What Is Business Management Essay - 1532 Words

Defining the Discipline What is Business Management? Studying for a business and management studies degree allows us to develop a broad understanding of business organizations and provides us with subject-specific knowledge in areas such as marketing, customers, finance, operations, communication, information technology, business policies and strategies. What Jobs can you receive with a degree in Business Management? The business field has many choices because there are different types of businesses to go into since business is open to so many choices, they can go for a big box store in retail or work for a billion-dollar company. Once schooling is complete here are some jobs with the salaries. Now, to get a little closer to home the hiring jobs would be like: Home Depot, Lowe’s the Home Improvement Store, Westlake Ace Hardware, Kelly Moore Paint, Sherwin Williams, Wells Fargo, Sonora Bank, and Johnson Johnson. Since the chart shows this information it will be more of an insight on what a business management degree can do. With these jobs, he/she will be able to run the day to day operations and oversee the process on how the company is doing. When seeing there will be a cut and dry on the reports to present to the fellow managers and employees on the job. Writing for Business Management Academically The Difference between High School and College writing Wow, since being out of high school there has been a huge difference in writing for college. In high school, theShow MoreRelatedwhat is the advantages and disadvantages of business risk management1233 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of financial risk management? Financial risk management is the practice of creating economic value in a firm by using financial instruments to manage exposure to risk. Similar to general risk management, financial risk management requires identifying its sources, measuring it, and plans to address them. Financial risk includes various categories such as credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk, operation risk and reputation risk. These are risksRead MoreWhat Is The Potential Quality Plan In Business Management1621 Words   |  7 PagesA Business Management professional with eight years experience in retail, eMarketing, airlines, media and IT industries. I enjoy working to targets and a confident communicator who has a proven track record of developing new business and motivating a team to consistently exceed targets. Quality Assurance Analyst Data Capture Experts Pty Ltd (Oct 2017 – Present) ï‚ § Review functional and design specifications to ensure full understanding of individual deliverables ï‚ § Identify test requirements fromRead MoreWhat Role Does Inventory Management Play On Business?1667 Words   |  7 PagesWhat role does inventory management play in business? A review in inventory management. Having efficient inventory is a key to having a successful business. When it comes down to it inventory is what makes the profit for the company. It has to do with the overall organization of the company and also the bottom line. It can reflect on the company in a positive or negative way depending on how the inventory is being managed. Having a bunch of money sitting on the shelves of Custom Mills can be a pressingRead MoreWhat Role Should Management Have Within A Business Essay1744 Words   |  7 PagesWhat role should management have within a business regarding social responsibility? Explain. According to Friedman, a manager’s only responsibility is to the shareholders, and not society as a whole (Jennings, 111). We all agree that a manager s primary responsibility is to the company and the shareholders. We feel that the manager’s role is to act as an agent to conduct business in congruence with the goals set by the shareholders and laws of society, effectively making profit for the company.Read MoreReport On The Field Of Business Management Essay1217 Words   |  5 PagesOpportunities Within The Field Of Business Management Date: October 3, 2016 For: Incoming Students Subject: What Is Business Management All About? Introduction Business management is a very broad field of choice which gives people the opportunity to choose from many careers options. This particular field trains one for roles as managers in many sectors such as education, retail, technology and more. There are many skills one obtains from choosing business management as their major. People learn howRead MoreOrganizational Structure And Management Process Essay1630 Words   |  7 Pagesstructure and its management process. The success of any firm is directly related to how well it is organized and how effective it s managed. Organizational structure and management processes are interrelated and they provide a gauge as to how effective an overall business strategy is implemented. The measure of success in any business is how effectively it can compete in finding new opportunities and having the internal structure necessary to compete in different markets and business environmentsRead MoreEssay about Strategic Management1443 Words   |  6 PagesStrategic management is the art, science and craft of formulating, implementing and evaluating cross-functional decisions that will enable an organization to achieve its long-term objectives. It is the process of specifying the organizations mission, vision and objectives, developing policies and plans, often in terms of projects and programs, which are designed to achieve these objectives and then allocating resources to implement the policies, and plans, projects and programs. Strategic managementRead MoreBusiness Functions : General Management And Management1065 Words   |  5 PagesBUSINESS FUNCTIONS: GENERAL MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT: THEORETICAL – Management is very important when it comes to a business. Management is the process of working with other people to achieve business goals. In management you get managers; a manager is someone who can plan, lead, organise and controls the assigning of employees, finances and physical resources of the business. Managers must pull up a business policy which includes a mission, vision, goals and objectives and even strategies for theRead MoreEssay on Construction Project Management and Business Management925 Words   |  4 PagesConstruction Project Management and Business Management Over the past few years, the construction industry has been changing dramatically. One of the most important stages in the construction management and business management is the planning phase. They share similar two main levels of planning which are the strategic and operational planning. However, business management planning to decide in advance what should be done, and how to do it, when you do and you are done. On the other hand, ConstructionRead MoreChapter 2 Questions. Identify and Discuss the Major Types of Information Systems908 Words   |  4 Pages1) Identify and discuss the major types of information systems that serve the main management groups within a business. What are the relationships among these systems? Main management groups within a business are operational management (employees, staff), middle management and senior, top-management. Accordingly there are three major types of information systems – transaction processing system (TPS), management information systems (MIS) and decision-support system (DSS), executive support system

Edgar Allan Poe Essay - 1575 Words

Edgar Allan Poe Edgar Allan Poe was a bizarre and often scary writer. People throughout history have often wondered why his writings were so fantastically different and unusual. They were not the result of a diseased mind, as some think. Rather they came from a tense and miserable life. Edgar Allan Poe was not a happy man. He was a victim of fate from the moment he was born to his death only forty years later. He died alone and unappreciated. It is quite obvious that his life affected his writings in a great way. In order to understand why, the historical background of Poe must be known. Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 19, 1809. His parents were touring actors and both died before he was three years old. After†¦show more content†¦So, he did what most people do. He found a way to escape. His method was writing. He found so much in common with his characters, that his life began to emulate theirs. Although it is probably the other way around. How tragic that the one thing that he was good at never seemed to do him any good. No matter what he wrote, he just kept sinking further and further into an abyss. This abyss could be called death or ultimate despair. When we read Poes stories, we often find ourselves wondering how such a mind could function in society. This quotation from American Writers: A Collection of Literary Biographies, very accurately describes the landscape of Poes stories: The world of Poes tales is a nightmarish universe. You cross wasted lands, silent, forsaken landscapes where both life and waters stagnate. Here and there you catch sight of lugubrious feudal buildings suggestive of horrible and mysterious happenings......The inside of these sinister buildings is just as disquieting as the outside. Everything is dark there, from the ebony furniture to the oaken ceiling. The walls are hung with heavy tapestries to which mysterious drafts constantly give a hideous and uneasy animation. Even the windows are of a leaden hue, so that the rays of either sun or moon passing through fall with a ghastly lustre on the objectsShow MoreRelatedEdgar Allan Poe721 Words   |  3 PagesEdgar Allan Poe Edgar Allen Poe, born is 1809, was an American short story writer, poet, and critic. He is commonly know as the father of detective stories. His most well know work of art is his poem The Raven (Werlock). Although Poe had a short lived career, his literature continues to influence many writers in the United States and Europe. He worked with many genres such as: gothic tale, science fiction, occult fantasies, and satire. While many critics consider his works of literature as grotesqueRead MoreEdgar Allan Poe792 Words   |  4 Pagesauthor, Edgar Allan Poe, on Sunday October 7, 1849. In Massachusetts on the 19th day of January in the year 1809, Edgar Poe was born to actress Elizabeth Arnold Hopkins Poe and actor David Poe Junior, making him an older brother to Rosalie Poe, and a younger one to William Henry Leonard Poe. Poe may, perchance, have been named after a character in the play that his parents were performing that year. He was never formally adopted, however, Edgar Poe was r enamed Edgar Allan Poe when the John Allan familyRead MoreEdgar Allan Poe1245 Words   |  5 Pagesbe discussing about my poet Edgar Allan Poe. Poe had written numerous of poems and stories but the one I chose was â€Å"Annabel Lee†. This poem was written in 1849 which was a long time ago. Even though this poem is centuries old, it is still a well known poem. This whole project includes a biography, literary movement, and a explication about the poem. The biography includes where Poe grew up and how his lifestyle were. Through research and sources, I found out that Poe lived a hard life. He was inRead MoreThe Rise Of Poe By Edgar Allan Poe1635 Words   |  7 PagesThe Rise of Poe The words people use and how they use them holds so much power within themselves. It seems that, people are always searching for the right words to express their true emotions towards a certain subject. Artists and authors manage to make a living off of knowing how to use the right words to reach through to their platform. Though within his time, Edgar Allan Poe did not have an established platform and was seen as estranged; he still dabbled as an author and has made many famous shortRead More Edgar Allan Poe Essay515 Words   |  3 Pages Edgar Allan Poe nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Edgar Allan Poe, the first master of the short story, had written many short stories from mysteries to morbidity. Edgar was born on January 19,1809 in Boston, Massachussettes. Edgars Parents, David and Eliza, were both in the acting business. Poe also had a sister, who is rarely spoken of. When Edgar was young his father fleed from the family, leaving Edgar, his mother, and sister alone. At the age of two Edgars mother died of tuberculosis. Edgar wasRead MoreDeath By Edgar Allan Poe975 Words   |  4 Pagesabout the topic, and the fear of not knowing this leads it to be a taboo subject in many discussions. Edgar Allan Poe defied this sense of taboo and wrote many works centering on the topic of death. It is Edgar Allan Poe’s discussion of death in his works that reveals the innate human perversion of the discussion of death. The reason for his discussion of death may find roots in his personal life. Poe was born into a traveling family in 1809 and had two other siblings. His parents tragically lost theirRead MoreThe Biography Of Edgar Allan Poe841 Words   |  4 PagesThe Biography of Edgar Allan Poe â€Å"Lord, help my poor soul†, the last and final words of the amazing writer, Edgar Allan Poe, before his sudden death in 1849. Edgar Allan Poe wrote dark and treacherous stories and poems that often lead to the questioning of his mental state. Poe lived a rather difficult life in which writing was his escape. He at one time was in so much debt that he could have never payed it back even if his career took off. No one ever knew what had happened to Poe, only that heRead More Edgar Allan Poe Essay1589 Words   |  7 Pages Edgar Allen Poe Edgar Allan Poe Edgar Allen Poe’s contributions to American literature have become increasingly more prominent as the years have passed. As short fiction has become a more accepted genre in literary circles, Poe’s theories are studied with more passion. Although he lived a rather melancholy life, Poe did experience moments of joy, and desired to capture the beauty through poetic form. Indeed, what he left behind for the literary world was his gifted genus, revealed throughRead MoreEdgar Allan Poe Essay812 Words   |  4 PagesEdgar Allan Poe Edgar Allan Poe was one of Americas famous poets, fiction short-story writers, and literary critics. He is known as the first master of short story form especially in tales of horror, and mystery. The work he produced was considered to be some of the most influential literary criticism of his time. His poems made him one of the most famous figures in American literary history. His influence on literature is seen in all literature books in schools everywhere. Some of his famousRead MoreThe Raven By Edgar Allan Poe849 Words   |  4 PagesThe death of a loved one leaves a void in a person. The narrator of The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe experiences this void after the loss of his love Lenore. The narrator is isolated from the world until a raven appears before him. The events and dialogue that follow are what makes The Raven such a legendary piece of literature. The gothic poem The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe is an example of repetition and shift. With the help of repetition and shift, Poe’s use of diction gives the reader clarity to the

Democracy as a Form of Government Free Essays

In today’s time, the call for freedom and democracy echoes all around the world. Democracy simply means freedom for the people staying in a country. A democratic government simply is a government â€Å"of the people, by the people and for the people. We will write a custom essay sample on Democracy as a Form of Government or any similar topic only for you Order Now † A government which is elected by the citizens of the country, which is been elected of the people and elected for the betterment of the citizens residing in the country, is a democratic government. Democracy is a very popular type of a government that features free elections, periodically. Democracy is a form of government in which the government is elected completely by the people under a free electoral system. In today’s world, democracy is the best form as a government. Democracy simply means freedom; in a democratic government a citizen has freedom to elect a representative (vote), freedom of speech, freedom of rights, and many more. In a democratic government all the citizens have equal access to power. Democracy is also called â€Å"the last form of government. There are two types of democracy; direct democracy and representative democracy. Direct democracy is a pure democracy. Direct democracy is where there is direct participation of the people. Everyone would gather in town meetings and vote on issues concerning the town. Representative democracy, as the name states, is a system in which the people select others to act in their places. For national purposes, America has two representatives from each state. Liberal democracy exists in the United States of America and also in most parts of the world. The term â€Å"liberal† in â€Å"liberal democracy† does not imply that the government of such a democracy must follow the ideology of liberalism. It is merely a reference to the fact that liberal democracies feature constitutional protections of individual rights from the government. The best and the latest example of an evidence of democracy in America is the election of the new president Mr. Barrack Obama. History has been created as for the first time a non-white president has been elected. This is the biggest and the best example of democracy in the United States of America. How to cite Democracy as a Form of Government, Papers

Chartism or the Chartist Movement free essay sample

Peoples Charter of 1838: In 1837, six Members of Parliament and six working men, including William Lovett, (from the London Working Mens Association, set up in 1836) formed a committee, which then published the Peoples Charter in 1838. This stipulated the six main aims of the movement as:[1] 1. A vote for every man twenty-one years of age, of sound mind, and not undergoing punishment for crime. 2. The secret ballot. To protect the elector in the exercise of his vote. 3. No property qualification for members of Parliament thus enabling the constituencies to return the man of their choice, be the rich or poor. 4. Payment of members, thus enabling an honest tradesman, working man, or other person, to serve a constituency, when taken from his business to attend to the interests of the Country. 5. Equal Constituencies, securing the same amount of representation for the same number of electors, instead of allowing small constituencies to swamp the votes of large ones. We will write a custom essay sample on Chartism or the Chartist Movement or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page 6. Annual parliaments, thus presenting the most effectual check to bribery and intimidation, since though a constituency might be bought once in seven years (even with the ballot), no purse could buy a constituency (under a system of universal suffrage) in each ensuing twelve-month; and since members, when elected for a year only, would not be able to defy and betray their constituents as now. The Chartists obtained one and a quarter million signatures and presented the Charter to the House of Commons in 1839, where it was rejected by a vote of 235 to 46. Parliament, by a large majority, voted not even to hear the petitioners. Many of the leaders of the movement, having threatened to call a general strike, were arrested. When demonstrators marched on the prison at Newport, Monmouthshire, demanding the release of their leaders, troops opened fire, killing 24 and wounding 40 more. The leaders of the movement: John Frost, Henry Vincent and Samuel Holberry. 1842: Chartisms biggest petition and the General Strike 1842 was the year in which more energy was hurled against the authorities than in any other of the 19th century. [4] In early May, 1842, a further petition, of over three million signatures, was submitted, which was yet again rejected by Parliament. The depression of 1841–1842 led to a wave of strikes in which Chartist activists were in the forefront, and demands for the charter were included alongside economic demands. Workers went on strike in 14 English and 8 Scottish counties. Several Chartist leaders, including Feargus OConnor, George Julian Harney, and Thomas Cooper were arrested, along with nearly 1,500 others. The 1848 petition On 10 April 1848, a new Chartist Convention organised a mass meeting on Kennington Common, which would form a procession to present another petition to Parliament. The original plan of the Chartists, if the petition was ignored, was to create a separate national assembly and press the Queen to dissolve parliament until the charter was introduced into law. However the Chartists were plagued with indecision and the national assembly eventually dissolved itself, claiming lack of support. But it was the end of the movement. And finally I’d like to remark that the apparent failure of Chartism as a political movement in the mid-19th century proved to be temporary. Five of the six points in the Charter were adopted by 1918.

The Scariest Place IVe Ever Been Essay Example

The Scariest Place IVe Ever Been Essay The Scariest Place Ive Ever Been The scariest place Ive ever been was Stewartsville Cemetery, located outside of Maxton, N. C. The night we decided to go was Friday 13th. My wife and I invited friends and family over to watch horror movies. While watching the movies we began to get pumped up and ready for a night out filled with fun and adventure, not realizing what I was getting myself into. We left home around 12:30 that morning, when we arrived at the cemetery I was hesitant about getting out of my vehicle, because this was my first time ever doing anything like this. The graveyard seemed to have at least three hundred graves, they were seperated by an old iron fence. As we all got out of our vehicles and began to walk through the graveyard the fog had began covering the burial grounds as if it was a blanket. We started walking trying to find the oldest grave, but it was so dark that I barely could see my own hands in front of my face. I could only see the solar lights which families had put on their relatives grave. Instead, everyone came up with a great idea to play hide and go seek. We will write a custom essay sample on The Scariest Place IVe Ever Been specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Scariest Place IVe Ever Been specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Scariest Place IVe Ever Been specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer I was afraid to join in because, the thoughts that were going through my head was darkness, heavy fog, and playing on dangerous grounds. In one area of the graveyard, the graves were dated back to the late 1700s and in another area the graves were most recent, and the ground was still soft. We decided to see who could find the oldest grave and eventually I did, dating back to the year 1801. After we arrived back at our house and everyone went home my wife took a shower and layed down for the night. As for me, I was restless and scared to close my eyes. The thoughts of the graveyard and spirits horrified me. I felt like I had done something really wrong and that the spirits were waiting to haunt me. That was the longest night ever, and I was so thankful to see daylight. In conclusion, I have to say that Stewartsville Cemetery was the most scariest place I had ever been. It has all the right characteristics for a haunted graveyard, and the graves there are old and spooky. Not to mention a place down the road called Gravity Hill, which is also known for it hauntings.

Rational Choice Theory essays

Rational Choice Theory essays Since the end of WWII a new and controversial theory has arisen in the political science world, the Rational Choice theory. This method concerns itself more precisely with explanation and analysis rather then the traditional descriptive and judgmental method of looking at political phenomenon. As shown in the article It isnt Rocket Science, but... The rational choice scholar concerns itself more with the method by which an individual goes about making a decision when faced with different alternatives. However, along with the emergence of this new theory, oppositions to it have also emerged. In the article When did Political Science forget about politics the actual reliability of this theory is challenged. Therefore, one must ask itself, is it possible to develop a universal scientific theory that could apply to all political areas? Can Political Science be viewed as a science? These are the questions that these articles are centered around. As mentioned above, the first article focuses more on the actual methods employed by an individual when faced with more then one possibility or outcome. It looks at what an individuals preferences regarding a final outcome are and the beliefs that guide the individual in accessing which tool he should use to achieve their desired outcome. In an utterly simple way, it considers a person exclusively in terms of the things he or she wants and the things he or she believes. We want to get a feel for how a person makes choices when confronted with alternatives. Since political behavior is often about making choices our model will provide us with hunches and intuitions about how a generic or representative individual confronts these circumstances in the abstract (1). To take it a step further, the rational choicer believes that all humans are rational beings. That is, they use their preferences and beliefs to come about making decisions in their everyda...

Diabetes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Diabetes - Essay Example e discovered numerous advantages for the diabetes patient in maintaining a stable exercise routine as well as the most beneficial degree of physical involvement and frequency of physical activity, but each of these realizations could have an impact on best practices for physical therapists in working with diabetic patients. In â€Å"Metallothionein-Mediated Antioxidant Defense System and Its Response to Exercise Training Are Impaired in Human Type 2 Diabetes† (Scheede-Bergdahl 2005), the authors discuss the importance of metallothioneins I and II (MT 1) as part of the antioxidant defense system and its relationship to exercise in the diabetic patient. Previous studies regarding these antioxidants have indicated that exercise has only beneficial effects on the production of MT 1, but the research team noticed that none of the studies had actually been conducted on people with Type 2 Diabetes. Further evidence had suggested the possibility that these important chemicals are reduced with exercise in persons with Type II Diabetes. During the study, it was confirmed that levels of MT 1 are increased in the skeletal muscle tissue and plasma of healthy individuals who have participated in a regular exercise program. Participants who had Type 2 Diabetes showed no corresponding increases thou gh. While the study was careful to note that there were no increases or decreases in MT 1 levels in the skeletal musculature in these patients, it was also noted that levels were decreased somewhat in the plasma levels. Decreased MT 1 can lead to oxidative stress, which â€Å"contributes to the development and acceleration of related conditions such as nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy and macro- and microvascular damage† (Scheede-Bergdahl 2005). At the same time, tissue samples taken from patients with Type 2 Diabetes indicated increased oxidative stress from the control group with tissue appearing more susceptible to damage. As further research is conducted as to

None 1 Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

None 1 - Case Study Example In this paper, I develop a plan of how to analyze the intelligence problem that has been posed on Federal Republic of Ysla by The Sovereign Autocracy of Penin. Overview of the case The case involves a threat from SAP that is currently at war with the Federal Republic of Ysla. SAP has employed air reconnaissance, special operations, and air bombings against FRY as strategizes for a military attack. FRY’s topography, however, does not favor SAP military and only two targets are vulnerable to SAP’s amphibious offensive, and its naval attacks can only extent to 250 nautical miles. Analytical plan on how SAP military invasion will occur The analysis plan to determining how SAP will launch its attack follows a strategic approach that involves the intelligence cycle. The plan involves identification of the problem statement that defines the question, ‘How will SAP launch its attack on FRY?’ A planning stage then follows the problem statement and involves identific ation of key players to the entire process of protecting the FRY from SAP’s threat and the role of such players. The players in the case are experts in communication technology and communication process, informants, analysts and decision makers. The next stage in the analysis involves collection of data that relates to SAP’s potential mode of attack and explores such information as their potential targets, vulnerability of the targets, and potentials of the enemy’s arsenals to hit the targets from their different bases. The collected information is then analyzed; using i2 Analyst’s Notebook, compiled and communicated to relevant authority (IBM, n.d). The analysis process considers information such as appointment of a marine major to command the Third SAP Corps, SAP government’s directive to ban visits to its coast, and reports that SAP attacks will be made near Eyer. Further information indicates increased shipping near Banes, military movements to wards the northwest, and deployed crafts at Haba. Analyzing these pieces of information using i2 Analyst’s Notebook, whose functional features include visualization of intelligence information, analysis, and communication of the intelligence, identifies SAP’s focus on Port Eyer region with movements closer to the port and a base at Banes. The fact that only Mia and Eyer are vulnerable to SAP, that a marine has been appointed to head the Third SAP Corps, and that SAP’s naval initiatives can reach Eyer from Haba identifies marine, sub-marine or missile offensive as the primary mode of attack. This is because the two SAP bases, especially Haba, are strategic for accessing the FRY’s vulnerable ports through the sea (Clark, 2010; Folker, 2000). Analytical plan on where SAP military will occur The intelligence cycle is similarly applicable in analyzing the situation to determine where SAP attack will occur. The analysis begins by development of the problem stat ement in the form, ‘Where will the attack occur?’ Same parties are used in the intelligence process that identifies relevant information for analysis to identifying area of attack. i2 Analyst’s Notebook is used to locate different possible areas from which attacks can be launched and

Optional ethnicity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Optional ethnicity - Essay Example On the other hand, it is true that the non-whites are not capable of choosing their ethnicities, even if they adopted the most popular ethnic symbols of the White ethnicities. On the other hand, it is also true that the Whites choose their ethnicities based on the amount of negative consequences. Waters claims that in the United States, the White Americans have the opportunity to choose their ethnicities, unlike the other minority groups. White Americans can either choose to be plain ‘White’ or choose an ethnicity, with regard to their ancestry. Waters also focuses on symbolic ethnicity, which she associates with later-generations of most White Americans. In this type of ethnicity, the individuals involved do not experience any social cost. This is because of the symbolic identifications in the ethnic group, which attracts later-generations to identify with. For instance, some whites might identify with the Irish Americans only during the special occasions such as vacati ons, or family holidays (Waters 3). Waters also notes that the whites are not influenced by ethnicity, compared to the minority groups in the US (4). In addition, they are at liberty to either choose their ethnicity, from their genealogies or not choose any, unlike the minority groups, who have to identify themselves with their identity. Symbolic identity mainly occurs among the whites, when they identify themselves with different ethnicities by adopting the popular ethnic symbols of those ethnicities. For instance, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in order to be associated with the Irish ethnicity, thus, signaling their Irish ethnicity. However, a non-white celebrating St. Patrick’s Day will not be regarded Irish, since these are not capable of optional ethnicities. Waters introduces another element of ethnicity, which is the ‘non-optional’ ethnicity. This is the opposite of optional ethnicity, and mainly affects the minority. Unlike optional ethnicity, whic h is chosen with a free will, non-optional ethnicity is imposed on individuals. Oppositional ethnicity also affects the minority groups in society. In this type of ethnicity, members of the minority groups will seek companionship among themselves, and sometimes distance themselves from the mainstream population. In this case, the minority group will want to maintain their identity, which could be influenced by their history, or their uniqueness, with regard to other factors. The remaining members mostly judge the people who abandon this kind of ethnicity in a negative way. Waters attributes this ethnicity to the blacks and the Latinos. She believes that, â€Å"the oppositional component of a black identity also explains how black people can question whether other black are acting black enough† (Waters 7). In this case, the blacks or any ethnic minority groups are expected to act according to the values of their group, which is different from those of the mainstream population , and any deviance by one member is questionable. In the article Notes of a Native Speaker, Erick Liu talks about his experiences that relate to his ethnicity, immigration, and race, during his childhood and teenage years. Although Liu was Chinese, after immigration, he became a Chinese-American. However, he was called ‘banana’ by other Asians, for emulating the values of White Americans. Liu experienced vast challenges adapting to life in America, especially with regard to culture. Even though he was a citizen of

Working For Children With Disabilities Social Work Essay

Working For Children With Disabilities Social Work Essay There has been a dramatic increase in the survival rate of children born with complex healthcare needs (Carpenter 2003). There are major concerns as a result (Blackburn, Spencer and Read 2010). According to the definition of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 7.3% (CI 6.9, 7.7) of children in the UK are stated as having a disability. Disability patterns differ between sexes, with a higher rate overall in boys than girls and possibly more difficulty with learning and remembering ability, communication, concentration and physical coordination in boys. Children with disabilities find themselves in dissimilar situations to those of non-disabled people. This situation for disabled children exists in particular circumstances such as in minority ethnic groups, black/mixed marriages and single-parent families. These children demand support from different professionals and agencies. It is vital for them to have effective multi-agency working. Currently, there is little evidence about the effect of multiagency working with disabled children and their families. (Sloper 1999) highlighted in her paper the unmet needs for families who have children with disabilities: counselling and support to have information and guidance about services; the condition of the child and how to deal with and help the child; equipment supply; financial support with housing and transportation, and having breaks from care like respite care as practical support. This paper will summarize the outcome of an evaluation of both multidisciplinary and multiagency working with disabled children and their families. Background to Multiagency Working and Multidisciplinary Working Multiagency working is eц¢Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢entially about bringing together practitioner with a range of ц¢killц¢ to work acroц¢Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ their traditional ц¢ervice boundarieц¢. Thiц¢ iц¢ currently regarded aц¢ crucial to the effective proviц¢ion of childrenц¢ ц¢erviceц¢. Aц¢ local authoritieц¢ re-organiц¢e to provide education, ц¢ocial care, and ц¢ometimeц¢ health proviц¢ion,( Cronin 2005) within a ц¢ingle childrenц¢ ц¢erviceц¢ department or childrenц¢ truц¢t, three modelц¢ for multiagency working are emerging: Multiagency panels or networkц¢ the team around the child practitionerц¢ remain employed by their home agencieц¢ but meet on a regular baц¢iц¢ to diц¢cuц¢Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ children and young people with additional needц¢ who would benefit from multi-agency input. Multiagency teams made up of practitionerц¢ ц¢econded or recruited into the team, making it a more formal arrangement than a multi-agency panel. The team workц¢ with univerц¢al ц¢erviceц¢ to ц¢upport familieц¢ and ц¢choolц¢ aц¢ well aц¢ individual children and young people. Integrated ц¢erviceц¢ which bring together a range of proviц¢ion, uц¢ually under one roof, ц¢uch as in school or in an early years setting. Staff work in a co-ordinated way to addreц¢Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ the needц¢ of children, young people and familieц¢ providing ц¢erviceц¢ ц¢uch aц¢ all-year-round, incluц¢ive education; care and perц¢onal development opportunitieц¢ for children and young people; and ц¢pecialiц¢t ц¢upport for children and families. The idea of profeц¢Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ionalц¢ and agencieц¢ working together iц¢ not new. There are many proviц¢ionц¢ in the Children Act of 1989 which require different authoritieц¢ to co-operate and to conц¢ult with one another while multi-agency ц¢upport iц¢ a feature of the ц¢pecial educational needц¢ framework, ц¢et up following the Education Act of 1981, (Nelson 2002)particularly in relation to ц¢tatutory aц¢Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢eц¢Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ment and ц¢tatementing. à Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ince the Labour government came into power in 1997 a number of initiativeц¢ ц¢uch aц¢ à Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ure à Ã¢â‚¬ ¦tart and Connexionц¢ have been put in place to promote effective joined up multi-agency working to ц¢upport vulnerable children. However, the recommendationц¢ which followed the Laming inquiry into the death of Victoria Climbià © prompted a renewed determination to get ц¢erviceц¢ working together and in 2004 a new Children Act established a duty on agencieц¢ to co-operate with each other to protect and improve the liveц¢ of children. Thiц¢ haц¢ reц¢ulted in ц¢ome of the following developmentц¢: The introduction of major changeц¢ to the childrenц¢ workforce: a comprehenц¢ive curriculum for training all practitionerц¢ who work with children iц¢ currently being developed by government. While thiц¢ iц¢ not going to make all profeц¢Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ionalц¢ knowledgeable about diц¢abilitieц¢ ц¢uch aц¢ autiц¢m, they ц¢hould have the baц¢ic ц¢killц¢ to recogniц¢e a poц¢Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ible developmental delay, be able to ц¢upport parentц¢ emotionally and, (McCarton 2006)crucially, to know when to ц¢ignpoц¢t parentц¢ on for more expert advice. Working with children iц¢ a key component of the core curriculum which recogniц¢eц¢, for example, that ц¢ome children do not communicate verbally and that practitione rц¢ need to adapt their communication to the needц¢ and abilitieц¢ of the child or young perц¢on. New wayц¢ of ц¢haring information are being developed to avoid duplication, children ц¢lipping through the net and exceц¢Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ive bureaucracy. The government haц¢ developed ContactPoint, a databaц¢e holding information on every child in England from birth to 18 yearц¢ of age, poц¢Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ibly longer for children who are diц¢abled or looked after. With greater electronic recording of perц¢onal information reц¢ulting in wider acceц¢Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ in ц¢ome caц¢eц¢, iц¢Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ueц¢ of confidentiality are of concern to diц¢abled people. Croц¢Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢-profeц¢Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ional legal guidance ц¢etц¢ out how information ц¢haring ц¢hould happen and coverц¢ confidentiality in ц¢ome depth. The Common Aц¢Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢eц¢Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ment Framework (CAF) which aimц¢ to provide a more ц¢tandardiц¢ed and preventive approach to identifying need and making proviц¢ion and which operateц¢ acroц¢Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ profeц¢Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ional boundarieц¢ has been developed. à Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ome children may be identified aц¢ having a poц¢Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ible disability, such aц¢ cerebral Palsy, via this route (Eicher 2003). Every local authority (except the beц¢t performing four ц¢tar authoritieц¢) haц¢ to have a Children and Young Peopleц¢ Plan (CYPP) focuц¢ed on better local integration of childrenц¢ ц¢erviceц¢ in locationц¢ ц¢uch aц¢ extended ц¢choolц¢ and childrenц¢ centreц¢. Familieц¢ with children o n the autiц¢m ц¢pectrum ц¢hould find it eaц¢ier to acceц¢Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ ц¢erviceц¢ aц¢ a reц¢ult and ц¢hould be conц¢ulted about ц¢erviceц¢ they would like to ц¢ee improved and developed. The CYPP coverц¢ all local authority ц¢erviceц¢ affecting children and young people including early yearц¢ and extended ц¢choolц¢ and out-of-ц¢chool child care, education, youth ц¢erviceц¢, childrenц¢ ц¢ocial ц¢erviceц¢. It alц¢o includeц¢ ц¢erviceц¢ provided by relevant youth juц¢tice agencieц¢ and health ц¢erviceц¢ for children and young people, including child and adoleц¢cent mental health. Models of multiagency working Three different models of joint working have been identified by Watson et al. 2002: multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary working. These categories are based on several experts working together effectively in a particular service context, linked with family requirements in a holistic approach (table 1). Multidisciplinary working means single agencies made up of individual professionals (Watson et al. 2002). For instance, a health visitor, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a speech and language therapist, and a hospital consultant may work together within a health agency. Professionals work separately to assess the child, and as a consequence they produce separate documents so they do not share their goals and aims, which makes it very difficult to assess the child as a whole. Their care is focused on the childs health care needs only without involving other needs such as educational, emotional and social needs. There is a low equivalent partnership approach with the family and low communication with other agencies; usually family members take on this role. The second model, interdisciplinary working, with different agencies and their professionals working together by assessing the child and his/her family needs separately and then meeting together to set goals according to their findings. This model is focused on the childs needs more than the familys needs. The third model is the more holistic approach and preferred by families, transdisciplinary working, where different agencies work together by sharing goals, knowledge, tasks and responsibilities. This model is focused on a primary provider, the key worker, who is responsible for delivery of an integrated programme for the child, and family care. Moreover, for the most important part is that families are treated equally. Both (Sloper 2004, and Carney 2009) agreed that the transdisciplinary working model in the area of multiagency key working is the only way of integrated working which has favourable outcomes for disabled children and their families. However, there is not so much evidence that could show what type of model is implemented in practice. Sloper et al. 2004 also cited in her paper Cameron (2000) and Atkinson (2002) regarding other models; most models focused on relationships between professionals and how multiagency working was organised. This may contribute to better communication but does not necessarily result in the family receiving a coordinated service. (Table 1 ,Watson et al. 2002) Method Electronic resources (MedLine, Cochrane Library, PsychInfo, PubMed, google Scholar) were used and the focus was on existing reviews, in particular qualitative studies and good quality reviews. Key words The research terms were multidisciplinary working and disabled children, multiagency working and disabled children, and multiagency and multidisciplinary and disabled children. PROPOSED METHOD OF CRITICAL APPRAISAL I have chosen two qualitative studies (Watson, Abbott and Townsley 2007) which help to explore the impact of multiagency/multidisciplinary working on disabled children and their families. CRITICAL APPRAISAL To critically examine the evidence provided by these papers, which are qualitative studies, it is appropriate to use the critical appraisal checklist provided by the critical appraisal programme, from the Public Health Resource Unit, Institute of Health Science, Oxford which was accessed from http://www.phru.nhs.uk . The 10 questions are adapted from Oxman AD, Cook DJ, Guyatt GH, Users guide to medical literature. VI. How to use an overview. JAMA 1994; 272 (17): 1367-1371. The reason for choosing this is because the two studies are qualitative studies. 1st study Authors Watson, D., D. Abbott R. Townsley Title Listen to me, too! Lessons from involving children with complex healthcare needs in research about multi-agency services. Publisher Child: Care, Health Development, (2007) 33, 90-5. 2nd study Authors Carter, B., J. Cummings L. Cooper Title An exploration of best practice in multi-agency working and the experiences of families of children with complex health needs. What works well and what needs to be done to improve practice for the future? Publisher Journal of Clinical Nursing, 16, 527-39. 2007) 10 questions of qualitative research CASP tool (Watson et al. 2007) (Carter et al.2007) Was there a clear statement of the aims of the research? Yes, there was a clear statement of the aims to discover the positive impact of multiagency working on families with children who have complex health care needs. to examine the involvement of complex health care needs children in multiagency services. Yes, there was a clear statement of the aims to create a connection between children, families and people who work with complex needs children. To discover best multiagency working practice with families and people who work with complex needs children, to find out what is good practice. Generate opportunities, associations and guidance plans which will improve multiagency working practice in the future. Is a qualitative methodology appropriate? Yes, there was appropriate methodology: disabled children who are dependent on medical technology and their carer or families. Yes, there was appropriate methodology: 20 Families were targeted (mothers fathers children with complex needs). People working with complex needs children from different agencies. Was the research design appropriate to address the aims of the research? Time spent with 18 children young people aged between 2 -15 yrs, 7 girls and 11 boys (from 6 multiagency services in the UK). Interviews with 115 professionals in the 6 multiagency services about their experience in multiagency services. 25 families visited with parents/carers interviewed about their experience with multiagency services. Appreciative interviews with participants lasted between (40 minutes 3 hours): Individual Face to face Audio- taped Narrative interviews Small group workshops (dreaming design). All participants were invited. Workshops of consent (design and destiny). All participants were invited to attend 5 consensus workshops across 2 counties. Final synthesis. Was the recruitment strategy appropriate to the aims of the research? The authors targeted: 6 services chosen from 26 which presented the highest components of multiagency working. 18 children young people aged between 2 -15 yrs, 7 girls and 11 boys with a range of cognitive abilities, from severe to no learning difficulties. The majority had cognitive impairment. 3 children without obvious learning difficulties. The explanation of chosen participants is explained above#. 18 parents/carers agreed to take part. 2 young people were recruited, one male and one female to help the authors with their meetings and email communication. The authors: Targeted 20 families: 10 families from Burnley / East Lancashire, and 10 from the South Lakes area, to reflect two different health economies within the area served by Cumbria and Lancashire Workforce Development Confederation (WDC), UK. Recruited people working with complex needs children from different agencies as much as possible. Used purposive sampling (families), and sampling of snowballing (professionals). All the targeted population completed the interviews. Also agencies and disciplines were targeted. Were the data collected in a way that addressed the research issue? Time spent / interviews / disposable camera for the purpose of taking photos of all the important people. Informal, adapted, enjoyable and relaxed sessions to meet the needs of each child, lasting for an hour. Small gifts + a 10 pound voucher for taking part. Developed topic guide which covered: Things I like, things I dislike, who lives at home with me, school, friends, adults who helped me, short breaks, difficult things to do, and happiness moments. Drawing on big paper (the child interviewer sometimes). Showing a sheet of simple faces showing different expressions, to choose which one is closest to the child or young person. Asking about seeing professionals, also about having a designated worker, referring to key worker by name depending on the childs cognitive ability. Attride-Stirlings approach to data collection is to codewhat is said in the interviews.( this was used instead of Appreciative Inquiry) Each interview was coded line by line, and codes were assigned to words, phrases and any interesting views relevant to the research aims noted. The researchers used this information to create the 56 statements on a flip charts. they then showed back to the people theyd interviewed.   These people then chose statements which were relevant and meaningful to them, in relation to the research. Small group workshops (dreaming design) All participants were invited. Workshops of consent (design and destiny) All participants were invited to attend 5 agreement workshops across 2 counties. Has the relationship between researcher and participants been adequately considered? Yes it has. A lot of care is taken to create a more equal relationship between the researcher and the complex care needs children and their families. Design method is flexible, non intrusive and responsive to childrens communication styles. The construction of this relationship and the methodology have ethical implications which are discussed below. Yes it has. Flexible and dynamic approach by involving and shared between the participant and researcher. Have ethical issues been taken into consideration? Yes, ethical issues have been taken into consideration. There were plenty of details about how researchers contacted the participants by obtaining consent from young people and some ethical dilemmas were presented. The project was approved by two ethics committees: The Faculty of Health ethics committee. Morecambe Bay Local Research ethics committee (LREC). All the LRECs were covered by Locality Agreements in Cumbria and Lancashire. For the duration of the study, all research team had Honorary Contracts with Morecambe Bay Primary Care Trust (PCT). Comprehensive information was received by the participants and they had opportunities to discuss their involvement. At no time was there any pressure to participate. 24 hours were given as a minimum to make participation decision in the project to participants. Was the data analysis sufficiently rigorous? Yes it was. There was no comprehensive discussion about the method used for data analysis. The authors created data sets using four broad categories and they provided descriptive tables on childrens age, education, use of health technology and communication style. Yes it was. (figure 1) showed how rigorous the data analysis was:, thematic analysis using Attride-Stirlings approach of basic themes grouped into organizing themes and then global themes. Is there a clear statement of findings? Yes, there was a clear statement of findings, there was a discussion of the evidence, but no discussion about the credibility of their findings. Findings were discussed in relation to the childrens communication in multi agency services. Yes there was a clear statement of findings. Their findings were explicit. There was a discussion of the evidence. There was a credibility discussion about their findings. The authors discussed findings in relation to the original research question. 10-How valuable is the research? Yes, the study does make a contribution to understanding the consultation of children with complex care needs used in multiagency services. The authors didnt discuss new areas of research. There was a considerable contribution on involving disabled children in service delivery and research but there is still a gap about involving complex care needs children. The project was valuable because it provided families with a better understanding of how practice should be, and provided opportunities for a mutual relationship between professionals through the exchange of information. The research identified new areas where research is necessary in the future. There was a greater impact on practice by this study and it lead to a better quality of life for both children and their families. Limitations of (Watson et al. 2007) The major limitation in this study is that there was not comprehensive discussion about methods used for data analysis. Moreover, the authors created data sets using four broad categories: friendship and communication, relationships with professionals, school life, and the things that children like and dislike. With such a small sample size, 18 children and adolescents with complex health care needs, between 2-15 years old, it is very difficult to address the effect on the result of bias. Limitations of (Carter et al. 2007) There are some limitations in this qualitative research. The first one is in methods; the authors tried to carry out Appreciative Inquiry but then used Attride-Stirlings approach. Moreover, methods were combined into three stages as another shift in method. Each agency / discipline was not fully represented. There was an absence of involvement of general practitioners. There was a limitation in the appreciative interviews because of they were interviews at a particular point in time. Furthermore, one child was included in the study due to other children being too young to participate or having severe disabilities. Last but not least, the study failed to recruit ethnic minority group parents and children. Discussion The main focus of these two papers was to find out the impact of multidisciplinary or multiagency working on disabled children and their families. Regarding the two studies findings in relation to multiagency working (Watson et al.2007) authors reported that seeing many professionals did not cause any difficulties for the majority of children in the study. However, difficulties did appear when professionals attempted to talk to the child directly. Communication between the key worker and the child was reported as weak or limited. One child expressed their feeling of seeing many professional as a silly and boring thing to do, while another child showed a close relationship with their key worker by recognising their name. In general, this study did attempt the challenge of involving children with complex health care needs, but it is not a reliable study because it used a small sample number of children. As regards the findings of the second paper (Carter et al.2007), they chose two areas from the guidance plans, the 10 statements, as they felt that they reflected the two core areas of guidance which were: the most important As a consequence, authors stated the importance of making children and parents more satisfied and less isolated, and the crucial role of support and voluntary groups. Moreover, families and people from different agencies have to be cooperative when choosing the important role of coordinator for the long term, as this is where parents will seek help. Figure 1 Evidence from disabled children with their families in multiagency and multidisciplinary working Atkinson, Wilkin, Stott, Doherty and Kindel (2002) as cited by (Carney 2009) stated that multiagency working benefits organisations and individuals; it gives a broader perspective by providing enhanced understanding of the matters and improved connections with other agencies, and constructive experience on the whole, respectively. Moving towards better outcomes over the past decade, government has adopted integration of services for children and their families. Integration has taken various appearances such as, putting different types of proficiency together. There are some positive outcomes that have been identified in the review of multidisciplinary team working as a model of multiagency working in health care. (Borrill et al.) came to the conclusion that there was a reduction in hospitalization and cost in terms of primary health care teams; development in the provision of services; growth in health care access; treatment, follow-up and detection are improved, and patient and staff satisfaction and motivation are enhanced Few studies have focused on the impact of multiagency working and multidisciplinary approaches with disabled children and their families (Carter et al. 2007, Townsley, Abbott and Watson 2004, Watson et al. 2002, Watson et al. 2007). The majority of these studies carried out qualitative research methods to find out the key features of successful multiagency working practice and how to make children and parents more satisfied and not isolated, improved and enhanced their quality of life, and the crucial role of support and voluntary groups. Many studies have focused on the positive impact of key worker systems in multiagency services for disabled children and their families (Greco and Sloper 2003, Greco et al. 2005, Greco et al. 2006, Liabo et al. 2001, Sloper et al. 2006). These studies have included comparisons between families with and without key workers. This model stated positive outcomes for families having key workers like enhanced quality of life, less isolation and feelings of strain, better relationships with services, and quicker access to services and reduced levels of stress. (Greco et al. 2005) authors have stated many advantages of having a key worker service in multiagency working for parents and children, as they can relate their concerns to one person who can then ensure the familys needs are met and coordinate services. Having a key worker avoids duplication of telling the same story to professionals, and families received better information. Also, having a key worker enhanced the relationship betwee n the child and their family by providing them with a mediating role and through building relationships with disabled children. Key working is a service, involving two or more agencies, that provides disabled children and young people and their families with a system whereby services from different agencies are co-ordinated. It encompasses individual tailoring of services based on assessment of need, inter-agency collaboration at strategic and practice levels and a named key worker for the child and family (Care Coordination Network UK, 2004). Also there was a range of studies which have mainly focused on staff views (Tait and Dejnega 2001, Presler 1998, Abbott, Townsley and Watson 2005). These studies illustrate the positive impact on staff when they use multiagency working for disabled children. For instance, there was enhanced communication and improved relationships with complex health-care need children, development in their work lives and their professional skills, enhanced teamwork with collaborators and more satisfaction in their role. Two studies have discussed two services; (Young et al. 2008, Robson and Beattie 2004). The former talked about an Early Support programme to improve integrated services for disabled children and their families between 0 and 3 years old. The aim of this study was to improve and enhance outcomes for disabled children and their families, and to find out the relationship between integrated services and the impact of ES in terms of cost effectiveness and their benefits. The other study (Robson and Beattie 2004) is a coordination project by Diana Childrens Community Service and multiagency services using qualitative methods e.g. interviews, questioner , focus group to name but a few. The results were effective collaboration within and between the services for disabled children and their families by enhanced and improved family support and satisfaction; a sense of control and a feeling of empowerment; equivalent partnerships between families and professionals, with duplication and service gaps reduced. Sloper 2004 identified many negative outcomes of multiagency or multidisciplinary working on disabled children and their families when there are barriers to facilitating the integrating of services such as: when there are unclear roles and responsibilities; aims and roles are not shared among agencies; there is disagreement on aims; there is low quality of management including ongoing training, weak leadership and communication, and sharing of information; poor IT systems, and poor relationships with professionals. Conclusion Many studies have focused on the advantages of facilitating multiagency working generally as the most holistic approach for disabled children and their families and on multidisciplinary working specifically in terms of team working. However, there was a lack of studies which concentrated on the drawbacks of the two working models. This results in a need to address more focus on the negatives for future studies for both multidisciplinary and multiagency working with disabled children and their families. In my opinion, from my prospective experience in the disabled children association in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, I have identified what type of model my organization followed: multidisciplinary working alone which recognises that all professionals are working separately. My recommendation is to implement the holistic approach or transdisciplinary working which focuses on integrating services and adopting the key worker system to gain positive outcomes for the services in DCA.

The Meaning and Symbolism of the Hunting Scenes in Sir Gawain and The Green Knight :: Sir Gawain Green Knight Essays

The Meaning and Symbolism of the Hunting Scenes in Sir Gawain and The Green Knight Sir Gawain is a poem of heroism, chivalry, brave knights and even romance. The story itself is so engaging that all too easily the reader may miss many of the symbols present within. Here we will consider the symbolism and importance of the hunting scenes and how they help develop and enhance the plot. The hunting scenes in Sir Gawain are numerous and told in detail. Why did the author spend so much space in what seems to be just action scenes? Unquestionably such a talented author would never carelessly spend time on lines that do not add meaning to the story. One critic's overzealous opinion is: all the hunted animals convey connotations of evil, and this is doubtless the reason why the author of the poem seems so involved in the outcome of the hunts and never tires of triumphantly describing the final slaying of the pursued animals. (Howard 85) This is an interesting interpretation and could possibly serve as a religious meaning in the poem. Nevertheless the animals themselves are never described as evil nor is there any implication of evil animals in the poem. The animals do hold specific meaning though not malevolent like the above quoted critic believes. Medieval people loved stories of animals that assumed human qualities; for example Chantlicleer, the rooster in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. Many animals were thought to have qualities of human emotions, spirituality and even intelligent qualities; the three hunted animals in Sir Gawain included. To begin, "Certain facts about the animals which formed the quarry of the medieval huntsman...and certain popular beliefs about their habits and temper" (Savage 32) will allow the reader to draw parallels between the hunt, happening outside the castle; and the "hunt" happening inside the castle between Gawain and the Lady of the house. Insight is provided by understanding the attitude the medieval huntsman would have toward the animals. Hunted animals were classified as either "beasts of venery" or "beasts of chase". Beasts of venery included the male and female red deer, wild boar or the wolf. Beasts of chase were the male or female deer and the fox. Animals of the first class were considered noble to hunt. Animals of the second class do not fair as well, especially poor Reynard. At the time Sir Gawain was written "the fox was regarded as vermin to be hunted out and destroyed" (Savage 33).

Addie Bundren’s Everlasting Impact

Addie Bundren’s Everlasting Impact Often times in novels, there will be a character that has the ability to appear as little as possible and still be able to have one of the biggest impacts on the rest of the characters and on the novel as a whole. In As I Lay Dying, Addie Bundren is one of those types of characters. She has only one chapter in the entire book, yet is somehow able to have the biggest influence on the rest of the characters. She is the basis of the story, and everything relates back to her. Addie Bundren seems to have such a heavy impact on the characters as they were constantly trying to please her. Darl always longed for her approval and was constantly jealous of her relationship with Jewel. He was always trying to provoke Jewel: â€Å"’You could borrow the loan of Vernon’s team and we could catch up with you,’ I say. ‘If she didn’t wait for us. ’ ‘Ah, shut your goddamn mouth,’ Jewel says. † (pg. 18) Addie seems to have enjoyed all the attention she was getting. She was constantly trying to fulfil her feeling of dissatisfaction, trying to find multiple ways to rid herself of the sickening feeling, but nothing she did helped. Her dissatisfaction was the centre of her life. Her character greatly affected all the characters in the novel. She was the spokes holding their family wheel together. Darl longed for her approval, while Jewel had her sitting on a pedestal. Anse, even through all his selfish, narcissistic ways, looked up to her and felt attached to her, even beyond her death. He felt like he owed her something. Her character is similar to Vardaman’s character in the sense that they are both unable to fully express themselves. Vardaman resorts to comparisons such as ‘my mother is a fish’ (pg. 84) while Addie resorts to having an affair with Whitefield. Addie is the basis of the book. Without her, there would not be a story. Her character has a powerful hold over the rest of the Bundrens, even after death. With her death, the characters could have just buried her wherever they felt convenient; however, they still follow through with her request. Though one could argue that they did so only for their own selfish benefits, their conversations never fail to relate back to her in one way or another. They feel compelled to grant her wishes, making references to her while on their journey, helping the reader piece Addie’s character together without her actually speaking. As I Lay Dying amplifies the feminist role with Addie Bundren. It ties her influence in with her motherly figure, making her a vital character in the novel. She has the rare ability to hold such a powerful control over the characters in the novel, making her a significant character with only one chapter.

Essay on Interpersonal conflict in film “American Beauty”

Essay on Interpersonal conflict in film â€Å"American Beauty† Essay on Interpersonal conflict in film â€Å"American Beauty† Essay on Interpersonal conflict in film â€Å"American Beauty†Each and every family cannot be complete without conflicts between children and parents. Moreover, there is absolutely nothing wrong in that as â€Å"right† conflicts help to relieve the tension between the participants and give the opportunity to find a compromise solution without compromising the interests of any family member. As a result, such conflicts help to strengthen the relationships. Though, all this is truth only in respect of reasonably resolved conflicts. Much more often disputes and quarrels may become the reason for suppressed resentment, psychological complexes and may even cause split of a family.In this essay it will go about the interrelation conflict that has been shown in such popular movie as â€Å"American Beauty†. Namely we would like to talk about the conflict between parents and their children. Lester, father of the family, is a typical representative of the middle class who faces the midlife crisis and drags out miserable and worthless existence. He is sick and tired of everything; his wife and daughter think that he is a worthless loser. He thinks that he has lost something and does not know what. His wife, Caroline, hates him and treats her daughter as a slave. She is hysterical and obsessive with the external trappings of prosperity hiding her inner ugliness and emptiness. Their only daughter is Jane – a typical teenager who is easily vulnerable and notorious. She despites her parents and wants them to disappear from her life. It can be seen from the very first scenes of the movie when Jane says that she does not want to have such a father. Further, she says to her friend Angela â€Å"why can’t my parents have their own life without me?†From the first glance, it may seem that it is a perfect American family that has common interests, but, in fact, all of the family members hate each other. Both of the parents are totally concent rated on their own lives and problems (mother with her lover and father with his crisis and passion to a young girl). They totally ignore their daughter and show no interest to her life and opinion and that is a great mistake as normal, friendly and trusting relations are very important in every family. Jane is an already formed personality with her own principles and beliefs, but her parents do not understand that while hiding over their own interests in life.Despite the fact that from time to time parents of Jane try to show some interest in her life (for instance, when Lester tries to become closer to her through her young friend Angela), Jane still hates them. Mother with her obsession with material goods only for some time forgets about them, she still returns to the materialistic values she appreciates the most.To my opinion, the conflict between parents and Jane resulted right from the conflict between Lester and Caroline who could not handle their problems, forget about thei r own interests and concentrate on the most important – their daughter. One may think that father still understood his fault at the end and, thus, the problem could be solved. Still, this movie shows the problem that is characteristic to many families all around the world. Parents should interest more in their children, support them and respect their opinion and beliefs.

Galileos Rolling Ball experiment Essay Example

Galileos Rolling Ball experiment Essay Example Galileos Rolling Ball experiment Paper Galileos Rolling Ball experiment Paper Galileo in his rolling ball experiment investigated the acceleration of a ball rolling down an inclined plane, using a similar setup I will investigate how the time taken to roll down the inclined plane varies with the vertical height change. Theory: When two similar objects are thrown vertically downwards, they are in a state of free-fall. Both objects will hit the ground simultaneously; the force which causes these objects to fall down is the pull of gravity which is also the acceleration of these objects. As the object falls down, its speed increases hence its acceleration increases. Using the equation of motion; S= u t + 1/2 a t2 Since u = o, we can ignore initial velocity so: S = 1/2 a t2 Straight line equation: y = m x + c The variables in this experiment are: S and t2 When compared with the straight line equation: S = 1/2 a t2 y = m x a sin a cos sin = Component of acceleration down slope = g S = 1/2 (a sin) t2 Re-arranging the formula gives: S = 1/2 g t2 = = 1/2 g t2 y-axis gradient x-axis relating this to the equation of a straight line. If t2 is plotted at x-axis and at y-axis the gradient (m) will be equal to 1/2 g therefore, changing the height of the inclined slope and measuring the time period, the value of acceleration can be calculated. = 1/2 g t2 g = 2 Prediction: I think that as the ball will run down the slope its acceleration will increase and the time for the ball to roll down will decrease. Also if the vertical height (h) is increased, the time for the ball to roll down will decrease, i. e. it will travel faster due to increase in the force of gravity. Diagram: Method: Â  First setup the apparatus as shown in the diagram above by: Â  Placing a 2m ramp on a horizontal surface. : Having the ramp at an angle so it makes a slope for the ball to run down from, the ramp will be supported on a clamp-stand. Â  Put a mark on the ramp for where the ball will be released and where it will stop. Then measure the vertical height of the inclined slope and record it. Â  Place a cup at the end of the ramp where the mark is, so when the ball bearing reaches the end it will make a sound which will make it easy to stop the stopwatch. Â  Place a ball bearing at the highest point of the slope where the mark is. Â  Release the ball and simultaneously start the stopwatch. When the ball bearing reaches to the bottom of the slope where the mark is, then stop the stopwatch upon hearing the sound made by the ball on contact with the cup. Â  Repeat the experiment several times and get an average for all repeats to get a more accurate result. Safety: * When carrying out the experiment make sure the ramp is securely held on the clamp. * Handle the ramp carefully when carrying it around. Do not swing it around. * When changing the height, first remove the ramp then adjust the height before returning the ramp to its place. Vertical Height (h) in metres Time (s) Average time. Time squared (t2) 0. 10 10. 00 3. 88 4. 06 4. 06 4. 00 16. 00 0. 20 5. 00 3. 21 2. 89 2. 93 2. 99 8. 94 0. 30 3. 33 2. 38 2. 22 2. 38 2. 33 5. 43 0. 40 2. 50 1. 95 1. 99 2. 02 1. 99 3. 96 0. 50 2. 00 1. 89 1. 76 1. 82 1. 80 3. 24 0. 60 1. 67 1. 65 1. 66 1. 66 1. 66 2. 76 Results table: Graph: Evaluation: Although I carried out the experiment as accurately as I could there wree still many sources of error in the method I used. Firstly the error in my timing has been quoted as + 0. 2 s. this is because of my reaction time i. e. the time for the signal from the brain to be transferred to the hand. There is an error in both the starting and stopping of the stopwatch, which makes this the most significant source of error in this experiment. In order to improve the experiment the timing error needs to be reduced. This can be done by increasing the number of readings for every height. Increasing the number from 3 readings to 6 readings would half the percentage error in the results as shown below: Max % error (with 3 readings) = = 6. 7% Max % error (with 6 readings) = = 3. 3% From the above calculation it can be clearly seen that increasing the number of readings significantly reduces the % error by 3.4% or by half. Another way of increasing the accuracy of the timing would be to use a motion sensor to record the time. The maximum percentage error in the height measurement is: = 10% This error could be reduced by measuring the height of the clamp accurately using a ruler with a mm scale. The percentage error in the experiment was: Error in height + (2x error in time) = 10 + 6. 7 = 16. 7% From looking at the graph the points are scattered further away from the line of best fit as the height was increased. This is expected because the percentage error is greatest at these values.

Emarketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Emarketing - Essay Example In addition, e-commerce is generally associated with buying and selling via internet or conducting transactions that technically involves the use of a computer (network) and then transactions that needed ownership or rights to use the goods and service for the internet. This industry seems to be growing. This is because as based on the International Data Corp (IDC) the estimated value of the global e-commerce in 2000 was roughly towards the US $350.38 billion. These figures are projected to climb up every yea, and it did, by 2004, the IDC rose by 10%. This shows that the market place is now being shifted towards the use of computer, internet. There is a huge market via Internet. But in order to understand this better, here are the basic concepts in e-commerce. There are some of the basic concepts of e-commerce that applies to understanding the difference of the relationship formation and maintenance in the market space and also in the market place. The E-commerce generally used a huge scope of technologies in order to provide the needs of its market wherever they may be. The relationship of e-commerce to its market place is to be able to provide both pre and p

System for Investigating Law Enforcement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

System for Investigating Law Enforcement - Essay Example The system of investigations should be independent to ensure public confidence of the process and to avoid a scenerio police investigating themselves does not arise. The first step is the police officers should be required by law to provide a name and place of duty. This will help in the investigations by being able to confirm that the officer was at the site where the alleged misconduct took place and determine whether the officer exercised certain powers such as arrest or searching of suspects (Ruggiero, 2013). The suspected police officers and the witnesses should be separated and interviewed within 24 hours after the details of the misconduct are reported. The evidence collected should be used for criminal or administrative purposes (van Dongen, Selleslaghs, & Gehem, 2013). To ensure police officers cooperate fully with the investigations officers who fail to participate should be discharged from the police force. To ensure justice is not delayed there should be enforceable deadlines for carrying out investigations (Gounev & Ruggiero, 2012). To avoid delays the concerned police departments should provide the necessary information, and the in vestigators should be able to obtain warrants to get the required information and be able to search private property for any evidence needed. Secondly, my system entails the setting up of an independent agency to deal with cases of serious police misconduct. The agency should be a separate institution from the police force and should be free from political interference. The agency should be dominated by civilian investigates and a minimal number of retired police offices. The civilians should represent the community by having people of different cultural and economic backgrounds. The retired officers should be there only for consolations purposes as the risk of police bias is

Tourism Policy and Strategy Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Tourism Policy and Strategy - Assignment Example The British tourism industry also faces challenges. David Coleman summarised the problems now facing British countryside as changes to the scenery, e.g. with fewer animals, lack of investment in the countryside and its infrastructure, fewer countryside activities, such as events and shows and lack of enthusiasm from businesses and people. He cited that the local authorities can assist by working with the industry, reviewing the rural infrastructure, e.g. by ensuring temporary footpath closure signs are removed, promoting support for businesses and taking a positive attitude towards planning issues and rural development. ("Working for the Countryside". The growth of international and domestic tourism has been matched by a corresponding increase in the numbers of those who study tourism and its impacts. Indeed, it may even be said that tourism research is one of the academic growth industries of the late twentieth century. A specific example of tourism research is Tomorrow's Tourism To day or Tourism Prospectus. This Prospectus outlines plans for action and responsibilities for delivery for the Department of Culture, Media and Sports (DCMS) and its key partners in five areas. ... (Tomorrow's Tourism Today). The industry is aiming for an industry turnover of 100 billion as a minimum by 2010. The British tourism industry also faces challenges. David Coleman summarised the problems now facing British countryside as changes to the scenery, e.g. with fewer animals, lack of investment in the countryside and its infrastructure, fewer countryside activities, such as events and shows and lack of enthusiasm from businesses and people. He cited that the local authorities can assist by working with the industry, reviewing the rural infrastructure, e.g. by ensuring temporary footpath closure signs are removed, promoting support for businesses and taking a positive attitude towards planning issues and rural development. ("Working for the Countryside").

Discuss Chaucers poetic methods Essay Example for Free

Discuss Chaucers poetic methods Essay Discuss Chaucers poetic methods in presenting evil in the pardoners prologue and tale in the light of this comment.  In Chaucers time, the nature of evil related to any committing of the 7 deadly sins, consisting of greed, pride, blasphemy, sloth, avarice, wrath, lust and envy. The pardoners prologue and tale is comprised of many of these sins, the pardoner himself demonstrating the majority. Other characters, such as the 3 rioters also embody many of these sins. This essay will explore these characters as well as their evil natures and formulate an opinion how Chaucer presents evil in the pardoners prologue and tale. The pardoners evil nature is initiated from his physical description in the general prologue. He is described as having hair as yelow as wex and hood we wered noon a description immediately illustrating him as a rule breaker, as for most clergymen it was assumed they would cover their hair. In addition to this, he is described as having such glaryng eyen. In the medieval times, this amounted to the suggestion of evil; therefore, Chaucer has constructed the pardoner in such a way to ambiguously imply he may be somewhat evil. Critics, such as Spearing, have noted that the pardoners repellent outer appearance reflects his inner corruption. The description of his fake relics, such as the sayle that saint peter hadde and oure lady veyl are used to demonstrate his evil intentions; taking advantage of the peasants good faith by tricking them into buying fake relics, that are nothing more than pigges bones. From the onset, Chaucer has incorporated the theme of evil within the pardoner and has maintained this throughout the prologue and tale. The prologue outlines the pardoners admittance to his evil nature, and suggests he may even be proud of this. He boldly states that his sermons are constructed around the well-known Latin biblical phrase, radix malorum est cupiditas loosely translated as greed is the root of all evil. The missing word omnium from this is used to demonstrate his lack of biblical knowledge, which is emphasised by the repititon of this phrase throughout. In medieval times, it was common and often expected, for members of the church to know and practice in Latin. The pardoner admits to using pieces of Latin to saffron my predicacioun. This cooking imagery may suggest that he only uses Latin to reinforce his false position, and therefore highlighting his evil nature, and may relate to the sin of gluttony as he is referencing food, again reinforcing the evilness of his character. The pardoner states in the prologue, in the form of a confession, that he preche of no thyng but for coveityse. The repetition of this ironic language along with the shocking imagery that is portrayed through his rhetorical question will I live in poverte willfully? and his admittance to taking money from the povereste widye in the village paints an evil picture of the pardoner who is merely driven by greed. Some critics, such as Georgianna believe in the historical school of thought, and note that the pardoner is merely a vehicle for the substantial embodiment of the churchs abusement. It has been suggested and argued amongst several other critics that Chaucer had no other motive when constructing the pardoners character other than to criticize and highlight the wrongdoings of the medieval church. Many fake pardoners lived amongst the medieval audience, and carried out the same evil methods as the pardoner, all for the same motive; greed. As a result of this, anticlericalism grew popular amongst the peasants very quickly. Therefore, it can be suggested that the pardoners character was constructed in such a way to shine light on his evil nature and to draw parallels with the medieval church. The pardoners tale is a sermon against four particular sins; gluttony, blasphemy, gambling and drinking. He talks at length of each of these particular sins, giving biblical examples that he has twisted to his benefit, such as Adam and also his wyfe who were dryven for that vice. The pardoner is suggesting that gluttony was the downfall of Adam and Eve, when in fact it was temptation. To sermonize against drinking is massively ironic as the pardoner has admitted to needing a draughte before being able to think of a moral tale to tell the pilgrims irony in itself seeing as he should not have to think about a tale of morality. The fact that the pardoner is guilty of committing the very sins he preaches about only adds to his evil nature. Many critics, such as Ruth Nevo, suggest that the pardoner is a character in his own tale that he tells. The novelle that the Pardoner tells the pilgrims consist of three rioters. He begins by stating the setting of the three men; in the develes temple metaphorical for a tavern. The three rioters are established as sinners from the very beginning, already being guilty of committing two of the seven deadly sins; drinking and blaspheming. The repeated suggestion of a brotherhood and addressing each other as brethren has underlying irony as each rioter is ultimately killed by each others greed. It has been suggested that as the rioters are not named, and therefore are nt personally addressed, that they have been constructed to suggest the embodiment of sin. Their deaths are quick and do not have much effect; instead, the focus is on the sins that they do commit. This stresses that their evil natures are what caused their own deaths. However, it can be argued that although the pardoner presents evil in the pardoners prologue and tale, the fact that he acknowledges this suggests he is fully aware of his evil nature. Koff suggests that the pardoner is not so much evil as he is bold. This can be argued to an extent, as he does admit to being a ful vicious man, yet states that a morale tale yet I yew telle kan. This can be portrayed as being ironic, as he is fully aware of his evil nature, yet still believes that he can preach against the sins he so readily admits to committing. In addition to this, Chaucer does incorporate some good nature into the novelle in the form of the old man. It has long been questioned as to whether he is the personification of death himself, and therefore cannot die, or whether he is merely an instrument used to emphasise the evil nature of the three rioters. His addressing of the three rioters as sires in comparison to the rude greetings of the rioters compares and relates age and innocence; the old man may have been faithful during his lifetime and therefore God will not take his life. In contrast, the young sinful rioters quickly come to their death through their own lack of faith. To conclude, I believe that a sinister exploration of evil is truly presented in the pardoners prologue and tale. Chaucer uses characterization of the pardoner and three rioters to present how corrupt medieval society was, as well as how readily sins were committed. The pardoners simile of as dooth a dowve sittynge on a berne to describe how he sees himself is used as an antithesis of his own character; as a dove carries religious connotations of peace and purity; the opposite to what the pardoner is. Despite infiltrating some holy and pure characters, such as the Old man, he only further emphasises the lack of good in the other characters. Overall, Chaucer constructs the prologue and tale in such a way to present several layers of evil in the Canterbury tales.

History of RedMed and Developments for Sleep Apnea

History of RedMed and Developments for Sleep Apnea ResMed ResMed is a principal developer, manufacturer and distributor of pioneering medical equipment for the administration and treatment of respiratory disorders, with its major focus on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It was started with a moto to commercialize a treatment for OSA in 1989. It has corporate offices in 26 countries distributing their range of products in around 100 countries throughout the world. History In 1981 Colin Sullivan and his colleagues introduced their invention of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). CPAP was a practical, effective, and dependable treatment for the millions of OSA victims around the world. Dr Peter Farrell who was the Vice-President of RD of Baxter Healthcare and Director of Baxter Centre for Medical Research Pty Limited (BCMR) in early 1980s is an expert in bioengineering area. He sensed tremendous business opportunities of CPAP when he meet Sullivan in an academic conference in 1986, and then CPAP treatment was commercialised by Peter Farrell and Colin Sullivan through BCMR. Three years later, Farrell planned to acquire the rights of certain technology relating to CPAP treatment from BCMR and as a result, ResCare Holdings Limited, which had a $1.2 million registered capital, was registered in Sydney in August 1989. In order to experience a better development, company changed its registration place to Delaware, USA in 1994 and changed its name to ResMed as the original name ResCare was already registered in USA. Through the CPAP technology, the company started gaining success in American medical market and got listed on the NASDAQ (1995) national stock market, New York Stock Exchange and Australian Securities Exchange (1999). As a result of these listings, ResMed became the biggest company in the sleep disordered breathing (SDB) marketplace in late 1999. With the success in SDB marketplace, company paid more attention to do research in newly related areas and in 2000. Clinical research showed that untreated SDB was very likely a pivotal factor in both stroke and cardiovascular diseases. This finding helped ResMed in conducting further research in stroke and congestive heart failure (CHF). The novel outcome of this research has attracted Australian Technology Award for the company in biotechnology area in 2000. Eventually, the company was ranked number I in Medical Products Company according to Investors Business Daily in 2001. Continuing innovation, the company has released a series of updated products between 2003 and 2005. Bubble Mask –Series 3 and Constant CPAP were released in 2003 and the historically significant product S8, which received Australian Design Award in 2006, was introduced in 2005. The extensive product line made company become the largest corporation that focused exclusively on providing therapies for improving the quality of sleep in late 2010. In order to adapt rapidly changing world market, company made changes to its management structure by creating a new strategic business unit. It revised roles in the contemporary commercial, manufacturing, supply and corporate staff sections in 2011. These measures improved the working efficiency and promoted the company to continue as a leader in SDB market. With the victory over the injunctions in Germany against patent infringing behaviours by APEX and BMC in 2013, ResMed finally become a global leader in SDB market and other respiratory disorders. 1.1 Financial results In fiscal year 2013 ended June 30 2013 (FY13), ResMed reported record financial results with an increase in net revenue to US$ 1,514.5 million, an increase of 11% when compared to fiscal year 2012 (FY12). Gross profit increased for FY13 to US$ 940.7 million, from US$ 820.7 million for FY12, an increase of US$ 119.9 million or 15%. ResMed’s net income for FY13 was US$ 307.1 million or US$ 2.10 per diluted share compared to net income of US$ 254.9 million or US$ 1.71 per diluted share for FY12. (http://www.resmed.com/us/en/consumer/news-and-information/news-releases/2013/resmed-quarter-ended-june-2013-financial-results.html) In more recent quarterly financial result ended March 31 2014, net revenue for the quarter was US$ 397.8 million, a 4 percent increase over the quarter ended March 31, 2013. ResMed’s Gross profit increased for the quarter to US$ 251.8 million, from US$ 239.4 million for the same quarter of last year, an increase of US$ 12.4 million or 5%. Net income was US$ 90.0 million, an increase of 6 percent compared to the same quarter of last year. Diluted earnings per share for the quarter were US$ 0.63, an increase of 9 percent compared to the same quarter of last year. (http://www.resmed.com/us/en/consumer/news-and-information/news-releases/2014/resmed-financial-results-quarter-ended-march-31-2014.html) Graph 1.1 Income statement evolution of ResMed from 2008 (Source from: http://www.zonebourse.com) The graph shows ResMed’s healthy financial growth in recent years and actively estimates a steady and consistent development of ResMed in the following several years. 1.2 Share price on stock market (ASX) Graph 1.2 ResMed’s share price fluctuation on ASX (Data source from: http://www.asx.com.au) The share price of ResMed on ASX fluctuated frequently within most recent one year, while it continues increasing from ~2.50 to ~5.50 since 2012. According to analysts’ report, the increase was majorly due to: Huge potential in SDB market: both patients and physicians are coming to realize high prevalence of SDB, and ResMed are expected to broaden its foothold in the market of SDB treatment. Increased focus on international market: In last quarter of FY14, revenue outside the Americas was $181.6 million, an increase of 8 percent over the prior years quarter, which represents ResMed’s big success on international market. And in most recent years, Europe witnessed ResMed’s international outperformance. Strong emphasis on product development: earlier in this fiscal, AirFit P10, latest nasal pillows system from ResMed, was introduced in line with its product innovation plan. The company also expects to launch two additional masks in the course of the remaining FY14. Strong return to shareholders: ResMed continues rewarding its shareholders via share repurchase programs and dividends. During last quarter, the company repurchased 1.6 million shares at a cost of $72.5 million, as part of its ongoing capital management program. (FreeZacksReport.pdf) (http://www.resmed.com/us/en/consumer/news-and-information/news-releases/2014/resmed-financial-results-quarter-ended-march-31-2014.html) 1.3 Investment in RD ResMed is committed to ongoing investment in RD and product enhancements. During FY13, they invested approximately US$120.1 million on research and development activities, which represents approximately 8% of net revenues. (http://www.resmed.com/us/en/consumer/news-and-information/news-releases/2013/resmed-quarter-ended-june-2013-financial-results.html) Furthermore, in quarterly financial result ended March 31 2014, RD expenses of ResMed were US$31.4 million for the quarter, or 7.6% of revenue. RD expenses increased by 12% compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2012. Such RD investment was even favorably impacted by the depreciation of the Australian dollar against the U.S. Dollar. (http://www.resmed.com/us/en/consumer/news-and-information/news-releases/2014/resmed-financial-results-quarter-ended-march-31-2014.html) Graph 1.3 The change of ratio of ResMed’s RD expenses to total operating expenses (Data source from: http://www.resmed.com) Business model ResMed is regarded a leader company in developing, manufacturing, and distributing the medical device for treating sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and other respiratory disorders. In spite of this, ResMed is highly competed with various companies in its principal markets, the US and Europe. ResMed’s fierce competitors may include Respironics, DeVilbiss, and Nellcor Puritan Bennett. ResMed relies on its four strategies below to compete with them. Continue Product Development and Innovation ResMed believes that the important competitive factors in all of the markets are product features, reliability and price, hence, ResMed continues product development and innovation. Since 1999, ResMed has started to develop the design of products and create additional accessories in oder to satisfy customers with the use of products. ResMed has not stopped making efforts on product development and innovation until now. Accordingly, approximately 12% of ResMed’s employees are assigned to work on product development and innovation. In addition, ResMed recently spent about $AU 25 million to the University of Sydney with a strong corporate partnership. The University of Sydney will help in the research of SDB-related chronic disease and bioinformatics. 2) Expand Geographic presence One of the strategies aims to develop market is expand geographic presence. ResMed markets its products in over 70 countries. ResMed sells their products by several approaches such as distribution network, direct sales force and independent manufacturers’ representatives. ResMed fills out its distribution network by acquisitions. For example, ResMed recently acquired Mediserv and Unimedis, which both are distributors of equipment for the treatment of SDB and respiratory disorders. These acquisitions help ResMed increase market opportunities and enhance the distribution of products in Europe. Similarly, ResMed had acquired some companies in the US to develop market and strengthen its competitiveness in local. This may suggest that ResMed expands the scope of market to increase the revenues by acquisitions. Despite ResMed’s frequent actions of acquisitions, ResMed decides to acquire which company for marketing their products based on regional awareness of SDB, physician r eferral patterns, consumer preferences and local reimbursement policies. Currently, ResMed has wholly owned subsidiaries in Australia, the UK, the US, Germany, France, Spain, Finland and Sweden. 3) Increase Public and Clinic Awareness ResMed expects the SDB market will grow up by increasing the awareness of the SDB among the general population and physicals because sleep clinics, home health care dealer and the third party who sells the products to patients are the primary customers. In addition, ResMed tends to deliver the knowledge and information of SDB to the interest groups or organisations such as the National Stroke Association, the American Heart Association and the National Sleep Foundation, which may help to spread the awareness of SDB in relation to other diseases and the importance of SDB. 4) Expand into New Clinical Applications ResMed is also seeking the potential applications of their technology. For example, the recent studies show that SDB has been confirmed as a cause of high blood pressure or relevant disease and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with both stroke and congestive heart failure. Followed by the more studies in medical journals, ResMed has more market opportunities of developing the new applications. Basically, ResMed pursues things to be simple and adopt the low-risk strategy by staying at the areas of their expertise. ResMed is in a strong competitive market, in which the consolidation is a trend inducing ResMed implemented the strategy of acquisition to maintain their competitiveness and broaden the scope of market. In order to seek more market opportunities and enhance reputation, ResMed puts a great effort on product development and innovation as well as increasing public and clinic awareness of SDB.