Gender, class, society in Dubliners and Sons and Lovers Essay

Gender, class, society in Dubliners and Sons and Lovers - Essay Example Since the final part of the 20th century, an intellectual movement started to germinate that ignored all forms of social or gender classifications; consequently, exposed the true nature of patriarchal politics that aimed at male empowerment by discriminating as well as forcedly marginalizing women from all forms of intellectual enlightenment. Literature emerged as one of the most effective mediums to communicate the benefits of the movement among common people of the Western socio-cultural discourse. This intellectual movement that affected all domains of Western social life in the late 19th and early 20th century was recognized as Modernism and subsequently the intellectual impact of Modernism helped in deconstructing the conventional ideals regarding morality, gender discrimination, class and racial differentiation. James Joyce and D.H. Lawrence are two highly important writers of this period as they included in their literary creations the essential traits of modernism, such as, q uest to deconstruct the conventional social forms, gender differences, traditional notions about morality and social segmentation. James Joyce’s Dubliners and D.H. Lawrence’s Sons and Lovers are two such literary masterpieces that have incorporated within their scopes some of the most important transforming transits of the contemporary Western society in terms of gender, class, and conventional morality. Thesis Statement: While Joyce’s Dubliners reflects various dimensions of human life irrespective of their apparent gender or class differences over the common platform of transforming Ireland, Lawrence’s Sons and Lovers clearly incorporates rebellious outlook against all forms of social conventionalities that have been established since the Victorian era. Though deep analysis of human psyche, portraying characters with the quest to transcend existential barrier and showing

A research paper on cocaine Essay Example for Free

A research paper on cocaine Essay Grown in the countries of South America, with Columbia being the most productive, the Erythroxylon Coca bush is the natural origin of cocaine, a central nervous stimulant. Its history is as rich and diverse as the people using and dealing the drug. Cocaine use dates as far back as the 16th century when it was used among Inca royalty. In the early 1800s cocaine was introduced to Europe. Sigmond Freud wrote a song in its honor and famous author Robert Louis Stevenson wrote The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde during a six -day cocaine binge. In the early 1900s cocaine was available to consumers over the counter. Its medicinal value was a relief for toothaches and congestion. Parke Davis advised their consumers of the effects of cocaine by stating that it could make the coward brave, the silent eloquent, and render the sufferer insensitive to pain. The use of cocaine found its way into other products like wine and the most famous of all, Coca Cola. Early production of Coca Cola contained 60mg of cocaine. Today, the popular soft drink still uses the leaves of the Coco Bush for flavor but the illicit drug has been removed (www.cocaine.org). The resurrection of cocaine use as a recreational drug began in the 1960s, and was used mostly among the affluent because of its price. Movie stars, sport stars and the like give cocaine its mystique and draw; psychological and physical effects make it addictive. Changes in form and price make cocaine far more accessible and affordable. Today, there is no clear connection between the use of cocaine and education, occupation or socioeconomic status. Cocaine is generally sold as a hydrochloride salt, a fine white powder substance that is commonly referred to as snow, coke or blow. Street dealers of cocaine commonly dilute, or cut the drug with similar looking substances like talcum powder or with active local anesthetics and even sometimes with other stimulants like amphetamines. The purity of street cocaine, powder form, is about 75 percent. When the impurities of this form are removed, it is known as freebase or crack cocaine. Crack cocaine  is easier to find and less expensive to buy. Cocaine in any form can be found in almost every town and city. Research studies done in 1999 showed cocaine is used by over 3.7 million Americans 12 years old and over, with the highest rate among people 18 and 25 years of age. The use among people 35 years and older also continues to rise (www.cocaine.org). The effects of cocaine depend on the route of administration, the amount of consumption, the users past experience, and the circumstances under which its taken. The major routes of administration are snorting, injecting, and smoking. Snorting is inhaling the powder form through the nasal cavity. The drug enters the bloodstream through the nasal tissues. Injecting cocaine is using a syringe to release the drug directly into the bloodstream. Smoking cocaine is inhaling the cocaine vapors or smoke delivering large quantities to the lungs where it then enters the bloodstream as quickly as injecting. Cocaine interferes with the re-absorption process of dopamine that is a chemical messenger of pleasure to the brain. The effects are instant and intense but not long lasting (www.drugs.indiana.edu). The short -term effects usually make the user fell euphoric, energetic, and alert to their senses. It can decrease your anxiety and heighten your sexuality. Crack users have described the rush as a whole body orgasm. Or, a user can feel anxious or panic-stricken. The drug is a parody of heaven and hell. Often times the cocaine user craves other drugs. These symptoms appear quickly and disappear within a few minutes or a few hours. Physically, a persons blood pressure, body temperature, heartbeat, and breathing accelerate, along with pupil dialation. In larger amounts the side effects intensify. The high might include feelings of paranoia, vertigo, and muscle twitches and physically a user might experience chest pains, nausea, blurred vision. Over time with continued use, the effects of cocaine gradually change. Irritability, restlessness, insomnia and paranoia replace the euphoria. Physically, the long- term user will lose interest in sex and lose weight. Those who snort the drug wear out their nasal septum while those who inject it risk the chance of contracting hepatitis or AIDS. Cocaine related deaths  are often a result of cardiac arrest or seizures followed by respiratory arrest. Over time, to the users tolerance, the drug will build. To achieve the same effects as that of early usage requires larger doses of the drug. The user becomes psychologically dependent. The drug becomes pivotal to their thoughts, feelings and their daily activities. Cocaine just made you feel really good. Then after you get done feeling really good then you start to get a Superman ego and thats the beginning of the end. (Drug Wars; A Frontline, PBS Production) Often times, cocaine addicts develop an illicit lifestyle to keep up with their drug habit. Cocaines influence leads a user to stealing from family, friends and even employers. The lifestyle of addicts becomes as corrupt as the organizations that produce and supply the product. Cocaines addiction has two sides: the love of the high and the love of the money. The US Government has estimated that cocaine trafficking takes nearly $80 billion a year out of our economy. In 1990, the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) estimated about 20 Colombian organizations controlled most of Americas cocaine supply. Annual revenues of the Colombian drug trade have been estimated to be 5 billion dollars. The drug cartels existing today control every phase of the drug trafficking business. They manufacture, transport, distribute, and finance cocaine. Like many large corporations, the business involves bankers, accountants, and lawyers, wholesalers and retailers. More special to this business the cartel payroll also includes chemists, pilots and enforcers of security (www.drugs.indiana.edu). The cartels are structured in layers, at the center is the cartel manager or kingpin. Information shared among the members of the cartel is highly secularized. Only a choice few are privy to all the workings of the cartel. Those employees holding positions in the outer layers of the organization (the lawyers, accountants, bankers, and enforcers) reap the financial benefits of serving their bosses but are strictly put on a need to know basis. Cartels operating in the United States are referred to as cells which are self contained organized units. The Medillin Cartel was the first known, successful cartel of cocaine  traffickers coming from Colombia. It was established in 1978 and lead by Carlos Lehder. It used violence and intimidation to stay one step ahead of the justice system. The cartel bribed police officers with money or threatened them with death if they did not honor the cartel and look the other way when they did business. The Medellin Cartel was taken down in March of 1984. Carlos Lehder was arrested in 1987, tried in the United States and sentenced to 135 years without the possibility of parole. George Jungs, the Medillin Cartels American contact, testimony against Lehder assured his conviction. In the 1990s, on the heels of the Medillin, came the Cali Cartel. They are responsible for 70-80 percent of the cocaine coming into the United States and 90 percent of that entering Europe. Instead of violence and intimidation like their counter parts, the Cali operated their business using a subtle approach. Law enforcement has had difficulty in closing the Cali operations for many reasons. Their structure is different from that of the Medillin, as is their methods of smuggling. They are much more conservative. They only sell to people they know. The home office, which is the CEO and vice presidents, coordinate the cells. The cells contact the buyers usually by cellular phone or pager and arrange the time and place to distribute the drugs. Payment is made at the second meeting. When the deal is done, the home office is contacted and accurate records are kept by both (www.awesomestories.com). While the Colombians may monopolize the cocaine market, there are similar organizations in other countries. The Triads and Tongs of China, La Compania of Cuba, and the Yakuza of Japan are some other major drug trafficking organizations. They have successfully invested into legitimate American business. The one thing they all have in common: United States of America as a client base (www.cocainefacts.com). Cocaine touches many people on a variety of levels. It can completely change a persons personality, for the worse. It spins a web of deceit and destruction. Physically and mentally the drug tricks you from recognizing reality. Euphoria tricks you into believing that the high is good, all the while the time bomb is ticking. Blowing up your mind is just a matter of time. Works Cited Bailey, William J. Factline on Cocaine. 1995: Heller, Matthew. Addicted to Love. Los Angeles Magazine. Sept. 1999. No Author Given. No Author Given.

Race and Intercultural Relations in the United States Essay -- Racism

We don't have problems understanding ourselves. We have problems understanding our interactions with others. See yourself as another sees you and you will begin to understand their viewpoint Preface The development of a culture in the United States has been a winding road of interactions between differing, oftentimes opposing cultures and races from the first footfalls of Europeans upon the American continent’s shores. Each group of settlers and immigrants have brought their own unique perspectives and underlying values to the table. Many of these perspectives have been incorporated into the mainstream way of life, many others however, have been dismissed and discarded as either foreign or outright dangerous. The patterns that have emerged from this interaction of cultures and peoples define who we are today as Americans, not a homogenous amalgam of those who came before us, but an inter-connected group of varied cultures living within the same system of democracy. Whether for good or bad, our collective interaction has defined our reference set of values and norms in our interpersonal and cultural development. The patterns that define the macroculture of the United States are deeply rooted in the intercontinental strife and politics of Europe, Africa, and Asia prior to the colonization of North America. The developing European empires and their social, cultural, commercial and religious differences set the stage for intercultural interaction and development for the next 400 years in North America. These groups religious bigotry’s (Protestant vs. Catholic vs. Islamic†¦), social inequalities (noble vs. peasant), and outright greed all combined to contribute to and define our unique American experience... ...ities and privileges to all members of society, regardless of class, race or religious belief. It is the hope that all people can live the American dream of equality and prosperity. References 1) Deconde, Rappaport & Steckel. (1973). Patterns in American History, (3rd edition), Volumes I & II. Wadsworth Publishing Co., Belmont, CA. 2) E.D. Hirsch, Jr. (1987). Cultural Literacy. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, MA. 3) Margaret Connell Szasz. (1988). Indian Education in the American Colonies, 1607-1783. University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque, NM. 4) J. R. Pole. (1993). The Pursuit of Equality in American History, revised edition. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA. 5) Gorton Carruth. (1993). The Encyclopedia of American Facts and Dates, (ninth edition). Harper Collins Publishers, New York, NY.

Murdock and Talcott Parsons Views on Family

Murdock- George Peter Murdock  (1949) wanted to know if the family was not just cultural but universal (he claimed that it was universal). * Common residence * Economic co-operation * Adults including both sexes * At least two have socially approved sex * One or more children * Biological or adopted This he thought was the  universal minimum. Which adults had sexual relations depended on the  culture. He believed the nuclear family was the universal core of the world's large variety of kinship systems. From this a  family could be extended  vertically (with upper generations) or horizontally (with brothers and sisters of those with offspring).A criticism of Murdock was that to claim something is universal, it only needs one exception to falsify it. Kathleen Gough falsified Murdock’s theory with her study of the Nayar Women of India. Before reaching puberty, Nayar women in India were married to a man according to the Talikettukalydnam rite. This three days of actual o r mock defloration might be their last living contact. From then on, as â€Å"mother†, each woman would take up to 12 sandbanham husbands, who visited her one at a time at night. A man could have an unlimited number of wives.The woman kept her room in the house, and it was first come, first served to supper and bed, so a man too late would sleep on the verandah of the house. So women getting pregnant could have any one of up to 12 as the father. So one of them of equal sub-caste (social class) declared as the father (whether he was or not) and gave a present of cloth and/ | | Clearly women getting pregnant could have  any one of up to 12 as the father. So  one of them  of equal sub-caste declared as the father (whether he was or not) and gave  a present of cloth and/ or vegetables to the attending midwife.A frequent visitor might send luxuries at festivals. That was it. The men weremercenary warriors  and gave  no attention to raising children  or staying with t he woman. | Support for the women instead came from  brothers, sisters, and children of the sisters and daughters. The matrilineal family provided all her essentials. The  eldest male was leader of each kin group. So the women lived not in families, but in kinship groups (mothers, sisters and brothers), and she had her place for sexual activity with the men over which she had considerable personal cotrol.Descent was down the stable female line in terms of charting the source of children, given that any man could be the father. | The important point here is that:| * There was  no economic unit  regarding husbands and wives. * There was  no sharing of the residence  between husbands and wives. * Only the  women within their supporting kinship groups lived with children. * Any relationship affection from the man  was taboo  and resisted by the kinship group. | There are two possibilities here, then, regarding Murdock and his definition of the family. It is  too narr ow, or * It is  not universal. It is the  single parent family, especially female-headed, that is the  most direct criticism  of Murdock. Yet this is a minority, and the family may at least have begun as a two sex nuclear family and, furthermore, the nuclear family is preferred by him. The  nuclear family may simply function better as a family  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ but this is unproven. Nevertheless there are varieties of arrangements for raising children that  stretch Murdock's definition to breaking point. TALCOTT PARSONS-The pre-industrial society is pictured as one where people are divided into kinship groups called lineages each of which is held to be descended from a common ancestor. Another form of family in pre-industrial society is found in traditional peasant societies such as the Irish farming community studied by C. M. Arensberg and S. T. Kimball in their work Family and Community in Ireland. This traditional Irish family is a patriarchal extended family. It is also pa trilineal since property is passed from father to son. According to Talcott Parsons the isolated nuclear family is the typical form in modern industrial society.It is isolated from the extended family, and there is a breakdown of kinship. The development of the isolated nuclear family is, in his opinion, the product of a process of structural differentiation – the process by which social institutions become more and more specialized in the functions they perform. The isolated nuclear family is functionally necessary and contributes to the integration and harmony of the social and economic system as a whole. The family needs to be isolated because of its functional role in ascribing status. Status in industrial society as a whole is achieved and not ascribed.However, within the nuclear family status is ascribed rather than achieved, thus reversing the pattern that exists outside the family. What this means is that within the family the father has status as the father, whilst o utside the family his status might be very different. His achieved status economically does not affect his status as a father. However, if the family was extended then a conflict could arise. Another way of putting this is that the family ascribes particularistic values whilst society ascribes universalistic values.The conflict between the two sets of values is minimized by the isolation of the nuclear family. William Goode in World Revolution and the Family also argues that industrialization undermines the existence of the extended family. He claims this is because (a) movements of individuals between different regions; (b) higher levels of social mobility; (c) the erosion of the functions of the family, these being taken over by external organizations such as schools, businesses and the state; (d) the greater significance of achieved status undermining the value of status within the family and in kinship groups.According to Goode members of a family engage in role bargaining. What this means is that they will maintain kinship relationships if such relationships bring them rewards commensurate to their efforts to maintain them. In fact, developments in communication and transport make it feasible to maintain kinship relationships, but in practice modern industrial society means that individuals gain more by rejecting kinship relationships than by maintaining them.He supports this point by noting how extended family patterns are more frequent among members of the upper classes since for individuals in the family maintaining family connections can bring economic benefits. The main Functionalist theorists of the family are G P Murdock and Talcott Parsons. Murdock argued on the basis of his studies that the nuclear family was a universal social institution and that it existed universally because it fulfilled four basic functions for society : the sexual, reproductive, economic and education functions.Other non-Functionalist sociologists have argued, however, that the existence of the Nayar, the single matrifocal families common among Afr0 Caribbeans and increasingly common more generally and the small number of gay and lesbian families are suggest that the nuclear family is not in fact universal. The Functionalist perspective on the family has been further developed by Talcott Parsons whose theories focus heavily on nuclear, heterosexual families to the exclusion of other family forms.The main aspects of Parsons' theory as developed in the USA in the 1950s were as follows: 1. industrialisation led to the gradual replacement of extended families by nuclear families because industrialisation demands greater geographical and social mobility; 2. industrialisation leads also to processes of structural differentiation which implies that new more specialised social institutions such as factories, schools and hospitals develop to take over some of the functions previously performed by families; 3. his means therefore that the nuclear family loses s ome of its functions but it remains crucial in relation to the two functions which it does retain: the socialisation of the young and the stabilisation of adult personalities; 4. within nuclear families roles are allocated between husbands and wives in accordance with the assumed instrumental characteristics of males[ which makes them more suited to paid employment outside of the home] and the assumed expressive characteristics of females [which makes them more suited to childcare and domestic work. Ronald Fletcher also analyses the family from a Functionalist perspective but he denies that the modern nuclear family has lost functions to the extent suggested by Talcott Parsons. Thus Fletcher argues that even if the family is no longer a unit of production , it is a unit of consumption which can be appealed to by advertisers keen to sell a wide range of household appliances so as to maintain profits.Also parents do supplement school education by providing advice and help more effecti vely than in the past; greater understanding of diet and exercise may mean that the family can play a greater role in health maintenance; and also given the limitations of the Welfare State, the family, and especially women within the family may continue to play a major role in the care of elderly relatives some of whom may not wish to enter old peoples homes. The Community Care initiatives of Conservative Governments [1979-97] may have increased family responsibilities in this respect. * Marxism and The FamilyThe main elements of the Marxist approach to the analysis of the family may be listed as follows. 1. Whereas according to Functionalists the socialisation process as it operates within the family (and elsewhere)   is seen as encouraging conformity with desirable norms and values which contribute to overall social stability, according to Marxists the socialisation process in the family and elsewhere results in the transmission of a ruling class ideology whereby individuals ar e deceived into accepting the capitalist system and the dominance of the capitalist class more or less without question.Especially children are encouraged to accept parental authority more or less without question in the family which prepares them to accept authority more or less without question in the work place in later life. 2. The growth of the home centred privatised family encourages concentration on family concerns, relatively orthodox interests and relatively, moderate mainstream political views at the expense of wider   loyalty to ones work mates   and more active and radical engagement with political issues which thereby reduces the likelihood of meaningful political action to challenge the capitalist system. . Insofar as the family operates as a unit of consumption it can be targeted by advertisers to encourage the increasing purchase of goods and services upon which the continuing profitability of capitalist industries depends. 4. It has been argued by some Feminist s in criticism of Marxism that it concentrates excessively on    exploitation of the working class and not enough on the exploitation of women. 5. However Marxist Feminists do give more attention to the exploitation of women within the family.For example   the family produces labour at low cost to the capitalist system in that wives are not paid directly for bearing the children or for their upkeep. 6. Also wives also provide a range of services for their husbands at far less than their market value. If wives were paid fair wages for all of these services, employed husbands would also have to be paid much more which would reduce the profitability of capitalism. 7. Wives may also absorb the frustrations of their husbands which otherwise might be turned against the capitalist system.Marxists argue that it is the frustrations of working in the capitalist system which are the main, even if indirect cause of domestic violence. 8. Since many women see themselves as mainly housewives i f they are actually in paid employment and become unemployed they are often more prepared to return to their housewife role without criticism. According to Marxists they are a part of a Reserve Army of Labour which can be hired when demand for goods and services is high   and work is plentiful but dismissed relatively easily when economies fall into economic recession.The capitalist system is strengthened by this flexibility to hire and dismiss workers as economic circumstances change. * Structural  Functionalism, Marxism, â€Å"the† Family and Socialisation: An Exercise Let us use the following exercise to illustrate the differing approaches of Structural Functionalists and Marxists to the socialisation process as it operates in the family. [a] According to Structural Functionalists capitalism   is: democratic, economically efficient, unequal but fair and meritocratic.Because the capitalist system works well in the interests of all of its members there will limited con flict in society and a consensus that the capitalist system is working well and should be continued in the future. To promote the continuation of capitalism individuals will be socialised in the family and elsewhere to accept norms and values which will promote the continued existence of capitalism which , as stated is beneficial to all. b] According to Marxists capitalism   is   : dominated both economically   by the Bourgeoisie and at the expense of the exploited proletariat; grossly unequal as a result of which many members of the proletariat live a rotten existence with little chance to develop their potential; dominated politically by the Bourgeoisie whose political influence is hidden by the â€Å"sham institutions of a pretend democracy†.In such a situation you might expect the Proletariat to rise up in revolt but they do not do so partly because they are socialised to accept not a set of norms and values   which operates to their own advantage but a ruling cla ss ideology which is a set of ideas which prevents the proletariat from realising the causes of their exploitation and encourages them to accept the very capitalist system which is actually the source of their discontents. Assignment:   Complete the following table. [The sections marked ** are already â€Å"complete† although you might like to extend them further. Aspects of Family Socialisation| Implications for Individual and Society| For Talcott Parsons the key functions of the nuclear family are the socialisation of the young and the stabilisation of adult personalities. Children are socialised to accept the authority of the parents and to accept the key values and norms of their society. | For Functionalists this means that children begin to learn that legitimate authority should be accepted in school and workplace which will enhance learning capacity and economic efficiency.Marxists believe that when children are socialised to accept authority this can have adverse co nsequences for the individual in later life because†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ | The Functionalist Talcott Parsons argues that in the 1950s and 1960s the core values of US society are beliefs in meritocracy and individual achievement so that career progress is possible if sufficient efforts are made: this is the so-called â€Å"American Dream. † Children are socialised within the family to accept these values| For Functionalists such values are functional for the system [i. e. ontribute to the stability of the system] because†¦. For Marxists it is quite simply a myth that US society is organised on meritocratic principles but belief in the myth inhibits criticism of the system. Also preoccupation with one's own achievements detracts from consideration of the direction which society as a whole is taking. | The above point may be taken to imply that children will also be socialised to believe in the necessity of a competitive spirit and to measure their progress and even their happines s in terms of their income, wealth and possessions. For Functionalists such attitudes are beneficial because  Marxists are critical of such attitudes because| **  Children may be socialised to accept that family loyalties are more important than loyalties to other groups   i. e. they are socialised to believe that â€Å"blood is thicker than water† or that â€Å"charity begins at home. â€Å"| For Functionalists such values strengthen the family and help it to fulfil its functions. For Marxists family solidarity may weaken social class solidarity and /or dissuade children from consideration of wider issues related to the inequities of capitalism. According to Parsons traditional gender roles are appropriate because they are in accordance with the â€Å"instrumental† characteristics of men and   the â€Å"expressive† characteristics of females. Children are socialised in various ways to accept these traditional gender roles. Note that Feminist sociologi sts[ including Marxist Feminists} are especially critical of the Functionalist analysis of gender roles. | For Functionalists this is beneficial for the individuals concerned and for the society as a whole because†¦Marxists and Feminists are critical of the Functionalist approach to gender roles socialisation because†¦.. | Children may be socialised to accept the general political attitudes of their parents which are often [but not always] likely to involve some support for existing liberal democratic institutions, voting for one of the main political parties and a general absence of political radicalism| For Functionalists such political views are beneficial because†¦ Marxists are critical of such political attitudes because†¦ | **  The Family and the stabilisation of adult personalities. Functionalists argue that men and women can lead happy and fulfilling lives as a result of the deep personal relationships which are forged within families and, in addition,à ‚   family life helps to remove some of the tensions which arise out of work conditions and relationships. Marxists agree that family life can be happy and fulfilling but they emphasise that capitalism results in exploitation and alienation which are likely to create tensions within many families. Although in some cases family life can make capitalism bearable , only the ending of capitalism can result in human emancipation. |

Lv Ptlls

The purpose of assessment falls into 5 main categories. Initial, (at the beginning) diagnostic (example: testing for existing knowledge), formative, (ongoing) summarize (at the end) and passive (self). Gravels states, Assessment is a regular process: it might not always be formalized, but you will be observing what your learners are doing, asking them questions, and reviewing their progress. So why do we actually assess learners?Gravels (2012) argues that â€Å"It enables you, the assessor, to ascertain if you the learner has gained the required skills ND knowledge needed at a given point towards a course or qualification†. Further reasons to asses are that assessment can highlight weakness and highlight strengths, it is also an excellent piece of feedback for both students and teachers which can be used for a review also. The first assessment that should take place should be an initial assessment. This will ensure that the learner is on the right course.Gravels (2012) states that if you place the learner on a course qualification they may not achieve, it is placing them at a distinct disadvantage. Completing an initial assessment goes however also have positive aspect, if the learner shows a lack of knowledge in a specific area the teacher would be able to plan for specific need and make arrangements for future learning, therefore promoting equal opportunities by allowing a range to different ability learners to complete the program.CAD (2012) describes an initial assessment as â€Å"Initial assessment of each newly arrived pupil's learning helps teachers consider the pupil's specific needs and plan opportunities that will help remove any barriers to learning they might have†. Formative assessments are always ongoing throughout a course, it will roved opportunities to adapt learning to the students needs, it will also highlight any weakness that may need to be addressed, thus improving learning. In a care job this may be done by supervisions, wat ching how people work.Guidance and support should be given on any areas they are no so good at. Constructive feed back in many opinions are best to use. Just like a driving test many fail first time yet more than 95% of those who attempt eventually pass. (Petty 1 998) Summarize assessments sums up what a candidate can do, a summarize assessment usually leads to a pass or fail situation. However, an NV is scribed as a â€Å"competence-based qualifications. They reflect the skills and knowledge needed to do a job effectively, and show that a candidate is competent in the area of work the NV framework represents. CAD (2012). A disadvantage of this type off assessment is that an NV is a qualification you should not fail you are given time to pass and are allowed to practice and make mistakes this may imply that failure is k, and that you can just to start again but in care a job should be done first time and no mistakes should be made, this would be an ideal world but after all we are human and mistakes re made. That is where an NV has its advantages it allows you to make mistakes and try again and by doing this you are constantly learning and you become more competent in what is to be done.For effective learning to take place it is important to involve the learner in the assessment process. Initially this could be done by sharing and clarifying the assessment process with the learner ensuring they understand what the assessment criteria is and how they can meet that criteria. After the assessment it is important to give the learner useful feedback that they can fleet on and actions that they could take for further assessments. Gravels states â€Å"All Learners need to know how they are progressing and what they have achieved.F-dieback will encourage and motivate them†. Giving Feedback is an essential part of the assessment cycle, feedback shows and encourages both learners and trainers how they are progressing. It is not a criticism and should be helpful to learners to understand their behavior and actions. Scales (2008) states â€Å"The willingness of learners and teachers to give and receive feedback is at the heart of formative assessment'. The feedback sandwich is a well trusted and standard model of delivering feed back.The trainer should first ask learners for self assessment followed by trainers positive recognition Of achievements and strengths on top. Feedback should be neither too extensive nor brief and if there are many areas of change a learner need to address, a maximum of only 3 should be given initially, so the learner is not overwhelmed. Feedback being a two way process should be delivered in a positive manner, be it verbally, written or electronically. Its delivery should be descriptive, instructive and targeted specifically at the learners areas of development in order to motivate them.Feedback is an essential part of effective learning. It helps students understand the subject being studied and gives them clear guidance on how to improve their learning. Questions must be asked thought or as learning is ongoing to ensure there is an understanding. Peer and self assessment are a great way of involving learners as it allows them to give constructive feedback. Self and peer assessments are always ongoing. Looking at gaps and what else needs doing. Improving own knowledge and looking at difficulties. Discuss with others who can support you to over come things.Encourage sharing of knowledge and Information. Self-assessment plays an important part in enhanced learning as by making the learner think about their own strengths and weaknesses it enables them to highlight those areas of skill or knowledge on which they need to work. Learners can also be used as a learning resource explaining something to another student for example or by giving peer feedback, by getting the learner to take on the teacher's role it makes them think about their own knowledge and how to get that knowledge across thereby promoting self- assessment.Peer assessment really helps the rapport of the group as they are working together by giving constructive criticism and points for development. Peer and self-assessment, where students assess each other and themselves, can encourage students to take greater responsibility for their learning, for example, by encouraging engagement with assessment criteria and reflection of their own performance and that of their peers. Through this, students can learn from their previous mistakes, identify their strengths and weaknesses ND learn to target their learning accordingly.Getting students to become more active in their learning in this way can help to alter the perception of learning as being a passive process whereby students listen to you and absorb the information in order to regurgitate during a subsequent assignment. If students are participants rather than ‘spectators', they are more likely to engage with their learning. For peer evaluation to work eff ectively, the learning environment in the classroom must be supportive.Students must feel comfortable and trust one another in order to provide honest and constructive feedback. Instructors who use group work and peer assessment frequently can help students develop trust by forming them into small groups early in the semester and having them work in the same groups throughout the term. This allows them to become more comfortable with each other and leads to better peer feedback. Assessment methods vary greatly and each have their own strengths and weaknesses.A test or questioning would be two good initial assessments as they can be used to gauge how much prior knowledge a learner has. They could also be used as formative assessments comparing the answers to the earner's earlier answers to measure how far they have progressed. Limitations of tests and questioning can be some people can crumble at tests. Know it all but cannot get it down onto paper also may find it difficult to expla in. Tests may cause anxiety and cause people to feel pressured. May only allow for specific answers without chance to expand.Tests and certain types of questioning may not be suitable due to barriers. Lack of confidence or even ability to read can affect the person. Other support may be needed to allow them to complete the task. An observation makes for a good formative or summarize assessment as it ivies the learner the opportunity to demonstrate the skills and or knowledge they have gained, the drawback of an observation however is that the natural behavior of anything being observed is likely to be altered by the observation.Assignments are another method of assessment, again they give the opportunity for the learner to demonstrate knowledge and can be used either as a formative or summarize assessment. However they can be very intimidating if the learner struggles with putting concepts into words. Historically exams were used as a means of summarize assessment, when regained cor rectly an exam is difficult to cheat and a good way to measure knowledge, the drawback however is that not everyone is suited to sitting exams.Nerves, environmental factors even the quality of sleep the night before could all affect the results. Another useful assessment tool is the learning journal (can be formative and summarize) used in part by the author. This informative method can be used by either learners or trainers. It reinforces learning points by listing, promotes creative thinking by asking learners/trainers to compile a tool kit of materials or ideas. It also allows reflection on learning and empowers learners to express any concerns they may have or what personal development needs they may aspire too.Limitations can include not having correct information to begin with, information must be needs to be factual and concise. Not everything can be documented/recorded. One of the major disadvantages of journals, logs and portfolios is the difficulty some students experience , through lack of familiarity and practice, with writing reflectively. The superficial accounts of events that can result from this have little educational alee – for either the assessor or the assessed student.Record keeping is the documentation of information imparted in regards of codes of conduct, over time they are the evidence of what the learner has achieved and will also show what other knowledge needs to be provided. Records are usually kept on paper files and/or electronically; Good, accurate records are important for teachers, learners, verifiers, training providers, and inspectors and for employers as they can keep a track on the individual's development and progress as well as in the teachers/college performance ND professionalism in delivering the subject.Additionally, it is a legal requirement to keep accurate and up to date records on learners as it serves as a clear channel for external, as well as internal, audits; providing accurate and up to date records i s to prove and account for the training/lesson effectiveness and the progress of learners or even special needs for other learners. An example is records of course/ lesson attendance will show up gaps in knowledge. Records should identify if further action is required and, if so, a record of the action should be completed. Assessment forms will operate in a similar way.

Italy

The setting of the story is mainly in Italy. This is where all the action of the story takes place. Fred is in Italy at the beginning of the war and he joins the Italian army. The city that Fred is stationed in throughout most of the book is Gorizia. Frederic Henry meets a beautiful English nurse named Catherine Barkley near the front between Italy and Austria-Hungary. At first, Henry's relationship with Catherine is an complicated game based on his attempt to seduce her, but when he is wounded and sent to the American hospital where Catherine works, their relationship progresses and they begin a passionate affair. After his recovery in the hospital, Henry returns to the war front. During a massive retreat from the Austrians and Germans, the Italian forces become disordered and chaotic. Henry is forced to shoot an engineer sergeant under his command and in the confusion is arrested by the Italian military police for the crime of not being Italian. Disgusted with the army and facing death at the hands of the battle police, Henry decides he has had enough of war. He dives into the river to escape. After swimming to safety, Henry boards a train and reunites with Catherinenow pregnant with Henry's childin Stresa. With the help of an Italian bartender, they escape to Switzerland and attempt to put the war behind them forever. They spend a happy time together in Switzerland and plan to marry after the baby is born. When Catherine goes into labor things go terribly wrong. The doctor announces that her pelvis is too narrow to deliver the baby. He attempts an unsuccessful Caesarian section, and Catherine dies in childbirth. To Henry, her dead body is like a statue. He walks back to his hotel without finding a way to say good-bye. The overall tone of the book is sad, confused and love. Frederick's actions are determined by his position until he deserts the army. Floating down the river with barely a...

Proof of U.S. Citizenship Documents

Proof of U.S. Citizenship Documents Proof of U.S. citizenship must be established when dealing with all levels of U.S. government. Documents proving citizenship must be provided when applying for Social Security benefits and when applying for a U.S. passport. Increasingly, states are requiring proof of citizenship when applying for â€Å"enhanced† drivers licenses as required by the federal Real ID Act. Documents Serving as Primary Evidence of U.S. Citizenship In most cases, documents serving as â€Å"primary† proof or evidence of citizenship are required. Documents serving as primary evidence of U.S. citizenship are: Birth Certificate or certified copy of Birth Certificate issued by a U.S. State or by the U.S. Department of State (for persons born abroad to U.S. citizen parents who registered the child’s birth and U.S. citizenship with the U.S. Embassy or consulate);U.S. Passport, issued by the U.S. Department of State;Certificate of Citizenship issued to a person born outside the United States who derived or acquired U.S. citizenship through a U.S. citizen parent; or Naturalization Certificate issued to a person who became a U.S. citizen after 18 years of age through the naturalization process. The Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth should be obtained by persons who were born abroad to U.S. citizens. If you cannot present primary evidence of U.S. citizenship, you may be able to substitute secondary evidence of U.S. citizenship, as described by the U.S. Department of State. Secondary Evidence of U.S. Citizenship Persons who cannot present primary evidence of U.S. citizenship may submit secondary evidence of U.S. citizenship. Acceptable forms of proof of secondary evidence of U.S. citizenship depend on the appropriate situations as described below. Early Public Records Persons born in the United States but unable to present primary evidence of U.S. citizenship may submit a combination of early public records as evidence of your U.S. citizenship. Early public records must be submitted with a Letter of No Record. Early public records should show name, date of birth, place of birth, and preferably be created within the first five years of the person’s life. Examples of early public records are: Baptismal certificateHospital birth certificateCensus recordEarly school recordFamily Bible recordDoctors record of post-natal care Early Public Records are not acceptable when presented alone. Delayed Birth Certificate Persons born in the United States but unable to present primary evidence of U.S. citizenship because their U.S. Birth Certificate was not filed within the first year after their birth may submit a Delayed U.S. Birth Certificate. A Delayed U.S. Birth Certificate filed more than one year after your birth may be acceptable if: It lists the documentation used to create it (preferably early public records, andIt is signed by the birth attendant or lists an affidavit signed by the parents. If the Delayed U.S. Birth Certificate does not include these items, it should be submitted together with Early Public Records. Letter of No Record Persons born in the United States but unable to present primary evidence of U.S. citizenship because they do not have a previous U.S. passport or a certified U.S. birth certificate of any kind must present a state-issued Letter of No Record showing: Name,Date of birth,The years for which a birth record was searched, andAcknowledgment that no birth certificate was found on file. A Letter of No Record must be submitted together with Early Public Records. Form DS-10: Birth Affidavit Persons born in the United States but unable to present primary evidence of U.S. citizenship, you may submit Form DS-10: Birth Affidavit as evidence of your U.S. citizenship. The birth affidavit: Must be notarized,Must be submitted in person,Must be submitted together with early public records,Must be completed by an affiant who has personal knowledge of birth in the U.S.,Must state briefly how the affiants knowledge was acquired, andShould be completed by an older blood relative. NOTE: If no older blood relative is available, it may be completed by the attending physician or any other person who has personal knowledge of the persons birth. Foreign Birth Documents and Parent(s) Citizenship Evidence Persons who claim citizenship through birth abroad to U.S. citizen parent(s), but are unable to submit a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth must submit all of the following: Foreign birth certificate (translated into English),Evidence of citizenship of the persons  U.S. citizen parent,Parents marriage certificate, andA statement of the person’s U.S. citizen parent detailing all periods and places of residence or physical presence in the United States and abroad before their birth. Notes See Documentation of U.S. Citizens Born Abroad for additional information.For information on foreign-born children adopted by U.S. citizens, see the Child Citizenship Act of 2000.Foreign language documents should be accompanied by an informal or formal English translation. Unacceptable Documents The following will not be accepted as secondary evidence of U.S. citizenship: Voter registration cardArmy discharge paperSocial Security Card

The Colorful History of Lipstick

The Colorful History of Lipstick Lipstick by definition is a cosmetic used to color lips, usually crayon-shaped and packaged in a tubular container. No individual inventor can be credited as the first to invent lipstick as it is an ancient invention, however, we can trace the history of the use of lipstick and credit individual inventors for creating certain formulas and methods of packaging. The First Lip Coloring The actual term lipstick wasnt first used until 1880, however, people were coloring their lips long before that date. Upper-class Mesopotamians applied crushed semi-precious jewels to their lips. Egyptians made a red dye for their lips from a combination of fucus-algin, iodine, and bromine mannite. Cleopatra was said to have used a mixture of crushed carmine beetles and ants to color her lips red. Many historians give credit to the ancient Arab cosmetologist, Abu al-Qasim al-Zahrawi for inventing the first solid lipsticks, which he described in his writings as perfumed sticks rolled and pressed in special molds. Innovations in Lipstick Packaging Historians note that the first cosmetic lipstick manufactured commercially (rather than homemade products) occurred around 1884. Parisian perfumers had begun to sell lip cosmetics to their customers. By the late 1890s, the Sears Roebuck catalog started to advertise and sell both lip and cheek rouge. Early lip cosmetics were not packaged in their familiar tubes that we see used today. Lip cosmetics were then wrapped in silk paper, placed in paper tubes, used tinted papers, or sold in small pots. Two inventors can be credited with inventing what we know as the tube of lipstick and made lipstick a portable item for women to carry. In 1915, Maurice Levy of the Scovil Manufacturing Company invented the metal tube container for lipstick, which had a small lever at the side of the tube that lowered and raised the lipstick. Levy called his invention the Levy Tube.In 1923, James Bruce Mason Jr. of Nashville, Tennessee patented the first swivel-up tube. Since then the Patent Office has issued countless patents for lipstick dispensers. Innovations in Lipstick Formulas Believe it or not, the formulas for making lipstick used to consist of such things as pigment powders, crushed insects, butter, beeswax, and olive oil. These early formulas would only last for a few hours before going rancid and often had ill effects on ones health. In 1927, French Chemist, Paul Baudercroux invented a formula he called Rouge Baiser, considered to be the first kiss-proof lipstick. Ironically, Rouge Baiser was so good at remaining on ones lips that it was banned from the marketplace after being considered too hard to remove. Years later in 1950, chemist Helen Bishop invented a new version of long-lasting lipstick called No-Smear Lipstick that was very successful commercially. Another element of lipstick formulas effects is the lipsticks finish. Max Factor invented lip gloss in the 1930s. Like much of his other cosmetics, Max Factor first invented lip gloss to be used on movie actors, however, it was soon worn by regular consumers

Childhood vaccinations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Childhood vaccinations - Essay Example Describing her helplessness, another polio sufferer writes, â€Å"I found it very frustrating to have an active mind in a permanently disabled body† (Gillan 1). Many individuals suffer from completely preventable diseases that could have been avoided if they were vaccinated in childhood. The very fact that a disease as preventable as polio was allowed to ruin so many lives makes it unbearable. Despite the awareness on immunizations and vaccinations, the multi-million dollar investments made by governments on vaccinations, the free camps and vaccination drives organized every day, there are many who fail to get their children immunized or are too scared to do so. Failure to get children immunized puts them at risk of innumerable life-threatening or permanently disabling diseases that would otherwise have been completely preventable. It is argued here that children should get immunized and that the recommended dosage of vaccinations is the right of every child, as much as is his right to living. The World Health Organization (WHO) has a Millennium Development Goal 4 for reducing child (under five years of age) mortality by up to two thirds by the year 2015 (â€Å"10 facts on immunization† who.int). According to reports millions of children die every year from diseases that could have been prevented through immunization. Vaccination is also a key strategy for the prevention of emergence of pandemic infections. The WHO reports that vaccination results in the prevention of about 2-3 million deaths all over the world each year (â€Å"10 facts on immunization† who.int). Deaths in all age groups from pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, measles and polio have been prevented through vaccination, which is â€Å"one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions† (â€Å"10 facts on immunization† who.int). However, many individuals fail to get their children immunized,

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

Research - Essay Example He also feels this especially towards Biff who he thinks was doing particularly well until he went on to campus and failed his mathematics and thus never finished it. The psychological context is also brought out by the fact that Willy’s family and friends feel that he is losing his sanity (Miller 15). Happy and Biff discuss the mental degradation of their father but do not bring this out to him since they feel that he would not accept what they are telling him, his wife Linda is also aware of his mental problems but won’t tell him either because she is trying to unite the family which already appears on the verge of splitting up. Willy’s problems do however show themselves when he gets into an argument with his boss Howard over the rejection of his application for a town job. Willy loses his temper over a trivial matter showing his volatility and the dangers of depression. Willy’s spiral into depression is also shown by his constant hallucinations. He con stantly hallucinates of his past years of success such as 1928 when he was driving a red Chevrolet (Miller 13) of having conversations with his older brother as well point to his dementia. The constant hallucinations are thought to be a defense mechanism for the harsh realities that he is facing and were to prevent the onset of full scale depression, this however is not avoided as at the end of the play he still succumbs to it and commits suicide. Several factors are responsible for this depression the most important being his denial of the reality that he is not as successful as he imagines himself to be, and that Biff was never the successful football player that he imagines himself to be The success that Biff had was instead a touchdown that he scored while in high school. Willy’s imagination of success is shown when he goes to confront Howard’s father about his sacking citing the time in 1928 when he earned an extremely large bonus, he defends himself towards his b oss by citing the time twenty years ago when he found financial success and this is what he uses as his defense to have himself reinstatedâ€Å". The play is set in 1949 showing that Willy’s peak are twenty years past and yet he still clings on to them to prevent his acknowledgement that he is not as successful as he dreams(Miller 82). The theme of unrealistic parental expectations is constantly shown in Willy who believes that his son Biff is a failure, he wants his son to take up a job as a salesman and constantly berates him for not, he keeps reminding him about his high school successes and clings on them as proof that Biff has potential. He also keeps pressuring Bill to marry as he says that he was popular with everybody both boys and girls but as Linda points out Biff is rough with women and so it is difficult for him to settle down (Miller 31). The relationship between Linda and Happy also show how her expectations of him are more than what he can be even when trying, she complains that Happy should be doing more with his life and yet Happy is constantly providing money for her and Willy to use to supplement his income. Happy also has motivation to succeed and wants to become the manager of his store however

Global marketing 'ensure' Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Global marketing 'ensure' - Essay Example It has concentrated in making the product available for those in the Saudi Arabian market that are lactose intolerant. The guiding principles towards ensure innovation are development of a wide range of formats and filter types that satisfy multiple requirements. Additionally, the innovative advancement in relation to ensure adopts the use of chromatography technologies and pall membrane technologies that offer micro filtered milk products that have longer shelf lives and fresher taste, functional ingredient so high value and milk concentrates. Due to the use of these technologies, the Saudi Arabian market will continue to maintain loyalty to the product and have trust in its quality. The relative advantage of ensure examines the degree to which it will be advantageous in the new Saudi Arabian market compared to the existing or competing brands. The rate to which Ensure milk product will be adopted in the Saudi Arabian market will depend on this relative advantage. The use of innovation as a product development priority is one of the things that will make the milk product gain relative advantage in the Saudi Arabian market. The Saudi Arabian market perception of the product as quality one due to application of latest technologies will help in shaking off competition. If the customers are able to see certain attributes in ensure milk that are seemingly better than in its competitors, they will embrace Ensure nutrition milk. The rate of adoption will be directly proportional to the increase in relative advantage. Additionally, the innovative aspect has a bearing on price (Latham, 2006). On one side, it helps Abbott in its competitive pricing. Increasing the prices or lengthy time taken in learning how deal with the product will affect the product’s adoption rate negatively. The Saudi Arabian market perception of the product as an innovative on is directly related to the level of compatibility

Managing Activiies to Achieve Results Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Managing Activiies to Achieve Results - Essay Example Here, for this assignment, this author has chosen the example of a pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, where these themes are equally applicable. Pharmaceutical industry is highly competitive, and every step of functioning in this industry is governed by business process management to improve products and services to the customer with maximal efficiency. An efficient system must be usable, and people must be convinced about the usefulness of it. Thus the developmental journey must be people centric, where the trench people must not feel excluded. They need to be consulted, listened to, trained and communicated with on a regular basis. They must understand the business process and its benefits. Conviction of people about the reasons of the process change, the necessity of it would promote them to take ownership and responsibility. The organisational structure would enable that. The organisational structure and culture are important parameters and preconditions for fostering an environment where people would understand clearly what is expected of them and how they are significant in the new structure and process (Morrill, 2008). There are many components in the structure and culture. The components are logically connected in such a way that there is a meaningful concept of fitment among the different components of organisational struc ture and the cultural settings. In the stated organisation, the decision makers implement change processes interpret and utilise the environmental culture to shape the organisational structure. Sometimes depending on the situation, a double-loop change process is utilised where within the organisational structure, the members of one culture impose their favoured structures on organisational members coming from different cultures. Sometimes, again depending on the situation, the organisational hierarchy utilises the naturally socially constructed organisational structure and culture (Walsh, 2004). Mission and Aim of Organisation and Effects on Structure and Culture The objective and aim of the organisation has important impacts on its culture and structure. If by organisational structure we mean formalisation and centralisation and if organisational culture means participative decision making, support and collaboration, and learning and development, both must interrelate. The aim and objective of this organisation is to produce innovative pharmaceutical products, and thus it means technological processes, administrative control, and product manufacturing. Studies by Jantan et al. (2003) have shown that both participation in decision making and support and collaboration and learning and development have demonstrable positive effects on administrative innovation. Although structural variables appear to be unaffected, they may affect the cultural variables (Jantan et al., 2003). Bate et al. (2000) highlights the role of aims and goals of an organisation in shaping the structure and

Humanities Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 4

Humanities - Essay Example The statue of david is a sculpture of a nude man standing and represents the heroic David of the bible. The eyes of the sculpture are turned towards Rome in what looks like a stare of warning. On the other hand, the Pieta depicts the dead body of Jesus on the laps of his mother, Mary. The sculpture portrays a balance of classical beauty and renaissance ideals. Michelangelo’s works were entirely involved in the services of the Catholic Church (Creighton 25). He was a man of pessimism in his poetry and optimist in his artwork. He is considered to be one of the greatest artists and architect during the Renaissance period. His artwork consisted of paintings and sculptures that revealed humanity in its natural state. The renaissance was a period between 1500 and1700. During this period there was a rebirth of interest in the ideas of the classical period. In this period the ideas of Hippocrates and Galen were studied and the four humors become the focus of medical treatments and bloodletting became very popular (Lobenstine 78). Science began in this period (renaissance period) and it changed (got replaced) superstition into medicine. This period also saw the founding of the royal society, in the year 1660, a body of leading scientists. People in this period had to be educated and had to have knowledge in both science and arts like Leonardo da Vinci (Lobenstine 83). He was well known for his art works (like the Mona Lisa) and he was also a scientist and regularly attended dissections. The reformation happened during this period largely as people were thinking about the things around them and were not ready to accept what had always been. During the renaissance period (1517) Martin Luther brought out a list of things that he thought were wrong with the church to a door of a church in Wittenberg in Germany. These ideas threatened the Catholic Church as many people liked them and protested about the Catholic Church, these people came to be known as the Protestants

Managing Activiies to Achieve Results Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Managing Activiies to Achieve Results - Essay Example Here, for this assignment, this author has chosen the example of a pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, where these themes are equally applicable. Pharmaceutical industry is highly competitive, and every step of functioning in this industry is governed by business process management to improve products and services to the customer with maximal efficiency. An efficient system must be usable, and people must be convinced about the usefulness of it. Thus the developmental journey must be people centric, where the trench people must not feel excluded. They need to be consulted, listened to, trained and communicated with on a regular basis. They must understand the business process and its benefits. Conviction of people about the reasons of the process change, the necessity of it would promote them to take ownership and responsibility. The organisational structure would enable that. The organisational structure and culture are important parameters and preconditions for fostering an environment where people would understand clearly what is expected of them and how they are significant in the new structure and process (Morrill, 2008). There are many components in the structure and culture. The components are logically connected in such a way that there is a meaningful concept of fitment among the different components of organisational struc ture and the cultural settings. In the stated organisation, the decision makers implement change processes interpret and utilise the environmental culture to shape the organisational structure. Sometimes depending on the situation, a double-loop change process is utilised where within the organisational structure, the members of one culture impose their favoured structures on organisational members coming from different cultures. Sometimes, again depending on the situation, the organisational hierarchy utilises the naturally socially constructed organisational structure and culture (Walsh, 2004). Mission and Aim of Organisation and Effects on Structure and Culture The objective and aim of the organisation has important impacts on its culture and structure. If by organisational structure we mean formalisation and centralisation and if organisational culture means participative decision making, support and collaboration, and learning and development, both must interrelate. The aim and objective of this organisation is to produce innovative pharmaceutical products, and thus it means technological processes, administrative control, and product manufacturing. Studies by Jantan et al. (2003) have shown that both participation in decision making and support and collaboration and learning and development have demonstrable positive effects on administrative innovation. Although structural variables appear to be unaffected, they may affect the cultural variables (Jantan et al., 2003). Bate et al. (2000) highlights the role of aims and goals of an organisation in shaping the structure and

Ford Galaxy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Ford Galaxy - Essay Example Ford Galaxy is a seven-seater luxury large Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) developed jointly by Ford and Volkswagen and was first introduced in 1995. During the Frankfurt Motor Show held last September 2005, the latest Ford Galaxy model was unveiled. It will be available in the market in the middle of 2006. In the Motor Industry Facts 2006 published by SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd.), total car registration in UK reached 2.4 million as of 2005. In table 1 below, Lower Medium segment remains to be the most dominant car type in the industry owning 31.2% of the market. Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra, and Renault Megane are among the products included in this category. However, total car registration was down by 5% compared to 2004. Major factors attributed to such decline were lower consumer spending, increasing interest rates, and intense competition in the industry. Very evident in the last three years in the industry was the shift of consumer preferences in terms of car type. Share of Superminis like Corsa, Fiesta, and 206 went down by 3.9% while its alternative Lower Medium increased market share by 2.8%. Furthermore, SUVs or Dual Purpose 4x4s and MPVs increased share in the industry New car registrations can be classified as non-private (fleet and business) and private. An estimated of about 44.1% of total car registrations were categorised as private vehicles. ... In terms of non-private, 49% were contributed by business segment and the remaining 7.3% for fleet. Table 1 MPV's or minivans are slowly gaining popularity in the industry resulting to a 3-year compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% against total industry CAGR of -1.6%. However, total MPV declined by 8% which is somewhat similar to the situation of the total car industry. MPVs are also known as people carrier, multi-utility vehicle, or to some extent as minivan. A typical MPV can seat 7 people or more, relatively higher than normal sedans, and can be characterised as a family car. It is further segmented in three major categories - mini-MPV (e.g. Hyundai Matrix), compact MPV (e.g. Vauxhall Zafira), and large MPV (e.g. Ford Galaxy) depending on its body size and seating capacity. Market Needs In the survey involving 3,000 new car buyers conducted by Vauxhall Motors last 2003, reliability turned out to be the most important consideration affecting car purchase. Price which was the primary consideration in year 2002 fell to 4th position. Comfort, fuel economy, price, exterior size and space in vehicle are other leading considerations influencing car purchase in UK. Market Forecast Car registration forecast in 2006 is still negatively skewed according to SMMT. Expected new car registrations will be around 2.375 million or -2.7% compared to actual car registration in 2005. Weak economic forecast which is directly related to weakening consumer spending is considered as one of the significant deterrents in 2006. Conversely, diesel demand is predicted to increase in the coming years. Competition General target buyers for MPV are young families with children age 6 to 11 years old who want better fuel economic savings. The growing fierce

Quantitative and Qualitative methods Essay Example for Free

Quantitative and Qualitative methods Essay On being Sane in insane places Rosenhan, (1973). Rosenhan orchestrated one of the most famous studies criticising basic psychiatric concepts and practices; his intention was to test the hypothesis that psychiatrists cannot reliably tell the difference between people who are genuinely mentally ill and those who are not. (Coordination Group Publications 2009; Richard Gross 2010).  Eight psychiatrically normal people presented themselves at the admissions offices of twelve different psychiatric institutions in the United States complaining of hearing voices or auditory hallucinations, all eight were admitted, eleven with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and one with manic depression; after which they stopped claiming to hear voices and assumed their normal selves. They were eventually discharged with schizophrenia and depression in remission; however it took an average of nineteen days to convince staff that they were well enough to be discharged. (Coordination Group Publications 2009; Richard Gross 2010). Rosenhal has claimed that psychiatrists cannot reliably tell the difference from those that are sane and insane, Rosenhal argues that psychiatric labels stick in a way that medical labels do not therefore everything a patient does is interpreted in accordance with the diagnostic label once it has been applied; he suggested that instead of labelling a person as insane we should instead focus on the individuals specific problems and behaviours. (Rosenhal D. L. 1973). The study demonstrated the limits of classification and also the appalling conditions in many psychiatric institutions; this has stimulated considerably greater research and has led to many institutions improving their philosophy of care. Rosenhal, like other anti-psychiatrists is arguing that mental illness is a social phenomenon and merely a consequence of labelling although those who suffer from severe mental illness might disagree. (Rosenhal D. L. 1973) Validity is much more difficult to assess than reliability as for most mental disorders there is no absolute standard against which diagnosis can be compared, the primary purpose of making a diagnosis is to enable a suitable programme of treatment to be chosen thus aiding in an individuals potential recovery. Bannister et al (1964) found that there was simply no clear-cut connection between diagnosis and treatment in one thousand cases, one reason for this seems to be that factors other than diagnosis may be equally important in deciding on a particular treatment. (Coordination Group Publications 2009; Richard Gross 2010). Construct validity is the most relevant form of validity in relation to diagnosis, according to Davison et al (2004), the categories are constructs because theyre inferred, not proven entities; a diagnosis of schizophrenia doesnt possess the potential status of a physical disease, but even in the more extreme psychotic states its not possible to separate or divorce such a debilitating illness from the individual. (Coordination Group Publications 2009; Richard Gross 2010).  Davison et al believe that the DSM diagnostic categories possess some construct validity, some more than others; however, according to Mackay (1975): The notion of illness implies a relatively discrete disease entity with associated signs and symptoms, which has a specific cause, a certain probability of recovery and its own treatments. The various states of unhappiness, anxiety and confusion which we term mental illness fell far short of these criteria in most cases. (Richard Gross 2010).  Pilgrim (2000) argued that that calling madness schizophrenia, or misery, depression, merely technicalises ordinary social judgements. What is gained by calling someone who communicates unintelligibly schizophrenic? Similarly Winter (1999), argues that: Diagnostic systems are only aids to understanding, not necessarily descriptions of real disease entities. (Winter, 1999).  Classifications are needed in psychiatry, as in medicine, primarily to aid communication regarding the nature of patients problems, prognosis and treatment. It is invaluable when exchanging and/or communicating information about individual cases if there is some agreed universal terminology available and if a label can be assigned that distinguishes one patients disorder from anothers. (Claridge and Davies, 2003; Gelder et al., 1989; Richard Gross, 2010). The fact that there are different classification schemes demonstrates that theres a certain degree of arbitrariness about how people are diagnosed, DSM-IV and ICD-10 merely represent the current beliefs of experts in the field regarding how such psychological disorders should be classified. (Richard Gross, 2010).  The fact that they, (DSM and ICD) are not identical indicates that the diagnostic categories they suggest are somewhat arbitrary and often represent compromise. This is bound to be the case, since the contents of both merely result from decisions made in committee by groups of professionals, experienced in their own fields, but often of differing theoretical persuasion or clinical expertise. (Claridge and Davis 2003; Richard Gross, 2010).

Emergence of management accounting

Emergence of management accounting Introduction Management Accounting deals with providing information for internal users, mainly the managers. Since they are the section of people who directs and controls the operations of the firm, the information that Management Accounting provides is very useful. Some of the basic management activities are: Planning: Considering various alternatives and choosing the best among them. Control: Ensure that the chosen plan is being followed and whether there are in line with the objectives of the firm. Directing and Motivating: Activities need to be monitored and employees need to be motivated and encouraged to ensure smooth and effective functioning of the organization (Seal, W et al., 2006). Emergence of Management Accounting The concept of Management Accounting evolved during the Industrial revolution of the 19th century. During that period, most of the companies were controlled and owned by a few managers. Elaborate financial reports were not demanded as there were no external shareholders. The 20th century saw a lot of changes in the economy; companies were required to submit detailed financial reports in order to satisfy the capital markets, taxation purposes and creditors (Seal, W et al., 2006). Earlier, production technology was simple, with products passing through a series of distinct phases of production. So, it was easier to identify the associated material and labor costs, thus direct labor was used as the basis for assigning indirect costs to products (Ashton, D et al., 1995). Role of Modern Management Accounting Organizations are under pressure to not only make decisions on a day to day basis but also to chalk out a plan that will help them to survive and grow in the ever changing market place, considering the fact that they will be faced with uncertain circumstances. The main role of modern management accounting is to provide the various levels of management with information that is relevant to make sound decisions and to add value to the company. It is slightly different from traditional accounting because they provide managers with essential information in time to set targets, minimize the cost, develop standards, monitor performances and compute variances, thereby improving the quality of the products with reduced wastage. Apart from these, Management accounting aids in improving the flexibility and innovative capacity of the organization, thus making continuous changes to improve its financial and non financial performance to stay on track with the rapidly changing economy (Atkinson, An thony A et al., 1997) (Prit, 2009). Shaping an organization Management Accounting can help shape an organization in the following ways: Provides accurate and timely information to help cut costs, measure and improve the productivity. Information on product costs helps in the introduction of new products in the market, pricing decisions and, if required, abandonment of obsolete products. For large and decentralized organizations, it is essential to motivate employees using appropriate incentives and benefits. This decision is based on the results provided by the management accounting system. Acts as a communication tool which the upper management uses to communicate with the middle and lower management and vice versa. Information about the organizational goals and strategy is passed on to the operational divisions and feedback is communicated back to the upper management (Kaplan, Robert S., 1987). Binds the operational and strategic goals together in order to ensure that the performances of the operational divisions are aligned with the organizational goals (Ashton, D et al., 1995). Management Accounting shaped by organization An organization can also have an impact on this accounting system in the following ways: In order to successfully grow in the rapidly advancing market, customer satisfaction has become the prime focus. This affects the kind of information required by the organization and demands sophisticated form of management accounting system. Since organizations are divided into sub units, the interdependence among them would be very high. As a result the dynamics of the information needed has changed. Due to increased coordination among organizations, the gap between suppliers and employees are getting narrow. This has led to changes in the way that organizations collect and use management accounting information (Atkinson, Anthony A et al., 1997). A major computer revolution has brought about a significant reduction in the information collection and processing costs and has eased the work of accountants (Kaplan, Robert S., 1987). Management Accounting a Global phenomenon The challenge faced by companies today is; the alignment of local business processes with the global objectives and strategies. Since the organizations are widely dispersed and decentralized, integration of the sub units and its operations has become vital in order to compete in the global market. This requires management of various organizational relationships, internal, external, vertical, hierarchical, horizontal and lateral ties. In the growing global economy, management accounting is required to: Manage the flow of vertical and lateral information within organizations. Integrate and coordinate activities of units located in various locations (Scapens, R et al., 2007) (Ashton, D et al., 1995). Reduction in tariffs, ease in worldwide transportation and removal of other trade barriers has increased competition as more and more companies are entering the market, thus, the need for management accounting is increasing too. For example: Since business is expanding widely, outsourcing has become a great deal and countries like India and China are leading the way in this area and have a competitive edge over other firms (Seal, W et al., 2006). Impact of globalization Management accounting is shaped by various changes in the global environment, such as: Rapidly changing business climate has increased the research opportunities in the area of management accounting. Many of the countries in the world are re-structuring themselves. Countries like Taiwan, India and parts of Eastern Europe are slowly moving into large scale privatization. This has the altered the global competition scene. Shaping global organization Management Accounting plays a major role in shaping the global: Aids in stabilizing transfer of currency and the transfer of goods and knowledge between companies located in different countries. Manages the fluctuations in currency by the purchase of financial instruments like futures and options. Enables coordination and integration among the various activities of a globally dispersed organization. Helps to monitor and evaluate the performance of its subsidiaries (Ashton, D et al., 1995). Helps in building stronger political relationships between the firm and the government of the country where it has its operations. These ties can have positive impact in the form of tax breaks, subsidies etc. 3 Recent developments in Management Accounting Techniques a) Balanced Score card This technique consists of an integrated set of performance measures that are derived from and also helps the companys strategy. It develops a strategy for the company to further it objectives successfully (Seal, W et al., 2006). The characteristics of this technique: Helps the management to clearly state the vision and strategy in a tangible form. Helps in communicating the objectives and strategy to the employees and encourages them to set individual goals and align them to the organizational objectives. Develops measures to evaluate the performance. Four perspectives of a Balanced score card: Financial- concerned with profitability. Customer- concerned with customer satisfaction, retention of previous customers and acquiring new ones. Internal Business process- concerned with the internal processes that will help in attracting and retaining customers. Learning and growth- concerned with the long term growth and development of the organization. The balanced score card is used in both the manufacturing and service sectors. An example of a company in a service sector that uses this technique is the National Insurance Company. It is the property division of one of the major US insurance companies. In the year 1993 they launched the score card technique with revenue of $4 billion dollars. Unfortunately this never worked for the company and ended up making huge losses, until a management team was brought in to make repairs. They moved the company from a generalist strategy to a specialized one, thus, helping National Insurance to regain the profitable position in the economy. The balanced score card technique has its advantages and disadvantages. Advantages: Helps in providing periodic and systematic feedback. Helps in quantifying the vision and objectives of the organization. Helps to set individual goals and aligns them with the organizational objectives, thus, uplifting the morale of the workforce. It focuses on both, financial and non financial factors (Kaplan, R.S Norton, D. P,1996) (â€Å"Balanced Scorecard for Corus Group PLC†). Disadvantages Balanced score card is all about developing a strategy and if the management devises an ill-defined and unclear one, it will lead to a futile and confusing score card. Sometimes looked upon as a purely top down approach, where the strategy is created at the top and imposed upon the employees (â€Å"Balanced Scorecard: Panacea or poisoned chalice?†). The implementation of this technique can be time consuming and difficult and may not include the interests of the shareholders, suppliers and employees (â€Å"Balanced Scorecard for Corus Group PLC†) (Kaplan, R.S Norton, D. P, 1996). b) Just in time This management technique was first developed in Japan by Taiichi Ohno in the 1970s. Toyota Motors Corporation was the first one to adopt Just in Time technique as part of its production system. In this technique raw materials go into production as soon as they are received, the manufactured parts are completed just in time to go into the assembling process and they are shipped to the customers as soon as they are completed. The main features are, materials would be purchased only for the day to day requirement and there would be no goods in process at the end of the day as they are all delivered to the customers immediately (Seal, W et al., 2006). The Just in Time technique is most commonly used by the manufacturing and merchandising sectors. An example of a manufacturing firm using this technique: In the year 1992, the sales of one of the leading car manufacturers, Porsche declined to less than 15,000 and had a loss of about $133 million. The timely appointment of two Japanese experts identified the problem as wasteful inventory in the shelves. A quality control program was introduced to reduce the number of defective parts. Ever since, their earnings have jumped to about $55 million and huge sales of about 34,000. It would be appropriate to mention about a service sector using the Just in Time technique. McDonalds adopted this technique to compete with their competitor Burger King and Wendys. They had to carefully study the system and spend approximately $25,000 in each of its outlets. This was implemented to ensure that the customers would be served with the freshest food within 90 seconds of ordering and also to cut stock costs, which would ultimately lead to staff savings (Garrison and Noreen, 2003). The benefits and disadvantages of Just in Time technique are: Advantages: Reduction in warehousing and ordering cost. Can make use of the extra floor space which would otherwise be occupied by inventory, thus, avoiding any planned expansion that could result in extra expense (Kaplan, Robert S., 1987). Throughput time is reduced; as a result, the companies can give quicker responses to customers. The rates of defective units are reduced, therefore, less wastage and cost effective production. Disadvantages: If any parts are found defective, the whole production process would be held up. Companies are fully dependant on their suppliers, since they have to be able to provide defect free goods. Implementation can be slightly difficult as the workers required to operate under this system needs to be multi skilled and flexible (Garrison and Noreen, 2003). c) Activity Based Costing Towards the end of 1980, Activity Based Costing became a popular form of costing among the organizations. This provides managers with cost information to make strategic decisions. Under this system, overhead cost pools are allocated to the products and other costing objects using a measure of activity. The indirect costs are also allocated to different cost pools, based on the activity. The costs are all attached to each product on the basis of the cost drivers associated (Garrison and Noreen, 2003) (Ashton, D et al., 1995). A large number of organizations have adopted Activity Based Costing. One example of a company in the service sector, in a developing nation, that is successfully using this technique is Tata Consultancy Services; one of Indias largest consulting organization. They used this method to identify issues in their software business. With the help of Activity Based Costing, Tata Consultancy was able to find out that the quality assurance, testing and correction costs were having a negative impact on their profitability. This costing technique provided the required cost information to help the managers set appropriate priorities and monitor the detection costs (Garrison and Noreen, 2003). Activity Based Costing has its own advantages and disadvantages. Advantages: Simple to operate and can be easily understood. Focus is mainly on what causes the costs to increase. Absorption rates are closely linked to causes of overheads. Disadvantages: Implementation and maintenance is expensive. The changes may not be accepted easily by the employees, they may resist. Managers sometimes insist on including sustenance costs and idle capacity costs, this may result in overstated costs. Activity Based costing reports does not conform to the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. This may require the companies to have two cost systems which can be an expensive affair (Garrison and Noreen, 2003). Bibliography Seal, W., Garrison, Ray H. Noreen, Eric W., 2006. Management Accounting. 2nd ed. Berkshire: McGraw Hill Education, 1:2-12, 17: 763-765, 19: 840-844. Garrison, Ray H. Noreen, Eric W., 2003. Management Accounting. 10th ed. New York: McGraw Hill/ Irwin, 1:13-17, 8:316-320, 338-339, 10:445-454. Ashton, D., Hopper T. Scapens, Robert W., 1995. Issues in Management Accounting. 2nd ed. England: Pearson Education Limited, 1:3-5, 3:46-47, 6:115-116, 14:300. Hopper T., Scapens, Robert W. Northcott, D., 2007, Issues in Management Accounting. [e-book] England: Pearson Education Limited, 4:65-69. Available at: Google e-books http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=k3La7WnBBGICprintsec=frontcoverdq=issues+in+management+accountingcd=1#v=onepageq=f=false. [Accessed 16 January 2010]. Johnson, H. T. Kaplan, R. S., 1987, Relevance lost: The Rise and Fall of Management Accounting. [e-book] USA: Harvard Business School Press, 1:4-6, 9:215. Available at: Google e-books http://books.google.co.uk/books?hl=enlr=id=yUgXuMBxAx4Coi=fndpg=PR11dq=Importance+of+Modern+Management+Accounting+Practices+in+Modern+Business+Organizationsots=eSpMcqbPoDsig=uHxwYxFfTyR-Sw5iT-dB6v1Y45U#v=onepageq=f=false. [Accessed 16 January 2010]. Atkinson, A. A et al., 1997. New Directions in Management Accounting Research. Journal of Management Accounting Research, [pdf] 9 Available at: http://miha.ef.uni-lj.si/_dokumenti3plus2/196128/Atkinsonetal.-1997-NewdirectionsinMAresearch.pdf. [Accessed 17 January 2010]. Kaplan, R. S. Norton, D. P., 1996. The Balanced Scorecard: Translating Strategy into Action. [e-book] USA: Harvard Business school Press. Available at: Google e-books http://books.google.co.uk/books?hl=enlr=id=mRHC5kHXczECoi=fndpg=PR7dq=balanced+scorecard+in+manufacturing+industryots=wv4Ut7B5Lasig=ryw-8YdLQig50o9bzJAnPXPUQto#v=onepageq=balanced%20scorecard%20in%20manufacturing%20industryf=false. [Accessed 16 January 2010]. Bizcovering, 2009. Importance of Modern Management Accounting Practices in Modern Business organizations. [online]. Available at: http://bizcovering.com/management/importance-of-modern-management-accounting-practices-in-modern-business-organizations/. [Accessed 16 January 2010]. â€Å"Balanced Scorecard for Corus Group PLC†. [online]. 123HelpMe.com. Available at: http://www.123HelpMe.com/view.asp?id=149201. [Accessed 17 January 2010]. Davies, R. W. (Dr.), 2009. Balanced Scorecard: Panacea or Poisoned Chalice? [online]. Available at: http://www.drrobertdavies.com/balancedscorecardsuccess.php. [Accessed 16 January 2010].

Essay on Yeatsian and Western Influences on Chinua Achebes Things Fall

Yeatsian and Western Influences on Things Fall Apart      Ã‚   The Igbo culture is flexible and continuous; its laws are made by men and are not solid and permanent. Change is implicit in oral culture. Igbos have been able to retain their core beliefs and behavior systems for 5000 years because of the flexibility and adaptability of their culture. Yeats says things collapse from within before they are overwhelmed by things from without- Umuofia's collapse is its loss of faith, and that is also its strength, it's refusal to fight. But this self-destruction, this bending of societal codes is what keeps the culture from being annihilated. One fundamental question that occurs while trying to figure out how Yeats fits into an understanding of this book is whether or not things really do fall apart. From Okonkwo's point of view they certainly do, but Okonkwo's is not the only point of view in the book. Do things fall apart for the rest of the Umuofia tribes, and for the Ibo people, or does their center still hold, and it is just a center that they never shared with Okonkwo? It is important to look at the construction of the novel and the way it ties in with Yeatsian theory on the rise and fall of civilizations, and on personal tragedy.    The Yeatsian vision of Western history is of a world of "alternating civilizations, each giving way to one another through its inability to contain all human impulses within the enclosed scheme of value and being replaced by all that is overlooked and undervalued"(Wright 80). A fundamental principle of Yeats' vision is that things must "collapse from within before they are overwhelmed from without" (Wright 79). The falcon must lose the connection with the falconer before the center begins to l... ...escapeÉHe wiped his machete on the ground and went away" (205). An enduring aspect of the center of the Igbo people is the ability of that center to change and adapt. In an unchanging time, OkonkwoÕs inflexible will guaranteed his success as a clansman of the Igbo, a culture remarkable for its flexibility, but when the culture had to change to prosper, Okonkwo lost his center, and became a truly tragic figure.    Works Cited Kartennar, Neil ten. "How the Center is Made to Hold in Things Fall Apart." English Studies in Canada. Downsview, Ont. University of Toronto Press. 1975 Simola, Raisa. "World Views in Chinua AchebeÕs Works." Frankfurt am Main: New York. 1995. Wright, Derek. "Things Standing Together: A Retrospective on Things Fall Apart." Heinemann. Oxford; 1990. Chinua Achebe: A Celebration. Ed. Holst, Peterson. Rutherford.      

Marketing Strategy Essay

From the table above it is evident that the decline of the economy segment has had little impact on Hein and Mann because their main target market entails exclusive and export markets. The score of 18 shows that there has been a huge impact of the competitor marketing campaigns to increase awareness on middle section segment of Hein and Mann, hence there have limited target market and are not able to reach a wider potential target market. The weight of 18 has a negative impact on Hein and Mann as there are losing their main target customers who purchase exclusive furniture, such as executives and professionals who are being retrenched and leaving South Africa. The score of 32% shows that Hein and Mann have shown growth in export business and expansion of their product range in the UK would competitive advantage in the market. Slow service delivery score 32 which means that Hein and Mann has faced low turnover of customers as most of them are considering using other suppliers who deliver on time promised and offer discounts. The score of 28 shows, that customer relationship with customers is important. However Hein and Mann do not show empathy towards customers. This in turn results in low turnover of customers. 2. Industry analysis of Hein and Mann Threat of new entrants There are many barriers that include high entry costs, in this case new entries in the furniture business would not succeed because heavy investment is required in marketing and purchasing equipment. This is an advantage for Hein and Mann as there have a guaranteed higher position in the industry. This is so because there have been operating in the industry for a long time and have vast experience, equipment, loyal customers and clients are aware of them in the market place. Hence the extent to which barriers to entry exist, the more difficult it is for other furniture firms to enter the market, therefore, Hein and Mann can make relatively high profits. Bargaining power of suppliers Hein and Mann as suppliers produce exclusive and quality pine furniture, this in turn makes them acquire a distinctive image in the industry. It could be difficult for dealers to switch to other suppliers in the industry because of the loyalty of customers to Hein and Mann furniture, therefore Hein and Mann would make profit because there are few alternatives of furniture firms that dealers would switch to. Competitive Intensity or rivalry Hein and Mann is faced with rivalry as there is increase of competition between existing firms, this proves to be a challenge to generate high profit because companies such as Furniture City and Beares are opting to switch to other suppliers that provide discounts and value customer relationships. Threats from substitute of buyers Hein and Mann customers, such as beares and Furniture City have shown the ease with which they can switch to another supplies of furniture. This is so because customers perceive other alternatives to be similar to Hein and Mann furniture. The furniture industry for Hein and Mann is attractive, as there have experience in the industry and understand the market in which there are operating in. 3. Market Orientation Market orientation is defined as is an organisational culture dedicated to delivering superior customer value, that is concentrating on designing and selling products that satisfy customer needs in order to be profitable, (Gronroos, 2010). In relation to the case study on Hein and Mann, it is evident that there do not value customers as there show no empathy and provide slow services and do not consider to implement new strategies such as offering discounts such as their competitors. However the products that they design are of high quality which shows that they sell products that satisfy their target markets. Advantages of market orientation * According to Wang & Ahmed (2009) an organisation that is market oriented has improved market-sensing capabilities and thus improved market responsiveness, particularly in more hostile and unpredictable environments. * An organisation through market research will have a strong understanding of the needs of the customer and this would reduce product failure as new products have a greater chance of gaining success in the market, (Modi & Mishra, 2010). An organisation that is market oriented is flexible to changes in the environment as it enables to adapt and adjust successfully, (Wang &Ahmed, 2009). Disadvantages of market orientation * For an organisation to be market oriented it is highly expensive. As extensive market research, to understand the market need to be conducted, (Gronroos, 2010). * An organisation has to constantly change internally as needs of the market are met. * Risk of underestimating the market and the consumer can be a result of market orientation, which might led to product failure.