Abraham Darby and the Iron Revolution

Abraham Darby and the Iron Revolution Englishmen Abraham Darby  (1678 - 1717) invented coke smelting in 1709 and, advanced the mass production of brass and iron goods. Coke smelting replaced charcoal with coal in metal foundries during the process of refining metals; this was important to Britains future since charcoal at that time was becoming scarce and was more expensive. Sand Casting Abraham Darby scientifically studied brass production and was able to make advances in that industry that turned Great Britain into an important brass goods exporter. Darby founded the worlds first metallurgy laboratory at his Baptist Mills Brass Works factory, where he refined brass making. He developed the process of sand molding that allowed iron and brass goods to be mass produced at a lower cost per unit. Before Abraham Darby, brass and iron goods had to be individually cast. His process made the production of cast iron and brass goods a continuous process. Darby received a patent for his sand casting in 1708. Greater Detail Darby combined the existing technologies of casting iron with casting brass that produced goods of a greater intricacy, thinness, smoothness, and detail. This proved important to the steam engine industry that came later, Darbys casting methods made the production of the iron and brass steam engines possible. The Darby Lineage Decedents of Abraham Darby also made contributions to the iron industry. Darbys son Abraham Darby II (1711- 1763) improved the quality of coke smelted pig iron for forging into wrought iron. Darbys grandson Abraham Darby III (1750 - 1791) constructed the worlds first iron bridge, over the Severn river at Coalbrookdale, Shropshire in 1779.

Differences of the New England and Chesapeake Regions essays

Differences of the New England and Chesapeake Regions essays What was life like for the American colonist at the end of the seventeenth century? Well, if someone were to ask the residents of Chesapeake and New England they would almost certainly get an analysis of two very distinct societies. Due to geographical, climatic, economic, and moral differences, New England and Chesapeake developed into completely dissimilar regions. The effects of climate and geography had an extremely opposite reaction in reference to New England and Chesapeake. A harsh climate in Chesapeake allowed diseases such as malaria, dysentery, and typhoid run ramped. Half the people born in early Virginia and Maryland did not live to see their twentieth birthdays. In addition families were both few and fragile in this fierce environment. But while Chesapeake was dealing with a harsh climate, New England was reaping the benefits of cleaner water and cooler temperatures that prevented the spread of killer diseases. In contrast to the fate of the Chesapeake residents, new Englanders added ten years to their life by moving there. One settler even claimed, a sip of new Englands air is better than a whole draft of old Englands ale. The healthy environment of New England contributed to a more family centered life compared to the Chesapeakes. Along with different climates came different economic practices. Although unhealthy for the Chesapeake residents, tobacco cultivation proved to be perfectly suited for the region. Almost 40 million pounds of tobacco a year was exported out of Chesapeake by 1700. This increase in tobacco meant more labor in the form of indentured servants. Both Virginia and Maryland engaged in a headright system. Under this method whoever paid for the passage of the worker, were rewarded with fifty acres of land. By 1700 Chesapeake planters brought some 100,000 servants to the region. Eventually these free white slaves grew restless...

Creative Designs E-commerce Company Analysis Essay

Creative Designs E-commerce Company Analysis - Essay Example Keeping in view the importance of the eCommerce for increasing the sale of the products worldwide, I have decided to build a company name ‘Creative Designs’ which would provide eCommerce solutions and facilitate its customer by providing advertisement / marketing packages of the developed eCommerce website over the internet. Initially, this document provides a brief description of the business goals of the Creative Designs along with the functions and facilities which would be provided by the website of the Creative eCommerce. The document presents an analysis of the competitors of the Creative Designs, determines the targeted audience of the Creative Design’s website, the facilities to be provided to the customer / user of the website, a competitor analysis and website prototype. Business Goals and Website Goals The goal of the Creative Designs is to become one of the leading companies for the development of eCommerce solutions and advertisement products. ... These companies provide website applications along with eCommerce solutions. But it is pertinent to mention here that these companies only provide eCommerce solution, however, the Creative Design has planned to give not only the eCommerce solution but also the search engine optimized web application and also advertise the website to make it available at the top when searched through the searching engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc. Hence, the Creative Design can earn more revenue as compared to its competitors (Avangate, 2013; Gravit-e, 2013). Targeted Audience and Use Environment The targeted audience of the website includes the companies having small and medium businesses and interested to make their presence over the internet to sell their products online in all or some parts of the world. There are three types of software would be utilized to develop the website of the Creative Design include: the application software, system software and utility software. The Microsoft Window s 7 is one of the system software would be utilized in the project. Moreover, the project would utilize the utility software includes: the Symantec Server along with endpoint protection and Resident Shield. The application software would be used for planning the project and developing the website for advertising the project include: the Adobe Dreamweaver, Java Applets, PHP, JavaScript, Macromedia Flash, Microsoft Project, Notepad and the Microsoft Office (Calhoun, 2003). User Tasks The users of the Creative Design website would be facilitated to register themselves with the company by providing their relevant information. After creation of the account

HR Proposal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

HR Proposal - Essay Example According to Yousef (2004), the Middle Eastern countries have the lowest levels of social and economic development in the world. The population in this region is approximately 313 million with a GDP of $732 billion (Yousef, 2004). Unemployment rate in Middle East is 15% which is among the highest rates globally (Yousef, 2004). This includes women rate of unemployment which is higher than the males. The role played by the women in the Middle East workforce is very little but very crucial. As more and more women enter the workforce, it is encouraging for the new generation women to take education which was once thought as an unnecessary thing (Ross, 2008). As women participate in the workplace, it open ups the view that they can earn their own income and thus contribute to the household besides the traditional household duties. For this reason, many Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia and UAE are increasing the women percentage in the workplace by expanding the jobs available to them. Most of the employment sectors heavily populated by women are education and health care (Rubin, 2007). According to a census in 2000, the women workforce occupied 74% of primary school, 54% of secondary school and a certain percentage of them were involved as police officers, military officers and taxi drivers (Rubin, 2007). The role of women in the workplace in Middle East is increasing especially in countries such as Egypt, Bahrain, Lebanon, Morocco and Kuwait as the governments are trying to provide better facilities to increase female participation. Female entrepreneurs are increasing rapidly. Many firms are operated by females in the aforementioned regions which are well-established, technologically advanced, productive and comparable to the male-owned firms not just regionally but globally (Ghimire, 2006). Most of these firms, according to Ghimire (2006), are 1.7 times more productive as compared to those owned and run by men. For example, a B2B trading

Case Study of McDonalds Essay Example for Free

Case Study of McDonalds Essay In the early 1940s, two brothers opened a burger restaurant that was based on standardized preparation called the Speedee Service System. This burger restaurant is now globally known as McDonalds. In 1976, McDonalds introduced the breakfast menu as a way to diversify sales and product selection. Today this multinational corporation serves nearly 54 million customers every day in 120 countries around the world. McDonalds first international venture was in Richmond, British Columbia, during 1967. Two of McDonalds main products were introduced in 1968, the Big Mac and the Egg McMuffin Sandwich. When the first McDonalds opened in Hong Kong in 1975, they were the first restaurants to consistently offer clean bathrooms, which drove customers to demand the same standards of other restaurants and institutions. McDonalds continually builds its brand by receiving customer input. This is why McDonalds is known as one of the most recognizable brands in the world. This case study illustrates how McDonalds marketing process works and how they overcome problems in the process. This case analysis will include a SWOT analysis of McDonalds, which looks at the internal environment of strengths and weaknesses and the external environment of opportunities and threats. It then examines alternative solutions to correct weaknesses, threats, and opportunities and concludes with recommendations with exact steps and a brief conclusion. S.W.O.T. AnalysisThis analysis was developed from the McDonalds website and various other online sources. Other information was provided by the textbook, Organization Behavior by Robert Kreitner and Angelo Kinicki. SWOT stands for internal Strengths and Weaknesses and external Opportunities and Threats. It will illustrate the opportunities and threats in McDonalds current environment, and compare it to their internal strengths and weaknesses. We will then discuss creative strategies to align their internal environment with their external environment and provide multiple alternatives and a recommendation. Internal AnalysisMcDonalds Corporation is a multimillion dollar global business because of the fact their strengths greatly outweigh their weaknesses. McDonalds is known globally because it is dedicated to the unparallel levels of quality service, cleanliness and values. McDonalds is also globally known because it is financially sound and recognized by the Fortune 500 and the Hoovers 500. We will provide the strengths and weakness of the McDonalds Corporation. We will also show the effect they have on their expansion throughout the globe and the direct impact it has on their financial records. This will be presented in descending order of importance throughout the strengths and weaknesses. McDonalds SWOT AnalysisStrengths1.The Companys developed global strategya.60% of McDonalds sales and all of its top 10 restaurants, (in terms of sales profits) are now overseas. b.McDonalds adapts to each countrys specific needs cultural differencesi. For example: In Japan, McDonalds had to substantially adapt its original U.S. style menu to include a McChao(a Chinese fried rice dish). When McDonalds introduced rice meals in Japan, sales jumped 30% in one year, and it continues to innovate in Japan with Teriyaki McBurger and Chicken Tatsuta. ii.The menu price has been adapted for each country. iii.The average Big Mac price for the U.S. is $3.00; China $1.26; Switzerland $5.64c.In 2005 McDonalds was ranked 8th out of the top 30 global brands. 2.Adaptation to cultural preferences and trendsa.Within the past 3 years, McDonalds has made several adaptations to their strategy by adding a more appealing breakfast menu, specialty coffees, and healthier menu options. b. McDonalds has also managed to adapt their individual franchises to the current trends and concerns in their individual geographical locations, simultaneously cutting costs. i.For example: In Europe, McDonalds discovered that children were content  with a simple word puzzle on a menu tray or a small stuffed animal and did not require more expensive Happy meal promotions that they used in the U.S. c.This year the worlds largest restaurant chain, with 31,000 locations, will spend $1.9 billion to open 800 restaurants and reinvest in existing locations. 3.The companys attention to global health concernsa.McDonalds menus offer a variety of food products that can fit into balanced, active lifestyles. Restaurants typically serve several types of hamburgers, grilled and fried chicken products, and fish and, in many cases, salads, fruits, and additional sandwich options. i.Many European countries have launched Salads Plus menus, including meal-size salad choices, a side salad, fresh fruit bag, and other options. ii.McDonalds Canada offers Toasted Deli Sandwiches. iii.McDonalds Hong Kong has a Fresh Choices Menu, with two salads and fruit yogurt. iv.McDonalds Australia offers a QuickStart breakfast menu, including a choice of cereals, juices, reduced fat or nonfat milk, and yogurt. v.McDonalds Taiwan serves a Toasted Rice Burger. vi.Apples are served whole or with other foods in more than 20 countries around the world. b.Many local business units are adding new salad, fruit, and vegetable offerings. c.Local business units are also expanding Happy Meal choices to include new sandwich, side, and beverage alternatives. These reflect a System-wide goal of ensuring that Happy Meals remain a choice moms feel good about and  children enjoy. 4.The Company has high environmental standards:a.Delivery Vehicles which can carry fresh, frozen and chilled food have resulted in fewer deliveries, enabling them to reduce diesel costs and fuel emissions. Also, fixed delivery schedules reduced the distance traveled in 1993 by 310,000 miles. b.Each McDonalds restaurant is carefully designed individually to fit into its local environment. This means listening to local concerns, fitting in with local scenery and landscaping drive-thru restaurants. Over 120 McDonalds restaurants are in conservation areas and over 30 are in Grade II listed buildings. c. McDonalds uses a minimum of 50% recycled content in corrugated cardboard boxes and ask that their suppliers do the same. All McDonalds food boxes and cartons are made from 72% recycled material, carry out bags are unbleached and made from 60-80% recycled material, while napkins and tray liners are 100% recycled paper. Additionally, all their picnic benches, drive=thru lane traffic bollards and most of the fencing panels are new restaurants are made from recycled polystyrene. d. McDonalds have made a commitment that, by 1995, they had reduced the volume of solid waste by 50%. They achieved this by using the three Rs: Reduce, Recycle and Reuse. 5.High percentage of minority employmenta.McDonalds has the largest number of minority and female franchisees in the quick service industry. b.More than 40.7% of all McDonalds US Owner/Operators are women and minorities. Weaknesses1.Worker shortagea.In all employment areas, there is a high demand for qualified workers. b.A new development that is creating even more employee demand is the new  immigration laws for the country and state. 2.Employee turn-overa.It is difficult to keep the employees already employed with McDonalds. i. McDonalds has a turnover rate of about 35 to 40 percent. b.People consider working at McDonalds embarrassing and look for employment elsewhere. c.Minimum wage doesnt keep good workers around. i. $5.85 per hour beginning July 24, 2007ii.$6.55 per hour beginning July 24, 2008iii.$7.25 per hour beginning July 24, 20093.Customer trends change and so do their choicesa.Quality and taste of products is declining. b.People are generally tired of the same brands that they had been using over the years, so when they do not see the expected innovation they migrate to new brands. c.People see McDonalds every where and this over exposure might also be a reason for abstinence. Moreover maintaining the standards of such a huge chain becomes feasible and when there is lack of quality service in one store it effects the whole brand. External Analysis The constant improvements in technology and the competitive marketplace challenge McDonalds with many opportunities and threats. McDonalds has a great management team that constantly looks for new opportunities because McDonalds is the industry standard on technology. Other opportunities for McDonalds would be to expand to all developing and developed countries around the world. Among the current and future threats, there are thousands of fast-food chains in the world, most of the new fast-food franchises are concentrating on having a healthy image, so therefore McDonalds needs to continue to improve  their healthy choice menu. This will be presented in descending order of importance throughout the opportunities and threats. Opportunities1.New Technologiesa.Computers that are also tablesi.These computers that are also tables will be very handy because people do not like standing in lines and having to wait to order. Now all customers have to do is find a table and sit down and start ordering. This will pay off even more because customers will be able to special order their food easier which will in-turn reduce the mess up orders because customers will do it themselves. ii.These computer tables will also make it very easy for customers to pay for their food or even split the bill if they want to. All customers will have to do is lay their credit card or debit card down on the table and then pick what food you want to pay for and drag it over to where your card is laying and then click ok that is correct then use your finger to sign for the bill. 2.International Expansion and Franchisinga.There are only 17,000 McDonalds around the world and only located in 119 different countries. i.There are 194 countries in the world and McDonalds has lost of room to expand there restaurants to new countries. ii.McDonalds main concentration of expanding is in the ever growing in population of China. McDonalds wants to build as many drive thrus there as possible for the fast passed living. They have done research that there are 30,000 filling stations to put them in. b.Selling corporate owned McDonalds and turning them into franchises at home and abroad. i.Sold 18 businesses in Latin America and the Caribbeans. As a result these two countries will in turn franchise 1,600 restaurants. 3.New Food Items and New Programsa.Here in America we are accustomed to one of the programs that they are trying to add all over the world. This would  be known as the dollar menu. In Europe they are calling it the Eurosaver, China has the RMB 5, and Latin America features the McMenu. b.In Latin America they are experimenting with something called McAhorro. This is a program of special pricing of certain products during certain times of the day or on carious days of the week. c.In Egypt their McDonalds are trying something completely new to McDonalds and this is having a carryout. Other countries also doing this now are Turkey, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia. d.New food items that became popular in Latin America are the McCafe coffee and dessert concepts. Which are Expanding to other McDonalds in other countries to see how they fair. e.New Healthy Foodsi.Toasted deli sandwiches have now been put on a couple of McDonalds menus in Canadaii.McDonalds are starting to cook their French Fries in healthier oils and finding ways to cook their hamburgers to have less grease in them. iii.Mediterranean inspired Pitamac, a square pita bread sandwich that is open at the top and filled with spiced beef, grilled vegetables or chicken. iv.Introducing veggie burgers to more of their restaurants. v.Introducing water-based instead of oil-based salad dressings for their new premium salads. vi.Introducing healthier option with their meal instead of fries such as: salads, baked potatoes, yogurt, fruit, ect. Threats1.The biggest threat for McDonalds domestically is the lack of growth opportunitiesa.The market in the United States is well saturated and there is not a whole lot of room for growth. 2.Healthier eating habits. a.People are more worried about their health in todays society than they have ever been. McDonalds has introduced salads and other low fat items but it is hard for people to make the switch because the other food that McDonalds offers tastes great. 3.Fast food restaurant franchises as upcoming competition. a.The biggest competition would be taco and burrito franchises. This would be a threat because individuals get tired of eating hamburgers and fries and they want something different. b.McDonalds has the upper hand on most fast food restaurants because they serve breakfast. Recently Taco Bueno has added a breakfast menu and that could also be a threat for McDonalds. 4.Terrorisma.With McDonalds being a big retail food store with a lot of customers in the store daily. b.This could be a major threat not only to the store itself but to its customers also. 5.Global Competitiona.Through out the globe McDonalds is facing more and more competition because of other fast food chains entering the global markets. i.Burger King is the number two burger chain. It is located in over 65 countries now. In the US alone it has more then 11,200 locations. ii.Subway is the second largest quick serving restaurant. It has an astonishing 27,700 location abroad spanning over 85 countries. Another huge threat that this makes is that it now has more locations in the US than McDonalds. b.With global expansion McDonalds not only has to deal with other abroad competitors but the own countries fast food chains. McDonalds also has to get accustomed to the local eating habbits and taste so they will be able to satisfy their wants and needs. This means McDonalds will have to come up with new menu items for each country to fit their customs. i.Items that they have came up with to fit the taste and customs of consumers in Japan was to introduce the Mega Teriyaki Burger and the Triangle-shaped Mango Custard Pie. AlternativesAlternative 1- Technology UpdateImproving and Buying New Technology McDonalds has been improving many things at their restaurants in the past couple of years such as: remodeling, new menu items, and a drive-thru order speaker that shows you what you have ordered. McDonalds needs to make sure that they deep up with todays society and the new technology. One of the newest technology that McDonalds needs to consider purchasing is called Microsoft surface. This new technology well not only cut down on employee cost but it will help them keep up with the new way of life that time is money. ProsA. With Microsoft Surface computer tables in place it will make business quicker. i. People can sit down and order their food at the tablesii. There will be no waiting in lines which in turns saves people time. iii. Customers can pay at the end of their meals incase they want more food after their first order instead of going and standing in line again. B. Offer more things to do while waiting on your food and after you are done eating. i. Microsoft Surface also offers things to entertain your kids such as playing music to painting with their fingers. ii. Business people will find it handy because they can get on the internet and find thing they need or to get directions to their next destination and then can transfer it to their phones of PDAs. iii. Will older people like the new technology because it will be something new to them and will have to learn how to use it properly. ConsA. Microsoft Surface will be brand new technologyi. The cost of Microsoft Surface will have a very expensive price tag along with it. ii. Since it is a new product this means it will still have a few bugs in it that have not been found or worked out. B. How reliable with this new technology bei. Seeing how this is going to be used not only to order off of it will as be used as a table to eat and drink off of. Will the Surface be durable enough to handle messy food and drinks that will be spilled on it?Alternative 2- Improve Healthy menu OptionsMore Attention for Americas Healthy Menu Options- McDonalds has been successful in adding healthy menu options around the globe. However, throughout our study we have found that the healthy menu options for Americans are quite limited, and even more limited for the children in the United States. The PlanA.We feel that adding some healthy menu combination meals would really improve McDonalds sales. Americans dont want just a salad or chicken wrap as a meal, so why not add a combination meal that includes a salad, wrap, grilled chicken breast, or toasted deli sandwich with their choice of a healthy side, such as a fruit salad, yogurt, vegetables, or baked potato. B.Dont forget about our children. Moms arent just concerned about what they are putting in their mouths, their childrens health is just as important. If a mom can go to McDonalds and get a healthy meal, but there isnt anything healthy to feed her children, most likely shes going to choose a competing fast food franchise. Happy meals need to have options such as, a beef pot pie, turkey sandwich, or grilled chicken fingers.  Choices of sides could include a healthy macaroni and cheese, vegetables, fruit marshmallows, or even cottage cheese and strawberries. McDonalds could also really score some big points with parents if they added healthy lifestyle tips for kids on the happy meal sacks, or provided toys that promote exercise. ProsA.Americans love variety and choices. Thats exactly what this plan is giving McDonalds customers. Variety and healthy choices will not only satisfy current customers, but it will attract more business. B.One of McDonalds biggest customer bases is America. Providing these options for this customer base will also increase their profit intake. C.This plan also shows the people in the U.S. that McDonalds cares about their customers concerns. This is just one more way to attract business. D.Since the release of the movie Super Size Me McDonalds has been known as the fast food restaurant that makes Americans fat. The best way to improve this bad image is to implement the healthy menu options in America. ConsA.Adding more options to a menu also means adding costs for the business. It is more expensive to keep vegetables and fruits fresh than it is to keep the food they currently serve fresh. B.Even though Americans are very concerned about their health, there is a large number of people who dont want to do anything about it. People arent looking to be healthy when they go out to eat at McDonalds, and because of that, the new healthy food options may not sell as well as other well established items on the McDonalds menu. Alternative 3 Increasing WagesIncrease starting wages and implement frequent raises McDonalds has always been considered one of the worst paying jobs with the lowest skill level. Even though the working conditions are favorable, qualified workers do not want to work at McDonalds because it is embarrassing, but mainly because McDonalds does not pay their  employees enough. We think starting salaries should be increased as an incentive to want to work for McDonalds and turn the job into a career. ProsA. More dependable employees as applicants. i. The country is experiencing a huge worker shortage, but not only a worker shortage, but qualified, dependable workers. This alternative should help remedy that situation. ii. With higher starting wages and frequent raises for the employees, there should be a less percentage turn-over rate. If the employees are happy, they wont be looking for other positions elsewhere. ConsA. This increase will cost the corporation more financially. ii. This could limit the amount available in dividends to stockholders hurting future investments. RecommendationsTechnology updateIn order to remain in competition with not only fast food restaurants, but other restaurants as well, McDonalds will have to keep up with the growing technological society. This means taking advantage of any fast food advances that pertain to their area of service. The new technology will have to keep the pace of todays fast moving society, in which time is money. A specific technology that we recommend McDonalds take advantage of is the Microsoft Surface computer tables. This technology will be costly, if implemented in metropolitan areas it will be beneficial to not only the corporation, but also to McDonalds customers. Microsoft Surface computer tables will increase the contribution margin of the corporation by saving time, money, and order errors. McDonalds should gradually begin the implementation of the Microsoft Office table in major cities throughout the globe. As McDonalds begins to reap the benefits, and work out the kinks of the tables, the corporation should  gradually apply this product throughout smaller restaurants. This process will be very slow moving and costly, but it is key in ensuring McDonalds continued domination in global fast food service. ConclusionsIn todays fast paces, highly technological society McDonalds has been able to stay on top of the fast food service industry, while providing quality service, and timely deliverance of food. It is not an easy task to stay on top of technologies and changing tastes of customers. McDonalds will need to continue to research the changing eating habits and styles to attract new customers and keep the business of current customers. McDonalds has proven its concerns for customers and employees by experimenting with new facilities and foods they are proving to society that they are concerned with not only their health but their prosperity. McDonalds has a very promising future ahead of them and if they continue to adapt to society and new technologies. Refrences www.mcDonalds.com

Transcendental Meditation :: Blood Pressure Tranquility Papers

About forty years ago, Maharishi Mahesk Yogi pioneered the Transcendental Meditation program. The Transcendental Meditation technique is a natural, unforced practice that reduces stress and increases an individual’s mental and physical potential. TM (Transcendental Meditation) is often experienced for fifteen to twenty minutes twice a day. Typically, one meditates in the morning before eating breakfast; this practice helps the person start his day both alert and energized. The second meditation session occurs in the afternoon before dinner. During this practice, one washes away the stress accumulated over the day, and this session is the basis for a pleasurable evening and a restful night’s sleep (http://www.tm.org/book/chap_1.html). Maharishi’s Transcendental Meditation causes the mind and body to enter a unique, insightful state of mind that is both restful and alert. As the body benefits from a deep state of rest, the mind goes into a state of inner tra nquility and awareness. TM advocates claim that Transcendental Meditation is unlike any other forms of mediation or relaxation techniques. The TM program is more effective in reducing apprehension, improving mental health, increasing self-awareness, and reducing the abuse of cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol. Unlike hypnosis, Transcendental Meditation is normal and entails no proposals. The technique is simple to learn, is easy to practice, and does not include concentration or contemplation, which other forms of meditation and self- improvement do (http://www.tm.org/book/chap_9.html). â€Å"The result: Do less and accomplish more with greater energy, success, and satisfaction in everything you do† (http://www.tm.org/book/chap_9.html). A qualified teacher of the TM program is said to be the only person capable of teaching Transcendental Meditation. The course consists of seven steps. The first phase consists of an introductory lecture during which the individual is exposed to all of the possible benefits of the TM program. The second step, the preparatory lecture, teaches each person the procedure and the origin of the TM technique. Then, the individual must have an interview with a qualified teacher of the TM program. The fourth step includes personal instruction about how to learn the Transcendental Meditation technique. â€Å"Verification and Validation of Experiences† encompasses the final three phases. In the first of the three, the individual verifies the precision of the program and receives further instruction. Then, the person develops an understanding of the TM technique’s mechanics based on personal experiences.

The Case of Physician Disclosure of Information

Any medical information especially those which are involved in the practice itself or in the process of medical operations are just as important, or shall we say critical, as the information needed in an investigation by the police or the testimonials needed by lawyers in court or just any kind of information the human’s inquisitive minds require in understanding things. The on-going debate regarding the disclosure of physicians’ information which includes disciplinary records, hospital privileges and most especially the disclosure of medical errors, has yet to come to a close.Scholars and experts from different universities and institutions have been reviewing a lot of published related literature with the goal of coming up with the right decision regarding the case (University of Iowa, 2006). According to Science Daily (2009), although a lot of physicians have gone to protest, still some have been participating in the investigation by joining surveys and focus group d iscussions that would contribute to the study’s progress.It is the right of the physicians to disagree with what the study is proposing. At one point, records of errors which possibly may not be caused solely by the practitioner, is not enough for clients to use as judgment for the physician’s capability. In addition to this a study has shown that the lack of feedback when sending to report systems is one of the main reasons why doctors are not motivated to disclose their errors (bio-medicine.org, 2006). Given the fact that the experts who are primarily involved in the situation have already expressed thoughts regarding the case, it is still anybody’s responsibility to reveal important information especially the ones needed in the process of investigating what went wrong. According to Lauris Kaldjian, M. D. , Ph. D. , associate professor of internal medicine in the UI Roy J. and Lucille A.Carver College of Medicine, â€Å"The patient should be the main fous of the physician, but when a medical error has occurred, the professional involved is also to be considered† (bio-medicine. org, 2006). The physicians themselves as well as the hospitals, through disclosing information, should inform their clients well to be able to work closely with them in providing medical care. The Hillsboro Area Hospital could be an example as the details and affiliations of each physician can be accessed by clients through their website (. hillsboroareahospital. org, 2008). References: University of Iowa (2006, August 3). Studies Examine Physician Disclosure Of Medical Errors. ScienceDaily. Retrieved June 9, 2009. http://www.hillsboroareahospital.org/physiciandisclosure.php

Oedipus and Freud

Freud. But on the other and in some sort of situations or moments, according to what Dry. Freud called the unconscious level, we are capable of free our most deep emotions and feelings leaving aside the reason, and acting in a very primitive way. In both cases, these schemes are a predictable behavior or reaction that could be found and several times reproduced in different cultures with different structures. This is a never ending fight between reason and feelings.In order to clarify my point of view I will use some examples from the play Oedipus The King: A) The intelligence and sides of Oedipus I think, is the representation of our desire to control things according to our own schemes, we have to be In control of everything that we are capable of, we neglect our subconscious that In this case Is the prophecy and we Just try to avoid this kind of situations as possible with all of our will. But, what causes more anxiety is that we very deep know that we have to fight our subconscio us desires because they can show at any moment.For example: Page 749: locate: Why should anyone in this world be afraid, since fate rules us (Subconscious) and nothing an be foreseen? A man should live only for the present day (The satisfaction of emotions and feelings (subconscious more than reason Conscious because we are not responsible for what we decided, it is our fate) have no more fear of sleeping with your mother: how many men, in dreams, have lain with their mothers! No reasonable man is troubled by such things.Oedipus: That is true; only if my mother were not still alive! But she Is alive. I can not help my dread. (From a conscious perspective, be aware of our deepest Instincts and fight against them). B) lactate's Insistence of not Interviewing the shepherd: locate: For God's love, let us have no more questioning! Is your life nothing to you? My own is pain enough for me to bear. Oedipus: You need not worry, Suppose my mother a slave, and born of slaves: no baseness can touch you. locate: Listen to me, I beg you: do not do this thing!Oedipus: I will not listen; the truth must be made known. locate: Everything that I say is for your own good! , Oedipus: My own good snaps my patience, then; I want none of it. locate: You are fatally wrong! May you never learn who you are! In this lines I can understand the sire of locate to not let the reason to guide our will, instead of this a less conflictive solution will be found to keep things in the way they are, and you can read the warning that locate does to Oedipus cursing him to never know who he Is.This is again the fight between desire and consent, we from an unconscious level can desire a vast amount of feelings, but our reason and schemes help us to consent only what It Is appropriate. As Dry. Freud says: â€Å"he Is at the same time compelling us to recognize our own inner minds, in which those same impulses, though suppressed, re still to De Taunt. † c) I en sexual Impulse Tanat Dry.Freud ret ire In t : â€Å"l Is ten Tate AT all of us, perhaps, to direct our first sexual impulse towards our mother and our first hatred and our first murderous wish against our father†. I truly believe that Dry. Freud not only refers to a sexual impulse but to a large group of emotions that are represented by the mother and father, from our most basic needs like food, protection, to the most complex ones like sexual behavior with a desire or attraction and the desire of independence and power.

Critique of SRA Open Court Reading Curriculum for 3rd grade in light of Second Language Learners

Critique of SRA Open Court Reading Curriculum for 3rd grade in light of Second Language Learners Teachers need to understand that students, who are usually in their classrooms, come from different cultural backgrounds. Therefore, the learning process should cater for the different needs of the different students.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Critique of SRA Open Court Reading Curriculum for 3rd grade in light of Second Language Learners specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The SRA Open Court Reading curriculum for students in their third grades entails vocabulary, spelling, phonemic awareness, explicit phonics, writer’s craft, fluency, listening, grammar, usage and mechanics, writing process strategies, speaking and viewing skills, award-winning literature, text comprehension and penmanship. Supplemental materials obtained online, encyclopedias and related sources are used when a theme calls for wider exploration. Science and social studies are also integrated throughout the curriculum. This cur riculum is adequately diversified but, there is need to bridge cultures by ensuring that each and every student is fully involved in the learning process. This paper aims at doing precisely that, describing how teachers can incorporate a multi-cultural approach into the SRA Open Court Reading curriculum to enhance the learning process. The presence of students who are not within the mainstream of American culture and who speak English as their second language calls for a multi-cultural approach in learning. Those within the mainstream American culture are the Caucasians or the White who values American cultural traditions and values, and speaks English as the first language. It is evident that the Open Court Reading Curriculum adopts the set-up of an American mainstream class. In addition, students are given the opportunity to practice what they have learned on an individual basis and this is only suitable for the American mainstream students. The importance of integrating a multi-c ultural approach in the Open Court Reading curriculum is to ensure that all students are exposed to the same educational opportunities. The OPC curriculum is associated with academic failure amongst certain ethnic minority groups hence the need to incorporate a multi-cultural approach.Advertising Looking for critical writing on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It is quite obvious that students from other cultures different from the American mainstream face certain kinds of learning handicaps where American mainstream values dominate. These learning handicaps prevail from the fact that students experience discordance between home and school values. Subsequently, the learning capacity of the students is affected leading to poor performance (Gibson, 1984). The school should be a versatile place that can transform anytime in as far as the interests of the students are being catered for. The notion of minority a nd majority groups with regard to cultural diversity in America is inevitable. Both educators and parents need to undergo some form of training with regard to diversity of cultures and associated values. Both the educators and parents need to understand each other’s cultural values and practices so as to avoid conflicts that may jeopardize the achievement of the concerned students. Schools should ensure that they have training sessions to create awareness to their educators, who are mainly from the individualistic American mainstream. This helps the educators to adopt an integrated approach while teaching the students. Teachers therefore should embrace both the individualistic and collectivistic cultural approaches while teaching. The understanding of the dominating American culture by parents leads to the development of more explicit discussions with teachers on school practices and policies, and the rationales for them in a cultural context. The creation of awareness for bo th parents and teacher helps the students to acquire a dual cultural perspective, which enables them to accommodate school and home cultures. This enables the students to distinguish between the two cultures and develop a more open-minded approach to life in general (Trumbull et al. 2001). Trumbull and others talk about bridging cultures in schools by using an individualism/ collectivism framework. Some students come from collectivistic cultures, whose values are inclined towards inter-dependence and sharing and helping one another.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Critique of SRA Open Court Reading Curriculum for 3rd grade in light of Second Language Learners specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More On the other hand, the American mainstream students are from individualistic cultures that values personal autonomy, self-expression, self-determination, independence and personal achievement. It should however be not ed that despite the fact that there are individualistic and collectivistic cultures, the converse of these cultures are also prevalent within these cultures. This is to say that, an individualistic culture also values collectivism and the collectivistic culture also values individualism. The difference is in the prioritization of values within the different cultures. Therefore, an integration of both cultures would augur well for both of them since none would be imposing on the other (Trumbull, Rothstein-Fisch Hernandez, 2003). Trumbull et al. (2001) indicates the importance for educators, referred to as school personnel, to understand the concepts and ideas behind individualism and collectivism since both of these cultural values act as a guide to somewhat different developmental scripts for children, and schooling. Conflict between the two cultural values is manifested everyday in U. S. classrooms. The understanding of these two cultural orientations with reference to their role in shaping goals and behavior is a stepping stone for both teachers and parents in interpreting each other’s expectations and thereby working together in a harmonious way (Trumbull et al. 2001). A collectivistic culture is characterized by interdependence, sharing and helping one another. In addition, the actions of an individual aim at ensuring the well-being and success of the entire family. This is the complete converse of individualistic cultures characterized by total independence of people as each person is considered to be a complete unit. The actions of an individual affect only this individual person because there are no shared responsibilities and interests. Cultural conflict between the teachers, students and their families is very dangerous because it may ruin the efforts of very intelligent students. In collectivistic cultures, third grade students rely on their parents when it comes to decision making hence, in a language unit where students are meant to make th eir own decisions, these students may fail to do so. It is because of such reliance on parents that teachers perceive such students to be academically poor, yet this may not necessarily be the case. Lack of understanding the nature of the collectivistic culture from where these students come from regards such students as being of lower IQ when compared with their colleagues.Advertising Looking for critical writing on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More On the other hand, a proper understanding of the students’ carious cultures results in parental involvement since the parent, in such cultures, has full responsibility for his/her child. An understanding of such a practice by the teacher promotes parental involvement in a child’s learning process both at home and in school. There is need therefore for a positive relationship between the parent and the school personnel to prevail because this is the gateway towards the success and high achievement of the students (Clark, 2011). Learning vocabulary for example entails an array of activities and exercises. Students are meant to learn the antonyms of a particular word, compound words, contractions, figurative language, homographs, context clues, comparatives/superlatives, synonyms, prefixes, suffixes and much more related to vocabulary. The understanding of the values and practices of other cultures by the school personnel is followed by a wider perception of the non-Ameri can mainstream students’ abilities without conforming them to the US system. In this area of vocabulary, an educator can give detailed meanings and examples of words in the various languages as reflected by the different students in class. This creates a better understanding and usage of the word while speaking and writing (Grade Three, 2011). In addition, educators should include some classroom discussion sessions where students work together and share ideas and concepts. This makes the learning process livelier and enhances understanding of the students. Students coming from collectivistic cultures go to school as a way of honoring their families and not themselves therefore they work very hard to ensure that they do not let their families down. Teachers should not disappoint these students but instead should provide them with all the support they require to become great achievers by the end of the day (Leake Black, 2005). Transmission of knowledge is different in differen t cultures and therefore, a teacher needs to understand this very well. This is influenced by social status since people with high social statuses are perceived to hold very essential cultural and technological knowledge. Children are not supposed to ask their elders questions because such demeanor is described as disrespect. Following this illustration, a third grade student from a low social class-the minority group may have difficulties participating and asking questions in class as a result of the values and lessons learned from his/her culture. Teachers should have counseling sessions for both children and their parents so that parents understand the needs of their children and set aside those cultural values that may impede on the performance of their children. This is in contrast with the individualistic approach of the mainstream Americans since the students are at liberty to form and express their opinions, and seek knowledge at a pace that they have self-determined. This k ind of cultural approach does not distinguish people based on possession of information since anyone has the right to obtain any kind of information whenever they require it (Leake Black, 2005). A way through which teachers would understand the different cultures represented by the students in his/her class would be by home visits (Gibson, 1984). Home visits are seen as a way of enhancing parent-teacher relationships and strengthening personal contact. Mini-conferences are another way through which teachers can contact their students’ parents. These mini-conferences occur when parents come to pick their children from school thereby creating a chance for the teacher to interact with the parent (s) and not necessarily discuss about the child. This is usually an opportunity for the teacher to create rapport with the parent(s) to avoid any form of misunderstanding (Trumbull et al. 2001). The interaction sessions between parents and teachers are usually utilized by the teachers s o as to take the perspectives of the parents to help them understand the parents’ ideas on roles of teachers and parents on the child/ren. Recognizing another culture’s ideas helps to bridge the gap between different cultures because teachers cease to patronize, and they no longer regard parents from other cultures as ignorant. It has been earlier indicated that parents play a very important role in their children’s education life and especially in collectivistic cultures. Therefore, mistreatment of a parent is usually a disadvantage for the child because such conflict would not foster harmony and shared developmental views pertaining to a child’s performance/achievement (Clark, 2011). Understanding another culture’s ideas and concepts helps to modify the classroom. Teachers should create more time for classroom discussions and student-to-student interaction. Individual assessment is the only means through which students can be assessed. Group acti vity should be incorporated in the assessment process as well. In addition, teachers should modify their teaching style so as to accommodate students from different cultures other than the American mainstream culture. For example instead of imposing the U.S system on the culturally diversified students, a teacher should integrate elements from different cultures into the classroom (Clark, 2011). Small group and individual instructions are a main characteristic of the Open Court Reading curriculum. Independent reading, which is a main cultural value of the American mainstream, is used. This individualistic value is not in accordance with some of the cultural values of the students in a class and as a result, learning and achievement of students with varying cultural values are affected. This kind of teaching is not effective because the main influence is from the American mainstream as it does not take into account the values of the non-American mainstream students. A teacher counter acts the effect of the mainstream American system by appreciating the different cultures and binging up topics on how different people do things differently. This not only helps the teacher but also enables the mainstream American students to appreciate their counterparts (Trumbull, Rothstein-Fisch Hernandez, 2003). Third grade students within the OPC curriculum are given a huge responsibility of discovering topics they are familiar with and care about. Most of the learning is based on a student’s individual effort and this may be conflicting with the beliefs and practices of students from non-American mainstream. A multi-cultural approach embraces the practices and values of all students and tries to bring about a balance between the various cultures so that no one student feels left out. Students from minority ethnic groups should be of main focus because their school performance is perceived to lag furthest behind national norms. Minority ethnic groups are highly suppress ed in terms of political and economic power and as a result, the children suffer from inferiority complex, which is a great impediment to the achievement of a child (Leake Black, 2005). The curriculum should include counselors experienced in handling students with different cultural affiliations. This is because, when a child from an entirely different cultural orientation is introduced into the American mainstream culture, he/she experiences culture shock and lack of understanding the new student may lead to biased judgment about the child. This subsequently affects his/her learning process from that moment. In addition, counselor may help the inferior students to snap out of their condition. Inferiority complex prevents a child from reaching his/her potential because they do not have the drive, and the determination, to make it. It is quite obvious that when an individual is exposed to a peculiar environment, he/she tends to be reserved and it becomes very difficult to express th eir selves. This is usually the case with students who are not of American origin and therefore, English is their second language. According to the Open Court Reading curriculum, there is no room for slowed learning and especially for these students who are not within the mainstream of American culture. This type of curriculum does not consider the fact that students having English as their second language do not grasp and understand concepts and ideas in the same as their counterparts. However, with the awareness of the different cultures, teachers should make their lessons more flexible and accommodative to help these new beginners in the English language to catch up. The main distinction between American mainstream and culturally and linguistically diverse people is the marginalization, discrimination and segregation between these two groups. This perception is brought down to education and subsequently affects the Open Court Reading curriculum. The result is rejection of cultura l deficit hypotheses that are associated with students’ school failure. The story of Jose Figueroa-Britapaja, Spanish, is an example of the painstaking ordeal that parents have gone through under the US education system (Clark, 2011). This story can is a reflection of the challenges that both third grade and their parents go through in an effort to fit into the US education system. Open Court Reading curriculum should include parental involvement in the school to make the learning environment of students friendlier. Non-American mainstream students would feel more at ease if the school curriculum would ensure that the parents are involved as much as possible in their children’s learning process. The parents could be involved through volunteering in the school, and by helping their children do their homework. Parents’ involvement in their children’s education would help these children catch up in their studies because the Open Court Reading curriculum does not pay special attention to any one student in class. These students will tend to trust their parents more and are likely to follow what their parents will tell them. Mattingly et al. (2002) support the idea that involvement of parents in their children’s learning process is associated with higher achievement. Parental involvement in schools helps teachers to understand the families and communities where students come from. Parental involvement takes place in the form of effective communication, parental participation in school decision making, parenting and home learning environment/activities, school collaboration with child’s community and parent volunteering (Trumbull, Rothstein-Fisch Hernandez, 2003). The practices of teachers, administrators, students and parents themselves influence parental involvement. Positive relationships between parents and school personnel are very important as they enhance parental involvement and establish equity (Moll, 2010). Parent al involvement in their children’s studies increases the proximity of culturally different families to teachers both physically and psychologically. Personal interactions between parents and the teachers of their children are better preferred amongst minority cultures (Diaz, 2000). Cultural diversity is a common occurrence in most communities and especially in the United States where boundaries are open. There is need for school personnel to acknowledge the existence and variation of cultures because of its influence on a student’s learning process. The adoption of a multi-cultural approach in education ensures that the needs of all students are met and there is no discrimination of some sort. All schools should ensure that they embrace this approach because it is a means of increasing students’ performance. In addition, it avoids poor classification of students due to their presumed lower learning capacity, yet they may be acting in accordance with their cultur al values. Teachers therefore need to be exposed to various cultural values and practices so as to avoid cultural conflicts, which usually affect the children. References Clark, J. E. (2011). Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Family Perspectives on Home-School Connections and Family Engagement: A Case Study of Four Middle Class Latin American Families. Dissertation: Kennesaw State University. Diaz, R. (2000). Latina parent educational participation: A pro-active approach. Unpublished Dissertation: University of California, Los Angeles. Gibson, M. A. (1984). Approaches to Multicultural Education in the United States: Some Concepts and Assumptions. Anthropology Education Quarterly, 15 (1), 94-120. Grade Three. (2011). Retrieved from https://www.jdslv.org/ Leake, D. Black, R. (2005). Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: Implications for Transition Personnel. Minneapolis, MN: ICI Publications Office. Mattingly, D. (2002). Evaluating evaluations: The case of parent involvement progra ms. Review of Education Research, 72 (4), 549-576. Moll, L. (2010). Mobilizing culture, language, and educational practices: Fulfilling the Promises of Mendez and Brown. Educational Researcher, 39 (6), 451-460. Trumbull, E., et al. (2001). Bridging cultures between home and school: A guide for teachers. San Francisco: WestEd. Trumbull, E., Rothstein-Fisch, C. Hernandez, E. (2003). Parent Involvement in Schooling-According to whose Values? School Community Journal, 13, 45- 72.

The Different Meanings and Uses of Economic Efficiency

The Different Meanings and Uses of Economic Efficiency Generally speaking, economic efficiency refers to a market outcome that is optimal for society. Â  In the context of welfare economics, an outcome that is economically efficient is one that maximizes the size of the economic value pie that a market creates for society. Â  In an economically efficient market outcome, there are no available Pareto improvements to be made, and the outcome satisfies what is known as the Kaldor-Hicks criterion. More specifically, economic efficiency is a term typically used in microeconomics when discussing production. Production of a unit of goods is considered to be economically efficient when that unit of goods is produced at the lowest possible cost. Economics by Parkin and Bade give a useful introduction to the difference between economic efficiency and technological efficiency: There are two concepts of efficiency: Technological efficiency occurs when it is not possible to increase output without increasing inputs. Economic efficiency occurs when the cost of producing a given output is as low as possible.Technological efficiency is an engineering matter. Given what is technologically feasible, something can or cannot be done. Economic efficiency depends on the prices of the factors of production. Something that is technologically efficient may not be economically efficient. But something that is economically efficient is always technologically efficient. A key point to understand is the idea that economic efficiency occurs when the cost of producing a given output is as low as possible. Theres a hidden assumption here, and that is the assumption that all else being equal. A change that lowers the quality of the good while at the same time lowers the cost of production does not increase economic efficiency. The concept of economic efficiency is only relevant when the quality of goods being produced is unchanged.

McCabe on Faith and Reason Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

McCabe on Faith and Reason - Essay Example Indeed, Christianity or Islam operate with rather complex notions and require their followers to have a strong faith. In this paper I will argue that Herbert McCabe fails to draw a good connection between faith and reason because his arguments are too ambiguous. This represents the major drawback of his position when it comes to explaining what role the latter plays in the former. In order to demonstrate this, I will first explore his position on the connection between faith and reason; then pay attention to the merits of it and, afterwards, put emphasis on the deficiencies that can be found in it. To begin with, it may be particularly important to outline the view of McCabe on the way faith and reason are connected. He points out that there are two extreme positions when it comes to faith: on the one hand, some might argue that to practice it one should not have any reasons at all which means that faith is above any reasoning; on the other hand, others are firm in that their faith can hardly be disproved logically. The scholar notes that true understanding of faith lies somewhere in between as â€Å"the first extreme makes the notion of truth inapplicable. The other makes the notion of faith inapplicable† (McCabe 5). In addition McCabe notes that people who dismiss the importance of the relationship between faith and reasons fail to â€Å"take sufficiently seriously the point that faith means holding something as true – they think of faith as more an act of courage or trust in a very general sense† (McCabe 6). So, he proves that it is essential to make th is relationship clear. There are several merits of such an approach. First of all, McCabe shows that faith should not be perceived as some kind of a metaphysical knowledge that is beyond common sense and is incompatible with logic. Quite the opposite, he draws several examples, as in the case of marrying for money, which show that faith is a rather difficult complex and any

Hospital pharmacy Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Hospital pharmacy - Assignment Example The hospital consisted of two categories of patients. The categories are inpatient and outpatient. Most services offered in the hospital are meant for inpatients. The hospital is spacious enough and consists of four floors. The sections of the hospital are well distributed among the floors in a manner that maximizes service provision (Stephens, 2003). I observed that hospital pharmacy never had cosmetic and gift section. Community pharmacy had a close relationship with clients. On the other hand, hospital pharmacy deals with clients professionally and not considering personal relationship. The hospital pharmacy is best suited for inpatients because it has the necessary facilities for the services. Pharmacists are located at strategic points in the hospital. Every section had a pharmacy. The pharmacies are designed to have windows from where the pharmacists serve their clients. They provide medication through the windows. For special cases, there were rooms meant for handling patients I a specialized manner. Drugs are mainly supplied to patients through pharmacists. Other people authorized to supply drugs are nurses (Stephens, 2003). They usually provide medication orally to patients. However, nurses have limited types of drugs that they can supply. For example, nurses are not allowed to supply antibiotics. Nurses are always in contact with patients and, therefore, are allowed to orally administer drugs to patients. That implies that, there are special cupboards for keeping drugs to be used by patients.