book was helpful for me to understand research methodology and to use different examples for my qualitative and quantitative research. The New Results: 1-Appropriate metrics were identified during the course of the research work and the same has been listed earlier. During the survey the respondents have also indicated that the KPI's used for measuring the performance is appropriate and has resulted in the overall gain. 2-A corporate body was selected and the infrastructure characterization and the workload characterization have been studied. This has resulted in identifying the nature of gains that the company has had due to the implementation of the system. A survey was conducted and the required objective was met. The results of the survey were in line with the research outcome, which indicated overall satisfaction of push technology in select applications. Particularly, customer management and in content delivery systems the end users recommended usage of these systems. 3-The Push technology does have advantages for the industry and they can gainfully employ them. Though they are immediately usable in specific areas of work, they should also be

Earthquake Risk and Early Warning Research Paper

Earthquake Risk and Early Warning - Research Paper Example The information systems can give necessary warnings so that power grids, energy systems and nuclear reactors can be switched off to avoid further destruction. Critical equipments, vehicles and systems can be shut down to prevent explosion and destruction. Fast moving vehicles and trains can be brought to a low speed to avoid accidents. Earthquake risk in a particular location or a typical region is presented by various ground motion parameters. The values of different parameters are measured and analyzed. Ground motion parameters like particle velocity, particle acceleration, motion intensity and values of acceleration are assessed for calculating earth quake risk. The values of these parameters are taken using probabilistic analysis. Local geological conditions, location of earthquake sources and various other parameters are taken into account. Considering the ground motion amplitude with respect to the distance from the earthquake source or the centre of earthquake, different proba bility analysis is performed. Distribution of earthquake source or location of the origin is crucial while calculating earthquake risk. Using these valuable parameters earthquake risk for a particular region is assessed. Operational earthquake forecasting also helps assess risks and forecast possible quakes using different methods. With the help of different seismicity-based methods, several methods are developed to update seismic hazard maps. Different models and seismic based methods are found to be helping in predicting future earthquakes. Probable locations and the expected time are predicted using different parameters. Hazard level warnings are provided for different locations. Region, position and time are analyzed to predict a probable earth quake. Earthquake, the most feared natural calamity was once considered unpredictable as the origin and cause of earthquakes were unknown. Modern earthquake warning systems successfully predict earthquake to a certain extent through thoro ugh study of ground motion parameters and other information related to different locations. It has also been discovered why certain areas are more vulnerable to earth quakes. Earth quake is no longer ignored and considered as a calamity that arrives without any warning. The densely populated urban areas and the expected population explosion in the coming decades make it clear that the world can no longer afford a heavy earth quake. If an earth quake happens in any major city of the world, more than 10 million people would perish within moments. Nations are therefore increasingly concerned about any probable earth quake that would cause a risk to the population. Earth quake warning systems are developed so that people would be intimated of an impending hazard. An Earthquake Early Warning System has been prepared by the United States Geological Survey in order to calculate earth quake risk for the west coast of United States. This warning system provides timely warnings, alerts for a possible earth quake. These warnings are meant to ensure public safety and perform necessary precautionary measures to avoid heavy losses. Effective forecasts and warnings would warn the population about possible attacks and educate them about the do’s and don’ts while encountering an earth quake. Earth warning systems send automatic earth quake

Case Study analysis in Strategic Management Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Analysis in Strategic Management - Case Study Example In recent years they acquired 'Grupo Empresarial Bavaria.' Today SABMiller is present in various high growth markets like Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Africa. It has also maintained presence in matured markets like USA and Western Europe. Its brand portfolio includes Castle, Miller Lite, Miller Genuine Draft, Snow, Peroni Nastro Azzurro and Pilsner Urquell. The first part of this report explains the strategic positioning SABMiller is in different markets like South Africa, Asia, Eastern & Western Europe, USA, Latin America and Africa. It discusses the core competencies and capabilities of SABMiller and also the stakeholder's expectations. The second part looks at the future implications of its strategy .In the last part various tools used for analysis of this case study have been discussed. Corporate strategy refers to the overarching strategy of the diversified firm. Such a corporate strategy answers the questions of the business the firm should operate in and how does this business helps in improving the core competencies of the firm as a whole. (David, 1989)It is the sum total of a company's goals, objectives and its plan for pursuing those purposes. (R, 2008)From these definations we can conclude that we need to analyse SABMiller's business environment , core competancies & capabilities and stakeholder expectations to identify it's strategic position. (KR, 1971) Business Environmental Analysis Using PESTEL , Porter's Five forces and SWOT In 2009 , SABMiller has been operating world wide.It has its presence in both developing and mature markets.Due to its presence in such varied markets ,its strategy in different markets has been analysed differently. South Africa South African market has been a monopoly of SABMiller. (SABMiller, 2009)Although this market is maturing with little growth potential but the customers are moving towards more premium brands thus increasing the profitability of the firm.HIV/AIDS poses a great threat in South African market.It is a huge threat in terms of avalability of work force but the greater threat is that the disposable income of the people is likely to decrease which in turn will effect SABMiller's sales and its profitability. Africa(exclusing South Africa) SABMiller has its presence in Tanzania , Zambia , Mozambique , Angola , Bostwana and Uganda.There is huge potential for growth is these areas propelled by broader distribution and clear segmentation strategy.However the political landscape in these areas is not idle.They also trade in soft currencies thus increasing the business risk as seen in Bostwana.African market is perceived by many as a lot of risk in the Portfolio of SABMiller and might lead to lose of confidence from the company's stakeholders. Asia and Eastern Europe Both these markets are highly fragmented and developing.People have found their disposable incomes to be rising which gives SABMiller a great incentive and great opportunity in these markets.The

Debate on a GP Fee Policy

Debate on a GP Fee Policy Essay Question: What do you think about the prospect of a $5 fee to see a GP? The topic of a $5 patient co-payment for GP visits is an ongoing debate that is currently being argued from individuals to health care providers. Under this proposal, pensioners and concession card holders are exempted, and families are allowed 12 bulk billed visits before co-payment applies. So, why would the government slug patients with a $5 co-payment for GP visits? The Australian Centre for Health Research (ACHR, 2013) claims that by implementing this proposal, the government would save an approximate $750 million over 4 years and that the co-payment proposal would: Reduce avoidable demand for GP services Reduce incentives for GPs to over-service Remind people GPs are not free Reduce moral hazard risk by making people consider visiting a GP for minor ailments Remind people that maintaining good health is an individual’s responsibility However in order to take a stance, it is important to first understand Health. Should Health be a right, or is it a privilege? If Health is a privilege, health insurance would only support emergencies and not day-to-day healthcare maintenance, which would be detrimental to those in financial hardship (J L. Marshall, 2011). Hence, Health should be a right, a right â€Å"based on need and not the ability to pay†, where everyone can have equal accessibility and treatment to health care, which is why the $5 co-payment should not proceed (Public Health Association Australia, 2011). Expenditures and efficiency So why does the government intend to cut expenses from the health sector through a co-payment? Are we spending too much? According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare AIHW (2013), total health care expenditure in 2011-2012 amounted to $140.2 billion, which is 7.6% higher compared to the previous year (AIHW, 2013). Since GP visits are covered by Medicare, which is funded by the Government and through a levy, GP visits would be included in this $140.2 billion. However, it was reported that the total Medicare expenditure was $16.3 billion in 2010-2011, â€Å"total† meaning that it included GP visit along with various services covered by Medicare Benefits Schedule – MBS (Australian Government – Department of Human Resources, 2011). Thus, it is reasonable to consider that Medicare is only a small portion of the total expenditure. According to The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Australia’s health expenditure stands at $3800 per person, which is 8.9% of the Gross Domestic Product – GDP. In comparison, USA’s health expenditure per capita was $8508 per person, or 17.7% of GDP. Does this perhaps mean that life expectancy in USA is better due to the extra cost to health care? This does not seem to be the case, but rather statistics demonstrates that the highly privatised health care system is inefficient as shown in Figure 1. From Figure 1, by comparing USA to Australia or Canada, it shows that USA has a slightly lower life expectancy, but the health spending is almost double the figures of Australia and Canada’s. It should be noted that both Australia and Canada have universal health care systems in contrast to the privatised health care in USA. Given that a privatised system is evidently less efficient but yet costs more for individuals, would it then be wise to implement the co-payment, a move seen by many as a means to slowly â€Å"dismantle† Medicare (C King, 2014)? According to Catherine King (2014), the government would reduce expenditure for healthcare by means testing Medicare, but Australians will have to carry the tab. Means testing access to primary healthcare will lead to greater privatisation, which will restrict access to GPs for most Australians, more so on older people, the vulnerable ones in our population and families with children (C King, 2014). King (2014) states that â€Å"GPs are the cheapest within health systems, experts at diagnosis and able to detect potential health issues in their infancy†. Thus, if GPs are restricted, people would end up in hospitals, the expensive side of the health care system, increasing the expenditure rather than saving. Reduce avoidable demand for GP services Besides the intention of cutting costs for health care, one of the reasons provided by the ACHR for the co-payment proposal was to reduce avoidable demand (over usage) of GP services. However, the solution to this issue would not be to introduce a $5 co-payment for GP visits, as there are concerns that the co-payment would â€Å"jeopardise equitable access to clinically appropriate healthcare† (J Swan, 2013). This can be explained with a few questions by considering the targeted audience and the effects of the solution: According to J Swan’s article â€Å"John Glover voices fears GP fee will make poor suffer† (2013), Professor Glover, who led Australias most detailed analysis on the relationship between a persons wealth and their willingness to visit a doctor, states that there is â€Å"very strong† evidence that poorer people are already under using healthcare in proportion to their level of illness. Through his analysis, it is shown that only 5% of residents who lives among Sydney’s wealthiest neighbourhoods – Mosman, Woollahra and Hunters Hill, claimed they had delayed medical consultation due to financial issues. In contrast to less wealthy areas, Penrith had 13.5%; Nambour 23.4% and Ballarat had 17.9% residents claiming they would delay visiting doctors due to cost. From these statistics, it is clear that the poor would be most affected. John Glover, director of the public health information development unit at the University of Adelaide describes that the $5 co-payment for doctor visits would â€Å"discourage the wrong group of people from visiting the doctor while doing nothing to dissuade those who are already over using GP services† (J Swan, 2013). The co-payment would cause those likely to get seriously ill to unreasonably avoid preventative care which is a step towards reducing what we have as a universal healthcare system privatisiation (J Swan, 2013). Disadvantage to certain group of people (delay seeking medical help) Would the $5 co-payment disadvantage certain groups of people? The co-payment would have dangerous consequences for the poorest and sickest This then comes down to the issue of cost and equity. Health Program director of Grattan Institute, Stephen Duckett states that â€Å"In the healthcare system theres a trade-off between costs and equity, the government might save money in the short-term at the cost of equity, but Emergency departments would soon fill up with patients delaying to visit GPs† (J Swan, 2013). Clogging up ED (caused by delay in seeking aid from primary health care) Potentially preventable hospitalisations (PPH) have been defined as those hospitalisations which could have been avoided with access to quality primary care and preventative care. Rates of PPH for selected conditions, such as chronic conditions and vaccine preventable conditions are being used nationally and internationally as an indirect measure of problems with access to care and effective primary care. In contrast it is well established that hospital admissions can be prevented by primary care. Australian data show that there are around 33 hospitalisations per 1000 people per year or 10% of hospitalisations could be prevented by effective primary care5. These primary care preventable hospital admissions are increasing in recent years. The ACHR report suggests that the introduction of a co-payment will reduce all GP attendances, both those regarded as necessary, and those that are perceived as unnecessary1. There are inadequate data to know how this will affect hospital admissions. However, the co-payment may increase rather than reduce overall government health expenditure. I support the reasoning provided by ACHR for the introduction of co-payment to remind people that maintaining good health is an individual’s responsibility, which requires investments in comprehensive primary health care (Public Health Association Australia (2011). I also support the overall aim that health care expenditures must be properly managed, to ensure an accessible, equitable, safe, effective and efficient health service provision (Public Health Association Australia, 2011). However, introducing co-payments for GP visits is just one of many solutions available to reduce Health expenditures. Is it a good solution for the reasons provided by ACHR? In my opinion, I do not think it is a good solution. The co-payment would disadvantage the poor, ill and families with children greatly. It is an inefficient method not only to increase health care funding, but ineffective mechanism for reducing demand. The introduction of a co-payment for GP visits is a regressive move toward s a privatised system. Given that a privatised system has been shown to be inefficient, â€Å"means testing and privatisation would only spell the end of Medicare and it’s not how the government should manage health expenditure† (C King, 2014). It is my belief that this proposal has been inadequately investigated and more research would reveal better options to constrain health expenditure while encouraging individual responsibility for health. If further investigation are to be carried out, I would strongly recommend the government look into the management of successful countries with universal health care system such as Canada; or they could make slight adjustments to the Medicare levy, which would help increase health funding as well. References: Jonathan Swan (2013, December 31). â€Å"John Glover voices fears GP fee will make poor suffer†. Retrieved 13 March 2014, from http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/john-glover-voices-fears-gp-fee-will-make-poor-suffer-20131231-304go.html#ixzz2p8w8aZ3vAs Australian Centre for Health Research (2013, October 18). â€Å"A PROPOSAL FOR AFFORDABLE COST SHARING FOR GP SERVICES FUNDED BY MEDICARE† Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://www.cormorant.net.au/images/18%20oct%202013%20achr%20gp%20copayment%20paper%20final.pdf Sue Dunlevy (2013, December 29). â€Å"Health groups fear $5 GP will hit hospital emergency departments†. News Corp Australia Network. Retrieved 18 March 2014, from http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-groups-fear-5-gp-fee-will-hit-hospital-emergency-departments/story-fneuz9ev-1226791543887 John L. Marshall (2011, February 3). â€Å"Is Healthcare a Right or a Privilege?†. Retrieved 20 March 2014, from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/736705 Public Health Association Australia (2011, September). â€Å"Policy-at-a-glance – Primary Health Care Policy†. Retrieved 20 March 2014, from http://www.phaa.net.au/policyStatementsInterim.php#p Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW, 2013). â€Å"Health expenditure Australia 2011–12†. Health and welfare expenditure series no. 50. Cat. no. HWE 59. Canberra: AIHW. Australian Government – Department of Human Resources (2011, July 8). â€Å"Medicare Australia Annual Report 2010-11†. Retrieved 25 March 2014, from http://www.humanservices.gov.au/spw/corporate/publications-and-resources/annual-report/resources/1011/medicare-australia-annual-report-2010-11-full-report.pdf OECD (2013). â€Å"Health at a Glance 2013: OECD Indicators†. OECD Publishing. Retrieved 5 April 2014, from http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/health_glance-2013-en Catherine King (2014, February 24). â€Å"GP co-payment would man the end of Medicare†. Retrieved 7 April 2014, from http://www.alp.org.au/gp_co_payment_would_mean_the_end_of_medicare What are the equity arguments against the proposal? Unfair to poor and frequently ill people What are the literatures from overseas on this topic? Supporting evidence: University of Adelaide expert on health inequality Professor John Glover Report: The cost of care One in seven Australians has delayed seeking medical help because of cost, with Queenslanders more than twice as likely to find cost a barrier than people in NSW. Increased Ambulatory Care Copayments and Hospitalizations among the Elderly Amal N. Trivedi (M.D., M.P.H) increasing the patients share of the cost for ambulatory care may not reduce (or may even increase) total health care spending and may result in worse health outcomes. Elderly patients may be particularly sensitive to cost sharing because they have lower incomes, are more likely to be in poor health, and have greater out-of-pocket spending on health care than nonelderly populations In conclusion, increasing copayments for ambulatory care reduced the use of outpatient care among elderly enrollees in managed-care plans, but this decline was offset by an increase in hospitalizations, particularly among enrollees with low socioeconomic status and those with chronic disease. Increasing copayments for ambulatory care among elderly patients may have adverse health consequences and may increase spending for health care. http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmsa0904533#t=articleTop accessed date 13/3/2014 intro (250) para 1 (650) para 2 (650) para 3 (650) conclu (350) (2550)

Lorraine Hansberrys A Raisin In The Sun :: Essays Papers

A Raisin In The Sun "A Raisin in the Sun" was written by Lorraine Hansberry. It has won her an award in 1959, at age 29, the youngest American, the fifth woman, and the black playwright to win the Best Play of the Year Award of the New York Drama Critics. This book of the play has been put in its entire form. The original play did not include some scenes. This book has been an inspiration to a lot people. In my personal opinion, the central message is to show how the value systems of black families are. In some ways they are unique, but most ways are exactly the same as white families. In most white and black families, God is the center and heart of the family. An example of how strong an influence on families is when Beneatha and Lena argue about God's existence. "Beneatha: Mama, you don't understand. It's all a matter of ideas, and God is just one idea I don't accept. It's not important. I am not going out and be immoral or commit crimes because I don't believe in God. I don't even think about it. It's just that I get tired of Him getting credit for all the things the human race achieves through its own stubborn effort. There simply is no blasted God-there is only man and it is he who makes miracles!" After Beneatha had finished her argument, Lena slapped her across her face and made Beneatha say, "In my mother's house there is still God". Lena stressed out her points that she will not tolerate any ideas like that in her house, or as long as she's around. Black families have a huge sense of pride of where they come from. For example, Asagai always talked about Africa and how it will be good for him if he goes there. He even asked Beneatha if she would go with him. ''Asagai: Nigeria. Home. (Coming to her with genuine romantic flippancy) I will show you our mountains and our stars; and nice you cool drinks from gourds and teach you the old songs and the ways of our people-and, in time, we will pretend that- (Very Softly)-you have only been away for a day. Say that you'll come- (He swings her around and takes her full in his arms in a kiss which proceeds to passion)"

Technology †The Last Great Frontier :: Exploratory Essays Research Papers

Technology – The Last Great Frontier Introduction The technological frontier marks one of the last chapters in the development of American society. We have survived the cultivation of land, ranging from the first exploration of Christopher Columbus to the last expeditions of Buffalo Bill and the Wild West. Now, as there is no longer any land to explore, we must focus our attention on the rapidly increasing technological age. Without a doubt technology has blazed a pathway to a new and unmapped educational frontier. This frontier is pioneered by a completely new academic system: distance learning. The "distance learning" frontier features education of students from outside the traditional classroom setting through the use of technology. For example, quizzes are taken online, classes are taught over televisions, and degrees are earned on the Internet. Although this new and unexplored path has vastly expanded our academic horizons, just like the West expanded our country, we must not travel into the frontier without nurturing it first. In order to fully utilize technology we must cultivate the technology frontier in order to tame its communicational dangers. Background Just as the West promised to satisfy the needs and dreams of the American people in the nineteenth century, technology promises to satisfy our educational goals in the twenty-first century. The introduction of the Internet in the 1980’s served as the first pioneer to the technological frontier. Never before in history had academic information been so readily available at the click of a button. This new system of learning sparked excitement and interest in the minds of students and faculty members because it provided a potentially better way of learning. At first glance, the technological frontier creates an illusion of a quick and convenient educational system; however, this is not totally true. The technology frontier is still a new and unmapped territory, and there have not been an abundance of studies or writings that explain its possible benefits or dangers. Chris Piotrowski and Stephen Vodanovich, pioneers in the expansion of technological based learning, conducted a synthesis of the available research in the field. Their procedure for identifying relevant studies was to conduct a series of searches on educational databases. The results showed that "investigations about technological based instruction have not been supported by the extent of literature" (3). The conductors of this experiment claim that successful ways to incorporate technology into education have not been carefully examined or researched. Technology – The Last Great Frontier :: Exploratory Essays Research Papers Technology – The Last Great Frontier Introduction The technological frontier marks one of the last chapters in the development of American society. We have survived the cultivation of land, ranging from the first exploration of Christopher Columbus to the last expeditions of Buffalo Bill and the Wild West. Now, as there is no longer any land to explore, we must focus our attention on the rapidly increasing technological age. Without a doubt technology has blazed a pathway to a new and unmapped educational frontier. This frontier is pioneered by a completely new academic system: distance learning. The "distance learning" frontier features education of students from outside the traditional classroom setting through the use of technology. For example, quizzes are taken online, classes are taught over televisions, and degrees are earned on the Internet. Although this new and unexplored path has vastly expanded our academic horizons, just like the West expanded our country, we must not travel into the frontier without nurturing it first. In order to fully utilize technology we must cultivate the technology frontier in order to tame its communicational dangers. Background Just as the West promised to satisfy the needs and dreams of the American people in the nineteenth century, technology promises to satisfy our educational goals in the twenty-first century. The introduction of the Internet in the 1980’s served as the first pioneer to the technological frontier. Never before in history had academic information been so readily available at the click of a button. This new system of learning sparked excitement and interest in the minds of students and faculty members because it provided a potentially better way of learning. At first glance, the technological frontier creates an illusion of a quick and convenient educational system; however, this is not totally true. The technology frontier is still a new and unmapped territory, and there have not been an abundance of studies or writings that explain its possible benefits or dangers. Chris Piotrowski and Stephen Vodanovich, pioneers in the expansion of technological based learning, conducted a synthesis of the available research in the field. Their procedure for identifying relevant studies was to conduct a series of searches on educational databases. The results showed that "investigations about technological based instruction have not been supported by the extent of literature" (3). The conductors of this experiment claim that successful ways to incorporate technology into education have not been carefully examined or researched.

Digital Divide Essay

The term digital divide emerged in the mid-1990’s to describe the gap that exists between individuals who have access to technology and those that do not have access (Eamon, 2004). Computer technology has transformed modern society in profound ways (Behrman & Shields, 2000). Everyday society exposes citizens to technology in some form. Citizens integrate technology into common tasks such as signing into work, paying bills, shopping, paying taxes, and even reading the local newspaper (Behrman & Shields, 2000). The increasing integration of technology into society cause school systems to be more resolute about including technology in every classroom. School leaders generally agree that access to technology prepares students to succeed in the 21st century (Bell, Judge, & Puckett, 2006). Other researchers point out that increasing access to technology in the classroom environment does not ensure academic improvement. These researchers point out that there are limits to the advantages that technology offers. A meta-analysis by Crismann, Badgert and Lucking (1997) involving 27 studies concerning academic achievement of students who received traditional classroom instruction or traditional classroom instruction with technology integration showed interesting results. On average, students receiving technology infused instruction attained higher academic achievement than 58. 2 percent of those in traditional classrooms (Page, 2002). The digital divide addresses societal differences that correlate to the educational outcomes of students. Such differences raised concerns about the emergence of the digital divide between the children on one side who are benefiting from technology and the children on the other side who the lack of technology access leaves behind (Becker, 2000). Key Terms and Definitions 1. Application – computer software; also called a program 2. Broadband – a type of data transmission in which a single wire can carry several channels at once. Broadband technology can transmit data, audio, and video all at once over long distances. 3. Chat – real time, text-based communication in a virtual environment 4. Digital Divide – the gap between those with regular, effective access to digital technologies and those without 5. Digital Technology – machinery and computer equipment used for practical and informative purposes 6. Learning Portal – any web site that offers learners and organizations consolidated access to learning and training resources from multiple sources 7. Multimedia – interactive text, images, sounds, and color 8. Network – two or more computers that are connected so users can share files and devices 9. Online – a computer communicating with another computer 10. World Wide Web (www) – a graphical Internet tool that provides access to homepages created by individuals, businesses, and other organizations Statement of Hypothesis Researchers define the digital divide as discrepancies in technology use and access in learning environments based on ethnicity and socioeconomic status (Pearson & Swain, 2002). School systems and government programs supply technology equipment and software to United States’ schools in effort to close the digital divide. Nearly every school is now equipped with computers, and over two-thirds of our nation’s children have access at home (Shields & Behrman, 2000). Equal access and supply cannot close the digital divide alone. Teachers need adequate training on selection of technology and integration of technology. Teachers, parents, and students must become technology literate in order to close the digital divide. Review of Literature Advantages of Technology and Academic Performance The digital divide influences academic performance because limited student access to technology minimizes experiences and knowledge necessary to succeed academically. Computer based technology contributes to children’s academic achievement. Researchers associate having a home computer to better academic performance (Jackson et al. , 2006). Schools play a critical role in providing access to computers to students who do not have home computers. Teachers can have a profound effect on the digital divide by carefully examining how and when technology use is necessary. Regular use of technology in the classroom directly contributes to student achievement, both by making students more effective in their learning and teachers more efficient in their teaching. Teacher education should not focus on technology alone, but on its alignment with the curriculum. In order for this alignment with the curriculum to take place, more computers must be available for students use. Technology integrated into the curriculum increases students’ time on task and extends learning into the home, beyond the traditional school day (Shield & Behrman, 2000). Classrooms benefit from the advantages of technology if planning is efficient and effective for a particular group of students. Students must understand that the use of technology within lessons supports productivity. Technology is a tool that students use for learning, research, networking, collaboration, telecommunications, and problem solving. Technology lessons must be meaningful and engaging for students to improve academic performance. Teachers are able to shift student learning from memorizing answers to questions to knowing how to find answers. Activities that encourage students to use technology outside of the classroom such as using the technology lab, school media center, or local public library prepare students for future educational experiences. Using technology for academic tasks plays a positive role in student achievement (Wenglinsky, 2005). If students participate in authentic technology enhanced activities on a regular basis, these activities will offer students the support they need to become learners that are more proficient and possibly narrow the divide. Limitations of Technology and Academic Performance The level and quality of the student interactions with technology can limit the academic advantages that technology offers. Students must be able to use computers for more than web-surfing, chatting, game playing, and participating in low-level thinking activities. Student interactions with computers must be quality interactions that allow students to do research and create original multimedia products. Although 99% of public classrooms have access to computers, many students are not meeting the technology standards set by the National Educational Technology Standards (Morgan & VanLengen, 2005). While technology exposes students to activities that allow them to use higher order thinking and problem solving techniques, they still prefer to engage in non-academic activities on the Internet. Becker (2000) states that â€Å"most student Internet activities were recreational in nature – such as email, chat rooms, web-based games, web surfing, and listening to music†. Many children’s activities on the Internet appear to be for entertainment purposes instead of educational purposes. While the Internet gives students access to an array of educational tools, it also gives them access to non-academic material. Teachers often have trouble monitoring student use of appropriate websites, electronic mail messages, instant messages, and live chat rooms. Without careful observation, students can easily use school time to access material that is inappropriate for children and will not improve academic improvement. Even if teachers properly monitor students, they may not benefit from having access to computers in the classroom. Research by Lilia C. DiBello (2005) states that many teachers have not been properly trained to integrate technology in the classroom. While teachers may be comfortable with navigating various types of software, they often have trouble implementing the technology to meet technology standards (DiBello, 2005). Teacher preparation programs now require future teachers to take a technology course as a graduation requirement. However, technology is rapidly changing and school systems offer few opportunities that allow teachers to keep up with the changes modern technology brings. When teachers are not willing and not prepared to integrate technology into their classrooms, they often fail to prepare students to perform authentic tasks using the computers. Teachers often use computers for low-level thinking activities such as drill and practice (Pearson & Swain, 2002). According to Pearson and Swain (2002), students in high-poverty schools use computers for drill and practice 35% of the time, as opposed to students in low-poverty schools, who used computers for drill and practice 26% of the time. Schools who are below the poverty line are also more often to use computers for remedial purposes instead of higher order thinking skills. Teachers rarely teach students to use the computers to answers questions that they ask, research topics, or to prepare multimedia projects that coincide with the subjects they have learned in the classroom. Importance of Closing the Divide The digital divide exists both quantitatively and qualitatively. Gillan (2003) supported that quantitative gaps exist in schools and families where there is not enough access or time spent with technology. Qualitative gaps refer to selection of appropriate applications and quality training. Many studies have drawn the conclusion that the key factor in closing the digital divide may not be access alone. As years have passed, attention moved away from who is connected to the question of who is served. It is important to consider that the upper-to-middle classes are given high-quality access to technology because technologists are hard at work creating â€Å"solutions† designed just for them. According to Morgan and VanLengen (2005), most affluent students use software that requires the use of critical thinking skill. Less affluent students predominately use drill and practice software. Many school officials feel that technologists ignore solutions for the poor. The result is often that schools give the poor low-quality access that could actually hurt them and, in some sense, widen the divide. Because of the continued influences of technology on society, the United States must address the digital divide and implement strategies to narrow the gap. It is imperative to focus on what can be done if needs cannot be met. Students that are technology savvy have significant advantages over their peers. Students with limited technology skills will not have the same educational or job opportunities and information that will be necessary for full and knowledgeable participation in society. Leaders should not subject students to the wrong side of the digital divide just because computer access at home is limited or none. It is the responsibility of the schools and communities to help narrow the gap. The schools are the primary source of computer access. Schools can promote digital equity for young children by including access to computer resources used in developmentally appropriate ways (Judge, 2005). The digital divide has consequences that extend beyond the school. If the digital divide was only a matter of unequal access to equipment, closing it would simply involve duplicating the resources of wealthy schools in poorer schools (Riel, Schwartz, & Hitt, 2002). Educators need to learn the basics of information literacy: searching, evaluating materials for quality, risk assessment, and equally important privacy protection. These skills go beyond online behavior to include mass media and everyday communications. Conclusion It is the job of educators to plan technology-integrated lessons that are appropriate for the particular group they are teaching. Educators must have knowledge and skills to integrate technology into meaningful activities of interest and relevance to children. Educators need to be aware of the advantages and the limitations of technology for all students. The primary key to closing the digital divide is investment in literacy and education. The biggest barrier to use of digital technology is lack of skills. It is possible that the next generation of the World Wide Web, referred to as Internet, emphasizes the need to go beyond text to give users a sensory experience of the web. Some governments are exploring the use of cell phones, and applications like voice recognition technology or use of visual icons on various devices. The implications for closing the digital divide are important to society. Closing the digital divide will offer educational advantages, future employment and earning opportunities, chance for social and civic involvement, equity, and civil rights for all.

Includes limitations and recommendations for further research Essay

The Chinese banking industry has a prime role to finance the growth of China by adapting global best practices. Banks as HSBC are financing the growth across a wide swathe of people, businesses and nations. The Chinese Banking industry is rapidly adapting to the international financial mechanisms, adopting the best practices of many banking activities such as internet and mobile banking, increased customer focus and bundling of services. Bank of China is providing a high level of service to its customers, which has been so accepted by two thirds of the populace that it has served. However there are number of areas in which there is scope for efficiency and better customer service where low scores in some case of a mere 30 % plus have been indicated which should be a cause of concern for the management and specific areas as indicated by the research need to be addressed. The Bank of China will have to invest greater technological as well as management resources in enhancing its internet banking model to satisfy the customers, provide timely and efficient services. Since large quanta of customers are likely to use the internet in the future, investment in this critical resource will prove to be greatly beneficial to banks. HSBC on the other hand has provided a good model of internet banking which other banks could well emulate. The trend is also to induce customers to go on line and use the communication enabled services on offer including mobile and internet banking. A key facet which is noticeable in HSBCs services is bundling of personal services with travel insurance, travel money and even airport parking all into one large group and providing discounts on all three to varying degrees thereby adding to the convenience of the customer as well as enabling the bank to easily service him. China’s banking sector is set to see two major challenges which will be faced by banks as BOC. The first which would be obvious from the study is the threat of foreign banks such as HSBC which having a better experience of providing customer friendly services and with an ability to introduce innovative products which will be able to attract a large portion of the high value and business clientele in the country. (BOC Global Offering, 2006). This is likely to see greater increase with China’s accession to the WTO. In the beginning of 2007, foreign banks would be conducting commercial banking in foreign currency as well as Renminbi without any limitations of locations. (BOC Global Offering, 2006). The Chinese government is also encouraging the entry of foreign participation in the finance sector, particularly related to automobile financing and also in reform and restructuring of the financial institutions. (BOC Global Offering, 2006). The other challenge identified is the demand for high value products which can enable growth of economy as well as reduce the risk such as investment banking and insurance. The need will also be felt for products relating to asset management. These could also extend support for underwriting during mergers and acquisitions and financing and securitization of projects. (BOC Global Offering, 2006). However as a competitive business entity, HSBC is focusing on the perceived growth areas such as credit cards and it is said to be teaming up with the Chinese Bank of Communications to provide credit cards to the large majority of Chinese who do not own one thereby creating vast business opportunities. (Schuman, 2006). The Bank of China could exploit such a strategy while at the same time fulfilling its social obligations in personal banking for the less privileged. A survey of the issues covered in the research will indicate that the lead banks of China are well set to undertake this challenging task of providing services of a global standard. An increased interaction with global banks as HSBC will prove beneficial for BOC to attain its ends as stated in its vision of a, â€Å"Market-driven, Client-oriented, World-class Financial services institution, a robust corporate governance structure, capable of delivering outstanding performance over a long term. † (About Bank of China,. 2006). There were a number of limitations during this research; first of all, the number of respondents to questionnaires is limited, because it is difficult to collect information from large number of consumers due to constraints of time and resources. Secondly the subject being of a contemporary nature the response of the bank staff is restricted to the stated company policy. As also there is limited research material in terms of reference books on the specific subject, thus there has to be reliance on sources provided by the two banks as well as journals and the internet. This limitation might induce some error in the research, however the researcher insisted on a precise approach, therefore the results of research are reliable. The Chinese banking industry provides a number of areas for further research. Detailed research can be undertaken on the impact of WTO on Chinese banking industry. In addition research on the role of the central bank in China in supporting financial autonomy and greater growth can also be undertaken. Adoption of best practices by other state banks of China could also be another area of study. References 1. About Bank of China. 2006. http://www. bank-of-china. com/en/common/third. jsp? category=ROOT%3Een%3EInformation+Center%3EAbout+BOC%3EAbout+Bank+of+China. ( 22 August 2006). 2. Agent. 2006. http://www. bank-of-china. com/en/common/third. jsp? category=ROOT%3Een%3ECorporate+Banking%3EOther+Services+in+Money+Management%3EAgent+Bank+Business. (23 August 2006). 3. Assurance. 2006. http://www. hsbc.co. uk/1/2/business/insurance. (26 August 2006). 4. Bancassurance, 2006. http://www. bank-of-china. com/en/common/third. jsp? category=1099361248100. (23 August 2006). 5. BOC Global Offering. 2006. 202. 66. 146. 82/listco/hk/boc/prospectus/pro060518. pdf . (26 August 2006). 6. BOCI. 2006. http://www. bank-of-china. com/en/common/third. jsp? category=1099540300100. (25 August 2006). Cantrell, D. C. (n. d. )) Alternative paradigms in environmental education research: The interpretive perspective.