Continental Europe seeks to combine flexibility with security in its Essay

Continental Europe seeks to combine flexibility with security in its relations with the workforce via a range of measures one of - Essay Example But the criticisms of the policy direct towards the fact that the diversities present at the national level leads to the decline of the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach that flexicurity model proposes (Muffels, 2008, p.386). The Union has taken various measures for the establishment of the same but question still arise regarding its effectiveness with the outburst of the worst financial crisis in 2008 after the Great Depression in 1930 (Flexicurity: Europe's employment solution?, 2008). The paper will be discussing the flexicurity approach adapted by the European Union along with the discussion of its principles and objectives and with special focus on Germany and Denmark. Highlight will be also given on the youth unemployment problem with reference to the Viking, Laval and Ruffert cases discussing the protection measures of the other countries with respect to the benefits in compliance with Art 3 and 49 of the EC treaty which focuses on the right to establish in any state o r that of single market and rights of provision of services across the European Union. Now the subsequent section will be dealing with the concept of flexicurity. 2. Notion of flexicurity In today’s labor market there is a requirement of rigorous levels of flexibility and adaptability both in the interest of the employers as well as the employees for anticipating and responding to the demands of the market (Flexicurity Pathways, 2007, p.3). The crux of flexicurity is an emerging concept in the European Union and has been considered as a significant approach in the labor market and within the employment paradigm (EU Council: Common 'flexicurity' principles adopted, 2008). The policy has been first generated in the Nordic countries for the purpose of solving European Union’s employment paradox. From the studies of Wilthagen and Rogowski in the year 2002 it gets revealed that flexicurity is regarded as the policy that directs towards a synchronized platform that boosts la bor market flexibilities, work organizations as well as labor relations with security provision for the weak group of people inside and outside the labor market. The authors highlight that flexibility and security can be achieved through focus on coordination. They stress that initial jolt will be derived from the macro level actors like government and social partners. Implementation will be established on all levels of the economy with different means of flexibility complementing each other with corresponding varied security forms (Meyer, 2009, p.87). From the early 2000s, the European Union policy of flexicurity included an amalgamation of easy hiring and firing rules benefiting the unemployed and following a pro labor market policy (Flexicurity: Europe's employment solution?, 2008). 3. Underlying principles of flexicurity The European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) has been established in the year 1975 working on the area of working co nditions, living conditions and industrial relation ( Agencies and other European bodies, n.d.). The EU body while drafting policies limited itself while applying flexicurity policies with some common principles. The common principles which the flexicurity model proposes is

APPLIED DATA MANAGEMENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

APPLIED DATA MANAGEMENT - Essay Example Focusing on this aspect, the research aims at addressing data management problem of S&R Consultants. For about 30 years, the organisation has grown steadily in home (i.e. Australia) and overseas nation. However, with the increase in business issues regarding data management frequently becomes a great challenge for the S&R Consultants. In such condition, the use of web content management system (WCMS) would be beneficial for S&R Consultants. However, as it is a new technology, WCMS is characterised by several non-technical issues, which must be considered before implementing the new technology. Purpose of the Research Based on the use of WCMS in S&R Consultants, the research intends to explore how it can be proved beneficial for the organisation. Besides the purpose of undertaking the research is to generate features and facilities of WCMS, which can fulfil the requirements of S&R, to recommend certain criteria to compare and choose apparent WCMS, to provide recommendations to the boa rd of directors of S&R Consultants about steps required to select and implement WCMS and about website management policies for proper integration of website into the business operations. Rationale for Selecting WCMS The rationale for selecting WCMS is that it can allow S&R Consultants to rapidly react with the business situation and to make important materials available on website. Besides, WCMS is much effective in updating latest information without assistance of technical experts. In S&R Consultants, WCMS might assist in making different workflows more efficient than before, because it can provide timely publication of contents and also ensure that those contents are satisfactorily revised before publication (The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, 2008). Target Audience of WCMS In order to ensure that the WCMS is kept relevant, there must be clear idea about the target audience. Target audience can help to understand the key prerequisites of WCMS system an d therefore can support S&R Consultants to make decisions regarding useful contents. Besides, target audience also allow for developing proper investment strategy for development of website (Perriss & et. al., 2006). Since, the website of S&R will be a private website the key audiences will be the existing clients and other prospects who desire to obtain services from the organisation. Features and Facilities of WCMS WCMS can provide the following features to S&R Consultants: Document Management System: WCMS is intended to manage and store internal organisational data and corporate information. It helps in document workflow and interpretation of data. Electronic publishing: WCMS tools are developed for supporting online publishing of news and other reports, which are essential for key stakeholders. WCMS enable simple workflow and quick publication of contents. E-commerce facility: WCMS also authorises e-commerce through enabling online shopping and electronic relationship management for S&R Consultants (Browning & Lowndes, 2001). WCMS provides three core facilities for S&R Consultan

Theories of Risk and Uncertainty

Theories of Risk and Uncertainty Outline the main social theories of risk and uncertainty using at least one example as illustration. One of the most lively areas of theoretical debate in social and cultural theory in recent times is that addressing the phenomenon of risk and the role it plays in contemporary social life and subjectivities. Three major theoretical perspectives on risk emerging since the early 1980s and gaining momentum in the 1990s may be distinguished. The first is offered by the work of Mary Douglas, who Began in the early 1980s setting forth an influential perspective on risk, one that adopts a cultural anthropological approach (Douglas and Wildavsky, 1982; Douglas, 1985, 1990, 1992). The German sociologist Ulrich Becks book ‘Risk society, published in English in 1992, has provided a major impetus to recent sociological examination of risk ( for some of his other writing on risk in English see also Beck, (1992a; Beck and Gernsheim, 1995). The English sociologist Anthony Giddens (1990,1991,1994,1998), adopting a similar perspective to that of Beck, has also influenced sociological diagnoses of the role of role in society. A third perspective is offered by the several theorist who have taken up Michel Foucaults writings on governmentality ( For example, Foucault, 1991) to explore the ways in which the state and other governmental apparatuses work together to govern that is, manage and regulate populations via risk discourses and strategies (Castel, 1991; Ewald, 1991; OMalley, 1996; Dean, 1997). These major theories are identified respectively as the ‘cultural/symbolic, the ‘risk society and the governmentality perspectives. Michel Foucault Michel Foucault was a French philosopher, sociologist and historian. In his book Security, Territory, Population, Foucault outlines his theory of governmentality, and demonstrates the distinction between sovereignty, discipline, and governmentality as distinct modalities of state power. [1] The concept of risk, employed to address governmental concerns, has contributed to the production of certain kinds of rationalities, strategies and subjectivities. According to the Foucauldian perspective, risk strategies and discourses are means of ordering the social and material worlds through methods of rationalization and calculation, attempts to render disorder and uncertainty more controllable. It is these strategies and discourses that bring risk into being, that select certain phenomena as being ‘risky and therefore requiring management, either by institutions or individuals. This is an outcome of the emergence of the modern system of liberal government, with its emphasis on rule an d the maintenance of order through voluntary self-discipline rather than via violent means. Risk is understood as one of the heterogeneous governmental strategies of disciplinary power by which populations and individuals are monitored and managed so as to best meet the goals of democratic humanism. Normalization, or the method by which norms of behaviour or health status are identified in populations and by which individuals are the compared to determine how best they fit the norm, is a central aspect of liberal government. Those who are determined to deviate from the norm significantly are typically identified as being ‘at risk. To be designated as ‘at risk, therefore, is to be positioned within a network of factors drawn from the observation of others. The implication of this rationalized discourse is that risk is ultimately controllable, as long as expert knowledge can be properly brought to bear upon it. Some of those taking up a Foucauldian perspective have remarked upon recent change in the governance of risk, in which there is far less reliance upon social insurance and far more upon individual self-management and self-protection from risk. This is an outcome of the political ethos of neo-liberalism, which emphasizes minimal intervention on the part of the state and emphasizes ‘self-help and individual autonomy for citizens. [2]Foucault himself and those taking up his perspectives on the regulation of subjects via the discourses of governmentality may be criticized for devoting too much attention to the discourses and strategies and not enough to how people actually respond to them as part of their everyday lives. Mary Douglas The authors suggest, reasonably enough, that ones personal political and cultural predispositions affect how one assess the risk of different possible social dangers. If this were the only factor affecting peoples risk assessment, it would be quite difficult to generate an informed social policy in a democratic society, and research in to actual risk levels associated with different degrees of social damage would be worthless, since people simply listen to the gurus that support their personal positions. The authors present no data. Why is data important? Because if 90% of voters fit their description, we are in a much different situation that if 10% do. My best guess is that people systematically underestimate most social risks (e.g. accidental nuclear war, deadly SARS-type plagues) and overestimate a few (riskiness of air travel, danger of poisons in food). Most people, however, are willing to let the ideologues battle it out, and are strongly affected by the way the journalistic accounts of the battle portrays the cogencies of different positions. If I am right, the extremists on either side of positions, of the sort depicted by the authors, perform a valuable function but do not determine the outcome for the purposes of social policy. For instance, there are vehement supporters of gun control and equally vehement supporters of the rights of gun owners. Most voters, however, lie somewhere in the middle and are swayed both by events and scientific evidence. If that is so, the possi bility of effective social policy is possible in a democracy. But, some say, the extremists are willing to put in time and money to sway the public, so ideology wins the day in this manner. I respond that it is wise for voters to take the strength of preferences into account in making social policy decisions. At any rate, no balanced discussion of these issues will be found in this volume. According to the NYT review Offering what they call a cultural theory of risk perception, the authors suggest that peoples complaints about hazards should never be taken at face value. One must look further to discover what forms of social organization are being defended or attacked. Applying this logic, we have to ask what Mary Douglas and Wildavsky have to gain from advancing this argumentand their consistently dismissive and condescending attitude toward environmentalists makes this fairly clear. If your unenlightened opposition INSISTS on talking about certain risks AS IF that was what REALLY mattered then you are, of course, completely justified in disregarding their point of view, (and for that matter them) entirely. Cultural Theory, as developed by Mary Douglas, argues that differing risk perceptions can be explained by reference to four distinct cultural biases: hierarchy, egalitarianism, individualism, and fatalism. Ulrich Beck Central to Becks and Giddens writing on risk society is the concept of reflexive modernity. This concept incorporates the notion that late modernity is characterized by a critique of the processes of modernity, which no longer unproblematically viewed as producing ‘goods (such as wealth and employment) but are now seen to produce many of the dangers or ‘bads from which we feel threatened (such as environmental pollution, unemployment and family breakdown). The central institutions of late modernity government, industry and science are singles out as the main producers of risk. An emphasis on risk, Beck and Giddens assert, is thus an integral feature of a society which has come to reflect upon itself, to critique itself. Exponents of the ‘risk society thesis also argue that in late modernity there is a trend towards individualization, or the progressive loss of tradition and social bonds as a means of structuring the life-course and forming personal identity. A major difference, they argue, in the ways in which we conceptualize and deal with dangers compared with individuals in earlier eras is the extent to which individuals are positioned as choosing agents. We now think of ourselves as exercising a high level of control over the extent to which we expose ourselves to danger and therefore as culpable for becoming prey to risk. Risk is primarily understood as a human responsibility, both in its production and management, rather than the outcome of fate or destiny, as was the case in pre-modern times. [1] Â · ^ Hansen, Thomas (2001). States of Imagination. Durham: Duke University Press. p.43. ISBN 0822327988. [2] Dean, M. (1999) Governmentality, Sage, London

The Indian Removal Policy :: essays research papers

Arguments over land, restrictions, and laws were common amongst the Indians and whites. It got to a point where the state of Georgia wanted the Indians off their land. Georgia complained to President Andrew Jackson, and he proposed the Indian Removal Policy. This policy was intended to be a peacemaker, but was really a threat to the Cherokee culture.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Through the American eyes the removal of the Indians meant more land which in turn meant more power and resources. Since the Indians were leaving, the resources would be in abundance to the whites. The government ( gov’t ) of the United states has been longing to introduce the arts of civilization, and it was the perfect time. Some of the members of the Southern tribes attempted to leave their savage ways, and in using what they learn they wanted to set up a gov’t they can call their own. If they were given permission to.. it would mean finally escaping the American laws.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The removal policy that started out as a voluntary request, progressed into a forced demand. The year that followed Andrew Jackson’s message to Congress, the U.S Army marched the Indian to their marked land. Thousands died along the way from lack of food and so forth. This path became known as the Trail of Tears. The Indians arrived on their territory, they soon realized their crops could not grown properly. The land they were on was bad soil, once again the Indians were given the short end of the stick, and faced with a difficult decision to stay, or to leave? Black Hawk’s tribe was one of the tribe who was asked to relocate to Iowa, and like the others found living conditions unbearable. Black Hawk took a stand, and fought the U.S troops this conflict became known as â€Å" Black Hawk War†. Black hawk was thrown in jail.

Is the death penalty racist against blacks? Essay

I. Introduction There are several queries which came up in my inquisitive mind and try to discover and comprehend what are the possible grounds that judiciaries are basing his/her verdict and judgment in sentencing death penalty to a defendant or the accused himself. Death penalty is the heaviest and most depressing sentence for the accused; thus, it ends his chances to change. Come to think of it, the accused will not be given a chance to renew himself and become a better citizen in our country. Several countries around the globe are in favor to such act and even legalized it. But do we really have the right to execute death penalty to an accused? Is this act not a violation of human rights? Where did death penalty start? Does it really help lessen the growing crimes? Or can’t we just find another alternative to lessen crimes? These are some of my queries and up to now, I am trying to understand both arguments of pro and anti. I do understand why there are group of people support this kind of penalty or sentence. These are the group of people who want justice for those who are badly treated, abused and harmed; and most of these people also undergone such mistreatments or maybe their love ones. But how about if the accused is not really the one who commit the crime, is just frame up and does not have enough evidences to prove he is not guilty of it? And in practicing such law, does death penalty will not show biases, racism, and prejudices of whom the judiciaries will give such sentence? Furthermore, according to others that death penalty is the best way to control and lessen crimes. It has been an argument not only in the United States of America but as well as around the globe. The death penalty is well-thought-out by most cultured and enlightened nation-states as an inhumane and callous sentence or chastisement. In addition, death penalty has been de facto by 106 countries and since 1990, there were about 30 nation-states which have put an end to it. Moreover, the death penalty has continuously put into practice in some nations such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United States of America, Iran and China which are the most profuse executioners in the globe. However, international official papers have constrained and in several circumstances even banned the death penalty, its function and relevance does not contradict customary international law. Ample debates have continued in the United States of America as to whether it comprises a suitable chastisement at least to the most dreadful crimes (see â€Å"Human Rights: Death Penalty†. Derechos Human Rights). Moreover, this issue has been continually debated in United States of America due to its fact that racism is almost present every time a judge makes a sentence for the defendant or accused. The illustration below shows the racial breakdown of district Attorneys* in United States Death Penalty States and was taken from the website http://www. deathpenaltyinfo. org/article. php? scid=45&did=539. The focal points of this study are to: (1) understand what death penalty is; (2) figure out how death penalty arises or starts; (3) be aware of the different methods used to execute people; (4) recognize the religious views on death penalty; (5) find out if there is any racism involve in performing death penalty; and (2) acquaint us the number of executions performed and the race who faced death penalty due to racism in different states of United States of America; (6) know the public opinion polls on the death penalty issue; (7) learn the death penalty statistics and; (8) recommend possible remedies or alternatives to abolish death penalty. II. Background A. What is death penalty? Death penalty is considered as a capital punishment and is an execution of a convicted offender by the State which serves as chastisement for crimes committed which is recognized and called as capital offenses or capital crimes. Death penalty is the most discussed issue in penalizing or sentencing the convicted criminal. The term â€Å"capital† was taken from a Latin word â€Å"capitalis† that refers to â€Å"concerning the head†; thus, to be susceptible to capital punishment would simply refers to metaphorically lose one’s head. Moreover, the United States of America, majority of the Caribbean, Guatemala and other democracies in Africa and China continue to have its approval on death penalty but amongst of those democratic nations globally, majority of the European and Latin American states have put an end with the capital punishment. While on countries that are not democratic by nature, the death penalty execution is not unusual yet not practiced by all. There are certain crimes that are specified by laws that need to be sentenced with death penalty depending on countries where the crime committed. Nowadays, most countries that practiced and applied death penalty used it as a punishment for crimes such as treason, part of the military justice, murder and espionage. But for Muslim countries, death penalty is used as punishment for offenses such as sexual crimes (which include sodomy and adultery) and religious crimes like apostasy (abandonment of one’s faith and belief). There are countries too that considered drug trafficking as a capital offense and in China, serious cases of graft and corruption and human trafficking are sentenced by death penalty. But in the military world, death penalty is practiced for offenses like desertion, mutiny; insubordination and cowardice (Bailey, Harris, & Jones, 2005).

Oliver Twist the novel Essay

In Oliver Twist, the novel, Dickens uses a variety of language techniques to show how villainous Bill Sikes is. The vocabulary he uses is course and elementary. That, with the use of short, sharp sentences gives a fierce thuggish effect. In the film, Bill Sikes is calm in his words however with brutal with his actions. In the film adaptation he is also presented with a delicate, more human side rather than being pot rayed as a monster all the time, like in the novel. This is helped with the non-diegetic sound, to help create and eerie and tense atmosphere. In the novel, Dickens describes him as a ‘Robber, Housekeeper’ these negative words add to his person as wanting to be the alpha-male. The language Sikes uses is not thought out properly. He says whatever comes into his head and this is why he is always quick to reply. In the film, even though Nancy explains herself, he hits her, and only after hitting her he realises what he has done. In conclusion, the way that Bill Sikes is presented as a villain in both the original novel by Charles Dickens and the BBC film adaptation are quite different. The villainy and the traits of Bill Sikes are portrayed by the language used by Charles Dickens which is short and sharp for fast paced action. The interactions of Bill Sikes with the other characters in the scene and chapter in which Bill Sikes completely ignores Fagin’s warnings and is very brutal to Nancy. Furthermore his villainy is also enhanced by the author’s and the film maker’s craft and use of various devices such as non-diegetic music and how Bill Sikes is called various names in the novel and finally his presentation of a villain is also based upon how he treats Nancy and how he reacts to his surroundings. In the novel he is presented to far more villainous than he is in the BBC film adaptation as in the adaptation there is remorse and regret over Nancy’s death.

5 Great TED Talks to Inspire Your Writing

5 Great TED Talks to Inspire Your Writing If you have never heard a TED Talk, or been part of the audience of one, you are missing out on a truly powerful experience. This is especially true if you are an artist and entrepreneur for your work. TED (an acronym for Technology, Entertainment and Design) is a nonprofit organization devoted to spreading ideas in the form of short, powerful talks. The topics span everything from business and science to creativity and self-help and are led by people who are highly successful in their respective businesses or creative careers.So take a moment to listen through the best ones Ive found that are led by successful writers to inspire your own work. You wont be disappointed and it will likely be the most productive 18 minutes (or less) you spend today.Amy Tan: Where Does Creativity Hide?Amy Tan is the author of The Joy Luck Club, The Kitchen Gods Wife and The Hundred Secret Senses. Her works explore mother-daughter relationships and the Chinese American experience, and for this TED Talk, she discusses the creative process. For writers looking for answers in how to tap into the creative process, this talk is a great way to fine-tune your senses.Beginning with details about an essay she wrote at the age of 11, Tan discusses her own process of creation- particularly, how out of nothing, comes something. As a background for how she was taught, she speaks of how her mothers belief in fate or curses developed after her father and brother passed six months apart. She had this notion of death all around her, and her mother believed she would be next. When you focus on death, Tan notes, you become creative in a survival sense.Tan asks her audience to entertain the question of why things happen, how things happen, and how do they influence things to happen? With these questions, Tan introduces what she calls the cosmology of my own universe as its creator and notes that creativity is a sense of ones inability to repress the dark matter, the uncertainty principle (am I a fraud ? is my writing not meaningful anymore?), and the observer effect. In these, she notes that creative people have multiple levels of anxiety and ambiguity- you dont know what is happening, but you know its happening.Finally, she points out that as a creator, you notice disturbing hints from the universe. Writers get these hints/clues that have been both obvious and have not been. You begin to notice it more often and you learn to apply it. She discusses the thought process of her own trip to Burma and the book that would result. There, her chance encounters turned into an absolute necessary in writing a story.Elizabeth Gilbert: Your Elusive Creative GeniusIn this TED Talk, American author Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, begins with a discussion of how something peculiar has happened in her career to recalibrate her relationship with her work. After Eat, Pray, Love, which became a mega sensation, she notes that everywhere she goes, people treat her like shes doomed, like shes never going to be able to top the success of that book. She notes that there is always a fear-based reaction: What about the humiliation of rejection? Is she heading for the scrap heap of broken dreams?She then questions what is it about creative ventures that worry people? She notes the grim death of magnificent, creative minds who have died young and often at their own hands. Many seem really undone in their creativity and it is a common assumption that artistry will ultimately lead to anguish. According to Gilbert, this is a dangerous assumption.She then speaks of how in ancient Greece and Rome, people believed that creativity was a divine attendant. Greece called it daemons and Rome called it genius, but in both cases, it was a magical, divine entity that lived in the walls of an artists studio. When great art happened, it was due to a persons daemon or genius, something that was outside of the ability of the artist alone.Gilbert notes that this is a psychological construc t to protect writers from narcissism or anxiety about success. With the beginning of rational humanism, people believed art came from the self. The artist was the genius instead of having a genius visit him or her. According to Gilbert, this new thought creates unmanageable expectations for performance that has been killing off artists for the past 500 years and she asks: Can we go back to an ancient understanding of the relationship between humans and creative mystery?Andrew Stanton: The Clues to a Great StoryAndrew Stanton is an American film director, screenwriter, producer and voice actor who has created award-winning screenplays with Pixar. His film work includes co-writing Pixars A Bugs Life (1998), along with Finding Nemo (2003) and its sequel Finding Dory (2016). He is also the brains behind WALL-E (2008) and Disneys John Carter (2012), as well as the co-writer on all four Toy Story films and Monsters, Inc. (2001)Beginning with an off-kilter joke (NSFW, dont say I didnt warn you!) about a man in the Scottish Highlands, Stanton suggests that storytelling is joke telling. The best storytelling involves the teller knowing the ending, and everything that is said- from the first to the last- affirming the human connection.He then discusses the greatest story commandment: make me care, emotionally and aesthetically. Starting from the ending of his personal story to how he learned storytelling, he discusses how he used this method in the fantasy/science fiction film that he co-wrote and directed, John Carter. He notes that, as with this movie, all good stories should begin by giving you a promise that it will lead you somewhere meaningful by the end.He then discusses WALL-E, which earned him two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature, and how storytelling without dialogue is the most inclusive form of storytelling. The audience actually wants to work for their meal, they just dont want to know theyre actually doing that, he says. Thus, this is the job of th e storyteller and the unifying theory of his screenplay, Finding Nemo, which won him a nomination for Best Original Screenplay. He notes that as with this movie, the best characters are the ones who are trying to scratch an unknown itch.Finally, he discusses how change is fundamental in a story. If stories go static, they die. This TED Talk is so full of valuable advice, youll want to watch it twice just to catch everything from this gifted screenwriter.Misan Sagay: Why you should writeI write because Im a wrinkle, says Misan Sagay, a former emergency room doctor who made her writing debut with the 1999 film, The Secret Laughter of Women.To explain this statement, Sagay discusses the reason she writes and the reason her audience (which is us) should write too. She notes that we are joined to all of our immediate families by stories. Stories bind us. Were likewise bound to our human family by stories, and film is the major narrative artform of our times.She tells how when growing up, she never saw herself on screen. Going to the cinema was like looking at a family photograph album and she was not there, and she wondered why she was not there. She felt this as an ache. The Black films made at the time were predominantly male, violent, and contained drugs. Here she was- a Black woman who loved Jane Austen, and she was nowhere to be found on-screen.This compelled her to become a storyteller because she realized that in order to see her story in cinema, to even see someone who looks like her, she would need to create it. And her story would be full of choices that are the sum total of who she is.In this goal, she said she soon felt like a wrinkle in a smooth sheet†¦someone was always trying to smooth her over and convince her to accept the status quo. She mentions hearing advice such as, You cannot make a film with a black female lead. Nobody wants to hear about slavery, it makes people uncomfortable. There is no audience.However, she has always refused to acc ept that. And with that background, she asks the audience, what story do you have to tell? Your story will never be made unless you choose to put it out there. And so begins the authors journey.Sagay was eventually successful in her endeavor, with the 2013 British drama Belle, which she wrote in 2013. The film tells the story of Belle, the daughter of an enslaved African and a British admiral. It delves into the untold stories of African descendents, especially women, in British society in the late 1700s. It was Sagays Jane Austen on screen, just like she was compelled to write when younger.Now as a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Sagay is also a member of the Wolfe pack: a group of 50 leading female screenwriters working in Hollywood seeking to draw other women into the screenwriting business.Simon Van Booy: How To Write Your Novel In Under 20 minutesDont let the title fool you- this is not a discussion of how to write a novel in 20 minutes (thats impossi ble). However, in this 20-minute discussion, author Simon Van Booy answers the question: Why should anyone write a novel?Some background on Van Booy: his short story collection, Love Begins in Winter, won the 2009 Frank OConnor International Short Story Award. He is also a best-selling author of nine fiction titles, along with three anthologies of philosophy. He founded Writers for Children in 2013 and through it, helps young people build confidence in their storytelling abilities.For this particular TED Talk, he begins by noting that being a commercial success is not the same as being a literary success. In fact, in many cases, the literary greats were unsuccessful during their times. But one thing they did, he notes, is that they followed their core- that inner voice that guides you as a writer and becomes stronger and clearer the more you write. Writing frees you from fear and with wisdom comes autonomy. Being a commercial success isnt anywhere in that equation.For his specific a dvice for getting a novel written, he offers these six steps:Create a unique place, time and conditions for your writing to take place. He suggests that you have a place thats exclusively yours and that no one else uses, or a place in which you do nothing else but write (so no Internet surfing!). He advises that you treat it the way priests treat sacred relics. Your work is a holy object and the location you write is where youre going to give birth to and kill your characters. It is where youre going to exorcise your demons.Since all writers need to read, dont read anything you dont love. Dont read what you think you should read, make sure that the book on your nightstand is something that inspires you and sparks your spirit. He notes that being inspired is such an exciting part of life.Sketch and sketch often, just like artists. Take a notebook with you, sketch things, put a paragraph there, go out, go into the woods, visit thrift stores, go nowhere for no reason and write things d own that move you in your heart.Character and plot are easy if you make it real. As youre writing, be sure to include bits of real life and weave it together while getting rid of the seams. Merge the characters life with your own.Only tell 20% of what happened. Your story doesnt need to be a characters complete life, it can be only part of it- but a year that changed the character in some way.Keep rewriting until you stop changing things. If a chapter can be removed without disrupting the flow of the story, it is superfluous. If it cannot, congratulations, you have a good chapter- and only after multiple revisions and rewriting sessions will you find out which.

How to Perform a Dissertation Literature Review

How to Perform a Dissertation Literature Review The In-Depth Guide of a Dissertation Literature Review When you have such a complex academic assignment as a dissertation literature review, first make sure you are ready to follow all the instructions and guides to prepare a perfect dissertation paper. A literature review provides a critical examination of all the sources used, which are related to your dissertation topic. In order to provide a proper dissertation paper, there should be an impressive list of sources and their detailed description. There are numerous definitions of a literature review and the ways in which it is supposed to be written. At the same time, a proper literature review is a kind of detailed summary of the used important sources. A literature review requires an explanation of the sources, their importance for a research project and the way a writer interpret the information gathered in listed sources. Since a literature review is more than just a simple summary, it reveals the main arguments found in the mentioned sources and the expectations about the used materials. A writer can use information collected in mentioned sources to provide a new perspective on a classic research paper or use its old interpretations. A literature review brings needed information and opinions related to the materials and their importance for a certain research project. A literature review is an attempt to summarize and provide a critical analysis of the research arguments found in the analyzed sources. There are many differences between an academic paper and a literature review since a review is just a part of an object of a research paper. The literature review in a research paper remains a basis of the entire research since offers primary materials and data needed for further analyses. In a literature review, you summarize and provide a critical analysis of the research arguments found in the checked sources. The Importance of a Literature Review A literature review is an attempt to summarize and provide a critical analysis of the research arguments found in the analyzed sources. A literature review brings needed information and opinions related to the materials and their importance for a certain research project. It is an essential part of every dissertation paper and its basis, in fact. A writer can use information collected in sources to provide a new perspective on a classic research paper or use its old interpretations. It helps to make the entire research really purposeful and aimed at proving or ruining an existed theories in a certain field of science. How to Perform a Dissertation Literature Review If you want to prepare a proper dissertation literature review, it is important to deal first with the definition of a literature review and its main characteristics. Further, you must identify your sources, read them carefully, and re-read in order to get all the needed arguments and information. You also need to analyze all the gathered materials, distinguish what results they reveal, and what results are missing. After such a brainstorming stage, you can start performing your dissertation literature review. Identify Sources This is the exact stage where you select proper sources to use in your dissertation paper. This is a very important part of your work, thus be careful to choose only those sources, which are reliable and related to your chosen dissertation’s topic. List parameters and characteristics of the needed materials to select sources properly. Moreover, you need to take into account the required methodology and type of studies, whether quantitative or qualitative. A literature review provides a critical examination of all the sources used, which are related to your dissertation topic. In order to provide a proper dissertation paper, there should be an impressive list of sources and their detailed description. When you first deal with your sources, do not forget to organize them properly according to the assigned formatting style. It will greatly save you a time needed further for a paper performing process. You can use advanced modern tools and applications to organize your sources properly. Read Your Sources Once organizing your sources properly and dealing with formatting style, it is time to read and re-read all the sources in order to find the needed important data and research results. It is important to get the main point of the materials and the main arguments. You need to show your critical thinking since a literature review is a critical analysis of sources. Reveal your academic opinion, main hypothesis, arguments, etc. Analyze Sources and Consider Gaps in the Research One of the main processes within a literature review preparation is the identification of the research gaps. You need to learn carefully all the gathered material, distinguish what results they reveal, and what results are missed. After such a brainstorming stage, you can start performing your dissertation literature review. You can look through sources checking what possible missed gaps you can fulfill with your personal research project results. Therefore, identification of the research gaps is important for your dissertation paper performing and its top goals and research approaches. Surely, it can be difficult to identify research gaps, but it is crucial for a proper research questions formulation. Therefore, there are a few ways to identify research gaps:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Start by reading. This is the simplest approach, which allows checking all the materials carefully and listing the main achieved results and research gaps. You can use advanced online tools like Google Scholars to have a quick look and check the analyzed sources fast.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Recommendations and abstracts. Reading an abstract helps to get the main sense of the provided material and distinguish the lacking parts and arguments. The quick examination of the sources can be very beneficial for finding the research gaps. The introduction and conclusions’ paragraphs can be as much informative as an abstract. Performing a Literature Review You can start writing a review once dealing with the identification of the gaps and the main research questions planning. Follow the next pointers to prepare a review: Use samples of literature reviews. You can use various samples of the dissertation literature reviews to deal with this essential part of the paper. Use simple and clear language. You need to keep everything simple in order to write a perfect literature review. There is no need for excessive information, just put clear and concise explanations and descriptions. Use only current sources. When preparing literature reviews, make sure to deal with reliable and current sources since you demonstrate a modern point of view. The current sources bring additional information and explanations, thus using them is crucial for an entire research project. Organize your work properly. When you first deal with your sources, do not forget to organize them properly according to the assigned formatting style. If will greatly save you a time needed further for a paper performing process if you start a paper’s formatting from the very first written sentences. You can use advanced modern tools and applications to organize your sources properly. When organizing a literature review, focus on the proper structure of a dissertation literature review and its core elements, like body paragraphs and conclusions. The literature review consists of the main elements of every academic paper, including introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusions. When performing a review, make sure to provide a strong introduction. Additionally, make it short and focused. Provide the informative paragraphs of the body. A literature review provides a critical examination of all the sources used, which are related to your dissertation topic. In order to provide a proper dissertation paper, there should be an impressive list of sources and their detailed description. When preparing paragraphs of the body, put an in-depth discussion into the body paragraphs. Choose how to organize your body part elements properly according to the theme, methodology, or even to chronological order. Write practical conclusions. To provide a proper dissertation paper’s conclusions, learn carefully the provided list of sources and their detailed description. Organize them properly according to the assigned formatting style. When writing the final words of your dissertation literature reviews, make sure to include a summary of the literature implications, and link them to your arguments. A literature review is a short summary of the literature sources used, which requires an explanation of the sources, their importance for a research project and the way the writers interpret the information gathered in listed sources. Since a literature review is more than just a simple summary, it reveals the main arguments found in the mentioned sources and the expectations about the used materials. A literature review brings needed information and opinions related to the materials and their importance for a certain research project. Moreover, a literature review is an attempt to summarize and provide a critical analysis of the research arguments found in the analyzed sources. Use the following tips and guides on writing a perfect dissertation literature review:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Provide gathered information about the writer’s opinion and never simply describe them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Use various techniques to structure the body of your literature review.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Use strong argumentation and evidence.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Be quite selective when checking sources.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Do not use too many direct quotes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Provide your own opinion and an objective point of view.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Check a review a few times before submitting to deliver flawless and original work.

How Insulin Was Discovered

How Insulin Was Discovered The experiment that led to the initial discovery of insulin- the hormone manufactured in the pancreas that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood- almost didn’t happen. How Insulin Almost Wasnt Discovered For years scientists have suspected that the secret to controlling elevated levels of glucose lay in the inner reaches of the pancreas. And when, in 1920, a Canadian surgeon named Frederick Banting approached the head of the University of Toronto’s physiology department with an idea about finding that secret, he was initially rebuffed. Banting suspected a mysterious hormone was being produced in a section of the pancreas called the islets of Langerhans. He theorized that the hormone was getting destroyed by the pancreas’ digestive juices. If he could shut down the pancreas but keep the islets of Langerhans working, he might find the missing substance. Fortunately, Banting’s persuasive powers prevailed and department head John McLeod gave him lab space, 10 Langerhans hormone before it could be isolated. If he could stop the pancreas from working, but keep the islets of Langerhans going, he should be able to find the stuff!  experimental dogs, and a medical student assistant named Charles Best. By August of 1921, Banting and Best succeeded in extracting hormones from the islets of Langerhans- which they called insulin after the Latin word for island. When they injected the insulin into dogs with high blood sugar levels, those levels dropped quickly. With McLeod now taking an interest, the men worked quickly to duplicate the results and then set about running a test on a human subject, 14-year-old Leonard Thompson, who saw his blood sugar levels lower and his urine cleared of sugars. The team published there findings in 1923 and Banting and McLeod were awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine (Banting shared his award money with Best).  On June 3, 1934,  Banting was knighted for his medical discovery. He was killed in an air crash in 1941.

Global Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Global Marketing - Essay Example The company is a UK multinational company which was established in the year 1760 (Hamleys, 2010). The target market is determined to be the United States of America (USA) and is believed to have significant opportunities for the future growth of the company. Considering the marketing concept, it is further noted that marketing strategies of a company should be developed with due concern to the macro-economic environment of the target market along with the micro-economic factors influencing or likely to influence the company’s operation in the region. With this concern, the discussion of the paper will focus on evaluating the macro-economic environment of the USA with the implication of PESTEL model. This shall provide an insight to the market prospects and thus assist in developing advantageous strategies. 2. Macro-Environment Analysis: PESTEL 2.1 Political Environment It is of no doubt that the political factors of the USA possess a significant amount of sovereignty in the wo rld economy. The political environment of the economy had been observed to witness inconsistency for the preceding few years. Notably, the downfall of white supremacists in the economy can be observed as a most important revolution that ever took place in the post-modern era (U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2009). Currently, the political environment can be assumed to be steady from a general view point. However, with an in-depth perspective, conflicts can be observed in terms of fiscal challenges and the formation of effectual monetary policies (Paul, 2011). It is quite noteworthy that the economy is facing a challenge of widening fiscal deficit as an effect of the recent economic downturn. In order to prevail over the obstruction of growth the political leaders are intending to lessen the deficit amounts through budget cuts. This in turn is fuelling up conflicts and instability in the political environment of the USA (Jackson, 2011). 2.2 Economic Environment Similar to other developed economies, the US economy was also strongly affected by the recent economic downturn. Over the last consecutive years, i.e. from the pre-recessionary period to the current year, the economy has faced a highly volatile environment with declining GDP and employment rates. However, the forecasts reveal that the unemployment rate which is further likely to be affected conversely by the up-surging inflationary rates (Tilton, 2011). For instance, the current actual GDP of the economy is recorded to be 1.8% which is further identified as significantly less than the quarterly average growth rate, i.e. 3.3% (Trading Economics, 2011). Furthermore, experts state that the GDP is likely to become steady in the subsequent five years providing opportunities to the small size enterprises. The fluctuations of the economic growth can be observed from the diagram represented below (Tilton, 2011). Source: (Tilton, 2011) Another major trend of the US economic environment can be witnessed as t he increase in imports. However, with a declining consumer spending rate, the opportunities are likely to be obstructed (Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2011). 2.3 Social Environment The population of the US has been recorded to grow moderately in the past few years. The last census report reveals the total population to increase by 0.87% from that of the preceding fiscal year. It is further estimated to grow moderat

Pepsi and Coke Financials Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Pepsi and Coke Financials - Essay Example In both ratios, Pepsi emerged to be superior noting that even without its inventories; its current assets can more than pay-off all its short-term liabilities. In terms of moving its inventories to the market, Coca-Cola shows advantage because of its lower inventory ratio. Pepsi and Coca-Cola display always the same capital structure with creditors and investors having 50-50 contribution in its assets. It should be noted that both companies have 0.50 debt to equity ratios indicating that there is an equal share between creditors and equity holders. Profitability ratios including net profit margin, return on assets, and return on equity shows that Pepsi is performing better. Even though Coca-Cola has a higher net profit margin and a stronger cost management techniques, this is offset by Pepsi's higher return on assets and return on equity. It should be noted that the net income of Pepsi generated more value to the company's resource and investors. The higher return on equity has become the primary basis of this recommendation. Realizing that the goal of a business organization is to maximize shareholder wealth, it is important that it shows a high return on equity.

Service Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Service Management - Assignment Example rt charging their clients for the value of the "transformation" which the experience provides, for instance, as education offerings may do if they were capable of participating in the value, which is created through the educated person (Pine and Gilmore 2). This, it is argued in the article, is simply a natural evolution in the value imposed by the business in addition to its inputs. According to the article, even if the idea of the Experience Economy was given birth to in the business field, it has crossed over its frontiers to fields such as tourism, architecture, urban planners, nursing and many other fields in the economy. The article also considers the Experience Economy as the main foundation for client experience management. In the hospitality management academic programs, both in the United States and Europe, Experience Economy is frequently shortened to Exponomy plus is of rising focus (Pine and Gilmore 3). The article consider experience as the fourth economic offering, but one that until recently gone unacknowledged. Experiences have existed ever since, but businesses, their clients, together with economists, lumped them into the service field, as well as such uneventful events such as auto repair, dry cleaning, wholesale distribution together with telephone access. When an individual pays for a service, he or she pays for a set of intangible events done on his or her behalf (Pine and Gilmore 3). However, when they pay for experience, they pay to spend their time enjoying or benefiting from a string of memorable activities, which a business stages to engage them in a more personal way (Pine and Gilmore 3). As a customer, I have had two types of experiences in the economic world, good and bad, which have made me loyal to some businesses and never to return to others after experiencing what they had to offer. I have been loyal to the person who sells me Blue Ray DvDs because of the experience I get when visiting his store. Every time I visit his store, he

Comparative Criminology - Prostitution in China and the USA Essay

Comparative Criminology - Prostitution in China and the USA - Essay Example The interpretavist approach is sceptical of universal interpretations and brings the variations as a result of cultures to surface. Interpretavist approach is based on orientalism whereby, they focus more on bringing out the differences. On the other hand, positivism is based on Occidentalism that denies differences and aims on establishing generalizations and similarities. (Maguire et.al, 2007 & Cain, 2000, 239-260) Therefore, the aforementioned approaches to the subject have been deemed very useful in further elaborating it; however, using an example to demonstrate the subject will provide empirical evidences and knowledge regarding the subject. Therefore, in order to shed greater light on the matter, the following substance of the prose will examine the exact nature; similarities and differences between the criminal behaviour as a result of cultural and epidemiological variations. (Cain, 2000, 239-260) II. Prostitution in China and the United States of America Prostitution is the act of providing sexual services in return for a monetary payment, and is one of the oldest known professions. Individuals involved in this profession are called ‘prostitutes’ and the legality of this activity varies from country to country. Prostitutes and brothels, which are special establishment that are the foreground of prostitution, pervade societies from the world over. Though, it exists in every society and culture but the main focus will remain on China and America. As it is mentioned earlier, prostitution is one of the oldest known professions; therefore, the most fundamental similarity between both countries would be that the sex industry has been in existence for a very long time. In both countries, women are largely involved in... The essay "Comparative Criminology - Prostitution in China and the USA" examines the exact nature, similarities and differences between the criminal behavior as a result of cultural and epidemiological variations. Prostitution is the act of providing sexual services in return for a monetary payment and is one of the oldest known professions. Individuals involved in this profession are called ‘prostitutes’ and the legality of this activity varies from country to country. Prostitutes and brothels, which are a special establishment that is the foreground of prostitution, pervade societies from the world over. Though it exists in every society and culture the main focus will remain on China and America. Prostitution is one of the oldest known professions; therefore, the most fundamental similarity between both countries would be that the sex industry has been in existence for a very long time. In both countries, women are largely involved in prostitution cases; though in the last few decades male prostitution has also surfaced and they also include people who have immigrant status in the country. The sex industry in China and the United Stated of America has been on the boom, prior to the massive attention it has attracted from the media and the way it is portrayed by them. After the communist revolution in China, the ruling faction in China established a resolve to eradicate prostitution and brothels from China, a social issue that had become quite rampant in both urban and rural regions of the country.

Fashion Brand Management Rizla Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Fashion Brand Management Rizla - Essay Example The essay "Fashion Brand Management Rizla" talks about the Rizla Brand Management. According to David Aaker (author of BRAND PORTFOLIO STRATEGY, 2004), a pervasive lack of understanding of the role of brands in a company's success is wreaking havoc on companies' bottom lines. Subsequently, many companies fail to make the most of their brand portfolios. This trend can be reversed to revitalise brands to support growth. Rizla held an exclusive gig by a five piece Brazilian electro-rock band called CSS. The Rizla-inspired event also featured a special guest performance by the legendary Jarvis Cocker. The objective was to position Rizla as an innovative brand, targeting the 18-24 year olds; a strategy invoked to identify Rizla as a brand, with the music crazy younger generation. This is brand equity. Interbrand is a leading brand consultancy that was founded in London in 1974. Interbrand combines a rigorous brand strategy and analysis of management consulting practices with the entrepren eurial and creative spirit of branding and design. It offers a comprehensive array of consulting services that help in the creation, enhancement, maintenance and valuation of a client’s most valuable asset, their brands. Unlike other brand value league tables, Interbrand relies not on just a single source for evaluating a brand, but refers to a wide array of primary and secondary sources that are applicable to each brand, such as Datamonitor, ACNielsen, Gartner, and Hall & Partners. Interbrand engages its network.... Interbrand combines a rigorous brand strategy and analysis of management consulting practices with the entrepreneurial and creative spirit of branding and design. It offers a comprehensive array of consulting services that help in the creation, enhancement, maintenance and valuation of a client's most valuable asset, their brands. Unlike other brand value league tables, Interbrand relies not on just a single source for evaluating a brand, but refers to a wide array of primary and secondary sources that are applicable to each brand, such as Datamonitor, ACNielsen, Gartner, and Hall & Partners. Moreover, Interbrand engages its network of brand valuation experts from offices around the world to ensure that the league table considers the brands from a global perspective (Interbrand, 2006). Brands are tools used to project a product in the minds of the consumer. They exist mainly by virtue of a continuous process concerned with delivering a cluster of values, interpreted and internalised by customers in such a way that it enhances its existence. The feedback that an organisation receives determines the likelihood of brand success (De Chernatony, Ch.2, p.14, 2000). An important aspect in managing contemporary fashion business is supply chain management. Once an order is placed, the manufactured product needs to reach the designated store or consumer. Retail environment constantly undergoes changes, and unless the product reaches the wholesaler or retailer on time, it could have severe economic and consumer pressure. Market responsiveness and meeting the demands of the ultimate consumer are major reasons for success in fashion. The fashion industry ranks fourth largest in the UK today. The end of the world war changed the face of

Argument for and Against Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Argument for and Against Education - Essay Example Such oppositions of education are because of the numerous ineffective educational institutions existing today. These educational institutions have compromised the quality of education and have only opened people’s eyes, but completely closed their minds. This is a worrying situation, as today’s education systems have not achieved their full potential of empowering people’s mind and soul. Our education systems therefore play an important role in hindering the purpose of education today. Nonetheless, education is the main factor that encompassing our lives today. It is instrumental in the stimulation of the human mind, as well as turning inquisitive minds into intellectuals. Institutions of higher learning advance the intellect to a higher level, providing them a deeper understanding of the world around us. The benefits of education are all encompassing, including intellectual, social, and emotional benefits. However, Veblen (1957, p.139) argues that in the busines s world, there is no need for education, basing on confessions of prominent business people, who regarded higher learning as a hindrance, which does not help anyone with successful business aspirations. To him, the money culture, and customer-oriented pervasions of education values have commodified education, measuring its worth by monetary units. This reduces education to nothing, and prevents students and teachers from pursuing knowledge freely, as they only pursue academic credits. Commodification of education in the institutions of higher learning today is an issue that has portrayed education in a negative life. This is what makes most people argue against education today. In today’s age of financial greed, many institutions of higher learning... This essay stresses that our present society has evolved into the culture of materialism and the love for money. This culture has found its way into the learning institutions, thereby causing the commodification of education and the commercialization of researches, thus compromising the quality of education in these institutions. This unfortunate situation in our higher learning institutions is not reason enough to disregard education. This paper makes a conclusion that the role of education and its numerous social and economic benefits in society cannot be denied. Education is a known means to poverty eradication and development. Today’s technological advances and economic development are a result of education. Education remains the only basis for future development. Education programs therefore need to be fully funded, as this is a worthy investment for any country. Redefinition of education to capture its original purpose is necessary today. Governments should be devoted to providing support systems for revamping of their education systems. We need to take our educational systems to their old days, when they upheld values and served their function. This way, the function and quality of education today will be enhanced. However, this should be a collective role for both government and the public. The public should know the requirements of education, and not allow these to be violated by politicians or the media.

Fashion Brand Management Rizla Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Fashion Brand Management Rizla - Essay Example The essay "Fashion Brand Management Rizla" talks about the Rizla Brand Management. According to David Aaker (author of BRAND PORTFOLIO STRATEGY, 2004), a pervasive lack of understanding of the role of brands in a company's success is wreaking havoc on companies' bottom lines. Subsequently, many companies fail to make the most of their brand portfolios. This trend can be reversed to revitalise brands to support growth. Rizla held an exclusive gig by a five piece Brazilian electro-rock band called CSS. The Rizla-inspired event also featured a special guest performance by the legendary Jarvis Cocker. The objective was to position Rizla as an innovative brand, targeting the 18-24 year olds; a strategy invoked to identify Rizla as a brand, with the music crazy younger generation. This is brand equity. Interbrand is a leading brand consultancy that was founded in London in 1974. Interbrand combines a rigorous brand strategy and analysis of management consulting practices with the entrepren eurial and creative spirit of branding and design. It offers a comprehensive array of consulting services that help in the creation, enhancement, maintenance and valuation of a client’s most valuable asset, their brands. Unlike other brand value league tables, Interbrand relies not on just a single source for evaluating a brand, but refers to a wide array of primary and secondary sources that are applicable to each brand, such as Datamonitor, ACNielsen, Gartner, and Hall & Partners. Interbrand engages its network.... Interbrand combines a rigorous brand strategy and analysis of management consulting practices with the entrepreneurial and creative spirit of branding and design. It offers a comprehensive array of consulting services that help in the creation, enhancement, maintenance and valuation of a client's most valuable asset, their brands. Unlike other brand value league tables, Interbrand relies not on just a single source for evaluating a brand, but refers to a wide array of primary and secondary sources that are applicable to each brand, such as Datamonitor, ACNielsen, Gartner, and Hall & Partners. Moreover, Interbrand engages its network of brand valuation experts from offices around the world to ensure that the league table considers the brands from a global perspective (Interbrand, 2006). Brands are tools used to project a product in the minds of the consumer. They exist mainly by virtue of a continuous process concerned with delivering a cluster of values, interpreted and internalised by customers in such a way that it enhances its existence. The feedback that an organisation receives determines the likelihood of brand success (De Chernatony, Ch.2, p.14, 2000). An important aspect in managing contemporary fashion business is supply chain management. Once an order is placed, the manufactured product needs to reach the designated store or consumer. Retail environment constantly undergoes changes, and unless the product reaches the wholesaler or retailer on time, it could have severe economic and consumer pressure. Market responsiveness and meeting the demands of the ultimate consumer are major reasons for success in fashion. The fashion industry ranks fourth largest in the UK today. The end of the world war changed the face of

Managing a Large Financial Project Essay Example for Free

Managing a Large Financial Project Essay Introduction As the manger of a large financial project for company Bev shoes I am facing some challenges. The project is running behind schedule and we have a new CEO. In the meeting with the CEO I had to make him aware that the project deadline is at risk and his response was to take staff from a project with less importance and put them on the financial project. From the outside this looks like a great solution to the problem because more staff could get the work done faster and put the project back on schedule. I have to disagree with the CEO’s point of view because just assigning more people to this project will not solve the problem. We need to have staffs that are knowledgeable in the business process and the technology architecture related to the financial project. I will give my support to my response of why this is a bad idea by first explaining the importance of getting the business process correctly. Process Definition A business process is a group of activities designed to create a specific output for a specific objective. This is from having people and system interactions. Furthermore, a business process stresses how the work is performed within a business. This process should be clearly defined with a starting point and an end point with input requirements and expected output results. We spend a lot of time studying and understanding business process for this project and involving new staff at this time would further extend the time line for this project. On the financial project, the staff consists of individuals who have a deep understanding of the business process as it relates to what is being implemented. They have analyzed the existing business process and are actively working on implementing of these processes into the new financial  system. In other words these staffs are considered to be a key user. According to Oliver Schmid †¦ [a] â€Å"key-user is an employee that is intimately familiar with all business processes and requirements as it pertain to their job function and/or department†. This happens to be the case with the staff already in placed on the financial project. Technology Architecture Plan The staff on the financial project has already defined the types of hardware, software, and communication networks requirements .In other words they have a technology architecture plan in place for the financial project. In order to come up with this plan, the staff did some analyst work in each component of the technology architecture. Laury Verner describes an overview of the technology architecture: * Conceptual The conceptual area is where we define the ‘what’. In technology terms this means ‘what’ technology capabilities are required to provide the appropriate technology infrastructure for the enterprise. For example, Data Integration Services is a technology capability that * Logical-The logical area is where we define the ‘how’. In technology terms this is the next level of abstraction of ‘how’ the ‘what’ will be achieved. These deals in terms of the classes of technology and the technology products that is available to realize the Technology Capabilities. * Physical The physical captures the implementation and deployments of technology in the enterprise. In the technology layer this means the lowest level of abstraction and captures the instances of the technology products and where they are physically deployed. The staff has a clear understanding of what work for the implementation of this project and it would be disruptive to add staff to this project that they would have to spend time training at this late stage (p.1). Impact from lack of Process and Standard A successful project implementation has to adhere to certain standard and process. The person working on the financial project at this time has exhibit this understanding. Just because we are behind schedule for completing this project does not mean that we can just add more resources as the CEO recommended. The result of this would just further delay the project. Taking staff from a lesser important project to work on this  financial project means that they lack clarity of the business process. This would require some significant amount of time to bring them up to speed. This new staff would come in with a poor understanding of the business process and ultimately impact the project in a negative way. Solution to CEO questions The solution to the problem with the financial project falling behind schedule is to hire consultant with expertise in implementing a financial project of this magnitude. These resources would come with years of experienced and it would be easier for them to understand the business process and the technology architecture. This would put the project back on track to meeting the deadline. Conclusion Simply adding more staff to the financial project is not the solution to getting this project back on track to meeting deadline as the CEO recommend. There are key process that an individual needs to understand first before they can contribute this project such as the business process and the technology architecture. It is more than just adding staff and that is why I recommend consultants with expertise that can have an immediate impact. The objective is to get the project back on track and this is the way to achieve that goal. References Satzinger, J.W., Jackson, R., Burd, S.D. (2009). Systems analysis and design in a changing world (5th.ed.).Cengage Learning/Course Technology. Trash, J. (2006). Enterprise Architecture VS. Technology Architecture. Retrieved August 9, 2012www.flashmapsystems.com/resources/articles/articles29.htm Verner, L. (2004).The Challenge of Process Discovery Retrieved August 9, 2012ww.w.bptrends.com//05-04%20WP%20Process%20Discovery%20-

Webster family case study

Webster family case study The Case Study: The Webster Family, A Family In Crisis? This assignment requires me to outline what model of assessment I will use when working with the Webster family. I will also give a description on how the family was referred to social services for a Section 47 (S47) investigation. There will be a strategy meeting and the details of this meeting will be outlined along with instructions given. There will be a case conference held to discuss whether the children are at risk of significant harm or the likelihood of significant harm. There will be a clear recommendation as to whether I will register these children on the child protection register, justifying my decision. Whilst working with the Webster family I will explain what legislation I used, my research into the theories involved and also I will provide details of any anti-oppressive practice and any anti-discriminatory practice whilst working with this family. Ms Webster and Mr Webster have lived together for twelve years. They have three children, Faith and Hope who are twins and are aged ten and Charity who is seven years old. Charity has Cerebral palsy, is doubly incontinent and is a wheelchair user. Mrs Webster is a teacher and Mr Webster was a probation officer who up until twelve months ago worked full time. Following an accident a work he has taken early retirement on health grounds and is now employed full time as a househusband looking after the children.   The family are not known to social services or any other welfare agencies. There have been many tensions building up within the family home since his accident and after a violent row Mr Webster left the family home. After speaking to the headmaster it appeared there had been an incident of domestic violence in front of the children and staff. Previous to this incident, the day before Charities class teacher had had reported to Mr Perry that over the last two weeks Charities appearance had deteriorated, her clothes were unclean and her nappies were soiled and Charity smelled of urine. Charity had also began being aggressive to her friends and to the staff. A staff member had also discovered pressure sores on Charity. When Charities teacher telephoned Ms Webster to tell of their concerns, Ms Webster was frosty in response. After the incident outside the school Mr Webster explained that Ms Webster had attacked him on two other occasions and these incidents again where witness by the children. On both occasions the police were called, however Mr Webster was concerned about social services and did not press charges. After the incident, later that afternoon The Education Welfare Officer (EWO) Ms Murray, went to visit Ms Webster at home but was refused entry. Ms Webster was verbally abusive. Ms Murray then tried to speak to Charity but she refused to talk to her. Ms Murray then went to visit Mr Webster where the twins were staying. The twins seemed fine but a little subdued. Mr Webster stated that he would be looking after the twins and he would like custody of all three children. Following the visit a strategy meeting was formed. A strategy discussion will take place if there is reasonable cause to suspect that a child is suffering or is likely to suffer significant harm. This will involve The Local Authority Social Care, the Police and other bodies as appropriate for example, a headmaster or a teacher (Working Together to Safeguard Children, 2006).   Present in the meeting was myself (duty care social worker), Ms Gold (my team manager), WPC Bond (family protection unit), Mr Perry (headmaster) and Ms Murray (EWO). A strategy discussion is to share information regarding the situation at hand and another aspect is to plan how the S47 enquiry, if there is to be one, should be carried out. We can also agree action is required immediately to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child. The Domestic Violence Unit reported they did not refer these incidents to Social Services as they did not see the children to be at any risk, however Working Together states t hat children may suffer directly and indirectly if they live in households where there is domestic violence and domestic violence is likely to have a damaging effect on the health and development of children. It is often appropriate for such children to be regarded as children in need S17. Mckie (2005) makes some interesting observations on the terms perpetrator and victim in an analysis of domestic violence. The policies and practices connected with domestic violence become gendered in so far as women are conceptualized as those who should act. Mckie (2005). Working Together also says that children who witness domestic violence have been shown to be at risk from behavioural, emotional, physical, cognitive functioning, attitude and long term developmental problems. We do know that Charity has become aggressive and abusive. After the strategy meeting and because of the concerns regarding Charity, It was agreed after a discussion with my team manager that I would visit Ms Webster to discuss the referral from school. From this I would then make an assessment as to whether the child/children are at risk of significant harm or the likelihood of significant harm. The overall decision was that a S47 enquiry should proceed with immediate effect. Some children are in need because they are suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. Concerns about maltreatment may be a reason for a referral of a family to social services. In such circumstances, the Local Authority is obliged to consider initiating enquiries to find out what is happening to a child and whether action should be taken to protect a child. This is set out in Part V S47 of The Children Act 1989 (Protection of Children). The Framework for the Assessment of Children In Need and Their Families (2000), section 1.28 states that the LA has a duty to respond to children in need to provide services to minimise the effects of disabilities, this applies to Charity. We also have to take steps to prevent neglect or ill treatment. There does appear to be in this, in relation to Charitys case. Section 17 of the Childrens Act says that services may be provided to assist a child in need. This would refer to Ms Webster if she is agreeable because the needs of parent carers are an integral part of an assessment because providing these services which meets the needs of the parents is often the most effective means of promoting the welfare of children, particularly disabled children. My role now is to recommend which route we proceed down. When I went to visit Ms Webster, She was hostile towards me. Ms Webster said she had never been violent to her husband before and denied the incident outside school. Ms Webster claimed she had no problems looking after her children but showed a negative attitude towards Charity. She spoke about Charity as if she was not there and referred to Charity as she instead of by her name. Ms Webster said Charity was hard work and was always soiling her nappies, shouting and crying. Ms Webster seemed angry as she was explaining this. Whilst we were talking, Charity did not say anything but looked as if she wanted to cry. Charitys appearance was unclean and she smelled of urine. Ms Webster was clearly upset about her husbands sexuality, more than for the safety of her children. When entering Charitys bedroom which Ms Webster had reluctantly agreed to, I found bed clothes stained with urine and stools. The en-suite and bath were both unclean. The rest of the home however was clean and tidy. I sp oke to Ms Webster about my concerns and told her that she would be entitled to help if she would accept it. This empowered Ms Webster and allowed her to feel there was help if she wanted it and she was not alone. Ms Webster did say that she thought Charity may have been affected by witnessing the recent arguments and she would make sure Charity was not further stressed that day. It was discussed that Charity had pressure sores; from this Ms Webster became frosty. Reluctantly she agreed to take Charity to see her doctor and I arranged to visit the next day. The following day on the 20th January 2008 I visited Ms Webster, but there was no answer. When I tried to telephone her there was still no answer. As a result from this, there were concerns regarding the domestic violence and the condition of Charity and it was decided that a Child Protection Case Conference was to go ahead. I will explain this model of assessment I used in this case before I go on to the case conference. The model of assessment used is The Framework for The Assessment of Children In Need and Their Families (DOH 2000) more commonly known as the assessment framework. The assessment framework will be integrated into the revised Working Together to Safeguard Children. A key principle of this framework is that it is child-centred; this means that the child is seen and kept in focus throughout the assessment. The child or children are my main priority as a child social worker. It is also rooted in child development which includes recognition of the significance of timing in a childs life. Calder, M and Hackett, S (2003). This particular assessment model is dynamic, fluid and continuous, this helps the intervention because as changes occur in a persons life, it can adapt to the changes and my care plan can also be adaptable. A criticism of this model is the timescales can force social workers towards a procedural model whereas the Exchange Model offers an empowering dialogue with parents. Smale et al (2000) identify a weakness in this model in that this approach may not work if the service user is not engaging in the process or are unable to articulate themselves.  Ã‚   It also denies that workers have a professional responsibility and can be time consuming, which may create difficulties given the time constraints of The Assessment Framework.   It also overlooks the need to adopt a procedural approach given the various questionnaires/scales utilised. Changes have appeared to have happened over the last two weeks for Ms Webster and her family. Domestic violence, with both parties blaming each other and the deteriation of Charitys appearance and her temper towards others. This leads me onto another concept of my assessment, which is parenting capacity. This is done using the assessment triangle, which includes child developmental needs, family and environmental factors. The DOH dimensions of parenting capacity has six core dimensions of parenting capacity, three of these provisions suggest that Charity is not receiving emotional warmth, Charitys needs for secure, stable and an affectionate relationship, appropriate physical contact to provide comfort and warmth and stability of attachments and basic care to provide food, drink, warmth, appropriate clothing and personal hygiene. Ms Websters capacity concerns me because of her response to Charity and her circumstances involving her cleanliness and her appearance, the way she speaks about Charity, whilst Charity can hear her mother, and her reaction to use support and accept help and the relationship between Ms Webster and Charity. Childrens chances of receiving optimal outcomes will depend on their parents capacities to respond appropriately to their needs at different stages of their lives Calder, M and Hacket, S, (2003). Some of the above factors are included in the integrated model for assessing parenting capacity. The parenting style I would suggest of Ms Webster is neglectful parenting as she is neither responsive nor demanding of Charity. Ms Webster lacks the monitoring and the supervision duties surrounding Charity at the moment. Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a childs basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the childs health or development. Working Together To Safeguard Children (1999). From my assessment I would put forward in my opinion and recommend that Charity to be put on the child protection register S47 but not her two twin sisters, but would offer support under S17. This is because of the declining condition of Charitys physical condition and appearance, due to her persistent soiled nappies, the urine smell on Charity, her dirty clothes, her pressure sores and her aggressive nature toward others. Charity has suffered some the physical neglect of because of the delay of being taken to a doctor by her mother. Charity also suffered abuse due to witnessing the domestic violence and therefore there is a h3 possibility of emotional abuse. Research shows that prolonged and/or regular exposure to domestic violence can have a serious impact on the child and/or childrens development and emotional wellbeing and can lead to serious anxiety and distress and in some cases the repetition of violent behaviour. Department of Health (2006). All these factors could lead to significant harm. These are the categories for registration. The twins will not be registered as they are not in any immediate danger as they are both cared for by their father and his partner at the moment, a police check has been carried out and neither is known, the EWO has no concerns regarding the twins. However this situation needs to be monitored and regularly reviewed to safeguard the children as this situation may change. My reasons for recommending registration are the three incidents of domestic violence over the last three months, one known to have been witnesses by the children. Ms Websters reaction outside school when she was verbally abusive, erratic and aggressive. There are neglect issues. We also need to take account of Charities additional needs. A definition of disability is children and their families whose main need for services arises out of the childrens disabilities or intrinsic condition (DOH 2000). This applies to Charity as she falls within the category and she has a medically diagnosed condition, which is Cerebral Palsy. Both parents are blaming each other for the domestic violence issues. There are concerns by school staff regarding Charitys decline in appearance and her aggression. There is also the issue of family attachments which I noted earlier in parenting capacity. After making a recommendation to register Charity an Initial Child Protection Case Conference was set for 28th January 2008. Ms Webster was informed of the decision by telephone and I arranged with her to visit and give her a copy of the notes before the meeting, this will empower Ms Webster and give her some idea of what will happen. I will also keep the family fully informed throughout, invite parents to meetings and explain procedures in an open and honest way. But I will ensure the parents are fully aware of my concerns regarding the risks towards Charity. The function of a case conference is to bring together the child (where appropriate), family members and those professionals most involved with the child and family, following a S47 enquiry. One purpose of this is to decide what future action is required to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child and how action will be taken and what the intended outcomes are. The core group members are I, Ms Webster, Mr Webster, Ms Gold (team manager), WPC Bond (family protection unit), Mr Perry (head teacher) and Ms Murray (EWO). All the above people involved will all play a part in monitoring and safeguarding the surrounding concerns for Charity. During the case conference I will be looking at recommending the following care plan: Behavioural support, some schools have these implemented by way of school mentor, this could help Charity with her aggression.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Anger management counselling for Ms Webster due to the domestic violence issues. Family Resource Centre for Ms Webster and Charity, this could help them both have contact with other families experiencing similar issues. Counselling for mum due to loss and separation and the children. Counselling for Charity to give her a chance to talk to someone about her experiences and how she feels. Charity spending quality time with her father and sisters. With the care plan identified, this can only go ahead if Ms Webster will give her consent as she has parental responsibility. The legislation I have used is Childrens Act 1989/2004 with S47-Duty to asses risk and S17-Duty to assess need. I have also used Working Together to Safeguard Children, this sets out clear guidelines for multi-agency working to protect children from abuse and neglect, this was needed in relation to Charity. I will now move on to theories and research. Neglect can have major long term effects on all aspects of a childs health, development and well-being. Maltreatment is likely to have a deeper on the childs self image and self esteem. Difficulties may lead on into adulthood and the experience of long term abuse could lead to difficulties in forming or maintaining close relationships, one of the skills needed to be an effective parent (DOH 2000). DOH 2000 also says that the child could have feelings of isolation and the feeling of being unloved. Stress could affect the parents capacity to respond to their childs needs. This relates to this case as Ms Webster is very stresses since her husband left her for another man. In relation to physical abuse and Charity witnessing this, this could be the reason as to why Charity is showing aggression towards people. Physical abuse has been linked to aggressive behaviour in children, emotional and behavioural problems (Working Together). Further research that relates to the case is the Attachment Theory because of Charitys relationship with her mum and vice versa. Bowlby believed that the primary caregiver is the mother. He said that children deprived of maternal care would nearly always be affected in some way. Bowlby (1953). However Ainsworth identified three types of attachment, securely attached, insecurely attached (avoidant) and securely attached (ambivalent). As its core, attachment theory is about the way that childhood needs are met and the long term effects of needs being met or otherwise. Ainsworth (1970). In my opinion I would say Charity is negatively attached. A criticism of Bowlby is that he says that the mother has to be the primary caregiver; this is open to much subjection. Children can have attachment figures other than them receiving it from their mother. In some cultures the childcare is shared, not only by mothers but by fathers, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends Beckett, C, (2002). Anothe r criticism is that it is sexist, it tends to lead to maternal deprivation rather than paternal deprivation, it excuses absent fathers from any imitation of parenting skills. It ignores gender bias and how family make ups can change. This is significant in this case as Mr Webster left the family home. Theory on domestic violence is gendered natured in that, it ignores the facts that female to male violence is increasing. This is significant in this case because Mr Webster had suffered domestic violence issues with his wife. Charity also witnessed domestic violence. Helping victims and children to get protection from violence, by providing relevant practical and other assistance is one of the considerations to include when involved in a child protection case (Working Together pg 2004). There are contradictions within the legislative framework. The Children Act 1989 contravenes the Human Rights Act because S8 of the Human Rights act states that in absolute certainty children should not be removed from their family and the Children Act defines harm but not significant harm. The Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families is not without contradiction. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation 1999, points out that it would be helpful to strengthen the assessment framework by stating that the responsibility of the local authority is not only to promote and safeguard the welfare of the child but also the rights of the child. Throughout my work I will continue to reflect on my practice and how my own values and assumptions may unconsciously affect my decisions.

Aliens ARE Out There! :: Government Cover-ups Roswell Incident

Aliens ARE Out There!   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Just about 500 years ago people believed that the earth was still flat, 50 years ago people doubted the existence of an alien life, 5 min ago the people of earth believe that aliens existed. Many individuals around the world have reportedly been contacted by extra terrestrial beings. They allege that Earth is currently being visited by several different species of extra terrestrial. These individuals report that extra terrestrials are visiting the Earth because they are interested in observing the development of the human species. This alone is not the only reason we believe in the existence of Extraterrestrial life and UFOs. Aliens along with UFOs exist because of Government Cover-ups, The Roswell Incident, Extraterrestrial Laws and Government Projects. The United States government is actively involved in secret military projects. For national security reasons the military keeps these projects secret from the public. Some individuals believe that the US government has already discovered extra terrestrial intelligence but chooses to keep it hidden from the public. These individuals believe that the military has recovered extra terrestrial craft and bodies and may be in regular communication with an extra terrestrial intelligence. They believe that the government and the military are going to great lengths to hide extra terrestrial contact from the public. One secret the government covers up is a base known as Area 51, which could contain the truth about aliens. Area 51 is a secret US military installation which lies just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada (USA). Area 51 is one of the most secretive places on earth; so secret that it isn't on any map and the US government denies its' existence. The base has long been reported to house extra terrestrial craft and alien bodies-although no one can confirm these allegations. Many individuals have reportedly seen craft leaving the base at night, which are able to accelerate at amazing speed and make rapid changes in direction-far beyond any terrestrial technology. Area 51 was build in the early 1950's by the CIA to test its top secret U-2 program. The base was built for its great year-round flying conditions, remoteness and flat lake bed on which to make runways. Ever since the U-2 program, Area 51 has been the test area for the latest technological developments in the US military. Allegedly, Area 51 is the testing ground for a new top secret hypersonic stealth aircraft project called Aurora.

Tropical Deforestation and Its Effect on Global Climate Essay -- Rainf

Tropical Deforestation and Its Effect on Global Climate Abstract Rainforests are the predominant natural vegetation throughout the wet tropics. The defining characteristics of a tropical rainforest are temperature and rainfall. Wherever temperature is high enough and rainfall heavy and regular enough, there is rainforest (Bagheera, 1996). Tropical rainforests of all kinds once covered approximately 14 percent of the Earth’s surface, more than eight million square miles (Conservation International, 1998); forming an equatorial green belt around the Earth rich in diverse plant and animal species. Humans have already destroyed half of this forest area, with most damage occurring in the last 200 years (Bagheera, 1996). In 1987 alone an estimated 20 million acres of Brazilian rainforest were cut and burned (Miller & Tangley, 1991, in Kricher, 1997). At the current rate of deforestation, within 177 years all tropical rainforests on Earth could be gone (Kricher, 1997). The effects of this massive deforestation have already begun to influence the planet. Among the many threats of tropical deforestation, global warming is perhaps one of the most severe. For this reason, a look tropical deforestation and its effects on global climate change will be the focus of this paper. Introduction Tropical deforestation refers to the cutting, clearing, and removal of rainforest, usually converting it into other less biodiverse, unsustainable ecosystems. Deforestation is often done for short-term profit at the expense of long-term sound economic and ecological policy (Kricher, 1997). Many factors have attributed to the destruction of rainforests especially over the last two decades. Rainforests are being cut and burned for agric... ...ientific American. Oct. 1998 issue. Internet source: http://www.sciam.com Holloway, M. 1993. Sustaining the Amazon. Scientific American. Vol. 269(1): 90-99. Karl, T.R.; Nicholls, N. & Gregory, J. 1997. The Coming Climate. Scientific American 276(5): 78-83. Kricher, J. 1997. A Neotropical Companion. Princeton University Press. 451 pages. Myers, N. 1984. The Primary Source. W.W. Norton & Company. 399 pages. Rietbergen, S. 1993. The Earthscan Reader in Tropical Forestry. Earthscan Publications, Ltd. London. 328 pages. Unknown. Conservation International. Internet source: http://www.conservation.org/web.aboutci.rffacts.htm. Unknown. Concise Experimental Plan, written by the LBA Science Planning Group (NASA). Provided by Michael Goulden. Wheeler, Q. 1995. Bioscience. Supplement volume, 1995. Pages S21-27.