An Energy Conservation Mitigation Plan Environmental Sciences Essay

As we move into a new epoch of engineering and the turning human population of the planet, the demand to conserve energy has ne'er been greater and the hunt for alternate energy resources is a must. The rate at which we are presently utilizing non-renewable resources such as oil and coal will surely vouch that we will run out of these resources finally, and the issue of pollution goes manus in manus with our usage of these fossil fuels. Pollution threatens human wellness and amendss the environment and is the major cause of planetary heating. Global heating has the possible to badly impact conditions forms, addition planetary temperatures and harm harvests, and this potentially threatens the universe ‘s nutrient supply. We as worlds need to re-evaluate the manner we use natural resources and how we treat the environment. We have an copiousness of engineering at our disposal, and even today we are happening clean, alternate energy resources such as air current and solar power ev ery bit good as hydroelectricity generated from hydro dikes. One thing is clear, we need a program, and as with any program it needs construction and engagement by communities and persons all doing an attempt together to conserve the energy we do hold, and happen and use alternate energy in the hereafter. Energy preservation is portion of everyone ‘s lives and the manner we use our energy can either be responsible or irresponsible, and for likely excessively many old ages we have been irresponsible in the manner we use non-renewable energy, and the manner we dispose of our waste. We can no longer afford to be irresponsible about our usage of natural resources nor can we utilize these resources everlastingly without effect. While alternate energy shows great promise, we need to alter the manner we use our current energy resources now, stuffs such as oil, coal, natural gas and other resources such as wood from trees for edifice stuffs and paper merchandises need to be reduced, r egulated, and whenever possible avoided wholly to guarantee the long-run sustainability of our energy resources and life as we know it. Lending Factors to Environmental Problems There are many issues that affect our environment, and some are caused by natural phenomenon that has non-living and life subscribers to the environmental jobs we see today. Inanimate factors are influences such as wildfires that destroy big countries of forest, volcanic eruptions which spew dozenss of ash and gases into the air, and drought which can earnestly cut down and/or harm harvest outputs and damage the dirt as good. These sorts of environmental events are considered inanimate factors that contribute to environmental jobs such as resource handiness, pollution, and nutrient supply. Populating factors are influences from populating biological beings that affect the environment straight normally as a consequence of the demand for endurance. The endurance of any living thing depends on available resources in the environment such as the type of flora that is present will find what animate beings can last at that place, and sometimes animate beings can consume an country of flora so that other animate beings can non last at that place, and another illustration is when animate beings eat each other, and one becomes scarce while the other thrives, ( marauder & A ; prey ) . Worlds are no exclusion, and history for most of the harm caused to the environment due to the demand for stuffs for energy and nutrient and H2O. We use trees to fabricate edifice stuffs and paper. We use fossil fuels to supply electricity for our places and gasolene for our autos, all of which pollute and deplete Earth ‘s natural resources. We build metropoliss and suburban communities, all of which requires the glade of land and the usage of energy resources and in making so the ecosystem ‘s natural balance becomes affected. When we inhabit an country and construct metropoliss, it pollutes the environment and destroys the natural home ground of workss and animate beings doing the depletion of valuable resources for these living things, and perchance the extinction of works and carnal species to the point of losing them everlastingly. Worlds and the Natural Environment Human existences likely use more natural energy resources than any other living thing on Earth. We have modernized our universe, and in making so hold created a demand for natural resources such as oil, coal, and natural gas. The human population is turning and the demand for these resources has become even greater, and non-renewable energy is what powers our places and fuels our autos and consequences in air and H2O pollution in add-on to consuming the Earth of valuable minerals and fossil fuels. When we manufacture rough oil, we have to bore the Earth, destroy landscapes, and foul the air to polish it into other fuels. When we combust these fuels in our autos, CO2 pollutes the ambiance and contributes to planetary heating. When we harvest trees for edifice stuffs we strip 1000000s of estates of land from O bring forthing leaf which no uncertainty contributes to the lifting CO2 degrees in the Earth ‘s ambiance when combined with other semisynthetic beginnings of CO2 emanations . Other environmental developments include logging and excavation, and environmental incidents such as oil spills and improper disposal of risky waste and toxic stuffs merely add to the harm that humans cause to the environment in the chase of energy. Though human existences account for most of the negative effects on the environment every bit good as being the largest consumer of energy resources, we are wising up and recognizing that we need to alter the manner we treat our environment and utilize our current energy resources and happen alternate energy resources at the same clip. Some of the positive things that worlds are making to cut down energy usage and its impact on the environment is by modulating the usage of land for energy resource intents, protected land and animate being home grounds, required replanting of trees in logging countries, and the development of clean signifiers of energy like air current power every bit good as inventing programs to conserve energy and ke rb ingestion of these resources on a community degree that encourage people to utilize energy resources responsibly. Current Sustainability Strategies â€Å" In the 1970 ‘s, a figure of provinces began to necessitate local authoritiess to follow comprehensive programs that incorporated province ends, including the protection of air, H2O, seashore, and other natural resources † . ( Daniels, 2003 ) . While this event was over 30 old ages ago, many province and local authoritiess have since adopted specific programs to conserve energy, started recycling plans, and encouraged citizens to utilize energy sagely by turning off visible radiations, and utilizing contraptions merely as needed through community consciousness plans and treatments in community forums. Current energy resource sustainability methods presently in usage include the big graduated table usage of recycling in industry so that less new stuffs are needed to mass green goods goods. â€Å" In many instances, re-using a stuff requires less energy than bring forthing it from natural stuffs † . ( Newton, 2003 ) . Recycling is good on all degrees, but to i ntegrate it on a industrial degree has a major positive impact on the usage of energy to bring forth goods because the sums of energy and natural stuffs being saved at this degree is so big, and this besides reduces pollution by necessitating less refinement of natural stuffs every bit good. Another manner that authorities is acquiring involved with energy preservation is with inducements to promote householders to do place betterments that save energy and cut down waste. â€Å" Those who insulate their places might, for illustration, be given hard currency fillips by the local public-service corporation or a revenue enhancement tax write-off by province or federal authorities † . ( Newton, 2003 ) . Energy preservation is something that most people are cognizant of now, and with good ground. Global heating, pollution, menaces to human wellness and environmental harm are all good grounds to be painstaking of our environment and it is obvious that cut downing our energy usage w ill besides cut down pollution. By following sound patterns, and planning and developing new schemes to control energy waste, we become responsible users of natural energy resources for many old ages to come, and that is what sustainability is all about. Reaching Sustainability The manner we use energy resources must be considered within the manner we live on an mundane footing. When we use land for development, create new merchandises, and populate our mundane lives we have to be aware of what we use and how frequently it needs to be used. Homes and concerns use a assortment of energy resources from electricity and fuel oil, to natural gas and even wood. In topographic points that have cold and long winters these resources are in usage even more and ways to cut usage and cost have ne'er been more of import than they are right now. Significant economic addition can be achieved through the preservation and direction of energy, and every dollar saved by conserving energy can be spent on other things such as local investment by authorities and county functionaries, to the householder who can salvage money and profit the environment every bit good. Reducing the usage of energy resources besides reduces inauspicious effects on the environment such as H2O and air pollution. Cities and towns can take their ain steps to control energy usage in their ain communities by ordaining ordinances that require occupants to recycle, and by supplying inducements to insulate their places, cut down on uneconomical usage of electricity by turning off unnecessary contraptions, and turning the thermoregulator down a few grades to conserve electricity and natural gas. The designing of new edifices can be regulated so that they meet specific design criterions for insularity and energy usage such as warming and chilling systems. Renewable energy resources have many long term advantages over non renewable energy beginnings, and should be pursued whenever possible, and perchance even do it a demand that any edifice construction over 30,000 square pess in size must be supplemented with solar panels to provide at least 30 % of the electricity that powers the construction, this would drastically cut down energy ingestion and cost on a big graduated table when implem ented statewide, and the initial investing for solar panels and installing would pay for itself in nest eggs in a few old ages. Cities functionaries can back up these attempts to research and develop clean and renewable energy resources that will assist us to travel off from our entire dependance on non renewable energy resources. To accomplish this in a realistic manner, a program must be in topographic point to supply guidelines and aims as to the expected result of an energy resource plan. The program I am suggesting involves community engagement and the meeting of demands by concerns, contractors, local and province functionaries, and the single citizen. The program contains the undermentioned points: Plan Actions and Recommendations 1. Building patterns must conform to energy demands that all new constructions are insulated with the highest rated value insularity commercially available. 2. Promote the development of renewable energy resources in residential and commercial countries such as solar panels for places and concerns. 3. Raise energy preservation consciousness in the community by providing information to the populace about energy salvaging tips and stairss they can take to cut down their energy ingestion and cost by utilizing the least sum of energy from the most damaging of resources, such as electricity for illustration. 4. The community takes full engagement in local recycling plans and will be penalized for neglecting to make so, such as expiration of waste remotion services and a mulct of one-hundred dollars for each month they are non in conformity with the new regulation. 5. Land use will be regulated, and any new land that has been allocated for development must run into local guidelines for edifice construction and insularity evaluation and the usage of non-toxic edifice stuffs merely for building, no methanal incorporating stuffs will be permitted for usage in freshly constructed commercial edifices and places. 6. When edifice licenses are issued to new appliers, provide information on how to construct energy efficient constructions, and the usage of non-toxic edifice stuffs for building. 7. All new edifice license appliers will be required to subject a edifice program and certification of any energy salvaging stuffs to be used in the building of all new edifices, such as the installing of solar panels, type of and evaluation of insularity to be used, window glazing, methods to cut down land use and harm such as the glade of trees and disposal of fresh landscape gardening stuffs, and type of warming and chilling system to be utilized within the construction. 8. Promote local Bankss and loaners to supply hard currency inducements and loans for the building of energy efficient and compliant places and commercial constructions. 9. Encourage contractors to plan edifices to suit solar panels, even if they are non installed at the clip of building so easy application of solar panels at a ulterior clip can be attained. 10. Use financess from recycling mulcts and edifice codification misdemeanors to advance the research and development of renewable energy resources such as, but non limited to, solar power to increase the commercial usage and handiness of renewable energy resources. 11. Promote the usage of public transit, carpooling, and bike siting when executable. 12. All attempts to keep and continue the environment and minimise the usage of non-renewable energy resources by citizens and environmentally sound patterns by contractors in the building of energy efficient edifices shall be sought at all times. 13. Energy preservation and instruction should be made portion of all public school course of studies. 14. Residents will be encouraged to utilize energy efficient lighting and contraptions throughout their places, including high efficiency warming and chilling systems. Estimated Plan Timeline All new metropolis regulations and edifice codification guidelines shall be obtained within 12 months, and the publicity of energy efficient patterns in place and commercial environments coupled with the research and development of renewable energy every bit good as its execution that is environmentally sound will be on-going and argus-eyed in attempt and executing of the above stated actions. Sustenance Plan Benefits and Challenges The route to a cleansing agent and environmentally friendly energy beginning has its challenges and obstructions to get the better of. First, people must be co-operative and act as active participants in the attempt to conserve our natural resources, right down to their energy wonts in their mundane lives every bit good as obtaining the attempts of authorities and local functionaries to name for action and ordinances sing the current usage of unrenewable energy resources, and to the publicity and development of new alternate beginnings of energy that are cleaner and safer for the environment. Such attempts are non without benefits nevertheless, and the environment is one of the most of import long term issues we face today and it is of import that we do what we need to make now to continue the environment and the resources that are still left so that we can prolong ourselves in the hereafter. Reducing energy ingestion will cut down pollution and conserve the resources from which it comes like oil, coal, and natural gas, and most significantly taking these steps now ensures a sustainable hereafter for non merely us, but those who will inherit the Earth from us long after we are gone. Conserving our resources now benefits the environment and all people who will populate here after us and will doubtless go on to happen ways to deduce energy from clean and renewable beginnings that will someday be independent of fossil fuels wholly. Support for Energy Conservation To make the research necessary to convey renewable energy into mainstream position is traveling to necessitate support from federal and local authoritiess such as support for and publicity of these resources. Society will necessitate to step up and lead by illustration by using renewable energy resources while forcing their chap citizens to make the same, while controling their current usage of energy by exerting patterns and doing lifestyle alterations that cut down energy ingestion and reduces pollution as a consequence. Global support could include but is non limited to fiscal aid for energy research, sharing proven techniques with other states that work, learning others how to construct energy efficient constructions and develop renewable energy engineering such as solar panels and big turbines for air current farms. Action and the formation of organisations that monitor and promote energy preservation in their ain communities will be necessary to guarantee that energy programs a nd ordinances are followed decently, and to raise public consciousness of environmental issues so that everyone can be involved in conserving energy and support for developing schemes for renewable energy across the board, both financially through contributions from the populace for renewable energy research, and through illustrations set by persons using responsible energy ingestion patterns in their ain metropoliss and towns. In visible radiation of modern environmental issues it merely makes sense to conserve unrenewable energy resources such as oil, coal, and natural gas today and hunt for and develop renewable energy resources such as air current and solar power for a cleaner and more efficient tomorrow. It will take single and community attempt, and support from authoritiess worldwide to accomplish the ultimate end, to someday hold an infinite copiousness of renewable energy, and be free of our dependance on fossil fuels everlastingly. Energy Conservation Tips & A ; Facts Quick Tips aˆ? The mean house uses 38 per centum of its entire one-year energy usage on warming. aˆ? When a house is occupied, the thermoregulator should be set at 68 F for maximal energy efficiency. aˆ? Install a cardinal air conditioning system merely when whole house air conditioning is needed. aˆ? A Sun tempered super insulated place utilizations inactive solar design constructs with ace insularity building techniques. aˆ? Replace aging contraptions with newer energy efficient ENERGY STAR theoretical accounts. Beginning: ( Tremblay, K, 2010 ) . Facts about energy preservation, planetary heating and clime alteration Harmonizing to Nasa 2005 was the hottest twelvemonth of all time recorded There has been a steady addition in both the strength and continuance of hurricanes and tropical storms since the 1970 ‘s Over the past century, mean planetary temperatures have risen by 0.74A °C The 10 warmest old ages on record have all been since 1990. Six of the 10 warmest old ages on record in the UK were between 1995 and 2004 The rise in planetary temperatures besides causes implosion therapy. The figure of people affected by inundations worldwide has already risen from around 7 million in the 1960 ‘s to 150 million today. Beginning: ( Energy Conservation, 2008 ) .

Supporting Health And Wellbeing Education Essay

Every school and baby's room in Scotland are on a journey to excellence, all schools and early old ages scenes are at different phases of implementing a new Scottish course of study, entitled Curriculum for Excellence, where there are three nucleus topics, one of which is wellness and well-being. The experiences and results of this topic are listed under the headers mental, emotional, societal and physical well-being, be aftering for picks and alteration, physical instruction, physical activity and athletics and nutrient and wellness. As stated in the Curriculum for Excellence â€Å" Children and immature people will develop their acquisition in wellness and well-being by developing the cognition and apprehension, accomplishments, capablenesss and properties which they need for mental, emotional, societal and physical well-being now and in the hereafter † . In readying and during the digest of this undertaking, I have taken history of university readings and notes, literature, statute law, authorities guidelines, local authorization and the baby's room betterment program. The first reading which influenced my undertaking was â€Å" Promoting Health a Practical Guide by L Ewles and I Simnett † I realised wellness has to be promoted in a holistic position and all facets of wellness are interrelated and mutualist. ( See appendix one ) I will associate the theory of wellness and well-being within the country of physical exercising for the kids, parents and staff in Abronhill Nursery School. At present turn toing wellness and well-being, the baby's room have already received the gold award for wellness publicity. The manner frontward here is to guarantee all experiences and results, at the early degree are being addressed. Taking history of the guideline which is supported by The World Health Organisation, kids should hold at least one hr of moderate activity most yearss of the hebdomad. In â€Å" Let ‘s Make Scotland More Active † it is emphasised that this hr will merely hold a positive result if it is choice clip, hence my planning for the acquisition experiences in physical exercising had to be thought out and implemented to guarantee kids benefit from them. I knew that I had to pull off my clip in order to accomplish the 10 experiences with the kids and discussed this with the caput instructor and the two members of staff assigned to be my wise man. My chief focal point in each experience was the results and experiences from the Curriculum for Excellence, in add-on to this I researched and read relevant readings. As detailed in be aftering grid one ( Appendix two ) , I read the Curriculum for Excellence and the Health publicity and nutrition ) ( Scotland ) Act 2007. I gained a cognition and apprehension and was able to take the appropriate results for my planning. When frontward planning, I took into history that physical exercising is critical for physical development, but besides cognitive development, which I learned in one of my talks. This is highlighted in The Helping Young Children to Learn Through Movement Programme by Celia O Donovan who points out that â€Å" Children learn through motion and have a better opportunity of going successful scholars if they develop, organic structure consciousness, musculus tone, balance control, clasp and finger motion and manus to oculus co-ordination † , this in bend links to th e five major constituents of wellness, â€Å" cardio-respiratory, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibleness and organic structure composing † . ( Powers and Dodd 2009 ) In my first learning experience, I planned an experience that related to nursery planning and took history of kids involvements. On contemplation I know that I provided an activity where the kids were to the full engaged, extremely motivated and interacted good, but in treatment with my wise man, it was pointed out that I must concentrate more on the results I wanted the kids to accomplish, this was constructive unfavorable judgments. I will concentrate on the kids ‘s advancement and I will measure suitably. My self-evaluation allowed me to be after my following experience successfully. â€Å" Self-evaluation has become increasing stratified across Scots instruction and has contributed good, to bettering accomplishment for all kids † ( HIME, 2007 ) With mention to The Child at the Centre, quality index 2.2 â€Å" The extent to which parents, carers and households are committed to and actively involved in the life of the Centre † . My following planned experience larning grid three ( Appendix two ) takes history of parents and carers who where encourage to take portion in a Zumba category. It promotes a cognition and apprehension of what I am seeking to accomplish with the kids and involves the parents in physical exercising. I have read parents as spouses and I know that in Abronhill nursery school â€Å" Parents and carers will be encouraged to take portion in the service with staff set uping effectual partnership and maintaining in regular communicating † ( National Care Standards, 2002 ) . This experience besides takes history of â€Å" Young Children ‘s Health and Wellbeing by Underdown A † which states â€Å" Parents are the most important resource in advancing kids ‘s wellness and well-be ing, and they should be valued, respected and supported † . On contemplation I can clearly see how this has been put into pattern and how to include parents in their kids ‘s acquisition. I have included exposure of the wall show I created, utilizing parent ‘s remarks ( See appendix three ) . Within this experience I had a duty to run into the demands of an single kid. I was specifically asked to back up her in the afternoon zumba category, as she had already participated in the forenoon. Her keyworker felt support was necessary as she attendances nursery all twenty-four hours. As my observation notes show alternate support was offered. I closely monitored her advancement and attended to her single demands. My uninterrupted planning for physical exercising within the nucleus topics of wellness and well-being, I am really cognizant of doing certain I plan a assortment of activities to turn to the results. The kids have to be excited and motivated by the challenge set within the activity and this clip I planned an obstruction class. Planing grid four ( Appendix two ) . As my observation notes show the kids where a spot over excited at the beginning, but I was able to settle them, by calmly speech production to the kids and including them in the presentation. It was of import for the kids to listen to the regulations and remain safe. On contemplation in conversation with my wise man I was cognizant of pre-positional linguistic communication and she specifically asked me to listen for kids who used this, as she will farther develop this linguistic communication and take the kids ‘s larning frontward. I now understand that during activities there can be really of import links to other countries of the course of study. The experience I planned for Monday 8th November larning grid figure five ( Appendix two ) was to be held out-of-doorss. This experience was included in nursery planning. ( See Appendix four ) On contemplation I feel the conditions was a factor that influenced the kids ‘s enjoyment, it was stop deading cold and the kids did non profit from this experience, even though they had appropriate vesture on and I am cognizant if the importance of out-of-door acquisition in all conditions conditions. With mention to ( Appendix two ) experiences numbered six and seven, I feel the equipment ( See appendix five ) played a large portion in the kids ‘s acquisition and promoted physical exercising. The difference was evident with all of the kids, in one instance a male child demand a drink of H2O from being on the Wii tantrum and said to me â€Å" I will be back for another spell † . I noticed this in contrast to see figure five, did nil to excited them or desire them to carry-on . I truly learned from this experience how equipment, conditions and motive truly affects the kids ‘s battle and acquisition, in future I would will measure these factors and have another experient planned as a dorsum up. I feel the Wii tantrum is relevant up-to-date, educational and popular with the kids and the experience can be linked from place. On contemplation I used congratulations suitably to actuate the kids and promoted independency, the kids enjoyed the chance to exert. In wellness and well-being, during this arrangement I have addressed and been successful in supplying many chances for the kids to develop a â€Å" positive experience of healthy life activities to larn to get by with ambitious state of affairss and assist them to get down to â€Å" get the capacity to prolong physical, emotional and societal well-being † ( Curriculum for Excellence ) Within this baby's room puting the caput instructor and staff are advancing healthy instruction to each other, visiting staff, kids and parents. My work fitted in the overall properness in the baby's room betterment program and I successfully addressed physical exercising in the early old ages puting. Relevant readings and farther surveies made me cognizant of how other factors influence the wellness and well-being of kids e.g. fleshiness, poorness, attitude of parents and environmental factors. In the hereafter I will be able to confidently utilize the cognition and accomplishments I have gained in the country of physical exercising. I shall widen my cognition of the other factors by reading and research. I will be able to travel in to other early old ages scenes and set my cognition into pattern, but I besides need to analyze the others two countries entitled diet and nutrition and mental wellness and wellbeing as they are interlinked.

Nobody Is Perfect Essay

A man and his girlfriend got married in a large celebration. All of their friends and family came to see the lovely ceremony. The bride was gorgeous in her white wedding gown and the groom was very dashing in his black suit. Everyone could tell that the love they had for each other was true. A few months later, the wife comes to the husband with a proposal: â€Å"I read in a magazine, a while ago, about â€Å"How can we strengthen our marriage† she offered. Each of us will write a list of the things that we find a bit annoying with the other person. Then, we can talk about how we can fix them together and make our lives happier together.† The husband agreed, so each of them went to a separate room in the house and thought of the things that annoyed them about the other. They thought about this question for the rest of the day and wrote down what they came up with. The next morning, at the breakfast table, they decided that they would go over their lists. â€Å"I’ll start,† offered the wife. She took out her list. It had many items on it enough to fill 3 pages, in fact. As she started reading the list of the little annoyances, she noticed that tears were starting to appear in her husband’s eyes. â€Å"What’s wrong?†She asked. â€Å"Nothing† the husband replied, â€Å"keep reading your lists.† The wife continued to read until she had read all three pages to her husband. She neatly placed her list on the table and folded her hands over top of it. â€Å"Now, you read your list and then we’ll talk about the things on both of our lists.† She said happily. Quietly the husband stated, â€Å"I don’t have anything on my list. I think that you are perfect the way that you are. I don’t want you to change anything for me. You are lovely and wonderful and I wouldn’t want to try and change anything about you.† The wife, touched by his honesty and the depth of his love for her and his acceptance of her, turned her head and wept. LEARNING 1 In life, there are enough times when we are disappointed, depressed and annoyed. We don’t really have to go looking for them. We have a wonderful world that is full of beauty, light and promise. Why waste time in this world looking for the bad, disappointing or annoying when we can look around us, and see the amazing things before us?

The Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 is misleadingly named. It only Essay

The Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 is misleadingly named. It only deals with a tiny subset of terms, and does nothing to make sure that contracts are fair - Essay Example Every member in the contract is expected to play his or her relevant obligation in ensuring that the contractual terms and conditions are not breached. The contracts also define the consequences associated with breaching of the terms and conditions that sustains the contract. This act is always deployed in conjunction with the unfair terms in consumer contacts regulation (UTCCR) 1999, the Sales Goods Act 1979 and the supply of goods and services Act 1982. The three enactments are inseparable .However; the enactment has manifested a lot of weaknesses that makes it unfair to the individual members of the contract. This includes the following. Negligence, which is one of the factors in the enactment, has given freedom the insurance companies to deny the liability in case of a tragedy subscribed for in the insurance contract (Eaglestone,2004). Insurance companies are expected to compensate individual or company in case ofan accident. Always individuals subscribe to the service periodically in order to be protected during the times of crisis. Inmost cases these companies take an excuse of reckless nesses to evade the liability. This is common in vehicles indulged in accidents. It is unfair todeny responsibility in which somebody is paying for. Under such a situation, the client is fixed falsely for falling into tragedy. The act does not give consumers the right to take part in solving problems arising from their contracts (Kidner,2005). The business is the only party mandated to provide the solutions based on its own interest. For instances, in case a customer defaults to clear the loans, the institution itself is the only party that sets the penalties without involving the customers in such decisions. Also, the kind of penalties sometimes imposed on the consumers are very heavy to be cleared easily. In most cases the states force people, especially the government workers to join such contracts. In facts several nations have made it one of the

International Management Decision Making Assignment

International Management Decision Making - Assignment Example The market in which Tesco operates is a very competitive market. The retail grocery market in UK is home to hundreds of firms but the competition revolves around 4 major players in the market. These include Tesco, Asda, Sainsburry’s and Morrison’s. The overall firm concentration of these four firms is 76%. Thus, the nature of the market in which Tesco operates is an oligopoly. In an oligopoly market, a few larger firms dominate the market and the industry. The UK retail and super market has become increasingly concentrated in the last couple of year. With very few players in the industry, the market share of each of these players continues to rise. This is an oligopoly market and under the oligopoly theory these are the following basic characteristics that govern the market ; the competition is non-price based; there is intensive branding and brand loyalty; prices don’t fluctuate; the competitors are extremely interdependent on each other; the barriers to entry are strict; there is economies of scale ; a lot of focus on advertisements; every move by competitors is followed and looked at and the potential for a collusion. All these aforementioned characteristics prevail in the market in which Tesco operates. There the competition is not just about the product that is sold in the stores, but the overall experience that these super markets offer to their customer. Tesco’s market share as of December 2009 was 30.5%. In the last couple of year its market share has risen above 25%. The company lay it’s foundations on the basis of this idea : â€Å"Pile it high and sell it cheap†. Tesco started off from small service stores initially and then went on to expand its operations nationally and globally. In 1956, Tesco opened its first self service supermarket. During the 1960s, Tesco continued to expand and acquired various store chains. Tesco’s primary aim was to

Reflective Journal Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Reflective Journal - Assignment Example Critical Explanation I can relate my qualities of leadership to the time while I was attending the leadership workshop. After the first part of the workshop which involved lectures. During the first lecture, I was able to understand that the fist important requirement for a good leader is having good and effective communication skills. I believed that though I had proper communication skills I will have to fine-tune it so that it becomes more effective. In the second session various demonstrations were given. The participants were divided into groups and real life demonstration was given to us. I had to demonstrate leadership qualities during a technological change that was supposed to be occurring in a company. The change was basically related to the implementation of new automation software in the company. As a result of new implementation, strong resistance was shown by members of other groups who were from the employees. It reached a position, where the project was scheduled to b e cancelled. However, I discovered that the company is not planning to layoff any employees. I also assured them that the company will arrange training sessions and make everybody familiar with the new working technique. The discussion with the employee representatives turned out to be healthy and thankfully majority of them accepted the necessity of this change. After the success of the demonstration process, the participants as well as the lecturers of the workshop praised me for exhibiting leadership skills. Reflection On the basis of the self assessments I have come to the conclusion that though I have qualities of a good leader I will have to fine-tune my abilities and skills in order to gain recognition and subsequent achievement. To be specific, I would like to undergo special training classes on communication and achieve leadership and assessment skills in one year. In order to further asses myself, I will be carrying out an assessment that reflects about the qualities of le adership present in me. I compared my leadership with Eric Schmidt (Executive Chairman of Google) and Jeff Weiner (CEO of LinkedIn). Though I was sure about my leadership qualities there were few pitfalls. I was exposed to only few situations where I could use my leadership abilities. However, my current knowledge about leadership is a step forward which will help me in learning more complex leadership abilities. 2nd Reflective Journal Description The second journal reflects my experience during workshop training. The workshop training was on personal economics. The major objective behind attending the workshop was to learn money management. The major theme of the workshop was budget management and how to make a career in personal finance management. Apart from managing budget, I also learnt to identify my skills, career interests and utilize them for future growth and development. Critical Explanation The mentor for this workshop was Mr. Brendon Frill, a well known personal economi cs consultant. I found that person to be very nice, patient and kind. The first lesson he gave us was about creating a good impression during interview. We also prepared a life map which helped us in identifying our future goals. The second and third lesson was about preparing personal as well as family budget. I also realized that I had been over-spending from my budget. The fourth lesson was important as it helped me in understanding how to calculate credit and manage the tiny details of a

Gun Control Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Gun Control - Research Paper Example It may be argued that gun control regulations are not necessary because only law abiding citizens will follow rules and remain unarmed while law breakers and criminals will continue to own and use guns through illegal sources for offensive purposes like robbery and murder. Supporters of individual rights to own gun for protection believe that increase in private use and ownership of gun for self-protection is an effective method to control homicide and gun violence because legal restrictions will be followed only by law abiding Americans and they would fall prey to law breakers (White p.2). A national survey by John R. Lott reveal that 98 percent of the time individuals have used guns defensively to break off an attack. The positive results of gun use for defense such as carjacking being thwarted, prevention of robberies at automatic teller machines and the prevention of a number of robberies at stores and streets do not receive national coverage and the news covered by media include only encounters that culminate in a fatality (Lott (a) p.3). The data from the Department of Justice’s National Crime Victimization Survey from 1979 to 1987 reveals that the probability of grave injury from an attack is two and half times greater for women with no resistance without a gun than when a women resist an attack using a gun. Further, the probability of serious injury is four times greater for women resisting without a gun than while resisting with a gun. Therefore, the best solution is to resist an attack with a gun and to remain passive without a gun. Men are also better secure with guns though the advantage is significantly lower. Passive behavior is 1.4 times more probable to lead to serious injury when compared to resistance with gun. Male victims, similar to females are at greater risk while resisting without a gun and the difference in the level of injury is lower (Lott (a) p.4). Social scientists have arrived at solutions to some of the arguments about gun

Review performance about "Next to the Normal" Essay

Review performance about "Next to the Normal" - Essay Example Next to Normal takes one through an exhilarating journey of laughter and sorrow as one relates with the challenges of the actors (Brantley, 2009). Diana Goodman is a loving wife and mother who want the best out of her largely dysfunctional family. Their struggles typify the normal suburban neighborhood in an emotional manner, and the actors punctuate this with periodic musical breaks. In addition, Goodman has bipolar disorder, a form of mental illness, which affects the normal functioning of her already disunited family. The plot also explores Natalie’s drug abuse and her isolation from the family. The music and stage decoration is perfect. Through a lively pop/rock score, this intensely moving piece of theatre offers a breathtaking opportunity for the actors to investigate dramatic material and highlight their vocal talents. The timing of the lighting effects is in lieu with the message in the storyline and depicts the right emotion. As the musical starts, the lights go off and reveal Diana Goodman sitting alone, pondering about her future. Similarly, as the musical ends, Natalie, the daughter, walks in and turns on the light when he finds his father seated in darkness. She turns on all the lights in the house and reveals Diana who is visibly hurt, but happy to be alive. Apart from the lighting, the scenic and sound design augments the direction and mood of the musical performed on a three-story set that doubles as a doctor’s office, residence, and school. The actors and actresses do an excellent job in their performance. This is fortified by the numerous applauds and awards the musical has won as it endears itself to the public. Drama Desk Awards awarded Alice Ripley for Outstanding Actress in the musical. Of the eleven nominations in the 2009 Tony Awards, the musical won three, including Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical for Alice Ripley. Similarly, Aaron Tveit won Most Promising

Introduction to Psychology Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Introduction to Psychology - Research Paper Example It took off as a spark of fantasy, matured over time and suddenly turned to a reality of frustration and hate. Finally it became an obsession which demanded to be fulfilled. The killer found that photos and trophies that were substitute for the thrill of putting an end to life that electrified his very soul. He believed that he was smarter than the cops and could easily outwit them. The element of danger added to his perverted excitement. It was a chilly winter day on January 15th, 1974 the Charlie Otero came home from school only to find his parents and four siblings murdered in the most ghastly fashion. All the victims had their hands and feet bound together and were placed head down Except for his sister Josephine who was hung by her neck from a pipe and was only partially dressed with a sweatshirt and socks. Her little brother Joseph had three hoods placed on his head and was lying face down at the foot of the bed. The purse of Julie Otero was dumped and the father Joseph Otero Sr. missing watch there was no evidence of either a robbery, a struggle of forced entry. The search was on by the Wichita Police Department who investigated and found that the four murders took place between eight and nine in the morning. The conduct of the parents as well as the children was extremely good and invited no enmity which made the murders all the more shocking. Nine months after the murders of the Otero family, in October 1974, and anonymous call was received by the Wichita Eagle’s Don Granger and receive directions to go to the Wichita library and looking into a mechanical engineering text book. Action was taken and they found a letter detailing the murders of the Otero family and promising other victims in the future. He said he was guilty of the murders but can’t stop the monster in his head. His code words are – â€Å"Bind them, torture them, Kill them – BTK and warned that they will see it on the next victim. On April 4th, 1974, his next victim came

Globalization Problem Essay Example for Free

Globalization Problem Essay Introduction Globalization has practically changed societies all over the world. It has paved the way for the so called â€Å"borderless economy†. With the advent of the Internet, the role of information has dramatically changed the way people live and do business. As Naval points out in her paper, an immense reduction of time and space barriers among great nations is made possible through interconnectivity. She illustrated that such interconnections result to global transactions being done in the comfort zones of one’s home. This characteristic of the Information Age provides for accessibility to vast reservoirs of knowledge, which is power. 1 It is for this reason that all nations all over the world are adopting ICT-based solutions to address their information needs in this modern era of knowledge explosion. In the Philippines, the government anticipated the importance of Information Technology (IT) as early as the Ramos administration. Ramos in his speech at the First Information Technology and Telecommunications Education Congress outlined the National Information Technology Plan (NITP) of the government. He stressed that IT must be applied to the education sector as a means for national strengthening.2 In 1997, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) reported that the General Appropriations Act of the previous year provided some funds for the CHED-SUCs computerization program. Chairman Angel C. Alcala stated that majority of the fund was used to upgrade the computer capabilities of state-funded institutions. The biggest threat pointed out in the CHED computerization program was the readiness of the people in the educational institutions in the form of computer literacy to cope with the said technological changes. 3 Similarly, the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) engaged in its own computerization program. Undersecretary Alejandro W.D. Clemente described the computerization project as two main thrusts, which are (1) improvement of learning/teaching environment and (2) management of education. While improvement of learning/teaching environment mainly involves direct use of IT tools in the classroom such as multimedia, computer-based training, etc., Clemente stressed that management of education through IT centers on three groups. These groups consist of support staff using application programs such as wordprocessors, spreadsheets and the like for processing. The second group is for the number crunching processing such as accounting, budgeting and others. Finally, the third group affected by IT in educational management is in the area of databanking. Storing of voluminous records such as student scholastic records may be kept and retrieved using computer technology. 4 In addition to government efforts, Malacaà ±ang has issued on July 12, 2000, under the Estrada administration, Executive Order No. 265, â€Å"An act approving and adopting the government information systems plan (GISP) as framework and guide for all computerization efforts in the government.† The order aims to provide a wide-ranging set of reforms to enhance government efficiency and effectiveness in its operations and delivery of basic services to the public. Furthermore, the executive order requires all government units to align their respective computerization projects to the thrusts of E.O. 265, also known as the Philippine Government Online. 5 In the light of these ICT undertakings at the national level, most specially in the education sector, former PUP President, Dr. Ofelia M. Carague was inspired to embark on a university-wide computerization project to address the information needs of the university, as embodied in the PUP Information Systems Strategic Plan (ISSP). The ISSP, in general, aims to address the mission-critical areas of the five sectors of the university, namely: Administration, Finance, Student Services, Academic Affairs and Research and Development. Different systems were lined-up for the different sectors of the university, such as, Admission System (AS), Enrolment System (ES), Student Grades Monitoring Systems (SGMS), etc. under the Student Services sector.6 Despite the massive computerization program of PUP during the early part of the Carague administration, the PUP Laboratory High School department was not included in the initial list of offices to be computerized, mainly due to the limited student population. This view was somehow overturned by a fire incident which threatened to destroy the archived student records in the possession of the high school registrar. This was cited by PUP LHS in its appeal to be included in the computerization project. The Polytechnic University of the Philippines Laboratory High School has been in existence for more than half a century since its inception in 1954. Throughout its existence it has adopted several information systems, both manual and automated, to facilitate in its day-to-day operations. Recently, the high school department engaged in an upgrading of its Student Information Systems (SIS). The semi-automated operations were replaced with a fully automated system known as Laboratory High School Student Information System (LabHiSIS). LabHiSIS is composed to two subsystems, namely: (1) Enrolment System (ES) and (2) Student Grades Monitoring System (SGMS). This transition from a semi-automated to a fully automated system entails a lot of adjustments on the part of LHS students, faculty members and non-teaching personnel. Thus, the researcher aims to assess the implementation of the said subsystems of LabHiSIS in order to understand the efficacy of the said system implementation, using as basis common good qualities of information, which an efficient or effective information system must provide. The study shall likewise identify the pr oblems encountered during the system implementations. Background of the Study The Polytechnic University of the Philippines Laboratory High School (PUPLHS) located in the main campus at Sta. Mesa, Manila is the only surviving high school unit of PUP. Previously, there were high school department in other PUP branches like PUP Bataan and Lopez branches. There were some motions in the past to close the department, but it was vigorously opposed to by certain sectors of the university citing that PUP LHS is an integral department of the College of Office Administration and Business Teacher Education (COABTE). The latter was founded in 1904 formerly starting as the College of Business Teacher Education while the former was established in 1954 to pioneer a unique commercial curriculum. The curriculum’s defining attributes are the subjects on distributive arts, which consist of Stenography, Bookkeeping and Salesmanship, viewed as a tool to make the students more equipped for early employment. The students are required to take one of these as a major in junior and senior year. The curriculum has remained very much intact for the past fifty years with very minimal modifications, like the inclusion of computer subjects. Though COABTE acts as the mother unit of the high school department, certain autonomy in the management of PUP LHS is given to its administrators. For instance, the LHS Registrar is not bound to adhere to procedures implemented by the university registrar to the colleges. In addition, since it is under the university system, the high school department also enjoys a similar type of independence from DepEd control. The PUPLHS enrolment process employs a typical manual enrolment process. Despite of this nature, the LHS administration is able to manage the enrolment due to the small student population. The enrolment starts with the filling up of registration forms at designated enrolment centers. Prior to this initial step, old students must be cleared of any accountability during the previous school year. Next, the student pays Student Council fees along with other organizational fees. The third step is the assessment of fees which is manually computed by the teachers themselves. After which, the students must pay the amount at the Cashier’s Office located at the main building. Finally, the student has to proceed to the LHS Registrar’s Office for the validation of registration certificate.7 This concludes the manual high school enrolment process, which is less complicated as compared to the college enrolment. Common problems under this situation arise from long queues of students waiting to be processed up to incorrect assessment of matriculation and other fees. The grades of the students like most secondary level institutions are likewise computed manually. The process starts with the posting of grades in the summary sheet which is done on a quarterly basis by the teachers. Each section has one summary sheet to which all subject teachers input the grades of students bel onging to the section. The posting of non-academic marks like attendance, conduct and homeroom are also posted on the summary sheet by the section advisers every quarter. Another type of quarterly report being prepared by the teachers is the report cards of the students. On the fourth quarter of the school calendar, the teachers must compute the subject averages and post it on the summary sheet to determine those who passed and failed from among the students. This is very crucial in the deliberation process of PUP LHS faculty members so that they are guided as to whom are the candidates for kick out or transfer. In addition, the advisers are responsible for the computation of the general weighted average and the posting of academic and non-academic marks on the report card of all the students under his advisory. Next, the teacher encodes the grades of the students to the Student Permanent Record form of the LHS Registrar’s office, which serves as the official scholastic record of the student. Finally, the teachers must prepare their grade sheets to be submitted to the LHS principal. The registrar, on one hand, is responsible of producing the Transcript of Records (TOR) of both graduates and students for college application purposes. At this stage, the student grades are encoded to the computer for the very first time. This summarizes the complex and tedious manual process of grades processing in PUP LHS.8 The manual systems in PUP LHS suffer from a lot redundancies. In their manual processing of student grades the only instance where the grades of the students are made in digital form is when the Registrar encodes the grades for the Transcript of Records (TOR) preparation. The rest of the processing stages consist of manual posting of grades unto different reports. When the appeal of PUP LHS to be included in the computerization project was approved by the Office of the Vice President for Finance, the PUP Information Linkage Systems (PUPILS) was tasked to assist the high school department in its request. The initial agreement was to customize the Integrated Student Information System (iSIS) of the college for the high school unit, but due to some differences in business logic the developers decided to create a system from scratch instead. Development started in April 2002 and the developers employed a Rapid Application Development (RAD) strategy in developing its first component – the Enrolment System (LabHiSIS-ES). The LabHiSIS package is composed of the following subsystems, namely: âž ¢ Enrolment System (LabHiSIS-ES) – a system which handles the registration needs of the students during enrolment periods. âž ¢ Student Grades Monitoring System (LabHiSIS-GMS) – a system which monitors the accumulating grades of student s. In a short period of barely two months, the PUPILS LabHiSIS development team prepared a fully functional stand-alone enrolment system. It was implemented in May 27-30, 2002 to all year levels of PUP LHS. LabHiSIS used a pre-printed implementation strategy. In this strategy, the registration certificates of the high school students were printed in advance. This facilitated the simple distribution of registration certificates to the enrollees during the enrolment proper, which were done by the enrolling advisers. After two years of implementing the Enrolment System in the department, the development team started with the development of the second subsystem. The first implementation of the Student Grades Monitoring System was implemented in SY 2003-2004. Throughout the entire development phase of the LabHiSIS systems, the system developers were guided by the following system objectives which they envision to be accomplished by the systems once operational. The LabHiSIS-Enrolment System’s objective is to automate the enrolment processing by generating a pre-assessed and a filled-up registration certificate. It shall also assist with some pre and post admission processing like the generation of unique student number. With the system, the faculty members of PUP LHS would no longer have to manually assess the matriculation and fees of the students. Though it is still not connected online to the university’s Cashiering system, the developers believe that this automation would provide a significant improvement to the LHS enrolment processes and, at the same time, introduce computerization to the PUP LHS community thereby preparing them for the second LabHiSIS module – Student Grades Monitoring System. The development of the more complicated Student Grades Monitoring System followed a multifaceted set of objectives. The objectives are as follows: 1. The Student Grades Monitoring System must automate the entire grades processing of PUP LHS from the time of its initial posting up to the generation of student Transcript of Records (TOR) for the department’s graduates. 2. SGMS shall produce highly accurate reports, namely: Temporary Quarterly Report Cards, Final Report Cards, Quarterly Summary Sheets, Student Permanent Records, Grade Sheets and Transcript of Records. 3. The system shall uphold confidentiality of student grades, thus, preventing unauthorized access to certain subject matters. The teachers will be limited to the subject assigned to them. 4. The system shall promote a high standard of grade integrity and eliminate the repetitive manual posting/inputting of grades into different kinds of reports. It shall centralize the printing of reports which is the sole responsibility of the system administrators. The administrators, though with access rights to view the grades, have no access rights to modify any of the grade entries. The faculty members are, thus, assured that the grades they have entered are the same grades to appear regardless of the report type. With this scheme, discrepancies will be avoided and the faculty would only have to input the grades once. Theoretical Framework In this study, the theory of Prof. Karl Weick, from the University of Michigan, known as Information Systems Theory was used as one of the basis for the study. The theory primarily states that â€Å"An organization should connect with information processing. Information is the key item that all organizations must possess.† 9 According to Sweeney, the theory of Karl Weick can be tested for practical utility. This means that, â€Å"The more effective communication is, the more effective the organization will be, and as a result it [organization] will be more successful.†10 The theory when properly applied to an organization can increase business control which is one of the fundamental functions of management. Efforts, however, to improve organizational performance do not instantaneously arrive as a result of having computer-based information systems. Prof. N. Kano, in his Theory on Customer Satisfaction, identified several categories of quality attributes which influence customer satisfaction. He discussed the importance of Basic, Excitement and Performance Factors as the three attributes directly involved with client satisfaction. He stated that basic factors present the minimum requirements in any product which will cause dissatisfaction if not fulfilled but do not cause customer satisfaction when fulfilled. Excitement factors tend to cause customer satisfaction whenever fulfilled but do not promote dissatisfaction if absent. Performance factors causes satisfaction if the performance is high†¦they cause dissatisfaction if the performance is low. 11 Though this theory mentions of characteristics applicable to a product, it must be noted that software is considered a product. 12 In order to guarantee customer satisfaction the product must be carefully evaluated thoroughly. The Evaluation Theory according to Prof. Mel Mark, from the Pennyslvania State University, as one of its many application provides the important key whether or not to implement a new program. In his article Evaluation Theory and What are Evaluation Methods For?, he mentioned that evaluation theory acts as a performance measurement system that can identify problem areas and provide a feedback mechanism regarding the apparent consequences of a certain decision. 13 Conceptual Framework The conceptual framework employs the Systems Approach technique. It begins with the Input Box, which represents factors that must exist before the study can take place or a phenomenon can be investigated. In this study, the inputs are the respondents of the study and the LabHiSIS-Enrolment System and LabHiSIS-Student Grades Monitoring System. The second box is the Process box. It contains all the procedures taken in the study. In the study, the process begins with data gathering through a survey questionnaire. Other information was also derived from informal interview. After data tabulation the next step was the application of a correct statistical tool. Finally, analysis and interpretation was made on the basis of the statistical results. The third box is the Output box. It shows the findings of the study regarding the efficacy of the systems. Likewise, it also aims to identify the problems encountered in the systems implementation. A return or feedback arrow signifies the repetitive and continuous nature of the process. After the findings have been concluded a new set of problems may arise which requires another inquiry or investigation. Statement of the Problem The study assessed the effectiveness of the Laboratory High School Student Information Systems, particularly its two subsystems; Enrolment System and Student Grades Monitoring System. Similarly, it aims to answer the following specific questions: To what extent do the respondents rate the effectiveness of the LabHiSIS-Enrolment System in terms of the following software quality attributes: 1. Accuracy; 2. Completeness; 3. Timeliness; 4. Reliability; 5. Security 6. User-Friendliness? To what extent do the respondents’ rate the effectiveness of the LabHiSIS-Student Grade Monitoring System in terms of the given software quality attributes: 1. What are the problems encountered in the implementation of LabHiSIS, specifically its two subsystems – Enrolment System and Student Grades Monitoring System? Significance of the Study Change is not an easy thing to embrace. It is the very nature of man to resist change. This resistance is commonly due to the fear of the unknown. Information Technology, as a catalyst of change, is a major fear factor for many institutions and individuals. Thus, this study aims to assess the LabHiSIS implementations made to PUPLHS. The main goal of the study is to identify the efficacy rating of the LabHiSIS system implementations. Findings of the study are expected to contribute to the further refinement of the system and its future implementations. The study, upon its completion, will benefit the following stakeholders of the university, namely: The University Officials/Administrators. Implementation problems identified in this study can help top management arrive at sound decisions regarding budget allocations, policy formulation, etc. The Academic and Administrative Employees of PUP LHS. Through this research the employees would be able to express their comments regarding the system so that positive changes can be taken into consideration by the developers as a result of the system assessment. The Systems Developers. The developers of the system would greatly benefit from this research mainly because the users response to the questionnaire would serve as a gauge in measuring the system performance. The weak points identified in the study can become the focus of their corrective maintenance of the system. The Future Researchers. This research can serve as a model for other studies on system implementations that other researchers might want to investigate. It is important to note that through research the precious feedback coming from the beneficiaries or system users could be obtained. In this case, the beneficiaries of the LabHiSIS systems are the students while the users are the academic and the non-teaching personnel. The Students. The last beneficiary of the system study is the students of PUP LHS. They would benefit from the improved service brought about by refinements in the system which is in turn a result of the problem identification and performance appraisal found in this study. Scope and Limitation of the Study This study is concerned with the system implementation of the LabHiSIS computerized Enrolment System and Student Grades Monitoring System to PUP Laboratory High School in school year 2004-2005. It includes all the following enrolment and grades processing activities: (1) Academic Subject Enrolment and Assessment of Matriculation and Fees; (2) Posting of Academic Grades and Non-Academic Marks and (3) Generation of Periodic and Demand Reports. In addition, the study includes the system stakeholders, namely, faculty members, non-teaching personnel and students of PUP LHS. The study is however limited to 2nd year up to 4th year students only as the first year students, in June 2005, still have no knowledge and complete experience with the two LabHiSIS subsystems. Definition of Terms The following terminologies were used as operationally defined in this study: Accuracy of information simply means that the information system is error free. Administrator is in-charge of the system security for both subsystems. As such he has access to all utilities menu commands. Completeness of the information means that all needed details are incorporated in a report or output produced by an information system. Effectiveness refers to the satisfactory performance or rating of the system based on software quality factors such as Accuracy, Completeness, Timeliness, Reliability, Security and User-Friendliness. End-users are members of the faculty and non-teaching staff of the PUP Laboratory High School who directly interact or use the computer-based information system. LabHiSIS refers to the Laboratory High School Student Information System, a computer-based information system designed to automate the enrolment and grades preparation process of PUP Laboratory High School. The system is composed of two subsystems, namely the Enrolment System and the Student Grades Monitoring System. Reliability is an information characteristic which means that the output or report produced by an information system can be depended upon by its users despite changes in the environment which may affect the system. Security refers to the ability of the system to limit accessibility of the users thus safeguarding confidential or restricted records from any form of unlawful access. Source documents, as used in this paper, pertain to the Summary Sheets from which all academic and non-academic marks of the students are initially posted by the subject teachers from their respective class records. The summary sheet is used for reference by the faculty members during the encoding of grades to SGMS. Timeliness of information is about the prompt release or issuance of a needed detail or report whenever it is needed. User Friendliness pertains to the characteristic of the information system to be easily understood by the users. Figure 1 Paradigm of the Study FEEDBACK OUTPUT PROCESS INPUT Assessed Laboratory High School Student Information Systems (LabHiSIS): Enrolment System (ES) Student Grades Monitoring System (SGMS) Solutions to the Problems Encountered in the implementation of the systems. Assessment of the Laboratory High School Student Information System (LabHiSIS) Subsystems: – Enrolment System (ES), and – Student Grades Monitoring System (SGMS). Identification of the problems encountered during the systems implementation 1Naval, Victoria C., â€Å"Rethinking Prospects and Challenges of Globalization in Education†, The Mabini Review, Vol. 1. 2001 11Kano, N., â€Å"Customer Satisfaction Model†, http://www.12manage.com/methods_ kano_customer_satisfaction_model.html, 1984. 12Sommerville, Ian A., Software Engineering, 4th Edition, Addison – Wesley Longman Inc., 1995) pp. 5. 13Mark, Mel, â€Å"Evaluation Theory or What are Evaluation Methods For?†, http://www.gse.harvard.edu/hfrp/eval/issue30/theory.html 9Dudas, Marion, â€Å"Applying the Information Systems Theory to a True Situation†, http://oak.cats.ohiou.edu/~md413097/is.htm, 2000. 10Sweeney, Matt C., â€Å"Information Systems Critique† http://oak.cats.ohiou.edu/ ~ms101996/is.htm 8Gonzales, Jaime Y., interview held during system development start-up, Registrar’s Office, April 2002 7Gonzales, Jaime Y., PUP Laboratory High School Enrolment Procedures, 2004 6Escober, Rosicar E., PUP Information Systems Strategic Plan, College of Computer Studies, Graduate School, Dela Salle University, Manila, 1999. 2. 4Clemente, Alejandro W.D., â€Å"Use of Multi-media in DECS†, IT Education in the Philippines: Preparing for the 21st Century, pp.29-34, February 1997. 5Estrada, Joseph Ejercito, Executive Order 256, Malacaà ±ang Palace, Manila, http://www.neda.gov.ph/ads/gisp/default.htm, 2000. Laboratory High School Student Information Systems (LabHiSIS): Enrolment System (ES), and Student Grades Monitoring System (SGMS). Problems encountered in the systems implementation 2Ramos, Fidel V., â€Å"Taking the Future in our Hands†, speech delivered in the First Information Technology and Telecommunications Education Congress, Dusit Hotel Nikko Manila, February 1997. 3Alcala, Angel C., â€Å"The CHED Computerization Program: Goals, Policies and Projects†, IT Education in the Philippines: Preparing for the 21st Century, pp.25-28, February 1997.

Effect of Unit of Analysis in Political Research

Effect of Unit of Analysis in Political Research Units of Analysis In social or scientific research, the definition of units of analysis is similar since it is the unit that the researcher will focus on while making his inquiry. According to (Lewis-Beck, Bryman, Liao, 2003), the appropriate definition of the term as developed in research is that it is the basic unit that is to be investigated. This statement implies that the unit of analysis can be defined in the hypothesis of a study or within the topic of the research. In a case where the research is based on an investigation about the truth of a hypothesis, the unit of analysis becomes the main actors in the hypothesis. In political science, it simply implies the level of actors at which a researcher will aggregate the data. In any study, the choice of actors or the unit of analysis has a bearing on the final generalization that is given by a study. In this perspective, the emergence of fallacies on the conclusion of a study will be as a result of not properly identifying the unit of analysis. In a study about the geopolitics of a country, for instance, the focus of the research could be trade relations. The selection of the actors in this study due to the interest and ideas about the actor could lead to a level of complications like cross referencing or fallacies (Babbie 2013). This article examines the possible set of units that relate to a research question about the geopolitics of China and its international partners in trade. Specifically, the units of analysis that relate to the research are discussed in details. It also observes the relevance of the units of analysis that will be selected for the investigation on the topic. Depending on the research question and the motivation of the researcher, the development of the appropriate actors or even the units of analysis could be difficult or just impossible. In this case, the use of cross-referencing is used to create a correlation of the available information to the unit of analysis that has been selected. The difficulty in obtaining the data about the unit of study may also lead to the absence of this ambiguity which seldom happens, the choice of the unit of study is simplified. Problems like the ecological fallacy that results from using data that is meant for a group to make generalization is avoided. In the case of geopolitical analysis of China and the trade relations, the major unit of analysis is the country which is China. This choice is provoked by the fact that much of the data that will be collected on the topic for purposes of analysis will have to do with a perspective of the geopolitics of China or even its partners. Data about international trade of China and the politics that govern regions like the South China Sea are potential units of analysis in this study. The ecological fallacy (Babbie 2013) can also be possible in the development of this study by making generalizations that are not about the group that is the overall country China. For instance, in a study about the preference of the wealthy Chinese businessmen and their preferred destinations of investment, a study could use the country data. In this study if the generalization of the research argues that the businessmen prefer to make trade deals with the west as opposed to the African or Asian counterparts, an ecological fallacy is given in the study. The ecological fallacy in this study will be as a result of observing the overall government bilateral trade agreements and generalizing this at the personal preference level. It is highly likely that the wealthy Chinese business persons can have interests in the African or Asian continents as well. The specific units of study, in this case, are related to the constituents of geopolitical studies or the major aspects that contribute to the subject domain of geopolitics. These units of study could be related to the concepts like demography and trade that is the main area of study. Other units of analysis can be linked to the climate of the regions, the region, natural resources, the use or imbalance of technology, and politics of the region being evaluated. For a study about the geopolitical aspects of trade relations of the Chinese especially if the comparison is inclined towards the American-Sino relations, all these factors are potential actors of the units of analysis which is the country. An imbalance of technology, for instance, is likely to trigger trade to favor the country that is in the possession of a high level of technology. Factors like efficiency could be the silent driving forces behind the success of the high technology countries. Ideas like climate could play a role like in the tourism sector. But while noting that the two countries are subcontinents there is a possibility that the overall impact of the climate more or less remains a constant factor. Despite this great mix and variety of the actors, the main actor therefore in this study remains the regional and global politics and the effects of demographics (Riegl In LandovskyÃÅ'  2013. Justification of the actors The politics of the region being evaluated in a study has a strong relation to the main actors of the economy that is the unit of study. Particularly, aspects of politics include the ability to dominate the regional bodies in a continent and the control of the same. For instance, in a regional union like the European Union, the decisions are negotiated by the members. The ability to martial the allies to vote for the interest of a country in economic affairs would have to do with the regional political influence of the country. In a case like this interests also play a major role. The role of interest is that member states will have to consider their position on the global front and the need to progress. In many instances, the interests of a nation are driven by the fact that there is need to achieve economic growth in the nation. As such any progress that is considered to have a negative impact on the economy is taken as an unwanted position by the block. Therefore aspects of politi cal ideologies and intention have an effect on the geopolitical relations. In demographics, the profligacy of the United States has come under sharp criticism. This idea has become a central potential of exploitation of the Chinese in dealing with the trade with the American public. Leonard (2006) examines the roles of this demographic factor in the relations of trade created between the two partners. Its findings indicate that the American public has become extremely uncaring of their spending habits in the past that even led to the recession that occurred in the nation. As a result, this actor is a significant variable in examining the geopolitical relations that have to do with trade between the nations. The reason for its importance is related to the level of debt that China holds for the United States. This research study also claims that the height of debt that America hold in China is substantial and a major driver in the trade relations between the two states. The selection of the two main actors in this type of research is based on the ability to take a validity assessment and the reliability of a study. In any research, before making a generalization, the review of the measurement is taken. For instance, it would be important to review if all measurements of the information that is contained in the study is properly within the context and requirements of the same study. In this case, main geopolitical factors in the study will have to be tested for their validity and reliability in making generalization of the subject of discussion. This factor means that the actors will have to be listed within the sub-factors that indicate their face or content validity. The face validity of the actors includes factors that the researcher envisions in their study (Babbie 2010). The content validity is deeper in meaning and will cover the major conventional attributes that build or indicate the actor in research. Reliability, on the other hand, deals wi th the replication of the same study (Kibble 2011). Therefore, the selection of these two actors which are important aspects of the unit of study will be a stronger block in generating the sub-factors that will point to a more reliable and valid study. Selected case study The unit of analysis, in this case, is at country level. It would be important to select case studies with the same level of units of analysis. In looking at the geopolitical factors and their effects on the international trade with China, this study will select a case study based in the United States and a Scandinavian country or a developing country. This selection will aim at unveiling the difference in the geopolitical factors that favor or does not favor trade in the two countries. At a more specific level, a comparison of the main actors that are involved will be the main factor. This will aim at unveiling if the two main actors that have been identified by this research are valid or not. The choice of the United States in the geopolitical study is made mainly because the United States is a major trading partner of the Peoples Republic of China. Therefore, a study in the geopolitical aspects of the relation could make conclusive on the facts relating to the same. Another important aspect is to do with the Chinese economic system that is communist and the inclination towards the western democratic nations. It would be important here to see if the political aspects have anything to do with the level of trade that is generated between the United States and the Chinese counterparts. In conclusion, the choice of a unit of analysis has a significant bearing on the outcome of a research process. The main contribution of the fact is based on the identification and selection of the units. In a case of improper selection, the problems that are likely to arise are related to the fallacy of the outcome of the study. In ecological fallacy, the generalization of the outcome and the drivers of the same is the main concern. It would be inappropriate to make group conclusion of results as a representative of individual units of analysis and vice versa. In a study of this character, it is also important to review the validity and reliability issues. References Babbie, E. (2013). The basics of social research. Cengage Learning. Babbie, E. R. (2010). The practice of social research. Belmont, Calif: Wadsworth Cengage. Kibble, B. P. (2011). Reliability in Scientific Research: Improving the Dependability of Measurements, Calculations, Equipment, and Software, by IR Walker: Scope: review. Level: postgraduate, early career researcher, researcher, scientist, engineers. Contemporary Physics, 52(6), 615-616. Lewis-Beck, M., Bryman, A. E., Liao, T. F. (2003). The Sage encyclopedia of social science research methods. Sage Publications. Leonard, Andrew (2006), No More Treasury Bonds, Thank You, I’m Full: Is China Tired of Propping up the U.S. Economy?, 6 January, online: www.salon.com/technology/how_the_world_works/2006/01/06 /china_bonds> (17 May 2015). Riegl, M., In LandovskyÃÅ' , J. (2013). Strategic and geopolitical issues in the contemporary world.

Critical Success Factors Of Tesco Marketing Essay

Critical Success Factors Of Tesco Marketing Essay TESCO is one of the largest retailer companies in Europe and is the second largest in the global retailers ranked in the top three. TESCO was founded in 1924. Headquarters is located in British Hector Content Ford county. The first sales started with food, but along with the retail market environment change, TESCO company developed, grew, and went through innovation to meet each new opportunity, gradually extend to clothing, electrical appliances, customer financial services, also keep internet service telecommunications and other businesses. At present, there are a total of 2629 stores in the world (sells a total area of 4500 square feet). The stores are in 14 countries and regions, more than 500 million people patronage every day (according to www.uniqueworld.com.cn/view-484.html). TESCO hopes to be able to maintain their carbon missions make new buildings, they also want to make their business follow the way of the specific object this means that enterprise can put forward some specific business objectives to be achieved, so if they hope to within a year to play a certain profit targets, they must make a business plan or pattern can be aided by, in order to achieve their goals. 2.0 Company summary: 2.1 Companys Ownership The ownership of the Hymalls several partners, TESCO is owned by many people. This is due to; it is a public limited liability company or PLC. TESCO, the reason for this shareholding system is Tescos vast size. Because of its size it is difficult to raise enough money for TESCO if it is to belonged to a sole trader or partners in Plc. (like TESCO) company is the shareholders fund company. This happens when people buy the stock of the company to become shareholders. Sometimes this may look more attractive investment companies for their luxury have limited liability. Limited liability is when for instance, the company reaches bankruptcy or liquidation, the shareholders only lose whatever they invest in business. This is common in Plc. co., LTD. (private co., LTD.) unlimited liability applies to the soul traders and partnership, if one of the bankrupt, they may lose all their personal assets over it and capital investment. Mission: To create value for customers, make its lifetime loyalty. Our success depends on people shopping and the work of the company. Vision: TESCOs vision is especially easy to purchase the most valuable service customers; TESCO uses skills, business community, faithful and loyal employees and TESCO shareholders. Tesco is a growth, modern and innovative company, and wins the local and the global scope. TESCO objectives are: 1. To maximize sales and profit 2. To develop and maintain its position as Britains top retail company 3. TESCO aims to be better than their competitors and maintain market leadership 4. TESCO, the main purpose is to maximize profit 5. To provide goods/services cheaply and affordable for the consumers or the public. 3.0 Product: TESCO is in the food industry and food industry is quite powerful. TESCO does not only provide the food business but other non-food product that include electrical appliances, home entertainment products, daily necessities, kitchen supplies, in some of the largest shop even also provide white home appliance and furniture. Recently, TESCO is devoted to brand into the food industry, at present a lot of its large stores are reserve appliances, home entertainment products, toys, sports equipment, kitchen supplies, and even lighting products and decorations. CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS OF TESCO: 4.0 SWOT analysis: 4.1 STRENGHTS: TESCO can sell shares in the stock exchange and this can raise more money, rather than other types of business. The shareholders in the stock market have limited liability and this means that they can only lose their money invested in TESCO, if it failed, they cannot be forced to sell their personal property. Goods are generally cheaper than other places and this makes TESCO a place where people usually prefer to buy goods. This in turn makes TESCO a big and strong financial competitor. Employee welfare is good and so is Management ability. 4. 2 WEAKNESSES: TESCO, does not provide you with an online discount while most of the other top companies do, provide almost as much as 20% so this brings about some thinking before purchase. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2901824 4.3 OPPORTUNITIES: TESCO is able to increase its market share; TESCO is still an enviable position, can enter almost all of the markets and expect to have good performance. Management capability of Tesco can benefit it in the long run. Tesco can provide different ways of service and this can be advantageous 4.4 THREATS: TESCO have a lot of threats in Management capability, Goods price competition by other retailer companies and threats of new entrants into the market New technologies, service and ideals affect Tesco. The Product and self-brand should improve because if not, could cost the company. 5.0 PORTERS 5 FORCES ¼Ã… ¡ 5.1 Customers analysis ¼Ã… ¡ Keeping loyal customers TESCO must look after their customers they do so With low prices, this is because if TESCO low price will attract more Customers, because they spend less money on TESCO. TESCOs still maintain the customers satisfaction, and his mouth bigger, this is because when especially easy to purchase luxury store. Open the big store and then all under one roof this is convenient TESCO Customers are very busy, they just go to special TESCO and get everything they want to. (Lincoln, 2007), TESCO also maintain customer loyalty to they have a club card this system to encourage customers to buy more things, especially easy to buy and Receive. When the customer received enough points, and then they get coupons, they can use to TESCO .It is very conducive to purchase its easy to get a lot of customer loyalty 5.2 Suppliers analysis ¼Ã… ¡ Bargaining capability of the supplier is low. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ What should point out is, suppliers tend to grocery retailers and are afraid of losing their business contract and large supermarket. Therefore, the position of the retailers easy to buy and AASDI, like, plug INCE to further strengthen the, negotiation is positive to obtain the price as low as possible from supplier. 5.3 Rivals ¼Ã… ¡ The intensity of competition in the grocery retail industry is very high. Faced with fierce competition, TESCO direct competitors, including ASDA plug INCE , Morrison and Ross, this is competing with each other, price, promotion products and intermittent. So it should be emphasized, ASDA is a key competitors in the field of market share growth of 16.6% to 16.8% during the fiscal year 2010/09, and plug INCE he display increased 16.1%, 15.8%, 11.6%, 11.3% and Morrison through the same period (European GRUPPO, 2010). The market growth refers to the growing market competition market competition; this is the threat especially easy to purchase market leadership position. 5.4 New entry ¼Ã… ¡ Threat, the new competitors into retail food industry low. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ need huge capital investment to obtain competitive power, the establishment of brand. The main brand, have captured the food retail market TESCO, ASDA, plug INCE and Morrison and they accounted for 80% of all shopping in Britain (the company, 2010). Therefore, the newcomers produce in a very low price and/or high quality, established his market value. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ get planning permission from the local government needs a lot of time and resources, and establish a new supermarket, this is quite a big obstacle new entrants 5.5 Bargaining power of suppliers: The bargaining power of suppliers is very low because Tesco is a big company that buys goods from suppliers in large quantities and can therefore ask for cheaper prices from its suppliers and these suppliers can grant them this because of Tescos vast sixe and influence. 6.0 PEST analysis: TESCO is an International company. Therefore, it is affected by external factors such as political, economy, social and technology. 6.1 Political: All countries have different political views, regulations and laws. For example taxation and service charges and these will have big effect for company. 6.2 Economic: As different economics in different country, It will affect the companys sales performance. 6.3 Social: These are factors such as lifestyle, trends, consumer attitude and opinions. It is a lot of things will affect the sales performance. Even the media views and buying access can fall under this category. 6.4 Technology: One of the most important factors that affect big companies is Technological factors. Consumer buying technology means convenience is most important for the consumer. 7.0 Critical Success Factors 7.1 Competition analysis: TESCO, there are three main competitors plug INCE , ASDA and Morrison. The retail giant many chain stores and a collective can affect food market as a whole quality. However, the recent financial crisis that TESCO, under pressure, when the customers are seeking to reduce their cost switch to lidle, Asda and aldi supermarket cheaper alternative. Today, TESCO, with 273028 employees, is the UKs largest retailers; profit more than 2 billion pounds, including global sales, the domestic market share. In 2008, TESCO, become the worlds fourth largest retailers (Reuters News, 2008). Patterns: TESCO always corporate with local suppliers, and to share their TESCO relevant industry experience and technology. 7.2 Sales strategy The Power of Advertising and Public Relations by the use of media; newspapers and Journals. 7.3 Competitive edge: Price and service, most points are price and service. When I go shopping in TESCO, I find the service is better than other places and supermarkets. Moreover, I can accept the price so this makes sure I always buy something in TESCO. 8.0 Social-Economic impact to the host nation: TESCO has some positive impacts to the nations in which it operates. For example it provides many jobs because the people of the host nations are the ones that work in the supermarkets. The prices of goods in Tesco are affordable and cheaper compared to other retailers and shopping is convenient for the customer. Tesco also has some negative impacts to the host nations as well; Lack of private brands, and TESCO causes market monopoly and makes small shops profit weak and sometimes even close. The big company between very competitive. 9.0 WHOSE INTERESTS GOVERN BUSINESS ACTIVITY: Business activity is governed by people such as Stakeholders and Shareholders also. These people carry weight in company decisions because the company has to impress these people in order to succeed. For example the shareholders need to be shown that they are investing their money in a profitable business so as to not withdraw their funds from the business. Stakeholders such as the suppliers also need to be satisfied by many things such as the reputation of TESCO so as to be motivated to keep providing TESCO with products. 10.0 Conclusion: There are a lot of advantages in TESCO such as price competition and management opinion. However, there are some negatives that should improve. Examples of these are substantially the products, service style, brand effect, Sales ability and sales approach. ( 1936words)

Helping Phantom Limb Pain Essay examples -- Phantom Limb Pain Medical

Helping Phantom Limb Pain Over the years scientists have noted many complaints of a strange form of pain called phantom limb pain. This pain is strange because it is located in an appendage that no longer exists. By many of the amputees the pain is described as totally unbearable. Phantom limb pain has even driven some victims crazy. For the amputee population this is a very real problem that definitely needs to be solved. After James Peacock had his right arm amputated last December, he expected some difficulties. With those difficulties came pain so unbearable it could not be controlled with all the medicine in his cabinet. Derek Steen, otherwise known as "The one-armed pool player," lost a limb in a motorcycle accident at the age of 18. Although he lost the limb, he still plays a great game of pool. Nine years after the accident Steen continues to have pain in the missing arm. Deborah Finnegan-Ling, a graduate student in neuroscience, is writing her dissertation on phantom limb pain. Finnegan-Ling should know a lot about this phenomenon because three years ago, after a farming accident, her left leg was amputated. She has experienced much pain from this phantom limb especially in her personal life. The area of the brain for the foot is adjacent to the area for genitalia. Because of this connection Finnegan-Lingà ­s missing limb aches when she makes love."I consider myself tough," she says."But the pain is so acute that Ià ­ll cry." Some amputees experience the opposite of phantom pain - phantom pleasure. One man tells about feeling an orgasmic sensation in his lost foot during sex. Finnegan-Ling sighs."I wish," she says. Many scientists have studied amputees to determine the cause of this mysterious pain. Sussman (199... ...981). Persistent phantom limb pain. Journal of Perceptual and Motor Skills, 53(1), 135-138. Flor, H., Elbert, T., Knecht, S. & Wienbruch, C. (1995). Phantom limb pain as a perceptual correlate of cortical reorganization following arm amputation. Journal of Nature, 375(6531), 482-484. McKechnie, R. (1975). Relief from phantom limb pain by relaxation exercises. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 6(3), 262-263. Morris, D. (1992). The place of pain. Journal of Advances, 8(2), 3-24. Tsushima, W. (1982). Treatment of phantom limb pain with EMG and temperature biofeedback. American Journal of Clinical Biofeedback, 5(2), 150-153. Wain, H. (1986). Pain control with hypnosis in consultation and liaison psychiatry. Psychiatric Annuals, 16(2), 106-109. Sussman, V. (October 1995). The route of phantom pain. U.S. News & World Report, 76-78.

Synthetic Model of Bioethical Inquiry :: Biology

Bioethics and the Synthetic Model of Bioethical Inquiry ABSTRACT: Bioethics, viewed as both a form of reflective practice and a developing discipline, is concerned with the moral aspects of health care practice and research. With its steady maturation in the domain of moral discourse, bioethics has presided over a number of questions about the nature of human illness and how problems imposed by illness can be understood in an age marked not only by progress, but also by the concomitant fear that such progress will outstrip our humanity and our dignity as persons. I discuss some of the current tensions and ambiguities inherent in the field of bioethics as it continues to mature. In particular I focus on the present tendency in bioethics to bifurcate ethical theory and practice. I analyze some of the dichotomies resulting from such bifurcation. Finally, I call for an approach to bioethical discourse defined by the rigor of systematic and critical thinking characteristic of ethical theory, the disciplined eloquence and persuasive power of rh etoric, and the principles of Renaissance humanism. A new model of bioethics is proposed, one that synthesizes the analytic functions of moral theory with the practical and therapeutic functions of rhetorical humanism; such a model bridges the divide between theory and practice. This synthetic model of bioethical inquiry emerges from both ancient and contemporary debates about the possibility and nature of moral knowledge as well as from the moral teachings of humanists and rhetoricians throughout the history of ideas. The bioethics field has had an impressive impact on public, professional, and personal life in the last twenty five years. Bioethics, viewed as both a form of reflective practice and a developing discipline, is concerned with the moral aspects of health care practice and research. With its steady maturation in the domain of moral discourse, the field of bioethics has presided over a number of questions about the nature of human illness and how the problems imposed by illness can be understood in an age marked not only by progress, but by the concomitant fear that such progress will outstrip our humanity and our dignity as persons. This paper attempts to sort out some of the current tensions and ambiguities inherent in the field of bioethics as it continues to mature. In particular it focuses on the present tendency in bioethics to bifurcate ethical theory and practice and analyzes some of the dichotomies which result from it.