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

Recipe for Stroganoff Essay example -- Expository Process Essays

Recipe for Stroganoff    This simple, yet elegant meal can serve a family of five, mainly because at least four of them will refuse to eat it. The leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for a long time, though no one I know has ever actually eaten them except the dog, so I can't speak to how well they keep.    The ingredients are as follows: one frozen loaf of bread dough; one bag of the noodles that are thick and curly; one onion; one six pack of beer; one and a half pounds of frozen ground meat; a tub of sour cream; two cans of Cream of Mushroom soup. A low fat version can be made by substituting water for any of the above (except the beer).    Though the instructions on the frozen bread suggest four to six hours of gentle thawing, I recommend you show it who is boss around here and don't pull it out of the freezer until about an hour before you're going to eat it. Grease the thing with butter until it feels like a slippery brick and stick it in a bread pan. Put a towel over the top because you have seen other people do this. Pre-heat the oven--the more frozen the loaf, the hotter you're going to want the oven to be. I usually shoot for between four and six hundred degrees. Open your first beer.    Chop up the onion until you are sobbing and dump it into a pan. Heat the pan on medium until you get impatient, then flip it to high. Gradually, a sizzling sound will attract your attention. This is the noise onions make as they adhere themselves to the bottom of the pan. Don't overreact: scraping the onions and flipping them over just means they will wind up being burned on BOTH sides. When the smoke alarm begins blaring, it is time to add the frozen block of ground beef.... ...ell of the bread is filling your house, and your children are calling their friends in a desperate attempt to be invited somewhere else for dinner. Pull the bread out and extinguish the flames by pouring water on it. Dump the noodles in the sink where, interestingly enough, they will all be stuck together in one large, starchy mass. Chop this up with the screw driver, toss on a hunk of bread, and pour the sauce liberally over the top. Open your last beer and enjoy!                                                                                  The best way to find a good topic is to look at your personal hobbies and interests--just remember to define your audience very carefully.      

Describe a time when you had to convince a group/person of your idea Essay

â€Å"Don’t do this to me!† That was the Customer Service Manager’s reaction when I first presented my idea. With the increasing number of local skilled competitors in Latin America, our dominant position in 2011 was in jeopardy. They were simply closer and could offer a cheaper service. Therefore, I decided that we needed to establish a local technical team to cater to the clients. However, in the current economy, creating an infrastructure by hiring people didn’t seem the way to go. Then it hit me that by reaching agreements with skilled, local maintenance companies, we could share the training costs and appoint them as our official technical service. That way we would provide a cheaper and closer service, and those companies would get additional revenue. First I spoke to our Customer Service Manager. Bearing in mind that most of the work would be carried out in that department, I believed it was necessary for him to get involved rather than to impose this idea. Without his cooperation, it would simply not work. At first he was completely against the idea. He argued that an outsourced technical service would be a huge load of additional work, and that skills could only be achieved through long-term experience. I made him realize that at first it would need a lot of work, but that when they would become trained and self-sufficient, they would be a priceless help and would ease the extremely tight schedule our technicians were subjected to in Barcelona. We agreed it would be him who would establish the training requirements, no matter how demanding he thought it should be, and it would be up to me to get the expenses approved. We drafted together a proposal describing how this service would work, how it should be contracted through us and invoiced by us and how the training would be carried out. Our joint approval would be necessary to schedule and later pay for the outsourced services to keep a technical and a commercial control on it. Through contacts’ recommendations, I found two skilled engineers, one in ARGENTINA and another in PERU, that I thought met the requirements to represent my company. I negotiated a pre-agreement which involved competitive hourly rates, confidentiality and conditions of operation previously defined with the Customer Service manager. We also agreed that we would divide the training expenses. My boss immediately agreed to the idea but asked me to put together more information to economically justify the project, in order to approve the capital. Instead of speculating about potential sales and expected market response, I  decided to compare the real average costs of guaranteed services in the previous years to the theoretical costs if the agreements would have been in place. Thus, the difference justified by far the costs of training. We presented the complete document and, not only was it approved immediately, but the other heads of department were instructed to implement this idea in their own markets; and our Customer Service Manager proudly added â€Å"International† to his title†¦

Culture Adaptation And Cultural Change Essay

Culture refers to the lifestyle or rather a system of tradition that dictates the thought and even action of a given group of people in a society. It gets its expression in the language, beliefs, customs and even food thus offering a direction for effective successful living. Culture gives one identity of the everyday symbols, customs, body language; food and social cues which becomes very difficult to lose overnight. Cultural adaptation is the processes through which an individual undergoes in order to adjust to another culture different from his normal way of life. Different countries or environment have differing cultural practices and its common for people to feel disoriented when they leave their familiar surrounding to a different environment or countries. It is quite true that culture restrains our behavior because it plays a vital role in our day to day lives. Culture socializes us into a given way of life and is responsible for determining who we are and our view of the entire world. Who we are does not only depend on our nature and personality but also the culture that surrounds us. Humans are sum and substances of nature, personality and the culture all of which contributes importantly to the final individuals. Our culture affects how we think, how we behave, who we are and how we respond to our surrounding and it is easily transmitted from generation to generation through the parents, education systems and even peers. Since culture is greatly embedded in our nature and personality, that is, culture is a central ingredient in the production of a human person; it’s a big huddle to adapt to other cultures. However, we are daily confronted with issues that call for modification, recreation and even elimination of some of the elements of our cultures. For effective cultural change to be obtained there is need to understand the underlying differences in the current culture and the culture one wants to create. Our culture is transformed by our daily pressure on what old tradition that needs to be dropped, how to combine the diverse elements of cultures that surrounds us and the daily decision of the new ideas to be included in the culture. Cultural change is possible when we define precisely the culture we are building and use those terms to inflict the necessary changes we want to make in the existing culture. As groups of people migrate from places to come together they tend to merge cultures and finally come up with a common cultural practice for all. The most common element of culture that experience drastic changes is the language especially when the groups are interested in trading with each other, they will need a common mode of communication thus the language would be quickly changed to ease trade. However, there are other elements of culture that cannot be wholly eradicated, such as food preferences and the norms that outlast the reason for their development. For cultural change to be effected all the stakeholders must be willing to change. The social nature in humans that tends to drive them to share their experiences and knowledge with others is another powerful tool in effecting cultural change. Reference: Samuel P. Huntington. Cultures Presentation: Colorado College’s 125th Anniversary Symposium, February 4, 1999.

Censoring essays

Censoring essays America would need a command and control network, linked from city to city, state to state and base to base. No matter how thoroughly that network was armored or protected, its switches and wiring would always be vulnerable to the impact of atomic bombs. A nuclear bombardment would reduce any network to tatters. Any central authority would be an obvious and immediate target for enemy missiles. The center of a network would be the first place to go. So RAND mulled over this puzzle in deep military secrecy and arrived at their solution. In 1964 their proposed ideas became public. Their network would have no central authority, and it would be designed from the beginning to operate while in tatters. All the nodes in the network would be equal in status to all other nodes, each node having its own authority to originate, pass and receive messages. The messages themselves would be divided into packets, each packet separately addressed. Each packet would begin at some specified sour! ce node and end at some other specified destination node. The particular route that the packet took would be unimportant, only the final results counted. Each packet would be tossed around like a hot potato from node to node, more or less in the direction of its destination, until it ended up in the proper place. If big chunks of the network were blown away, which wouldn't matter, the packets would still stay airborne, moving across the field by whatever nodes happened to survive. This system was efficient in any means (especially when compared to the phone system), but it was extremely tough. In the 1960's this concept was thrown around by RAND, MIT and UCLA. In 1969 the first such node was installed in UCLA. By December of 69, there were four nodes on the network, which was called ARPANET, after its Pentagon sponsor. The nodes of the network were high-speed supercomputers. (supercomputers at the time, desktop machines now) Thanks to APRANET scientists and ...

Strategische Marketing

Strategische Marketing This is a first for Sisley, in an overtly gay male campaign, to feature women together. It was featured in Mx Racks, as giveaway postcard ads.While most fashion brands use sexy models to sell their clothes, Benetton is known for its not-so-pretty, controversial advertising that depicts the likes of a frail man with AIDS and death row inmates. Though it has toyed with gay vague imagery before, Benetton has never directly dealt with gay themes - until Sisley.The Italian clothing company's new brand is trying on envelope-pushing ads, one of which looks something like the beginning of a gay porn movie. This one includes two men walking hand-in-hand, one wearing a cartoon-like horse's head.The other ad, which ran in OUT magazine, shows a shirtless young man reclined in bed as he pushes another guy's face toward his crotch (just a thin band of clothing remains).Giancarlo Fisichella driving for Benetton Formula ...And in coded reference to young males, known as "chicken," the ingredients fo r a Palm Springs Chicken Salad appears on the page with the boyish couple.Unlike Benetton ads, Sisley's first gay media advertising is sexually charged and out of the closet."Sisley is a sexy brand, it's about sex and feeling sexy when you're wearing the product," says Benetton spokesman Mark Major. "There are not a lot of companies in OUT doing this." Despite the fashion industry's omnipresent use of sex to sell its merchandise - often "forgetting" to include the very clothing they're trying to sell - few have actually used overtly gay imagery. Designers including Calvin Klein, Gucci, Versace, Abercrombie Fitch and even Benetton itself have only teased consumers with gay vague imagery.In 1994, Benetton created an ad with two twenty-something men wearing pastel shirts in a cheek-to-cheek embrace that left many wondering...

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder Essay The phenomenon of bipolar affective disorder has been a mystery since the 16th century. History has shown that this affliction can appear in almost anyone. Even the great painter Vincent Van Gogh is believed to have had Bipolar Disorder Essay. It is clear that in our society many people live with bipolar disorder; however, despite the abundance of people suffering from the it, we are still waiting for definite explanations for the causes and cure. The one fact of which we are painfully aware is that bipolar disorder severely undermines its victims ability to obtain and maintain social and occupational success. Because bipolar disorder has such debilitating symptoms, it is imperative that we remain vigilant in the quest for explanations of its causes and treatment.Affective disorders are characterized by a smorgasbord of symptoms that can be broken into manic and depressive episodes. The depressive episodes are characterized by intense feelings of sadness and despair that can become feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Some of the symptoms of a depressive episode include anhedonia, disturbances in sleep and appetite, psycomoter retardation, loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, difficulty thinking, indecision, and recurrent thoughts of death and suicide (Hollandsworth, Jr. 1990 ). The manic episodes are characterized by elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, poor judgment and insight, and often reckless or irresponsible behavior (Hollandsworth, Jr. 1990 ). Bipolar affective disorder affects approximately one percent of the population (approximately three million people) in the United States. It is presented by both males and females. Bipolar disorder involves episodes of mania and depression. These episodes may alternate with profound depressions characterized by a pervasive sadness, almost inability to move, hopelessness, and disturbances in appetite, sleep, in concentrations and driving.Bipolar disorder is diagnosed if an episode of mania occurs whether depression has been diagnosed or not (Goodwin, Guze, 1989, p 11). Most commonly, individuals with manic episodes experience a period of depression. Symptoms include elated, expansive, or irritable mood, hyperactivity, pressure of speech, flight of ideas, inflated self esteem, decreased need for sleep, distractibility, and excessive involvement in reckless activities (Hollandsworth, Jr. 1990 ). Rarest symptoms were periods of loss of all interest and retardation or agitation (Weisman, 1991).As the National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association (MDMDA) has demonstrated, bipolar disorder can create substantial developmental delays, marital and family disruptions, occupational setbacks, and financial disasters. This devastating disease causes disruptions of families, loss of jobs and millions of dollars in cost to society. Many times bipolar patients report that the depressions are longer and increase in frequency as the individual ages. Many times bipolar states and psychotic states are misdiagnosed as schizophrenia. Speech patterns help distinguish between the two disorders (Lish, 1994).The onset of Bipolar disorder usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 30 years of age, with a second peak in the mid-forties for women. A typical bipolar patient may experience eight to ten episodes in their lifetime. However, those who have rapid cycling may experience more episodes of mania and depression that succeed each other without a period of remission (DSM III-R). The three stages of mania begin with hypomania, in which patients report that they are energetic, extroverted and assertive (Hirschfeld, 1995). The hypomania state has led observers to feel that bipolar patients are ;addicted; to their mania. Hypomania progresses into mania and the transition is marked by loss of judgment (Hirschfeld, 1995). Often, euphoric grandiose characteristics are displayed, and paranoid or irritable characteristics begin to manifest. The third stage of mania is evident when the patient experiences delusions with often paranoid themes. Speech is generally rapid and hyperactive behavior manifests sometimes associated with violence (Hirschfeld, 1995). READ: Englands Greatest Poet And Playwright Was Born At Essay When both manic and depressive symptoms occur at the same time it is called a mixed episode. Those afflicted are a special risk because there is a combination of hopelessness, agitation, and anxiety that makes them feel like they ;could jump out of their skin;(Hirschfeld, 1995). Up to 50% of all patients with mania have a mixture of depressed moods. Patients report feeling dysphoric, depressed, and unhappy; yet, they exhibit the energy associated with mania. Rapid cycling mania is another presentation of bipolar disorder. Mania may be present with four or .

The impact og globalisation on communication and impediments towards Essay

The impact og globalisation on communication and impediments towards free growth - Essay Example The impact of the globalization in the previous 150 years has been such wide and massive that often it seems that the global politics and relations are all set bound by the chains of communication that not a single country can take any action without affecting the global communication mechanism. the rise of technology, interdependence of states on each other, growing cultural exchange, availability of information at a press of a button and growth of international and regional organization like UNO, OPEC, SEATO, NATO and EU have over the time changed the way communication has been taken in the long past. The communication and globalization go parallel as both have a directly proportional effect on each other (Ali Mohammadi, 1997). The growth of communication around the world has strengthened the globalization and ever-growing globalization is making communication an important element of the life of countries and societies. It is a undeniable fact of our existence at the moment but the growth of communication and globalization does not go with criticism. ... The world as we see it today is more interdependent and more progressive than before as it has been established that one simply can not reach the shores of success and prosperity without the ships of other nations sailing beside them. This has led the developing countries to make arrangements to take the developed countries along with them. The spread of communication has changed the face of information exchange which is more rapid and immediate than ever before and the world is moving even more social and cultural integration leading the whole state of affairs of the world to be imbued in a single fabric of a single globalized world. The growth of industries and merging markets around the globe has greatly facilitated the growth of international organizations and has put a great impact on globalized production methods. The abrupt change and development in the globalization that is there today is due to the development of communications methods and channels that have not evolved in t he recent years but have taken years to come and develop. The globalization and international communication development is not something that happened in a one or two decades, but the process started with the first man stepping foot ahead to find new lands and opportunities (Thomas L. McPhail, 2010). Globalization of international communication has effected the international laws that govern states and the mutual relations of the states on the global level and leads the nations to devise national policies accordingly to foster concrete communication linkages for mutual development. The development of international communication over time has taken politics and national policy formulation to the international stage. Countries assist and guide each other for responsible national policy

Cultural Homogenisation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Cultural Homogenisation - Essay Example Cultural homogenization has resulted due to the mix up cultures where there has been development one culture in the world. It is one of the effects of increased globalization of culture. Cultural homogenization defines the aspect of achieving one culture which is used to as a bench of all other cultures in the world. As the wave of globalization takes on the world, there has been increased mix up of people and in the same way mix up of culture. One of the areas in which people have interacted most is in the area of tourism and hospitality industry. Global tourism has been on the rise in the recent past which has seen the growth of the industry by large margins. Global tourism refers to the aspect of people visiting foreign countries for leisure, business or for other purposes. Most of the people participating in global tourism have been doing so for holidays although in the recent past there has been increased global tourism for other purposes like medical tourism, cultural tourism, business tourism, and others. Hospitality industry has been one of the areas that have enabled global tourism to grow at such rate. Hospitality industry is mainly engaged in provision of service to those who are not in their homes which defined in the context of tourism will mean those who are touring other areas awa y from their homes. This is one of the industries which have been serving diversity in the world as it is involved in serving people of diverse origins. Therefore it is one of the areas that have been able to achieve cultural homogeneity as it employee's people of diverse cultures and also service the same kind of people. Examples of hospital industry are hotels, lodging, lodges, and others. Modernity is an aspect that refers to the modern way of life. The concept of modernity was coined in order to reflect the changing life of the world which was being reflected in many things. But this has been overrun by the post modernity period which is marked by the current wave of globalization and in which the focus has shifted from observing the changes taking place in the world towards achievement of standardized way of doing things in the world. (Carley 1998, p. 43; Castles 1996, p. 81) Background After the Second World War in 1945 there were marked changes in the world. There was increased response to the concept of having one world which was united in solving many problems that the world was facing. There was marked development of modern society since 1945. One way in which the society was coming together was through the formation of the United Nations immediately after the war. This was however a political arrangement of nations. There was systematic development of a modern society which was increasingly becoming responsive to the needs of human life. The society was changing political as we have shown above and also in technology. The market was as well changing as corporation started spreading their wings to foreign countries. There was marked development in the production process. There was marked development of fordism which was mass production and the markets became more open and countries found no need to have closed markets. As a result the concept to post-fordism was later developed with was change in the production process. Post-fordism was based on a model of market production which was dictated by the demands in the market. In his regard, there was less utilization of the house

Wastes in the hospitality industry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Wastes in the hospitality industry - Essay Example Research studies of the WRAP showed that the hospitality industry alone disposed of about 1.5 million tonnes of wastes (See Annex 1) that could have been reduced if these wastes were segregated. The hospitality industry is composed of pubs, restaurants, hotels, and quick service restaurants. WRAP study further showed that 78% of this tonnage of wastes is potential recyclable materials. These are composed of food, (41% or 600,000 tonnes) glass (14% or 213,000 tonnes), paper (13% or 196,000 tonnes ), and card (9% or134,000 tonnes ). Although efforts are made by the hospitality industry to reduce these wastes, there is still a lot of wastes that goes to landfills that otherwise could be recycled. There is money in wastes because there is opportunity in waste prevention. The hospitality industry has a lot of opportunities to reduce the amount of food wasted if the food was better proportioned, properly stored, and or prepared. WRAP estimated that the hospitality industry threw away 400.0 00 tonnes of recyclable amount of food in 2009; and the costs associated to this are estimated to be ?200 million. This goes to food costs, haulage, and landfill. These costs may not only be significant to the hotel industry because of profit concerns but also to consumers who should also get the best value from the hotel’s service. ... Water supply is one of the problems in tourism as it comes across the limitation of natural resources. Related to this, the† Resource Guide In Energy, Water And Waste Management For The Hospitality Industry† points out global concerns about waste disposals, particularly, â€Å"the climate change and global warming, ozone depletion, pollution, landfill impacts, acid rains and demand for resources outstripping supply† Steps taken by hotels to solve this problem As this problem compounds, one of the solutions found by the tourism industry is establishing green hotel. A green hotel, as described by Canadian hotel website are† hotels that are environmentally friendly properties that take the initiative and implement very important practices and programs to reduce energy, water, and waste.  Green Hotels are participating in recycling programs, linen changing programs, installing energy efficient lighting, and getting their message out to their guests and how they are doing their part in protecting the planet.† In reducing energy, several hotels have turned to trimming down energy consumption. For example, as cited in WRAP, Hyatt Regency International Hotel in New Zealand developed a project that linked energy use with room occupancy. It goes this way: â€Å"when the guests leave the room, all energy appliances shut down, with exception of refrigerators and alarm clocks. This project cost $16,000,a payback period of 14 months and a large savings of $14,000 annually.† Lighting is another cost saving device implemented in Tacoma Hotel. The hotel replaced their incandescent lamp fixtures to compact fluorescent light fixtures. The cost saving for the hotel is reported at $15,000. Other energy saving ideas was implemented in hotels. One of these is the solar power

History of Japanese Literature golden age Essay

History of Japanese Literature golden age - Essay Example Though there has been a great influence of China on the Japanese literature in the very beginning, that made use of Chinese words in it. The Heian period lasted from the 8th to the 12th century in Japan. This period, that ran over the span of 794 – 1185, is termed as the Golden age for the literature and arts in Japan. â€Å"The Heian period is considered the peak of the Japanese imperial court and noted for its art and especially in poetry and literature.† (www.jref.com, 2010). Also, the meaning of the word â€Å"Heian† is â€Å"peace†, that should mean that the Golden age in the literature of Japan is considered as a period of peace. The Japanese imperial court also enjoyed its height in the same reign. Since its end, no other period has been appreciated more by the Japanese nation than the famous Heian period. In the same period, the Samurai class surfaced that later gained rule and helped the commencement of the feudal system in Japan. Since the Heian period was preceded by a strong influence of the Chinese and Korean languages on the Japanese literature and writings, the official lang uage of the official documents and the imperial court continued to remain Chinese in the start of the Heian period, but this was not all. Besides the Chinese language, another language â€Å"Kana† surfaced and started to rule the Japanese literature and all forms of written texts. Besides, another system of writing referred to as Hiragana was identified in the Heian period that was phonetic in nature. The special feature of Hiragana was that it did not need an understanding of the characters of the Chinese language, and was also considered much simple and quick for writing. One of the biggest achievements of the Heian period is that Japanese literature was relieved of the rule of Chinese language. Instead, the major use of Kana in the Japanese literature projected an innovative approach and

Older parents and younger parents Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Older parents and younger parents - Essay Example Arguments for younger parents focus mostly on the biological aspect of motherhood and the aspect of the biological clock is often invoked. A middle path is often more suitable with no norm being set that would miss the whole point of individual freedom. One of the main points that are used against older parents is their inability to handle the cognitive aspects of mental illness when it happens in children. This severely limits their ability to handle instances where their children are affected by mental ailments (Cook, et al.). There are however, advantages of being an older parent. In many cases, older parents have resources of financial and mental kinds that are useful and sometimes even essential for the purpose of parenthood. The stress that one goes through during parenthood can thus be eased to a great extent if one is independent and able to manage one’s finances on one’s own. Older parents are also considered to be more comfortable with each other and hence able to offer a better environment for the child. Older parents would thus not need to compromise on their marital quality so as to have a child (Needham and Umberson 439). This argument is similar to the feminist argument that an older woman would be emot ionally and financially readier for a child. This would also reduce the chances that a parent would suffer of regret that a parent may suffer in relation to his or her career. The feminist argument in this case is stretched to include fathers who are then seen to play an equal part in parenthood and in the development of the child. Older fathers and mothers are then seen to be more mature and hence better for the future of the child. The child is then seen as not a product of merely those factors that are hereditary but also those of nurture. In such a framework, nurture is what is considered, according to this view, more important. Younger parents are sometimes not considered to

Emaar Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Emaar - Research Paper Example It is composed of EMAAR’S resources and comprises of factors that it can effectively use in adapting to the changing external environment. Unlike external environment, the internal environmental factors are much within the control of the management of EMAAR Company (Crum and Palmatier, pg 23). The factors include: The emaars resources that are mainly tangible e.g. production or operation factors: like plants, equipments and machinery; marketing factors like sales force, channels of distribution; personnel/ labor relations e.g. employees and relations with the trade unions and financial factors e.g. funds available and their sources e.g. loans. Intangible such as location factors e.g. suitability of the present location, reputation, research and development. Emaars internal environment assessment hence helps pinpoint the company’s strengths and weaknesses with which it faces and counteracts challenges in the global markets. The strengths in the firm’s internal env ironment enable it to exploit environmental opportunities or to overcome the problems thereon, hence its capacity to successfully enter the market despite competition (Martz, Pg 49). Such assessment is based on two specific areas namely Physical resources and the personnel competencies (Crum and Palmatier, pg 63). ... Another important consideration is the degree of integration that exists within the operating units of EMAAR Company (Madura pg, 67). The company uses â€Å"Vertical Integration† that is the ownership of all the assets needed to produce the goods and services to customers. The company purchases the controlling interest of their suppliers so as to ensure that the materials are available when needed. They also use the â€Å"Vertical Integration† which is the ownership of the core technologies and the manufacturing capabilities needed to produce outputs coupled with dependence on outsources to produce all the inputs needed. Personnel Competencies, The Company examines these because they reflect their strengths and weaknesses, that is an outstanding Research and Developments departments leads to the high development of high state quality outstanding of the products (Madura pg,97). VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS A complementary approach to the internal environment assessment used by E maar is the examination of the firm’s value chain. It is the way in which the primary support activities are combined to produce valuable goods and services and increase the profit margin. The primary activities in EMAARS value chain include: Inbound logistics; Concerned with the receiving, storing, material handling and warehouse activities. Operations, in which inputs are converted into products form by the performance activities like machining, assembling, testing and packaging. Marketing and Sales, the Company uses this to inform and encourage customers to buy products and services they produce. In addition, the Emaar Company determines its competitive scope which is the breadth of its target markets within the

Older parents and younger parents Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Older parents and younger parents - Essay Example Arguments for younger parents focus mostly on the biological aspect of motherhood and the aspect of the biological clock is often invoked. A middle path is often more suitable with no norm being set that would miss the whole point of individual freedom. One of the main points that are used against older parents is their inability to handle the cognitive aspects of mental illness when it happens in children. This severely limits their ability to handle instances where their children are affected by mental ailments (Cook, et al.). There are however, advantages of being an older parent. In many cases, older parents have resources of financial and mental kinds that are useful and sometimes even essential for the purpose of parenthood. The stress that one goes through during parenthood can thus be eased to a great extent if one is independent and able to manage one’s finances on one’s own. Older parents are also considered to be more comfortable with each other and hence able to offer a better environment for the child. Older parents would thus not need to compromise on their marital quality so as to have a child (Needham and Umberson 439). This argument is similar to the feminist argument that an older woman would be emot ionally and financially readier for a child. This would also reduce the chances that a parent would suffer of regret that a parent may suffer in relation to his or her career. The feminist argument in this case is stretched to include fathers who are then seen to play an equal part in parenthood and in the development of the child. Older fathers and mothers are then seen to be more mature and hence better for the future of the child. The child is then seen as not a product of merely those factors that are hereditary but also those of nurture. In such a framework, nurture is what is considered, according to this view, more important. Younger parents are sometimes not considered to

Grind Jackfruit Seeds as Substitute For Flour Essay Example for Free

Grind Jackfruit Seeds as Substitute For Flour Essay Abstract Jackfruit is quiet abundant in our country as a result, its seeds are just scattered and not use for other matters aside from that it can be planted again for another Jackfruit tree. Flour is a very important ingredient for every pastries we eat. But because of its high price, people dont buy or refuse to buy food that contains flour as one of itsingredient. The researcher discovered that Jacfruit seeds isrich in vitamins like complex, carbohydrates, dietary fibers, vitamins A,B and C. It contains minerals like Calcium, Zinc and Potassium which can help our body fight aging, diseases and to maintain its good posture. The researcher is aiming to produce a cheap but has a good quality flour or just an alternative for expensive flour. The researcher is focusing on its color, odor and taste. The researcher decided to make a flour out of the Jackfruit seeds. The methods involved are: preparations, washing of the seeds, drying under the sun which takes days because you have to assure that it is dry in the innermost part of the seed so that it will not stick into the grinder, roasting, getting the peelings, crushing and finally grinding. To test the product, the researcher made it into a hotcake. The hotcake was tasted by several people and they have good compliment about it. The researcher recommends it to bakery owners or people who uses flour as their source of income because its affordable, has a good quality and it can help to save a lot of money. Chapter I Introduction Background OF The Study Flour is a very important ingredient in making bread and the like. Many Filipinos of today likes to eat bread but becauseof increasing prices of flour, bread prices are also increasing. Commercial flour sometimes easily spoil or sometimes have worms on it. Instead of scattering jackfruit seeds, we may use it as source of flour. With this study, the researcher tries to produce a new product out of grind jackfruit seeds as flour for another substitution foe expensive commercial flour. Helping businessman, flour factory owners and bakery owners to save more money, less effort, time and have a good quality product. Statement Of The Problem This study is all about The Feasibility Of Grind JackfruitSeeds As Substitution For Flour. Flour is very useful because it has many uses specially in making food. Bakery owners have problems in their budget for flour because she realized that aside from planting seeds, we can use it as flour which is cheaper but with good qualities like the commercial ones and it is easily produces or gathered. This study tries to answer the following questions: 1.Does the jackfruit flour qualities is the same with commercial ones in terms of color, odor, and taste? 2. Does the jackfruit flour last longer (expiration date) than the commercial ones? 3. Does it still produces worms? Hypothesis There is difference between jackfruit flour and commercial flour in terms of color, odor and taste. Significance Of The Study The significance of the study is that it can help bakery owners or other people which uses flour as their business. They can save more money out of it and have enough budget for it. It also help the environment and it alsointroduces new product in food industry. Some people scatter the seeds everywhere which may develop pollution to our environment, we can use and sell as our business. Scope and Limitation In this study the researcher is focusing on the qualities of grind jackfruit seeds as flour. It tries to help improve commercial flour in terms in time of spoilage. There are no other chemicals or additive mixed with the grind jackfruit seeds as flour. The researcher used very ripejackfruit seeds so that it will have a very good taste. In this study, the researcher use the grind jackfruit seeds as flour in baking cake in proving the study. Definition of Terms Flour- is a powder made up of cereal grains. Main ingredient of bread. Grind- to crush to powder or tiny pieces by friction Jackfruit- is a species of mulberrry family native to parts of South and Southeast Asia. A huge spined, oval fruit that is believed to have been first cultivated in Indian rainforests. CHAPTER II Review of Related Literature This study is an unfinished study of the brother of the researcher. The researcher realized that it is very interesting and it answers the economic price of flour in the market. Jackfruit is abundant in some regions of the Philippines but still we can see it anywhere and we can plant it anywhere as long as there is soil. We can also buy it from the market bit its quite high in cost so better to have a tree of your own. Jackfruit seeds are very rich source of complex, carbohydrates, dietary fibers, vitamins A,B and C. It also contains minerals like calcium, zinc,and potassium. It also contains lignans, isoflavones, saponins that fights cancer. It also serves as anti-aging, anti-oxidant and anti-ulcer. So it proves that it is very nutritious and affordable rather than commercial flour. The researcher had read an article about a Brazilian Researcher Jose AmadoAlves who created a process for dehydrating and transforming fruits, vegetables and tubernacles into flour. Alves tested bananas,guavas,apples, pineapples, paw-paw and passion fruit. The process consists of dehydrating and grinding the fruit peel, pulp or both together. CHAPTER III Materials: jackfruit seeds basin frying pan stove A. The Making of the Jackfruit Flour In making the jackfruit flour, first the researcher will gather all the materials.The researcher will let the jackfruit seeds dry under the heat of the sun. The researcher will roast the jackfruit seeds usibg the frying pan. Afterwards, she will get the thin peelings of the seeds then crushed into small pieces and finally, grind it into the grinder. PROCEDURES: 1. She will let the Jackfruit seeds dry under the heat of the sun for several days. 2. The researcher will roast the jackfruit seeds using the frying pan. 3. She will get the thin peelings of the jackfruit seeds. 4. The researcher will crush the seeds. 5. Finally, she will put the crushed seeds into the grinder. B. Observation In the researchers observation. She observed that the product is not the same with the product of commercial flour. The taste, color and odoris not the same. CHAPTER IV Results and Discussion In this chapter, you can read the results of the experimentation conducted by the researcher. Together in this chapter is the discussion of the results The data below are the results observed by the researcher. TRIAL 1 According to the data, the commercial flour and jackfruit flour have different characteristics in terms of smell, color and taste The names listed below are the people who were able to taste the product of the researcher. Including their comment about it. According to the comments of the people, the product of the researcher has a good characteristics in terms of its taste, color and odor. CHAPTER V Recommendation and Conclusion Recommendation: The researcher recommends it to all people especially to bakery owners or people uses flour as their source of income.Aside from that its affordable, its very nutritious and very rich sourch of vitamins. Conclusion: I therefore conclude that grind jackfruit seeds is capable of producing high quality flour which has very different characteristics compared to the commercial ones. BIBLIOGRAPHY http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is=jackfruit.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flour http://thaifood.about.com/od/intotothaicooking/f/aboutjackfruit.htm http://thaifood.about.com/od/glossary/g/jackfruit.htm http://hungryzone.com/index.php/detailed_health-tip-article/33/benefits_of_jackfruit http://wwww.banglapedia.org/HT/J_0004.HTM ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The researcher is offering this study to her family. For the support,effort and financial assistance.Also to her research teacher, MS. BALVE GRANIDO who encourges us to have more research and effort. Her classmates and friends who gave their full support. And of course, with out the guidance and love of our Almighty God, the researcher cant accomplised this study.

Experiences of Breast Cancer Patients with Radiotherapy

Experiences of Breast Cancer Patients with Radiotherapy Introduction and background Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and leading cause of cancer related deaths of this gender (World Health Organization, 2014). Previously it was most common in developed countries but now it became commonest cancer both in developed and developing regions (Ferlay et al., 2010). Moreover, in USA, breast cancer has the highest incidence rate among all types of cancers involving one in every ten women (Njeh, Saunders, Langton, 2012). However, in Pakistan the incidence is more alarming as 1 in every 9 women is at the risk of developing breast cancer (Siddiqui, n.d.).This data indicates that Pakistan has highest incidence rates of breast cancer in Asian countries (Aziz, Sana, Akram, Saeed, 2004; Bhurgri, et al., 2000; Naeem, 2008). Furthermore, Hussain, Ahmad, Muhammad, Kakakhail and Matiullah (2008) identified the incidence of breast cancer 96.49 % among women registered in Institute of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine, Peshawar, which are more frightening figures. There are certain treatment modalities for breast cancer among them radiation therapy (RT) is an important treatment choice, performed before and after the surgery which also have various side effects. During the course of treatment, about two-thirds of patients undergo radiation therapy, before and after surgery (Guo et al., 2013). In addition, more than 90% of the all breast cancer patients receive adjuvant radiotherapy to prevent the recurrence of the disease (Potthoff et al., 2013). Despite its wide use and significant role in cancer treatment, few studies addressed the experiences of its recipients. According to Welle (1998) radiotherapy patients are perceived as self-caring and their needs are not taken care of. The international literature indicates that breast cancer patient receiving RT not only suffers from disease process but also from the side effect of this treatment. The nature of disease, its prognosis and treatment related problems have devastating effects on physical , psychological and socio-economic wellbeing of the patient (Farooqi Chaudhry, 2012; Kirchheiner et al, 2013). However, these studies have been conducted in western context on different population which has stark difference in our culture. In addition, within the Pakistani context, Khyber Pakhtunkhawa is considered more conservative province. Therefore, it is important to explore experiences and problems of the local population to remedy their problems. Furthermore, data from Pakistan revealed that breast cancer was found mostly in younger age group ranging from 30-50 years as compare to west where it tend to occur in women above 60 years of age (Aziz, Sana, Akram, Saeed, 2004; Mamoon, Sharif, Mushtaq, Khadim, Jamal, 2009; Naeem, et al., 2008; Tfayli, Temraz, Abou Mrad, Shamseddine, 2010). Importantly, this age group is more productive and may have different responsibilities pertinent to their age group towards their family and society which may vary from western population in t erm of their concerns, needs and issues. However, in Pakistan, research in this area is not conducted to explore the experiences of breast cancer patient receiving radiotherapy therefore; research is a required to address the issues of this population. In addition, this is the first study of its nature in Pakistani context especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the field of nursing which will increase the awareness regarding radiotherapy related problems of patients among nurses and other health care providers. Significance This study is significant to generate information for nurses to care for patient undergoing RT in Pakistani context. It will help nurses to understand the feelings and experiences of the patients undergoing RT to design nursing care plan by addressing their needs. Moreover, findings of this study can help to identify recommendation for health care staff working in the radiotherapy units to facilitate their patients undergoing radiotherapy in a better way. It will also help health care professionals maintain a sense of the importance of the experience of the RT patient who are coming to them for treatment and want their care pertinent to their needs. Purpose The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of the female breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Study Questions What are the experiences of the of breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan? Data sources The review of literature was conducted through data bases CINAHL PubMed, Mosbys Nursing Consult, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Search for published research articles relevant to this paper was done. The combination of the following key terms was used to retrieve relevant literature â€Å"physical/psychological problems, breast cancer, problems with radiation therapy, quality of life, experiences of breast cancer patients. Search generated 283articles, 52 duplicate results excluded. Through a selection process title and abstract screened, among those 30 were found to be relevant to the topic. Literature review Radiotherapy is one of the essential components of the cancer treatment. It minimizes risk of recurrence, improve survival rate (Bese, et al., 2006). This is done by using high-energy x-rays or gamma rays targeted at the tumor to shrink the tumors or kill cancer cells (Radvansky, Pace, Siddiqui, 2013). During the course of treatment, about two-thirds of patients will undergo radiation therapy, before and after surgery (Guo et al., 2013). Beside this adjuvant radiotherapy is advised after breast conserving surgery as well as after mastectomy to minimize the chances of reoccurrence of the disease. As Darby et al. (2011) found in their meta-analysis study that RT reduced 15-years of risk of breast cancer related death rate after breast conserving surgery. Beside its effectiveness, it exerts multiple physical, psychological and socio-economical problems on patients. Physical problems related to RT Radiation therapy affects cancer as well as normal body cells within the treated area, result in injury of the cells which lead to many side effects. The RT induced side effects include skin and mucous membrane toxicities, sleeplessness, pain, swelling, dyspnea, cough and nausea. (Adams, 2009; Currie Wheat 2006; Darby et al, 201; Gordils-Perez, Duell, 2003; Rose, 2011). In addition, skin problems are the most frequent side effect of RT which affects nearly 85% to 95% of patients and also cause skin damage (Bergstrom, 2011). Additionally, there are many long term side effects of breast irradiation like cosmetic changes hyperpigmentation, fibrosis, lymphedema, and damage to underlying normal structures (Gordils-Perez, Duell, 2003). Moreover, fatigue, soreness and dryness of throat, headache, and desquamation were also common symptom reported by patients receiving RT (Sherminie Cottrel, 2014). Among them fatigue is reported by 80% of the patients receiving RT which affects the role functioning of breast cancer female in their daily life (Poirier, 2011; Potthoff et al., 2013). The RT patent also endure sleep disturbance as Dhruva et al. (2012) reported that approximately 50% breast cancer patients have sleep disturbance at the initiation of radiation therapy. In this connection, a study conducted by Graydon (1994) highlighted that sleep disturbance and fatigues were the main areas of the life of women affected by RT. It influence the physical, cognitive and emotional aspects of the 80% of breast cancer patients underwent RT (Alcantara-Silva, Freitas-Junior, Freitas, Machado, 2013; Stone, Richards, Hern Hardy, 2001). As Currie and Wheat (2006) suggested that it is very important to address and remedy the evident side effect of RT because these are capable of limiting the patient’s ability to tolerate the planned treatment. Psychological problems Breast cancer remarkably affects women’s psychological well-being. One out of two patients with cancer experience psychological disorder (Reyes-Gibby, Anderson, Morrow, Shete Hassan, 2012; Spoletini, et al., 2008). Beside the disease process its treatment modalities also contribute in the psychological problems of the patient. As, Reyes-Gibby et al. (2012) proved that depression among women have positive associated with symptoms of disease and treatment of the breast cancer. In addition, RT is usually prescribed before and after surgery which tend to have its psychological effects on patient. A qualitative study conducted in Sri Lanka to explore the experiences of breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy, concluded that women feel fear of treatment, machines used in treatment and blackening of the skin. The study also reported patients feel uncomfortable and stressed in the presence of male staff members and waiting for long time in RT department (Sherminie Cottrel , 2014). In addition, Halkett, Kristjanson, and Lobb (2008) highlighted in their qualitative study, that the patients with breast cancer receiving radiotherapy, experience many kinds of fears like getting burnt, damage to internal body parts, and anticipating tiredness. These kinds of fears may have negative impact on compliance with the treatment regimen. Rose (2011) highlighted that patient feel high level of stress at the start RT because of unfamiliar technology, fear of potential side effects and being in an environment with other cancer patients. A literature review carried out by Lim, Devi, and Ang (2011) concluded that anxiety is predominant psychological issue of the all treatment modalities of the breast cancer across the globe and continue beyond the acute stage of treatment. In relevance to RT it is experienced by10 to 20% of the patients (Stielgelis et al., 2004). Moreover, the fatigue and pain related to RT may affect the sexuality of the patient by decreasing the desi re and arousal and skin changes result in burns affecting body image and self-esteem (Mercadante, Vitrano Catania, 2010). Therefore, the diagnosis and treatment can have a profound influence on a woman’s overall psychological well-being thus compromising the quality of life of the patient. Socio-economical Problems Breast cancer patients face multiple socio-economical problems because the cancer treatment is very expensive which may not be affordable for many of the patients particularly who belong to low income families. A well-established literature signifies that breast cancer patient treated with surgery also receives RT which may be additional financial burden for them especially in the limited resourced countries like Pakistan. Most of the developed countries of the world, large part of expenditure of the cancer treatment are paid by the government, but in Pakistan, the costs of the therapy are borne by the patient and their families (Zaidi, Ansari, Khan, 2012). Many breast cancer patients in Pakistan experience finical difficulties and use their savings to pay for treatment (Banning, Hassan, Faisal, Hafeez, 2010). Moreover, statistics also highlights that the incidence of breast cancer is increasing in countries with inadequate resources thus limiting the access to radiotherapy (Bese, 2006). Due to finical barriers, Pakistani female breast cancer patients face different challenges throughout the course of the disease (Ahmed, Shaikh, Hasan, 1997). Apart from economical issue woman with breast cancer faces many social and cultural problems in Pakistan. A qualitative study by Banning, Hassan, Faisal, and Hafeez (2010) reported that in Pakistani culture breast is considered a hidden organ that should not be exposed, discussed or touched by others. They also highlighted that most of their participants reported stigma attached to a diagnosis and likelihood surgery therefore they hide their diagnosis from family and local community. Furthermore, in conservative culture of developing countries female are less empowered and given low priority and their health issues are least bothered by the society (Tfayli, Temraz, AbouMrad, Shamseddine, 2010). In this regard, female with breast cancer may experience unbearable problems which may not be experienced by women of differen t cultural and social class (Aziz, Sana, Akram, Saeed, 2004). Knowledge of Treatment The above mentioned literature suggests that patients receiving RT face significant challenges and require appropriate information regarding their treatments, side effects of treatment and coping strategies allows them to feel more control over disease and its related problems. Such as, Halkett et al. (2012) emphasized that undergoing RT is difficult experience for patients which needs appropriate and specific information to have the better outcomes of the therapy. Though, the RT is an important treatment but their patients are found to be poorly informed (Halkett, Kristjanson, Lobb, 2008; Sherminie Cottrell, 2014). This may contribute in their fear, anxiety, stress, and compliance with treatment. Thus the appropriate information and guidance help the patient to make better choices of treatment modalities (Barnett et al., 2004). In addition, findings of a quantitative study by Zeguers et al. (2012) showed that RT patients want comprehensive information about their disease, treatmen t, and procedures, side effects, and prognosis with the mean scores between 4.1 and 4.4 on a scale from 1 to 5. In contrast, Barnett et al. (2004) emphasized that information needs vary among different individual therefore, a patient-centered approach must involve according to the tolerance and need of the patient. A randomized trial study conducted by Christman and Cain (2004) also concluded that patients receiving concrete objective information reported maintaining higher levels of usual function than those not receiving. Furthermore, giving information about symptom experiences helped them to mentally tackle uncertainty about their symptom experiences. Gap analysis The incidence of the breast cancer continues to rise worldwide. Multiple treatment modalities have positive impacts on prognosis of the cancer. Radiotherapy is one of the commonly used treatment modalities having its side effect as well. Moreover, available literature suggest that a series of problems faced by patients receiving RT. But, there is a profound need to develop clear understanding of the phenomenon that what patients experience when they undergo RT. Moreover, nursing literature needs to address the needs of these patients and recommend evidence based interventions to help them. Furthermore, in the context of Pakistani conservative culture women with breast cancer may be experiencing different problems than western women. Therefore, this study question needs a qualitative study to arrive at the desired outcome of better understanding of the situation.

Computers In Our Society :: essays research papers

Don’t know anything about computers? Don’t think they are a big part of your life? Think again! Computers are wondrous machines that improve our lives in many areas like education, entertainment, and work.(Paragraph)The use of computers in and out of school has made improvements in the way we learn. For instance, “the use of computers in the classroom has freed up some of my time so I can give more individualized instruction to the needy,'; says Instructor Mary S. Teachemall of a local neighborhood grade school is a definite improvement over not having computers as a way of learning. Also, college students having easy access to computers for various school related tasks’ like changing complete blocks of text on a term paper in a split second, using graphics to better express a particular point or idea, and being able to tap into the world wide web where vast amounts of information is at the fingertips of the user is a marked improvement from 10 years ago. Furt hermore, the use of computers in the home has extended the hours we can learn at a higher level without the environmental pressures of school or work thereby improving the way we learn.(paragraph)Also, the use of computers has expanded our choices for entertainment. As an example, the all-American game of Monopoly can be played by a single person and a computer and the need for several people has been obsoleted is one way our choices for entertainment have been expanded. Another example of our expanding choices is that you can not only watch movies on DVD (Digital Video Disc) but re-edit them with your own sound tracks and special effects, listen to music on CD-rom’s, even manufacture your own cartoons or even your own movies all on a computer. Moreover, the ability of the computer to link a person with others from far away places where conversations without inferences are sparked and ideas are exchanged internationally is a popular selection for millions everyday as a choice for entertainment.(paragraph)I also think the working environment where computers are used is becoming more and more diverse. As an example, farmers have computers in their tractors hooked up to GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) systems that not only tell them where to spray their pesticides but are programmed to take care of the task for them as they drive along all because a digital image from a satellite some 23,000 miles away saw too many bugs in a certain part of one of his fields is very diverse.