Education An Era Of High Technology - 915 Words

Today, we are living in an era of high technology. In order for our technology to become more advanced, many countries believe that education is very important. Education gives us the skills to succeed in life, academically, economically, politically, and socially. However, Sometimes students can’t get benefits from education because they aren’t engaged in class. People wonder why students aren’t more engaged in their educations. I think students can’t be engaged in their education because they don’t quiet understand what the real meaning of education is. Moreover, they will never be engaged if they are not interested in. Many students have troubles to find out the real meaning of education. They don’t quite understand why they have to be educated, so some of them feel like that being educated is a mission which parents give them. If they aren’t able to find out that why they have to take education seriously, they are never engaged in their educations, and they might even get failed in their educations. For example, I didn’t understand why my parents forced to enroll into college. I had no idea which major I should pick because I couldn’t figure out what I was looking for in college at that time. My parents hoped that I could become an engineer, so I chose engineering. I chose an unsuitable major for me at the beginning of my first semester in college. I had to take courses that I weren’t interested. Those were advanced mathematics courses because of the engineeringShow MoreRelatedThe Role of Technology in Education730 Words   |  3 PagesIntroduction Over time, many have questioned the role of technology in education and instructional teaching because technology in education is a developing field that many researchers are yet to venture into. Since its advent, technology has greatly transformed human life because it has widened the focus within which man operates because of making his efforts easier and attainable. Introducing technology in the education sector has been viewed as a move towards progress because it has greatlyRead MoreImportance of Technical Education879 Words   |  4 PagesTechnical Education plays a vital role in human resource development of the country by creating skilled manpower, enhancing industrial productivity and improving the quality of life. Technical Education covers courses and programmes in engineering, technology, management, architecture, town planning, pharmacy and applied arts amp; crafts, hotel management and catering technology.    The technical education system in the country can be broadly classified into three categories – Central GovernmentRead MoreEssay on Elizabethan Era: The Golden Age1205 Words   |  5 Pageslavish parties, palaces full of gold and silver- these are just a few thoughts that come to mind when one hears the term â€Å"Elizabethan Era†; however, there is more to this period than what meets the eye. The Elizabethan Era was a significant epoch in the United Kingdom’s history. Ranging from 1558 to 1603, this was during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. The Elizabethan Era, also known as the Elizabethan Age or Elizabethan Period, is said to be the golden age of English history, with a quite diversifiedRead MoreEducation During The Industrialization Era Essay1274 Words   |  6 PagesEducation During the Urbanization Era The Urbanization Era in American history, 1870-1900, was a time for growth in America. During this era, industry grew in the country. Big changes occurred in technology, big business, large scale agricultural, and much more. Industries were growing and big businesses were booming. All of this was causing growth of population in the cities in the America. This all fueled the economic growth of the country (The Development of the Industrial United States (1870-1900)Read More Is Canada a Post-Industrial Country? 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America is changing at a fast rate and is putting pressure on the coming young adults to become adults. Young adults now are facingRead MoreThe Current State Of Entrepreneurship1693 Words   |  7 PagesPrior to discussing the current state of entrepreneurship in Canada, a certain degree of historical context is necessary. Throughout history, people have found new ways to create wealth. From hunter-gatherer societies, humans transitioned into the era of the industrial revolution. During this period, agrarian-based rural societies in Europe and America became predominantly industrial and urban. This result ed in the progression and adoption of new manufacturing processes in the 18th and 19th centuriesRead MoreThe Rise Of Digital Technology1635 Words   |  7 PagesIn a new era where digital technology is popularized by the new generation, education model is also affected by technology. Today’s educational model is composed by diversity, that is, â€Å"one-size-fits-in model† is not suitable for all students. More and more people begin to focus on how to improve the old, standardized education since it becomes clear that students’ interests are limited by the â€Å"assembly-line model†. Cathy Davidson in â€Å"Project Classroom Makeover† discusses that our education is remainedRead MoreHistorical Development of Nursing1413 Words   |  6 Pagesincludes the promotion of health, prevention of disease, and the care of ill, disabled and dying people. Advocacy, promotion of a safe environment, research, participation in shaping health policy and in pati ent and health systems management, and education are also key nursing roles† (International Council of Nurses, 2014). Florence Nightingale is considered to be the most influential person in nursing. Not only did Nightingale played an essential role in reforming nursing at the time but also laidRead MoreTechnology Has Changed The Way We Learn Essay1559 Words   |  7 PagesTechnology has indeed changed the way we learn. I was observing some kids doing their school work and I noticed that all of them had computers, laptops, tablets, or another kind of technology device with them. It made me think back on my elementary, middle, and high school days. I remember growing up without as much technology available as today, so most of the papers were hand written, I had to spend days at the library looking for the right sources, reading newspaper, magazines and books to find

Starbucks Marketing mix Free Essays

Below is a table for you to apply the elements of marketing mix (7Ps) to your selected business organisation. Starbucks Product and service -Starbucks stores offer a choice of regular or decaffeinated coffee beverages, a special â€Å"coffee of the day,† and a broad selection of Italian-style espresso drinks. In addition, customers could choose from a wide selection of fresh-roasted whole-bean coffees. We will write a custom essay sample on Starbucks Marketing mix or any similar topic only for you Order Now When you walk into the Starbucks, you notice they are promoting specialty rinks or products within the store. For example they promote their new coffee by giving free samples to their customers and that maximise the publicity of the product and generate revenue for the business. Packaging Creative and innovative packaging is what Starbucks does so that they can be seen and get noticed in the crowded market of coffee. For Example they redesign the packaging of their coffee to recreate the shopping experience and quickly identify the coffee by roast. The new packaging of their coffee gets the attention of new ustomers because customers can choose what kind of coffee you want Just by looking at the package (different colour, message). Price -Price and pricing is one of the most important elements of the marketing mix, as it is the only mix, which generates a turnover for the organisation/business. In July 2013 Starbucks decided to raise the price of their beverage by 1%, they claim that the price increase is due to rising labour and non-coffee commodity costs. Starbucks raise prices to maximize profits from these price insensitive customers who now depend n their strong gourmet coffee. Rather than trying to compete with cheaper chains like Dunkin, Starbucks uses price hikes to separate itself from the pack and reinforce the premium image of their brand and products. Place -Starbucks takes a thoughtful and strategic approach when choosing their store locations, carefully considering many factors including community demand. We are always looking for great locations to both better meet the needs of our current customers and to reach new ones. They did research on different areas before utting a store there, based on things like demand, traffic and parking, they may conclude multiple stores will serve customers better. People The baristas (employees) are the foundation of Starbucks. â€Å"When it comes to providing Starbucks customers an exceptional experience, our baristas are as important as the quality of the coffee that we serve†. http://www. starbucks. com/ Baristas really are the face of Starbucks. They are an important part of their customers’ day, and experts in handcrafting delicious, perfect beverages. Connecting nd creating the moments that make a difference in each person’s day. Processes Starbucks uses coffee from different origin. I will choose one of them and describe the process from the supplier to the customer. Decided to take a look at the Ethiopian coffee, as his name says it came from Ethiopia, it is a medium-bodied coffee who offers soft, velvety notes of dark chocolate, subtle hints of peppery spice, and sweet, mandarin-like citrus for a balanced and approachable taste in the cup. From Ethiopia to the Starbucks manufacturer where the coffee is roasted packages and directly end to their stores where the coffee is available for customers. Physical evidence Starbucks provides information on its products, business partnerships, and career opportunities on its website. The famous Starbucks Logo (which is green and features a partially nude siren) has stayed largely unchanged since its origin, However it has been altered to adjust to international sensibilities. Starbucks uses white cups with their green logo on it, it comes with different sizes. It was specially design to resist heat, mainly because they serve hot beverage. It also comes with a lids. Branding The Starbucks brand has amazingly been able to create a reputation for itself as a very hip and mainstream coffee hub. People of all ages, including adults and young teens, are flocking to this coffee franchise to enjoy all the different caffeinated and specialized drinks it has to offer. Over the years, the Starbucks brand has cleverly re- branded its products and coffee cups in order to cater for a more modern generation and the company has benefit from it as a result. How to cite Starbucks Marketing mix, Papers

Types of Budget free essay sample

This trend continued till the finance budget 1985-86. The change in the approach began with Mr. Manmohan Singh who served as the Union Finance Minister under the leadership of Mr. P. V. Narsimha Rao. Mr. Singh was instrumental in headstarting the new phase of economic liberalization. He reduced the control of Government over public sector units through disinvestment. The liberalization process which he started years back is still followed and is seen in interim budget and Indian  budget  announcements  every year. This year also live union budget 2011 will be announced by Pranab Mukherjee. Facts Bite * First Finance Minister: Shanmugham Chetty * Number of Finance Minister Since Independence: 28 * Maximum Number of Budgets Presented by: Morarji Desai * Economic Liberalization Started by: Mr. Manmohan Singh ( Finance Minister 1991) * Current Finance Minister: Mr. P. Chidambaram Explain the different types of budgets in detail, with the help of suitable examples. In every business planning is the most important function to perform. Planning of different firms depends upon so many factors. Planning is done for comparing the actual performance with standard performance. Budgets are also prepared in advance. Budgets are prepared to check the availability of finance according to the demand of project. So budgetary control is also essential tool of management to control cost and maximizes profits. Meaning of budget: A budget is a detail plan of operations for a specific period of time. In the present era everyone is with the term budget because it essential in life. A budget is prepared for the effective utilization of resources, which will help in achieving the set objectives. Budgets are also very important in individual life, as it is important in business firms. The following are the essential of budget: (a) It is prepared in advance and is based on future plan of action. (b) It relates to a future period and is based on objectives to be attained. (c) It is a statement expressed in monetary or physical unit prepared for the formulation of policy. Types of budgets. 1. Functional basis of budgets. a. Sales budget: Sales budget is the primary budget. It is the most important budget to prepare and the other budgets are prepared on the basis of sales budget. In this budget the in charge or expert forecast the future expected sales of the firm. The sales manager is responsible for the accuracy of the budget. The sales budgets may prepare on basis of product, type of customers, salesman, locality etc. for the preparation of sales budget the following things should be take under care like past sales, sales man estimates, plant capacity, raw material, orders in hand, seasonal fluctuations, competition etc. USES: Sales budget is the most important budget while making the overall budget for the organization for a fiscal year. It is important in this sense that how would anybody make fiscal budget for organization if he dont know about how much to sale or what are the organizations sale would be. If you know the sales volume of units of product you want to sale in a fiscal year then you will make production budget according to that sales requirement in mind you will have production information in mind you will purchase raw material, hire labour according to requirements. So if you dont know about how much you want to sale then how would you budget other things and how would you compare your performance at the end of fiscal year. . Production budget: After preparing sales budget the next budget will be production budget. In this budget works manager prepare schedule of production by breaking large production in small units to fulfill the target production. A properly operated budgets leads to inventory control, improved maintenance of production schedules and production targets. Suppose, if the estimated op ening stock is 5000 units and estimated sales are 25000 units and closing stock of the product is 3000 units the estimated production will be 25000 + 3000 – 5000 =23000 units (sales + closing stock – opening stock). USES: A production budget is an accounting procedure used to both record and propose manufacturing supply expenses. Keeping an organized production budget ensures that the supply of raw materials to the production line continues uninterrupted and meets consumer demand. Maintaining a detailed post-purchasing production budget also helps to account for material losses due to shrinkage. b. Material budget: In the production budget material is the first requirement to be considered. Materials are basically divided into two categories as direct and indirect material. It includes the preparation of estimates of different types of the raw material needed for various products and purchasing raw material in required number at a required time. There are few factors which should be taken under care like requirement of raw material; company’s stocking policies, price trend, and cost of raw material. USES: Schedule showing how much material will be required for production and how much material must be bought to meet this production requirement. The purchase depends on both expected usage of materials and inventory levels. For example, assume expected production of 790 units, 3 lbs. of material needed per unit, desired ending inventory of material 216 lbs. , beginning inventory of material 237 lbs. , and unit cost per lb. of $2. Then lbs. of material to be purchased and purchase cost follow: Labour budget: labour is an important factor in every production organization. Labour plays an important role in converting raw material into finished product. The labour requirement budgets prepared on basis of production budget. Labour may be of two types direct and indirect labour. In this budget company has to budget the required number of hours and the expected pay scales of the employees. This budget gives information about personnel specifications for the job for which workers are to be recruited, the degree of skill and experience required and rates of pay. USES: The direct labor budget is typically presented in either a monthly or quarterly format. The basic calculation used by the direct labor budget is to import the number of units of production from the production budget, and to multiply this by the standard number of labor hours for each unit. This yields a subtotal of the direct labor hours needed to meet the production target. You can also add more hours to account for production inefficiencies, which increases the amount of direct labor hours. Then multiply the total number of direct labor hours by the fully  burdened  direct labor cost per hour, to arrive at the total cost of direct labor. e. Manufacturing Overhead budgets: this budget gives the works overhead expenses to be incurred in a budget period to achieve the production target. The cost of indirect material, indirect labour etc can be calculated with the help of this budget. For making proper control it can be divided into departmental overhead budget. Variable expenses are estimated on the basis of the budgeted output because these expenses are bound to change with the change in output. USES: The manufacturing overhead budget show the expected manufacturing over head costs for the budget period. The budget distinguishes between variable and fixed overhead costs. Companies fluctuate with production volume on the basis of the following rates per direct labor hour: indirect materials $1. 00, indirect labor $1. 0, utilities $0. 40, and maintenance $0. 20. Thus, for 6,200 direct labor hours budgeted indirect materials are $6,200 (6,200 x $1), and budgeted indirect labor is $8,680 (6,200 x $1. 40). The company recognizes that some maintenance is fixed. The amounts reported for fixed cost are assumed. f. Administration Expenses budget: The budget covers the expenses incurred in framing policies, directing the organization and controlling the business operation s. In budget an estimate of expenses is prepared regarding central office and of management salaries. The budget may be prepared at department level for effectiveness in budgeting system. The budget can be prepared with the past experience and anticipated changes. USES: The selling and administrative expense budget is comprised of the budgets of all non-manufacturing departments, such as the sales, marketing, accounting, engineering, and facilities departments. In aggregate, this budget can rival the size of the  production budget, and so is worthy of considerable attention. The selling and administrative expense budget is typically presented in either a monthly or quarterly format. It may also be split up into segments for a separate sales and marketing budget and a separate administration budget. G. Selling and Distribution budgets: This expense is related to the selling and distribution of material. In this budget experts have to plan for the expected selling and distribution expenses of the firm. Certain items of selling and distribution costs as cost of transportation, salesman salaries etc. USES: The selling and administrative expense budget is comprised of the budgets of all non-manufacturing departments, such as the sales, marketing, accounting, engineering, and facilities departments. In aggregate, this budget can rival the size of the  production budget, and so is worthy of considerable attention. The selling and administrative expense budget is typically presented in either a monthly or quarterly format. It may also be split up into segments for a separate sales and marketing budget and a separate administration budget. h. Cash budget: this budget is prepared to predict the inflow and outflow of cash during the budget period. In cash receipt we consider cash sales, credit collection and other receipts in cash payments we consider cash payments, tax payable, dividend payable etc. Without cash organizations cannot work so prediction about cash is very important. A cash budget makes provision for a minimum cash balance which will be available at all times. USES: After a company has prepared its operating budget, it will often draw up a separate cash budget as a means of tracking income and cash expenditures throughout the year. Such a budget has a number of practical uses, all of which center around being able to accurately predict when the company will be flush and when cash flow may be restricted. 2. On the basis of flexibility a. Fixed budget: This is the rigid budget and it is drawn on the assumption that there will be no change in the budgeted time period. A fixed budget will be helpful only when actual level of activity is equal to budgeted level of activities. According to charted institute of management accountants. † A fixed budget is defined as a budget designed to remain unchanged irrespective of activity actually attained. b. Flexible budget: It is also called as variable budget. A flexible budget gives different budgeted costs for different budgeted costs for different levels of activities. This budget is applicable in where activity levels vary from period to period. Where the business is new and it is difficult to predict. Where industry is influenced by change in fashion. Where there are changes in sales. 3. On the basis of period: a. Long time budgets: long-term budgets are prepared for those organizations, which deal in regular product line. Here organizations are not suppose to change their proceedings in short time periods. b. Short time budgets: Short-term budgets are prepared for small time periods which work for seasonal product line. Here products may change in near future.

Wal-mart Economics Essays - Walmart, Sam Walton, Cross-docking

Wal-mart Economics Wal-mart Economics Sam Walton, a leader with an innovative vision, started his own company and made it into the leader in discount retailing that it is today. Through his savvy, and sometimes unusual, business practices, he and his associates led the company forward for thirty years. Today, four years after his death, the company is still growing steadily. Wal-Mart executives continue to rely on many of the traditional goals and philosophies that Sam's legacy left behind, while simultaneously keeping one step ahead of the ever-changing technology and methods of today's fast-paced business environment. The organization has faced, and is still facing, a significant amount of controversy over several different issues; however, none of these have done much more than scrape the exterior of this gigantic operation. The future also looks bright for Wal-Mart, especially if it is able to strike a comfortable balance between increasing its profits and recognizing its social and ethical responsibilities. Why is Wal-Mart so Successful? Is it Good Strategy or Good Strategy Implementation? -- In 1962, when Sam Walton opened the first Wal-Mart store in Rogers, Arkansas, no one could have ever predicted the enormous success this small-town merchant would have. Sam Walton's talent for discounts retailing not only made Wal-Mart the world's largest retailer, but also the world's number one retailer in sales. Indeed, Wal-Mart was named "Retailer of the Decade" by Discount Store News in 1989, and on several occasions has been included in Fortune's list of the "10 most admired corporations." Even with Walton's death (after a two-year battle with bone cancer) in 1992, Wal-Mart's sales continue to grow significantly. Wal-Mart is successful not only because it makes sound strategic management decisions, but also for its innovative implementation of those strategic decisions. Regarded by many as the entrepreneur of the century, Walton had a reputation for caring about his customers, his employees (or "associates" as he referred to them), and the community. In order to maintain its market position in the discount retail business, Wal-Mart executives continue to adhere to the management guidelines Sam developed. Walton was a man of simple tastes and took a keen interest in people. He believed in three guiding principles: 1. Customer value and service; 2. Partnership with its associates; 3. Community involvement (The Story of Wal-Mart, 1995). The word "always" can be seen in virtually all of Wal-Mart's literature. One of Walton's deepest beliefs was that the customer is always right, and his stores are still driven by this philosophy. When questioned about Wal-Mart's secrets of success, Walton has been quoted as saying, "It has to do with our desire to exceed our customers' expectations every hour of every day" (Wal-Mart Annual Report, 1994, p. 5). Walton's greatest accomplishment was his ability to empower, enrich, and train his employees (Longo, 1994). He believed in listening to employees and challenging them to come up with ideas and suggestions to make the company better. At each of the Wal-Mart stores, signs are displayed which read; "Our People Make the Difference." Associates regularly make suggestions for cutting costs through their "Yes We Can Sam" program. The sum of the savings generated by the associates actually paid for the construction of a new store in Texas (The story of Wal-Mart, 1995). One of Wal-Mart's goals was to provide its employees with the appropriate tools to do their jobs efficiently. The technology was not used as a means of replacing existing employees, but to provide them with a means to succeed in the retail market (Thompson Strickland, 1995). Wal-Mart's popularity can be linked to its hometown identity. Walton believed that every customer should be greeted upon entering a store, and that each store should be a reflection of the values of its customers and its community. Wal-Mart is involved in many community outreach programs and has launched several national efforts through industrial development grants. What are the Key Features of Wal-Mart's Approach to Implementing the Strategy Put Together by Sam Walton -- The key features of Wal-Mart's approach to implementing the strategy put together by Sam Walton emphasizes building solid working relationships with both suppliers and employees, being aware and taking notice of the most intricate details in store layouts and merchandising techniques, capitalizing on every cost saving opportunity, and creating a high performance spirit. This strategic formula is used to provide customers access to quality goods, to make these goods available when and where customers want them, to develop a cost structure that enables competitive pricing, and to build and maintain a reputation for absolute trustworthiness (Stalk, Evan, Shulman, 1992). Wal-Mart stores operate according to their "Everyday Low Price" philosophy. Wal-Mart has emerged

Transportation Changes in Morocco essays

Transportation Changes in Morocco essays Transportation is a movement from place to place by some type of vehicle - car, boat, plane, train, motorcycle, skateboard - whatever moves us from point A to point B. The transportation system has changed and developed in many ways over the past two or three decades. In Morocco, which is my country, transportation has changed dramatically from my grandmother's day to the present including the cost of transportation, it's rules and regulations. Some of those changes have improved the transportation system while other changes have been detrimental. First, the time component is an important consideration and it's associated with service. In the past, 40% of the roads in Morocco were in poor condition. This issue led to wasting time getting from one place to another. Today, it's easier than ever because back roads have improved and freeways have been built to solve the congestion issue. As a result, this change helped improve the entire economic system in Morocco. For example, most companies are no longer wasting time delivering their products by using old, dangerous roads, or poorly constructed freeways. Second, the cost of transportation in my Grandmother's day was much less expensive than today. In the past, people visited their families every holiday and during the summer because the cost of transportation was affordable; but today, the cost of transportation in Morocco has increased two or three times to what it was before due to high fuel costs, security and safety issues. So families with low incomes can't afford transportation - leading them to work and shop as close to home as possible. In this way, improved transportation in Morocco has stopped the overall betterment of the country. Finally, the new rules and regulations of transportation in Morocco are not accepted by all the Moroccan people. In addition, in my Grandmother's day, people were afraid of breaking the law. That is why most of them followed rules and ...

Five Words You Can Cut

Five Words You Can Cut Five Words You Can Cut Five Words You Can Cut By Ali Hale One of the best ways to make your writing stronger is to cut unnecessary words. Many people tend to over-write, often in a similar way to how they would speak. Words creep in that add no meaning and can make a piece of writing sound vague and woolly rather than confidence and precise. Just This is one of the worst offenders for me. I over-use it in email, typing: â€Å"I just thought I’d drop you a note†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Just writing to ask†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"If you could just give me a call†¦Ã¢â‚¬  In almost every case, striking out the word â€Å"just† will make a sentence stronger. It tends to make you sound either desperate when applied to yourself (â€Å"I just wondered if you could†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ) or demanding when applied to the other person (â€Å"If you would just†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ). Really Like â€Å"just†, this is another word which can frequently be cut. It’s often found partnering â€Å"just†, in which case you might want to rewrite the whole sentence. â€Å"You can really improve by†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"You don’t really want to†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"I’m really just trying to †¦Ã¢â‚¬  Using the word â€Å"really† about yourself makes it sounds as though you believe the other person is unsure of your intentions; â€Å"I’m really writing the report† can sound defensive. And using it about someone else can sound patronising – phrases like â€Å"that’s really good!† are best kept for the kindergarten. Quite This insidious word tends to water down the meaning of a sentence or, worse, make it unclear. It usually means â€Å"a bit† as in â€Å"I quite liked it†, but can also mean â€Å"completely† as in â€Å"Quite right.† Most people have little difficulty understanding those, but sentences like â€Å"I was quite outraged† can be taken either way. â€Å"I’d quite like you to †¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"I’m feeling quite upset about it.† â€Å"I don’t think you quite understand† There are some circumstances where you may well want to keep the word â€Å"quite†, particularly when trying to justify something over-running. â€Å"Quite† is useful in suggesting both â€Å"almost there† and â€Å"soon†, and saying â€Å"The files aren’t quite ready yet †¦Ã¢â‚¬  implies it won’t be much longer, whereas â€Å"The files aren’t ready yet† can sound like stone-walling. Perhaps Like many of the words above, â€Å"perhaps† makes your writing sound uncertain. It can obscure meaning, or weaken an otherwise powerful statement, and often causes confusion. â€Å"Perhaps we could meet at twelve for lunch.† â€Å"And then perhaps you’d like to †¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Perhaps if I †¦Ã¢â‚¬  The main problem in all these cases is that the word â€Å"perhaps† means your intention is unclear. If you email someone suggesting â€Å"Perhaps we could meet at twelve for lunch†, are you proposing a lunch meeting, or just idly wondering whether it’s possible? The â€Å"perhaps† also makes it unclear what part of the suggestion is in doubt; do you think twelve might not be the best time, or do you suspect the other person won’t want to get lunch? That This is another word which creeps into my writing where it’s not needed. It’s fine when necessary, but can often be cut without any loss of meaning – usually when it’s preceded by a noun. â€Å"This is the house that Jack built.† â€Å"Can you remember the time that we asked people to arrive?† â€Å"I liked the design that you came up with.† Make sure you don’t cut valid instances of the word, usually where â€Å"that† comes before the noun. â€Å"I need that document by five† makes sense, â€Å"I need document by five† is only safe in a very informal context and if you’re sure the other person knows which document you mean. Putting it all together If you email someone with â€Å"I really just wondered if perhaps you could send those documents that I mentioned quite soon.† you come across as diffident, uncertain and sound like you’re babbling. It’s also unclear whether you do need those documents straight away, or whether you’re simply enquiring whether they could be sent soon. But if you delete the five unnecessary words, you’ll get â€Å"I really just wondered if perhaps you could send those documents that I mentioned quite soon.† â€Å"I wondered if you could send those documents I mentioned soon.† This sentence is much clearer, more concise, and likely to elicit a quick response. So when you’ve written an email, article, report or even a piece of fiction, check through for the words just, really, quite, perhaps and that – and see if you can improve the piece by cutting them out. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Writing Basics category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:12 Greek Words You Should KnowDeck the HallsWhen to use "an"

Nursing Research Utilization Project Proposal Essay

Nursing Research Utilization Project Proposal - Essay Example 5). ESRD and ESRF is diagnosed when the patient loses 85% to 90% of kidney function, which necessitates dialysis, because kidneys can no longer remove toxins from the blood. Dialysis circulates blood on one side of a semipermeable membrane, while the other side circulates dialysis fluid. (Answers.com). Patients on dialysis have to spend four hours, three times a week, which makes dialysis treatment very demanding for the patient (Sonnier, 2000, p. 5). ... Information reinforcement techniques worked in the Barnett (2007) study - after 26 weeks, this group reduced their average IDWG from 2.64 kg to 2.21 kg, and the rate of fluid adherence increased from 47% to 71.5% (Barnett et al. pp. 304-305). Cognitive behavioral therapy has proven effective in the research – for instance, a study conducted by Christensen et al. (2002). In this study the intervention group received a protocol of 9 steps. In this protocol, the patients were taught about self-monitoring, setting goals, coping, reinforcement, and evaluation (Christensen et al., 2002, p. 393).   Their study proved to be effective after 8 weeks – the control group gained around 3.3 pounds, while the intervention group lost around 3 pounds (Christensen, et al., 2002, p. 396).  Ã‚   Behavioural modification is another model that has been studied with regards to dialysis patients and compliance with protocols and regimens. For instance, a study by Hegel et al. (1992) found that the reinforcement produced the greatest drop in IDWG, and that this drop in IDWG was persistent over time – the IDWG continued to be lowered two months after the intervention, even though, during this period of time, the patients only received information about graphing and monitoring (Hegel et al., 1992, p. 326). It is feasible to implement into a work setting, as there is not a need for special equipment. There is a need for special training, but the methods are easy to learn and implement. Because of this, it would be consistent with community culture and resources, because it would not be overly taxing for resources. Introduction When patients have certain diseases, such as hypertension or diabetes, they

Love and Desire -A Sober Approach to Gender Equity Essay

Love and Desire -A Sober Approach to Gender Equity - Essay Example It was more of an attempt to subject men to women. Sommers recognized this and rose against it as subjection was not the aim but assimilation and equitable distribution of resources and opportunities across all sexes. There is perhaps no single statement that captures her ideas in entirety as the provided argument. This study seeks to explicate the meaning of her argument and the means she uses to present this argument. At the same time, the study also attempts to offer a personal view on the accuracy, and persuasiveness of the reasons she offers in support of her conclusions. Additionally, the study also traces the quality and accuracy of her argument when representing the views of an average woman and while discrediting the views of radical feminists. Lastly, we weigh her view against a probable response or view by staunch radical feminists such as Marilyn Friedman.This is one that starts with discrediting the views of radical feminists who consider feminism as a representation of two extremes, sexism and assimilation. In understanding these terms, sexism is discrimination based on sex largely defined by long-held stereotypes and traditions. On the other hand, assimilation refers to absorption of the minority by the majority to create a harmonious unit. In this regard, we can understand radical feminism as a fight to absorb the female gender into mainstream masculine activities as a means of fighting existent stereotypes on female inferiority. Sommers views this extreme as misguided as a woman can be free of these stereotypical and oppressive situations and still retain her feminine nature, simply, she does not have to fight to be a ‘man’. In trying to underline this argument, that a woman can enjoy her feminine nature without taking on the roles and mind frames of men, she cites what would satisfy an average woman. She notes that, an average woman is one who would derive utmost satisfaction from bearing children, having ample time to care for th ese children, having fair opportunities and being treated equally with their male counterparts. In summary, she notes that irrespective of the simplicity of these demands, it is still difficult for women to achieve them. It is at this point that she acknowledges that indeed a struggle must ensue for the average woman to achieve these goals. However, she is categorical that such dreams and aspirations cannot be achieved if they are sought through radical means. According to Sommers, a radical approach only underlines furtherance of false consciousness, one that is far from the actual concerns and priorities of a majority of women. This is understandable as a radical means represents a reactive force and not a reasonable force. In essence, a fight for fair inclusion of women is not a fight that can solely be won by women but one that also requires the input and participation of men. Having this in mind, it is quite apparent that men would be open to a reasonable means as opposed to a radical means. It is quite clear that Sommers’s argument is guided by this sobering reality.  Ã‚  

Quality management Essay Example for Free

Quality management Essay Dialogue 2: Identify two (2) thought leaders relative to quality management. Research each to determine their core ideas and contributions. Synthesize your thoughts about each into a one paragraph (per leader) that contains important and meaningful statements about each thought leader, their contributions, and the relevance of the contribution today regarding the work of project managers. Joseph M. Juran Dr. Juran devoted 70 years to his books, thoughts, and life work revolutionizing the philosophy of total quality management. His developed quality management ideas work around the quality trilogy of Quality Planning, Quality Improvement, and Quality Control. Through the Juran Institute, Dr. Juran has maintained the capability to continually broaden the experiential learning of economist, scientist, and engineers around his work. Dr. Juran’s teachings and guidance focus efforts on the customer and their needs, optimizes the product for those individuals, optimizes the processes involved, and ensures that the process will actually produce the product. Dr. Juran understood that the human component (the customer, the manager, the scientist, the engineer) was an integral piece of the quality process. His lessons contributed to the rise of the Japanese economy after his hands on workings with the Union of Japanese Scientist and Engineers. The push of information today has allowed these theories to flourish. Customer satisfaction is an ever pressing position for large and small businesses. Today’s managers would be hard pressed to understand the human factor, if individuals like Dr. Juran did not lay the ground work to focus effo rts on the human factors. Genichi Taguchi Taguchi was a Japanese Textile Engineer that understood the processes and influences of small and large businesses. He realized there were variables within management’s control and others that we not. His major contributions/theories were the following: The Loss Function- an equation to quantify the decline of a customer’s perceived value of a product, as the quality declines; Orthogonal Arrays and Linear Graphs- tools to identify and isolate the items concerned when dealing with effective costs and time; Robustness- the identified course of developing products and processes that perform uniformly regardless of the uncontrollable forces.

The Importance of Spontaneity in Times Square :: Free Essays Online

The Importance of Spontaneity in Times Square 1. The typical large, industrial city can only be described as constantly alive. Crowded streets, sidewalks, restaurants, shops, and apartments all contribute to this aspect of major cities of the world; the bustling and vibrating streets are only indicative of the people who continue to flock to cities for opportunity in participating in the success that has obviously implemented their growth. While city dwellers are attracted to the prospect of fortune and accomplishment, what they might not realize is that their interactions with one another actually create the lively atmosphere. In reference to this idea, one can examine the characteristics of Times Square in New York City. While some areas of the city are actually like small communities, such as apartment buildings and other living spaces which are clustered together, Times Square is more of a commercial space, therefore, a constant motion exists amongst the consumers and commuters that frequent the area. In spaces su ch as these, there is no structure of community because there are so many strangers pushed into a space and individuals usually do not create any sort of relationship with those that they encounter on a given day. However, is this constant bustle not responsible for so many people from around the world being attracted to Times Square? Because Times Square lacks the structure of community that one may find in rural areas or in the noncommercial areas of New York City, a certain spontaneity results that gives the space its own distinct personality and existence. 2. In her essay â€Å"Cities for Sale: Merchandising History at South Street Seaport†, M. Christine Boyer argues that the atmosphere of certain areas in New York City, such as Times Square, has become fake. Boyer compares these spaces to Disneyland in her essay because she firmly believes that many areas in the cities of today have been reconstructed to create a sense of fantasy and security: â€Å"At Disneyland, the American way of life is displayed as a universal sign of progress† (Boyer 200). People are attracted to this type of environment because it creates a dreamland where they can escape reality, and they exist in this dreamland through buying the products that the space has to offer. The Importance of Spontaneity in Times Square :: Free Essays Online The Importance of Spontaneity in Times Square 1. The typical large, industrial city can only be described as constantly alive. Crowded streets, sidewalks, restaurants, shops, and apartments all contribute to this aspect of major cities of the world; the bustling and vibrating streets are only indicative of the people who continue to flock to cities for opportunity in participating in the success that has obviously implemented their growth. While city dwellers are attracted to the prospect of fortune and accomplishment, what they might not realize is that their interactions with one another actually create the lively atmosphere. In reference to this idea, one can examine the characteristics of Times Square in New York City. While some areas of the city are actually like small communities, such as apartment buildings and other living spaces which are clustered together, Times Square is more of a commercial space, therefore, a constant motion exists amongst the consumers and commuters that frequent the area. In spaces su ch as these, there is no structure of community because there are so many strangers pushed into a space and individuals usually do not create any sort of relationship with those that they encounter on a given day. However, is this constant bustle not responsible for so many people from around the world being attracted to Times Square? Because Times Square lacks the structure of community that one may find in rural areas or in the noncommercial areas of New York City, a certain spontaneity results that gives the space its own distinct personality and existence. 2. In her essay â€Å"Cities for Sale: Merchandising History at South Street Seaport†, M. Christine Boyer argues that the atmosphere of certain areas in New York City, such as Times Square, has become fake. Boyer compares these spaces to Disneyland in her essay because she firmly believes that many areas in the cities of today have been reconstructed to create a sense of fantasy and security: â€Å"At Disneyland, the American way of life is displayed as a universal sign of progress† (Boyer 200). People are attracted to this type of environment because it creates a dreamland where they can escape reality, and they exist in this dreamland through buying the products that the space has to offer.

A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream

â€Å"A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream†, Opus:   Op. 61: Wedding March as composed by Felix Mendelssohn. Kind of music as referred or viewed with a referential listener that shows the dramatic end of the twist-love stories of the four major actors.Which, after a long tirey, challenging day of winning each real true love: to the extent of Helena’s following Demetrius just to win his love; and, Lysander escaped Hermia from her father’s eye, live happily ever after to a far place away from theirs’. To the point when Fairies took charged and ‘kind of’ messed up the story at first, but later on had perfectly turned it up with a happy ending.The story was so inspiring as well as to music (march wedding) being composed and used as soundtrack for this movie, in the sense that the referential listener felt each character being portrayed. And â€Å"despite to all odds, there’s still a rainbow after the rain† intention and desired of the musicologist to deliver to his listeners was successful. I, for an instance, was entertained and got associated by his music because I felt the connection, excitement and fulfillment the main personas including others have achieved.They were able to fight for their right to love. The song was played during the marches of the brides through the aisles as they were being waited by their grooms near the altar (although, this was not really seen in the movie but we all can visualize what was happening every time we hear songs like this). It gave courage, hope, and undying love to be bounded forever.The song is arranged for Organ, and is meant to be played for very especial occasions like wedding ceremonies. The kind of instruments also enhances great impact to the composition because it made the song more meaningful, inspiring, solemn, touching and unbreakable.Music is an art, and instruments add up its harmony, expressions, to dwell in people’s heart. Right instruments to be us ed into a certain piece make them (the songs) to be more especial and valued by the listeners who analyze and accept the work of every musician. Composer Mendelssohn had made a fine, perfect and soul-breaking to the lovers who want to make a bind for the rest of their lives become true.

Electronic Medical Records vs. Paper Charting

Electronic Medical records vs. Paper Medical Charts By: Diedre Fitzgerald Rasmussen College Summer 2012 English Composition; Professor Pauley Electronic Medical records vs. Paper Medical Charts It is no secret that the medical profession deals with some of population’s most valuable records; their health information. Not so long ago there was only one method of keeping medical records and this was utilizing paper charts. These charts, although still used in many practices today, have slowly been replaced by a more advanced method; electronic medical records or EMR’s. The manner in which information is currently employed in healthcare is highly inefficient, which slows down communication and can, as a result, reduce the emergence and discovery of problems. Accelerating communication and the use of information creates new opportunities to improve healthcare, but also new opportunities for problems to occur† (Ethan, Norman, Prashila, Samuel, 2011, p. 3-4). Although t hey are very reliable, paper medical records are becoming a thing of the past while electronic medical records are among one of the new advancements in our technologically savvy world.Both paper charts and EMR’s ultimately give clinicians and patients the same result but the journey is far from similar; A paper free work environment was once something to only imagine but in our present day is this new age technology exactly what we imagined? Paper medical records are something that most anyone who has been in the medical field for more than a few years are familiar with. This method of patient charting is very cut and dry and keeps true to its form of being a reliable source of information on a patient.According to the Law and Contemporary Problems Journal, the main function of paper medical records is to serve as a container or storage device that is occasionally opened to add new information while at the same time, preserving an authoritative method of treatment (Ethan, Nor man, Prashila, Samuel, 2011). Another essential need when dealing with any kind of medical record is security. While paper charts only consist of ink and paper they provide a sufficient amount of security because they are hard copies of raw data that cannot be hacked into and/ or ccidentally viewed by the wrong eyes unless someone physically has the chart in their hands. On the other side of the spectrum is a relatively new concept; electronic medical records or EMR’s are booming in many areas of the medical field. EMR’s do much more than just keep records. Electronic health records (as they are sometimes referred to) or â€Å"EHR’s, have a wide range of information and communications technology (ICT) capabilities. EHRs do not simply provide the user with a larger and more convenient record; they provide a record that is continuously linked to other sources† (Ethan, Norman, Prashila, Samuel, 2011, p. 8). There are endless possibilities when it comes to EM R’s. According to many health care professionals, one feature about everything going electronic is the fact that any chart can be accessed at any time by anyone who is allowed access to it, therefore, eliminating the need to wait around on charts to be used by doctors, nurses, therapists etc. â€Å"EMR’s make my life so much easier, I do not have to wait for a doctor to finish dictating in the patients chart to start what I need to do with the insurance portion† (Olivia Widner Pre services coordinator, US Oncology, 2012).In the March issue of Massage Magazine, author Brandi Schlossberg (2012) discusses the enthusiasm about going â€Å"paperless† within different massage practices. â€Å"Going paperless is the best paper decision you can make, and it's something all of us can do to make a difference,† said Timonie Hood (2010), zero waste coordinator with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the Pacific Southwest. â€Å"Going paperless elimi nates all the environmental costs and impacts associated with paper† (Schlossberg, 2012, p. 46).Not only are EMR’s the â€Å"green† option between the two but they also take up less space, require less staff to process paperwork, can be backed up on a hard drive to ensure an extra blanket of security and keep the files safe with protection. Just as with paper medical charts, security of the information is an issue to a lot of people and in its own way EMR’s take precaution in keeping people out of the charts that should not be there. Almost all EMR programs are equipped with password protection. Although EMR’s may be taking over the medical world, paper medical charts emain the most well recognized form for keeping medical records. There are however some things within paper charts that some medical personnel might argue make it a primitive aspect of the medical field. One argument in itself is that the abundance of paper that is utilized in paper ch arting doesn’t stand up to the â€Å"green† society we aspire to live in today. â€Å"Paper charting used to take so long, the papers would always get unorganized, they took up so much room in the nurses’ station and the worst was waiting for a doctor to finish with a chart so I could chart what I needed to† (Brittney Guggino LPN, 2012).Another acknowledged concern with paper medical charts is the illegible handwriting of clinicians, which is a common, longstanding problem. Being unable to read orders clearly creates an added risk when dealing with patients treatments, medications etc. Paper charts may be familiar but they come with many downfalls and it’s these downfalls which may sway a person’s decision in the opposite direction in regards to the keeping of medical records.Just as with any new advancement in our hi-tech world, EMR’s have some kinks that need to be worked out and in a lot of cases just dealt with. The cost of implem enting and maintaining an EMR system is significantly larger than that of a paper charting system. â€Å"The CBO recently conducted a study and reported that, on average, EHR implementation costs for hospitals amount to approximately $14,500 per bed for implementation. Annual operating costs amount to $2,700 per bed per year† (Dell, 2010).Some of the medical professionals that have been in the profession for a while may find it difficult to adjust to this completely new way of charting. The same populations of people who have trouble navigating a computer fall short of the typical learning curve when it comes to learning this new method of charting. According to the Health Information Management Journal â€Å"Going paperless is great, but going fully automated paperless is impressive† (Boo, Noh, Kim, Kim, 2011, p. 12). While this may be true, consider how this will affect the job market.There are thousands of people who are clerks, receptionists and medical assistants whose jobs are primarily filing, copying, assembling charts etc. Due to companies moving toward EMR systems, a lot of people are losing their jobs because there is no need for them because the computer is taking over their job, not to mention taking away the personable feel that is found in most offices and or hospitals. â€Å"I used to work at Tampa General Hospital as a clerk on one of the units but because we recently switched to a computer charting system I quit my job due to lack of hours.The only thing I stayed for in the end was scanning paper charts into the new electronic versions† (Justin Mukhalian, telemetry tech, 2012). Either way we view the evolution of medical charts we all know eventually paper products will dissipate so much to the point where they are hardly used in any aspect of our lives; this is just the nature of the beast. Electronic medical records were once a thing of the future, but the future is now and paper medical charts are becoming a practice o f the past.Both methods focus on providing the patient with quality healthcare while providing useful information for other clinicians reviewing patients’ charts to provide that same quality of care. With anything in life, you take the good with the bad and in regards to medical records it is ultimately about what is best for the practice, the patient and clinician. Paper charts are simple, familiar, and almost foolproof but EMR’s are modern, organized, and environmentally friendly.More than 20 years ago, businesses began anticipating a paperless workplace. Today, professionals continue to integrate the latest electronic systems into their business plans hoping to achieve a ‘paper-free’ environment. Is this the right move for our society? Only time will tell. References Cote, C. (2010, October). Going â€Å"paperless† or â€Å"fully automated paperless†? American Chiropractor, 32(10), 22-23. Retrieved from http://web. ebscohost. com. ezproxy. rasmussen. edu/? ehost/? detail? id=4;hid=104;sid=2b51330e-5843-4272-ba93-36c23c748071%40sessionmgr114;bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=awh;AN=54575534 Dell inc. (2010). Electronic health record implementation: Costs and benefits. Retrieved from http://www. perotsystems. com/? MediaRoom/? library/? ServiceOverviews/? ServiceOverview_CostsAndBenefits. pdf Ethan, K. , Norman, S. , Prashila, D. , ; Samuel, S. (2011). Is there an app for that? Electronic health records and a new environment of conflict prevention and resolution. Law and Contemporary Problems, 74(3), 31-56. Retrieved from

Clearwaters Company Objectives and Issues

Clearwaters Company Objectives and Issues Marketing has evolved with the evolving technologies in the world. The emerging technologies have completely changed the marketing processes in the current world. Freeman (2010) observes that for a long time, marketing was considered an operational activity and it was a unit under the production department. This was the time when most firms employed the production strategy. There was a general belief that once a product is availed in the market, consumers would have no otherwise but to buy it. Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Clearwaters Company Objectives and Issues specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This notion was held for a long time. Because there was minimal competition in the market, these firms managed to operate with this policy for long. However, the emerging technologies have created a global village where an individual could move from one end of the earth to the other within a very short time. Impr oved means of communication is another aspect that has changed marketing practices. The invention of telephones was a major milestone in making the world a global village. A person in New York would easily communicate with another in Riyadh or Melbourne in real time. As communication was enhanced, people became more knowledgeable and therefore more demanding. Current Marketing Situation It is always very important that before introducing a product to the market, care be taken to ensure that there is a deep understanding of the market situation. Market situation refers to the forces that dictate the condition of the market. They are the forces that would determine if a given product would be acceptable in the market. Of concern would be the acceptability of the product in the market, the size of the market and its sustainability. In order to elaborate on these factors, a number of analyses would be used in this research. In this case, we would discuss the introduction of a new bran d of water, hereinafter referred to as Clearwaters. Market Description Bottled water is one of the new products in the Saudi markets. This product was considered a free product and many people relied on tap water as the preferred clean water for drinking. However, this changed with time. Bottled water has come out strongly as one of the beverages that are considered important goods. Because of the ease to carry it and the fact that it is believed to have nutrients, there has been a consistent increase in the size of the market for this product. The bottled water market has consistently been eating up the market share of other carbonated drinks such as the cola products. Health experts have been raising concerns over the ingredients of the cola products and the possible effect they might have on consumers. As such, those individuals who are health conscious have considered taking bottled water instead of the carbonated drinks.Advertising Looking for research paper on busines s economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This market is relatively young, especially in the Saudi market. However, it has experienced a massive growth over the past few years. Some of the market leaders in the beverage market such as the Coca Cola Company have come up with their own brand of water to help cushion them against the effect of the mass movement of customers from carbonated drinks to bottled water. This brand is relatively strong in the market and its growth has been consistent. Other firms, some of which are locally owned, have come up with their own brands of water as well. They are keen to take their own share of the market. Clearwaters, being a new product in this market, would find an established market with a strong competition that must be countered if the product were to survive a possible elimination. Product Review Clearwaters is new in this industry. It is made of pure drinking water, just like o ther bottled water brands in this industry. This product is meant for human consumption and is sold in bottles of varying sizes, ranging from 300 milliliters to twenty liters. Five, ten and twenty liter-bottles are meant for home use while the three milliliter to one liter bottles target individuals who need water while on a journey or while on such practices as gym and roadwork. The product is new but in a considerably old market. Its brand is barely known and the marketers of this product have a huge responsibility of ensuring that this product penetrates the market. Although the products target the public, five, ten and twenty liters are targeted at middle-class families, who want clean bottled water for home use. The three hundred milliliters, five hundred milliliters, and one-liter bottles have youths as their targets. Competitive Review The market competition is undoubtedly immense. As stated above, there are giant international firms that have established their position in t he market. These firms, as Majer (2011) notes, have strong brands that have gained acceptance in the local market. The biggest challenge is the fact that these firms have developed pools of loyal customers who may not easily be withdrawn by such new brands as Clearwaters. There is a free market entry to firms trading in this product and this would mean that Clearwaters should be ready for new competition from other foreign firms that may want to enter the market. Although the competitors in this particular market have not considered using pricing as a strategy of competition, there are signs indicating that this is a possibility, especially if large firms in this industry consider small industry players as a threat. Thos would mean that elimination of small firms is the only option for survival. Clearwaters must therefore develop clear marketing strategies that would make it unique in the market.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Clearwaters Compan y Objectives and Issues specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Channels and Logistics Review Channels of distribution are some of the most important factors that the management team must consider. Given that this is a new firm and that the market is highly competitive, logistics are some of the factors that can help this firm to be seen as unique in this market. Clearwaters’ products would be delivered to various retail outlets in Riyadh city by use of two tracks. The management would ensure that this product is ever available in all the major stores within this city. The channel would simply be from the manufacturer to the retailers who would finally sell the products to the customers. SWOT Analysis The strength of this project depends on various factors. One of the major strengths of this project is its brand name (Charantimath. (2006). As Stated above, the brand, Clearwaters, is relatively new in the market. However, the name is expecte d to attract the Muslim faithful, who make the majority of the market share. This project also has considerable financial strength. As such, this project is in a position to implement its strategies, including those of research and extension. The project is also expected to operate in various cities outside Riyadh. As such, it would be able to balance its production. When one section of its market would be experiencing economic growth, the other section would be facing recession. Despite the above strengths, the project it has some weaknesses, a fact that might see some of its competitors such as Dasani eat up a section of its market share. Freeman (2010) says that one of the weaknesses that many environmentalists have repeatedly talked about regarding all the firms selling water in plastic bottles, is environmental degradation. The plastic bottles that this firm uses in packing its drinks are causing havoc to the environment. It is apparent that this firm is yet to develop a solut ion to this problem because according to the program, it is yet to replace the plastic bottles with better alternatives. Within the area of operation, some opportunities that can make the firm experience massive growth in its market share exist. Dasani has exploited a vacuum that existed in many countries in the world, especially in the developing countries. Majer (2011) says that there was no competition for this firm in the overseas markets and this company was able to make the most out of its sales. However, with the introduction of new brands such as Clearwaters, Dasani would be under threat. Clearwaters would find it easy to change with the changing technologies because of its small size than would Dasani. Technological advancements will also enable the firm to conduct trade much easily due to improved means of communication and transport means. The economic boom that Saudi Arabia experienced following the improved oil prices in the world market is another opportunity that can help this firm to expand its market.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The threats that this product has had to deal with include competition. The market has gotten increasingly competitive. Freeman (2010) notes that many firms like Coca Cola have come up with products, which are close substitutes of the product. They have taken large market share in the country. Security concerns in some parts of the city are another threat that this firm has had to deal with. When there is an internal strife, like the one experienced in Egypt and Libya in the recent past, this firm would lose millions of dollars due to the destruction of its assert. During such periods, the firm would also lose the profits they get from the region, while yet they will have to pay the employees. This would hurt the firm financially. Objectives and issues This is a new product. The issue here is to ensure that this product is successfully introduced into the existing market, and that it gets acceptance from the customers in this region. The objective of this move is to ensure that the firm manages to capture substantial market share that would make it sustainable in an increasingly competitive market. Clearwaters should come out as a strong brand in the bottled water industry. The brand should not only attract positive sales in the market, but also a strong base of loyal customers who would help in ensuring that this firm is sustainable. Positioning Product positioning is always very important. In various occasions, firms would try to position their products in the market as the best. In this case, Clearwaters would be positioned as ‘the end of thirst’. In this context, thirsty customers should consider going for Clearwaters, because in its presence, thirst would end. With proposition is expected to attract travelers who pass by the retail outlets to look for beverages that would help quench their thirst. Product Strategy This product is perfectly similar to other products sold by other market competitors. However much the advertisement may be devi sed to make it appear different, the fact remains that the product is similar to those of other competitors. Therefore, a strategy that would help make it unique must exist. In this regard, the packaging of this product would be made a little unique from others in the market. The packages of this product targeting the youths would have graphics that would be attractive to them. The aim of this is to ensure the product speaks out to the customers the moment customers’ glance at them. Pricing Strategy Pricing is one of the most challenging tasks when introducing a new product in the market. When the price is set higher than the average market, customers would most likely ignore the product and go for their traditional products. When the product is priced lower than the market price, customers may dismiss it as a product of poor quality and therefore it may be ignored. Therefore, most firms would prefer setting the price of the product to be at par with the market price of other products. The rationale is that in the process of choosing for the best brand, given that the prices are the same, customers may consider taking the new brand to test its viability. This firm would employ this strategy. It would avoid setting the price below the market average for this may provoke price wars (Freeman, 2010). Because it is a new firm, it may not be in a position to withstand such a competition. Distribution Strategy This product is intended to be distributed in all the major stores in Riyadh. The product will have to capture this market before moving to other cities in this country. The choice of Riyadh was because it has the biggest market for this product and therefore more promising than other markets. Moreover, with the fact that there is huge competition in this city, a success in this market would mean that it would be easy to reach out to other markets. As stated above, the track would move this product to all the mail retail outlets in the country. The str ategy that would be used would be very simply: the product should never run out of stock in all the selected stores Marketing Communication Strategy Manufacturing and availing products to the market is not enough if there is a considerable level of competition in the market. There would be need to ensure that the market understands that the product is available and that it offers superior value. Clearwaters would therefore be advertised in the main channels of communication within the target market. The marketing department would have to use the mass media like the dailies, the radio and television stations to inform the market that this product is available. This department would also need to ensure that the youths who frequent the social media are also reached. This should be done using such social media as Facebook, Tweeter, and YouTube. The communication that goes to the public should be reviewed carefully. It would be important to ensure that there is no miscommunication, or irrelevant information reaching out to the public. This may damage the reputation of the firm and hinder its move to capture more customers in this market. Marketing Research According to Majer (2011), there has been a massive change in marketing over the recent past. Currently, businesses have been forced to take an inward-out approach to marketing. This would mean that a firm would start by understanding what the market expects of them. After developing this understanding, the firm would then need to ensure that it develops products that will meet the demands of the market. In order to ensure that this is possible, there would be need for research into the market. Market research is always very important because creates understanding of the market. Clearwaters will have to be developed as a strong brand in this market. In this regard, it would be important that the management conduct the research among the target market to get to understand their expectation of the bottled water that is sold in the retail outlets. The data from this research should be analyzed, and compounded with the secondary sources of information like the business journals, an informed decision should be made of the approach that this firm should take in bringing this new product to the market. This way, it will gain a competitive edge over the existing firms because it shall have implemented the recommendations from the research. Implementations Charantimath (2006) says that ideas will always remain ideas unless they are implemented. Good ideas can be turned into wonderful projects if the concerned parties make concerted effort to ensure that it is implemented. The plans for the introduction of this product will have to be implemented by all the concerned members of the project. After the idea has undergone all the stages until there is an inception of a product, a marketer would be expected to take over. In this case, the first step would be market testing. A sample of the product w ould be taken to the market to determine its viability. If the product is confirmed to be viable in the market, the production department would then be instructed to produce the product in mass and then there will be commercialization of the product. In this case, Clearwaters will be taken to various retail outlets in the city. The marketing department will also develop an awareness campaign of the product within this particular city. Most importantly during the implementation process, the team would ensure that all the planned activities are carried out as per the plan with no deviations. The allocation of funds would be based on various factors, such as the importance of the project, its profitability and impact it would have on the firm. Budget The budget for this project would be based on the area of coverage. For a start, this project is expected to cover Riyadh city. However, it would be rolled out to other cities later if it proves successful in this region. The budget for t his project would be categorized into various sections, which include research, manufacturing, logistics, advertising, and others. Based on the percentage, the above categories should be allocated funds as follows. Research- 8% Manufacturing-60% Logistics- 11% Advertising- 12% Others- 9 The above budgetary allocations may be altered as per the need of the organization, but they should not be drastically shifted from the estimates provided. Control It is important that the management ensure that the program would flow smoothly as planned. The control of the entire process would be in the hands of the top management of the project. They have the responsibility to ensure that there is a proper budgetary allocation and that every task is done by the intended persons and within the scheduled time. The top management should be responsible for assigning each member of the team specific roles that would help in ensuring that the overall objective of the firm is achieved. Monitoring is al so part of control and must be undertaken by the management unit. References Charantimath. (2006).Total Quality Management. New Delhi: Pearson Education. Freeman, E. (2010). Ethical leadership practices. KCA Journal of Business Management, 2(1): 1-14. Freeman, E. (2010). Strategic Management: A Stakeholder Approach. New York: Cambridge University Press. Majer, C. (2011). The silent killers of productivity and profit. T+D, 65(2), 62

American Black Bear Facts

American Black Bear Facts The American black bear (Ursus americanus) is a large omnivore that inhabits the forests, swamps, and tundra throughout the more northerly reaches of North America. In some areas such as the Pacific Northwest, it commonly lives at the edges of towns and suburbs where it has been known to break into storage buildings or cars in search of food. Fast Facts: American Black Bear Scientific Name: Ursus americanusCommon Name: American black bearBasic Animal Group: MammalSize: 4.25–6.25 feet longWeight: 120–660 poundsLifespan: 10–30 yearsDiet: OmnivoreHabitat: Forested areas in Alaska, Canada, the United States, MexicoPopulation: 600,000Conservation Status:  Least Concern Description Black bears vary considerably in color throughout their range. In the east, bears are usually black with a brown snout. But in the west, their color is more variable and can be black, brown, cinnamon, or even a light buff color. Along the coast of British Columbia and Alaska, there are two color morphs of black bears that are distinct enough to earn them nicknames: the whitish Kermode bear or spirit bear and the blue-gray glacier bear. Although some black bears may be colored like brown bears, the two species can be distinguished by the fact that the smaller black bears lack the dorsal hump characteristic of the larger brown bears. Black bears also have larger ears that stand more erect than brown bears. Black bears have powerful limbs and are equipped with short claws that enable them to break apart logs, climb trees, and collect grubs and worms. They also claw apart beehives and feed on the honey and bee larvae they contain. Habitat and Range The American black bear lives in forested areas throughout North America, from Canada to Mexico and in at least 40 states in the U.S. They used to live in almost all forested areas of North American, but now they are restricted to areas that are less densely populated by  humans. In Canada, the American black bear still lives in most of its historic range, other than the central plains. These bears also once inhabited the mountainous regions of northern Mexico, but their numbers have dwindled in this region. Black bears are one of three bear species that live in North America; the other two are the brown bear and the polar bear. Of these bear species, black bears are the smallest and most timid. When encountered by humans, black bears often flee rather than attack. Diet Black bears are omnivores. Their diet includes grasses, berries, nuts, fruit, seeds, insects, small vertebrates, and carrion. In northern regions, they eat spawning salmon. American black bears will also occasionally kill young deer or moose calves. In the colder parts of their range, black bears seek refuge in their den for the winter where they enter a winter sleep. Their dormancy is not true hibernation, but during their winter sleep, they refrain from eating, drinking, or excreting waste for as long as seven months. During this time, their metabolism slows and heart rate falls. Reproduction and Offspring Black bears reproduce sexually. They reach reproductive maturity at 3 years of age. Their breeding season occurs in spring but the embryo does not implant in the mothers womb until late fall. Two or three cubs are born in January or February. The cubs are very small and spend the next several months nursing in the safety of the den. Cubs emerge from the den with their mother in spring. They remain under the care of their mother until they are about 1 ½ years old at which time they disperse to seek out their own territory. Conservation Status The IUCN classifies the American Black Bears conservation status as least concern.  And, the black bear is the most common bear in North America. However, all large mammals who eat meat- big cats, wolves, and bears- face threats stemming from the loss of prey and habitat. This includes black bears, though they are less affected because 95 percent of their diet is plant-based. American Black Bears and Humans American black bears across North America are also facing a decline in forest areas where they once lived due to the rapid expansion of urban areas. Indeed, most of the challenges black bears face in North America come from humans. American black bears are intelligent and learn quickly where they can find garbage left by people as well as where human food is easily accessible. This makes for the perfect conditions for human-bear conflict, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society. The problem is particularly pronounced in backcountry areas where humans hike and camp as well as populated forest areas, leading to dangerous conditions for black bears and humans alike. Sources â€Å"Black Bears.†Ã‚  WCS.org.â€Å"Basic Facts About Black Bears.†Ã‚  Defenders of Wildlife, 10 Jan. 2019.â€Å"Carnivore Collapse.†Ã‚  Defenders of Wildlife, 10 Jan. 2019.

The Pro & Cons of Affirmative Action Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Pro & Cons of Affirmative Action - Essay Example imizing diversity in the society, it is easier for organizations and firms to serve a wide range of customers and consumers to achieve instantaneous success, just like Startbucks etc. Similarly, it also helps the society to redress the disadvantage of discrimination by having a quota of diversified workforces in firms. This will move the society towards anti-discriminatory policies and will make sure that equal opportunities prevail in the society for all communities, races and gender. The disadvantages of affirmative actions are that it leads to quota system which is against the norms of efficiency and performance oriented selection. This will discourage people to work hard as they will know that quota system will take lead over their performance. Another disadvantage of quota system is that people will have to learn how to manage diversified workforce. This will involve managerial training and it will add up additional expenses for the firms who are struggling really hard to fight the ongoing

Should cigarette smoking be banned Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Should cigarette smoking be banned - Essay Example Even though cigarette smokers may derive satisfaction from the act, they expose themselves to a number of substances that are harmful to their health and they expose non-smokers to these substances. While it would be moral to justify their utility if the adverse effects were limited to their bodies, cigarette smoking causes harm to non-smokers and this calls for its restricted use, that can be better achieved through a legal ban. This is because regulating smoking in public places alone is not sufficient to protect non-smokers from components of tobacco that they can encounter from smokers’ breath. Substances that cigarettes contain are also harmful to smokers and the adverse effects cannot be compared to the temporary feeling that a person attain after smoking. The net effects of such components are adverse to justify a legal ban on cigarette smoking. One of the components of cigarette is tar that has long term staining effects on fingers, teeth, and respiratory tissues. It a lso sticks on respiratory linings to hinder exchange of gases, a factor that has adverse effects on other body processes. Cigarette smoke also contains carbon monoxide, a gas that is odorless and yet toxic. As a result, the gas can accumulate in an environment and threaten people’s life without being noticed and this is one of the ways in which cigarette smoking causes deaths. Cigarette also contains hydrogen cyanide, free radicals, and radioactive components that are harmful to the respiratory system and other body systems (Better Health Channel, 2013). Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also supports the need for illegalization of cigarette smoking. According to the federal agency, smoking is responsible for 20 percent of reported deaths in the United States. The data further explains that cigarette smoking causes more deaths than the combined effects of â€Å"Human

UK Foreign Holiday Market Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

UK Foreign Holiday Market - Essay Example In the past few years, this market has grown at a modest rate of over 4% annually, with the significant consumer-groups in the market being families, youth, and the over-50 age group. However, the effects of global recession on this market are now gradually becoming evident. The demand for foreign holidays fell by around 15% in January, 2009 alone as the credit crunch tightened its grip on the UK economy (Devine, D 2009). A lack of consumer confidence and rising fuel prices have also recently added in, further dampening the demand. In addition, the unpredictability of British weather due to global warming, and a failure on the part of UK holiday-resorts to match services in terms of price and quality with that of their foreign competitors (Research and Markets 2007) have lowered the demand for UK holidays by foreign tourists. The overall effect is that the demand-curve for the market has shifted leftwards. Other factors like the threat of terrorism, war, and natural disasters in current years have also contributed to the left-shift of the curve, thereby resulting in lesser quantity being demanded at a lesser price in the market. However, the economic gloom does have a bright side for this market. The airline industry has been badly hit by the crunch due to which almost all air-fares have been dramatically reduced. Consequently, consumers are able to book cheap flights to almost anywhere in the world, and the overall package cost of foreign holidays has decreased. There has been an increase in demand for trips to Spain and Mediterranean shores - which surveys have pointed out as favourite holiday destinations - by the British (Holiday Watchdog 2008). This reduction in total price of the product has resulted in a downward movement of the market equilibrium point along the demand-curve. Moreover, cheaper flights also mean that UK has become more available internationally to foreign tourists, since they can now afford air-travel for leisure purposes. The fierce competition between Airbus and Boeing has created an over-capacity of aircraft, and is expected to result in an explosion of discount carriers offering flights at affordable prices. Thus, there has been an increase in the quantity demanded. The ocean cruise market, which is a complement of the overseas holiday market, is expected to reach 1.5 million annual passengers by the year 2010 (Travel Weekly 2005). This high growth prediction means that its complements (like the foreign holiday market) will also consequently grow. Also, surveys by the Confederation of Public Transport have shown that a very high priority is attached by British to the annual holiday as an item of family expenditure due to changes in consumer attitude and lifestyle over modern times (Scottish Tourist Board, et al 2006). Thus, the economic downturn has not put off the British from taking foreign holidays. On the contrary, the current poor weather in the UK has helped the tourism industry by encouraging even more people to go abroad for the summer, particularly to places that "offer consistently good weather" (Property Wire 2008). Infact, psychologically speaking, the British are more eager than ever to go on a holiday in this potentially depressing situation since one way they believe "to escape the current economic gloom is to take a foreign holiday" (Property Wire 2008). Being now considered as an annual necessity rather than a luxury, the

BTVET in Uganda

BTVET in Uganda AN INVESTIGATIVE STUDY OF FACTORS AFFECTING ENROLMENT AND COMPLETION RATES IN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING (BTVET) IN UGANDA Introduction This study attempts to conduct an investigation of the factors affecting enrolment and completion rates within the Business, Technical Vocational Education and Training (BTVET) institutions in Uganda. The study covers a period of ten years (between 1999 to 2009), rationally decided upon as it was during this time when the government Implemented major reforms within the education system of the country, as a result of the Education Review Commission (1989). It will be noted that 1999 falls two years short of the actual time (1997) when the government implemented Universal Primary Education (UPE) free to four children of every Ugandan family in the country a step towards meeting Education for all (EFA) by the year 2012 as one of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) in the country. The study takes place more than ten years down the line since the inception of UPE and three years after Universal Secondary Education (USE) programmes. Whilst many primary schools are still struggling with the influx of pupils who would otherwise have had no chance of getting a formal elementary education if it were not for UPE and USE, this author seeks to investigate whether the implementation of these programmes has in any way made a difference to peoples attitudes towards education in general and vocational education in particular. The study seeks to investigate the trend of enrolment and completion in institutions of higher learning and in particular those in the Business, Technical, Vocational Education and Training (BTVET) sector during the time when Education For All (EFA) by the year 2012, has been on top of the agenda as one of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDG) for developing countries. The UPE programme took off amidst a barrage of problems including widespread public criticism resulting from the initially poor performance of typical UPE schools in the country. Among the problems that pledged this programme from the very start was the issue of congestion of the available classrooms. Because of the UPE programme many schools reported overwhelming enrolments leading to an influx of the hitherto non school going children. This became a cause for concern as a result of the overstretched existing facilities within schools. In spite of the inadequate conditions under which some of the schools operated, and whilst some schools were still lamenting the lack of space and inadequate facilities, it was about this time that the government made good its second promise regarding free education and introduced the Universal Secondary Education, (USE) free for all. The programme, which started in 2007, was introduced in a similar way to UPE ten years earlier. Similar in a sense tha t the programme was ill prepared for as it was started within the existing school infrastructure and with the same manpower. Three years down the line however, reports from the media and evidence from schools seem to suggest that the USE programme has produced increased rates of enrolment in secondary schools by the year since it was started. It is the assumption of this author that if these reforms in the education sector have so far been a success story they could have a similar impact on peoples attitudes regarding education in general and vocational education in particular, and it is from the results of this study that this fact will be fully established. It is on this basis among other factors that this author is to conduct a study of the rates at which students enroll and complete their courses paying particular attention to such factors as cause them to drop out and what to do about it. It is important to note at this point however that in as much as both primary and secondary education have been made universal there are still many children of school going age that are not in school, leaving us with questions demanding answers as to why this is so. There are many children seen hanging about on streets whilst others resort to early marriages and/or childhood labour. A lot of children who dont go to school are found in the villages which are the centre of activity for most families who live on subsistence farming. Causes for this can be numerous, however let it suffice to say at this point that this kind of situation is at the centre of this studys investigation. Whereas there is no legislation on school going age in the country universal education has so far not been made compulsory. This has not only given some parents the freedom but also has to a great extent contributed to keeping many children away from schools since there is no accountability to any local autho rity for not sending children to school. With so many children growing up in an environment where a good part of the population either disregard the importance of education or considers it to be beyond their reach, it is important to investigate whether this carries any significance in terms of influence to the students who opt to continue with education in institutions of higher learning. Whilst the tendency of dropping out of schools can be traced in all sectors of education in the country, it is important to investigate the rate at which it is happening. Since the government set up the Special Educational Policy Review Commission (1989), some of its results have been realized in the government white paper on education, in addition to UPE and USE. There is need therefore to investigate further the reforms on educational programmes brought about as a result of the action of this commission and how these impact on enrolment and completion rates. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY 1. To establish factors that influence students to join institutions of higher learning. 2. To investigate how the programmes on offer within the institutions of higher learning particularly in the BTVET sector meet employment needs of young people 3. The study will seek to establish the trend of performance in the BTVET institutions by comparing the number of students that initially enroll and the number that finish their two or three year courses, noting any disparities if any, over a period of ten years. 4. A cross section of school drop outs will be located and interviewed to establish reasons why they failed to complete their courses. 5. A cross section of students in the final year of their courses will also be interviewed to establish factors that motivate them to complete their courses. 6. To study and draw examples from developing countries as well as developed European countries for purposes of comparing and contrasting the BTVET situation on ground in Uganda. It is the view of this author that comparing and contrasting systems will provide a wider perspective about how BTVET courses are taught elsewhere in relationship to what is on the ground. 7. To conduct a review of the literature that explores education as practiced in the history of the African traditional society the context in which formal education can be appreciated and practiced for the benefit of communities (ref). 8. To conduct a brief study of the current reforms within the British system of education as an example of a system that is constantly transforming in an attempt to match needs of young people in a developed country. Political/Economic background to the Problem Uganda is a land-locked country, which lies across the equator in the heart of Africa, covering 241,139 square kilometers, 17% of which is water. Most of the country lies between 900-2000 meters above sea level, which makes it enjoy a generally mild tropical climate with temperatures ranging between 17 ºc and 28 ºc with the average rainfall of about 1500 mm p.a. The same altitudinal variations enable Uganda grow a wide range of subsistence and cash crops for the country. With a population, which is now estimated to be 24.4 Million, Uganda has an annual growth rate of 3.3% and a density of 124 persons per square kilometer. Females constitute about 51.2% of the population according to the 2002 National Population and Housing Census. A decade after Uganda attained independence in 1962 a period of political instability was experienced, (1970-1979) which led to serious economic and political decline. During this period skilled manpower including a large number of professionals fled the country seeking political and economic refuge. As a result of this most of the infrastructure for industries, education, transport and other service sectors were hardly repaired or maintained with many consequently falling into decline. The countrys growth in all sectors including that of the vocational education and training was adversely affected and the need for economic and social renewal both in terms of infrastructure as well as public attitudes towards education programmes was stronger than ever. Studies within the ministry of education and the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), indicate that this situation appears to have improved in the past twenty years during which time a lot of changes have been brought about by the pres ent regime. The present system of education in Uganda is patterned after the model of the British system of education inherited after the country attained her political independence in 1962(ref). This system of education was originally designed to produce graduates with a bias towards secretarial and administrative jobs(ibid). This is because the main purpose of education during the colonial days was to provide personnel for service to the colonial master (ref). The system had no inclination towards rural development although government policy emphasized transformation of the country side(ibid). The educational system continued to over-supply youngsters with purely academic type of education while shortages of specialised practical training persisted. As a result of this trend when the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development conducted a survey in 1997 it was revealed that there was an acute shortage of professionals and technicians in the manufacturing industry. The time elapsed since then calls for yet another study to help find out the present state of affairs regarding the job market in Uganda. Documentary evidence from the ministry of education and sports seems to suggest that enrolment in institutions of technical and higher education does not correspond to the countrys manpower needs. Moreover, earlier research within the ministry has shown that the enrolment mechanism used is one where each institution has an enrolment target set depending on the previous years enrolment as well as available resources and training capacity of the institution(ref). In setting targets, there is no evidence to suggest that the government gives priority to the countrys job market needs or to the needs of the young people in a particular geographical area. Most of the institutions whether government or private often attract students nationwide regardless of geographical boundaries, who apply for admission to the already established courses. Admission to these courses is on merit and certain courses are highly competitive. A comprehensive study of Ugandas National Manpower which was carried o ut in 1988 by the Ministry of Education and Sports revealed that countrywide, there were at that time 21 vocational schools, 77 technical schools and institutes and 37 business schools and institutes with a total annual output of about 5000. Of the total number of institutions, 5 vocational centres, 52 technical schools and institutes were government-aided. The survey also revealed that from 1983 to 1987 (inclusive), vocational schools graduated 3795; technical institutions graduated 6011 while commercial institutions graduated 11,831. The survey showed that the manufacturing sector alone employed 3.6 per cent of the administrative, managerial and professionals enumerated; 6.6 per cent of the technicians and associate professional personnel and 12.7 per cent of the skilled workers. It was projected that the number of 5000 artisans, technicians and craftsmen who were at the time produced by Ugandan institutions would hardly satisfy the demand by the economy especially during the peri od of rehabilitation and reconstruction programmes to be undertaken under the new regime. Despite the fact that vocational education and training institutions are supposed to produce graduates whose skills will be readily utilised in the job market, it has been observed that there are many graduates of the vocational sector that suffer from joblessness. As to whether this is a result of students taking the wrong courses, or whether it is the inadequacy of the infrastructure within the industrial economy making it unable to absorb all graduates, is a fact yet to be established. On the matter of joblessness however, Dewey (1998) asserts that education serves a far greater purpose, suggesting that it is a means by which members of the society preserve their own identity and values. Nevertheless, this problem of joblessness and economic backwardness resulting from systems of education which produce unemployable graduates remains a subject of investigation. Hence the necessity of this study to investigate and analyse all factors underlying the enrolment and completion rates wi thin the very institutions concerned with the supply of manpower for the industrial economy of the country. Study questions In some of the rural areas of Uganda, TVET has in the past been generally considered as a second-class education in both the perceptions and expectations of pupils and parents. Likewise low prestige is attached to technical training as it is often associated with failure to achieve higher academic aspirations. This suspicion of a second-class education supposedly leads some parents to opt for a general type of education that is likely to help improve quality of everyday life by providing access to white collar employment for their sons and daughters. It is one of the aims of this study to investigate whether the attitude of both parents and their children has had any effect on the enrolment and completion rates in TVET institutions. A review of the Uganda Education Policy Review Report (1989) reveals an observation made regarding Ugandas educational curriculum of the late 80s, as outdated and irrelevant to the needs of the economy. Among other things it was recommended that the curri culum be revised and updated for it to suit the countrys needs. With over two decades down the line since the establishment of this review commission there is a need to investigate whether this recommendation was ever put into effect, and to establish whether there is a difference between the present provision of educational programmes and those of twenty years ago. The study therefore seeks to find answers to the following questions: a) What are the factors affecting the rates of enrolments into VET programmes. b) What are the factors affecting completion rates in TVET institutions. c) What is the trend of enrolment in relationship to completion rates in the BTVET institutions over the past ten years? Focus of the Study From the Uganda Bureau of statistics (2002) we find that the rural population represents 70 percent of the worlds poor and 72 percent of the population of the least developed countries. Many African governments are doing their best to harness development through urbanisation and education of masses in a bid to uplift the populations standards of living. However, despite the urbanization, the situation of poverty and underdevelopment is likely to stay with us for the foreseeable future. The present campaign to ‘make poverty history in the developing countries might yield no results and poverty will continue to exist for as long as the worlds rural populations remain living in such conditions such as those that exist today. While African countries are likely to benefit from the global fight to try and assist in making poverty history, the real solution is not in ‘the provision of the fish, but in teaching the African young people ‘the fishing techniques (ref). In this respect, education which is the process by which people learn and acquire skills (ref) need to focus on imparting the right kind of skills, those which will promote a holistic type of education. Likewise, the governments policies and resources need to be redirected to providing a type of education that will produce the skills of a kind that the country needs for its social and economic development. Studies by the World Bank reveal that in Africa today vocational skills are particularly important at an early stage in the education of an individual because circumstances such as wars and pestilences have made many a young person become the sole provider for the family. For this reason among others, this study will focus on the young people and the factors that have in the past ten years influenced their enrolments, drop outs and those that motivated completion in various courses offered in the BTVET institutions. A review of the Literature on Ugandas current Education system According to the Uganda National Curriculum, formal education in Uganda takes seven years at the primary level, followed by four to six years for both ‘O and ‘A level. Students completing this level join the technical schools which take three years at the lower level and 2 years at the advanced level. As would be the case in many countries the choice to join a technical school at the lower primary school level is not a very popular one as to many it would reflect academic failure, and to some a poor economic background. Another considerable factor is the poor output for those joining at this level, as it gives poor yields both in skill and standards of living. Grubb, (1995) emphasizes this fact by asserting that the training programmes for the low educated and less skilled have in the past not been particularly successful in getting them jobs and higher incomes. There have been in the past great opportunities for ‘O level leavers to join the Primary Teachers College s (PTC), this is also reducing as the demand for standards in institutions becomes higher and higher in the country. Those who join ‘A level eventually join either university or an institute of higher learning such as a National Teachers College (NTC), and possibly a technical/vocational college or farm school. The Uganda Vocational Curriculum is represented in an overlapping three-tier system with level one, the craftsman level offered by technical schools as the lowest. This level is for the primary school leavers who for various reasons could not make it to secondary schools. Such students go to technical schools for three-year full time courses leading to the award of Uganda Junior Technical Certificate (UJTC) in courses such as Carpentry and Joinery, Block laying and Concrete Practice, Tailoring, and Agriculture. Level two is also known as the Technician level offered through technical colleges and Uganda Polytechnic normally admits ‘O level with high passes in Science and Mathematics and in certain cases ‘A level graduates not absorbed into university. These technical Institutes offer two-year full time courses in various vocational courses such as Carpentry and Joinery, Mechanics, Plumbing, etc. Due to rising academic standards however, many students who would benefit fro m these courses are kept out as a result of high pass grades in Mathematics, Physics and English at Olevel. Level three, the graduate engineer level is offered through Universities, Technical Colleges and the Uganda Polytechnics. These recruit ‘A level graduates who passed examinations in Physics and Mathematics. Courses are of a two-year duration leading to the award of ordinary diploma in Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering among others. Graduate level engineers are currently trained only at Makerere University. However, according to a report by Wirak, et al, (2003), the Uganda Polytechnic Kyambogo aspiring for university status, in 2001/2002 academic year through a merger with the Institute of Teacher Education Kyambogo (ITEK) sought to upgrade into a degree awarding institution known as Kyambogo University. In addition to Makerere University this institution might also be in position to offer similar degree programmes in engineering. Vocational training on the other hand, is offered through the Directorate of Industrial Training with various Centres and programmes within the country. The directorate is responsible for industrial training, apprenticeship training, trade testing and certification and skills up-grading. Ugandas Education Curriculum The National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) a body responsible for reviewing the needs and formulating the curriculum was set up in 1973, (Bennell Sayed, 2002). This body has revised the curriculum and attempts made to implement it, covering a range of subjects at primary and secondary school levels. In spite of all the efforts towards formulating a practically oriented curriculum however, it is worth noting that the curriculum is still academically rigorous and irrelevant to the economical and industrial needs of the country. Reasons for this could be attributed to the inherent biasness within the education system where general education programmes are treated with higher priority and given preference by both parents and students over vocational education programmes. Past experience has shown that many school leavers do not have the skills needed by the employers in spite of successful completion of their general education courses. It is also evident that the Uganda Curriculu m seems to promote the traditional trend of a high demand for an academic education which is the basis for white-collar employment notwithstanding the needs for the countrys growing mixed economy. According to Bennell Sayed, (2002) Uganda has been one of leading Sub-Sahara African countries to implement wide-ranging economic and social reforms to achieve sustainable growth. And it is for this reason that the country has in the recent past been mentioned as a success story for the African continent by several UNESCO and World Bank reports (UNESCO, 2001). Progress is particularly prominent in primary education due to the decision taken in 1996 to implement universal primary education free to four children in every family. This removed what had been an important economic impediment for families to enroll and maintain their children at school. According to a ministerial report (Bitamazire, 2005) by 2001, about 65 percent of the total education budget was devoted to primary education an d the gross enrolment ratio for this level increased from about 75 percent in 1995 to about 135 percent in 2002, (ibid). Late 2005, the prospect of Universal Secondary Education (USE) was announced, (Newvision, Nov. 2005). It was predicted that the scheme would benefit an estimated 300,000 pioneers to the programme. This number would comprise of pupils who sat for Primary Leaving Examinations in 2005 and those who completed Primary 7 under Universal Primary Education (UPE) in 2004 and 2003 but were unable to continue due to lack of funds for school fees, (ibid). The successful implementation of this programme would make Uganda the first country in Africa to introduce universal and free secondary education, (ibid). According to UNESCO, (2005) by the year 2004, only a fifth (20%) of the then Ugandas population of 25 million had a chance to enroll for secondary education, and the beneficiaries were mainly from the higher income groups and urban families. The new USE scheme would aim at enhancing access to secondary education, particularly for low-income groups and children from rural families. As one of the ways of advancing towards the millennium development goals, (MDG), Vocational Education and Training is of particular importance in todays globalized, information and knowledge-based economy. In order for any society to successfully integrate its young people and have them ‘benefit from the economy a well-educated workforce is inevitable (Bennell Sayed, 2002). In Ugandas predominantly rural economies where many primary school leavers do not have any chance of further formal education, a vocational training is most needed. With the introduction of USE the problem of unemployment will probably be exacerbated by an influx of unemployable and unskilled school leavers into the job market. By solving the problem of secondary school accessibility for many rural young people, the process of universal and free secondary education will be creating another one as the rural communities will be filled with frustrated school leavers who will not be able to cope with the rural lifestyles, and yet do not have the capacity to live the desirable urban lifestyles due to lack of employable skills. TVET and Industrial Training Industrial training is an integral part of all the courses in technical/vocational education, in each of the technical and vocational education and training institutions, including university. In Uganda students would spend a minimum of three months each year on job placement, while doing the practical training. During this time they are supervised by the industry and would normally be visited by their lecturers to assess and discuss their training and progress in their programs. Other forms of training involve field trips, regional workshops, study tours and seminars organized by the various training institutions. It is usually through such workshops and seminars that vocational students are made aware of and given the chance to discuss the experiences and opportunities provided by the world of work. According to Lugujjo, (1998) such seminars were by then limited and depended on different training institutions and their ability to finance them (the seminars). Lugujjo, (1998) further asserted that the government of Uganda ought to have adopted a coherent policy with financial provision to ‘link technical and vocational education and training to industry in order to produce proficient workers and make education more responsive to the social and economic requirements of the country. This study also investigates to what extent the Ugandan policy has supported the link between the training institutions and the real world of work (or the industry). Challenges facing the Vocational sector The structure of Ugandas education system appears to be well organized and appealing to the needs of all levels of students including those with the lowest level of formal education. Yet promising as it appears, the system still faces numerous problems and as a result it yields limited and controversial outputs as its would-be beneficiaries turn out to be its very critics. As the case would be in most countries the Uganda government as well as the general public see TVET as expensive, and difficult to implement due to the high costs of infrastructure, provision of machinery and equipment, and well trained staff to handle the programme, (Kasozi, 2005). Besides it also carries with it the stigma of being patronized by intellectually inferior students and associated with non-prestigious blue-collar employment. After completing primary school, a child who failed to go to secondary school would join a technical school. Similarly, a child who failed to go to university would have a vocatio nal institution as a last option to keep him in school. In the past the situation was made worse by the fact that technical and vocational education had no vertical mobility and access to higher education, (ibid). This was compounded by lack of adequate facilities and infrastructure in some vocational institutions resulting in the fact that many of the students completing technical/vocational courses in such institutions were ill equipped for both industry and self-employment. For some young people this constituted a reason for choosing rather to stay at home than join a technical school as it was not worth the expensive effort. For others, the feeling that a technical school was the last alternative for those students who could not make it to the next stage caused a dislike for the system. For many young people however, VET seems to be the best option as evidence from the numerous informal sector (Jua Kali) workshops in Nairobi, Kenya seems to suggest. When given the opportunity an d the right environment, many of these academically downgraded students often turn out to be among the most successful craftsmen and entrepreneurs of the country after putting to use the practical skills gained from technical and vocational institutions. Numerous examples of these are seen in the informal sector workshops in the country. Most of the informal sector in the sub-Saharan Africa is dominated by craftsmen who never saw the inside of a university classroom. Handelman, (1996) pointed out that many of the low-income workers in developing countries who find jobs, will under favourable conditions achieve upward mobility. He cites an example in Owens, (1991:235) who carried out a study of West Bengals industrial city of Howrah, where he found that â€Å"several hundred men who started with almost nothing now own factories large enough to employ twenty five or more workers, placing them among the richest people of the community.† (Handelman, 1996, pp.135-136). This example further demonstrates the fact that the acquisition of technical skills leading to industrial success does not have to depend only on ones performance in general education. a) Accessibility to Vocational Education A survey of the socio-economic needs of local communities in Uganda done by the World Bank (2002) reveal that it is the wish of most school going children and their parents that they pursue their education to the highest level and attain a university degree. However this would not be possible given the variable capabilities ranging from academic to social and economic demands. As a result a lot of students are forced to look up to other institutions of higher learning other than the Universities. This is necessary so that all students can be catered for even if they may not have academic requirements or the financial means to acquire a University education. Another factor to consider is that state universities do not have the capacity to absorb all applicants with minimum entry requirements. As a result many join private universities, vocational/technical institutions and other institutions of higher learning. The question however still to be discussed later in this study is what mot ivates students to join the institutions of higher learning, and particularly those in the Business, Technical or Vocational training sector? Studies by UNEVOC and UNESCO have established that some parents have a accepted technical and vocational education as a possible alternative for their children. This is the trend the present government seems to be following as in the process of introducing USE, there are plans to follow it up with free vocational education, (New Vision, March 29th 2006). b) Aims and objectives of TVET in Uganda: The ministry of education, listed among others the following as priorities for education of a rural community: listed among other priorities in the education for a rural community the following aims and objectives of technical and vocational education in Uganda: â€Å"To stimulate the technical growth of students in order to make them productive members of the community; and to produce craftsmen, technicians and other skilled manpower to meet the demands of industry, agriculture, commerce and the general labour force†. The Uganda Education Sector Investment Plan, (ESIP, 1998-2003), The ministry also established that ‘one of the biggest limiting factors to access entry to technical schools was the students poor academic performance in Mathematics and Science causing them to fail getting acceptance to the tech