Thursday, November 28, 2019

Sports And Society Essay Research Paper The free essay sample

Sports And Society Essay, Research Paper The disrespectful and boisterous behaviour of fans at featuring events has become a great job over the past few old ages. There are several factors imputing to this behaviour including drugs and intoxicant, testosterone degrees, and other psychological factors. The behaviour of fans in a job at many events, from youth small conference games, to defend World Cup association football. At a recent football game in Philadelphia several fans were dejected from the bowl for boisterous behaviour ( Adamson, Philadelphia Inquirer ) . Besides, in Philadelphia, a adult male was viciously beaten with a constabulary roadblock by a group of so called fans after a pre season Eagle # 8217 ; s game this August. After the 1998 Super Bowl in Denver, # 8220 ; 100s of fans enkindled balefires, smashed shop Windowss, and overturned autos at a triumph jubilation # 8221 ; ( Snel, Denver Post ) . The constabulary had to utilize tear gas to distribute the crowd. Another public violence much like that of Denver occurred at the University of Northern Colorado where fans observing started fires and threw sofas into them. We will write a custom essay sample on Sports And Society Essay Research Paper The or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The SWAT squad had to be brought in and several fire companies to contend the blazings. At a baseball game between Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma fans from both sides were highly ill-mannered and objectionable towards each other. # 8220 ; Schools should back up one another # 8230 ; and fans should back up their squad and stand for their school with category ( Cudd, Campus # 8217 ; Voice ) . The behaviour at these events is unacceptable and needs to halt. In England bully fans were arrested after a association football game. These English bullies attacked a British journalist and two photogra phers ( Balmer, Reuters ) . The ground why this behaviour occurred was because the English did non like the result of the association football match- they lost to Romania. During another lucifer, France really had to implement an exigency statute law that expelled some English protagonists to forestall insubordinate and improper behaviour ( Balmer, Reuters ) . Improper behaviour is besides a job at young person events. # 8220 ; On the high school degree and in the young person diversion conferences, many witnesss # 8230 ; are premier illustrations of unbecoming behaviour # 8221 ; ( Quesenberry, Blare County Messenger ) . Parents and other relations go to the young person events and behave like uneducated goons ; they curse like crewmans, boo the opposing squads, and yell at the participants and managers. We should non be learning our kids and immature grownups that this is the proper manner to act at an event that is supposed to be gratifying and merriment. There are several grounds for why people behave the manner they do at featuring events. Alcohol and drug usage is a immense factor. # 8220 ; Abuse of intoxicant has been repeatedly linked with Acts of the Apostless of sport-related hooliganism and force # 8221 ; ( Russell, 1993 ) . In a survey conducted by Gordon Russell, he found that intoxicant was ranked 3rd in a list of 14 factors that contribute to spectator force. Testosterone degrees have besides been shown to lend to behavior at featuring events. Harmonizing to Georgia State research workers, a athleticss fans testosterone degree raises 28 per centum when the squad they are routing for wins, and lessenings by 27 per centum when their squad looses. This may explicate the correlativity between testosterone degrees and aggressive behaviour ( Men # 8217 ; s wellness ) .

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Gender, Education Level and the Number of Children Influencing Perception on Happiness

Gender, Education Level and the Number of Children Influencing Perception on Happiness Abstract Happiness is a complex of feelings that people possess due to a number of factors. Sociologists have established that many social factors contribute to happiness of an individual. The study sought to establish if gender, education level, and the number of children influence happiness among Americans.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Gender, Education Level and the Number of Children Influencing Perception on Happiness specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The findings did show that gender, education level, and the number of children are significant predictors of happiness. Essentially, women are happier than men, people with higher education level are happier than people with lower education level, and the number of children in a family correlates negatively with happiness of parents. Introduction One of the most important inner feelings in a person is happiness, mainly because happiness makes a person fe el good and satisfied. Indeed, happiness is one of the emotions that people can derive from many things, for example, in relationship with their families. Again, it is always obvious that when people do something good, they automatically become happy. People prefer to be happy because happiness provides them with many good results. Usually, happiness varies from one person to another depending on social conditions. According to Easterlin (2008), trend of happiness among Americans relatively increases from the ages of 18 to midlife, but gradually decreases as they approach old age. Happiness forms an integral part of life as when one is happy, his or her health will improve, and this positive effect on health will probably lead to prolonged life. Happiness also provides protection against some serious diseases, for example, those who are always happy are less likely to suffer from diseases like heart attack or depression (Helliwell, 2008). Lastly, when someone is happy, it is always easy for him/her to make new friends, since happiness makes people look very attractive. Besides, it is always true that those who are happy can easily help others, mainly because happiness brings satisfaction to people. Various factors make one to become happy. In most cases, people always consider money as one of the things that provide happiness; however, this is not always the case. In the subsequent sections, this paper will provide discussion on how gender, education level and the number of children influence happiness. Therefore, the paper will try to establish whether happiness is directly related to gender or education level, and whether the number of children an individual has can influence the degree of his or her happiness.Advertising Looking for research paper on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Literature Review Gender Most of the recent studies have shown that there is a great influence of gender on happiness (Simon, 2008). Happiness is a state of mind that many researchers always argue about that anybody can be happy. Contrary to this statement, researchers have found that females nowadays are less happy than males (Helliwell, 2008). In addition, studies have shown that married men tend to be happier than married women are (Easterlin, 2008). This is attributed to the fact that nowadays, the expectations put on women have increased, mainly due to the extensive and numerous empowerment programs accorded to women. In the past, women were happy compared to men, but this has changed currently especially due to various marital conflicts facing women and men. Another factor that makes women less happy than men is the responsibility of taking care of children, which has always been reserved for women. The role of taking care of children increases stress in women, especially those whose jobs or careers are very demanding. One of the arguments is that women have more inte nsive workload due to their empowerment; as a result, today’s women tend to work extra hard and extra hours, leading to no or limited time for others and their families, and consequently bringing less happiness to them. According to Helliwell (2008), suicides, depressions, and self-destructive behaviors have risen among females recently, mainly due to the stressful life they tend to live. The argument is that as they play double roles of professional engagement and caring for family, they become very stressed and unhappy; indeed, those living in single parenthood are even unhappy, as they do not have anyone to help them with family responsibilities. Education level Most researchers have found that there is a direct link between education and happiness. According to Roberts (2013), high level of education results to a good living environment in terms of income, status, and even wealth, which brings happiness. High level of education allows one to attain significant status in t he society, leading to respect and happiness, which in turn leads to enjoyment of societal goods and resources. In addition, those who have a high level of education have more knowledge and they are more aware of their surroundings, thereby tending to enjoy most of the available resources. Besides, Verducci (2013) argues that higher education leads to possibilities of good employment and income, thereby making those who can afford education to be happier than those who are less educatedAdvertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Gender, Education Level and the Number of Children Influencing Perception on Happiness specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Overall, high level of education leads to higher income, which allows an individual to access most of things, he or she desires, thus increasing happiness. Education level again has a direct impact on the degree of happiness, mainly because high education is highly valued in the society, leading to self-confidence, and consequently raising the status of those who have a high learning status (Verducci, 2013). The Number of Children Different scholars have done research on the relationship between happiness and the number of children in different families. According to Easterlin (2008), the number of children in a family is inversely proportional to the level of happiness the family enjoys. This shows that the higher the number of children, the less happy the family will be. However, the birth of the first child always has a strong and positive effect on females’ happiness (Luis, 2010). On the male counterparts, the degree of happiness does not vary so much with the number of children unless they are helping the females to take care of the children. Again, according to Gobbo and Raccanello (2007), the degree of happiness always reduces during the development stages of a child up to the time the child reaches around 10 years. After teenage age, the degree of happiness increases steadily again in the family when the children have grown up. It is also found out that the increase in the number of children leads to lack of love in the family and later leads to decline in the degree of happiness (Luis, 2010). In some cases, having many children gives the parents, especially the female ones, emotional benefits, leading to increased happiness. Nevertheless, it is clear that an increase in the number of children lowers the degree of happiness, especially on the side of females (Gobbo Raccanello, 2007). Overall, it is important to note that the first child normally brings joy to the family, but subsequent children increase the level of stress in parents, leading to reduced happiness. According to Gobbo Raccanello (2007), there is always a direct link between happiness and the physical health of an individual. Hypotheses The first hypothesis is that women are less happy than their men counterparts. Hence, it means that gender determin es happiness among the population.Advertising Looking for research paper on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Since happiness is an emotional feeling, women are more likely to be emotional most of the times compared to men. According to the study by Helliwell (2008), women are less happy than men are because they are emotional and increased responsibilities in life, both family and professional duties. The emotional nature of women coupled with marital conflicts and childcare issues make women to experience more problems and challenges than men. The second hypothesis is that the level of education has a direct effect on the degree of happiness. Those who have higher levels of education are more likely to be happier than those who have lower levels of education. In the study, Roberts (2013) found out that education is a significant predictor of happiness because it empowers individuals to achieve knowledge, good jobs, and amass wealth, which are essential in creating happiness. In the society, people with high levels of education get decent jobs, which consequently enhance their social and e conomic status, and thus happiness. The third hypothesis is that an increase in the number of children is more likely to reduce happiness among people. The happiness decreases with an increase in the number of children because children increase the burden to parents in terms of parenting, school fees, clothes, and foodstuff. Easterlin (2008) established that families with many children are less happy than families with no children. In essence, families with many children have reduced happiness as they spend most of the time figuring out how to provide for their children. Method Participants The General Social Survey offered the data that the study used in examining how gender, education level, and the number of children in a family influence happiness among individuals. The General Social Survey provides data that depict demographic characteristics of Americans and their attitudes towards various issues that affect their lives. In the selection of participants, the General Social Su rvey applies proportional sampling method. The selected participants normally undergo through face-to-face interviews. Davis and Smith (2011) state that the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) is a body that performs an annual survey among Americans who are above 18 years by using computer-aided personal interviews and face-to-face interviews. The General Social Survey is important because it provides an updated data regarding trends of social issues that affects Americans. Thus, given that the study aims at examining how gender, education level, and the number of children in a family influence happiness among people, it collected appropriate data from the General Social Survey. Hence, the study selected 2500 participants from the General Social Survey and analyzed their data to establish if gender, education level, and the number of children have any significant influence on happiness. Instrumentation The study used a three-Likert scaled questionnaire as an instrument for deter mining factors that influence happiness among Americans. The demographic features such as gender, education level, and the number of children comprise the independent variable of the study. In contrast, happiness is the dependent variable, which the study measures using a three-Likert scaled items, namely, very happy, happy, and not so very happy. Essentially, gender, education level, and the number of children are the three independent variables, whereas happiness is a dependent variable. To establish variation in the dependent variable, the study used a research question and obtained the answers in a Likert scale manner. Thus, the research question was how happy are you? Procedures The nominal scale applied in measuring the independent variables comprised of gender, education level, and the number of children. On the other hand, the scale used in the measurement of the dependent variable is an ordinal scale, which ranges from 1 to 3 in a Likert scale manner. In the data analysis, the study used the statistical software for social science (SPSS). As the study aimed at establishing the effect of gender, education level, and the number of children in a family, it used frequency tables and crosstabs in the presentation of findings. Furthermore, the study used Chi-square test in testing if the independent variables are significant predictors of happiness among Americans. The study did set the significance level at 0.05 of rejecting the null hypotheses of gender, education level, and the number of children. Results Analysis of data using SPSS did present results in frequency tables. Examination of the frequency tables depicts trends of happiness among 2500 participants based on their gender, education level, and the number of children. The frequency table presenting the independent variable of gender shows that 145 women and 50 men were very happy. Moreover, the frequency table also shows that 158 women and 75 men were happy, while 35 women and 45 men were not hap py. Overall, the frequency table indicates that most participants were happy in their lives. Moreover, frequency table of the level of education shows that 725 participants with higher education level were very happy while 175 participants with lower education levels were very happy. Comparatively, 1425 participants with higher education were happy while 850 participants with lower education levels were happy. Among participants who were not happy, 350 participants had a higher education level whereas 1475 participants had lower education level. Regarding the independent variable, among the participants with no children, 545, 1555, 440, and 400 participants were very, happy, and not happy respectively. Among participants with one child, 7675, 1265, and 468 participants were very happy, happy, and not happy accordingly. Regarding participants with more than two children, 8875, 990, and 6225 participants were very happy, happy, and not happy respectively. Further analysis using crosst abs shows that 5.8% of women and 2% of men were very happy. Moreover, the crosstab shows that 3% of men and 6.3% of women were happy, whereas 1.4% of women and 1.8% of men are not happy. In the crosstab that shows the distribution of participants regarding their education level, 29% of participants with higher education level were very happy while 7% lower education level were very happy. Among individuals who were happy, 57% had a higher education level while 34% had lower education level. Moreover, 14% and 59% of participants who were not happy had higher education levels and lower education level respectively. The crosstab of the number of children depicts that 21.8%, 62.2%, and 16% of participants with no children were very happy, happy, and not happy respectively. Comparatively, 30.7%, 50.6%, and 18.7% of participants with a child were very happy, happy, and not happy accordingly. Among the participants who had more than two children, 35.5%, 39.6%, and 24.9% were very happy, ha ppy, and not happy respectively. The studyused the chi-square test in testing the significance influence of gender, education level, and the number of children. The first hypothesis is that women are less happy than their men counterparts. The null hypothesis holds that men and women are equally happy, and thus it is expected that the distribution of participants in crosstab is equal. However, the crosstab shows women are happier than men. The distribution of percentages shows that 2%, 3%, and 1.8% of men were very happy, happy, and not happy respectively, while 5.8%, 6.3%, and 1.4% of women were very happy, happy, and not happy respectively. The chi-square test depicted that the p-value is greater than the significant level. Hence, the test reject the null hypothesis and affirms that women are happier than men (χ2 = 88.365, df = 2, p.005). The third hypothesis is that an increase in the number of children is more likely to reduce happiness among people. The hypothesis means tha t families with many children are unhappy when compared with families with no children. Crosstab shows that 21.8%, 62.2%, and 16% of participants without children were very happy, happy, and not happy respectively. Likewise, 30.7%, 50.6%, and 18.7% of participants with one child were very happy, happy, and not happy accordingly. Regarding families with more than two kids, the crosstab shows that 35.5%, 39.6%, and 24.9% of participants were very happy, happy, and not happy respectively. The chi-square test proved that the observed distribution of participants is significant because it shows that Americans with many children are less happy than those with one or no children ((χ2 = 128.568, df = 2, p.005). Discussion The variation in happiness among the population occurs due to a number of factors. Gender, education level, and the number of children are factors that the study sought to find out if they influence happiness among Americans. The first hypothesis states that men are ha ppier than women. The study done by Helliwell (2008) found out that women are less happy when compared to their men counterparts because they are emotional and have huge responsibilities both in the family and workplaces. In contrast with these findings, the study found out that women are happier than men. In this view, the study shows that gender is a predictive factor of happiness among Americans. The second hypothesis states that the level of education influence happiness among Americans. Roberts (2013) conducted a study a found out that the level of education influences happiness in that people with higher levels of education are happier than people with lower levels of education. The analysis of the General Social Survey reveals that Americans with higher levels of education are happier than Americans with lower education level. Thus, the study proves the education level is a significant predictor of happiness among Americans. The third hypothesis states that the number of chil dren is inversely proportional to happiness among people. In a study, Easterlin (2008) established that families with many children are less happy than families without children because of the increased responsibilities of providing school fees, food, clothing, and parenting. Similarly, the analysis of the data obtained from General Social shows that people with many children are less happy than those without children. This confirms that the number of children in a family significantly predicts the state of happiness among Americans. Although gender, education level, and the number of children contribute to some degree of happiness, it is important to realize that thoughts and other feelings enhance peace of mind, leading to happiness (Luis, 2010). Again, it is important to understand that wealth and money do not guarantee happiness, as one may have a lot of wealth, but live a stressful life due to social and emotional factors. Moreover, although gender, education level, and the num ber of children tend to influence the level of happiness, it is apparent that happiness is a choice that provides good health and well-being (Easterlin, 2008). Happiness requires making the right choices; for women, it is important that they lower their degree of expectations, as well as change their thinking and attitudes in order to be happy. Males on the other hand should try to change their attitudes and thoughts on the values and ideas that bring about happiness, as this will enable them to become happy. Since the study used one question in establishing the extent to which Americans are happy, the question does not accommodate all factors that determine happiness in a person. In this view, the question used by the study is not reliable in measuring happiness among individuals. Moreover, the study used three-Likert scale items as dependent variables that measure the extent of happiness. The three-Likert scale items do not measure the degree of happiness, and thus prone to errone ous outcome. Therefore, to improve the validity and the accuracy of the outcome, the study should use a number of questions that target factors that influence happiness and increase the Likert scale from 3 items to five items. Given that the study used 2500 participants, the number is relatively small compared to the general target population. The small number of participants decreases the external validity of the findings, and thus their application across all the population. Thus, the study should increase the number of participants and analyze their data appropriately to enhance external validity of the findings. References Easterlin, R. A. (2008). Life cycle happiness and its sources: Capabilities and happiness. New York: Oxford University Press. Gobbo, C., Raccanello, D. (2007). How children narrate happy and sad events: does affective state count? Applied Cognitive Psychology, 21(9), 1173-1190. Helliwell, J. F. (2008). Combining individual and national variables to explain su bjective well-being. New Jersey: Princeton University Press. Luis, A. (2010). Children and Life Satisfaction. Journal of Happiness Studies, 11(4), 523-538 Roberts, P. (2013). Happiness, Despair, and Education. Studies in Philosophy Education, 32(5), 53-475. Simon, R. (2008). Who are Happier: Men or Women? Gender Issues, 25 (2), 141-143 Verducci, S. (2013). Happiness and Education: Tilting at windmills? Educational Philosophy Theory, 45(5), 498-501.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Overview of the DoD Procurement Process

Overview of the DoD Procurement Process The Defense Department procurement process can be confusing and complicated. There are a variety of contract types – each with its own pluses and minuses. The regulations can be daunting since they seem to be the size of the tax code. The competition for contracts can be fierce. There is a lot of paperwork. But Defense contracting can be profitable and rewarding. Defense Department purchases typically begin at one of three points: sole source procurementprocurement under an existing multiple award contractnormal procurement Sole Source Procurements Sole source procurements are made when there is only one company that can fulfill the contract. This procurement is rare and must be documented very well by the government. You are more likely to get a sole source procurement once you have some government contracts and have an open contract vehicle available. Multiple Award Contracts Procurements under an existing multiple award contract are becoming much more common. Multiple award contracts (MAC) such as GSA schedules, Navy Seaport-e, and Air Force NETCENTS II involve companies obtaining a contract and then compete for task orders. Only those companies with a multiple award contract can compete for the task orders and task orders are the work. MAC’s are valuable since the number of companies that can compete for the resulting task orders is much smaller. The process for obtaining a MAC is similar to acquisitions over $25,000 discussed below. One type of multiple award contracts is Broad Agency Announcements or BAAs. BAAs are solicitations issued by an agency when it seeks basic research work. Topics of interest are presented and companies and universities submit proposals with possible solutions needing funding. Normal Procurements Normal procurement is split between simplified acquisitions (those below $25,000) and all the rest. Simplified Acquisitions Simplified acquisitions are purchases under $25,000 and require the government purchasing agent to obtain quotes either orally or through a brief written quote. Then a purchase order is issued to the lowest responsible bidder. The Navy says that 98% of their transactions are below $25,000 meaning there are billions of dollars available to small companies. Simplified acquisitions are not advertised so to get these contracts you have to get in front of the purchasing people so they will call and get a quote from you. Purchases Over $25,000 Purchases over $25,000 are publicized on the Federal Business Opportunities website. On this website, you will find Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for practically everything the government purchases. Review the RFP summaries carefully and when you find one of interest download the RFP documents. Read the documents very carefully and write a proposal in response and in complete compliance with the RFP documents. Make sure you know when the proposal is due and get your proposal submitted before the due date and time. Late proposals are rejected. Proposals are evaluated by the government according to the procedures listed in the RFP. Sometimes there may be questions asked but not always. Most of the time the decision is made based solely on your proposal so be sure everything is in it or you may lose the opportunity. Once you are awarded the contract, a contracting officer will send you a letter and contact you to negotiate a contract. If negotiations go well a contract will be finalized. Some purchases will not require negotiations so the government will issue you a purchase order. Be sure you read all documents carefully and fully understand what they mean. Contracting with the Defense Department can be complicated – better to know what you are agreeing to than finding out after signing a legally binding contract. It is now time to complete the contract and obtain more work.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Grand Apartheid in South Africa

Grand Apartheid in South Africa Apartheid is often loosely divided into two parts: petty and grand apartheid. Petty Apartheid was the most visible side of Apartheid. It was the segregation of facilities based on race. Grand Apartheid refers to the underlying limitations placed on black South Africans’ access to land and political rights.  These were the laws that prevented black South Africans from even living in the same areas as white people. They also denied black Africans political representation, and, at its most extreme, citizenship in South Africa. Grand Apartheid hit its peak in the 1960s and 1970s, but most of the important land and political rights laws were passed soon after the institution of Apartheid in 1949. These laws also built on legislation that limited black South Africans’ mobility and access to land dating back as far as 1787. Denied Land and Citizenship In 1910, four previously separate colonies united to form the Union of South Africa and legislation to govern the â€Å"native† population soon followed. In 1913, the government passed the Land Act of 1913. This law made it illegal for black South Africans to own or even rent land outside of native reserves, which amounted to just 7-8% of South African land. (In 1936, that percentage was technically increased to 13.5%, but not all of that land was ever actually turned into reserves.)  Ã‚   After 1949, the government began moving to make these reserves the homelands of black South Africans. In 1951 the Bantu Authorities Act gave increased authority to tribal leaders in these reserves. There were 10 homesteads in South African and another 10 in what is today Namibia (then governed by South Africa). In 1959, the Bantu Self-Government Act made it possible for these homesteads to be self-governing but under the power of South Africa. In 1970, the Black Homelands Citizenship Act declared that black South Africans were citizens of their respective reserves and not citizens of South Africa, even those who had never lived in their homesteads. At the same time, the government moved to strip the few political rights black and colored individuals had in South Africa. By 1969, the only people permitted to vote in South Africa were those who were white. Urban Separations As white employers and homeowners wanted cheap black labor, they never tried to make all black South Africans live in the reserves. Instead, they enacted the 1951 Group Areas Act which divided urban areas by race and required the forced relocation of those people – usually black – who found themselves living in an area now designated for people of another race. Inevitably, the land allocated to those classified as black was furthest away from city centers, which meant long commutes to work in addition to poor living conditions. Blamed juvenile crime on the long absences of parents who had to travel so far to work. Limiting Mobility Several other laws limited the mobility of black South Africans. The first of these were the pass laws, which regulated the movement of black people in and out of European colonial settlements. Dutch colonists passed the first pass laws at the Cape in 1787, and more followed in the 19th century. These laws were intended to keep black Africans out of cities and other spaces, with the exception of laborers. In 1923, the government of South Africa passed the Native (Urban Areas) Act of 1923, which set up systems- including mandatory passes- to control the flow of black men between urban and rural areas. In 1952, these laws were replaced with the Natives Abolition of Passes and Coordination of Documents Act. Now all black South Africans, instead of just men, were required to carry passbooks at all times. Section 10 of this law also stated that black people who did not â€Å"belong† to a city – which was based on birth and employment – could stay there for no more than 72 hours.  The African National Congress protested these laws, and Nelson Mandela famously burned his passbook in protest at the Sharpeville Massacre.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Principles of coaching and practice in sport Essay

Principles of coaching and practice in sport - Essay Example The autocratic dominance on older and more proficient athletes was related to a relationship to coaching behaviors that emphasized negative feedback as opposed to positive encouragement (Coach burn out). As the athlete becomes more accomplished their loss of control can be perceived as dominance. At the other end of the scale is the democratic style of coaching. In this style, the coach mandates the overall goals and training requirements of the athletes. The athletes have more freedom to choose and make suggestions for their training as well as the strategy of play. The democratic coach will consider these inputs from the players and weigh them into the final decision. Professional players who have reached a high level of competency may be allowed to simply play the game using their own best judgment. As with the autocratic style, the democratic is also broken down into two subgroups. These are the sharing and the allowing style. In the allowing style, the athletes are given much greater opportunity to make their own decisions on the training and objectives. In both groups, players choose the training session and the coach approves it based on rationality and safety. This style is appropriate where the players have sufficient skill and experience to make independent decision s. It may also be a useful style when the outcome is not highly critical such as participation simply for leisure activity. One such coaching method is the command style. The coach is a commander and the player is the receiver of the instruction. According to Brian Grasso (n.d.), President of Developing Athletics, "Coaches who display this habit believe that coaching success is based on how well the athlete can reproduce the skills as taught or demonstrated by the coach". This style can be effective in a sport where technical movements or standards must be met such as figure skating. However, it mandates that the athlete be open to total trust in the coach and their subsequent decisions. This style has been criticised because it fails to account for the various learning methods that young players may use as well as their individual needs. Coaches who are involved with highly trained and well-organised players may take the Laissez

Benefit Plan Design Analysis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Benefit Plan Design Analysis - Research Paper Example American Airlines Incorporation believes in arranging its corporate responsibility in the form of responding comprehensively towards its concerns and interests of its stakeholders. The organization seeks for gathering loyalty factor from its customers by constantly realizing and fulfilling their expectations. The benefit programs of American Airlines Incorporation at present are inclusive of primarily traveling privileges, support of ‘work-life’ plans, benefits of health and life, policies of savings and retirement and various programs for training and development of its employees. The traveling privileges provide the benefit to its employees to travel to any place in the world at discounting rates, provided the employees travel by either American Eagle or American. The support programs of the work life in the organization are inclusive of different types of resources for the purpose of accomplishing various needs, both personal as well as professional. The benefit progr ams related to health and life of the employees are inclusive of aiding incompetency of the employees with respect to vision, physical disability and dental among others.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Beethoven Symphony No. 3 any movement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Beethoven Symphony No. 3 any movement - Essay Example However, in the year 1804, in a move to avoid paying a fee to the royal patron, Beethoven withdrew the dedication of the composition to Napoleon. He later rededicating it to the then Prince, Joseph Franz Maximilian Lobkowitz. Never the less, in the self-proclamation of Napoleon as a French Emperor on 14th May 1804, Beethoven, with his political ideologies, titled his work as Buonaparte (Berlioz, 2000). Ferdinand Ries, Beethoven’s secretary, claims that Beethoven had high esteem for Buonaparte while he was a Consul and that he had been thinking of him as the greatest Consul all over the Ancient Rome. He further claims that the name of Buonaparte, beautifully inscribed on the top of the composition, is all that Beethoven close friends saw with that Beethoven beneath the composition. However, when the news of Buonaparte reached, confirming he proclaimed himself an emperor, Beethoven tore the top title page having in mind that the person he admired will boast of his new title. Considering himself the most powerful being among his kind. The symphony received the title Sinfonia eroica only after re-writing of the top page. The composition is very interesting and soothing at some points. The reasons to why I find this piece interesting is due to its instrumentation works that provide valuable departure points. These points carry a single innovation to the point at which the horn player chips in the film. The composition of the film is considered as a classical-style, as it is long when compared to the Symphonies of other artists such as Haydn and Mozart. With exposition repetition, the initial movements are long making them typically classic symphony, thus preceding the start of the Romantic Era in classical music. Great range of emotions is evident in the second movement, ranging from the funeral match that depicted misery, to a relatively solace of happiness in major key

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Obesity and Smoking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Obesity and Smoking - Essay Example 935). Smoking has been estimated to account for 8% of total healthcare costs in the US, 3.8% in Canada, and 3.7% in Germany (Chang et al, 2005, pp. 2122 -2125). Dramatic variations in rates and trends of smoking are evident for specific subpopulations of women in Canada. There has recently been a disturbing trend whereby smoking rates among teenaged girls exceeded smoking rates among teenaged boys for the first time. Among girls aged 15 to 19, 25.1% reported being daily smokers in 1998 - 1999 and 26% in 2001, as compared with 18.5% and 20% respectively for boys in this age group (Chang et al, 2005, pp.2126 -2128). Girls also started smoking at a younger age, 41% of girls aged 15 to 17 reporting having smoked their first cigarette before age 13 as compared with 29% of boys. In the last decade, daily consumption increased for girls aged 15 to 19 from 11.5 cigarettes per day in 1990 to 12.7 cigarettes per day in 1999; this has decreased to 10.8 in 2001 (Statistics Canada, 2000, pp. 238- 245). In this paper we would be discussing the two issues faced by the Canadians - Obesity and Smoking. The simplest definition of obesity is an excessive amount of body fat. It must be distinguished from overweight, which refers to an excess of body weight relative to height. Obesity is probably best assessed by the visual judgment of an experienced observer. If a man, woman, or child looks fat when undressed, he or she is probably obese. Measurement of sub scapular and triceps skin-fold thicknesses with calipers is the simplest objective way to assess body fat. Data from the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) indicate an obesity rate for Canada of 23.1% and an overweight rate of 59.1%. U.S. data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999 -2002 show that 65.1% of the American adult population is overweight and 30.4% are obese (Hedley et al, 2004, pp. 2847- 2848). The problem of obesity does not affect all populations equally, particularly in the U.S. The obesity rate in the U.S. is higher for women at 33.2% compared to the rate for men (27.6%). By race, these gender differences are exacerbated. F or example, the obesity rate among non-Hispanic white women is 30.7% compared to a rate of 49% among non-Hispanic black American women, whereas obesity rates across race for men do not differ significantly (Hedley et al, 2004, pp. 2849- 2850). In Canada, obesity rates do not vary substantially by sex (23.2% for women and 22.9% for men). However, obesity rates are higher for white women (24.8%) and white men (25 .5%) compared to their non-white counterparts (Hedley et al, 2004, p.2849). An estimated 80-90% of persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Canadian population are overweight or obese. Obesity is also a growing problem in children with type 1 diabetes (Hypponen et al, 2000, pp.1755-1760). Furthermore, intensive insulin therapy is associated with weight gain. Weight loss has been shown to improve glycemic control by increasing insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake and diminishing hepatic glucose output (Chou et al, 2004, pp. 565-587). The risk of death from all causes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and some forms of cancer increases with excessive body fat (Calle et al,

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Any organism or group of organisms Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Any organism or group of organisms - Essay Example Most have two auxiliary pairs of appendages. The first is the chelicerae, or mouthparts on which you find their fangs. These are used for feeding and defense functions, grabbing or poisoning prey. The second pair is called the pedipalps. They have mainly three functions: for feeding, movement and reproducing. Another feature of arachnids that makes distinguishing insects from them easy are the fact that arachnids do not possess any antennae or wings. All arachnids also contain exoskeletons just as all arthropods. Arachnids are typically meat-eating organisms. They feed on pre-digested remains of insects and other little organisms such as flies, bees, ants, crickets, wasps, grasshoppers, beetles, bugs and even others of their kind. Only two kinds, the  harvestmen also known and commonly called as the daddy longlegs,  and several mites like the house dust mite for instance, consume solid food particles. Because of this, they are out in the open to other internal parasites, though i t is not obscure for spiders to digest their own silk. Quite a lot of groups have the ability to exude  toxin and lethal venom  from specific  ducts or glands  to poison prey or threats. ... At the back of the mouth, there is a powerful hardened pharynx. This operates as a pump, drawing the food in to the body, from the esophagus which sometimes functions as a secondary further pump. The stomach in an arachnid is shaped like a tube, with a couple of outpouchings stretching all the way through the entire body. Both the stomach and these outpouchings called diverticula manufacture digestive proteins. They also soak up nutrients from the prey. This connects to a tiny hardened intestine and anus which is found in the rear part of the abdomen of the arachnid’s body. Eyes of arachnids are complex and very complicated, having two kinds namely the median ocelli and the lateral ocelli. Compound eyes have probably evolved into the lateral ocelli. They may possibly have a  tapetum. This helps in enhancing the absorption and the gathering of light. At the same time, the median ocelli may have been arisen from a crosswise crease of the  ectoderm. These eyes, in its ancient form, were probably both present in ancestors of arachnids. In contrast, modern arachnids that we see today are either lacking in one type or the other. The  cornea  acts as a light-focusing lens. underneath is a see-through body that resembles that of glass, then the  retina and sometimes, the tapetum. Nearly all arachnids have two other sensory organs. One of the most common and the most fundamental for most arachnids are the sensory hairs that are cover up the entire body. This also provides the arachnid’s sense of touch. Most other arachnids possess other sensory organs, even more complex and intricate such as trichobothria, or elongated hair-like structures that is used in detecting

Contrasting Differences in Family Life in USA and Mexico Essay Example for Free

Contrasting Differences in Family Life in USA and Mexico Essay The family is the basic unit of any particular society or community. It is therefore imperative that for the society to exist the family has to be there to produce members into the community. The community or national character any particular country is basically determined by the nature of the family values. An individual is shaped in the early ages by the family. In the contemporary society there are increased diversity changes in the family a characteristic of the many changes in culture, political, economic, social, and psychological and even the environment. The content definition of has not been agreed upon because of the great changes that are so accommodating. In the previous many years the family was considered as the people who are related by blood. This definition based on the kinship ties has been revoked due to the influence of many forms of families which has stripped off the family its actual definition. For instance there can husband and wife who do not have any kinship ties and they go ahead to adopt children. Another case that has changed such a definition of the family based on kinship ties is the increasing number of intermarriage within the context of race or ethnicity. This brings out a mixture of offspring and therefore it is difficult to trace the family bonds based on kinship ties. The issue of who is next to kin is no longer important in the current families. The most common aspect in the current families is the bonding based on mutual understanding. The many changes of husband and wife have been changed by the introduction of lesbianism and gay. These try to go against the grain of opposite gender type of marriage. The concept of marriage has changed from opposite gender type of marriage to a mixture of gay, lesbianism and opposite gender marriages. These are some of the dynamisms that are facing the contemporary families. This paper shall give an indebt analysis of the family, the changes in roles and functions of the families and the general effects of such changes to the contemporary families. A close reference and examples shall be drawn from the US and Mexico, the countries that border each other geographically. The contrasting differences I n family issues shall be pointed out clearly. Family life in the United States The family relationship in the United States has undergone several transformations due to the effect of globalization. Race and ethnicity are the most significant factors in shaping the variety of values, attitudes and behaviour amongst the families in the United States. There are a number of changes in families in the United States. These changes range from political, social, economic, and psychological to spiritual. The social dislocations have given rise to new ideas and values especially there is increased individualism among the members of the community. In the US there increased diversity in the organizational structures. There are many cases of divorce and separation in the United Stated which has grabbed the family the unity and love that is supposed to be enjoyed. Most the single families that are common in the US are as a result of divorce and remarriage due to greater democratization. (Hines Morrison, 2005) Cultural diversity in the US is accounting for the many different types of families that have emerged in the recent past. The United States constitutes almost all races and ethnic groups in the world. For this reason there are diverse cultural values as a resulting of this contact. The factor that there are free intermarriages between these diverse races and ethnic groups has made the US to have diverse cultural values which transcend the native culture. The immigrants who move to the United State try to maintain their native language despite the fact that they are forced to learn the official language of the United States, which is English. The immigrants from Spanish speaking countries (Hispanic) when they move to the United States they try to maintain their languages. The culture of the people is usually transmitted through language and due to the numerous languages in the United States there exists different cultures. This means that there are very many family clusters formed through the sharing of the languages. For instance most of the Hispanic immigrants have formed family clusters in the sides of Florida. The black American speaks a variety of English as they identify themselves as belonging or originating from one family. These disparities have affected the notion of the family because these people are allowed to mix freely with people from different cultures. The concept of the family in the United States is changing even the more during the advent of the green card where people from different pasts acquire citizenship. Many people from different races and ethnic groups have found their way to the US and as such most of them are allowed to move with their families. The nuclear family still remains an ideal source of the society in the United States. The United States families are characterized by the great social stratification. In the United the families are organized according to different classes. Among these classes there are great disparities in terms of economic value. The choice of families has not taken shift from mutual understanding to materials and resources. This has affected relationships from a sociological point of view. This issue of the class is a dominant phenomenon among the families in the United States as those who are rich wants to maintain the status quo. This is done through the inheritance that is passed within the nuclear families. The nuclear families in the United States are created and broken up and then reconstituted. This has led to the decline of family values which consequently affects the family patterns. This diversity in family pattern has been identified as the cause of problems such as violence, crime and drug use in the united state. The parents are usually very busy with their duties (United States, Congress, 1992). The increasing cases of divorce and separation in the United States have a negative effect on maintaining the ideal norms of the nuclear family value. The families that are exposed to values outside the parental domain are likely to deviate from norms. The human rights in the United States are considered fundamental. There is protection of the universal human right which is a recipe to the process of democratization. This the reason why the US government invest huge amount of money in education health and other basic sectors so as to enhance the promotion of the human rights among the citizens. The Family Life in Mexico Most people have preferred to live in Mexico for a variety of reasons such as social, political, economic and even good climatic reasons. Living in Mexico requires one to learn the Spanish language so as to increase effective communication. This is because the families are socialized in the Spanish language. The Mexican people are extremely warm and friendly as they are organized in smaller communities that come from the mutually intelligible families. This means that the socialization process is high since there tow much contact between the families. The family bonds are tightly held together and for this reason there is cultural uniformity. The society per se is integrated under common cultural values through the common language shared. Piped water is relatively inexpensive, but not always potable (drinkable). Decades of under-investment, combined with an attitude of impertinence towards paying water bills, has left Mexicos mains water system in poor condition. As a result, most people purchase bottled water, often in 20L containers. Bottled water is very expensive. Rents in Mexico can be higher than in equivalent-sized US towns or cities if the place is popular or fashionable, particularly places within easy reach of the US border. Mexico has a centralized economy: that is, most of the countrys economic activity revolves around. The Mexican pace of life is relatively slower than in the US Especially when the life in major cities is given consideration. The families in Mexico are closely tied as most of the families have time to attend to their families. There is a high degree of parental responsibility among the families. This transcends to greater heights of good values that the society enjoys. Mexico’s culture has a rich history in a consolidated family religion, people and tradition. The Mexican people are proud of their culture that they keep on passing from one generation to another. This is because there is little infusion of the foreign cultures. The family is the basic unit in Mexico and a cornerstone to the maintenance of the culture. The rate of socialization and interaction among these people is too high. It is a usual phenomenon to meet two or more families meeting for a common interest or for a special event. This part of the family function in Mexico, people in Mexico have free time to visit resort centers for the purpose of relaxation which is not a common phenomenon in the United States, where people are too busy. (Heymann, 2006) The Mexican People are too religious which is a big contrast with the United States where people feel that they are in control; of their own life. A large number of people are Christian and they are usually committed to going to church. When you walk in the Mexican homes it is easy for you to see the religious images. In America people stay a non-religious life thus an effect of religious intermingling that has made it difficult for the people to which religious practice to adopt. Thus they resign from subscribing to any of the religious practice. The social stratification is not prevalent in the Mexican family as it is in the United States; people are seeking for money the Mexican people strive for titles. The professionals in Mexico prefer to be addressed with the titles that they deserve. This is as a result of the traditional emphasis given to the tittles within the family domain. The economic living standards in Mexico are slightly lower than in the United State. There are many poor people in Mexico than in the United States. The impact of these high levels of poverty in Mexico has necessitated the immigration of most Mexican families to the United States in search of better jobs and pay of most illegal immigrants from Mexico have gotten their way into the United States through the Mexican borders. These immigrants have settled in cities such as Florida. Working in the United States gives them better pay. This aspect of brain drain is lowering the general development of the families in Mexico as most of the people move leaving behind other family members Basically the cost of living in Mexico is lower than that of the US particularly for agricultural produce. Other sectors such as transport and communication are also lower in Mexico than I n the United States. Other utilities as electricity are more expensive compared to the United State. Working families in the United States, observing how parents struggled to find a balance between caring for children and earning a decent income. When parents split and one of the parents went from Mexico to the United States and was no longer available to give the necessary care, families suffer. What significantly exacerbates the problem is when the borders are so tight that they prevent families from reuniting. This has been a common phenomenon when the immigrants are not given the opportunity by the America to even visit their families in back home in Mexico. (Poole M. et al, 1993) Globalization of the economy created increased pressure for workers to accept lower labor standards, accept lower wages, longer hours, fewer benefits, and less paid leave. Both Nations likewise feel pressure from economic globalization not to implement family-friendly policies, such as paid leave for illness or when a child is sick, or paid parental leave. And that leaves working families struggling to balance work and their care-giving duties. The globalization process has affected families in both Mexico and United States economy was transforming the relationship between work and care-giving in similar ways everywhere. Globalization has forcing both countries to at a very high pace as far as labor standards and social policies are concerned hence leaving working parents with less and less time to raise their children. Parents work has shifted markedly around the world and that goes for every region. The child rearing process has been left in the hands of maids who offer supportive care while the parents are away working till late hours of the day. Men in particular have been moving away from one place to another in search of better jobs especially in various industries. Globalization has made men and women to work day and night and this has made them move away from their homes to go work in various places. A good example is that of outsourcing where people work in shifts where some work during the day and others at night. Women, likewise, have moved into the paid labor force and away from the home. From the period between 1960 and 2000 the number of women in the labor force went from 26 to 38 percent in America. The percentage of women in the workplace has increased both in the United States and Mexico. This has adversely affected the family care services that were provided by the women while their men were working in various sectors. This is a result of civilization which been brought about by the factors such as education, religion, work, urbanization among others. These factors have changed the various roles that were supposed to be executed by the family so as to prepare an individual to be a responsible member of the society. (Cecil, 1992) What has happened is that the world has seen women get better job opportunities which has assisted then them raise income to cater for their families. The increased number of single parent families has made it possible for the women to struggle to get money for rearing their families. While this is was going on there is also massive urbanization occurring all across the world. Thats not necessarily a bad thing, as people who move from very poor rural areas to urban areas often get better jobs, and become less dependent on, for instance, a good rain to feed their families. (Rowntree, Lewis, Price Wyckoff, 2006). References Hines D. A. , Morrison K. (2005) Family Violence in the United States: Defining, Understanding, and Combating. Sage Publisher. Heymann J. (2006) Forgotten Families: Ending the Growing Crisis Confronting Children and Working Parents in the Global Economy. Oxford University Press Poole M. et al (1993) Family: Changing Families, Changing Times. Allen Unwin publisher. Robinson, Cecil. (1992). No short journeys: The interplay of cultures in the history and Literature of the borderlands. Tucson: University of Arizona Press. Rowntree L. , Lewis M. , Price M. and Wyckoff W. (2006). Diversity amid Globalization: World Regions, Environment, Development. United States, Congress. House America’s (1992) Families: Conditions, Trends, Hopes, and Fears: Family policy. United States, Congress, House publisher.

Friday, November 15, 2019

EU Pharmacovigilance Legislation: An Overview

EU Pharmacovigilance Legislation: An Overview Susan Murphy As defined by the WHO, Pharmacovigilance is the science and activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of adverse reactions and other medicine related problems. Adverse effects are whereby medicines affect the body in an unintended and harmful way. Following on from this, the underlying objectives of EU pharmacovigilance legislation are to: prevent harm from adverse reactions in humans arising from the use of authorised medicinal products promote the safe and effective use of medicinal products, in particular through providing timely information about the safety of medicinal products to patients, healthcare professionals and the public. Pharmacovigilance is therefore an activity contributing to the protection of both patients and public health [1]. When a new medicine obtains marketing authorization (MA), the active substance has been tested and it has been concluded that the benefits of this new medicine outweigh the risks. There is a limited amount of information available after clinical trials so the decision to give MA is effectively a trade off between making a new medicine available as early as possible and waiting until as much as possible is know about the medicine. For testing, several hundreds or thousands of carefully selected patients will have participated in clinical trials. These trials take place under controlled conditions. However, once MA has been obtained, the medicine will now be used in normal healthcare settings where there will be many patients who may differ from those used in the population study (eg age difference, may be using other drugs, have disease interactions. and also there will be longer term effects of using the new medicine). So it is imperative to identify these new or changing risks as quickly as possible to take measures to minimize the risks to patients. [2] For companys there is a legal obligation to continuously collect data and conduct pharmacovigilance regarding any possible change to the risk-benefit balance of taking such a medicine. In this regard, pharmacovigilance regulation seeks to protect the public from emerging safety issues by monitoring the product throughout its lifetime so that it is safe and effective to use. The 2012 EU Pharmacovigilance Legislation [3] New legislation regarding pharmacovigilance came into effect in July 2012. This was the biggest change to the regulation of human medicines since 1995. Based on evidence that adverse drug reactions caused approx 197,000 deaths per year in the EU, the EC began a review of the European system of safety monitoring (an independent study with extensive public consultation) This resulted in a 2010 directive and regulation, Directive 2010/84/EU Regulation (EU) No 1235/2012 which amended the existing pharmacovigilance laws 2001/83/EC and regulation (EC) No. 726/2004. This was accompanied by the implementation regulation published in June 2012 which provided operational aspects for the new legislation (no 520/2012 19th June 2012) A further amendment was carried out in Oct 2012 following a review of the withdrawal of the medicine Mediator (benfluorex) a diabetes drug with a coronary side effect, where it was felt that the risk now outweighed the limited benefit. The amendments aimed to further protect the patients health by allowing prompt notification and assessment of patient issues. The aim of the legislation was to reduce the number of Adverse Drug reactions via Collecting data on the effects of a given medicine from a wider net Rapid and robust assessment of issues Effective regulatory action to deliver safe and effective use of medicines Better patient involvement through feedback and reporting More transparency on the effects and safety of medicines concerned For MA applicants and holders the new legislation would: Makes their roles and responsibilities clear Minimize duplication of effort Free up resources by rationalizing and simplifying reporting on safety issues Clear legal framework for post authorisation modifying In short, the main aim of the legislation was to reduce the human and financial cost burden of adverse drug reactions, to strengthen patient involvement in monitoring medicines and to make the public strongly aware of the risk-benefit nature of taking medicines. New Concepts introduced in the 2012 Pharmacovigilance Legislation The concept of additional monitoring and the black symbol were introduced by the new EU laws on the safety-monitoring of medicines, (called the pharmacovigilance legislation,) which started to come into effect in 2012. Any new medicine authorised after 1 September 2013 that is subject to additional monitoring must display the black symbol in the package leaflet and the summary of product characteristics when it is placed on the EU market. Also any educational materials relating to this medicine should indicate its additional monitoring status. The legislation affects medicines authorised in the EU after 1 January 2011. Due to this, a transition period for medicines authorised between January 2011 and August 2013 was allowed whilst companies their updated packaging and gradually phased in the new leaflets. Medicines under additional monitoring [4] This is a new process to label medicines that are being monitored closely by the regulatory authorities. A solid black upside down triangle displayed on the package leaflet and information for healthcare professionals indicates that the medicine is undergoing additional monitoring. The symbol started to appear in late 2013. A medicine may be subject to additional monitoring because Not as much data is available with this medicine Less information is available on the long term impact of using this medicine Does not imply that the medicine is unsafe. This label is now always applied for: Any new API authorized after Jan 2011 Any biological medicine authorized after Jan 2011 For medicines authorised under exceptional circumstances If there are rare side effects seen during the trial or long term usage effects which warrant more information gathering. A medicine subject to such monitoring, can remain on the Medicines subject to additional monitoring list published by the EMA for up to 5 years. Why are medicines monitored after approval? Marketing approval is granted to medicines on the basis of clinical trial results. These consist of a small number of patients trialled under controlled conditions over a relatively short period of time. In real life, however a more diverse group of people will use the medicine and there may be different interactions plus the effects of longer term use. To take any rare or long term side effects which may then come to light into account, it is vital to continue to monitor the safety of all medicines whilst they are in commercial use. Information is continuously collected after a medicine is placed on the market to monitor real-life experience with the product. European regulatory authorities closely monitor this information to make sure that the benefits of medicines continue to outweigh their risks. Standardised monitoring methods are used across the EU so that information can be effectively shared by the member states regulatory authorities. This provides a wealth of knowledge for regulators to rely upon when making decisions, and enables a rapid response when required, such as providing warnings about the medicine or restricting its usage. Reporting side effects Reporting suspected side effects is an important way to gather more information on medicines on the market. Regulatory authorities look at reports of side effects alongside all the information they already have to make sure that the benefits of medicines remain greater than their risks and to take any necessary action. Patients and healthcare professionals are encouraged to report suspected side effects seen with any medicine. Under the new pharmacovigilance legislation, patients have the right to report suspected side effects directly to the national medicines regulatory authorities in their country if they wish. The onus is on the company to provide information on how to do this on their package leaflet. The black triangle makes it possible to quickly identify medicines that are subject to additional monitoring, encouraging end users to feed back any adverse effects .This allows new data to be analysed in a rapid and robust manner. [5] Update on effect of 2012 Pharmacovigilance Legislation A report published in 2014 summarised the key effects of introducing the new legislation [6]. The most notable of these were (during the reporting period 2012-2013) Adverse Drug reaction reporting has increased by > 175,000 more individual case safety reports > 9,000 more patient reports Label Changes from more that 47% of signals reported By August 2013 119 medicines were listed under additional monitoring list. Major public health reviews have been initiated on combined hormonal contraceptives, codeine-containing products and tetrazepam to name but a few. Better information is now available via the agencys website for therapeutic decision making Conclusion The aim of the Pharmacovigilance legislation is to enhance patient care and safety with regard to medicines and to support public health programs by providing balanced reliable information. Real life use of medicines only happens once professionals begin to prescribe or dispense. It is vital that the safety of all medicines is monitored throughout their lifetime. Adverse drug reactions account for 5% of all hospital admissions and are the 5th most common cause of hospital death. For EU citizens, the goal of the new pharmacovigilance legislation is to Strengthen patient involvement in the monitoring of medicines. This allows for continuous feedback on the effects of taking medicines through its lifecyle and consequently rapid and robust assessment of issues. Reduce the burden of ADRs Inform and engage citizens on the risk/benefit aspect of taking medicines. Full implementation is expected to save between 500 and 5000 lives a year with a cost saving to society of between â‚ ¬250million and â‚ ¬2.5billion per year [7]. There is concrete evidence that the new legislation is bringing about changes that will lead to improvement in public health. This is demonstrated by greater clarity on the roles and responsibilities for the parties involved in pharmacovigilance (MA applicants and holders, EMA, EU and member state regulatory authorities) and also greater transparency on medicine safety for the patient. This serves to increase the understanding and trust of both patients and healthcare workers on the safe and effective use of medicines in the EU[6]. References [1]Â  http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Other/2014/09/WC500172403.pdf [2] EMA Pharmacoviglience 2013 23/03/2013 NC50010423.pdf [3]http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/special_topics/general/general_content_000491.jspmid=WC0b01ac058058f32d [4]http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Other/2013/04/WC500142430.pdf [5]http://www.ema.europa.eu (Medicines under additional monitoring) [6]Â  http://ec.europa.eu/health/files/pharmacovigilance/2014_ema_oneyear_pharmacov_en.pdf [7]Â  http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Presentation/2013/01/WC500137839.pdf

Thursday, November 14, 2019

F. Scott Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby :: essays research papers

Nick Carraway’s Look at Man   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Nick Carraway, the first character introduced in Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, is primarily acts as the â€Å"guide and pathfinder†; he relates the story from what others have told him. He strives at all times to be objective, and his comments are balanced. His amusingly contemptuous remarks show his sense of humor, and although he is straight-laced, he does not bore the reader. Nick is introduced directly, but Gatsby remains a distant character for a good while. The establishment of Nick’s reflective, tolerant personality is essential, as are his limitations, so the reader doesn’t just dismiss him as Fitzgerald’s mouthpiece. The fact that he disapproves of Gatsby so early on helps the reader to go along with his judgments when he tells of Gatsby and unfolds the story.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first mysterious glimpse of Gatsby prepares the reader for much of what is to come. The imagery of â€Å"silhouette,† â€Å"moonlight,† and â€Å"shadow† in this passage prepares the reader for Gatsby’s shadowy, dark character. Many more of his actions appear to the reader, and Nick, as â€Å"curious.† The fact he is‘ trembling’ shows he is intense in his emotions-- and none of this is for show; Gatsby believes he is alone. His concentration on the â€Å"single green light† represents his determination to succeed, his constant drive; everything is designed so he can be with Daisy. He then vanishes; echoing the end of the book.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Nick is unlike the other characters of the book; he is not one of the â€Å"careless people.† He has a conscience, he is not selfish-- he has decency, which is well demonstrated in his efforts for Gatsby’s funeral. His down-to-earth character shows how superficial Daisy and Tom are. They are ruthlessly practical, where as Gatsby is a hopeless dreamer. Nick guides the reader between these two extremes while remaining a detached observer whilst being involved in the action-- â€Å"I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Nick’s aim to be truthful and objective makes the reader trust him. When Nick says Gatsby has a â€Å"rare smile with a quality of eternal reassurance in it,† the reader knows his riches or parties, but is telling it to the reader straight aren’t charming Nick. His contempt for much of what Gatsby says, but also Nick’s tolerance, is emphasized when Nick doesn’t mock him-- ‘â€Å"I lived . .

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Essay --

During adolescents, there is an increased vulnerability for depression due to biological, cognitive, and socio-environmental changes. For this paper, I will be discussing Scarlet, a 16 year old Hispanic female whose parents have divorced two years ago, and because of that Scarlet has been displaying symptoms of Persistent Depressive Disorder and Oppositional and Defiant Disorder. This paper will review literature which supports Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as being an effective form of treatment for depression with adolescents. I will also review literature which supports Family Therapy as being an effective treatment for adolescents with parent-child relational problems. I will also discuss any issues related to culture, ethnicity, and age regarding Scarlet and her family. Client’s Presenting Problems Scarlet is a sixteen year old Hispanic female who resides in Edison with her biological mother. Scarlet is currently a junior at JP Steven’s high school. Scarlet was referred because she is displaying symptoms of depression as evidenced by isolating herself from her family and peers, irritability, excessive sleeping, a history of suicidal ideations, and a loss of interests she used to enjoy. Scarlet also displays oppositional and defiant behaviors as evidenced by constant argumentative behavior, anger outbursts, refusal to follow the rules, and cursing and screaming at her mom on a daily basis. Scarlet was hospitalized at UMDNJ for six days in January of 2013 following an incident where a truant officer picked her off of the street. Scarlet’s mother reported Scarlet was texting her â€Å"I wish I was dead.† Scarlet’s mother reported both parents divorced two years ago and Scarlet’s behavior began to decline shortly... ...e to her age and her issues could not be taken serious simply because she is a â€Å"teenager†. In conclusion, There is an increased vulnerability for depression in adolescents due to biological, cognitive, and socio-environmental changes. For this paper, I discussed Scarlet, a 16 year old Hispanic female whose parents have divorced two years ago, and because of that Scarlet has been displaying symptoms of Persistent Depressive Disorder and Oppositional and Defiant Disorder. I reviewed literature which supports Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as being an effective form of treatment for depression with adolescents. I will also reviewed literature which supports Family Therapy as being an effective treatment for adolescents with parent-child relational problems. Scarlet will most likely benefit from CBT and family therapy given the involvement of her parents in therapy.

How Far Had the Bolsheviks Created a ‘Totalitarian State’ by 1924?

A totalitarian state, is a where the central government of a state does not tolerate any parties with opposing views and exercises complete dictatorial rule over all or most aspects of life. Lenin, the leader of the Bolsheviks, took many measures in an attempt to create a totalitarian state, including the dissolution of Constituent Assembly, the use of decrees and the establishment of a secret police group called the Cheka. However there were also some ways in which he failed to achieve full totalitarianism.The most basic characteristics of a Totalitarian state, are lack of free speech and state control over the media. This is important to establish social control over the state. Lenin's described free speech as ‘bourgeois prejudice', and thus ensured strict control over the media and speech. Understanding the role of propaganda to strengthen his rule, he established the Pravda. The Pravda controlled what media was available to the public and who could utilize it.The Bolsheviks were in reality the only group aloud to publish propaganda, and groups such as the Mensheviks, were not aloud to publish. These rules meant that no negative material about the Bolsheviks could legally be published, and all the public would ever see, would be positive Bolshevik propaganda, increasing their support. This is a key characteristic of a Totalitarian state, and thus is evidence that the Bolsheviks had successfully created a Totalitarian state. Another common aspect of a totalitarian state, is the establishment of a secret police force.Lenin had created a terror police force called the Cheka. Shortly after the establishment of the Bolshevik government, a period knows as the ‘Red Terror' saw mass killings, torture and oppression conducted by the Cheka under orders of the Bolsheviks. This force meant that Lenin could assert his physical authority over the people and counter any opposition. To supplement the secret police, Lenin also established a system of Gulags and L abour camps, specifically aimed at the opponents of the regime. These would house and contain any ‘enemies' of the Bolshevik rule.The creation of the secret police and the establishment of the gulags and labour camps, are signs that Lenin had created a successful totalitarian state, and could assert physical control over the people. The introduction of War Communism during the Russian Civil War, is evidence of Russian moving towards a Totalitarian State. Many aspects of War communism were totalitarian in nature. For instance the creation of a Supreme Economic Council, formed to take complete control over the Russian highlights the central control over the most vital aspect of the state, that the Bolsheviks enforced.Other measures include the requisitioning of excess grain from the Peasants. Many of these policies were met with opposition, particularly among the agricultural peasants. This opposition was in turn met with brutal force, which was another example of the nature of complete state authority. War communism continued on until the end of the Civil war, by which time the Bolshevik forces had succeeded in crushing all opposition. The success of the red forces meant that Russia was a step closer in becoming a Totalitarian state, as they were now the most powerful party in Russia, with complete control over all its territory.Upon the creation of the USSR, Lenin introduced new rule that would ensure greater totalitarian control. Only communists would be able to stand for the soviets, and so this meant that the communist party had the true control over the government. Lenin had also created a ban on internal political factions, during the NEP. He called this ‘democratic centralism'. This ensured that Lenin and the Bolsheviks had strict control over all communists.Alongside the ban on other political parties, these measures are extremely totalitarian in nature, and centralised government control and authority to a high degree, ensuring Lenin and th e Bolsheviks had complete political control over the country. There were however many limits to the Bolshevik control over the country. The totalitarian control that the Government enjoyed with its ‘War communism', was lost by Lenin. The introduction of the NEP, showed Lenin was prepared for loosening economic control in favour of growth to save the economy.The abandoning of ‘War communism and the introduction of the NEP, shows the Bolsheviks losing control over the economy, and capitalist control emerging. Corruption was thus aloud to prosper, as many took advantage of the loser controls. The failures of the NEP and the corruption it introduced offers evidence of the Bolsheviks failing to create a complete totalitarian state. An important factor when considering Bolshevik totalitarian control are the events of the Kronstadt Rebellion. The naval base at Kronstadt were among Lenin's most loyal supporters, and home of the revolutionary Baltic fleet.However they had become disillusioned with Lenin's rule, and made certain demands, notably the end of the special position of the communists and the restoration of free speech. Consequently the base rebelled. The loss of authority over an entire base, and dangerously close to Petrograd, the capital, is a severe sign that the Bolsheviks did not maintain complete totalitarian control over the state. It could be argued that Lenin lost much totalitarian control, because of the weakening of his Leadership. In 1922, Lenin faced his first serious illness, that affected his leadership.An example of his weakening leadership, can be found when examining Joseph Stalin, the General Sectary. Up until Lenin's illness, Stalin had been a strong supporter of Lenin, and did not significantly oppose or cross him. Lenin highlighted his loyalty when describing as ‘that brilliant Georgian'. However when Lenin began to fall ill, Stalin began to oppose many of Lenin's policies. Accompanying this were divisions within the pa rty that grew stronger when Lenin fell ill. This highlights the loss of control that Lenin had due to his illness, and thus is evidence that he had not created a true Totalitarian state.The Bolsheviks under Lenin's leadership had indeed taken steps to create a Totalitarian state. The removal of all and any opposition from the political ‘arena', the establishment of the Cheka and Gulags all helped to strengthen the central control of government over the state. However aspects of the NEP, political divisions, and rebellions from apparently his most loyal supporters, showed how certain aspects were not completely controlled by the state, and thus that Lenin and the Bolsheviks had not created an entirely Totalitarian state.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Informative Speech on Funerals

Death, sounds scary right? But, have you ever thought in something else besides the moment itself? Have you thought about what your body is going to be done with? Oh sure, a regular funeral or a cremation may come right away to your head. But, let’s stop at regular for a moment. What is actually a regular funeral? Is it really putting your body in a coffin and burying it in a graveyard? What would you think if I tell you that you can have a Coca-cola coffin, a fish or a car coffin? What would you think if I tell you that your relatives can keep your skull as some sort of souvenir? What would you think if I tell you that you can even be buried in the sky? You would probably think I’m crazy or something, but I’m not. This is actually the way in which some people from Ghana, Austria and China carry on their funerals. For the Ga tribe, funerals are a time of mourning, but also of celebration. They believe that when their loved ones die, they move on into another life and they make sure they do so in style. They honor their dead with brightly colored coffins that celebrate the way they lived. These coffins are designed to represent an aspect of the dead person’s life, such as a car if they were a driver, a fish if their livelihood was the sea or a sewing machine for a seamstress. They might also symbolize a vice, such as a bottle of beer or a cigarette. Now, let’s travel to Europe. Hallstatt. It’s between a mountain and lake, so therefore has very limited burial space. To solve this problem they would allow for the remains of their dead to lie in the cemetery for 12 years only. When the time was up the bones would be exhumed and moved to a charnel, but the skull would be kept. It would be tastefully decorated with the name of the deceased, a cross and plants. It would then be displayed in a chapel. Although cremation has now been allowed in the village this custom still takes place. So, what about being buried in the sky? We’ll have to go all the way to the southwest of china. The Tibet. For Tibetans the most common and regular funerals are the Sky Burials, which consists of cutting a person’s body in â€Å"strategic† places (euphemism for â€Å"likely to attract wildlife†) and placing the loved one on top of a mountain or temple. Then just wait for the magic to happen! The magic being that the vultures will then pick apart the flesh until what’s left is a pile of bones, which are either mashed into a bird feed pulp. This type of funeral is considered to be environmental friendly, because it doesn’t involve any wood burning or waiting years until the body is turned into organin matter. It’s the most effective way of getting rid of human bodies. Tibetans call the practice jhator, which means giving arms to the birds. And also legs, torsos and heads as well. So, if you want to have a classy funeral with a fancy coffin that represents your lifestyle you’d like it to happen in Ghana, but if you’re looking for a strange, creepy, sadististic, and environmental caring funeral your best choices may be Hallstatt, in Austria, or the Tibet, in China. What are regular funerals for you now?

Sample Contents of Feasibility Study

Sample Executive Summary For Your Business PlanApril 5, 2011 – 11:14 am Earlier in Invest Engine Blog we have talked about  executive summary contents  and  how to write executive summary. Using all this information we shall now pass to actually writing an executive summary taking restaurant business plan as an example. Writing executive summaries is among the most important business skills. The majority of investors whom you’ll address with your project will read your executive summary first. And only then will decide whether to proceed with your start up or leave it alone.So let’s get started! 1. Executive Summary Cover Passing along a naked text is not a good idea. So do provide a cover for your executive summary. The executive summary cover page should contain: * your company logo; * the title of your project; * your contact information; * the subtitle â€Å"Executive Summary† (not to confuse this document with the full version of your business p lan). 2. The Opening Statement: Who? What? When? Where? Why? From the very first sentence it should be understood what your project is about. Showing respect to your readers’ time and attention is highly appreciated.So if you can answer the  Five W’s  in a single sentence, it is perfect. But sometimes it is better to break it down into smaller sentences. And DO avoid general phrases and adjectives like â€Å"great†, â€Å"unique†, â€Å"exclusive† as they make you look boastful right from the start. From the cover page of our  sample restaurant executive summary  the reader knows that the project is called: â€Å"BBQ-5 – barbecue restaurant in Chicago, IL†. So the opening statement of the executive summary could be: â€Å"BBQ-5 is a new barbecue restaurant in Chicago, IL founded by Mr. BBQ.This will be the fifth restaurant of â€Å"Mr. BBQ Family of Restaurants† – the barbecue chain founded in 2005 and is alread y well-known in The Great Lakes area. † 3. Brief Company ProfileYou are sure to provide some detailed information about your company background, its mission and business objectives in your business plan. But the major highlights should be put into executive summary as well. Typically you are expected to say: * When was your business founded? * What are the major industries and regions of operations? * What are your business mission and business objectives? How many people work in your firm? * What is your position in the company? In the sample executive summary we are going through it is stated that  Ã¢â‚¬Å"the  chain was founded in 2005 and is already well-known in The Great Lakes area† (the info about the year the business was founded and the region of operation is provided). And so it is continued: â€Å"The other restaurants are located two in Cleveland, OH, one in Detroit, MI and one in Milwaukee, WI. Each of the restaurants started by Mr. BBQ reached the break -even point within a year. Though Mr. BBQ and Mrs. BBQ are principle owners, it is Mr.BBQ’s  intention to offer outside ownership in â€Å"BBQ-5? restaurant on an equity, debt, or combination basis in order to facilitate the opening of BBQ-5 restaurant and further growth of the chain. † From this paragraph it is clear that the principal figures in the company are Mr. BBQ and Mrs. BBQ and their major business goal is  Ã¢â‚¬Å"further growth of the chain†. 4. Project Description Normally executive summary should always be written last. You already have a perfectly written product description in your business plan and can now copy-paste the highlights into your executive summary.It should really take minutes! In the business plan for BBQ-5 restaurant it was stated that location is a key success factor. So in the executive summary it would be perfect to start with the advantages of the location and target audience of the restaurant: â€Å"BBQ-5 will be opened in leased premises in the very heart of Chicago – the Loop district. The Loop is the center of Chicago’s cultural, commercial and financial institutions. It is also the major tourist destination. And the neighboring district – The North Side – is the most densely populated residential section of the city.It is also a popular take-away destination. So BBQ-5 will target residents of The Loop district, office workers and tourists. † Then we briefly describe restaurant’s projected capacity, its specialization and the key competitive advantages (these are also copy-pasted from the business plan): â€Å"The restaurant will specialize in traditional style barbecue meals: smoked pork, veal and fish, steaks and sandwiches. The menu will also include a variety of vegetarian meals and the widest range of sauces. The restaurant’s projected capacity is 340 seats. After that you can outline main business objectives of the project showing that you have a clear vision and know your goals. Then write a paragraph about major risks of your project but stay positive providing your solutions right away. Stress the strong sides of your company and the competencies of the team behind the project. 5. Key Business Plan Numbers By the moment you write executive summary you are supposed to know  exactly  how much funding you need. So provide the highlights in the form of investment summary table. It puts investment structure vs. nvestment purposes of your project. So anyone reading your executive summary will understand what you need money for, how much of your own capital you invest and how much is expected from other sources (direct investment, bank loans, start up grants etc. ) Also state how much revenues your project will generate (revenue projections) and of course the payback period of your project – how long will it take for your project to become cash flow positive. ple Projects  >  Sample #4| Sample #4| [The data in this form is either fictitious or has been adapted with a firm's permission. Company: Bentonville Medical Clinic   Contact Person: George Hendrichs Title: Business Manager/Administrator Telephone: (910) 273 – 8457 Fax: (910) 273 – 5419 Address: 413 Harmon Place, Greensboro, NC 27412BackgroundProvide an overview of the company, the nature and size of the primary product(s)/service(s) and operations, and a brief description of the department/function/product that is the main focus of the study. Bentonville Medical Clinic is a 12 year old medical firm specializing in the practice of obstetrics and gynecologic services.The main office, located in Greensboro, is where the primary administrative functions such as coordination, billing, insurance claims, etc. are carried out, but the firm is also comprised of two satellite offices located in Reidsville and Eden. The firm employs 1 administrator, 7 clinical personnel, 9 clerical workers, and 5 physicians, who rotate through each of the three offices on a regular basis. Gross revenues for 1991 were roughly $3. 1 million, as a result of 37,000 patient encounters. The bulk of the revenues are taken in by the Greensboro office, which accounted for 72% of all receipts.Revenues grew regularly through 1990, but have leveled off since then as a result of the efforts of the government and other agencies to control health care expenses. Some primary points of emphasis for Bentonville Medical Clinic are: (1) maintenance of high quality of patient care, through the regular and efficient assimilation of new technologies, (2) continuous improvement of business efficiencies and cost reductions, and (3) provision of a reasonable return on investment for the firm's partners. The Project To Be StudiedDescribe the situation to be studied, and if possible, identify the specific issue(s)/problem(s) to focus on.One of the basic problems with health care today is the government wishes to control health costs, yet demands the highest quality of service available. Often, the government wishes only to pay amounts for these services that barely exceed the cost a medical firm incurs in providing them. The focus of the group will be to evaluate the costs of various types of patient visits versus the payment plans instituted by the government (the RBRVS system that calculates costs for medicare, for example), and determine how these plans affect Bentonville Medical Clinic's cash flows and revenues.Outputs DesiredWhat specific results would be expected, e. g. reports, recommendations, etc. Outputs desired from this study include:(1) Determination of the amount of medicare volume that can be profitably handled;(2) Identification of the various costs involved in particular types of patient encounters (which types of visits are most/least profitable for the firm)(3) Determination of how cash flows being affected by programs such Medicare's RBRVS cost conversion factors(4) Suggestions for some possible alternative s/strategies through which Bentonville Medical Clinic can maximize revenues in the current environment.Required/Available Resources- (List special or unique data, software, personnel, etc. required, or available):Summary/Key Word Information:Estimated team size: 2-3 person team   How was project obtained? : Referred by John Adams, Alum Previous Project? : No Project Focus – Primary: Accounting/Finance Other areas: Strategy, Health Administration Keywords: Costing, and cash flow analysis Brief Abstract: Contrast patient visits with reimbursement plans to assess the equity of payments received and determine their affect on overall cash flows and revenues. | Sample #1| [The data in this form is either fictitious or has been adapted with a firm's permission. ]Company: Comfort Apparel   Contact Person: Sam Talbott Title: Marketing Manager Telephone: 336. 555. 1234 Fax: 336. 555. 1234 Fax: (336) 745-7025 Address: 1234 Comfort Blvd. , Winston-Salem, NC 27123BackgroundComfort App arel manufactures and markets high-quality, high-value apparel using screen printing and embroidery.Comfort holds exclusive contracts with several boards of education in the Southeast to provide shirts, hats and sweatshirts with school logos for state championships in all major sports. Other boards are being pursued for contracts. A significant volume of business is obtained through short-term contracts with colleges, universities and sports associations to provide logo apparel for ceremonies and sporting events.Comfort provides consumer value by offering a high-quality embroidery look at prices comparable to regular screen-printed products with quick turnaround on short notice. The Project To Be StudiedAt Comfort, ordering, scheduling, invoicing, inventory control and shipping are done manually. Management decided to switch to an electronic system because of frequent and often unanticipated surges in volume, as well as recent overall growth. Several of Comfort’s accounts hav e requested EDI systems and other electronic media, including use of the Internet, to process orders and shipping.The study group will be responsible for determining what system could capitalize on emerging technology and be most appropriate for the company and how best to implement the system. The study will look at three main operating areas: * Information systems between Comfort and our manufacturing operations * Information systems between Comfort and our customers * Information systems between Comfort and our suppliersThe team must propose whether members will focus on one, two or all of the above applications.Outputs Desired * Provide Comfort with a list of information systems that capitalize on the latest technology and that could be installed and implemented, along with pros and cons of each * Propose a schematic design and determine the costs and benefits of each alternative * Recommend the best alternative and provide a plan for implementation| Sample #3| [The data in this form is either fictitious or has been adapted with a firm's permission. ]Company: Gourmet House Software Services   Contact Person: Rachel BenedictTitle: Director of Development Telephone: (910) 277 – 2347 Fax: (910) 277 – 9547 Address: 1600 Watley Plaza, Winston-Salem, NC 27011BackgroundProvide an overview of the company, the nature and size of the primary product(s)/service(s) and operations, and a brief description of the department/function/product that is the main focus of the study. Gourmet House Software Services is a relatively small â€Å"software house† that specializes in software for restaurants and wholesale food distributors.The purpose of this type of software is to allow the user to better and more efficiently purchase and utilize their inventory and delivery systems. Gourmet House System is going into its twelfth year of business, and they estimate that they have roughly 160 users of their specialized software. The Project To Be StudiedDescri be the situation to be studied, and if possible, identify the specific issue(s)/problem(s) to focus on. The current computer system software being sold by Gourmet House is a third generation software component.They feel it is necessary to upgrade their software to a fourth generation, but want to make sure they can successfully market this new product to existing customers, as well as to other potential markets. The study group should concentrate on the following areas:(1) The various methods that could be used to market this new product to current market segments, while maintaining support and customer satisfaction for older products;(2) Identify any other feasible markets for this new product. Outputs DesiredWhat specific results would be expected, e. . reports, recommendations, etc. The outputs desired from this project would be as follows:(1) A list of options and an action plan for the introduction of the new software component(2) A risk analysis of the planned introduction, co mplete with benefits and drawbacks. (3) Financial considerations involved (ROI, etc). Summary/Key Word Information:Estimated team size: 2-3 person team   How was project obtained? : Wilson Thomas, Alum Previous Project? : No Project Focus – Primary: Marketing, Strategic PlanningOther areas: New Ventures, Business Strategy Keywords: Marketing and identifying new niches Brief Abstract: Recommend a marketing plan for a fourth generation of a software package and identify new markets the firm might enter in order to increase revenues and profits. | Sample #2| [The data in this form is either fictitious or has been adapted with a firm's permission. ]Company: Mountain Broadcasting Company Contact Person: Ms. I. M. Astarr Title: President Telephone: (910) 253-7827 Fax: (910) 253-1329 Address: 4321 Galaxy Boulevard, Mt.Airy, NC 27411Background-  Provide an overview of the company, the nature and size of the primary product(s)/service(s) and operations, and a brief description of the department/function/product that is the main focus of the study. Mountain Broadcasting Company is a locally-owned radio company which operates under the call letters of WMBC (FM) and WNCB (AM). It employs 17 people, including 6 salespeople. The Project To Be Studied-  Describe the situation to be studied, and if possible, identify the specific issue(s)/problem(s) to focus on.Mountain Broadcasting contacted the Schools of Business to conduct a survey and analyze the results to determine what factors are critical when current and prospective advertisers make the decision to use radio as an advertising medium. Mountain Broadcasting also wanted to learn how effective its salespeople were compared to the competition, be it radio stations, television stations, or magazines and newspapers. Mountain Broadcast hoped to learn what it could to ultimately leading to an improvement in the company's profitability. Outputs Desired-  What specific results would be expected, e. . reports, re commendations, etc. Outputs desired from this practicum include:(1) Which local sales staffs within the industry are perceived as most competent/least competent? (2) What affect do program formats and program contents have on advertisers' decisions to buy? (3) How do the rates charged by WMBC and WNCB compare with other stations and how are they perceived by their customers with respect to the value received? (4) What affect do promotional support, purchase incentives, and the buying procedure have on the purchasing decision? 5) Which stations are perceived as most effective for reaching specific demographic targets? (6) How do stations' production capabilities affect their advertising rates? Methodology-  Possible strategies and analytical tools to employ. The data for this study will be generated by telephone interviews of approximately 100-200 prospective advertisers. The prospects will include current radio and non-radio advertisers, current customers, and non-customers of the stations, and direct advertisers and agencies and/or media brokers. The team will be supplied by the client with the list of prospects. | * ————————————————- About Us * ————————————————- Academic Programs   * ————————————————- Admissions * ————————————————- Beyond Academics * ————————————————- Careers & Internships * ——————————————â⠂¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€- Diversity * ————————————————- Faculty & Research * ————————————————- News & Events * WFU Charlotte Center | | Home  >  Beyond Academics  >  WF Business Solutions  >  Sample Projects  >  Sample #1| Sample #1| [The data in this form is either fictitious or has been adapted with a firm's permission. ]Company: Comfort Apparel   Contact Person: Sam Talbott Title: Marketing Manager Telephone: 336. 555. 1234 Fax: 336. 555. 1234 Fax: (336) 745-7025 Address: 1234 Comfort Blvd. , Winston-Salem, NC 27123BackgroundComfort Apparel manufactures and markets high-quality, high-value apparel using screen printing and embroidery.Comfort holds exclusive contracts with several boards of education in the Southeast to provide shirts, hats and sweatshir ts with school logos for state championships in all major sports. Other boards are being pursued for contracts. A significant volume of business is obtained through short-term contracts with colleges, universities and sports associations to provide logo apparel for ceremonies and sporting events.Comfort provides consumer value by offering a high-quality embroidery look at prices comparable to regular screen-printed products with quick turnaround on short notice. The Project To Be StudiedAt Comfort, ordering, scheduling, invoicing, inventory control and shipping are done manually. Management decided to switch to an electronic system because of frequent and often unanticipated surges in volume, as well as recent overall growth. Several of Comfort’s accounts have requested EDI systems and other electronic media, including use of the Internet, to process orders and shipping.The study group will be responsible for determining what system could capitalize on emerging technology and be most appropriate for the company and how best to implement the system. The study will look at three main operating areas: * Information systems between Comfort and our manufacturing operations * Information systems between Comfort and our customers * Information systems between Comfort and our suppliersThe team must propose whether members will focus on one, two or all of the above applications.Outputs Desired * Provide Comfort with a list of information systems that capitalize on the latest technology and that could be installed and implemented, along with pros and cons of each * Propose a schematic design and determine the costs and benefits of each alternative * Recommend the best alternative and provide a plan for implementation| |