Communicable Disease Paper Essay

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. Acute HBV is less than six months and ones immune system is able to fight and clear the infection. Chronic HBV lasts longer than six months and ones immune system is unable to fight the infection leading to liver failure, cancer or cirrhosis. Occasionally chronic HBV can go undetected for years due to a person being asymptomatic (Mayo Clinic, 2011). Mode of Transmission In highly infected areas of the world, HBV is most commonly spread from mom to baby at birth or from person to person in early childhood (World Health Organization [WHO], 2013). The HBV is also spread via parenteral contact with infected blood or blood products, sharing of or accidental needle sticks and having unprotected sex with one who’s blood, saliva, semen or vaginal secretions are infected and enter your body (Copstead and Banasik, 2010). Signs and Symptoms Signs and symptoms of HBV may never appear or appear over a two to six month period. Signs and symptoms include abdominal pain, dark urine, fever, joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, weakness and fatigue and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and or sclera) (Mayo Clinic, 2011). Complications Having chronic HBV can lead to serious life threatening complications such as, cirrhosis, liver cancer, failure, hepatitis D infection or kidney failure. Liver cirrhosis occurs when HBV has caused inflammation to liver leading to scaring and formation of fibrotic cell tissue that blocks hepatic blood flow and cell function. This in turn results in overgrowth of new cells attempting to regenerate causing decreased liver function Liver cancer and failure can occur if a patient has cirrhosis due to being a risk factor (Copstead and Banasik, 2010). Treatment Treatment of HBV is supportive. Care focuses on nutrition, hydration and comfort (WHO, 2013). For those who have been infected with acute HBV, may not even need treatment but only management of symptoms. Those infected with chronic HBV may need more invasive treatments such as, antiviral medications or need a liver transplant (Mayo Clinic, 2011). Antiviral medications are used to slow and fight the virus from destructing the liver. Liver transplants are an option if a patient has end-stage liver disease where traditional treatments have not worked and are a qualified candidate (Copstead and Banasik, 2010). Demogrphics Approximately 60,000 people die every year from HBV (WHO, 2013). There are about 200 billion people living around the world with HBV with an estimated 1. 2 million living in the United States (CDC, 2013). In 2011 the United States was estimated to have 18,800 actual new cases of the HBV (CDC, 2013). Those who are at greatest risk for developing HBV are Asian and Pacific Islanders, African Americans, gay and bisexual individuals, those who have multiple sex partners and do not practice safe sex or are intravenous drug users. Gay and bisexual men make up 20% of new HBV cases and 50% Asian and Pacific Islanders are living with HBV (CDC, 2013). Most Asian and Pacific Islanders were infected with HBV as infants or children and 1 in 12 are living with it and are not even aware. Determinants of Health Environmental factors such as living conditions, social networks and social support systems are all key drivers for one becoming infected with the HBV. For example, a homeless person who has a poor health status, is uninsured, unemployed and has a lack of education is more likely to be diagnosed with HBV. Also certain races are more likely to be infected with the HBV, as stated above, Asian and Pacific Islanders make up 50% of the population living with HBV (CDC, 2013). In addition there is a lack of resources available to protect, improve and maintain one health due to the cost and lack of good health services to individuals with low socioeconomic backgrounds. Therefore, focus needs to be made on improving access to care as well as treating the environmental and social factors of health. Epidemiologic Triangle The epidemiologic triangle is used to analyze the natural history of a disease. It asses the agent â€Å"what†, host â€Å"who† and environment â€Å"where† (Maurer and Smith, 2013). The biological agent for hepatitis B is a virus. The host’s demographics can range from infancy into adulthood and any race is susceptible to the virus. The body’s defenses are more likely to fight off acute than chronic HBV. A person’s behavior as well plays a large role in one becoming infected. Those who are intravenous drug users or have a history of multiple sex partners are my susceptible to developing HBV. Environmental factors based on social and economic considerations could be direct person-to-person contact of bodily fluids via kissing or sexual intercourse or receiving contaminated blood products from infected individuals. Within the workplace, an individual could accidently prick himself or herself with a contaminated needle increasing their chances of becoming infected. Role of Community Health Nurse It is important for the community health nurse to educate and promote prevention of HBV. Teaching risk reduction interventions and strategies such as not having unprotected sex and using condoms can help prevent transmission of hepatitis B. For those who have already become infected with the HBV it’s important to provide timely referrals for sexual health related services to further prevent others from becoming infected. Making the hepatitis vaccinations more accessible and available is an effective way to prevent hepatitis B. Educating health and human service providers about hepatitis B promotes quality of care and awareness as well as reduces chances of transmission. Ensuring adequate resources are available (state and local surveillance) to accurately monitor disease trends, transmission and how effective treatment is can improve and ensure correct data collection. It’s also important that the nurse refers patients to accessible care and treatment facilities so that compliance can be obtained and the rate of transmission, morbidity and mortality can be reduced. National Organization The World Hepatitis Alliance is a non-profit international umbrella non-governmental organization that represents every region of the world with viral hepatitis. They raise awareness, reduce the stigma associated with viral hepatitis, work with the WHO and provide preventive care as well as support and access to treatment. Their goal is eradication of HBV and HCV. They plan on achieving this goal by having more countries with a complete hepatitis strategy in place, regional patient organizations in all WHO regions, on going support for global hepatitis groups, acceptance at a global level of HBV and HCV, increased alliance and a more diversified funding base for the alliance. Conclusion There are two billion people worldwide that are infected with HBV and more than 350 million are infected with chronic liver infections, which increases their risk of death significantly (Maurer and Smith, 2013). Fortunately, there is a vaccine for hepatitis B but it has not become easily accessible to those in developing countries. This is a virus that can be prevented if individuals are being educating on the causes and risks as well as ways to protect themselves. It is up to us healthcare providers to spread awareness and makes our patients more knowledgeable about the types of communicable disease in our world so that they can make healthy choices.

Case Analysis of Andrea Yates

Nathan Merrill XXJUN2012 PS208 Case Analysis of Andrea Yates After close review and careful analysis of the case of Andrea Yates and the circumstances which led to the drowning death and murder of her five children, I first would like to state my personal opinion on the conclusion of the case which was the majority consensus at the time of her trial and sentencing.She was guilty of a horrible murder and although certainly had mental problems, which is apparent by her actions that most completely rational thinking human being and mother would be incapable of committing, and expertly used an insanity plea to lessen the sanctions that should have and inevitably would have been brought upon her. The major dilemma in this entire case was not based upon whether Andrea Yates had or had not committed the crime of murder five times over on her own flesh and blood or even if she was mentally sick.The defining line in this case is the interpretation by which we judge insanity and the scale by which we way the accuracy if someone convicted of a crime and pleads insanity was actually aware that the crime they committed was a wrong doing. The interpretations are subject to base line analysis which has changed over time since its inception on how we decide if a person is mentally capable of knowing their actions and thus should be held responsible for those actions to the farthest extent of the law.Basically this case comes down to if Yates knew her actions were wrong and if she made the conscious decision to murder her children, which in my personal opinion is a resounding yes. I would not argue the fact that Yates is mentally ill but the this cased seemed to revolve around the fact of if she comes up with a good enough reason to commit such a horrible crime then it can appear that she honestly thought by her actions she was protecting her children. The circumstances based on religion become confusing but could also be the result of a masterfully constructed defense.Granted , a life in a mental institution would be no walk in the park or even enjoyable but far less intrusive than death itself or a life in the general population of penitentiary living. My conclusion is that yes, Yates is sick, but I feel a strong possibility of her understanding the wrongness of her actions to the rest of society but in her opinion acted in the greater good based on religiously psychotic feeling of heaven and hell which was a foundation of making a decision to take her children’s lives while understanding it was wrong and should have been dealt with by a swifter and stronger hand of justice.My opinion aside this is the conclusion and information brought forth by unbiased research as to the case and analysis of Yates. Only one of a twelve mental health experts who testified concluded that the Yates was legally sane when she drowned her five children in the family bathtub. The witness, called by prosecutors, was Park Dietz, a forensic psychiatrist and the prosecuto rs' only mental health expert, Dietz and his testimony helped convict Yates. The conviction later was overturned. When Yates is retried, much of the attention again was on Dietz, who is back on the prosecution's witness list.And now, there are questions about Dietz's conclusions in the Yates case because of his testimony in another trial involving a Texas mother who killed two of her children. Questions have added intrigue to a case in which prosecutors' initial decision to seek the death penalty ignited a national debate over how mental illness and postpartum depression are viewed in criminal courts. The Yates case now has become a symbol of the influence that expert witnesses hold in trials in our country each day, and a test of how psychiatrists' opinions are used in court.The standards judges use in deciding whether to admit psychiatric opinions in court are less precise than those used to allow testimony about scientific evidence that is more obviously measurable, such as DNA o r fingerprints. George Parnham, who was Yates' lead attorney, said the defense hopes to raise doubts about Dietz's analysis of Yates. The defense, Parnham said, was to focus on why Dietz found Yates to be sane and therefore legally responsible for her actions and also why he came to the opposite conclusion in 2004 in a similar case involving Deanna Laney, a Texas mother who killed two of her sons.Kaylynn Williford, who was a Harris County prosecutor, said Dietz's analysis in other cases is not relevant to the Yates case. She says she will ask the judge to limit Dietz's testimony to his analysis of Yates. If convicted, Yates was facing life in prison, but not execution. That issue was settled at her first trial, when the jury rejected execution. Texas law defines insanity as the inability to know right from wrong. At Yates' trial, Dietz testified that Yates knew that drowning her children was wrong. Jurors agreed with Dietz's opinion and rejected her insanity defense.A key difference in the Yates case from other similar cases was that she didn’t state that she attacked her sons at God's direction. Yates had told Dietz that she had drowned her children — Noah, 7; John, 5; Paul, 3; Luke, 2; and Mary, 6 months — at the direction of Satan, according to the trial transcript. She also told Dietz she thought it was wrong. Although Yates readily confessed to what she had done, and the crimes were committed in less than an hour, what led up to her killing her children had been building for almost two years she had said.Odd family dynamics, fundamentalist religious beliefs, clinical care that was fragmented at best, and the quirks and inadequacies of the American medical-insurance system all had some role in the Yates' family tragedy. The case also highlighted the lack of recognition of the potentially deadly consequences of postnatal disorders, and the limitations of the justice system in dealing with individuals who are mentally ill. Andrea Yates b egan to show signs of mental illness shortly after the birth of her first child, when she had a hallucination that involved a stabbing.After the birth of her fourth child, she attempted suicide by taking an overdose of sedatives. She was taken to hospital, but was eventually discharged before her symptoms were resolved because her insurance company limited the number of days of inpatient care it would pay for. She was prescribed antidepressants, but did not take them. In a second suicide attempt, she held a knife against her throat and began to mutilate herself and heard voices that told her to â€Å"get a knife†.When she became near catatonic, doctors suggested electroconvulsive therapy, but the family rejected this option. Finally, she received a drug cocktail containing an antipsychotic agent. The medication was apparently effective, but Andrea believed she had been given â€Å"truth serum†, which caused her to lose control of herself. Despite a psychiatrist's warni ng that having another child would more than likely provoke another psychotic episode, the Yates had a fifth child.The implication was that Andrea had got the idea for her actions from the television program. However, no such episode had ever aired. This was the false testimony, a mistake Dietz acknowledged, on which the case was eventually overturned and a new trial granted. Rusty Yates, Andrea’s husband, divorced his wife and remarried. Andrea's commitment to a state mental institution is subject to court supervision and is reviewed periodically but chances are she will remain in a mental hospital for the rest of her life.Several professional communities have used Andrea's case to try to prevent a similar tragedy from occurring. The Mental Health Association of Greater Houston established the Yates Children Memorial Fund to educate the public about issues affecting women's mental health after birth and the effect of post pardum depression and disorders. In 2003, the Texas s tate legislature passed the Andrea Yates Bill. The bill requires all providers of prenatal care to give new mothers information about resources available to help them with postnatal depression.

Incurable disease AIDS

Today, the world is worst alarmed by an incurable disease AIDS. AIDS has been spreading in the world like a wild fire. AIDS is a global problem and there should be a global solution found by the entire international community. It is really scary to see and imagine our world fall into pieces because we refuse to share and put in the common vestiges of our civilizations. â€Å"It could be said that the AIDS pandemic is a classic own-goal scored by the human race against itself. † – Princess Anne, Ireland. The Origin of Aids: -AIDS is caused by the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which originated in non-human primates in Sub-Saharan Africa and was transferred to humans during the late 19th or early 20th century. Two types of HIV infect humans: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is more virulent, is more easily transmitted and is the cause of the vast majority of HIV infections globally. The pandemic strain of HIV-1 is closely related to a virus found in the chimpanzees of the subspecies Pan troglodytes, which lives in the forests of the Central African nations of Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Central African Republic. HIV-2 is less transmittable and is largely confined to West Africa, along with its closest relative, a virus of the sooty mangabey (Cercocebus atys atys) an Old World monkey inhabiting southern Senegal, Guinea, and western Ivory Coast. â€Å"It is clear before God and man that the entire war on HIV and AIDS has not been waged with any degree of piety, responsibility and care. †| Symptoms of Aids: -The symptoms of AIDS are primarily the result of conditions that do not normally develop in individuals with healthy immune systems. Most of these conditions are infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that are normally controlled by the elements of the immune system that HIV damages. Opportunistic infections are common in people with AIDS. These infections affect nearly every organ system. That’s what prompted James Ander ton to say that, Everywhere I go I see increasing evidence of people swirling about in a human cesspit of their own making. | People with AIDS have had their immune system damaged by HIV and are very susceptible to these opportunistic infections. Common symptoms are: * Chills * Fever * Sweats (particularly at night) Swollen lymph glands * Weakness * Weight loss Causes for Aids: -Reckless life style is the major cause for HIV. The virus can be spread (transmitted): * Through sexual contact — including oral, vaginal, and anal sex * Through blood — via blood transfusions or needle sharing * From mother to child — a pregnant woman can transmit the viru s to her foetus through their shared blood circulation, or a nursing mother can transmit it to her baby in her breast milk Other methods of spreading the virus are rare and include accidental needle injury, artificial insemination with infected donated semen, and organ transplantation with infected organs. However considering the patients to be untouchable is unconditionally disgraceful. Sometimes I have a terrible feeling that I am dying not from the virus, but from being untouchable. – Amanda Heggs| HIV infection is NOT spread by: * Casual contact such as hugging * Mosquitoes * Participation in sports * Touching items that were touched by a person infected with the virus Aids and blood or organ donation: -AIDS is NOT transmitted to a person who DONATES blood or organs. People who donate organs are never in direct contact with people who receive them. Likewise, a person who donates blood is never in contact with the person receiving it. In all these procedures, sterile needles and instruments are used. However, HIV can be transmitted to a person RECEIVING blood or organs from an infected donor. To reduce this risk, blood banks and organ donor programs screen donors, blood, and tissues thoroughly. What is necessary to change a person, is to change his awareness of himself. -Abraham Maslow. Aids Awareness programmes: – * AIDS is the sixth leading cause of death among people ages 25 – 44 in the United States, down from number one in 1995. * The World Health Organization estimates that more than 25 million people worldwide have died from this infection since the start of the epidemic. * In 2008, there were approximately 33. 4 million people around the world living with HIV/AIDS, including 2. 1 million children under age 15. Complete extinction of impure thought is impossible without ceaseless penance. Mahatma Gandhi | The government has drawn up a strategy to fight AIDS that seeks to unite all sectors in a common programme. The national health department is the main driver of a strategic plan to coordinate the fight against AIDS by the whole country. These include traditional healers, business and religious organisations. The priority areas in this plan are: * Prevention; * Treatment, care and support; * Legal and human rights; * Monitoring, research and evaluation Conclusion: -As of now, there is no cure for AIDS, though there are drugs that prolong a patient’s life. There is a huge amount of research going on in this regard, especially in the US, and hopefully, a cure (or a vaccine) will be discovered. However, moral life alone is the best medicine to prevent AIDS. As a nation we should commit ourselves not only to the fight against terrorism, but to economic justice, defeat of the AIDS epidemic and vestiges of discriminatory policies of all kinds.

The Bio-Ecological Model of Human Development Research Paper

The Bio-Ecological Model of Human Development - Research Paper Example It is a model that traces the development of an individual throughout the life course of an individual. It is with this genesis that a summary of the four systems and their influence on the development of a child will be evaluated. Consequently, the differences existing in the model with be delineated and the factors outside the model that influence that development of a child discussed. Moreover, the relationship and interactions of the systems will be delineated in bid to address the impact of the relationships in the development of a child. The Bio-ecological model and its related research designs is an evolving theoretical system for the scientific study of human development from the perspective of individuals and groups. This paper will be aimed at addressing the thesis statement: Bioecological model has a significant role in a child’s development (Berns, 2009). Summary of the Four Systems and the Influences that they have on a Child’s Development To place the bioe cological theory of human development in its wider context, it is important to note that many of the perspectives postulated as a body of the theory are integral parts of other relevant thoughts on empirical enquiry into the concept of human development. ... lly its interdisciplinary and integrative approach to development through the age periods of childhood and adolescence is important in formulation of policies and programs necessary in promoting youth and family development. The bioecological model aims at unifying the research studies that have been conducted and affirms that the development of an individual is influenced by four ecological systems. This includes: macrosystem, microsystem, mesosystem and exosystem. These four systems interact in a manner that shapes the development of an individual throughout the life course. These systems work in harmony in shaping the intra-individuality of a child, depending on the contexts in which the child is exposed to. In order to garner an in depth understanding of the bioecological model, each system will be reviewed and its influence on child development explained in bid to address the thesis that the bioecological system influences the development of a child (Bronfenbrenner, & Morris, 20 06). Microsystem: is the initial context (primary) which the child is exposed to at the first stages of his development. It entails the interpersonal relationships that the child experiences during development as the child interacts with the social and physical aspects of context. The microsystem is the layer closest to the child encompassing all the structures in direct contact with the child. It therefore defines the relationships and interactions that a child develops within its immediate surroundings. These factors either enhance or inhibit the development of the child. Being the initial development environment, it also influences the development of the child in other subsequent environments. The micro environment includes the child’s family, school, peers and religious activities

MArketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

MArketing - Essay Example However, it has been recommended to focus on the development of broader range of healthy and organic products due to the shift of the consumers’ preferences towards healthier eating habits is a great niche for the company. Starbucks might broaden its existing range of food items by offering innovative and tasty but healthy food items. Also, Starbucks could strengthen significantly its market position by selecting a good â€Å"victim† for M&A. In case of successful acquisition, Starbucks could develop and launch relevant campaign devoted to its healthy product line. Also, as the company is operating through franchising system in the UK’s market it might be helpful to promote its franchising opportunities through launching a broad marketing campaign and participation in various franchising events and exhibitions. By developing its network through franchising, Starbucks will be able to capture a larger market share within a short period of time and thus will be more competitive on the market. Starbucks Corporation is the US-based premier roaster, marketer and retailer of specialty coffee, operating globally (MarketLine Advantage 2014). The company began its story in 1971 in Seattle (Starbucks.com, 2014). Nowadays, its presence is covered by the 19, 767 retail stores operating in 62 countries all over the world (MarketLine Advantage 2014). In addition to purchasing, roasting and selling whole bean coffees, handcrafted coffee, tea and other variety of beverages, the company offers different fresh food items in its stores (MarketLine Advantage 2014). Starbucks also sells its products and licenses trademarks through grocery and national foodservice accounts and licensed stores (MarketLine Advantage 2014). The Food and Beverage sector in the UK’s economy has a broad definition as it is comprised of different sub-sectors (Thornton 2010). The major sub-sectors include: dairy products, soft beverages, frozen and chilled foods,

Weekly paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Weekly paper - Essay Example In restaurant operations particularly, while the foods served are enhanced in terms of content, delectability, or design, the owner ought to realize that the service attached to the main commodity must be significantly invested upon as well. By personal experience, it feels great to find out that a certain restaurant consistently makes a sumptuous menu yet due to lack of hospitable crew and stable conduct in addressing customer issues, I am more likely to generate a lasting negative impression. It would turn out this is a delicate matter to cope with in the process. Through Walker’s lesson, I have become contemplative of factors with customer service, human relations, or other intangibles which constitute not just a profitable but even a sensible kind of entrepreneurship. As an aspiring businessman, I have come to acknowledge the essence of perceiving beyond the monetary approach of stabilizing grounds and networks for optimum returns. Executing around intangibles imply responding proactively to challenges with variable connections, properly establishing which forms the key to sustaining overall trust and confidence between the producer and the targeted

Low Back Pain Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Low Back Pain - Essay Example LBP has been shown to impair an individual's quality of life and his/her functioning. The magnitude of the burden of this problem in the society can be gauged from the fact that the point prevalence of LBP in the general population has been reported to be 15-30% while its lifetime prevalence can be as high as 60-80% (MTABC, 2004). However, the duration of symptoms of this disorder can be reduced viz appropriate and timely management and a study conducted by Waddell et al. elucidated that almost 67% of patients who had taken time off from work due to LBP has returned to work within 1 week and within 2 months almost 90% of the patients became symptom free (MTABC 2004). The etiology of LBP is diverse and it can be attributed to a multitude of causes including the degeneration of the lumbar intervertebral discs, spondylosis deformans (Luoma, et al., 2000 cited in Hangai et al., 2006), osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, disc disease, dysfunction of the sacoroiliac joint, cancers, infection, organ-related pain, inflammatory arthritis (MTABC 2004), spondylolisthesis and compression fractures which commonly occur due to osteoporosis (Shirakihara, et al., 2001 cited in Hangai et al., 2006). Moreover, several studies have also reported factors such as weakness of the abdominal and back musculature (Van Tulder, et al., 2002), physical loading of the lumbar spine (Bahr, et al., 2004 cited in Hangai et al., 2006) and arteriosclerosis of the abdominal and lumbosacral arteries (Kauppila, et al., 2004 cited in Hangai et al., 2006). Interestingly, the role of psychological factors has also been implicated in the etiology of low back pain by some studies (Takeyachi , et al., 2003 cited in Hangai et al., 2006). The diversity of pathologies which can manifest as back pain often leads to difficulties in determining the underlying pathology and thus makes diagnosis challenging. Similarly, knee pain has also been known to be triggered by a variety of factors such as obesity, increasing age and trauma. Moreover, female gender has been proven to be a definite risk factor for knee pain. Other factors such as ethnicity, smoking, osteoporosis, knee-periarticular muscle strength and exercise have also been implicated in the aggravation of pre-existing knee pain by certain studies (Fukuda and Nakamura, 2002; Burger et al., 1996; Cheng, et al., 2000 cited in Hangai et al, 2006) but these findings have not been replicated by further studies and a causal relationship between these factors and knee pain is yet to be proven. LBP can produce a varying range of symptoms depending on the specific causes. The location and radiation of LBP varies with the pathology and some diseases may cause more back pain than leg pain while others

Religion, Spirituality and Supreme Being Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Religion, Spirituality and Supreme Being - Essay Example Suffice it is to say that Chinese believe in a Supreme Being, the greatest and the only force that takes care of the functioning and evolution of the Cosmos. Turn the pages of Chinese history; one sees the interplay of different religions and their lasting impact on the Chinese psyche, under one spiritual umbrella. A truly spiritual man reposes faith on a tree, a mountain, a river or any facet of nature. Viewed from this angle the Chinese are spiritual. Religion comes next. Religion though basically faith-related, is to comply with a set of rules and regulations and rituals that have evolved as customs and traditions over a long period. So much so, that the individual loses sight of the intrinsic spiritual worth of that custom and follows them blindly. When one is member of a single organization and views all other faiths/organization with suspicion to start with, and contempt to follow, one develops fanaticism. A man without an abiding faith is not a truly religious individual. With out such an affirmation one will not be able to confine to ethical levels, which sustain the healthy growth of the society. Without faith, downward spiral of the society commences that will ultimately lead to uncontrollable social ills. Western vs. Chinese Religions To the Chinese, religion is not mere the view of life, but the way of life. Confucianism has been the eternal bridge that connects the peoples of a vast country like China. One may hail it as a philosophy and/or a religion. According to Confucianism heaven is the ultimate authority. That transcendental power engulfs everything, physical, secular, spiritual, nature and destiny. Shao Yong, Confucian scholar of the eleventh century CE, argues, â€Å"Error in human knowledge is due to the fact that we observe things from our own experience†¦.we must view things, not with our physical eyes, but with our mind, and not even with our mind, but with the principle inherent in things. When the boundary between subject and obj ect disappears, we will be able to see things as they are.†( xi, xii) Some of the western books on philosophy and religion are kindergarten stuffs as compared to the profundity of the Chinese spiritual lore. It is not necessary that the entire populace of the country needs to practice one faith; what is important is what type of people that faith molds! Religion and faith make it easier for the human being to reach the level of spirituality. Religions of China lay more importance on the inner development of an individual. Each individual contributes to the health of the Nation, just like each brick contributes to the strength of a magnificent mansion! Did religion exist in China prior to engagement with the West? This question is rather an affront to the people of China. China is the homeland of some of the greatest philosophies and religions in the world like, Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism and Folk Religion. Even when Religion is associated with faith in a Supreme Being and membership in a single organization variable belief systems exist within that faith. Some intellectuals argue that Chinese people are not very religious. But the ground reality is, religious culture has, at all times, a profound effect in molding the psyche of the Chinese people. Not China, but the West has learned many finer aspects of religion and spirituality with interaction with the Chinese scholars and people. Shao Yong argues, â€Å"Christian missionaries and those influenced by Christian images of the eastern tradition have continuously played an important

Does The World We Have Offer Practical Ways to Protect the Earths Essay

Does The World We Have Offer Practical Ways to Protect the Earths Environment - Essay Example As a means of integrating understanding of this reality, as well as seeking to provide a handful of prescriptions for how this waste can be lessened, the following analysis will integrate with the issue itself, the global trends that are implemented within the current world, and a review of several key recycling programs that can be utilized not only as a means of reducing the solid waste that builds up throughout the nation’s landfills but also providing monetary incentives that are cost positive for inducing recycling. By such an analysis, the reader can come to the understanding of the profound importance that this has and the relevance to the fate of the environment. Even a cursory analysis of the issue promotes the understanding that the nature of the current world has created a situation through which the overall level of trade in the overall level of domestic and international shipping between great partners and individual consumers is unlikely to decrease anywhere in the near future. Conversely, it is reasonable to expect that within the near future trade and international shipping will only increase. As a result of this reality, it is neither realistic, nor profitable to the economy or the individual consumer, to place a level of restrictions upon the overall volume of trade it takes place from one part of the world/one part of the country to another. However, with this being said, placing certain restrictions upon the way in which packing material is represented throughout the market is a reasonable and viable approach. For instance, in the drive to reduce the amount of landfill mass that shipping packaging generates, one effective approac h that could be engaged would be to require any and all shipping operations that integrate with the economy of the world to initiate levels of standardization with regards to the type and content shipping containers/packaging that are utilized

Section 2 Video Report Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Section 2 Video Report - Movie Review Example The culture that was shown is our wanton disregard to the environment and the call to change this culture of abuse and neglect to restore the health of our plaent. The culture’s economic strategy and social organization shown in the film depicts how economic activity and big business contributed to the rising temperature because of its industrial waste. Big business is not to be entirely faulted because, us, the consumers propelled them to be manufacture goods to satisfy our wants to the point of being destructive. The film can be likened to Al Gore’s documentary An Inconvenient Truth that discussed the ill effects of climate change that we should act now and change our ways before we see a different planet. At present, the ecosphere is already out balance and it is being destroyed beyond its restorative capacity. There is however a difference with regard to the dominant theme compared to the previous documentary An Inconvenient Truth, in this documentary, it stated that our planet in itself is just fine. It can heal itself and balance had always ruled her. The problem is us. We are too many and consumed too many goods that we do not even need. Our population over the last two hundred years has finally taken its toll on mother earth she is already nearing a point where the damage done to her would be irreversible. This problem is aggravated by the lack of political will of current leadership to implement policies that will drastically change our ways to cut carbon emission and prevent further destruction of the planet. Instead, current leaders are blocking these changes. Personally, I see the film as a documentary of our helplessness. I mentioned helplessness because cannot do anything significant despite knowing the problem. Everybody knows that mother earth needs to be healed and that there is something wrong with her. Even those who do not care cannot deny the destructive force of nature now compared

Size and Complexity of an Animal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Size and Complexity of an Animal - Essay Example The essay "Size and Complexity of an Animal" talks about the fundamental aspect of animal growth and the relationship between the growth in size and the surface area relative to its volume. The relationship between surface areas to volume ratio is best exemplified by reflection on phylum Porifera. The organism has a smaller surface area in relation to its volume. As a result, it depicts a simple form of exchange with the external environment. For example, nutrients are taken directly from water then enters through pores by cells lining the organism. On the other hand, complex organisms have a larger surface area to volume. As a result, these animals have trouble in acquiring nutrients. Therefore, they have developed a complex mechanism of feeding such as mesoderm in platyhelminths. The development of larger and complex bodies posed a challenge in respiration. The reason is that smaller animals such as sponges could take gasses directly from the surrounding water. As a result, there was no need for a development of the specialized organ. The challenge arises, as organism could not exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide directly with their cells. Moreover, in platyhelminths, the development of flat body enhanced efficient exchange of gasses through diffusion. The flat body help in providing a high surface area to volume ratio and hence easy supply and exchange of gasses. On the other hand, higher animals could not maintain gas exchange through their body surface. As a result, diffusion was not possible on their body surfaces.

Critically analyse and evaluate current developments Essay Example for Free

Critically analyse and evaluate current developments Essay In the 1980s and 1990s the cruise industry saw the emergence of a new market, which was younger people with considerable income but no families. The term DINKYs was given to these couples which meant Double Income No Kids Yet These couples were excellent to target as they had plenty of disposable income and they do not have any children to worry about, being able to go on holiday, when they like and where they like, spending their quality time together and not having to worry about the price. In 1990s 15% of the passengers who cruised with PO and Princess Cruises were from the UK and researches showed that there is still an active UK market. In 1998, the UK cruise market was expanding dramatically. Companies which had operated in the traditional holiday market were adding cruising to their portfolio and greatly increased their supply of cruise holidays for the UK market. Although cruising is loved by many travellers, there is still a staggering 98% of the population who have not taken a cruise, reasons identified by Dickinson and Vladimir (1997) cited in Cartwright and Baird (1999) revealed five main reasons why people do not cruise which consist it being too expensive, the exclusivity, family commitments, claustrophobia and sea sickness. Disabled consumers The disabled consumer group have become more interested in the cruising industry, many cruise liners did not offer ships which catered to disabled people. Now with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, where all places who offer service have to make reasonable adjustments the cruise liners had no choice but to build disability-friendly rooms for their travelling disabled passengers. Not saying that they did not have these rooms before, but some cruise liners did not offer this service for the disabled consumer group, and it was against the law. There should be no problems for disabled people finding a cruise liner suitable for them as all cruise liners now offer fully disabled facilities within the ships to cater to the disabled consumer group. Family Cruising In the 1990s a major development which was companies targeting families with children was put in place, by providing facilities not only for the adults but also for the children to enjoy, now in 2005, almost every cruise line offers family cruises. If a cruise liner does not offer a family cruise they are missing out on making lots of money. Although there are still some cruises which specifically do not allow children, reason being because these cruises are for the older / retired people who do not wish for screaming, noisy, crying children and babies when they are trying to relax. Being a kid is all about having fun. Coincidentally, so is vacation. But kids and parents rarely agree on what is fun. To parents, fancy dinners, late night shows and reading by the pool are fun. Kids have more fun playing games, doing scavenger hunts, and going down waterslides. The good news is that all of these activities occur on a cruise, making a cruise the vacation of choice for todays families. Under the supervision of the youth staff, kids can play video games, eat pizza and play in a ball pit, while parents relax and have a fabulous five course meal. It is a parents and kids dream come true! (familycruise. com [online] 2005) The quote above was taken from www. familycruise. com an internet site which specifically caters for family cruises. Helping families to plan holidays which will keep both parents and kids happy on their holiday. Parents love to go on cruises so they have to be able to find a ship which caters for the family, letting the children have a good time on the cruise and also for the parents to relax and not have to worry about looking after their kids and think about what they are doing and are able to do on-board. The cruise industry has continued to grow rapidly since the introduction of family cruises. This might be due to parents now being able to have their dream holiday, a cruise, and not have to worry about their children as they can go too and have fully trained sitters to look after their kids and keep them occupied all day long. Price Cheap prices are what the lower-end consumers are looking for. A good price with an average cruise holiday, they cannot expect more than that as they are not paying a high price for a luxury cruising holiday. Although the cruise industry is very expensive, there are still many consumers who like to go on cruises. This could be due to status, as only the wealthier people can afford to go on these high-class cruises. In 1999, it was possible to obtain a seven day cruise from the UK for i 399 per person, which then was cheap compared to the top end cruises which were around i 2000 per person. Now in 2005, cruises prices start from i 599+ per person. This is rather expensive as the average family spends around that price for a holiday a year, not per person. Cheaper cruising prices should be being introduced and this would be an excellent idea as many lower-end consumers want to experience a good cruise but unfortunately do not have the funds. If cruise liners offered cheaper cruises with good experiences not only the wealthy passengers can go but so can the lower-end customers. Incentives Cruises in America often have many deals which include, prices starting from $399, book before Jan and receive an extra nights stay, children under 16 cruise for free and many more. This is a good way to make more sales and allow people to pick their company to another one. As there are many incentives available which is what the consumers are looking for as they are paying a high price for their cruising holidays. Receive our special Early-Booking discount and free hotel stay. (cruise. gr [online] 2005) The quote above is very popular within the cruise industry, this is the type of incentive the consumer wants to see to help motivate them to purchasing the holiday. Consumers today are very greedy and like value for money, if they are buying on the internet they will always look for sites which offer them incentives towards their holidays, or when buying in travel agent they will try to get some freebies towards their holidays.

Case Study on Strategic Management of Global Companies

Case Study on Strategic Management of Global Companies 1.1 What are the key differences between the two accounts of Hondas entry into the US market? 2The first case is narrated by The Harvard Business School based on the Boston consulting (BCG) Report whereas the second case, An Insiders Account of Hondas Entry into the US Market is a direct narration recorded by Richard Pascale. The BCG report explains on the Honda Company as a matured business and a mix of its competitors in the US. As affirmed in the case; Hondas competitors were Harley-Davidson, BSA, Triumph, Norton, and Moto-Guzzi. Whereas, the second case enlightens how the company initiated from scratch and its journey through the difficult times. Richard Pascales article explains the challenges that the company went through during its commencement, such as difficulty in getting funds; treatment of the motorcycle dealers was discourteous, while in the BCG article no challenges were mentioned. The BCG report emphasizes more on the Hondas in-depth research and development department for instance having more staff; as said in the article, the RD was staffed with 700 designers/engineers, increase in the production level as a result more investment in the RD department. While the second case doesnt explain anything with regard to the research and development since it is taking the business at an initiative level. The BCG report highlights target market in general whereas the second article explains target market in details as said in the case, the company chose Los Angeles as the location whereby their target market consisted of second and third generation of Japanese community. Richard Pascales article clearly identified the companys products offered to the market as stated in the article; the products were 50cc, 125cc, 250cc and 350cc machines while in the first essay explains the general overview of the companys products. 1.2 REFERENCE AND BIBLIOGRAPHY: Herbert Rotters former Goldwing page former Yamaha Virago 1100 page, Personal Homepage, Honda Motorcycle 350 CB [Image] http://www.porzellanpuppen.at/hpbikes/bikeenglish.htm Electronic Source Cover Page Image Greenwich University; Course Work: The Honda Effect, Case Study Scenario. CASE STUDY 2- LAURA ASHLEY 2.1 Map Laura Ashleys stakeholders using a power/interest matrix. 4Stakeholders are individuals, groups or organizations who are affected directly or indirectly by organizations goals, objectives, actions and policies. 5Stakeholder Analysis is a tool used to recognize the stakeholders and investigate their needs as they are the ones who are concerned with the actions taking place within the organization. The aim of this analysis is to identify the stakeholders interests, concerns and manage relationships with them. The method used to access stakeholders is Mendelows Stakeholder Matrix which has two dimensions; Power and Interest with four quadrants.  [6]  Interest talks about the stakeholders concern towards a project whereas power talks about the control over the project. Interest Minimal Effort people who need to be observed without boring them with unnecessary communication. Keep Informed people who need to be informed sufficiently, talked and make sure that no major issues take place. They can help with the developing the project details. Keep Satisfied people who need to be well satisfied with nothing much that would bore them whilst comprehending of the assignment. Key Player- people who must be associated and satisfied with the efforts made. 7Laura Ashleys stakeholders are Analysts, London Stock Exchange Market, Malayan United Industries (MUI) shareholder Dr. Khoo, Customers, Government and Suppliers. It is essential that the stakeholder management should be conducted so as to know each stakeholders level of power and interest along with their impact on the company. However it is sometimes difficult to locate all companys stakeholders in one frame as in the case of Laura Ashley. Beneath is the table, of the Stakeholder Map showing the strategies that are applied for Laura Ashley. Interest 2.2 REFERENCE AND BIBLIOGRAPHY: Vintage Verity Adoring all things vintage, retro and downright quirky Laura Ashley logo [Image] http://vintageverity.wordpress.com/2008/02/27/cath-kidson-v-laura-ashley/ Electronic Source Cover Page Image Business Dictionary, An Ask.com Service, Definition of Stakeholder http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/stakeholder.html Johnson et al, 2009, Fundamentals of Strategy: Definition of Stakeholder, 1st edn, page 90. Wikipedia, October 16, 2008, Stakeholder Analysis, Wikipedia Encyclopedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stakeholder_analysis BaBou, March 9th, 2008, Leadership Champions, What is Stakeholder Analysis? Part 1: Definition and aim of Stakeholder Analysis, http://leadershipchamps.wordpress.com/2008/03/09/what-is-stakeholder-analysis Mind Tools Essential Skills for an excellent career, Winning Support for your Projects, Stakeholder Analysis: Mendelows Stakeholder Matrix, http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newPPM_07.htm BaBou, March 10th, 2008, Leadership Champions, What is Stakeholder Analysis? Part 2: Mendelows Stakeholder Matrix, http://leadershipchamps.wordpress.com/2008/03/09/what-is-stakeholder-analysis/ Greenwich University; Course Work: Laura Ashley, Case Study Scenario CASE STUDY 3- APPLYING A BALANCED SCORECARD 3.1 What arguments would you use to persuade an organization to adopt the Balanced Scorecard approach? 9A Balanced Scorecard (BSC) is a tool that is used to measure a companys business activities in relation to its vision along with its strategies. It provides managers a complete knowledge of the business performance. 10Figure 1 Usually when organizations measure performance, it is the financial area that is given more attention while the rest of the aspects are not taken much into consideration. It is therefore important that organizations should pursue in using the balanced scorecard.  [11]  Below are some of the benefits which the organizations will gain. One of them being a source of direction since it guides the management as well as helps identify what needs to be measured in order to accomplish organizational goals which will in return act as a competitive advantage for the firm. With Balanced Scorecard, firms are able to determine both financial as well as non-financial measures. As said in the case study, the balance scorecard was to combine three new sets of measures with the customary financial ones, embracing the customer, learning and growth, and internal issues such as quality improvement and cost control. Balanced scorecard allows firms to develop as well as expand so as to align new organizational strategies, as said by Mr. Hofmeister in the case study, it gives us better and better alignment (between all operating units) and focuses attention on whats important and on results. Through the balanced scorecard, organizations are able to the compare past experience in order to improve its performance which will help predict what will happen in the future. Although the growth of practicing balanced scorecard is slow, however many organizations have already accepted and are applying it. 3.2 REFERENCE AND BIBLIOGRAPHY: Businessballs.com, Balanced Scorecard; Kaplan and Nortons organizational performance management tool Balance Scorecard [Image] http://www.businessballs.com/balanced_scorecard.htm Papaers4You, Guide on How to write University Essays, Coursework, Assignments and Dissertations: Definition of Balanced Scorecard, 2002-2007, http://university-essays.tripod.com/balanced_scorecard.html Business Knowledge Source, What is a Balanced Scorecard, and what does it have to do with manufacturing? Definition of Balanced Scorecard, http://www.businessknowledgesource.com/manufacturing/what_is_a_balanced_scorecard_and_what_does_it_have_to_do_with_manufacturing_023647.html Ali, Md. Mohobbot, The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) A Critical Analysis, http://eprints.lib.okayama-u.ac.jp/1391/1/18_0219_0232.pdf Queensland Government, Southbank Institute of Technology, Strategic goals: Balanced Scorecard Framework [Image] http://www.southbank.edu.au/site/about/corporate/mission.asp Balboa, Jun 26, 2005. ECheat; Porters Five Forces, Value chain, Balanced: Critically evaluation of Porters five forces, Value Chain Analysis, Balanced Scorecard Benefits of Balanced Scorecard. http://www.echeat.com/essay.php?t=27147 Business Knowledge Source, What is a Balanced Scorecard, and what does it have to do with manufacturing? Benefits of Balanced Scorecard, http://www.businessknowledgesource.com/manufacturing/what_is_a_balanced_scorecard_and_what_does_it_have_to_do_with_manufacturing_023647.html Partnering to Success, The Balanced Scorecard: Benefits from using the Balanced Scorecard, http://www.thebalancedscorecard.com/benefits_bsc.htm Ali, Md. Mohobbot, The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) A Critical Analysis: Benefits of Balanced Scorecard http://eprints.lib.okayama-u.ac.jp/1391/1/18_0219_0232.pdf Beverly Dianne Calhoun, Oct 19, 2004, Using the Balanced Scorecard to Determine Corporate Information Needs: Benefits of Balanced Scorecard http://www.designbydi.com/documents/BalScrCrd.pdf Greenwich University; Course Work: Appling a Balanced Scorecard, Case Study Scenario CASE STUDY 4- FIAT: REBIRTH OF A CARMAKER 4.1 Using the information in the case study undertake a SWOT analysis of Fiat at the time of Sergio Marchionnes appointment and suggest how a SWOT analysis in 2008 may differ. 13SWOT analysis is used for scanning an organization (internal factors) as well as its environment (external factors). The internal factors include strengths(S) and weaknesses (W) while the external factors include opportunity (O) and threats (T). 14 SWOT ANALYSIS FOR FIAT GROUP AUTOMOBILES: Below is a table showing SWOT Analysis before the year 2004. Strengths weaknesses Fiat offered differentiated products. That is; it provides the market with a variety of cars. The companys hierarchy line was long making it more bureaucratic. Fiat cars were viewed as a quality brand. It lacked well developed core competence lending to ugly and unstylish cars. The company was well reputed. It needed to maintain its debts. Ability of manufacturing small cars. Licensing agreement with Bosch for financial support in exchange with the diesel technology that Fiat had. opportunities Threats Fiat had a chance of wining the market share from rivals. Competition with existing automobile firms. The market is ready to accept the new and stylish cars. Partnership agreement with General Motors for giving it them the right to sell its cars. Risk of employing new members to the Fiat family. Table 1 Below is a table showing SWOT Analysis after the year 2004. Strengths weaknesses Distinctive competence of designing low cost equivalent four-cylinder engine. Limited resources. Using technology by means of computer for simulation. Lack of knowledge with regard to entering new markets. For example the Chinese market. Producing new and stylish car designs. Drop in the market share. Competitive advantage of cutting down time to reach the market. Declined performance of the company since Fiat only sold 2000 cars in china, India and Russia. Fiats cars are exploited to have relative fuel efficiency. It is the first carmaker to put forward diesel engines that met the so-called Euro 5 fuel standards. opportunities Threats Winning the market share. Rivalry of potential new competitors. Expanding product line with new and innovative stylish cars. Rivalry with existing competitors such as VW and PSA Peugeot Citroen. Entering into joint venture for instance, with companies like SAIC (China) and TATA (India). Adverse demographic. For insistence Russian market; is it ready to accept the cars offered to them? Entering new geographic markets such as Brazilian, China, India and Russia. Challenge in controlling quality of the car brand. Fiat cars expect to have lower average emissions than any other competitor due to its fuel efficiency. Risk of employing new members to the Fiat family. Table 2 Comparing SWOT analysis before and after 2004: The company is able to increase its growth by entering new and emergent markets. As said, Fiat is expecting to have its sales from different areas such as outside Western Europe, China, India, Russia and soon overtake Germany. Fiat will also be able to increase sales along with its market share whereas before 2004, its sales were dropped; market share had declined and a lot of debt was to be paid. With introduction of technology, new stylish cars were offered to the market with reducing time at development area so as to start the production as soon as possible. The firm was able to rectify mistakes that it made earlier. For example the licensing agreement with Bosch in exchange with the diesel technology that Fiat had. Below is a table showing a comparison between the two SWOT Analyses. 2004 2008 Sales were dropped, Market share declined and a lot of debt was pending to be paid. Sales along with its market share increased. Fiats core competence had ceased. Developed new competences such as designing low cost equivalent four-cylinder engine, usage of technology, cutting down time to reach the market, relative fuel efficiency, put forward diesel engines. Mistake of licensing with other companies in order to support their finances in exchange with their ability. The firm will not repeat the same mistake of licensing; hence it will protect its competitive advantages. The companys hierarchy line was long making it more bureaucratic. The hierarchy line had become shorter making it less bureaucratic allowing the process to be smooth. Table 3 By 2008, most of the weaknesses had been reduced due to the rearrangement of the organizational system however, at the same time; a lot of improvement has been made. Therefore in order to develop, it is essential that the company takes many risks, as done by the Fiat Group Automobiles, since it is through this, the company has reached where it is now. 4.2 REFERENCE AND BIBLIOGRAPHY: Legendarydevils, Thread: 140 Fiat Cars Wallpapers, Fiat Cars Image http://www.legendarydevils.com/english/2173933-140-fiat-cars-wallpapers.html Quick MBA Knowledge to Power your Business, Strategic Management: Defining SWOT Analysis. http://www.quickmba.com/strategy/swot/ Marketing Teacher Est 2000, Lesson: SWOT Analysis, Definition of SWOT analysis. http://www.marketingteacher.com/Lessons/lesson_swot.htm Greenwich University; Course Work: Fiat: Rebirth of a carmaker, Case Study Scenario. CASE STUDY 5- THE PROFITABILITY OF UK RETAILERS 15 5.1 Use the industry analysis framework to explain the profitability of the main supermarket chains in the UK. Analyzing profitability of any Industry is done through The Five Forces Model that was put forward by Michael Porter. Beneath is a figure of the model. 16Figure 1 17Below is an industrial analysis showing the profitability of the main UK supermarket chains. SUPPLIERS Bargaining power of the suppliers is Low since British firms have command over their suppliers. As said in the case; British firms are more experienced and more skillful in their buying power to extract better terms from suppliers. BUYERS Customers bargaining power is also Low since the supermarket groups have control over them. As said in the case; The UK groups exert massive buying power by utilizing the oligopoly power to impose a higher-than-normal price on their customers. RIVALRY The competition between existing supermarkets is extremely high, due to the fact that there are many groups within this industry which have similar products / services. SUBSTITUTES Threat of substitutes is high as customers can switch to other shops instead of going to the supermarkets since they might be charged with a higher price as compared to other shops providing similar products at a lower price. Secondly, the suppliers could also switch to other firms rather than the British supermarkets due to the buying power exerted by the supermarkets. THREATS OF NEW ENTRANTS With lots of competition, threat of new entrants is relatively high, since the industry is more profitable in UK. At the same time, UK groups have barriers that cause difficulty for new competitors to enter the industry. Some of them being: Application of IT in their logistics, Lower Labor costs and High own-label penetration. Reference list Carpenter, M, Bauer, T, Erdogan, B, Flatworld Knowledge, Principles of Management; Developing Strategy through External Analysis Porters Five Forces Analysis of Market Structure. [Image] http://www.flatworldknowledge.com/pub/1.0/principles-management/29047#web-29047 BUS 2700 Business Driven Information Technology, chapter 2: Identifying Competitive Advantages; The Five Forces Model Evaluating Business Segments. The Five Forces Model. [Image] http://bus2700-spring08.blogspot.com/2008/01/chapter-two-identifying-competitive.html Greenwich University; Course Work: The Profitability of UK Retailers Case Study Scenario. Tutors notes on Industrial Analysis: Five Forces Model Service design is one of the key resources that Novotel has, making it valuable. It includes the layout of the hotel allowing the customers to easily access the public spaces such as bars and restaurants. Distribution systems are attained by good relationships with distributors. Novotel has achieved to operate in both individual and corporate business as well as leisure markets. Firm infrastructure and Procurement Novotels relationships with partners develop a strong bond creating a valuable asset to the organization. Its efficiency allows delivering both economies of scale and scope making it rare and difficult to imitate. Staff retention is the most essential resource required in this industry. To retain and motivate, is a challenge Novotel was competent to do, thus reducing staff turnover through staff exchanges resulting to value creation. Standardization in all the locations worldwide is another benefit that Novotel has; allowing the staff to understand basic functions. This technique is valued and rare. Novotels Multi-skilled staff creates an exceptional resource and is most valued. The skills given to them during the training makes them capable of doing multiple tasks. Most of the capabilities conclude to be temporary competitive, since the industry is such that many competitors can imitate most of the capabilities and resources that the Novotel hotel has, directly or indirectly. Hence Novotels most sustainable competitive advantages are obtaining and retaining its multi-skilled staff that can work flexibly as well as having good relationships with suppliers. Reference list tophotelsphuket.com, Top Hotels in Phuket, Thailand, Novotel Hotels and Resorts Novotel logo [Image] http://www.tophotelsphuket.com/hotels/novotel-hotels-phuket.htm Applying the VRIO Framework: An Overview; VRIO Analysis. http://academic.udayton.edu/DianeSullivan/Other%20Helpful%20Files/Applying%20the%20VRIO%20Framework.doc Abraham Z. et al, Pacific Lutheran University School of Business, Vodafone Strategic Evaluation; VRIO Analysis, 2007. http://www.plu.edu/~vennataj/doc/vodafone.doc Scott Gallagher, 2004; Why do firm performance differ? Internal Analysis VRIO Analysis; Updated on 1st Nov 2007, http://falcon.jmu.edu/~gallagsr/WDFPD-Internal.pdf Greenwich University; Course Work: The Novotel Value Chain Case Study Scenario Tutors notes on: VRIO Analysis CASE STUDY 7- THE LEVISS PERSONAL PAIR PROPOSAL 7.1 What position in the market does Levis occupy (use the strategy clock to characterize its position)? 21Bowman derived the strategic clock into four quadrants, having eight dimensions namely; No fill, Low price strategy, Hybrid, Differentiation, Focused differentiation, Increased price / Standard value, Increased price / Low value, Standard price/ Low value. The clock is compared in terms of Perceived Price and Perceived Benefit or Added Value as shown below. By using the strategic clock, Levis business environment is positioned to be in the fourth category which is the Differentiation. This is because; Levis offers a variety of products that have added value as well as a premium price slightly higher than the normal in order to satisfy the consumers needs. Levis products have Quality, Brand Image and Product Design and as a result creates Price premium, Customer Loyalty, giving the company a competitive advantage against its competitors. Due to Levis brand recognition and loyalty, its price offered is also slightly higher than its rivals therefore prevents itself from entering the price-based competition. As said in the case; Due to brand recognition and loyalty they did not enter into price based competition thus controlling reasonable price premium Levis also provides a wide range of products such as pants, shorts, skirts, jackets, and outwear. As said in the case; while blue jeans remain the companys mainstay, the San Francisco based company also sells pants made of corduroy, twill and various other fabrics as well as shorts, skirts, jackets, and outwear. With a premium price, along with its strong brand name, Levis has been able to position itself in the differentiation category, resulting into value-added products, hence gaining higher profit margins. 7.2 REFERENCE AND BIBLIOGRAPHY: Feed the Interns A Daily Bite, Thursday, August 12th, 2010, Levis arent just for dads anymore?; Levis Logo [Image] http://feedtheinternsblog.blogspot.com/ Electronic Source Cover Page Image Dagmar Recklies, April 2001, Literature by: David Faulkner and Cliff Bowman, The Management.de The Essence of Competitive Strategy, The Strategic Clock Strategies on the basis of price and value: Differentiation strategy. http://www.themanagement.de/ressources/Strategy%20Clock.htm Strategy Explorers, Bases of Competitive Advantage: The Strategy Clock http://www.strategyexplorers.com/whitepapers/Do-you-have-a-competitive-strategy.pdf Zanthus Corp. 2007; Business Strategy Bowman, C. and Faulkner, D.; Competitive and Corporate Strategy; Irwin; 1996 Bowman Strategy Clock http://www.zanthus.com/databank/strategy/business_strategy.php?aspr Greenwich University; Course Work: The Levis Personal Pair Proposal Case Study Scenario. Tutors notes on: VRIO Analysis Zanthus Corp. 2007; Business Strategy Bowman, C. and Faulkner, D.; Competitive and Corporate Strategy; Irwin; 1996 -Bowman Strategy Clock:[Image] http://www.zanthus.com/databank/strategy/business_strategy.php?aspr CASE STUDY 8- THE VIRGIN GROUP 8.1 Does the virgin Group, as a corporate parent, add value to its businesses? If so how? 24According to Johnson et al, Corporate parenting is the level of management above that of the business units, and therefore without direct interaction with buyers and competitors. (Johnson et al, 2009, p.172). Below are some of the areas through which the Virgin Group corporate parent adds value to its businesses. First the corporate parent has added value in establishing a strong brand name such as being a consumers champion through which barriers to entry could be overcome. Virgin is a reputed and well known brand in the market, thus enabling it to expand itself in static markets. In addition, the Virgin Group has a good resource management team. Branson together with his expertise and experienced team, review business proposals every week, out of which, appropriate prospects that match with the Virgin brand are then discussed. This enables Virgin to identify industries as well as institutionalized markets in which to enter. Moreover, the corporate parent assists in reducing organizational risks by entering into many joint ventures. Through these ventures Virgin, is able to penetrate new or untapped feasible markets allowing it attain low costs as well as expansion. Furthermore, Virgin Groups management style and leadership system is decentralized providing its managers with flexibility in decision making. Branson is mostly involved when it comes to marketing and promotion. In terms of innovation, the brand name itself tends to invite like minded partners to venture new markets thus allowing innovation and differentiation. Indeed, Virgin Group as a corporate parent adds value to its business by always trying to venture untapped markets and manage the business in a liberal way. 25As said by Andrew Campbell et al, Fit between a parent and its businesses is a two-edged sword: a good fit can create value: a bad one can destroy it. (Thompson and Strickland, 2004, p.290) 8.3 REFERENCE AND BIBLIOGRAPHY: Rotty Seinfeld, Downtown Pets nyc dog services for lower Manhattan, Virgin founder Richard Branson on Charity and Dire Straits, Thursday, October 11th , 2007 at 7:45am; Virgin Group [Image] http://nyc_dog_blog.downtownpet.com/2007/10/virgin-found-richard-branson-on-charity.html Electronic Source Cover Page Image Johnson et al, 2009, Fundamentals of Strategy: Corporate Parenting, 1st edn, page 172 Rob Abdul, WSI Case Study: Virgin Corporate Strategy, Value Adding by Corporate Parent http://www.robabdul.com/the-virgin-group-case-study.asp The Role of the Corporate Parent Outline http://www.business.stir.ac.uk/teaching/Business%20Studies/Units/Autumn/StrategicManagement/4027Role%20of%20the%20corporate%20parent.ppt#257,1,The role of the corporate parent Exploring Corporate Strategy; The Virgin Group. http://esecourses.com/cfincase.pdf Scribd.com, Corporate Parenting Fundamentals, February 16th 2009, Corporate Parenting Style Supported its Strategic Implementation? http://www.scribd.com/doc/12456190/Corporate-Parenting-Fundmentals Greenwich University; Course Work: The Virgin Group Case Study Scenario. Tutors notes on: Corporate Parenting Thompson and Strickland, 2004, Strategic Management: Strategy and Competitive Advantage in Diversified Companies, Quotation on Corporate Parenting. 13th edn, page.290 Greenwich University; Course Work: The Virgin Group Case Study Scenario Flow chart of the Virgin Group Electronic Source- Article CASE STUDY 9- EXTENDING THE easy BUSINESS MODEL How would you characterize easyGroups growth strategies in terms of Ansoff matrix? 28Ansoff matrix is a tool used by the organization to establish growth strategies that focus on its product as well as market growth. It is divided into four quadrants namely; Market penetration, Market development, Product development and Diversification.  [29]  Below are the growth strategies used by the easyGroup. Existing Products New Products Existing Markets Market Penetration Product Development New Markets Market Development Diversification easyGroup penetrates its market by providing best services at low price thus attaining customer satisfaction and loyalty. As a result, companys market share increases. . For example, easyJet provides its customers with affordable services through various strategic campaigns and promotions. Additionally, easyCar rents brand new A-Class Mercedes cars at a lower price reflecting easyGroups brand. It has also established pick-up and drop-off areas nearer to the car parks by means of mobile vans. Moreover, easyGroup develops its products by either modifying or getting into new businesses within the same market. For example, the group expanded easyinternetcafe services by setting up smaller Points of Presence (PoP), within existing enterprises, example McDonalds, Burger King, and Subway. Furthermore, easyGroups market development involves offering existing products to new markets. The easyGroup is planning to extend its easyinternetcafe through franchising involving store establishment, local marketing and store maintenance as well as entering into international markets such as in US. For the case of easyCar, the group aims to expand its sites from 50 to 80. easyGroups diversification strategy enables it to increase its scope, by providing new markets with new services not only in the airline industry but also in other industries. For example easyGroup launched new ventures such as the easyCar, easyValue as well as easyMoney, and is now planning to enter into the cinema industry. Thus, the company experiences unrelated diversification strategy. 9.2 REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY: easy.com more value for less, The portal site for all easyGroup companies, easyGroup logo [Image] http://www.easy.com/ Quick MBA Knowledge to Power your Business, Strategic Management; Ansoff Matrix Definition of Ansoff Matrix. http://www.quickmba.com/strategy/matrix/ansoff/ Marketing Teacher, Est 2000, Ansoff Matrix Planning for Growth; Definition of Ansoff Matrix http://www.marketingteacher.com/Lessons/lesson_ansoff.htm tutor2u, Ansoff product/ market matrix; Definition of Ansoff Matrix http://tutor2u.net/business/strategy/ansoff_matrix.htm university essays tripod, Guide to write university essays, course works, assignments and dissertation: Ansoff Analysis; http://university-essays.tripod.com/ansoff_analysis.html Custom essays from Degree Essays; Business Essays Easy Group Study, Strategic Direction Ansoff Matrix of easygroup http://www.degree-essays.com/essays/businessessays/easy-group-study.php Greenwich University; Course Work: Extending the easy Business Model, Ca

Benefits of Flexitime in the Public Sector

Benefits of Flexitime in the Public Sector Flexible working time is a new style of work condition which has its root from the German word Gleitzeit which means sliding time. It may be defined as a variable work schedule which allows persons to fulfill their obligations outside a rigid framework of time. Flexitime allows an employee to choose the time when he will start work and when he will finish but with a core time when everybody must be present which is normally a period of four to six hours in the middle of the traditional work schedule(Rubin,1979). Flexitime has been basically categorized into three types namely, gliding or variable time where the employees can change their arrival and departure time whenever they want as long as they are present for a core period of time. Flextour also allows workers to change their arrival or departure time but they must specify in advance when they will arrive and depart for a period of one or two weeks. Here also there is a core period to cover. A third type of flexitime is a completely flexible one where there is no core period. Employees can come and depart as long as a cover a set number of hours per week or per month(Estes,1990). A basic model of flexitime may be summarized as below: A bandwidth which is the earliest time at which employees start work up to the latest finishing time (e.g. 6.00 am to 6.30 p.m). A core time within which all employees are present at work (e.g. 10.00 to 12.00 a.m and 2.00 to 4.00 p.m). In fact it is management who usually set the core time whereas the flexible time is decided by the employee based upon mutual consent (Nadler et al,2010). A flexible band of hours during which the employees might vary the time of starting work in the morning and/or the time of quitting work in the afternoon . Banking, which permits the employees to accumulate excess or shortage of hours worked. The introduction of flexitime in the Public Sector has been a subject of big debate since a very long time. Various studies have been done on this subject in many countries. Nowadays, many organizations are in a state of change and given the rapid development in the business environment worldwide, the need for managing employees effectively was never as significant as it is today. Moreover, increased globalization, technological evolution, new laws and regulations, changing economic and social environment are all pressing organizations to be more competitive and finding better ways of collaborating and ensuring a harmonious relation between management and employees. Trust has to be built in corporate governance, in business strategies and in the future success of work and also in the skills, abilities and desires of the workforce. The aim of this paper is to debate on the whole concept of flexitime, also defined in some papers as flexible work arrangements. The objectives of the research are summarized as follows: Why the need for flexitime To show the impact of flexitime in the life of civil servants To show whether flexitime reduces stress and increases job satisfaction and staff morale To show if it gives rise to more efficient work practices by improving productivity and performance Seek to analyse whether flexitime helps workers to reconcile work with family responsibilities Whether flexitime helps in reducing lateness and absenteeism Whether flextime contributes in reducing the need for overtime To demonstrate whether flexitime enhances motivation of employees at their workplace Try to analyse the concept from both a management and employee point of view Seek to analyse its advantages and disadvantages both to management and to employees The information has been extracted both from the private and public sectors. Background and overview Different studies have been carried out in many countries on the concept of flexitime and each one has come up with its own conclusions. During the 1960s there was a labour shortage in Germany. ChristelKraemerer then came up with the concept of flexitime to encourage housewives and mothers to join the labour market to address this particular problem. Thus the strict rule of standard work schedule no longer exists where more than 75% of the workforce are for flexible working schedule( Kattenbach et al., 2010). By 1972 the United States had started flexitime on a pilot basis(Rubin,1979). In 2003 the UK government passed a legislation giving the right to employees having children under six or having disabled children under eighteen, to request a flexible work arrangement and by April 2007 the law included this facility to carers of adults(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flextime). William R. Estes had come up with a meta-analysis of the effects of flexitime over a large number of circumsta nces. He made use of results of previous research articles to demonstrate the effects of flexitime on absenteeism, productivity, overtime costs, leisure/family time, job satisfaction, role conflict, turnover, transport problems, and the desire to continue the use of flexitime. The meta analysis concluded that it was easier to implement flexitime in small organizations than in bigger ones. This is mainly due to the complexity of larger organizations and to the number of employees compared to smaller organizations. It also showed that flexitime increases job satisfaction, reduces absenteeism and abuses on leaves entitlement, improved employee behavior. But, on the other hand it did not have big effect on productivity. Flexitime is also perceived as being a modern tool for managing resources more effectively, efficiently and economically(Khamkaya and Sloan,2009). In todays competitive world people is seen to be one of the key resources which can bring success to an organization(wickramasinghe and Jayabandhu, 2007). In this context, the effective management of human resources is an important feature in the adoption of flexitime in an organization.A study on the implementation of flexitime in the Scottish Local Authorities showed reluctance on the part of employees due to cultural change, inadequate support from the current organizational policy. Changing a long lasting culture in an organization is perhaps one of the most difficult task an organization and management can face. Although there are many benefits pertaining to the adoption of flextime, the success obtained in one organization does not guarantee that it will work in other organisations also. Management, employers perception, employees pe rception, the working environment will play a big role and will vary from one organization to the other. Flexitime was introduced in an IT sector in Sri Lanka which put more emphasis on people management. Effective human resource management contribute highly to the realization of capital growth and technological expansion. Some studies have shown that female workers are more in favour of flexitime as it helps them to coordinate more effectively their work and their private life commitments. When both parents are working in a family there is a greater need for flexitime as it enables them to properly handle their family responsibilities and any other commitments they may have for example, the pursuance of higher studies. Employees were all in favour of flexitime and would like to have it in all workplaces. Employers were able to have the trust of employees, their full commitment and increase their potential. Welch and Gordon(1980) had found that flexibility encouraged employees to remain with the same employer for longer. However, the sri Lankan study revealed that this was not necessari ly the case. It must be emphasized that the Sri Lankan study is more recent and was conducted twenty seven years later where many changes have occurred in the working environment and conditions. Similarly concerning the gender issue other studies suggested that female workers were more in favour of flexitime, the findings in the Sri Lankan context revealed that there were no significant differences between males and females perceptions. Management systems are modernizing and there is a need to develop strategies like flexitime in a globally competitive environment(Wickramasinghe, Jayabandu (2007)). Flexitime has also been implemented throughout the Queensland public sector since 1996. But this study revealed that flexitime created much frustrations among employees. This was mainly due to the arising of long working hours and inadequate time off. Employees were allowed to bank their excess hours worked up to a maximum of thirty hours. Some employees accumulated up to 800 excess hours and could not take it as there was a significant lack of staff. But there were other areas in the same organization where staff were able to take timeoff due to to the conscious decisions of managers. Also flexitime caused a decrease in socialization in the workplace as colleagues could not meet their friends as each had his own time of coming and going and taking breaks. There was also lack of proper regulations to monitor the system. The study showed the importance of regulation and good management of the system to increase employee welfare. Although there are great benefits from flexitime it can also have detrimental effects if it is not properly managed(http://www.freepatentsonline.com). A study on flexitime in the National Health Services (NHS) in UK showed that it brought much happiness to employees. It was studied as an aspect of Improving Working Lives (IWL) standard in an NHS Acute Trust. Over a third of the employees considered the implementation of flexitime as a give and take approach. They felt that they have to and they wanted to perform better in return of the advantages they got from the flexible arrangements. They perceived much happiness as they felt that they were well treated and valued and that there was a reduction of stress in their daily lives. However the study had a limited conception. It laid emphasis on only one aspect, that is IWL (Atkinson and Hall, 2011). Sanchez et al.,(2007) have said Flexibility is a source of competitive advantage. Enhancing flexibility may be costly in the short run, but it gets easier over time. Firms become more flexible because their managers emphasise the importance of flexibility and because they practice being fl exible. A self-reinforcing process then begins. The Implementation of Flexitime in the Mauritian public sector The introduction of flexitime in the Mauritian Civil Service has been advocated since 1993 by the Pay Research Bureau so as to solve the problems of late arrivals in office due to traffic congestion and other family problems. In its report of 2003 the PRB has recommended that subject to the approval of the Ministry of Civil Service Affairs and Administrative Reforms and after consultation with the staff side, Ministries/Departments/Organisations should expedite the introduction of flexitime where demand exist and resources permit. Flexitime would normally not be applicable to certain categories of officers due to the nature of their duties, for example: Officers operating on a shift system, roster basis and staggered hours Officers in the manual grades Officers in the disciplined force Officers in the education sector A survey had also been undertaken in this context. The conclusions were that organisations which had adopted flexitime had been effective in combating excessive/regular tardiness. The absence of a computerised system of attendance and additional resources required were one of the major hindrances for its application in other sectors. Lack of supervision was also an issue. Those working in teams also dont find it suitable to their needs and it was also difficult to evaluate work performed after normal working hours in terms of productivity. Some Chief Executives have made some favourable observations. They say that flexitime can increase productivity, improve performance and reduce overtime costs if used judiciously and effectively. It can also increase efficiency and improve quality of life of employees. It can also combat lateness and prevent abuse of leave by officers and is a good management tool (PRB Report 2008). The report has further laid emphasis on the responsibility of management and employees in the public sector. Management Responsibilities The PRB has spelt out the responsibilities of management on the application of flexitime as follows: (a) introduction of irregular workweek whereby employees have early arrival times and late departure times; (b) ensuring that there is adequate office coverage during official hours and that customer service and work requirements are not adversely affected by employee participation in alternative work schedules; (c) ensuring that employee participation in alternative work schedules is equitable and consistent across work units within the organization; (d)complying with all procedural requirements on certification of time and attendance and work schedules (e) communicating and seeking mutual agreement with the employees on work schedules (f) planning office workflow to ensure that there is productive work for employees to perform (g) suspending an employees alternative work schedule when workload requirements, temporary duty, or training preclude participation (h) informing employees as soon as practicable of any modifications in work schedule (i) making a concerted effort to schedule office meetings during core hours; and (j) to ensure monitoring and supervision in establishing work hours, prohibit abuses and take corrective measures if abuses occur. Employees Responsibilities The responsibilities of the employees on the introduction of flexitime as pointed out in the PRB Report 2003 are as follows: (a)complying with all procedural requirement regarding certification of time and attendance and work schedules to which they are assigned; (b)communicating and seeking mutual agreement with the supervisor on work schedules; and maintaining records of daily time and attendance in accordance with office procedures. Advantages of Flexitime There are many advantages resulting from the introduction of flexitime. And it is beneficial to employees, employers and management. The advantages of flexitime from a point of view of management: Improvement in productivity With the implementation of flexitime it is felt that absenteeism and turnover are reduced, and job satisfaction is improved in an organisation. Flexitime is also associated with increased productivity and morale and reduced absenteeism. Overtime The need for overtime is not felt as employees can manage busy and slack periods. Management can also do a saving on item of overtime. Moreover, completion of lengthy work assignments can be completed without resorting to overtime . Efficiency Flexitime can help employees to combine their work and personal responsibilities, and can help workflow to be managed more efficiently. (a) domestic matters can be dealt with in employees own time (b) details of employees time keeping is readily available ( c) the existence of a scheme can act as a positive tool in recruitment The advantages of flexitime from employee perspective: Reduces stress and fatigue It relieves officers of their stress and help them to better manage the balance between work commitments, family responsibilities and lifestyle choices to the advantages of the services. It helps employees to better cope with both the work and the household and child care responsibilities. It also makes travelling easier out of peak hours. Greater staff morale and job satisfaction Flexitime promotes happiness Employees perceive that flexible work schedule brings them joy (Atkinson and Hall,2010). They are also able to vary working time thus enjoying time-autonomy which positively influence performance. This autonomy acts as motivator to job satisfaction. There is also a team spirit and morale is high. Reduces delayed arrival caused by traffic congestion Flexitime allows you to schedule your travel and time to avoid congestion More in control of their workloads and manage a better balance between personal life and work Allows bank time ( accrued flex balance hours) to be used for leisure/ personal activities. Increased opportunity to fit other commitments and activities in with work, and make better use of their free time. Personal matters therefore can be sorted without having to take time off. Todays workforce increasingly consists of women and workers in alternative family structures such as single headed and dual earner families. Faced with more pressing demands from both the workplace and home these employees often divide time between these two competing interest. Among those likely to benefit to greater workplace flexibility are prime working age women, women household heads, and employees in two earner families. Advantages from Employer Perspective Flexitime takes away the easy audit of who is punctual and who is not. It makes the employee accountable for his own timekeeping and makes rigid timekeeping by the supervisor unimportant. It shifts focus of management from monitoring of attendances to productivity of the employee. It leads to joint accountability of workers and management . Absenteeism is reduced and in many cases the need for overtime is not felt. Retention of employees who seek flexible work arrangement (Nadler et al, 2010) Workers feel more responsible to the organisation and an atmosphere of partnership between employer and employee develops. Although flexitime is the most popular way of varying daily hours it has its limitations, and is not suitable for all job roles and workplaces, and other flexible options may provide better solutions. Flexitime works best, as with all alternative working patterns, as part of a package of options available to help employees balance their work and personal lives and the organisation meet its business objectives. However, this system has brought some difficulties in the work practice. The main disadvantages resulting from flexitime are: Perceived loss of management control Extra hours of supervision may be required There is potential for abuse of the flexible work periods Greater co-ordination of working arrangements is required to maintain cover Cover is lessened due to additional time off under flexi leave Staff who cannot be afforded flexible working hours experience resentment Cost of implementing control systems/equipment Additional work for personnel/supervisory staff e.g. inputting time credits for leave and adjustments, recording of flexi leave To what extent the introduction of flexitime can be successful in reality for Mauritius is still a question of big debate. Proper planning is very important. Although the Pay Research Bureau has recommended its implementation but what has been done and what is being done is still under consideration. From the literature review it is seen that all researches which have been conducted in this field there are varying views from different authors. Some have brought forward many advantages and others have noticed many drawbacks. Some employees have derived much satisfaction while others have experienced much frustration especially due to the long hours culture which has developed. Likewise some employers have seen major improvements in the quality of work while others are still sceptical as to the success of this strategy. Some are also fearful that it would lead to anarchy in production and that the costs of implementation would exceed the benefits. Through this paper we will try to anal yse a general perception of flexitime in the Mauritian public sector and will it be really successful in our context taking into consideration all the constraints.

The Actions and Agenda of the Hizbullah :: Politics Political Essays

The Actions and Agenda of the Hizbullah The Hizbullah are an extreme Islamic fundamentalist group. In fact, Hizbullah means 'Party of God." The Hizbullah came into existence in the social uprising of the late 1960's to the early 1970's by a Lebanese shia community. Then, following their charismatic leader Imam Musa Sadr, who mysteriously disappeared in Libya in 1978, the group developed until the Israeli invasion of 1982. This brought about Shiite radicalism, which is the Hizbullah's basis when it was created. Since then, the Hizbullah have been an influential part of Lebanon. The Hizbullah is a group of tactical genius. They have created an image as being of good intentions. They have helped to rebuild many communities in return for the people's backing. The agenda of the Hizbullah, which is known for its attacks on Israeli forces in occupied southern Lebanon, is now unclear. Israel withdrew from the "security zone" of southern Lebanon in May 2000. The only area of Lebanon where Israeli forces remained was Sheba'a farms. Many believed that because of the Hizbullah victory and the Israeli pullout, the Hizbullah would now focus on political and social agendas inside Lebanon. However Hizbullah has chosen to persist in its military strategy against Israel. Hizbullah's actions have the potential to trigger a full-scale, inter-state war. Some militant actions after the withdrawal have been: - the kidnapping of three Israeli soldiers from Mount Dov / Sheba'a farms. Hizbullah claimed that this advanced Lebanese interests: 'the liberation of disputed Sheba'a farms and the freeing of Lebanese detainees in Israel' and the Palestinian struggle. -the killing of an IDF solider in the Sheba'a area on November 26. Despite press reports of a possible Israel-Hizbullah swap of prisoners, Hizbullah continues to lay the groundwork for future military actions. For Israel, heavy retaliation against Hizbullah and its ally Syria, especially at a time of Israeli-Palestinian violence, risks opening Israel's northern settlements to Hizbullah fire and maybe even a full-scale military confrontation along the northern border. Aims for Hizbullah today: 1. Survival - leader, Nasrallah has said that Hizbullah is defined by its "Jihadic identity," a philosophy of continual military struggle. When Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon, recognized by the UN Secretary General as fulfilling the requirements of UNSC resolution 425, Nasrallah declared this inadequate. Hizbullah states that it will continue to fight to liberate Sheba'a. We will continue to fight to liberate Sheba'a." 2. Balance in Lebanon. Hizbullah wishes to seek a balance between continuing to fight against Israel and also to maintain popular support.

How to Buy Your First Home :: Process Essays

How to Buy Your First Home I answered the phone with trepidation. Would I be the one? Did I get it? No, not the new job, lottery jackpot, or the starring role in the next movie blockbuster. The one bedroom, split-level I'd put an offer in for just a few days earlier. A home. I was a single girl on the verge of owning her own home. Hey, hear me roar. According to the National Association of Realtors, single women represent the fastest-growing segment in the housing market. We buy 12% more condominiums than men, and we make up 35% of first home buyers. And due to many programs designed to encourage single women and minorities to invest in a new home, the purchasing power of the first-time home buyer is steadily rising. As terrifying as the prospect of home-ownership is, particularly for those who view plants as a commitment, there are benefits. You're building equity instead of paying rent. Interest payments on your mortgage can be tax deductible. And you could make a passel of money when you finally sell it, particularly if you've had the good sense not to buy near a nuclear waste treatment plant. Some tips from a happy home owner: Deep in your heart of hearts, you've probably always had an ideal vision of your perfect home. Sprawling lawns, cathedral ceilings, hand-carved banisters. Scratch that, and move on to what you can actually afford. You can usually qualify for a mortgage equaling about two times your annual income, and you'll need enough cash for a 5 to 10 percent down payment. Figure in the closing costs, which include percentage points tacked on to your mortgage (1 - 4% of the total mortgage) by your lender. The lower the points the better. You'll need a property appraisal (about $250) and a survey (about $200), during which strangers tromp through your new pad and determine what shape it's in - literally. Appraisers look at the condition of the property and surveyors measure the contents. You'll also need a pest inspection - which unfortunately does not mean the neighbors. Other major closing costs include a prepayment of insurance and real estate taxes into an escrow account. You pay up front and the bank takes care of the bills. Future payments into this account come out of your monthly mortgage payment. Your real estate taxes will vary based on area. Suffice it to say a sprawling villa in Beverly Hills will cost you more in taxes than say, a sprawling villa in suburban Cleveland. How to Buy Your First Home :: Process Essays How to Buy Your First Home I answered the phone with trepidation. Would I be the one? Did I get it? No, not the new job, lottery jackpot, or the starring role in the next movie blockbuster. The one bedroom, split-level I'd put an offer in for just a few days earlier. A home. I was a single girl on the verge of owning her own home. Hey, hear me roar. According to the National Association of Realtors, single women represent the fastest-growing segment in the housing market. We buy 12% more condominiums than men, and we make up 35% of first home buyers. And due to many programs designed to encourage single women and minorities to invest in a new home, the purchasing power of the first-time home buyer is steadily rising. As terrifying as the prospect of home-ownership is, particularly for those who view plants as a commitment, there are benefits. You're building equity instead of paying rent. Interest payments on your mortgage can be tax deductible. And you could make a passel of money when you finally sell it, particularly if you've had the good sense not to buy near a nuclear waste treatment plant. Some tips from a happy home owner: Deep in your heart of hearts, you've probably always had an ideal vision of your perfect home. Sprawling lawns, cathedral ceilings, hand-carved banisters. Scratch that, and move on to what you can actually afford. You can usually qualify for a mortgage equaling about two times your annual income, and you'll need enough cash for a 5 to 10 percent down payment. Figure in the closing costs, which include percentage points tacked on to your mortgage (1 - 4% of the total mortgage) by your lender. The lower the points the better. You'll need a property appraisal (about $250) and a survey (about $200), during which strangers tromp through your new pad and determine what shape it's in - literally. Appraisers look at the condition of the property and surveyors measure the contents. You'll also need a pest inspection - which unfortunately does not mean the neighbors. Other major closing costs include a prepayment of insurance and real estate taxes into an escrow account. You pay up front and the bank takes care of the bills. Future payments into this account come out of your monthly mortgage payment. Your real estate taxes will vary based on area. Suffice it to say a sprawling villa in Beverly Hills will cost you more in taxes than say, a sprawling villa in suburban Cleveland.