Evaluation Of The Corrections Officers At The Allen County...

The ability to apply acquired knowledge in a situation outside the typical educational structure often results in exceptional learning. The experience of working with the corrections officers at the Allen County Juvenile Detention Center helped me to think critically about the application of justice. There is much that can be said specifically about the correction officers and some of their attitudes and actions. They do contribute to the atmosphere, however, changing other aspects such as the rules or the actual building has been my focus. Throughout this reflection, I will cover a typical work day with some commentary on the procedures and the environment intermixed. Working at relatively the same time each day caused a rather repetitious experience and there were only minor changes day to day. I will conclude with some notes about how justice â€Å"looks† at the JDC along with some suggestions. There are two pairs of corrections officers on duty at least from three until eleven at night. The pairs are always one male, one female. I believe this is because of dealing with gender specific situations like showers. There are often other people who worked specifically with the treatment wing during my time. The detention center has one wing for those who need to serve time for an offence and one wing for those receiving treatment for their health. The juveniles that committed a crime are serving a certain amount of time and then they get released. The other group, receivesShow MoreRelatedPrivatization of Prisons1329 Words   |  6 Pages This research project will explore the cost benefits to the privatization of California’s prison system, in comparison to other cost saving options. It will use statistics from other states that use private prison systems, as well as federal detention facilities that are privately managed. The purpose of this analysis is to reduce spe nding as a whole, and to not place a financial burden on local governments. It is also important to note that prison sentences are not only a form of punishmentRead MoreDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 PagesLocus of Control Scale 52 Tolerance of Ambiguity Scale 54 Core Self-Evaluation Scale (CSES) 56 SKILL LEARNING 57 Key Dimensions of Self-Awareness 57 The Enigma of Self-Awareness 58 The Sensitive Line 58 Understanding and Appreciating Individual Differences Important Areas of Self-Awareness 61 Emotional Intelligence 62 Values 65 Ethical Decision Making and Values 72 Cognitive Style 74 Attitudes Toward Change 76 Core Self-Evaluation 79 SKILL ANALYSIS 84 Cases Involving Self-Awareness 84 Communist Prison

Smoking Cessation Is The Most Important Component Of A...

According to the CDC guidelines, promoting smoking cessation is the most important component of a comprehensive state tobacco control agenda to reduce tobacco use. Smokers who quit at any age can prevent most of the risk of smoking related diseases including death, and has an immediate and long-term health benefit. Evidence-based research shows that statewide tobacco control programs that are comprehensive, sustained, and accountable have reduce smoking rates, as well as tobacco-related diseases and deaths. This comprehensive approach includes education, clinical, regulatory, economic, and social strategies. States that have made larger investments in comprehensive tobacco control programs have seen larger declines in cigarettes sales than†¦show more content†¦In 2007, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report presented a blueprint for action to â€Å"reduce smoking so substantially that it is no longer a public health problem for our nation.† The two-pronged strategy fo r achieving this goal includes: 1) strengthening and fully implementing currently proven tobacco control measures; and 2) changing the regulatory landscape to permit policy innovations. Among the IOM recommendations is that each state should fund a comprehensive tobacco control program at the level that the CDC recommends. Today, the CDC is the only federal agency that provides funding to help support all 50 states, the District of Columbia, eight U.S. territories, and twelve tribal organizations for tobacco control efforts, and is at the forefront of the nation’s efforts to reduce deaths and prevent chronic diseases that result from tobacco use. The agency and its partners promote tobacco control interventions, including actions to prevent youth from starting to use tobacco, smoke-free environments, programs to help tobacco users quit, and steps to eliminate tobacco-related health disparities in different population groups. In 2016 alone, the CDC have supported and funded the smoking cessation programs in these areas with close to $75 million and to ensure and expand state quitline capacity (CDC, 2016). Conceptual Framework For our smoking cessationShow MoreRelatedTobacco Cessation1976 Words   |  8 PagesIntroduction Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States and worldwide (Centers for Disease Control, 2013, World Health Organization, 2008). Tobacco cessation counseling is a vital component of any public health strategy seeking to decrease mortality, disease and costs associated with smoking. To that end, the Healthy People 2020 Tobacco Use Objectives cover three main areas: reducing tobacco use, instituting health system changes, and creating social and environmentalRead MoreRaising The Legal Minimum Age For Smoking Among Young Adults Essay1814 Words   |  8 Pagesincrease in young adult smoking, compares trends in smoking among young adults with trends in the use of other substances. National data propose that the recent detected an increase in smoking among young adults is primarily an artefact of the almost simultaneous increase in smoking among high school students. In addition, however, it also appears that there have been real changes in smoking patterns among young adults. While many questions remain regarding recent trends in tobacco and other drug useRead MoreBanning Tobacco Price Promotions, Smoking Related Beliefs And Behavior3355 Words   |  14 PagesBanning tobacco price promotions, smoking-related beliefs and behavior: Findings from the International Tobacco Control four-country cohort survey Abstract Purpose: We examined how prohibiting tobacco price promotion at the national level influenced smoking-related beliefs and behaviors. Method: We used data from the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation project four-country cohort. Smokers and recent quitters at wave 8 (N = 4,114) were included in multivariate logistic regression modelsRead MoreThe Effects of Culture and Ethnicity on Tobacco Prevention and Cessation5317 Words   |  21 Pagesï » ¿ Introduction Tobacco usage remains the main preventable reason for loss of life and illness within the US, with almost 443,000 fatalities taking place yearly due to smoking cigarettes and contact with second-hand cigarette smoke (CDC, 2008). Furthermore, almost ninety percent of adult people who smoke start using cigarettes from age eighteen years (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2012). To evaluate present cigarette usage amongst youths, CDC examined information via the 2011 NationalRead MoreSmoking Term Paper3599 Words   |  15 PagesSmoking: The Risks of Smoking by Jack Jeffries CCC English Ms. Clarke 6 April 2011 Jeffries 1 Jack Jeffries Ms. Clarke CCC English 6 April 2011 Smoking: The Risks of Smoking According to the World Health Organization, someone dies from the use of tobacco every eight seconds. Tobacco is used in many different products. A few of these products are bidis, chew, cigars, dip, hookah, and cigarettes. In the United States of America, where 12 million dollars a year is spent on tobacco awarenessRead MoreThe Effects Of E Cigarettes On The United States5297 Words   |  22 Pagesthe nicotine without the other 4,000 chemicals present in tobacco cigarette smoke (Schroeder). Nicotine is a chemical that is produced by the tobacco plant. People have discovered that by smoking the leaves of a tobacco plant the nicotine in the leaves is delivered into the bloodstream. Nicotine by itself is not an awful drug as far as drugs go, although it is highly addictive, it is the tar in cigarettes that does so much damage. Tobacco use remains the number one preventable cause of death in theRead MoreThe Ethical Dilemma of E-Cigarette Regulation1923 Words   |  8 Page sor more competing values are important and in conflict. If you serve one value, you cannot server another, or you must deny of disserve one or more values in order to maintain one or more of the others†. Identified in this paper is an ethical dilemma anchored in the â€Å"Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act† signed into law by President Obama in 2009. 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She states she has been having abdominal complications for the last five years consistently. She states her symptoms include fatigue, significant weight loss (25 lbs. in the last year), low grade fever, and episodes of severe pain in the right lower quadrant (7/10). She reports in the past her symptoms haveRead MoreImproving Access For Preventative Health Services3208 Words   |  13 PagesExecutive Summary Conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes account for 75% of health care spending in the United States and (cdc.gov). However, many of these chronic conditions are preventable with proper preventative screenings and care. The passage of the Affordable Care and the expansion of Medicaid increased the number of preventative care services available to Medicaid beneficiaries, however there are still many barriers preventing people from getting proper care. This policy

Public Health

Question: Discuss about the Public Health. Answer: The increasing level of alcohol-associated costs and harm to the society as a whole in the United Kingdom has resulted in a debate on the best strategies that when implemented can be beneficial for managing the escalating issues. An interim analysis has indicated that there is a distinct connection between availability of alcohol, alcohol consumption and negative consequences in the country. The health burden as well as the social burden of alcohol consumption has drawn concentration of concerned policy makers who are continually striving to achieve better outcomes so that the society can benefit at large (1). Experts in the field of public health are repreadtedly showing concerns regarding alcohol policies in the country. A considerable requirement has cropped up for drafting global strategies applied to the country perspective after too much attention has been paid on the rising issue (2). In the present paper a discussion is put up regarding the scenario of alcohol consumption in the united kingdom, the summary of alcohol control in the country, the main challenges faced in implementation of policies, and the implementation of two global alcohol control initiatives that could lead to more effective protection from the health risks of alohol in the country. Research has indicated that alcohol consumption has increased largely in the recent years owing to a number of factors. The price of alcohol has become half since 1960s. In addition, successive governments have been very much reluctant to apply taxation policies that can act as a way to control alcohol consumption in the country since it has been perceived as an unpopular strategy on the political ground. With the development of mass communication media, the society has witnessed a steep increase in the advertisements of alcohol and promotion of alcohol at different levels (3). The statistics of alcohol consumption in the united kingdom has drawn attention of the policy makers in the light of increasing health concerns as well as increasing crime rate as a result of unhealthy consumption of alcohol. In the united kingdom, a totl of 8,697 deaths were reported that were due to alcohol consumption. Around 9 million people in England drink alcohol at a livel more than the permitted one. Alcohol has been reported to be 10% of the UK burden of death and diseases thereby indicating that alcohol in one of the three most significant lifestyle risk factors for death in the country, next to obesity and smoking. It has been estimated that around 7.5 million people in the country are not aware of the damage that is being done to the heir health due to drinking. Alohol leads to around 60 medical complications in individuals including stomach, liver, mouth, throat and breast cancers; liver cirrhosis; high blood pressure, and depression. In the year 2013, around 100800 hos pital admissions were reported due to alcohol consumption as a result of alcohol related diseases or injuries. Alcohol-related crime in the country has been estimated to be contributing to a cost of approximately 13bn on an annual basis. In Wales and England, about 63% of all deaths due to alcohol in the year 2012 was due to alcoholic liver disease. Costs of harms related alcohol has been reported to be 3.5bn to the NHS per year. It must be noted in this context that alcohol has become 61% more reasonably priced as in the year 2013 when compared to the year 1980 (4). The UK government have implemented a number of strategies in the recent past that aims to address the issue of alcohol consumption in the country. The strategies have the vision of bringing radical changes in the attitudes and approaches of the common population and want to turn the tide in opposition to irresponsible drinking. The strategies focus on a number of aspects like reduction of availability of alcohol at cheap prices, advertising for alcohol, changing behaviours on the local basis, challenging the enforcement and adequate response to emerging issues (5). The polices implemented in UK have recognised that local businesses, services and communities are the best places for tackling alcohol-related issues and enforcing the desirable behaviour and developing a suitable culture. Reduction of the availability of alcohol at cheap prices have been the main concern for government policies to curb alcohol consumption. The government has taken an initiative by raising alcohol duty by 2% above the retail inflation (RPI) each year to 2014-2015. A minimum juice rule has been implemented for cider in order to enable high strength white cider to be disqualified for lower rates of duty applicable for cider. A minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol has been introduced in Wales and England (6). Alcohol advertising has also gained attention of the policy makers who seek to prevent advertising targeted at young people. A number of controls have been put up over online, print and broadcast advertising. These have been initiated by the Portman Group and the A dvertising Standards Authority (ASA). The Portman Code is responsible for covering marketing domain such as product packaging, promotion and sponsorship. The controls exercised may be having the ability to adequately address the issues related to advertising alcohol. The ASA has ensured a vigorous and full application of powers to put social media and online media under distinct schemes for verifying the applicability of the alcohol advertisement (7). Over the last three years, the government has taken significant steps for enabling local agencies to take the appropriate decisions. A new approach has been set out to policing, crime and health care. From April 2013, unitary and upper tier local authorities are receiving public health fund for alcohol services. The support of Public Health Australia is significant in this regard. From November 2012 Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are ensuring that priorities of the public are driving local police force activities. PCCs are remitting to cut crime rates along with anti-social behaviours due to undesirable levels of alcohol consumption. They are working with the local leaders, such as Clinical Commissioning Groups and Health and Wellbeing Boards for developing a collaborative initiative against alcohol-related issues in order to achieve an effective safety and criminal justice in the country. It is the local communities who are known to set the standards in the surrounding enviro nment (8). The polices undertaken in the UK in the recent years for reducing the impact of alcohol consumption have been based on a sound framework that is supported by four fundamental objectives. These are education and information; proper identification of treatment and issues; reduction of alcohol related crime and alcohol industry to be made as a voluntary partner. The government has been spending a considerable amount of fund for providing education to the public on the harmful impact of alcohol consumption in order to prevent higher degree consumption. This is more prominent for the young generation for chaging their drinking patterns, promoting safe drinking and providing information for seeking required help at the time of need. A number of campaigns have been conducted to giving a better education for changing attitudes and beliefs (9). There are some issues that are being faced in the present era that are hindering the success of the already existing alcohol reduction strategies. A combination of poor habits, ignorance and irresponsibility have been the underlying causes of such unfavourable situations. The issues arsing are multi-faceted. Alcohol is available at a cheap price in the country, and the needs of the industry along with the commercial advantages have been gaining more priority over concerns of the community. The impact has been a change in the behaviour of the of the individuals drinking at a socially unacceptable level. Previous governments have shown a failure to handle the issue to a considerbale extent. Enough challenges have not come up for the individuals who drink and consequently cause harm and injury to others. Such challenges are also not adequate for businesses that even encourage such form of intolerable behaviour (10). The measures adopted by the implemented policies have been extensively criticised due to the multiple challenges faced by the public health community. Though there is an acknowledgement of the close relationship between rising consumption and affordability, there are no strict policies that limit the consumption for limiting alcohol-related injuries and harm. Adjustment of taxes is a key challenge in this regard. Another serious challenge is that there are no set of targets against which one can review the effectiveness of the policies in the future. Work is effective when it is done in a target driven basis, and this lay the chances the alcohol policies would fail to bring the desirable changes. Another major challenge is related to focus on binge drinkers and the relation with antisocial behaviour. The polices have given a major emphasis on measures for criminal justice for targeting the group of binge drinkers. Binge drinking has been a part of the British culture since many centu ries. The set policies have been no attempts to understand the social and cultural perspective of binge drinking. The polices, therefore, run the risk of stigmatisation of those who misuse alcohol. This plays a role in shifting the policy debate from the significant matters like industry accountability and availability towards a focus on the responsibility of individuals to consider drinking at an acceptable level (11). A further challenge is an allocation of adequate resources and funding by the government. Sufficient funds are not being allocated for implementation and reviewing of new policies and attention is not been given on a strict basis to ensure that the policies are abided by. It is therefore not possible to get complete evidence of the extent to which the policies have been successful and brought about the desired outcomes. The lack and delay in investments have constantly been criticised. There lie some outstanding questions that are to be clarified in due course. On the challenge regarding the voluntary partnership, it can be stated that a number of voluntary agreements have resulted in minimal adherence to the policies. Another issue is the method by which the policies have embraced the changes and have disregarded the available evidence in this context (12). Against the backdrop of the present status of alcohol control in UK and the corresponding challenges faced, it would be a proper approach to discuss how implementation of different global alcohol control initiatives might lead to more robust protection of the public from health risks of alcohol in UK. The first key alcohol control initiative that can be applied in the UK context is community action. The negative impact of alcohol use that is found to be occurring in the communities have the potential to trigger as well as foster local solutions and initiatives to local issues. Communities are to be supported and widely empowered by the important stakeholders, including the government so that the local expertise and knowledge are used maximally for adopting effective measures in order to prevent the harmful consumption of alcohol. This change can be brought by considering collective instead of individual behaviour. It is however crucial to remain sensitive to cultural beliefs, values and beliefs. This cn be achieved through a number of interventions and policy options. Rapid assessment are to be supported for identifying gaps along with priority areas that need immediate attention. Facilitating recognition of harm due to alcohol and promoting cost-effective responses to the determinants of the local community of harmful use of alcohol related issues would be beneficial. The capacity of the local authorities are to be strengthened for encouraging and coordinating strenuous community actions through promotion and support of development of municipal policies in order to reduce use of alcohol. The capacity of the local authorities for enhancing partnerships are also to be promoted. Providing information regarding effective means of monitoring success of strategies would also aid in this regard. Communities are to be mobilised for preventing the sale of alcohol and consumption by underage drinkers. Supporting alcohol-free envrionemnt by the community would mainly tar get the at-risk group. Providing community support and care to the individuals who are effected by alcohol would be another major initiative in the present context. The second global alcohol control initiative that can be applied to the context of UK is drink-driving policies together with counter measures. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a key issue has it affects the individuals coordination, judgment and other forms of motor function. Driving under the impact of alcohol is a major heath issue affecting the drinker as well as other parties. This implies that evidence-based initiatives are needed for reducing the prevalence of drink-driving. These can include deterrent measures aimed at reducing chances that a person would drinkg and drive. A safer environment would be build up along with the creation of a reduced consumption of alcohol. An upper limit for alcohol concentration in blood would need to be enforced and the limit for professional drivers need to be reduced. Promotion of sobriety check points along wth random breath-testing would be beneficial. Suspending driving license when found guilty would be a strong administrative m easure. Graduated license for those who are new drivers with zero-tolerance for driving under alcohol impact would complement the above mentioned strategy. Ignition interlock can be helpful in reducing the incident of drink-driving in certain contexts. Driver-education is mandatory and counselling the drivers would increase their levels of knowledge and awareness. The government needs to allocate funds for setting up counselling programs. Funding must be in alignment with the resources available in order to promote best allocation of resources. Conducting public information campaigns that support the policies of drink-driving would increase the common anticipation effect. Running high-intensity, properly planned, well-implemented mass media campaigns which are targeted at particular aspects, like as holiday seasons, would be significant. Stipulation for alternative transportation after drinking places have closed down would lead to a reduction in cases of drink-driving. This is a ve ry suitable approach that would be helpful in reducing a number of accidents due to drink driving (13). From the above discussion it can be stated that despite the opportunities to address the issues fully due to alcohol consumption in UK, the government has been found to produce a set of robust policies after many years of forethought and deliberation. However, these policies are lacking in terms of effective measures and have contributed less to alcohol prevention. A widespread acceptance is present for the harm caused due to alcohol, and the government has taken up many strategies for quantifying them. Alcohol is known to bring considerable financial benefits for the Treasury and alcohol industry. Reduction of consumption may be going against the interests of those who are responsible for the commerce of the country. Policies in the UK have therefore not received much support from the concerned authorities. By taking lessons from the evidence-based strategies applied worldwide for curbing alcohol consumption UK might be successful in setting up better strategies as alcohol control i nitiatives. These new policies are to be based on the already existing policies that have been advantageous in reducing the alcohol consumption in other parts of the world, making them evidence-based strategies. References Britton A, Ben-Shlomo Y, Benzeval M, Kuh D, Bell S. Life course trajectories of alcohol consumption in the United Kingdom using longitudinal data from nine cohort studies. BMC medicine. 2015 Mar 6;13(1):47. Coulson NS. Sharing, supporting and sobriety: a qualitative analysis of messages posted to alcohol-related online discussion forums in the United Kingdom. Journal of Substance Use. 2014 Mar 1;19(1-2):176-80. McCambridge J, Hawkins B, Holden C. Vested interests in addiction research and policy. The challenge corporate lobbying poses to reducing society's alcohol problems: insights from UK evidence on minimum unit pricing. Addiction. 2014 Feb 1;109(2):199-205. Alcohol statistics [Internet]. Alcohol Concern. 2017 [cited 13 April 2017]. Available from: https://www.alcoholconcern.org.uk/alcohol-statistics Alcohol Research UK's response to the Government's new Alcohol Streategy [Internet]. Alcoholresearchuk.org. 2017 [cited 13 April 2017]. Available from: https://alcoholresearchuk.org/special-reports/the-governments-alcohol-strategy/ McCambridge J, Hawkins B, Holden C. The challenge corporate lobbying poses to reducing society's alcohol problems: insights from UK evidence on minimum unit pricing. Addiction (Abingdon, England). 2014;109(2):199-205. Ritter A, Livingston M, Chalmers J, Berends L, Reuter P. Comparative policy analysis for alcohol and drugs: current state of the field. International Journal of Drug Policy. 2016 May 31;31:39-50. Nicholls J. Public health and alcohol licensing in the UK: challenges, opportunities, and implications for policy and practice. Contemporary Drug Problems. 2015 Jun;42(2):87-105. Alcock P. Social policy in Britain. Palgrave Macmillan; 2014 Mar 11. Wadd S, Donnelly M, Madoc-Jones I, Elliott L, Whittaker a. Precipitating factors and negative consequences of alcohol use in older adults, united kingdom 2015. Ingerontologist 2016 Nov 1 (Vol. 56, pp. 726-726). Journals dept, 2001 Evans rd, Cary, NC 27513 USA: Oxford Univ Press Inc. McCambridge J, Hawkins B, Holden C. The challenge corporate lobbying poses to reducing society's alcohol problems: insights from UK evidence on minimum unit pricing. Addiction (Abingdon, England). 2014;109(2):199-205. Brennan A, Meng Y, Holmes J, Hill-McManus D, Meier PS. Potential benefits of minimum unit pricing for alcohol versus a ban on below cost selling in England 2014: modelling study. BMJ. 2014 Sep 30;349:g5452. Global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol [Internet]. 2017 [cited 13 April 2017]. Available from: https://www.who.int/substance_abuse/msbalcstragegy.pdf

Why I am Not a Skeptic about the External World an Example by

Why I am Not a Skeptic about the External World The question why one can become skeptical about the external world entails two things. First is that it entails that there is an idea of an external world. Second is that it entails that there is a perceiving object or thing which grows skeptical about the external world. With the first implication, it can be said that for one to become skeptical about something, that something would have to be first an idea, or that there should be an idea of that something which the skepticism is about. This, however, does not guarantee nor propose that the idea would have to correspond to an actual object although we are tempted to argue for that in the following paragraphs. Need essay sample on "Why I am Not a Skeptic about the External World" topic? We will write a custom essay sample specifically for you Proceed On the other hand, skepticism roots from the ability of the mind to be skeptical. As Rene Descartes once said, I think, therefore, I am. A doubting mind is already proof in itself that there is a mind, and that mind is the mind which doubts whatever it is that it finds doubtful. Hence, there ought to be no question if there is a mind or otherwise precisely because the capacity to question and doubt, to begin with, tells us that there is a doubting mind. As a consequence, the question of skepticism towards the external world implies that the mind is skeptical about the world that is not within it, or the world that is outside of it. From the point of view of the skeptic, it may be argued that there is no outside world and the only thing that exists is the mind. That is, the mind is all that there is, and that everything that the mind perceives is the product of our mental functions. From our daily experiences in our homes to our visual sensations, all of these things are mere products of the mind as a skeptic may argue. I believe that there is an external world and that I am not skeptical about it. However, it does not mean that I do not believe that there are certain errors that our senses encounter. It may be the case that we tend to confuse the reality of certain objects given the often failure of our senses, such as the case of mirages where our eyes are deceived by what is presented before it. Nonetheless, it only goes to show that, at the least, our senses are functioning, although its functions may sometimes become erroneous. The failure of our senses and even our minds to experience, understand and explain things does not, however, guarantee that there is no external world after all. While there may be instances when our minds, even from a collective standpoint if individuals, have collectively failed to comprehend certain things, it does not mean that there is nothing outside of it simply because the mind failed to comprehend. The fact that there are other minds comprehending many other things in the world entails that there, too, are existent spatial and temporal objects which, the other perceiving minds just being a few of them. Perhaps indeed the skepticism towards an external world is caused by the failure of the mind to comprehend things. Perhaps because the mind is unable to discern some of the mysteries in this life we are led to believe already that there is no such thing as an external world, and that the so-called external world is only the product of the mind. Yet is it really the case that all these things are just mental products and, hence, there is no actual external world when all along we grow with life and acquire new experiences each day? That is to say that our lives begin from being a fetus, to an infant, until we reach the point of adulthood. If indeed everything is just a product of our mental faculties, then it follows that from the time since we already have the minds to think and comprehend everything else must be already within our minds. As we grow, it may only be the case that we begin to gradually realize all that the things contained in our minds, and that eventually there is no external world. But then again, it can hardly be the case that the mind contains within it all the things in the world, or all the ideas in the world, so that we begin to think or become skeptic that there is no external world. If the mind already contains all the ideas in the world, would it be of no use anymore to have experiences, and that we can only arrive some time in the future to realize what we know all along? Of course, experiences share a crucial part in the development of our understanding, our understanding of our selves and of the world notwithstanding. Without these experiences, one can hardly have a grasp of reality, like that of a child locked in a room since birth and deprived of the opportunity to interact with others unable to comprehend the things around him. We do not experience just through our own. That is, we experience what we experience through the external world, through the world outside of the mind for the mind is not an entity confined on looking on its own. Rather, the mind is also an entity which looks outside of it as we extend our sensory perceptions outwards and absorb the perceptions brought by the external objects. I am not a skeptic of the external world even though Berkeley believes that matter does not exist and that everything that may exist is merely a mind or something which depends on a perceiving mind for its existence. It is indeed scary to think that matter does not exist if we are to believe Berkeley precisely because the brain wouldnt exist and that, since brains do not exist, the mind would not exist under any given circumstance. I would not have been able to type this and the reader would not be reading this essay as well. Yet I have written this and I fully comprehend what I am doing, my mind is functioning and that I do not doubt that I have a mind, much as the reader, too, has a mind. Matter is a small part of the external world, giving concrete form to objects like our body which inevitably makes possible for the mind. Our minds are only a part of the external world although each mind has in it its own sets if understandings and ways of comprehending the external world. Reference Descartes, R. Meditations on First Philosophy.

The Role of Communication in Team Dynamics Essays

The Role of Communication in Team Dynamics Essays The Role of Communication in Team Dynamics Essay The Role of Communication in Team Dynamics Essay One of the most critical, if not the most critical aspect of team dynamics is communication. Effective or ineffective communication can lead to a team being extremely efficient and successful, or inefficient and a terrible failure. â€Å"Ineffective communication can be a source of discontent in a team† (Newson, 2006). The purpose of team communication is to enhance team performance; therefore, it is each team member’s responsibility to ensure effective communication. Communication is an observable aspect of coordination, and insights into observable behaviors which predict high or low performances can be gained by team communication analysis† (Hutchins et al. 1999). Four crucial elements teams must possess to communicate effectively are a willingness to have open authentic discussions, active listening, willingness to confront conflicts, and understanding. There are several factors a team has to consider when creating the environment for o pen authentic discussions. One of the key factors is determining how each individual on the team communicates, and to access each individual team member’s strengths and weaknesses as it pertains to clearly expressing their views and opinions. Once this information is captured, then members will have a better understanding as to how to get all team members to participate in discussing key topics related to team goals. It is important that team members who are more expressive do not use this as an opportunity to dominate a more introverted team member. Clear objective conversations should be encouraged. Team members should present information in a very black and white manner (factual). Open discussions are a great way to get to know your team members. These discussions will reveal thing about your teammates that will help in your team’s communication process. So, encourage open discussions, this will lead to team trust. When team members are having discussions it is necessary that everyone is being an active listener. Team members should show an interest in the information being delivered by the speaker, before responding or reacting to anything that was said by the speaker. Team members should ask questions and/or summarize the information that was given to ensure understanding. Active listening can also be called sympathetic listening and it can be broken down into a four-step process. First, mimic the content. Second, rephrase the content. Third, reflect feelings, i. e. , understand the other persons feelings as well as your own. Fourth, empathize, rephrase the content and reflect feelings (Christol, 2008). The goal here is to try to understand the person’s thoughts and feelings to gain a better understanding. Asking questions such as â€Å"Let me make sure I heard you correctly†¦Ã¢â‚¬  or â€Å"Let me make sure I have everything†¦Ã¢â‚¬ , is an excellent sign that someone is actively listening. In class discussions are a perferct example of listening actively. While the professor is speaking the student is having constent conversation with the professor to ensure their understanding. Active listening can be taught and is a skill that needs to be practiced and incorporated into our daily communication. Being able to confront conflict within a team is also key to communication. There will not always be harmony within teams. Sometimes when things are not made clear, conflict shows it’s ugly head. A team charter is an example to how to make things clear within a team, which should address specifics about exactly what to expect from team members in order to achieve the team’s overall goals (University of Phoenix, 2008). There will be times where team members will have to agree to disagree in order to resolve conflicts. Remember, a team consists of three or more people and each person is unique in their own way. Therefore, it’s not a matter of if conflict will happen, it’s a matter of when will conflict happen in my team. No one likes to confront conflict by nature; however, we need to know how to confront it whenever it arises. Honesty is a great approach when confronting conflict. Team members will have a greater respect for you if you can approach them with honesty. This ties back to having those open authentic discussions. Although being open and honest may step on some toes, ultimately, it’s worth it in order to resolve the conflict. If things can’t be resolved among team members, it is ok to involve a mediator such as a faculty member, but beware. Faculty members will revert to your team charter to determine what your team agreed upon as it pertains to conflict resolutions. Be sure your charter is very specific. There will be instances that will be unavoidable and uncontrollable when dealing with teams. We are human beings and life happens whether we want it to or not. Our children get sick, our cars break down, and family members pass away. These are just a few of the things we need to have some level of understanding when it comes to teams. Once again, here is where the charter will play a role. There needs to be a revision in the charter that pertains to what if a team member is not able to participate on an assignment due to an emergency? How will this be addressed as a team? If the team has built a solid relationship, it will not be difficult for the members to step up in the absence of another member. However it is critical that the team member who is experiencing the emergency contact the other team members the moment it is known that he or she will not be able to deliver or perform the task the other team members expect them to have. If this is done, this will allow the other team members to make whatever adjustments they need to their schedules to manage the unexpected added responsibility. Life happens, but with effective communication there is no challenge that cannot be managed. In conclusion, according to Jim Temme and Jeanine Katzel (1995, 14), involvement must truly be auspicious. Team members need to hear each other’s suggestions and act on them when needed. To participate authentically means all ideas are ok and good ones are rewarded with positive feedback. When team members criticize each other’s ideas causes them to keep things to themselves. Team intimacy is achieved when there is open communication and no fear of making comments. Keeping in mind the authentic discussions, active listening, willingness to confront conflict and understanding are the keys to effective communication within teams. References Christol, T. (2008, May). Active Listening vs. Effective Listening. Tactical Response, 6(3), 60-62,65. Retrieved July 22, 2008, from ProQuest Central database. (Document ID: 1489166611). Newson, P. (2006, December). Participate effectively as a team member. Nursing Residential Care, 8(12), 541-544. Retrieved July 22, 2008, from CINAHL Plus with Full Text database. Temme, J. , Katzel, J. (Jan 9, 1995). Calling a team a team doesnt mean that it is: successful teamwork must be a way of life. Plant Engineering, 49, n1. p. 112(2). Retrieved July 22, 2008, from General OneFile via Gale: http://find. galegroup. com/ips/start. do? prodId=IPS University of Phoenix. (2008). Week Two overview. Retrieved July 22, 2008, from University of Phoenix, Week Two, rEsource. GEN300- Managing Learning Team Conflict.

Palette vs. Pallet vs. Palate

Palette vs. Pallet vs. Palate Palette vs. Pallet vs. Palate Palette vs. Pallet vs. Palate By Mark Nichol Palette, pallet, and palate are three similar words sharing (in most senses) a common etymology that can trip writers up. Here’s a guide to the distinctions in meaning, plus a look at other distantly related words: If you were to describe a traditional image of the artist at work, you and I would likely note the same tropes: the beret, the smock, the painter squinting one eye as he looks down his outstretched arm at his model or subject next to his upraised thumb or paint brush (a strategy that helps him determine proportions). And in his other hand would be a flat, oval board, held with a handy thumb hole, with small, variously colored glops of paint a palette. The name of this handy paint-mixing surface comes from French (certainement!) the original meaning was â€Å"blade† or â€Å"small shovel† and ultimately derives from the Latin term pala, meaning â€Å"shoulder blade† or â€Å"spade.† Palette, by association, later came to refer to the range of colors employed in a work of art or, later, available in analog and then digital graphic design. Several other, more obscure senses exist. A pallet, meanwhile, is a flat structure made of wooden slats (or, increasingly, other materials), used to support heavy items in storage and when hauling freight, or a wooden tool used in pottery or a flat component in an analog clock that sets it in motion. In heraldry, pallet denotes a vertical band of color. These meanings derive from the â€Å"blade† sense of palette. The same word used to refer to a crude bed or mattress, the latter generally stuffed with straw, is unrelated. The palate, the name of the roof of the mouth, is also of Latin origin: Palatum means just that. (Oddly, the palate, rather than the tongue, was long considered the medium by which taste is experienced, hence the use of the word to mean â€Å"sense of taste.†) The adjective palatable means â€Å"tasty.† Another adjective, palatine, used in anatomy to identify, for example, the palatine bone, is unrelated to the identical-looking word derived from palace. Plate and its many forms are only tangentially related to this trio. Taken as is from French, it originally meant â€Å"a flat piece of metal,† ultimately from the Greek word platys, meaning â€Å"flat,† which was borrowed by Latin as plattus. The sense of a shallow dish is from the fact that such utensils were originally made of precious metals; one meaning of plate, singular in construction but plural in meaning, to refer to valuable dishes retains this sense. Words with the same origin as plate include plateau, platelet (literally, â€Å"little plate†), platen, platform, platinum, platitude, platter, and platypus (literally, flat foot†). Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:The Meaning of "To a T"Probable vs. Possible40 Idioms with First

Vermont Teddy Bear Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Vermont Teddy Bear - Research Proposal Example Validation of Organizational Vision In specific, it is an understanding that vision and mission of a company plays the most crucial role in providing a fundamental basis to the organization, as well as a sense of strategic understanding to its employees and stakeholders. However, at the same time, it is essential that processes of the organization should be in line with the identified aims and value statements of the company as mission and values provide a virtual roadmap to achieve some target in the future. For this reason, the proposed research will include analysis of mission, objectives, and value statements of Vermont Teddy Bear (VTBC, 2011) along with their comparison analysis with existing strategic processes of the organization. In this regard, website of Vermont Teddy Bear (VTBC, 2011), as well as published brochures and reports will be an efficient way of getting hold of its mission, objectives, and values statements. At the same time, the same resources will be helpful in the evaluation of their implementation and effectiveness in different processes of the organization.

Microeconomics Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Microeconomics - Assignment Example These goods are traded in the market where the buyer and seller first agree on a price level and then the buyer acquires the good. Thus, consumers have to pay for the good in order to acquire its benefits. Cars and cell phones are examples. In contrast, a public good is one that is available for all and does not necessarily need to be acquired by paying for it. For example, street lights or a light house benefit all instead of one person. The increase in the number of public goods by the government helps it to cut across the system of class disparity and allows everyone to benefit from them without actually paying for the goods. The government thus produces public goods to increase the social welfare of the society. Ans 3) Private goods are paid for by the consumers in order to get ownership of the good. Thus, only the person buying it acquires all the benefits. However, the free rider concept comes into play when one entity such as the government is responsible for providing all the benefits that are equally shared by the people. An example of this can be bridges and roads that are used by everyone while the government builds them. Ans 4) The optimal quantity of pollution can never be zero because any production activity in the economy makes pollution an unavoidable spillover effect. For instance, a car manufacturing company will cause air pollution and for an economy that is operating on a free market basis with no government intervention, even though the cost of the pollution will not be borne by the company, it will be a byproduct of that production process. Thus at any point, the optimal quantity of pollution can never be zero unless all forms of economic activity are halted (Mankiw, 2002). Ans 5) Increasing the gas tax would have a number of adverse effects. Firstly, the cost of other goods will increase with the increase in gas tax. The automobile, aviation and shipping industry rely heavily on gas and will raise their prices in accordance to the increas e in tax so that the costs can be covered. In addition to this, the purchase of automobiles will decrease since the gas tax would result in a higher cost of the car for the consumer. Secondly, the demand for gasoline is considered to be inelastic in the short run. This means that the gas consumption would not decrease with an increase in gas prices. Therefore, an increased gas tax would be a further strain on the costs of manufacturers and consumers. Also, this increase would be reflected on specifically the lower and middle income groups that own fewer vehicles than the higher income group. People in rural and remote areas depend on public transportation and thus a high gas tax would be unfair to the low income groups (O’Sullivan & Sheffrin, 2005). Ans 6) Pollution is defined as damage or harm caused to the environment that we live in. A pollution tax will thus reduce pollution by making large and small organizations to take responsibility for the pollution their economic ac tivities cause. The revenue from these taxes can be used to take measures to eliminate the pollutants that are responsible for harming the environment. For instance, a carbon emission tax can allow the government to invest in projects that reduces industry pollution such as CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage). Moreover, a pollution tax will balance the pollution costs that many organizations may not incorporate in their production proces

The Struggle for Racial Uplift Essay Example for Free

The Struggle for Racial Uplift Essay * Ishmael. He was caught in the jungles of Africa at a young age and has lived his life in captivity ever since. He started out in a zoo-purchased by Walter Sokolow, with whom he learned to communicate telepathically. * Ishmael’s investigation focused on the issue of captivity-and grew into a more comprehensive exploration of humanity. * Ishmael helps the narrator understand his cultural history. Ishmael divides humans into two groups: Leavers and Takers. * Takers are members who believe you should dominate first the planet, then the universe, through technological innovations. Leavers are members of tribal cultures that live simple, basic rules that govern other populations on Earth. * Ishmael helps the narrator see that taker culture is in freefall, bound to crash once you have depleted the planet of its biological and environmental resources. * Ishmael shows the narrator how various cultural myths have helped shape both cultures. One main myth he discusses is the story of Adam and Eve. -historically this myth was used by Leaver cultures to explain the expansion of Taker cultures. -Leavers were trying to understand why Takers had turned to agriculture and were trying to force their way of life on the Leavers. -Takers had eaten of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil — the tree of the gods must eat from in order to know who should live and die. Only to know that that form does not belong to life- form on earth. * Narrator becomes a teacher in Ishmaels honor, in hopes to teach people about the taker culture and find a new way to live w/others on earth. Character List and Analysis * Ishmael- they see themselves as superior and removed from the rules that structure the evolution and survival of other life-forms on the planet. * through his research on human history, hes come to see that they, too, are captive to a destructive way of life in their pursuit of domination over the rest of the world. * Through his studies, Ishmael tries to understand why humans feel called to dominate the world, and he teaches the explanation hes come up with to his student (the narrator) Narrator * The nameless narrator is Ishmaels fifth student and the only one who isnt completely defeated at the end of his instruction. * Hes open-minded and maintains his desire to save the world, though he often finds it difficult to maintain a sense of hope. * Analysis * cultural revolution of the late 1960s * constructing the novel in first person, the reader closely aligns himself with the narrator and can sympathize with the problematic feeling of giving up ones youthful dreams * by being both named and renamed, Ishmael gains a stronger sense of himself as an individual. He is not the giant enemy Goliath-but rather Ishmael, the cast-off son of Abraham. * Quinns use of biblical allusions for Ishmaels names structure the relationship he has with humans. While imprisoned, hes a goliath, an unknown monster. Once hes able to communicate with humans and share their knowledge, he is like a distant relative, as the offspring of Ishmael are to the offspring of Isaac in the Bible. * why are things the way they are? This question is first presented by Ishmael in his memories of life in the zoo. Part 1 * Rachel’s mother, who has always resented Ishmaels relationship with her husband and daughter. * When Ishmael moved in the city he became a teacher, his key subject being the issue of captivity. * Ishmael says that, while it may not matter if one individual discovers the lie, it could change the world if the entire human population discovered the truth. Analysis groundwork to answer the novels central question: why are things the way they are? -Ishmael uses rhetorical strategies, such as asking guiding questions and storytelling, to engage his pupil -humans are captive to a civilizational system and are unable to see the bars of the cage. Part 2 * Ishmael explain The first is that story is the explanation of the relationship between humans, the world, and the gods. * second is that to enact something is to live as if a certain story is a reality. * The third term he defines is culture, which is a group of people enacting a story. * Mother Culture concludes that the Leavers story is the first chapter of humankinds development and the Takers are the second chapter. * narrator insists there is no overarching story or myth that forms his culture. * Greeks did not think of their myths as myths either; rather, what are now considered myths were just the stories that structured their lives. Analysis-Quinn associates takers with civilization and leavers with primitive cultures. –Additionally, Ishmael provides the narrator with three key definitions for story, to enact, and culture. -framework for Ishmaels exploration of Takers and Leavers, who are groups of people with their own story theyre enacting as a culture. Part 3 * myth contains facts, those facts are arranged in a way that suggests the point of the formation of the universe and evolution is the formation of man. Ishmael claims that this is the central idea behind the Takers culture — that Earth was made to support human life Analysis- storytelling is essential to the narrators epiphany in this section. -story featuring a jellyfish rather than a human at the end of it, narrator begins to see the difference between fact and myth. Ishmael and the narrator discuss the way culture influences humans, and on the micro level as a means for Ishmael to instruct the narrator. -many of Ishmaels statements to the narrator are in the form of leading questions . Part 4 * Taker Culture, middle of the story is humankinds time as hunter-gatherers, a time when they were living much as other animals do. * for humankind to achieve its destiny, it had to discover agriculture, which provided it with the means of staying in one place and developing civilization and technology. * so why must man do this? Whats the purpose of rising above the other animals? Ishmael has the narrator imagine an Earth without humans on it; * Ishmael helps the narrator see the next part of the story: man was put on Earth to rule it, and to do so he had to conquer it. * Taker cultural story suggests that things are the way they are because man had to fulfill his destiny of conquering everything, really things are the way they are because man hasnt become the ruler of the world, but its destroyer and enemy. Analysis- why are things the way they are — evolves in Part 4 through Ishmaels use of imaginative exercises and Socratic dialogue. * Ishmael encourages the narrator to imagine Earth without man. Through this creative exercise, the narrator sees the world in a new way and better understands his culture myth. * explain how Takers justify the destruction of the worlds natural resources and wildlife, the narrator says that Takers would see this as the price that must be paid to advance human culture. Part 5 * figure out the end of the story. * man has been put on Earth to conquer it, in conquering it hes caused a lot of problems. * but at the end of his story is that humans are inherently flawed and thus will continue to screw up their pursuit of paradise. * Ishmael asks what evidence his culture uses to back up its claim of being flawed, and the narrator admits it only uses its own history. * topic of prophets and asks the narrator why Taker culture is so obsessed with prophets. Analysis- Mother Culture says humans do not know how to live, so they rely on prophets to tell them what to do. Ishmael foreshadows that the narrator is ready for the next step — to see the world through the Leavers eyes, rather than the Takers. Part 6 * Mother Culture would suggest that humans are above any law that applies to the rest of life on earth. * regardless of what Mother Culture says, the law of living applies, and that hell use the analogy of gravity and flight to explain. * Takers gods tricked the Takers in three ways: -the Takers not the center of the universe -humans evolved just like everything else, even though they feel above evolution. -not actually exempt from the laws of life. * even though it feels like flight, and Takers are accelerating toward a crash. Takers also see abandoned attempts at civilization (for example, the Mayans) but nonetheless believe that their attempt will survive because it has worked so far. Analysis -Taker culture: it is obedient to a law about living, but it is ignorant of that law and so is unable to see how its doomed to fail. -Newton discovered the law of gravity by observation. Ishmael also builds on this analogy to explain that the only way to understand what laws organisms must live by is by observing living organisms. -Mother Culture tells Takers that theyre above the laws of life, they too are in free fall, and eventually their civilization will also crash due to its inability to follow the laws of life. Part 7 * ishmael invites the narrator to imagine himself in a foreign land where everyone is happy * Through more questioning, the narrator discovers he has three guides with which to narrow down the law by which they live: -what makes their society successful what people in the society never do -what a person who has broken the law has done that the others never do. * species of creatures on the planet have followed this rule and prospered; it is only that when a portion of humans decided to abandon the law and live beyond it that Earths ecosystems were thrown out of balance. * He realizes that he doesnt want to complete this task, once hes learned Ishmaels lesson hell be left alone again. Analysis -Ishmaels analogy allows the narrator to better see how wildlife also follows similar rules and that Takers have tried to abandon such rules. -narrator is upset by this proposition as he realizes that, if hes successful, hell eventually no longer be Ishmaels pupil. -What will he become when hes no longer a student? Part 8 (1-6) * takes the narrator four days to figure out the basic laws of life. He returns to Ishmael on the fifth day with his findings. * He says the three basic rules. What they promote? -promotes diversity and survival for the community as a whole since it favors no species above the rest. * Ishmael-ecological principles, when food supplies increase, populations increase. Additionally, when population increases, food decreases and when food decreases, population decreases as well. * increasing populations leads to more and more groups of starving people among the population as a whole. Part 8 (7-10) * The American Heritage Book of Indians, and instructs him to look at the map. * narrator admits theres nothing stopping people from changing geographies, and this helps Ishmael make his key point: -there were cultural and territorial boundaries between the diverse tribes that lived in the Americas prior to the arrival of European settlers. * narrator feels hopeless; he thinks no one in Taker culture will be willing to kill off Mother Culture and try another way of life. * Ishmael helps the narrator see that the overarching law is that the world was made for many species to live on, not for one to dominate the rest. * Taker culture. They fill their lives with distractions and drugs to make up for the lack of satisfaction Analysis-Ishmael points out, people in Leaver cultures experience dramatically fewer cases of addiction and suicide. -Leaver culture might be a key way to change the destructive path Taker culture. Part 9 (1-8) * Taker culture took off with the beginning of the Agricultural Revolution and that it has been spreading ever since. * The Gods were arguing, whether which species should prosper.they decide to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil-soon they had godly power. * Gods were worried knew humans would be tempted to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, and have godly powers too- so they forbid the tree. * story has always remained mysterious to Takers as it doesnt make sense why it should be forbidden. Analysis-explains the roles of gods and humans and the problems that occur when humans take on the role of the gods. -knowledge of the gods, which is the ability to determine what should live and what should die. -differences between the two is their cultural attitudes to the rest of life on the planet. Part 9 (9-11) * Taker destiny, they had to take land from the herders. Ishmael instructs the narrator to read the story of Cain and Abel to better understand how this expansion took shape. * Cain represents the Takers who must kill the Leavers (Abel) in order to expand agricultural production. -Cain and Abel arent actual brothers, but representatives of different human cultures. * Takers, through the spread of Christianity, came to adopt a tale that once was used to show their shortcomings as one of their own creation myths. Part 9 (12-17) * in order to understand why the Takers were invading their land and taking it from them, they had to figure out how they got to be the way they are. * the gods, upset with these Takers, had banished them from the garden of life, forcing these people to get their food through the hard work of farming. * Taker perspective, is not the right to have the knowledge of the gods, but the issue of disobedience-story makes much more sense when told from the Leavers perspective. Analysis- Ishmael helps the narrator to see how Leavers saw the Takers as cursed -Leavers saw the story of The Fall as the story of the Takers becoming cursed, the Takers saw it as the story of their growth -The Fall has evolved not to explain the formation of humans on earth, but the formation of a specific culture -Takers interpretation, he is punished for disobeying the gods, not for the knowledge he gained. Takers are able to make the story a tale of hope/tale of warning, as it is for the Leavers — Adam has eaten of the gods tree and thus must die. Part 10 (1-4) * sidetracked by work and a dental emergency, causing him to miss several days of meetings with Ishmael. * Ishmael got evicted. * Narrator finds Ishmael in a slideshow carnival. The narrator tries to help Ishmael, but Ishmael doesnt appreciate the narrator butting into his personal life. Analysis Ishmael is cold, distant, and wary of the narrators desire to fix the situation. -thru narrator and Ishmaels dispute. Ishmael learns to distrust humans benevolence and resents his dependency on the kindness of humans in order to have a decent life. Part 10 (5-9) * narrator defines culture as whats passed along from generation to generation. For Leaver cultures, culture has evolved since the start of the species and is passed down Analysis -Takers transmit knowledge of agricultural production over the centuries, constantly expanding and improving on the technology used to grow crops. -Leaver cultures transmit knowledge about living well and the way of life of a specific culture rather than the means of production. -Evolution to explain differences between leaver and taker cultures. -leaver cultural structure evolved allowing their cultural practices to adapt and support their livelihood in the environment in which they find themselves. -Taker Cultural structure responds to its cultural beliefs that man is made to rule the world and that everything in the culture is designed to bring the environment under humankind. Part 11 * Mother Culture-technological development * life before the Agricultural Revolution was horrible and that to live that way would be reprehensible. * narrator tells Ishmael that while he may have enough food, he doesnt have enough to free himself from the gods Analysis-If offered to go back to hunter-gatherer time- Taker society for that matter, would reject the offer because Mother Culture has taught him that such a lifestyle is intrinsically worse than Taker Culture. Part 12 (1-6) * Still imprisoned and sleepy, Ishmael asks narrator what happens to Leaver cultures that does not happen to Takers? * evolution is what happens because Leavers remain within the community of life. * removing themselves from the rules that govern life on earth, have removed themselves from evolution. * Man’s role on earth? a guide or role model — a figure that sets the standard for how self-aware, intelligent life-forms should act to benefit and promote biodiversity. Analysis-Taker culture has removed itself from the chain of evolution by living outside the ecological laws. -focused on the historical events that have resulted in the current state of human dominance on the Earth: environmental degradation -Humans should rethink their role to have a positive rather than negative impact on the worlds ecology Part 12 (7-12) * chapter two of the Leavers story-the issue of civilization. the attitude civilized nations have toward the world. * Ishmael tells him he must be a teacher, for humans minds must change before their actions will. * that all members of Taker culture are imprisoned by a destructive, unfulfilling way of life. And, like any prison, it has ways of distracting inmates so they dont notice the conditions. ANALYSIS -Ishmael suggests to the narrator, the only way to change peoples actions is to start with their minds. -Ishmael reminded the narrator of the ways Mother Culture hides the bars of her prison. -help his fellow prisoners see what binds them to their ecologically destructive way of life. Part 13 * Ishmael dies. Analysis – narrator regrets that his self absorption enabled him to see that Ishmael was sick. -With Gorilla Gone, Will There Be Hope for Man? contemplate what action should come next after such philosophical debate and discussion.

Brazil World Trade Essay example -- Brazil Economics Economy Essays

Brazil World Trade From the 1500’s to the 1930’s the Brazilian economy relied on the production of primary products for exports. For three centuries Brazil’s economy was heavily curbed because since Portugal discovered Brazil, they subjected it’s economy to an imperial mercantile policy or a strictly enforced colonial pact. Even though Brazil received its independence in 1822, Portugal’s phase of decisions left a lasting, powerful imprint on Brazil’s economy and society. In the late eighteenth century, when wage labor was adopted and slavery was eliminated considerable changes finally began to occur. Only starting in the 1930’s were the first steps taken to convert key structural changes by changing Brazil into a semi-industrialized, modern economy. The intensity of these transformations caused the growth rates of the economy to remain distinctively high and a diversified manufacturing base was instituted between 1950 and 1981. Substantial difficul ties such as slow growth and stagnation have plagued the economy since the early 1980’s, though it’s potential enabled itself to regain it’s large and quite diversified economy in the mid-1990s still with its share of problems. After World War II, Brazil’s inhabitants that resided in towns and cities grew from 31.3 percent to 75.5 percent. The 146.9 million inhabitants living in the cities by 1991 caused Brazil to have two of the world’s largest metropolitan centers in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Despite the reduction of the share of the primary sector in the gross national product from 28 percent in 1947 to 11 percent in 1992, the agricultural sector remains important. It’s primitive and intensive, yet also modern and dynamic parts make Brazil of the largest... ... procedures, and contingent protection policies). Many different transactions are possible if a deal in the FTAA can be achieved for both Brazil and the United States. Cutting all tariffs is could be the basis of the deal, with some balance struck between US farm trade reforms and enhanced access to Latin American procurement and service markets. Regarding procurement, FTAA negotiators must be able to agree on principles that give transparency for guidelines for open tendering and for public tenders. Also, such guidelines must be complemented by a promise to negotiate within 5 years or so a list of entities whose purchases would be covered by these new obligations. The desired outcome would be a deal on a negative list that would cover all service under FTAA restrictions excluding ones explicitly written- hopefully these exceptions would be kept to a minimum.

Effective Speech Writing Essay

Physical appearance affects delivery very much. It shapes first impressions when a person sees you. When it comes to dressing for public speaking, the clothes chosen must not be flashy, so as to turn off the audience from you. You want to dress simply but elegantly. The way in which a person presents their physical appearance tells people a little about that person’s character and personality. Sometimes the item a person carries says a lot about them; for example if the person is always carrying a suitcase, they can be viewed as very serious minded. I remember attending a conference, and the guest speaker was pastors from a well known church. On first glance he was very relaxed; his clothes were very well put together, stylish and very appropriate for the audience. He had a smile on his face and did not even have a paper or pen in his hand, when he got up to speak, but when he began to speak, everyone was listening, no one moved, no one spoke in hushed tones, it as if he held the audience in a trance. Because of his laid back attitude and his casual way of dressing and the fact that he knew what he was talking about enhanced his effective delivery. His personality was warm and very inviting. I believed if he had dressed any differently in addressing the audience who were all teens; the effectiveness of his delivery would not have been effective at all. Question 4 Movement enhances delivery by keeping the audience interest. Movement in public speaking emphasizes what the speaker is trying to say. When hand gestures are used, it conveys to the audience the speaker’s enthusiasm and the audience is able to image what Effective Speech Writing 4 the speaker is talking about. Hand gestures tend to excite the speaker and help to keep the audience interested in what the speaker is saying. Emphatic gestures also help to stress key points within the person’s speech. Eye contact reveals a lot about a person and helps to maintain a connection with the audience that you are presenting to. Not making eye contact can be seen on the part of the speaker as a failure to connect with the audience and in some cases makes the speaker seem unsure of the subject matter that they are talking about. Eye contact keeps the audience interested and makes the audience feel as is you are connecting with them, giving the sense that you are very knowledgeable about your subject matter. Keeping and maintaining eye contact with your audience is very important as you receive instantaneous feedback as to how effective you are. You are able with eye contact to immediately see if a point is lost on your audience, if they are bored or becoming restless. This helps you to know when it is time to stop your speech, to use a little humor or take a break in between. Once the skill of maintaining visual contact is achieved, it will help in keeping your audience interested in what you are saying. Question 5 Bill Cosby’s delivery can be seen as a very effective. This is a celebrity who is very good at public speaking. His ability to keep the audience entertained, while being serious is pure genius. His delivery was flawless. He exuded self-confidence and poise. As he mentioned in the speech, this is not his first time speaking at a college campus. His delivery showed knowledge and skill about the various subject matters that he touched Effective Speech Writing 5 upon. The pitch of his voice was very pleasant, he paused in between speaking, which seemed to be very effective, it was as if he was building anticipation, while at the same time keeping his audience interested in what he was saying. He made eye contact a number of times and his humor came through in his speech and you are able to glimpse his personality. His physical appearance was very appropriate. It was as if he was identifying with the graduating class, by donning a graduating gown too. This was a very effective way of capturing the audience’s attention and keeping it. He did not move around a lot during the speech, but there was a lot of hand movement and you could see the facial expression on his face and hear the enthusiasm in his speech. The kind of speech he did was an impromptu speech which most people dread doing. But he was prepared and gave a very good and interesting speech. Question 6 I would evaluate my delivery strength in that I make eye contact, I use a lot of hand gestures and I try to connect with my audience. I find that I am better at impromptu speech versus manuscript speech. I tend not to do well at the latter. One of my weaknesses is that I tend to gesticulate a lot, which can be very distracting to people and takes away the focus of what I am saying. Sometimes I get very nervous and tend to hold a pencil in my hand and fiddle with it while I talk, which can be very distracting for people. I can improve my weaknesses by practicing before I give a speech, so that I can improve my delivery. Also I can try to focus on my speech and practice gesticulating at the appropriate parts instead of Effective Speech Writing 6 gesticulating throughout my speech. But the most effective way to gain strength in my weak areas is to practice as much as I can, in front of friends and family. I can also overcome my weaknesses by becoming more knowledgeable, about the subject matter, which will help me during my speech. Also if I follow the instructions and deliver my speeches extemporaneously, I will become better, and will be better able to connect with my audience, as this kind of speech delivery. Source: Effective Public Speaking – Let Your Body do the Talking retrieved April 2, 2008 fromhttp://ezinearticles. com/? Effective-Public-Speaking—Let-Your-Body-Do-The-Talking&id=482746

Biopure Solution

Biopure Corporation has two new products that are Oxyglobin and Hemopure. Oxyglobin is the first new blood substitute for the veterinary market and is ready for consumer use. Hemopure is another new blood substitute for the human market and it will take two years to launch the product from now on. Ted Jacobs, vice president for Human Clinical Trials, is concerned about creating an unrealistic price expectation for Hemopure by marketing Oxyglobin before Hemopure. On the other hand, Andy Wright, vice president for Veterinary Products, believes that selling Oxyglobin has benefits for the company in terms of generating revenues for the use of launching Hemopure and learning how to market and make mistakes prior to the launch of Hemopure. Carl Rausch, the president and CEO of Biopure Corporation, has to decide if the release of Oxyglobin would be beneficial for the company without jeopardizing the potential of Hemopure. The Solution: I think that launching Oxyglobin has many benefits for the company. For this reason, I agree with Andy Wright’s decision to begin by selling Oxyglobin. Ted Jacobs indicates that the veterinary market is small and price sensitive. He also believes that if the company prices Oxyglobin around $150, it will be very difficult to price Hemopure at $800 because of the huge difference in price for the same product. I disagree with Ted Jacobs because although the production processes and physical characteristics of these two products are identical, Oxyglobin is targeted for the animal market whereas the target customer for Hemopure is the human market. Just because products are identical does not mean that the company prices separately; it is all about the supply and demand. The determining factor of price is the market itself, so Ted Jacobs thinks that Biopure can achieve the price points of $600 to $800. He can only estimate these price points based on the market price. Additionally, even though the veterinary market is small and price sensitive, being the first in any market will make a huge difference and impact the company’s reputation in a positive way if the product satisfies the needs and wants of the consumers. 84% of veterinary doctors complained about the lack of alternatives to the blood transfusion in the marketplace. I believe that this is a big opportunity for Biopure to enter the veterinary market because Oxyglobin has already passed an FDA – approval process specific to the veterinary market. If the competitors want to get a share for animal blood substitutes, they have to wait at least for two years. Waiting for Hemopure to launch both products at the same time will also put the company in a risk because of the possibility of competitors’ entrance to the veterinary market. Once Oxyglobin achieves its purpose for animals and satisfies the veterinary doctors and pet owners, the success of this product will help Biopure to easily launch Hemopure and attract the human market. The Implementation: Andy Wright and his team can have a successful launch for Oxyglobin by implementing the followings: †¢ The Pricing Strategy: Even though the surveys show that veterinarians recommend less-expensive treatments over more-expensive, 90% of pet owners are willing to be informed about all the available alternatives to treat their pets. For this reason, giving the many advantages of Oxyglobin relative to donated animal blood and being the only animal blood substitute in the market, Oxyglobin should carry a premium price of up to $200 per unit. The Distribution Strategy: Instead of making a contract with one of the distributors, Biopure should consider of distributing Oxyglobin by using its salesforces. By doing so, the company does not have to pay 20% of the selling price on a more-established product and 30% of the selling price on a new product. Since the estimated cost of distributing Oxyglobin is $10 to $15 per unit, Biopure would save money compared to the cos t of contracting with one of the distributers which would be $60 per unit.

Strategic Management Case Study The WritePass Journal

Strategic Management Case Study Introduction Strategic Management Case Study IntroductionReferenceRelated Introduction Harley-Davidson is one of the oldest business organizations in the motorcycle industry with over 10 decades of experience in the production and supply of motorcycles. This is evident in its historical performances attributed with sustained competitive results of the company’s motorbikes in the racing arena (Vasudha 2011). This was a powerful branding strategy that propagated the company to market leadership due to sustained competitiveness of its products in the market. Specifically, the company has managed to establish a unique brand founded on proud history, unmatched riding experiences, in-depth connection with its customers, and a sustained personal relationship with its customers. In terms of rich history, the company is cherished for being the first largest manufacturer of motorcycles on a global scale. It is also closely related to one of the best motorcycles in the United States in the early 20th century with its services ranging from military activities, policing, and racing (Vasudha 2011). The firm is also linked to the origin of the famous riding leather accessories, sportster, and the origin of most of the motorcycle racing competitions in the US and the world in general (Vasudha 2011). Simply put it is impractical to analyse historical development of motorcycle technology and innovations without mentioning Harley-Davidson Furthermore, the company has for many years managed to establish powerful brand community where its customers are proud to be associated with Harley-Davidson. Specifically, the company has not only observed high quality in its products and services but also developed a powerful relationship with its customers due to its many years of portrayal of the American image of happiness, individuality, and freedom (Vasudha 2011). This culminated to most consumers valuing the experience of owning a Harley motorcycle. For instance, the formation of the Harley owners group which was the largest motorcycle club in the world allowed the company to establish close relationships with its customers.   In addition, the company formed a unique anniversary celebration practice where its customers celebrated riding the motorcycles in a celebration (Vasudha 2011).   These are powerful tools that made its customers feel like they really own the company. The consequence was increased levels of customer loyalty. To enhance its competitiveness and its relationship with its customers, the company has established an online marketing platform that is not only used for promoting its products but also building on the brand community through its online HOG program (Vasudha 2011). This allowed the company to establish an online followership of its brand culminating to the emergency of a Harley lifestyle that replaced the brand in the context that consumers who bought Harley products were more interested in the lifestyle associated with owning the motorbike. As a consequence, the company established personalised relationship between it and its consumers. In conclusion, Harley has effectively managed to integrate its services into the lifestyle of its customers by providing high-quality products and services that are linked to the rich historical background and huge community attachment. This has culminated to formulation of a sentimental value on ownership of any Harley product among consumers. Its ability to sustain many years of innovativeness and still keep in close contact with its customers has culminated to emancipation of a lifestyle approach to marketing its product and hence, it is trust to say It is a unique brand that is built on personal relationship and deep connections with customers, unmatched riding experiences, and proud history Reference Vasudha, M 2011. Harley-Davidson’s Commitment to Brand Communities. Case study Reference no. 511-006-1

Description and History of AK-47 Assault Rifle

Description and History of AK-47 Assault Rifle AK-47 Specifications Cartridge: 7.62 x 39mmCapacity: 10-75 rounds depending on magazine usedMuzzle Velocity: 2,346 ft./sec.Effective Range: 330-440 yds.Weight: approx. 9.5 lbs.Length: 34.3 in.Barrel Length: 16.3 in.Sights: Adjustable iron sights,Action: Gas-operated, rotating boltNumber Built: approx. 75 million, 100 million AK-47-style weapons Development The evolution of the modern assault rifle began during World War II with the German development of the Sturmgewehr 44 (StG44). Entering service in 1944, the StG44 provided German soldiers with the firepower of a submachine gun, but with better range and accuracy. Encountering the StG44 on the Eastern Front, Soviet forces began looking for a similar weapon. Utilizing the 7.62 x 39mm M1943 cartridge, Alexey Sudayev designed the AS-44 assault rifle. Tested in 1944, it was found to be too heavy for widespread use. With the failure of this design, the Red Army temporarily halted its search for an assault rifle. In 1946, it returned to the issue and opened a new design competition. Among those who entered was Mikhail Kalashnikov. Wounded at the 1941 Battle of Bryansk, he had begun designing weapons during the war and had previously entered a design for a semi-automatic carbine. Though he lost this competition to Sergei Simonovs SKS, he pushed forward with an assault weapon design that drew inspiration from the StG44 and the American M1 Garand. Intended to be a reliable and rugged weapon, Kalashnikovs design (AK-1 AK-2) sufficiently impressed the judges to advance to the second round. Encouraged by his assistant, Aleksandr Zaytsev, Kalashnikov tinkered with the design to increase reliability across a wider range of conditions. These alterations advanced his 1947 model to the front of the pack. Testing progressed over the next two years with the Kalashnikov design winning the competition. As a result of this success, it moved to production under the designation AK-47. AK-47 Design A gas-operated weapon, the AK-47 utilizes a breech-block mechanism similar to Kalashnikovs failed carbine. Employing a curved 30-round magazine, the design is visually similar to the earlier StG44. Created for use in the severe climates of the Soviet Union, the AK-47 possesses relatively loose tolerances and is able to function even if its components are fouled by debris. Though this element of its design enhances reliability, the looser tolerances decrease the weapons accuracy. Capable of both semi- and fully-automatic fire, the AK-47 is aimed with adjustable iron sights. To enhance the AK-47s lifespan, the bore, chamber, gas piston, and the interior of the gas cylinder are chromium-plated to prevent corrosion. The AK-47s receiver was initially made from stamped sheet metal (Type 1), but these caused difficulties in assembling the rifles. As a result, the receiver was switched to one made from machined steel (Types 2 3). This issue was finally resolved in the late 1950s when a new stamped sheet metal receiver was introduced. This model, dubbed the AK-47 Type 4 or AKM, entered service in 1959 and became the definitive model of the weapon. Operational History Initially used by the Red Army, the AK-47 and its variants were exported widely to other Warsaw Pact nations during the Cold War. Due to its relatively simple design and compact size, the AK-47 became the favored weapon of many of the worlds militaries. Easy to produce, it was built under license in many nations as well as served as the basis for numerous derivative weapons such as the Finnish Rk 62, Israeli Galil, and Chinese Norinco Type 86S. Though the Red Army elected to move to the AK-74 during the 1970s, the AK-47 family of weapons remains in widespread military use with other nations. In addition to professional militaries, the AK-47 has been utilized by a variety of resistance and revolutionary groups including the Viet Cong, Sandinistas, and Afghani mujahedeen. As the weapon is easy to learn, operate, and repair, it has proven an effective tool for non-professional soldiers and militia groups. During the Vietnam War, American forces were initially stunned by the volume of fire that AK-47-equipped Viet Cong forces were able to bring to against them. As one of the most common and reliable assault rifles in the world, the AK-47 has also been utilized by organized crime and terrorist organizations. During the course of its production, over 75 million AK-47s and licensed variants have been built. Selected Sources Wired: The AK-47, An All-Purpose KillerMilitary Factory: AK-47

Careers in the EPA Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Careers in the EPA - Research Proposal Example the environmental impacts of pollutive industries led to a widespread call for sustainable development which takes into account the environmental and social aspects of economic development; an offshoot is the requirement of environmental impact assessments for development projects deemed to cause substantial ecological impacts. Large dams were subjected to review particularly as dams inadvertently alter a stream’s morphology, and subsequently the surrounding landscape as well as its biota, which several studies contend. Large dams inundate a large area and the environmental repercussions redound to adjacent ecosystems. An analysis of the environmental effects of dams as obtained by scientific studies is the objective of this report. Specifically, this paper proposes to assess the available research base on the environmental impacts of dams; the methods applied to obtain data on environmental effects; and the implications of the revealed impacts on dam development and management in the context of sustainable development. Data sources will include the review of selected publications on the positive and negative effects of dams on the geophysical environment and on the affected biota, and analyses of impact assessment studies. This evaluation and studies of the same nature are significant, urgent, and timely because it is only recently that the full impacts of dams have been felt due to the compounding nature of such effects. Looking at this effects from various perspectives is also relevant because there are varied scopes a dam alters the environment – global, regional, and local. Especially where local impacts are considered, one dam’s effect does not necessarily mean the same effect on another owing to the differences in their biologic and geographic components. Burke, M., Jorde, K., & Buffington, J.M. (2009). Application of a hierarchal framework for assessing environmental impacts of dam operation: Changes in streamflow, bed mobility, and

Bussiness Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Bussiness Ethics - Essay Example Speaking more plainly, I think that it is in the best interest of the people that the government hires private military contractors to provide assistance in national defense. Though Sandel did not position himself—directly, on any particular side of the debate, he effectively raise and postulates two critical issues regarding the hiring of private military contractors—using, in particular, the case of Blackwater Worldwide as an example; one is regarding fairness and freedom and the other with regards to civic virtue and common good (81). Blackwater Worldwide which now renamed its company Xe Services was founded by former Navy Seals including its former president and founder Erik Prince. Blackwater trains its own personnel to carry out high-risk operations around the world and had successfully secure contract with the US government under President George Bush. Since 2007, the company has been involved in a string of lawsuits, investigations, and intense public scrutiny w ith their involvement in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan (â€Å"Blackwater Worldwide†). With the questionable conduct of Blackwater Worldwide, why would I still think that private military contractors should assist in national defense? Well, compared to the many utilitarian advantages, I believe that the pros far outweigh the cons.

Interest in pursuing graduate studies(Masters, Business Information Essay

Interest in pursuing graduate studies(Masters, Business Information Technology) - Essay Example As a child, I was deeply interested in technology and its applications in the daily life of people. How comfortable it made everyone's life! During my teenage days, the computer boom occurred and just about overnight, everyone owned a PC- and they refused to ever shut it down! My first computer was brought in the house amid huge excitement; everybody was amazed by the functions a simple dull-grey box could perform at the click of the button. Perhaps it was due to such an introduction that my interest for 'technology' soon developed into a curiosity for exploring the world of 'information technology' in particular. With encouragement from my parents, and a determination to take my interest to another level, I undertook several courses to develop skills in this field, many of which were far beyond my academic curriculum. I armed myself with knowledge of Microsoft Office, Visio, and Kofax Ascent Capture. I mastered languages like C, C++, HTML and XML. The more I studied it, the more pas sionate I become for this field. When the time came, I had no doubts deciding to pursue IT for undergraduate school. But that was not my sole career aim. As much as I wanted to contribute to IT, I wanted to venture into the business world and manage a company of my own. Thus, besides doing a Bachelors of Commerce Degree in IT Management at college, I successfully completed a Diploma in Business Management.

Newater Brand And Singapores Water Reclaimation Environmental Sciences Essay

Newater Brand And Singapores Water Reclaimation Environmental Sciences Essay Water is an essential element for the survival of all living things in the world; including human beings. The current consumption of domestic water per capital in Singapore stands at 158 litres per day (Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources 2011).As Singapores population and economy is increasing, the industry and its people requires more clean water daily.However, Singapore does not have sufficent source of natural water supply for the growing consumption and have been heavily dependent on Malaysia to supply raw water since the 1961 agreement between both neighbhouring countries.However, Singapore has now decided not to extend her water agreement which terminates this year (Singapore Press Holdings Ltd 2010).Therefore, can the government still cater to the growing water demands of its population? 1.2 Singapores Water Reclaimation Study The solution to the above problems lies in the unlikely sources from dirty and used sewage water.Scientists in Singapore mastered the process of using reverse osmosis technology to produce safe and clean drinking water for its population.Every housing and toilets are well connected to an independent sewerage system and as long as the residents keep flushing, the country will never run out of sewage water! This technology was projected to solves 7% of the countrys demand during the introduction but now this figure is expected to rise rapidly to replace the initial water agreement with Malaysia when it expires this year. Imported water from Malaysia supplies 33% of the water needs.There are also local catchments throughout the country which provides 50% of the water needs and the remaining 10% through desalinated water by converting seawater (Cezar Tigno 2008).However, for research purpose of this study; the focus will be purely on Singapores recycled water which is branded as NEWater. The NEWater Brand NEWater is the result of high graided reclaimed water which is the output of treating used and dirty water.It has been certified a pass grade after being scrutinised by over 65 000 vigurous scientific tests and has even surpassed the requirements of the World Health Organization.Its most notable and recent award includes the Water Project of the Year held by Global Water Awards in 2009 (PUB 2010).Figure 1 below shows a screenshot of a NEWater Bottled drink which is 100% made from recycled water. Figure 1. Screenshot of NEWater bottled drinks (Ong Dailin 2009) These bottled drinks are the combined efforts between the PUB(Public Utility Board) and the Ministry for the Environment and Water Resources(MEWR) since initiating the Singapore Water Reclamation Study in the year 1998.Since its interception in 2003, NEWater has primarily served Water Fabrication industries and also acted as a coolant for large machineries.In due time, it was introduced to household residence (Lin Jiamei 2010). However, PUB has constantly backed off from the idea of selling the product commercially to mainstream consumers.Its main objective was to raise the awareness with its residents and it achieved that by distributing a sample of the NEWater bottled drink at a public exhibition during the National Day Parade Celebrations in 2005.Currently, there are a total of 5 NEWater plants in Singapore.They are located in Kranji, Ulu Pandan, Seletar, Bedok and in Changi.SembCorp NEWater Plant located in Changi is the latest and the biggest project to date.This project is a jo int collaboration between SembCorp and PUB (Net Resources International 2011). CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 NEWaters Advanced Membrane Technologies Figure 2. Screenshot of 16 and 8 inches Advanced Membrane System (PennWell Corporation 2011) The entire NEWaters process is actually based on Advanced Membrane Technologies.The two major equipments involved in this techological process includes the NEWater Pilot System and the nanofiltration or Reverse Osmosis membrane skid.Firstly, the Pilot System consists of Ultrafiltration, Reverse Osmosis and Ultraviolet disinfection units.Secondly, the Nanofiltration membrane skid is highly versatile in performing feasibility studies on liquid waste treament and recovery. Figure 2 shows the screenshot of a 16 and 8 inch Advanced Membrane System used in Bedok NEWater Plant in Singapore.This assembly consists of a spiral-wound and a tubular pressure vessel where different types of Reverse Osmosis and Nano Filtration membranes could be tested based on the liquid wastes nature and requirements.This test skid allows easy optimization of membrane operations through various imperative process parameters such as flow rate and pressure (Temasek Polytechnic 2011).PUB regularly conducts more than 80,000 tests on a monthly basis to cover up to 290 water quality parameters pertaining to physical, biological and chemical conditions (AsiaOne 2011). 4.2 NEWaters Treatment Process Figure 3. Flowchart of NEWaters Factory Treatment Process (PUB 2002) Figure 3 illustrates the brief flowchart process of a typical treatment process of NEWater in Singapore.The first process refers to the collection of dirty and untreated sewage water from home and industries.These water will then be channeled to water reclamation plant to process for the treatment.After which they will known as treated Secondary Effluent and will be linked to their respective NEWater factories in Singapore.This is where NEWater is transformed through 3 key stages.The first stage is known as Microfiltration. The ultrafiltration membranes involved in this process are from Canada.In this stage the Secondary Effluents passes through membranes to filter out and a few contaminants will be retrained on the membrane surface.These include suspended solids, disease-causing bacteria, viruses, colloidal particles and protozoan cysts.The filtered water that passes through the membrane will contain only dissolved salts and organic molecules which will follow to the next stage; Rev erse Osmosis. Figure 4. Multiple Barrier Approach for the development of NEWater (PUB 2002) In the Reverse Osmois process a semi-permeable membrane is used where its small pores allows diminutive small molecules like water molecules to pass through.This process will removes smaller sizes of bacteria, nitrate, sulphate, heavy metals, chlore, aromatic hydrocarbons, disinfection through products and pesticides.At this stage, the NEWater is already of a high grade water quality and proceeds to the next stage of Ultraviolet Disinfection(UV). Figure 4 clearly shows the multiple barrier approach to eliminate the different impurities during each development of the process before proceeding to the next stage. The final stage is Ultraviolet Disinfection.These Ultraviolet Disinfection units comes from England.In each individual units, there will 6 UV lights which will emit up to 800 degress in temperature.Since the boiling temperature of water is at 100 degree celsius, the water will be encased in a quartz casing. The pH level of the water will drop to acidic level since it has went through the first and second stage and now has lack of minerals and salt.Sodium Hyroxide will be added further to bring back the pH level.The resultant outcome from this final stage is NEWater, which will then be pipped out to various homes and industries across the country (PUB 2010). CHAPTER 3: DATA ANALYSIS 3.1 SWOT Analysis of NEWater Michael Porters SWOT Analysis is used to identify the Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats for NEWater in Singapore.Table 1 below, shows the SWOT Analysis Model for this innovative product. Table 1. SWOT Analysis of NEWater Strengths Humans produce dirty and untreated water on a daily basis without fail.Its a natural process and one that is vital for the core development process for NEWater.This process was illustrated in Chapter 2.Currently in Singapore, there are a total of 5 NEWater plants.The latest and biggest among those plants was constructed in Changi.Together with the other existing 4 plants, 30% of the water demands in Singapore will be solved by these plants.In addition, NEWater process and technology is not dependent on any weather conditions as its direct source is from the dirty and untreated water; discarded by humans.These plants are also environmental and nature-friendly as they dont require any natural resource for its production.In fact, the SembCorp NEWater plant in Changi; is the only large scale recycling plant in the world ever to be constructed on top of a water reclamation plant (FaverSham House Group Ltd 2010). With the water agreement signed by Singapore and Malaysia in 1961 before independence is poised to expire this year; it will poses no adversities to Singapore due to its reliance on the local NEWater plants to match the water demands of its citizens.As often in the past 50 years, Malaysian politicans would use water as a factor during serious bilateral disagreements with Singapore.More often,Singapore often had to submit to their favours as they have an upper hand in supplying water to the country.Now, this issue will no longer be a thorn between both these countries anymore as Singapore will no longer need to depend on them for imported water.This would also enable to bridge the broken relationship between these two countries (AsiaOne 2011). Weaknesses The entire infrastructure and cost of building a NEWater plant is a costly affair.For example, the SembCorp NEWater plant was constructed at a cost of $180 million in June 2010.Such cost will increase drastically when more NEWater plants are required to meet water demands in the near future.The machines in these plants are also of high cost and maintainence (Vincent Wee 2009).Secondly, Singaporeans are traditionally accustomed to drink directly from the taps and view the NEWater as dirty and unacceptable for drinking.They believe that NEWater isnt strong enough to eliminate toxic materials and chemicals which can be washed away at homes or small businesses.Currently, this proves as a big pschyological barrier in the mindsets of these people to readily accept the NEWater technology in Singapore (Singapore Press Holdings 2002).As explained in Chapter 2, the entire process of NEWater is complex and goes through various stages before completion.Since these processes are complicated; any human or computerized errors at any stage will not allow the product to be delievered within the required standards. Opportunities Currently NEWater is only channeled to homes and industries but is yet to be sold as a commercial bottled drink in the market.NEWater could enter the mineral water industry as a bottled recycled drink to compete with other brands in the market as well.This will enable the product to gain both awareness and confidence among Singaporeans.These bottled drinks which are made and manufactured in Singapore could also be marketed as a global product to target a wider audience. Attractive pricing will lure customers to this product since it has passed International Quality and received many global awards as explained in Chapter 1.3. Threats Everyday the world discovers new, emerging and deadly epidemic viruses due to the advancement of technologies.Toxic materials also play an integral part in poisoning the NEWater and imposes a severe threat to mankind.Therefore more stringent and sensitive instruments are required to perform additional parameters in the quality of the technology to ensure that the output NEWater is virus-free and safe for drinking.Any lapse in such technology will result in a huge disaster in Singapore (Amresh Gunasingham 2009). Summary Based on the SWOT Analysis, its evident enough that NEWater has more positive factors than negative factors internally. Externally, it has a balanced opportunities and threats for the product.It has numerous strength factors which makes it a reliable and innovative product in the current technological world.Therefore, the product still has scope for marketing it internationally and locally.However, It also has to keep abreast with the toxicological and microbiological issues affecting it externally. 3.2 Financial Implications for NEWater Technology Although the infrastructure for the construction of such NEWater plants are high in cost as well as maintainence due to the technology involved in these machines; the local consumers are buoyed by the fact they were paying much lesser than what they used to pay before the interention of NEWater.For example, before the introduction of NEWater, Singaporeans had to pay $1.15 per cubic metre. Now, this price was lowered by 15 cents to $1 per cubic metre. With the demand for NEWater rising to 30% through industries and homes; a price reduction will benefit the local small businesses and consumers as an incentive. The operational efficency from these NEWater plants also played an integral role in the price reduction by the Government when it was introduced in April 2007 (May Wong 2007). CHAPTER 4: RECOMMENDATION 4.1 Future Direction for the NEWater Technology With the current NEWater Technology solving up to 30% of Singapores water demands, more NEWater plants will be commissioned.Currently, the other 33% of Singapores water demands are satisfied through imported water from Malaysia.In an event of a distaster or a severe drought in Malaysia, Singapores water supplies will also be affected in the process.Therefore, to reduce the over reliance on imported water from Malaysia, Singapore will need to develop more NEWater plants to meet the water demands of its population.It is also economical as the production of water will be within Singapore and fears of a price hike from Malaysia on its imported water will also be eliminated.This will also pave the future on the usage of untreated sewage water into a safe and drinking water culture for the entire country (Victoria School 2005). 4.2 Futher Improvements for the NEWater Technology NEWater Technology is the only realistic solution available for Singapore to solve its future water crisis, besides its existing local catchments and desalination process which are dependent on weather and sea water sorely.However, NEWater has yet to be a commercial and global product.NEWater could be packaged in attractive bottles and sold globally.International and local celebrities could be used as Models to promote the drink so that worldwide and local customers are attracted to it.The pricing of NEWater as a bottled drink should be lower than the existing mineral water drinks in the market.The pricing will definately be a pull factor for most budget minded consumers who wish to try out a new and different taste than compared to most mineral water drinks in the market.A proper marketing mix through Product, Price, Place and Promotion should be practised by PUB to market its innovative product of the 21st century.Free sample sized bottles can be distributed in public road shows as a bait for customers to purchase the product. PUB should also tie up with major fast food outlets and restaurants in the Food and Beverage Industries like Macdonalds, Pizza Hut and KFC to bundle up NEWater as a package and sell together with their signature dishes to their loyal consumers.This will enable a wider market penetration rather than common advertisements in Television or the Internet. 4.3 Conclusion NEWater is a growing brand in Singapore due its economical and simple soultion to future water crisis.However, efforts must be made by the Government to market it to the local singaporeans on the product and its safety as there are many Singaporeans still grippled with the pscyhological barrier of drinking from recycled water.PUB has yet to make its product a global brand and is keeping it as an internal project.PUB should break free by selling its product on the stores and enter as a new competitor in the Mineral Water industry.This will speed up the process of educating the locals here who are quite new to this technology. On the other hand, PUB should place constant and high importance on its Research and Design Department for the NEWater project to constantly update the machines and ensure that safety isnt compromised through complacency.New and sensitive instruments are a must to ensure proper test is conducted at its highest quality.Only when PUB, has decided to balance its NEWater brand globally together with up-to-date precise technological instruments; it can achieve unprecedented quality for a local-made recycled drink!