Enabling Learning and Assessment Essay

1. The purposes of assessment Assessment is the process of evaluating an individual’s learning. It involves generating and collecting evidence of a learner’s attainment of knowledge and skills and judging that evidence against defined standards. Tummons suggested that: ‘With assessment we can: * Find out if learning has taken place; * Diagnose learners needs; * Provide public acknowledgment and certification of learning * Allow processes of selection to be carried out; * Provide way to evaluate learning programmes; * Motivate and encourage learners.’ Tummons (2009:5) Written justification of assessment methods I have chosen to do Holding and aiming in the prone position, I would do this by getting the SUT in the tramline formation. This is where they will number off in pairs, so all the No.1’s on one side of the room whilst all the No.2’s are on the other side of the room. I will get the No.1’s to conduct the drill when I give the word of command. The No.1’s will be ensuring they adopt the prone position correctly, going through the 9 key point check list and taking aim on the target. Whilst this is happening the No.2’s will be observing throughout looking for any mistakes. Once the No.1’s have completed the drill I will go down the line asking the No.2’s if they observed any mistakes. By doing this I am getting the SUT to give out peer assessment on the progress of his/hers drill on the weapon system as this can develop and motivate student. The student will also have their own self assessment; this is where the students are assessing their own progress  throughout the lesson. These methods encourage the SUT to make decisions about what has been learnt so far, and to reflect on aspects for further development. Once the No.1’s have completed the drill, the same process will happen with the No.2’s and the No.1’s looking and observing for any mistakes. Whilst all this is going on I will be looking for any mistakes as I watch from one end of the tramline formation, this is called tutor assessment and can help give feedback to the student to guide them on their strength and areas of development. This is also known as formative assessment so it can provide for me a continuous source of information about the students’ progress, improvement and problems encountered in the learning process, so I together we can develop their confidence and competence on the weapon system. 2. Practical assessment a) Aim The aim of a practical assessment in a classroom environment is to ensure that when handling a weapon system that the necessary measures and safety precaution is carried out correctly and sufficiently. It is my aim to make sure that the SUT carry out the drills correctly, if however people are struggling to adapt to the new drills then it’s up to me the instructor to change my approach to the individual learning style. b) Reason for selecting practical learning assessment We use practical assessment in the army especially when teaching a particular subject like Skill at Arms to help us as a teacher to confirm that the SUT have understood the correct handling of the weapon. It’s not only a confirmation for the teacher but a confirmation for the individual that he/she has took on board the new skill and knowledge they have been taught in the lesson. During the lesson, when I have demonstrated a new drill, the SUT are required to imitate the drill whilst I explain and demonstrate it, taking it step by step. Once I am happy that the SUT have grasped the new drill, a confirmation is done to ensure that the SUT understands the new  weapon drill. This will be done when I give the word of command and the SUT carrying out the drill without any help or guidance as I watch and observes for any mistakes that the SUT may do. In order for the SUT to use blank or live ammunition on exercise or on the ranges, they are required to pass a Weapon Handling Test (WHT) which is a critical practical assessment as it is part of their summative test and needs to be done twice a year. I will give a number of instructions which the SUT must complete correctly and confidently in order to pass. There is no time limit and they are allowed one mistake on each stage of the test. This assessment is to show that he/she has the knowledge and skill to handle the weapon with blank or live ammunition with confidence. For assessment of practical activities, the potential barriers should be considered and reasonable adjustments developed that meet the needs of the individual learner. Many of the adjustments for a practical assessment are similar to those of a written assessment. We must however be aware of the learners/individual learning styles as this will vary across each lesson we teach. If we look at Fleming understanding of learning styles which he used the terminology of VARK, he stated that people can be grouped into four styles of learning: * Visual – Seeing. * Aural – Listening and talking. * Read/Write – Reading and writing. * Kinaesthetic – Doing. (Gravells 2012:40) The SUT will come under one or more of these learning styles and as I have seen it in the past whilst teaching, I have to adapt as a teacher to accommodate to their preferred learning style which means I have to plan and break down my lesson to ensure all SUT get the full benefit of what is being taught to them. Sue Crowley of the IFL stated: Often new teachers teach as they were taught, then perhaps as they would like  to have been taught, and finally they realise different ways and a wider spectrum of teaching and learning approaches are needed and available. (Gravells 2012:40) A statement in which I agree upon as my thought process was similar but when teaching SUT it’s taught me to adapt my teaching skills to benefit the individuals so they can get the best outcome during the lesson. c) Conduct of the practical assessment The SUT will be assessed throughout the lesson and this can be done in many ways as it is classroom based, this will be an informal assessment. As the SUT reacts to the word of command for example; ‘For inspection port arms’ they are to carry out the necessary drill in which I will observe for mistakes. Observation is a good way to assess the skills, knowledge and attitudes of the SUT. When observing, it enables me to see how well the SUT are doing, letting them make mistakes as long as it is safe, especially when dealing with a weapon so they can learn from their own mistakes. Once the drill is complete I can ask each individual if they made any mistakes and give them self assessment, otherwise I can give negative or positive feedback to the SUT. Observation is good within our training establishment as it assess the SUT competence, skills and attitudes when dealing with a weapon and the observation can follow on with a question to check the knowledge and understanding. SUT training can be assessed in two other ways and they are called peer assessment and self assessment. For the instructor to see this happen, the students will pair up and work as a team. Whilst one SUT does the drill on the weapon whilst the other partner watches for mistakes, this is called peer assessment, but at the same time SUT who is carrying out the drill can self assess as he/she goes along. If the student was to carry out the Load, Ready, Unload drill, their partner can look in for any mistakes and as the instructor asks the observer from each team if there were any mistakes, this can be useful to develop and motivate the SUT. Peer assessments can be affective as SUT feedback is given skilfully, but other students may think more about what their peers have said than about what the instructor have said. 3. Question assessment a) Aim The aim of a question assessment is for the instructor to see if the SUT can demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the subject being taught to them. It also helps when asking a question to the SUT that they have to think about their answer. b) Conduct of a Question assessment During each lesson throughout the army, as an instructor we will always ask the SUT questions of the particular topic that we have been learning about before moving on to the next topic or next stage of the lesson. This is formal or informal assessment and is used to assess cognitive ability which can be used whenever the instructor wants to assess the knowledge and understanding of SUT. When giving a lesson on Skill at Arms, ‘Different combat position.’ The instructor will always give an explanation of why we do it and when to incorporate the positions for example, on the ranges or when we are on operational tour, followed by a demonstration. As the instructor has given the explanation and demonstration, we will go through the demonstration again whilst the SUT imitate you as you take them through step by step. Whilst doing this process we normally ask the SUT questions on the next stage of the movement, pausing for a second and then state the name of the learner who can answer. This way, all SUT is thinking about the answer as soon as you have posed the question, and is ready to speak if their name is asked. This assessment not only help the instructor to confirm that the individual or group know the answer but helps their peers to understand it as well. We also do oral written assessment, as this is part  of the minimum core, for example before I start the lesson I would ask the SUT to take out their note books and pens. I will ask them a number of questions in which they will write their answers in their note books which will be marked before the lesson take place. If for some reason some of the SUT get a few questions wrong I will ensure that I make a plan in the evening to go through the questions or drill in which they got incorrect so that they are at the same stage as all the other SUT. Asking questions to the SUT and for them responding in giving the answers back to the instructor is self assessment and peers assessment so that the SUT know what areas they are good at and what areas they need to work on. However it’s good for the tutor assessment to understand how the SUT progress is going by conducting these assessments. C)  Advantages| Disadvantages| Problems can be solved| SUT don’t know the answer| Question being answered| SUT can be put on the spot| Understanding people’s views and opinions| | Gives people a voice| | 4. Reflecting on how feedback has informed your learners’ progress and achievement Feedback is a vital part of the learners’ training at the army foundation college as it informs the SUT on their progress and achievement. To make sure it is effective it is important that we develop rapport, mutual respect and trust between the instructor and the SUT. During a Skill at Arms lesson it is important to give effective feedback as this informs the SUT on how well they are doing or on what areas they might need to work on. I try to give out the best feedback as I can to the SUT or the individual as I know this will help reassure, boost confidence, encourage, motivate and develop their knowledge, skills. It can help the SUT to maximize their potential and professional development at different stages of training, raise their awareness of strengths and areas for improvement, and identify actions to be  taken to improve their performance. 5. Reflecting on how feedback from others has informed your own professional practice On the 1st November 2012, I conducted a lesson on pain relief (Morphine) which was observed by an assessor. I felt that the lesson was well structured, planned and I got the key learning points across to the SUT. Once the lesson ended I sat down with my assessor and was given feedback on my lesson. The written feedback said this: The session had a clear and important content to communicate. This was achieved and checked by the test. A stronger introduction would set the scene and provide guidance to learners of what they had to do during the lesson. Focus on the test/know the purpose of the test. The conclusion could tell learners what to do with the test papers and how this will be an aide memoire. Test was very well created, covering all key learning and checking recall, understanding and application. It could be improved with clear guidance i.e. working individually without referring to their notes. As this was ‘assessment for learning’ as well as ‘assessment of learning’ learners could work individually, with a partner and finally as a whole group to get the answers/self assessment and check learning. You could get feedback on results from the test by asking those who got 100% to stand up – an energiser, positive motivation and a simple measure for you. This feedback has opened my eyes a lot clearer as I was more channelled to delivering a simple but constructed lesson. Just by delivering a stronger introduction can make the learner motivated to learn, which I didn’t realise until someone made it aware to me. It was a good motivation and energiser to hear from the assessor that the test paper was well created which gave me that sense of pride. However when it came to handing out the test paper, giving the SUT a certain amount of time to do it in and once they had completed it they would mark their own paper as I went along with the answers. Just from what the assessor has written in the feedback it can give  the learner self assessment and check their learning, so in future I will take more time on how I construct the test and how to mark it as this will give me a feedback on the progress of the SUT. 6. Reference List: * http://www.open.ac.uk/inclusiveteaching/pages/inclusive-teaching/barriers-to-learning.php Date accessed 8.11.12 * Tummons J – (2009) Assessing learning in the lifelong learning sector. Exeter: Learning Matters * Gravells A (2012) Preparing to teach in the lifelong learning sector. London: Learning Matters * www.faculty.londondeanery.ac.uk

Outline the Importance of the Land Rights Movement, Specifically Referring to the Wik Decision, Mabo Judgement and the Native Title.

Outline the importance of the following for the land rights movement Native Title Mabo Wik Evidently, the land rights movement involves the ideas of the Wik, Mabo decision, as well as the Native Title. Aboriginal people are able to rebuild connections with their spirituality, through the land. Aspects of Indigenous Aboriginal spirituality such as ancestral spirit beings, totems, sacred duties and rituals are held within the land. Native title refers to individual or communal, rights or interests of Aboriginal people or Torres Strait Islanders in relation to waters or land. This form of land title was considered to be of great significance to Aboriginal people because it allowed them to gain social and economic independence, and was a huge leap in their journey of self determination. It aimed to assist the establishment of native title by organising the Mabo decision. In the end, Aboriginal people want to own their sacred sites, and this can only be achieved through the Native Title. Eddie Mabo was an Indigenous Aboriginal man who established the Mabo decision of June 1992. This decision provided the recognition that Australia was under British settlement in 1788, hence going completely against the concept of Terra Nullius. It was this dramatic result, which contributed towards the establishment of the Native Title. Native Title became part of the known laws of Australia, which meant that Mabo’s observance provided all Aboriginal people with justice and equality. The Wik decision expresses the notion that native, leasehold and some other types of land titles can successfully co exist. This means that there is great degree of fairness within this decision, as both the Aboriginals and the Australian government is pleased.

Question of Authorship Essay

For the past five decades, the world of literature has come to venerate the great works of one man. The tremendous contribution of Shakespeare in Literature remains unparalleled. The sheer volume of the plays and sonnets he had written remain unmet, and the quality of its art remains unmatched. So much so, that there is probably no one inhabiting this earth who hasn’t the knowledge of the great writer. No one graduates from school without having the experience of Shakespeare in their education: his plays are celebrated through staging and his works are the subject of study in, and even outside of, Literature classes. Also, the celebration of Shakespeare and his works are not limited to the confines of education. Theatrical companies earn a sizeable proportion of their profits in staging Shakespeare’s five-century old works. Publishing companies benefit largely in the millions of hardbound copies they have printed of Shakespeare’s works, and the literature he and his works have inspired. With the picture that has been painted, we can see how influential and how big a pillar Shakespeare is in Literature. However, with the exception of literary scholars, not many people are aware of the issue that has surrounded Shakespeare’s authorship of the works that have been claimed to be his since the time man can remember. William Shakespeare of Stratford has always been regarded as the man who wrote the immortal plays and sonnets. But ever since speculations have started to arise, various names have also mushroomed through the investigations of scholars who claim that these names are the ones which we should be celebrating, and not that of the businessman William Shakespeare of Stratford. The speculations started when Alexander Pope brought to the attention of readers the authenticity of the attribution to Shakespeare in a number of his works. Pope attacked Shakespeare’s on the genuineness of works that had been excluded from the 1623 Folio, a collection of Shakespeare’s most compelling works. His criticisms made in the 17th century continued to influence the generations that followed with respect to their opinion on the matter. Primarily though, what has unsettled critics are the dissonance in his the experiences and education received by a theater man in Stratford and the quality and content of the works he allegedly produced, as stated by one source, â€Å"The work attributed to Shakespeare shows a knowledge of geography, foreign language, politics, and an immense vocabulary that many find inconsistent with what’s known about Shakespeare’s education,† (Lanciai). Authorship Majority of the investigations were done through a historical point of view. If we take a look back in history during the time Shakespeare wrote his plays, we would find out how authorship was perceived as insignificant, even illegitimate, in the writing of the book. According to another source, traditional narratives that present the Middle Ages as a ‘golden age’ of forgery for which questions of authorship and authenticity were unimportant (King). What triggered this was the inability of novice writers (especially people of rank) to publish their own name in their works under the regime of Queen Elizabeth. â€Å"A gentleman of rank could not publish under his own name lest he be suspected of having a profession†. This policy was followed, and writers of rank either circulated their work privately or they made use of pen-names (Lanciai Christian). Also, the theater industry during Shakespeare’s time was an unsurveyable community (Lanciai). It therefore follows that while theater was an important industry of the era, it is very challenging to examine the works of the industry. These reasons ultimately lead to the graying of the trace to the real authorship of the works attributed to Shakespeare. Why not Shakespeare? It has been mentioned in this essay that the theater industry was an unsurveyable community during Shakespeare’s time. A piece of information that is known though is that the owners of the theaters were communally owned by the actors, according to Lanciai’s article. Only the exceptional rise in the business, and William Shakespeare was one of them, as he was an accomplished capitalist of those times. Therefore, we can surmise that Shakespeare the businessman was a person considered of rank in his age. If we remember the rule that was imposed on writers of rank, another source argued thus: â€Å"If Shakespeare was a gentleman of rank, then William Shakespeare could not he his real name. By contrast, the William Shakespeare who was a play-broker, part owner of an acting company, and resident of Stratford as well as London would have been in a good position to use and appropriate work written by an anonymous high-born author,† (Price, Diana). How Shakespeare was perceived The man’s (Shakespeare of Stratford) social and professional position in question was described by Pope as this: â€Å"He writ to the People; and writ at first without patronage from the better sort, and therefore without aims of pleasing them: without assistance or advice from the Learned, as without the advantage of education or acquaintance among them: [and] without the knowledge of the best models, the Ancients, to inspire him†¦Ã¢â‚¬  From this description, King surmised that Pope regarded the dialogue of the actors in his works as â€Å"bad conversations†, and that he was only able to get away with this because of the Court patronage. Also, he had drawn from the quote that the quality of Shakespeare’s dramatic writing improved in direct proportion to his level of social and linguistic contact with ‘the better sort’. With this we can already see how Pope has de-merited Shakespeare from the level of literary genius which has always been associated to his name. It also evident that Pope deemed Shakespeare of this position because of the social position he was in, as according to the same article, Shakespeare’s social contamination by his inferior associates and conversation partners contributed to the de-meriting. An argument from another author supported Pope’s claims when another author said, â€Å"It appears that Shakespeare of Stratford was not much respected (or liked) while Shakespeare the author was† (Price). The other side of Shakespeare of Stratford that Pope pointed out in concurs with the knowledge of the author. According to Price’s book, Shakespeare of Stratford was identified by contemporary documents as a money-lender, play-broker, wheeler-dealer, social climber, and sometime actor. No contemporaries of Shakespeare called him as an author, not even people from his community. What also strengthens this argument is the lack of surviving documents written by him which have any literary significance (Price). Aside from these, what’s also disturbing for scholars is the fact that the will left by Shakespeare did not mention of any books that he owned. In Elizabethan period, books were considered important items and therefore were to be bequeathed to relatives or fellow writers. His passing also spoke of his merit as a celebrated modern playwright in his time. Unlike other playwrights, his death did not stir any public notice. Add to that the issue brought about the will he left behind, these things make a lot of people wonder about his merit as a writer. It seems that his will was the only trace of Shakespeare’s literary works. A man named Reverend James Wilmot was said to have searched all of Warwickshire to look for any piece of evidence that would present Shakespeare’s literary activity. Reverend Wilmot did not find any anecdote, letter, document or any memento (Lanciai). Surely, anyone who is claimed to be a writer will have volumes of writings in his home, or any piece of writing at all. The article also explained that Reverend Wilmot’s discovery led him to conclude that Shakespeare really must have another writer. His education also proved nothing but extraordinary. According to Price’s book also, the businessman from Stratford only acquired a grammar-school education at most. While possible, it is difficult to believe that a person of such educational attainment could produce the level of intellect and cultivation found in his works. It is almost unquestionable when one makes the claim that Shakespeare’s works have shaped the way English dramas are to be written, as put by another source, â€Å"He creates and establishes the English verse drama, he gradually develops the English drama into the form which subsequently and invariably becomes the Shakespeare standard (Leahy, William). † This particular writer is one with the critics who says it is impossible that these works of great quality could have been produced by a man with little educational background. Leahy added in his article, â€Å"It’s not likely that Shakespeare could master this form directly without preparatory work in such an accomplished professionalism which is already evident in the first Shakespeare dramas. † What made him say this is due to his non-existent education and lack of experience of Cambridge, France, and Italy. Aside from this, Price adds how scholars point out that his knowledge of several foreign languages is deemed dubious. The article explained that there is no indication that Shakespeare knew any languages other than English, or that he ever left England. The discrepancy between the images of the two persons has fuelled the debates for the authenticity of the businessman from Stratford’s authorship in the Shakespearian works. The Real Shakespeare Among the numerous strings of allegations and speculations regarding Shakespeare of Stratford’s merit to claiming authorship to a number of literary works, a lot of names have also surfaced. Among these people was Francis Beaumont, a young dramatist who passed away in the same year William Shakespeare died. As death could sometimes speak of the greatness of a person, we could surely say that Beaumont was considered as one of the significant people in English drama. The whole of England mourned for his death and paid tribute to the dramatist. Aside from this young dramatist, another man is claimed to be the real Shakespeare. Ben Jonson, who also completely dominates the preface to the first edition of the complete works of Shakespeare, which appeared in 1623, is also suspected to be the real author of the plays (Lanciai). Lanciai adds that Ben Jonson himself has published his complete works first, which could have led him to think that the Shakespeare dramas should also be published. In addition, Christopher Marlowe has been alleged to be the original Shakespeare. Born in Canterbury, he was a learned man who received his education in the King’s School Canterbury, as well as Corpus Christi College, Cambridge through scholarships. The resonance with the quality of education has convinced many scholars, but what was more convincing was the practice he was able to gain in translations, poetry, and playwrighting (Oleg, et al). Lanciai also mentions another probable author to the works in question. After the discovery of Reverend Wilmot regarding the absence of Shakespeare’s literary work, the Reverend believed that a man named Francis Bacon should be recognized as the authentic author. The Reverend concluded that Shakespeare must have been the protective name for Bacon. According still to Lanciai’s article, Bacon’s education, experience and knowledgeableness could be better reconciled with the intellectual level exhibited by the works. Also, as the authorship clearly indicates that the experience were collected from at least the Cambridge university, Italy, and France, Bacon proved to be a probable candidate to the authorship as he had extensively went to these places. To add, Bacon’s education allowed him a position as an ambassador and to also serve as a member of the House of Commons. He was knighted and moved to higher political positions after the ascension of James VI (Oleg, et. al) In conclusion, the works of Shakespeare are not to be questioned with respect to the contribution in Literature and the quality of art that it contains. While the question of the Shakespeare authorship has been around for hundreds of years and is therefore a very important matter to be settled, it would be more important and more contributory if aspiring writers who are inspired by these works to focus their attention to â€Å"what† and not as to the† who. † Works Cited: King, Edmund G. C.. In the Character of Shakespeare: Canon, Authorship, and Attribution in Eighteenth-Century England Lanciai, Christian. A Summary of the Shakespeare Problems. Research Journal – Volume 06 – 2009 Online Research Journal Article. The Marlowe Society. 2009 Price, Diana. Shakespeare’s Unorthodox Biography: New Evidence of an Authorship Problem Seletsky, Oleg, Huang, Tiger, Henderson-Frost William. The Shakespeare Authorship Question.

Observation paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Observation paper - Essay Example This paper discusses the basis of females making use of a gym setting and how they are able to reap success through the differing standards which are in common use in the times like today. It has been observed that within a gym setting, not many women feel comfortable. This is because they believe that unwanted people are staring at them for peculiar reasons. Then again, there are women who generally disconnect with the world around them and concentrate on getting fit and healthy. Their gym exercises are such that they rely on them alone without thinking about anything else. Within a gym setting, females usually feel insecure because they are a victim of their own gender. They have no clue why men look at them and would like to know what is so special about them that makes the women clan feel down. However, this does not imply for all men being like that. There are some handful of men who want the women to feel subjugated for ulterior motives that they have best knowledge about. I found out within a gym setting that a female was being constantly harassed by a group of men who were also training with her. I discerned that there was a mess which was entirely under the aegis of gender that needed to be taken care of. The woman under consideration was not wary of how shabbily the men were talking about her. All she felt was that the men did not look at her in a dignified manner. She knew something or the other was fishy that made her conspicuous of the entire scenario at the gym (Hurley, 1996). She tried changing her stance to let the men know that she was watching but the men were bent upon creating a scene for all the wrong reasons. Some thing or the other needed to be done about it and so did this woman go up to the gym manager and complained about the men present in the gym as they were creating a scene for reasons best known to them. When they were inquired about the gender harassment that they were indulging into, they completely

Phase 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Phase 1 - Essay Example Looking at the public relation efforts of different companies and corporate bodies, one can easily identify and correlate various salient features that directly impact the sales and profit performance of the companies. The common pattern that has emerged is that the PR1 strategy is designed to promote the companies’ image in three vital areas. The companies use various media to emphasize and disseminate information about them, in order to establish a closer relationship with the investors as well as with their valued customers. The PR exercise, that includes press releases and audio-video advertisements in different media, is a very effective way to inform the investors and customers about the company’s achievements in different areas. The investors’ confidence is strengthened by periodic press releases that inform them about the upward graph of its performance. At the same time, the credibility of the company gets a boost in the eyes of their customers. The PR exercise is also a very effective communication tool that informs the general public about the various ways and means through which the company is discharging its social responsibilities. The involvement of the company in the community services not only facilitates a more personal bonding with its customers and thereby effectively increasing its customer base but it also helps build a very positive image of the company that is designed to give a more competitive edge over its rival companies. Its human nature to identify and support a person or company that empathizes with the problems and concerns of the common man. Media, in all its formats, exerts a powerful influence that can completely change the public perception towards things and persons. It is for this very reason that it has become the focal area of business strategy for the companies. Public relation

Power is more important than culture in determining I whether human Essay

Power is more important than culture in determining I whether human rights norms should are upheld or not - Essay Example Social status, morals, merits, religion cast, creed, race are immaterial in this case. Such rights are not static and keep on changing depending upon changing human needs. The interest shown by the United Nations, to protect the human rights reflects the rising alarm of the entire world to deliver freedom to each and every human being. Treaty like the United Nations Charter serves two main objectives i.e. it serves as an international standard which can be referred to by any nation to examine its own journey, its achievements, lacunae, standards and values; next, it gives inspiration to the countries to frame and implement policies protecting human rights in order to match the standard of the universal effort. However, it is to be noted that since the concept of protection of human rights is made with individualistic mindset a thorough investigation is needed as to where the treaty is leading us to. (Shimray, 2013, p. 72-73) Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) has come a long way in the last 60 years. Despite its history of failures and the relative incremental successes the work of the UDHR in sync with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, suggests a bright future for the human rights system. Now after 60 years, the main challenge is effective implementation and scrutiny of such laws in as many areas as possible. However, the major gain has been the manifestation of the idea that human rights cannot be done away with to upheld State sovereignty. However major lacunae still exist in the regime and one of which is the lack of a successful system to guarantee the rights of minorities and indigenous peoples. (Castellino, 2010, p.393-394) If one delves into the past, it will found that in the 1600s, the concept of state sovereignty was so rigid that it even gave a nation to kill its own people or to displace large groups of people by force and that no other nation was supposed to interfere with that. However, after the second world war

The Cold War and Post-War Economic Recovery Research Paper

The Cold War and Post-War Economic Recovery - Research Paper Example The Cold War resulted in an arms race between these two countries which lasted as long as the Cold War did. It was this era when one after another highly destructive nuclear weapons were created by both the U.S and the Soviet Union. This arms race did not only terrorize the people of both the countries but also affected the culture of these nations as well (Sakwa, 1999). After the Second World War European nations were in ruins, many cities turned into piles of dust and economies collapsed. U.S and Soviet Union were established as the strongest powers of the world and both of them had different views about the post-war Europe and its rehabilitation which resulted in the Cold War. This document enlightens briefly the history of Cold War and its impact on the Post-War Economic Recovery of the nations. Origins of the Cold War The beginning of Cold War was immediately after the successful alliance of the US and the Soviet Union in the war against Nazi Germany. The conflict took place whe n both the US and the Soviet Union perceived each other as superpowers with their political and economic differences. Soon after the war ended, the conflicts of opinion and differences started to arise regarding how the post-war Europe should be separated. ... Throughout the war, were the times when the atmosphere was relatively calm and there were also times when high tension prevailed between both the countries. Some of the tense periods include the Berlin Blockade that took place between 1948 & 1949, the Korean War which took place between 1950 & 1953, the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 and the Soviet war in Afghanistan which took place between 1979 & 1989. In most of these instances, both the US and the USSR supported rival groups and an indirect war was fought between the two nations. Both sides possessed heavy nuclear weapons that could have caused mass destruction. The use of such weapons was not made due to the same reason. Both the countries provided extensive support to any country that was deemed vulnerable or engaged in proxy wars, development of extensive nuclear weapons, rivalry in economic developments or rivalry in sports events. Attempts were made to get support from neutral nations. Stiff competition took place in technolog ical development which was represented by engaging in space race. There was a very high risk of destruction of both the superpowers because of nuclear exchange either by accident or mistake however both the countries sought to prevent any direct attack through agreements. Later on, the economic and military pressure on the Soviet Union was increased by the United States as Soviet Union was not so successful in developing its economy. As a result Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 which heralded the end of Cold War leaving US as the most dominant power of the world. The impact of the Cold War has been quite significant on the American culture and how the post-war economic recovery of the European nations was planned and implemented (Foner, 2009). Post-war Economic Recovery in Europe, Japan

Measuring Team Performance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Measuring Team Performance - Essay Example Reaching the goals means identifying some of the strategies, formal or informal’ (McNamara, 2007b). Therefore, it is apparent that the four major management functions namely planning, leading organizing and controlling are interdependent with a failure/success in one determining the fate of the others. The performance standards that are to be met by the employees are set in the planning process. It is important for the management to understand that all the activities to be performed win the organization need to have their predefined standards (Erven, n.d). It is thus the role of the management to ensure that the employees are conforming to the laid down standards. McNamara (2007b) observed that the evaluation and review of performance ‘provides an opportunity for the supervisors and the employees to regularly communicate about goals’. The managers need to understand that ‘lowering the standards to what has been attained is not a solution to performance problems. On the other hand, a manager does need to the standards when they are fund to be unattainable due to resource limitation and factors external to the business’ (Erven, n.d). As such, the controlling process helps to identify the possible problems that may arise to deter the organization’s pr ogress. Since the controlling process is aimed at identifying how employees conform to the standards, the required steps are taken depending on the outcome. If the performance by the employees is established to be substandard, ‘then preventive action must be taken to ensure that the problem does not recur. If performance is greater than or equal to standards, [then] it is useful to reinforce behaviors that led to the acceptable standards’ (Erven, n.d). Thus, controlling, as a management function is analogous to quality control in a production company. As McNamara (2007b) described, quality control involves ‘specifying a performance standard, monitoring

Longitudinal Strategic Development Study on easy Jet Essay

Longitudinal Strategic Development Study on easy Jet - Essay Example The first is termed as ‘dynamic packaging’ which includes selling the customers tour package which involves separate charges for flight and hotels. The next type is ‘Opaque Packaging’ where the customers pay a single price for both the flight and hotels. Easy jet provided multi language option for flights but not for the holiday packages though it wanted to make the concept of holiday packages internationalise and increase the market share. To enable this service IVIS group provided the airline with a team of technology consultant to assist the team of easy jet and work tighter to understand the online processes (IVIS Group, n.d). Strategic Development History The airline industry of Europe is regulated by the European Regions Airline Association which represents about 65 intra European airlines which carry 70.6 million passengers to about 426 destinations in 61 European countries (ERA, 2011). Some of leading airlines in Europe are Lufthansa, Ryanair’s and Air France-KLM which have the best starting position in Europe and Easy jet and British Airways are the potential followers (ESMT, 2008, p.10). The European airline industry has shown a steady growth in the past decades and had doubled in size since 1990. The growth of airline industry was mainly because of the growth of low cost carriers. The demand for air travels is still the same as it was in the year 2000, but with a dip in the market share. But the low cost carrier has grown widely with double digit rates and has captured a large part of the market share. From just merely 5% of market share in the year 2001 it has now come up to 32% in 2008. With a high market share these lo w cost airlines relay on the cost advantage and low ticket prices which helps them to access new and potential market and generate new traffic. Easy jet along with Ryanair respectively accounts for 43 and 65 million passengers and are larger than other established carriers. Despite the facts the European airline industry is fragmented (HHL, n.d, p.9). Easy jet airlines have experienced a strong growth in terms of revenue over the years. The passenger demand has increased on an average of about 59.5%. It has got a strong financial background as in the year 2002, easy jet balance sheet shown an excess balance of about 400 million pounds (Easy jet-a, 2002). Strategies Easy jet strategy is based on the six strengths that support the competitive, sustainable growth and scalability. Easy jet strategy, which it had been following from the past are the airlines commitment to safety and service to its customers, low fare structure, strong branding, low cost of unit, a strong corporate cultur e and its multi based network (Williamson, 2002). The company

McDonald's Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

McDonald's - Case Study Example This is in line with its strategy of product re-imaging. McDonald’s know that at some point in time, products have a life cycle. In terms of pricing, McDonald’s is careful on setting the price for its product, as they consider the customer’s perception of value. Their philosophy behind this is that when their food is priced too low, customers may think that low price is indicative of low quality. Promotions play an important role in the marketing strategy of McDonalds. Most commonly used are TV, billboards, and a mix of marketing tools to get people’s attention, be interested, desire for the food and finally to act and buy. As to place, McDonald’s can be found in almost all areas around the world, which are 32,748 as of 2009. Location is part of re-imaging policy of the company. The bonus compensation plan of McDonald’s is the share-based compensation plan that grants executives various equity-based incentives that includes stock options and restricted stock units (McDonald’s Annual Report 2009) One of the problems of stock options is the upside and downward risk of price of stocks. Stock options have vesting time so that when stock option vests, the executive exercises option whether to buy the stock or not.

The Influence of Cigarette Smoking all Over the World Research Paper

The Influence of Cigarette Smoking all Over the World - Research Paper Example Cigarette smoking is the inhale of the smoke of burning tobacco encased. Informal smoking is the act of smoking only infrequently, generally in social circumstances or to alleviate tension. A number of health experts consider regular cigarette smoking as a psycho-addiction and having dangerous health effects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has stated that cigarettes should be regarded as nicotine delivery devices. Nicotine, the vigorous element in tobacco, is intake into the lungs, where most of it remains. The remainder passes into the bloodstream, and reaches the brain in around 10 seconds and spread all over the body in just 20 seconds. The conditions and the amount of tobacco inhaled, nicotine can act as either refreshment or sedative. This can be described as some people describes that smoking gives them energy and motivates their mental activity, at the same time as others see that cigarette smoking alleviates nervousness and lessen them. Yet, nicotine increases the danger of heart ailment. Nevertheless, when a person smokes, he or she is taking in a lot more than nicotine. Smoke from a cigarette includes many other toxic chemicals, including tar and carbon monoxide. Tar is a sticky matter that accumulates in the lungs, causing lung cancer and respiratory pain. Carbon monoxide restricts the quantity of oxygen that the red blood cells can transmit all over the body. In addition, it may harm the internal walls of the arteries, which lets fats to increase in them. In addition to tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide, tobacco smoke contains numerous different chemicals. Most of them are considered to be deadly. Nonsmokers who are vulnerable to tobacco smoke also take in these poisonous chemicals. Cigarette smoking is considered as the major preventable source of death, contributing to the deaths of just about 430,700 Americans each year.  

Moral choices Essay Example for Free

Moral choices Essay Miller shows several characters who are faced with difficult moral choices. They are changed by the experience and the audience go through catharsis watching them. How does millers treatment of moral issues add to the drama? In this essay I will write about how Arthur Miller, director of The Crucible uses moral issues in the play to add to the drama and the thrilling scenes throughout the play. Every character in the play is faced with at least one or more moral issues, I will look at the main characters issues and explain how it adds to the drama. In the play we see the events of the Salem trials in Massachusetts and we see exactly what the characters get up to and what issues face them throughout. The play was written in thought of the more recent events of the time in which it was made. Arthur Miller wanted to show the people what came of passing blame onto other people to try and get them to think right and treat people correctly. In 1938 the House un-American Activities Committee Organization was made; it had the power to investigate any movement or person who threatened the safety of the state. They looked for people who agreed with communism in the 1940s. America and the USSR were fighting, America was helping Korea to keep the freedom. America was worried that communism would spread to there land and that capitalism would be destroyed. People were asked if they were communist sympathizers and sometimes charged. They were also asked if they knew anyone else who went to meeting, and then forced to give there name. Actors, writers and film directors appeared in the committee and lost there job and industry. This made Miller write the play so the view of what happened then would relate with what was happening at this time. The play was set in the 17th century, everything that we see today was much different then, although the society was a theocratic one just like today everything was different. The society had a massive male dominance and women were seen as much less than today. In the 17th century God was perceived as male and men were seen as the natural enforcers of his will. Women were seen as unstable because of there biological function. This was a time when peoples roles were clearly defined by gender. Women were made to walk with their head down and arms by their side. People werent aloud to indulge in anything that seemed to much fun, because they saw it as being related to the devil.

An Introduction To Banking In Nepal

An Introduction To Banking In Nepal Bank originally derived from the word Banco meaning Bench is termed as a financial institution which are established in order to provide financial services to its customers while helping the investors at the same time. (De Alberquque, M., 1855) These are licensed by the government so as to help in the monetary aspects of the country. In contrast to Nepal, generally Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) the central Bank of Nepal has divided into different groups and had licensed as per the limitations for the service. They are categorized as Commercial bank into Group A, Development banks B and similarly finance companies and credit unions to Group C Machhapuchchhre Bank Limited: An overview Machhapuchchhre Bank Limited (MBL) is legally registered as commercial bank in 1998 in Nepal. It started its banking services from western region of Nepal with its head office in Pokhara, Nepal. Having a slogan Service with personal touch, the bank now has expanded its business into various parts of Nepal. Companys profile: Mission and Corporate strategy: Machhapuchchhre Bank Limited (MBL) believes on the provision of the best services throughout different regions of Nepal to facilitate the customers with the extravagant banking services to their homes. The bank is also one of the modern banks with various modern technologies which of course make banking a revolutionary interest and great help. With its company slogan, the companys mission is to promote banking to different part of Nepal whether its hilly region or Terai or even mountains, MBL strives to facilitate the customers with fast, efficient and reliable service with personal touch as well as meeting the international standards at the same time. MBL believes to provide its full fledged banking service and had started its full fledged branch in the Jomsom located high up in mountains too. It has its corporate strategy of serving fast, efficient and reliable service to promote banking either by providing credits, deposits and even safe and fastest remittance. The bank has targeted to open 4 more branches in the year 2009/10 so as to provide service with personal touch. Mission and Vision chart: Mission statement of an organization is a formal written statement which guides the objectives and actions to be fulfilled. The mission statement serves the framework or context within which strategies are formulated (Hill Ch., Jones, G., 2008) The mission statement also gives guidelines of the actions and objectives to gain. G. Johnson, K. Scholes and R. Whittington defined mission as overriding purpose in line with values or expectation of stake holders.(Exploring corporate strategy, pp13) Vision statement of an organization is the future note where the company wants to be. G. Johnson, K. Scholes and R. Whittington defined vision as desired future state: the aspiration of the organisation (Exploring corporate strategy, pp13) Mission Statement To Serve customers with best, effective and efficient service in affordable rates and provide each and every service with personal touch. Vision Statement To be the top commercial bank with full fledged service all over Nepal and to be the No. 1 Bank of all year recognized by Nepal Rastra Bank Fig, 1 Mission and Vision chart of Machhapuchchhre Bank Limited Goals and Objectives: MBL possess a goal to be one of the popular and perfect service oriented bank rather than profit oriented one. MBL even had issued various plans and objectives to help in the increment of the services to its customers. In order to ease the banking service, MBL had planned to start telephone banking by which the clients can stay in touch with their financial transactions just a step away from phone. They even had prepared a goal to issue credit cards which some banks only have the service which can be said as another important goal and objectives to have a new turn in to banking. In addition, to broaden the service, MBL will be opening its 4 more branches very soon. The objectives of the bank can be analyzed to provide maximum services to the people in each and every part of Nepal. Organizational Structure, Stakeholders and Management: MBL is operated and managed by Chairman Mr. Surya Bahadur K.C., 6 board of directors and CEO Mr. Bhaikajee Shrestha (http://www.machbank.com) With approximate figure of 320 staffs all over the branches and head office, the company follows Line organization but the decisions making authority are being granted to the branch managers for their designated branch. Various decisions, plans and policies are being decided by board members and final approval is done by the chairman however day to day operational decisions are being approved by the CEO itself. Normally, the organization has all its delegation of power being centralized except day to day operational decisions apart from head office to the branch managers for their designated branch. Most of the stakeholders are the board of directors and some political bodies too but majority of the investments are done by the board of directors. Also some staffs occupy some value of the stakes as well. Chairman/Board of Directors Chief Executive Officer Fig. 2 Organization chart of Machhapuchchhre Bank Limited Business Profile: Products and Services: MBL provides various ranges of services to the customers. It is the pioneer in introducing the latest technology and to introduce the centralized banking software named GLOBUS BANKING SYSTEM developed by Temenos NV, Switzerland. Furthermore, MBL also provides internet banking, mobile banking, any branch banking, Trade Finance, Credits, ATMs (Automated Teller Machines), Remittance and various sort of deposits. The company is very sooner going to launch MBL credit cards and telephone banking as well. Also, MBL is the first bank in Nepal to provide PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) to its valued customers. Operational Performance: MBL overall has shown a good performance as per its unaudited financial reports of the year 2008/09. Over its past decades MBL has shown increment on profit as well as increment on its branches which of course shows that the company is doing well so far. At the end of fourth quarter, MBL had a net profit of 92M which shows that the company had numerous transactions throughout the whole quarter. (Source: Unaudited 4th quarter end (15/07/09) of the fiscal year 2008/09, http:// www.machbank.com) Market Position and Share: MBL overall have a good market value and goodwill at the same time. Currently the market value of the share is NPR 310.00 per share which shows a green light on the progress of the company. Also, the bank have got 31 branches till date and have its 10 upcoming branches to be opened which of course can be assumed as the market position of the company is good and doing well so far. (http://www.nepalstock.com, Nepal Stock Exchange as of closing price of 6th December 2009) Part 2: An analysis of the external and internal environment of the company examined above and competitive position of the company (1000 words) Every company is affected by its external and internal environment. These are the integral part of the companies itself. External environment can be described as a set of elements which are not the part of the organization but possess an influence upon the organization. The external environment may constitute of consumers, suppliers and competitors which have the direct effect on the organization whereas the indirect elements of external environment may be government, State of the economy, scientific and technical growth, socio-cultural events and laws and policies by the government. Hence, whatever is the new external environment, the organization has to cope up themselves. Similarly, internal environment can be termed as the environment within the organization itself. They may include employees, shareholders or stake holders etc. The internal environment can be modified or amended as the whole authority and rights are embedded on the organization itself apart from external one. Internal environment of the company: The internal factors can be analyzed by various models however the internal environment can be analyzed by using Lewis six factors model which describes the in-depth analysis of internal environment in context of MBL. Also, these factors give a broad idea of involvement of various departments in order to describe the internal environment of the company. IT (Information Technology): MBL uses a very advanced technology for the banking services. A new advanced technology called GLOBUS is being integrated in the company which provides best services in the banking field. It is also considered as the effective and powerful software which provides related backup services. The company also have its centralized information technology department which regularly looks ahead into develop new softwares and are alert 24 hours for any problems to occur. Also, the company have introduced V-Sat network for the branches which are in mountain regions as Mustang, Damak etc. Overall, we can say that the companys IT sector is very much advanced and is much more effective in banking environment. Management Capabilities: MBL have a team of capable employees working in various departments. They are well qualified and the bank also regularly conducts various training programmes so as to make their employees much more capable in any sort of situations. Also, the company organizes in house seminars so as to promote the employees knowledge much more. Because of its talented employees, the company is increasing its branches and is earning much more profit at the same time. The management is much more effective which is hence enabling the company to exist till now in the fierce competition of banking in Nepal. Finance: Finance is one of a very important aspect for any firm. Considering the financial status of MBL, it is growing day by day and earning much more profit. MBL earned around NPR 92 M at the fourth quarter end of year 2009 whereas corresponding earlier year of NPR 85M and is earning day by day. MBL have a good relation with the central bank even and can issue up more shares upon needed. Thus it can be analysed that the financial position of the bank is much more stable. Research and Development: MBL focuses on to the research and development of new aspects of banking and services to its prospective clients. The company has its own research and development department which focuses on to research new activities and to promote their services in to peoples. Because of the fierce competition in banking sector in Nepal, this department plays a vital role in to develop new schemes and new services to the clients apart from other banks. Also, the company invests good sum of money in to research and development of new services towards future perspectives. Marketing: Marketing can be defined as the management process that seeks to maximize returns to shareholders by developing relationships with valued customers and creating a competitive advantage. (Paliwoda, Stanley J, John K. Ryan, 2009). The company has its own marketing department which co-ordinates with research and development department. They both have the same motive in order to generate much more potentiality and increase its turnover in best services to the customers. Also, the department regularly dissolves in market to gather new ideas and concepts which by the research and development department makes research and develops new strategies. HR (Human Resources): MBL have another department which looks around human resources and administration of the company. MBL welcomes new generation to employ in the company and believes on equal opportunity for all. The department also administers and involves in to budgeting daily activities of the company. Also, HR department helps in to gather talented peoples and conducts various assessments among the employees in order to gain the best outcome of it. The internal environment of the MBL focuses on to its core components as per Lewis 6 factors model. Analyzing the model, we can illustrate that the internal components of the company is very much effective and plays an important role in determining the internal perspectives of MBL. External Environment of the company: External environment for MBL are generally customers, competitors, central banks policies and socio-cultural aspects. The external environment plays a vital role in determining the external status of the company. Normally, the external environment is uncontrollable but directly affects on the functioning of the company. The external environment of MBL can be picterised by using PESTLE analysis. The PESTLE analysis determines the political, economic, socio-cultural, technological, legal and environmental aspects which gives a clear picture of the external environment of the company. Political factors: Nepal is a country where political factors play a vital role in each and every industry. Because of the regular strikes, riots in the country many more industries are very much affected. In context to MBL, because of the political factors, the company is suffering a lot as they cant operate efficiently during strikes, riots and because of the regular change of the government, various rules and regulations are modified which hence creates a various problems in to the banking of the company especially in MBL. Economic factors: The economic situation of Nepal is always fluctuating. Because of it, the exchange rates of various currencies are changing on rapid basis. Also, because of the development of various banks in Nepal, customers have a high bargaining power in between the banks. This has affected MBL severely as the customers who are only on MBL are now diverted on to the other companies. Even because of the economy in Nepal, most of the people dont wish to invest money in to any projects and the ratios of consumer loans are decreasing because of the interest rates and the economy. Socio-cultural factors: MBL possess certain social responsibilities and are maintaining good as they are much more into providing good services to the customers. Also, the company invests certain amounts in to education for childrens and various governmental and non governmental activities. It has been a trend in Nepalese banking sector of investing funds into various programs for child welfare, transportation and various educational activities. Also, the company has various schemes for different age groups and also contributes for their personal growth especially for children. Technological factors: The banking sector of Nepal is following advanced technology in to serving new services to the customers. Various advanced programs are being organized in to gather new innovations in terms of banking of the company. MBL adopts advanced technology in to serve effective and accurate services to the customers. Also, the company even invests funds into its research and development department so as to launch new services in considering the needs of the current market. Legal factors: The banking of Nepal is regulated by Central Bank of Nepal (i.e. Nepal Rastra Bank) The central bank regulates various rules and regulations in order to constitute the proper banking services to the customers. The central bank regularly changes rules and regulations which hence make a vast confusions and time in order to adopt the new rules and regulations. Also, the legal factors of Nepal affect the proper functioning of the banking services in Nepal. Not only in context of MBL but overall banks in Nepal. Environmental factors: The environmental factors play a vital role in each and every organization. In terms of MBL, the environmental factors are generally attitudes of consumers, media and the government. Because of the reputation of MBL, various customers trust the company much more which is hence helping in to gain success in company. Also, media also helps the company in to promote their services towards the general public as by the investment towards the media sector as well as various other sectors too. Thus internal and external environment plays a vital role in determining the companys portfolio from inside and outside layer as well. In terms of MBL, we can demonstrate that the internal environment of the company is much more effective whereas the external environment is much more effected by various factors as these can hardly be controlled. Identification and evaluation of alternative strategies that would consist of corporate goals and objectives and select an appropriate future new strategy. Strategy is the mean by which objectives are achieved and pursued on time. According to Gavetti G and Jan Rivikin W Strategy is choice about what it chooses to do and not to do. MBL generally focuses into customer satisfaction and excellent service to their business clients. To increase more customer satisfaction and performance, MBL always strive to improve the performance by various methods and latest technology. To be the best service provider, MBL aims to open additional branches so as the banking service can be available readily anywhere any time. However, various alternative strategies can be discovered which will increase the customer satisfaction level and services at the same time. Ghemawat P. developed a model called AAA triangle which identifies three distinct types of strategy. They refer to adaptation, aggregation and arbitrage. Adaptation means to familiarize with new technology and environment and aims to maximize companys local relevance. This also boosts the revenues and market share by maximizing a firms local relevance by simply creating local units in each national market that do pretty good job carrying out all steps in the supply chain. (Ghemawat, P. 2007) This framework even focuses on to the company to develop its new image towards the new generation. Since, the world is changing day by day and is the new technology; the adaptation into new environment is a must. The another one is aggregation where a company tries to achieve economies of scale by developing new products and services by creating both local and global operations. It also attempts to deliver economies of scale by creating regional or sometimes global operations and involves standar dizing the product or service offering and grouping together the development and production process. The company also has to develop and introduce new products and services which reasonably have benefits upon everyone. Arbitrage means to locate and supply services in different parts. It is the exploitation of differences between national or regional markets, often by locating separate parts of the supply chain in different places. (Ghemawat, P. 2007) Thus as a future strategy, the company should now focus on to developing new products and services and enlarging its business. Fig 3.Ghemawats AAA triangle framework Another Strategy is BCG matrix developed by Boston Consulting Group. According to Kotlar (1996) BCG approach helps to classify a companys all SBUs according to the growth share matrix. It identifies firms strategic business units relating to its market share and market growth rate. The growth share matrix can be divided into four types as follows: Question Marks Star High Low High Dogs Cash cows Market Growth Low Market share Fig 4. Boston Consulting Groups BCG Matrix There are two axis which represents as Market Growth rate and Market Share. Each and every cell inside the matrix can be highlighted as follows: Stars: Stars are high market growth in relation to high market share. These are the pillars for each and every business. The stars in MBL are the deposits and loans and advances by which the company is able to make much more income. This requires much more investments as well and also increase in high market share and growth as well because if the company have more deposits and loans, the companys profit will increase subsequently. Cash Cows: Cash Cows are low growth in market but high market share. These require less investment but would affect in the market shares. In MBL, cash cows can be considered for Letter of Credits, guarantees which require less investment but would affect on the market shares. The cash cows dont necessarily effect the market growth as regards to stars. Question Marks: Question marks are low share business units in high market growth. The question marks are some aspects which the management should think in order to overcome it and turn into stars or cows. In MBL, the question marks can be market for cards (debit and credit cards) etc. The company should have special consideration in question marks. Dogs: Dogs are low growth in market with low share price. They may generate some amount of funds but doesnt make any guarantees on companys income. In MBL, Dogs are lockers departments etc. BCG Matrix gives a broad idea about the factors that are prevailing in a company which are giving much more profit or loss in terms of market group. This strategy could give the company an innovative idea about building or restructuring the business. Comparing both the strategies, MBL should adopt Ghemawats AAA triangle framework as this clearly matches to the organization goals and objectives to attain in future. The framework explains that to stabilize a product, there has to be an adaptation factors, aggregate it and arbitrage. MBLs target is to be the top commercial bank in Nepal and introduce new products and services which can only be possible if the company focuses on the framework. Also MBL should focus on the information flow to all the branches so as to properly stabilize the new services. Neilson, G., Martin K. and Powers E (2008) suggests that the enterprises fails at strategy execution because they go straight to structural reorganization and neglect the most powerful drivers of effectiveness-decision rights and information flow. Thus, before starting any new services or any new tasks, the company should gain its adaptation factor so that they could adopt in new environment easily. After adopting in the environment t he company also needs to increase its market into local and national markets to attain much more productivity. Thus we can see that if MBL adopts Ghemawats AAA triangle framework, the company would be able to attain its mission and vision that has been projected by them. This would increase the companys effectiveness on any tasks and would help them to gain much more success at the same time. Kim C W and Mauborgne R, Blue Ocean Strategy argues that companys performance is not necessarily determined by industries competitive environment. It argues that strategy can shape the structure and it is called reconstructions. They even add that instead of letting the environment define your strategy, craft a strategy that defines your environment. This highlights that rather than creating a strategy limited only in papers you will require to adopt to the environment, aggregate them towards the near future group and develop them in local or global market which is very much similar to what Ghemawat had proposed in his framework. Identify and develop outline time table and resources requirement to implement new strategy. Its very much obvious that to make each and every strategy successful, various resources and time tables are required. Proper dedication and knowledge will only be able to make a project successful. The strategy developed by Ghemawat as AAA triangle framework is something which I suggest to be adopted. The strategy Equal opportunities to every people financing in their needs and motivate into a new track would certainly help to start up banking into a new style and lead to a successful pathway. This strategy would develop an awareness and usage of the services to the maximum. Basically, new guidelines should be created for to make this strategy fruitful. A system where people can get financing easier should be initialized so as new business entrepreneurs could be able to start up their business with the banks help at the same time. Various job opportunities should be require generating up not specifically full time as initialization of part time or hourly job basis could be done so t hat maximum number of fresh graduates or unemployed people could get employment and in return the organization will be benefited by different ideas, opinions and new way of working. As Ghemawats AAA framework suggests Adaptation, Arbitrage and Aggregation, various resources should be allocated and new services to be launched as: Launching various deposits schemes targeting to students, old age peoples and children. Inauguration of old age cards, student card etc. which can be used in shopping centre, transportations etc. Launching online bill payments from their accounts via mobile. Use of Credit cards system elsewhere. Cash Deposits in any cash points or ATMs. Collaboration with educational institutions for banking services. Promotion of various NGOs, INGOs or programs to advertise them free of cost. More job opportunities to account holders, insurance benefits or easily loan availability facility. The time frame for this strategy entirely depends upon how fast the authority decides to start it up however if this new style of business could be adopted, major changes will occur and the profit will sky rocket like never happened so. Generally, the top level managers should require understanding the benefit of this strategy and how it could be implemented in short span of time. New concepts, ideas should be promoted which could cover the usual old style of banking as with the new age of development. Meanwhile, the experience of old peoples which new ideas and working style of modern age could be more helpful to boom the business and to have a look on to the business with different perspective. Meanwhile, the company could employ 30% of experienced old people and the rest with new and energetic peoples. This would certainly create up a milestone between old peoples experience and new peoples working efficiency. Furthermore, invitation or equal opportunities should be started so tha t the people who belong to lower community or of different age group could certainly use their efficiency to attain the same goal. Major functional departments should also be considered while discussing the time frame and the resources required adopting AAA triangle framework strategy as: HR (Human Resources)/Administration: This department should recruit new employees and should start up giving adequate trainings to its exisiting employees. The administration should also allocate various resources required for to start up new services. The time frame for this s Finance: The finance department should allocate budget required for the resources and new projects. IT (Information Technology): This is a primary essence as without new technology new services cant be launched in todays computer generation. Marketing/Research and Development: Various researches should be conducted prior making decisions and hence publicity of services should be done at the same time. Therefore, summarizing the all we can analyze that the materials that are required for to implement the new strategy are time consideration, additional opportunities in various field, change of working system, Focus on to new peoples or modern age groups and also consideration in the new technology. These sort of materials could certainly help in to implement the new strategy successfully and to start up the new perfection on to the business however new understanding and far sightedness upon these should be developed at the beginning before proceeding ahead with these materials. Also the time factor should be considered as well so that the strategy could be implemented on the right time. Furthermore, it can also be said that success entirely depends upon opportunities and hard work, hence to be more successful, an individual should be able to do hard work and the company should be able to create new opportunities. Then only the strategies could really show up some colors on the devel opment and growth of the company.

The Design of Molecular Magnets

The Design of Molecular Magnets Ashlea Hughes 1. Polyoxometalates Polyoxometalates (POMs) are clusters consisting of linked metal oxide polyhedral. They are commonly anionic, although some cationic species have been reported.1 Due to this charge, counter ions are often associated with POMs. The metal ions which form the POMs often belong to group 5 or group 6 in the periodic table and possess a high oxidation state causing an electron configuration of either d0 or d1. The nuclearity of POMs differs widely from single monomeric species to high nuclearity (i.e. over 100 metal ions) species. The three major transition metals that form POMs are: vanadium, molybdenum and tungsten. 1.1 Structures The building blocks of polyoxometalates often correspond to tetrahedral, tetragonal pyramids, and octahedra, sharing corners and edges which results in a variety of caged, ribboned, wheel or basket like structures e.g. [P6Mo18O73]11-.2 It is this variety in potential structures of POMs that causes a number of complex molecular spin arrays to be available. Figure 1: Five Baker-Figgis isomers adapted from Zhou et al. 3 The keggin structure, named after J. J. Keggin who determined its structure, is a very common structure found in POMs.4 It consists of a central tetrahedrally coordinated atom, caged by 12 octahedrally coordinated atoms. Five rotational isomers, known as Baker-Figgis isomers, of the keggin structure exist, and are shown in Figure 1, as do defect structures known as lacunary structures.3 Due to the conformation of these structures they have high stability and so aid in the exchange coupling between other keggin molecules. The POMs comprising of the transition metal, tungsten, all favour this structure and larger tungsten POMs can be considered to be made up of keggin subunits. The Dawson structure and Anderson structure are similar structures that have also been reported many times within literature. The wheel structure is yet again another commonly found structure and is desired for POM formation. The cavity/cavities the wheel contains are accessible and allow the coordination of other clusters, and form chains in a step by step growth, forming very large POMs. 1.2 Traditional synthesis POM based clusters are traditionally made via a one-pot synthesis. The aggregation and condensation of the reagents is controlled via experimental variables.5 These variables can include: concentration, pH, temperature, ligand effects, counter ions and various other experimental variables. The synthesis usually begins with the acidification of the metal salt, sequentially followed by condensation of the molecules forming a variety of architectural structures. 1.3 Uses Polyoxometalates possess a wide variety of properties. Their diversity means that they are used for many applications. They are used as catalysts in a range of organic reactions. The acidity and solubility of POMs make them ideal candidates to use as homogeneous catalysts, as well as their redox abilities. They have many uses in biological systems, in particular the POM ferritin, which is the protein responsible for iron storage and is a cofactor in the photosynthesis process within plants. This property in particular has inspired research into many energy and photosensitive related devices using POMs. In addition there is also research being done into medicinal applications as potential uses in antiretroviral drugs for diseases such as AIDS. 6 Aside from all these applications, and many others, certain POMs also bear magnetic properties that I shall discuss herein.5 2. Magnetism Magnetic properties arise from the spin and orbital angular momentum of unpaired electrons. Paramagnetism is a property of compounds which contain unpaired electrons. These compounds have a relative permeability greater than one and consequently attract magnetic fields. When a field is applied the spins of electrons start to align parallel to each other. The magnetisation of paramagnetic materials is directly proportional to the magnetic field that is applied; this, however, does vary with temperature. This relationship between temperature and magnetization is described by Curies Law: Where M is the resulting magnetisation, B is the applied magnetic field, T is the temperature and C is the Curie constant which is specific for each individual material. Figure 2: Hysteresis Curve 7 Hysteresis is a property of paramagnetic materials. If a magnetic material is magnetised in regard to a direction and the material does not relax back to zero magnetisation then the material is exhibiting hysteresis. If an alternating field is applied a hysteresis loop is formed as shown in Figure 2. Bulk magnets exhibit hysteresis, as do some polyoxometalates.8 This provides many advances into information storage as exhibiting hysteresis means the material has magnetic bistability, meaning the material can present two stable phases and can change between the two with response to an external stimulus, a vital property for memory elements. 2.1 Magnetic POMs POMs commonly contain transition metal centres, some of which are paramagnetic with respect to their spin states. The paramagnetic transition metal centres therefore correspond to the d1 electron configuration mentioned above, e.g. polyoxovanadates (IV). When the paramagnetic metal ions are brought together they interact and can give rise to a wide variety of magnetic properties. The magnetic interaction between the ions is defined by the Heisenburg Hamiltonian. These POMs which possess magnetic properties are known as single molecule magnets. Polyoxovanadates are the most common magnetic POM. [VIV15As6O42(H2O)]6- is a relatively large oxovanadium (IV) POM whose magnetic properties have been widely investigated.7 2.2 Quantum or classical behaviour? POMs are relatively large, organically bridged, molecular magnets, and are thought to potentially be the bridge between the quantum properties of the smallest atoms and the classical properties possessed by larger magnets that we know in our day-to-day lives. Events in classical physics are either allowed or forbidden in contrast to the events in quantum physics which all have a various probability of occurring. It has been thought that the mesoscopic size of the POMs would cause the classical properties seen in bulk magnets to also be observed in these intermediate sized magnets. Some magnetic POMs are thought to behave quasi-classically as they can exhibit both quantum as well as classical magnetic properties.8 This 15 vanadium centred POM was however, found not to behave in a classical way. Though, it has been reported that the quantum/classical behaviour is not just based on the size of the magnet, but also the individual spins of the metal ions. If the individual ions within the POM have a small spin (S= 1/2) then quantum models approximate properties of the material the best, however when reaching relatively high spins similar results to the quantum models are shown by using classical models. This has been confirmed in smaller clusters which contain larger spins.7 It is interesting that smaller clusters with higher spins possess more classical magnetic properties, opposed to larger clusters which possess small spin ions. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) is a technique used to study materials with unpaired electrons, i.e. paramagnets. Line widths present in EPR spectra can dictate whether a material is expressing quantum or classical behaviour. 9 2.3 Spin frustration Figure 3. Spin fustrastion within [VIV15As6O42(H2O)]6- 7 To achieve a large spin ground state is a difficult challenge for scientists. However, spin frustration effects can lead to isolated systems that contain this property. The layered structure of [VIV15As6O42(H2O)]6- comprising of three layers, with the central layer only having three interacting centres, then the spin cannot be resolved by Hund’s rule and is said to be frustrated, as shown in Figure 3. Much research has been done into the use of large POMs as magnets, however with current technology allowing the miniaturisation of most devices, the question posed is who can make the smallest POM in which both quantum and classical effects coexist? For this to be answered the synthesis of POMs needs to be carefully controlled and fine-tuned. 2.4 Mixed valence clusters The magnetic properties of mixed valence clusters are often more difficult to interpret due to their electrons which are delocalised over the structure as opposed to the simpler localised valence species, described above. The mixed valence cluster [Mn12O12(O2CCH3)16(H2O)4].2CH3COOH.4H2O, comprising of Mn4IV and Mn8III has been found to exhibit both quantum and classical properties. It has been established that this cluster behaves like a small bulk magnet when subjected to low temperatures. 2.5 Single molecule magnets Single molecule magnets (SMMs) are usually based on first row transition metals. They require a high spin ground state along with a negative uniaxial anisotropy. A relatively high blocking temperature (the temperature at which relaxation of magnetisation is slow) is also desirable.9 Flexibility in the structure of SMMs provides difficulties in the regulation of intermolecular exchange coupling, however, due to their rigid conformation, POMs have an environment which is ideal for magnetic structures. To produce SMMs the intermolecular magnetic interactions between molecules must be negligible. 2.6 POMs as ligands Although POMs themselves can have magnetic properties, due to their variety of shapes if they possess defects, as in the lacunary structure, and the cavities the wheel structure often has, they can also be used as multidentate ligands.10 They can bind to paramagnetic coordination clusters, causing encapsulation of small clusters of magnetic ions.11 By doing this the POM ligand effectively dilutes the smaller, encapsulated molecule and therefore reduces the dipolar interactions that are undesirable for SMMs. The magnetic molecule encapsulated could possess both antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic properties; however, which property is expressed could potentially be determined by the POM surrounding it. The wheel structure, due to the nature of its shape also possesses a cavity, which could also be used to bind smaller clusters, increasing the distance between the magnetic molecules and in doing so reducing the interactions between them. 12 3. Designing POMs The design of molecular clusters with magnetic properties, or as ligands for small clusters, that possess magnetic properties is challenging. The traditional one-pot synthesis controlled by numerous variables does not give the desired purity of species or the fine tuning abilities required to design SMMs. The degree of functionality required for these systems relies upon directed assembly of the building blocks into disciplined architectures.13 3.1 Solvothermal and ionothermal synthesis Solvothermal synthesis reduces the limitations of the experimental variable of temperature used in the regular synthesis. Water and common organic solvents used in the regular synthesis limit the temperature the system can reach; however, autoclaves used in the solvothermal process reduce this limitation and create the opportunity for higher temperatures and pressures of the reaction mixture. Reproducibility of these reactions is very difficult as it requires tight control of experimental conditions. Ionothermal synthesis adapts this solvothermal synthesis by using an ionic liquid as a solvent. These ionic liquids influence the assembly of the POMs by functioning as templates and can potentially create selective architectures.14 3.2 Linking clusters Lacunary structures have been used as precursor molecules with other metal ions as linkers to produce high nuclearity POMs.11,15 This is often known as the ‘building block strategy’.{16} It opens up opportunities to expand the POM size beyond what has currently been synthesised. However, difficulties have been found due to the architecture of the potential building blocks rearranging and reorganizing due to not being stable enough in solution. Due to the stability of tungsten POMs this methodology is widely used within tungsten chemistry; however, these limitations cause problems for other complexes such as molybdenum. Stabilising the initial building blocks is currently a task being researched widely by several research groups.11,16 3.3 Counter ion effect As previously mentioned, POMs are charged species, generally anionic, and so must possess a counter ion. Anionic POMs possess cationic counter ions and vice versa. The properties of the counter ion i.e. size, charge etc, can affect the reactivity of the POM. The larger the counter ions, the more stable the POM is against aggregation. Amines are a common example of bulky counter ions which provide this stability. Organic amines have also been found to be capable of directing the self-assembly of small building blocks, enabling the creation of the desired structure.17 3.4 Top down A novel â€Å"top down† synthesis has been reported.18 Opposed to all previously mention syntheses this is a truly unique and novel idea. It suggests the idea of a pH controlled decomposition of a very large POM into smaller fragments. The large POM; [P4W52O178]24- , has confirmed this approach to be successful with the controlled fragmentation of [P3W39O134]19-, the scheme is shown in Figure 4.5 Not only could this technique potentially enable the formation of new architectures, but it could also help to identify the building blocks that made the POM in the first place, revealing new insights into the mechanism of formation. 4. Conclusion Polyoxometalates are a very versatile class of compounds. Their potential has been subdued in the past due to a lack of understanding and the traditional one-pot synthesis. With the discovery of the importance of POMs in their various applications, and in particular as molecular magnets, there have been many developments within the past decade with regard to their careful and controlled synthesis. However, the mechanism of formation of POMs is still not fully understood. The controlled design of the structure and function of POMs is still being investigated and there is little doubt it will lead to the engineered functionality required for many capabilities POMs are already showing to have. The debate between quantum and classical mechanics has been going on for centuries. Quantum properties describe those with discrete levels, whereas classical properties have a continuous scale. The idea that POMs can be used as a â€Å"stepping stone† between the quantum and classical magnetic behaviour has started to unite both the theories and has started collaborative research between both physicists and chemists. This breakthrough enables the development and use of POMs in quantum computing and miniaturisation of devices, paving the way for new and exciting technologies. 5. Reference List G. Johansson, Acta Chem. Scand., 1960, 14, 771-773. W. G. Klemperer, T. A. Marquart, and O. M. Yaghi, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 1992, 31, 49-51. B. Zhou, B. L. Sherriff, F. Taulelle, and G. Wu, Can. Mineral., 2003, 41, 891-903. J. F. Keggin, Proc. R. Soc. London, Ser. A, 1934, 144, 75-100. H. N. Miras, J. Yan, D. L. Long, and L. Cronin, Chem. Soc. Rev., 2012, 41, 7403-7430. W. Rozenbaum, D. Dormont, B. Spire, E. Vilmer, M. Gentilini, C. Griscelli, L. Montagnier, F. Barre-Sinoussi, and J. C. Chermann, Lancet, 1985, 1, 450-451. M. T. Pope, A. Muller, and Editors., Polyoxometalates: From Platonic Solids to Anti-Retroviral Activity. Kluwer, 1994, 411. D. Gatteschi, A. Caneschi, L. Pardi, and R. Sessoli, Science, 1994, 265, 1054-1058. E. C. Yang, C. Kirman, J. Lawrence, L. N. Zakharov, A. L. Rheingold, S. Hill, and D. N. Hendrickson, Inorg. Chem., 2005, 44, 3827-3836. J. Liu, J. Guo, B. Zhao, G. Xu, and M. Li, Transition Met. Chem., 1993, 18, 205-208. H. Abbas, A. L. Pickering, D. L. Long, P. Kogerler, and L. Cronin, Chem. Eur. J., 2005, 11, 1071-1078. J. Lehmann, A. Gaita-Arino, E. Coronado, and D. Loss, Nat. Nanotechnol., 2007, 2, 312-317. A. Muller, F. Peters, M. T. Pope, and D. Gatteschi, Chem. Rev., 1998, 98, 239-271. A. S. Pakhomova and S. V. Krivovichev, Inorg. Chem. Commun., 2010, 13, 1463-1465. D. L. Long, H. Abbas, P. Kogerler, and L. Cronin, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2004, 126, 13880-13881. J. M. Cameron, J. Gao, L. Vilà ¡-Nadal, D. L. Long, and L. Cronin, Chem. Commun., 2014, 50, 2155-2157. Y. Jun, L. De-Liang, N. M. Haralampos, and L. Cronin, Inorg. Chem., 2010, 49, 1819-1825. C. P. Pradeep, D. L. Long, C. Streb, and L. Cronin, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2008, 130, 14946-14947.

The Work of F. Scott Fitzgerald :: Fitzgerald Author Essays

Francis Scott Fitzgerald once said "Mostly we authors must repeat ourselves?that's the truth. We have two or three experiences in our lives? experiences so great and moving that it doesn't seem at the time that anyone else has been so caught up" (de Koster n. pag.). Fitzgerald's works contain many themes that are based from experiences in his life. Many of these experiences he talks about were with the women in his life. People like his mother, Ginerva King, and Zelda Sayre all had major impacts on Fitzgerald. The women in F. Scott Fitzgerald's life influenced his writing in a number of ways. The first major woman to make and impression on Fitzgerald's life was his mother. Mary (Mollie) McQuillan was of Irish decent. Her parents were Irish immigrants who became rich as grocery owners in St. Paul (Bruccoli 1). Mollie inherited a fair amount of money from her family, but the family had difficulty maintaining the high standard of living they were accustomed to (Bloom 11). When they fell into financial trouble it was her father they turned to. The fact that Fitzgerald's mother, rather than his father, was the financial foundation for their family influenced Fitzgerald greatly. Even as a young boy he was aware of this situation. The theme that arose from this about a wife's inherited money appears frequently in Fitzgerald's writing (Magill 679). When the Fitzgeralds fell into financial trouble, the family had to depend on Mollie's family's money. When times like that came Mollie "abandoned the attempt to Tarleton 2 keep up her personal appearance (neglecting both grooming and fashion), which embarrassed her fastidious son. Scott later recorded a dream in which he admitted being ashamed of her" (de Koster 15). Furthermore, Fitzgerald's attitude toward his mother influenced him as a person. Because two of Mollie's children had died before Fitzgerald, she was very protective of him. She often worried about his health and babied him. But "her attempts to spoil him stren gthened his distaste for her" (de Koster 15). She wanted her only son to have "social ambition" ("Brief Biography 1). Fitzgerald's negative description of her in "An Author's Mother" where he describes her as "a halting old lady" in a "preposterously high-crowned hat" reveals his feelings (de Koster 15). Fitzgerald was affected by all these emotions towards his mother in his personality and his work. Another influence on Fitzgerald was his first love, Ginerva King.

Essay --

Abuse of the Second Amendment: The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Senior Historical Paper Ashleigh Rogers Mr. Todd Gonion Ninety bullets rang through the air, seven bodies hit the asphalt, and blood pooled N. Clark Street in Chicago, Illinois. The St. Valentine's Day Massacre represented one of the bloodiest, catastrophic maltreatments of the Second Amendment, and illustrated how citizen’s ignored the responsibilities that came along with the ownership of a weapon. This massacre relates to the theme â€Å"Rights and Responsibilities in History† because it shows a group of individuals irresponsibly taking their unalienable Constitutional rights and using it to solve trivial conflicts with other citizens. On February 14, 1929, the true intentions of the second amendment were massacred as a Chicago gang ignored their responsibilities as gun owners and decimated other citizens. The Second Amendment states â€Å"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.† As America was once dependent on England, Americans looked to England’s governmental institutions as a base on how to govern the United States. America configured the Second Amendment based off political ideologies that originated in England. In 1181, King Henry issued the Assize of Arms, stating citizens were to possess weapons at all times to secure that England citizens would be protected against foreign invasions. In England, males as young as seven were required to bear arms to ensure an extensive defense for their country; it was considered an Englishman’s obligation to his country. In addition, Militias became vital to English life, as they leveled monarchial rule... ...elling example of how citizens took the privilege of owning weapons for their own security in the home and nation, and used it for venomous reasons. A concept that was effective in the eleventh century lost its value as citizens began to ignore their responsibilities as gun owning United States citizens. The Federalist foresaw that citizens were going to expunge their right, yet it was still ratified in the Constitution. The discernment of a plan to execute seven individuals conveys how citizens have ignored both the meaning of their rights and their responsibilities. A few individual’s decision to configure the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, consequentially led to a stringent of regulations placed on gun owners. â€Å"Violence is an evil thing, but when the guns are all in the hands of me without respect for human rights, then men are really in trouble†- Louis L’Amour.

No Easy Task

The well being of a nation begins with the development of its younger generation. They are the ones that will assume the task of running and maintaining the well being of this nation in the future. Unfortunately the task of to lead these youths in the right direction is no easy task. Numerous articles and studies have confirmed that our youth problems is a rising issue and should receive extra attention. Youth problems range from poor school achievement to youth pregnancy, crime, and drug addictions. Many experts have noted that one of the major causes that contribute to youth having problems is the lack of strong family value and substantial home-life. Youth belonging to this category are normally ones that have single parents or weak or uncaring parents. The above perspective along with some other variables, such as income level, media influence, and educational level, should explain why the youth problem phenomenon occurs. One of the fundamental ways to view why youth develop problems is to view their family structure. Many youth do not have what is considered to be a healthy or complete family. For example, if a youth is raised by a single parent, he or she may lack many of the family essentials, such family warmth, love sharing, or normal family life. The youth may also develop shame feelings among his or her peers. Another scenario might be a youth raised by weak and uncaring parents. The youth might not receive the adequate attention and guidance necessary for their thoughts, actions, and perhaps wrongdoing. In this case the youth may develop two types of feelings. They will either feel abandon because of the parents uncaring nature, or, the youth might feel exceptional freedom because the parents simply is weak or do not care. In both cases, youths having such family structures develops much higher percentage to differentiate themselves from their common peers. The second variable that seems to have a large influence as to why youth develop problems is the income level in which they reside. Income level is one of the issues that can t be changed so easily. Government aid and subsidies could only do so much in the aid of poverty stricken neighborhoods. Generally a great percentage of youth growing up in such a poor neighborhoods have a higher chance in exposing themselves to the numerous problems, such as, pregnancy, drugs, crimes. It is unfortunate, but no doubt that environment in which these youth grew up in are surrounded by such factors. Government funding and local group activist have trying to cure these blighted neighborhoods. Local activity centers, and youth organizations, and schools are fighting there ways into these area in hope to help give youth of these communities a better chance to succeed. Another variable that should be considered in why youth develop problems is media influences. Like Debra J. Saunders noted in her December 1999 editorial, youth are constantly being expose to the electronic media set out to influence youth to follow certain trends and mode of thinking. This is very true in this cyberspace, electronic media era. The Internet, television, and other media unconsciously place many messages in the minds of the youths. The youth are spending more of their time attracted to these media than they are in their necessary duties. The power or the media is so great that many of the youths mode of thinking are drawn to the character lifestyles of movies idols. The media have directly manipulated what is reality and what is fantasy in the mind of the youths. Therefore youths often try to be somebody or do something they saw from these electronic media exposures. Perhaps that the numerous in school shootings by teenage youths across the nation are the indirect results from too much media exposures toward youths. The final area that seems to contributes to youth problems are the educational level in which the youths are associated with. Educational levels vary greatly in schools that youths attend. The educational achievement accomplished by students determines if new educational programs are needed to aid underachieving students build there necessary skills to advance. Because the lack of such programs in some school, many youths in this category, find it difficult to continue their educational course. Therefore the rate of youth problems is the dependent variable of the drop out rate. Many students choose to alternative course of action if they cannot succeed in school. Their minimum knowledge is insufficient to land them much hope in making it the real world. Consequently problems are prone to along the route for these youths. We have briefly looked into the issue on contributing factors in youth problems. The variables we discussed are family structures, income level, media influences, and educational levels. It is important to acknowledge how these links intertwine in the life of a developing youth. Though we cannot simply generalize that a youth will develop problems once they have encounters with any or all of these variables for there are numerous successful examples for us to refer upon. But numerous studies have shown that the risk for youth to develop problems such as teen pregnancy, crime, drugs, and violence is at a higher rate when they are being raised in an environment that contains the variable we have discussed today.