Euthanasia is Inherently Wrong Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Euthanasia is Inherently Wrong - Essay Example It is becoming increasingly apparent that the concept of ‘euthanasia’ is gradually winning the approval of different cultures and societies. Skeptics may believe that this is due to the growing propensity to belittle the value of human life, but others think this is not the main reason. They claim that it is much more probable to be the consequence of blunt compassion and kindness. Widely publicized, heartbreaking events draw out intense feelings of sympathy. Many people believe that in these instances a person and his/her loved ones would be better off if s/he were dead hence making it right to take the life of that individual. However, this essay argues that this belief is wrong. This essay tries to prove that euthanasia is immoral. It is naturally immoral, but is also not right to interpret euthanasia from the perspectives of self-centeredness and of convenience. Before laying down arguments against such belief, it would be important to provide an accurate definition of ‘euthanasia’. A basic feature of euthanasia is that it entails killing a person or taking one’s own life. Moreover, the individual who is killed should be a person who is confirmed to be tormented by some injury or illness from which healing cannot realistically be anticipated.

Consumer behaviour Essay Example for Free

Consumer behaviour Essay Understanding consumer behaviour has taken the attention of researchers and companies due to their relevance for business success (Jones et al 2000). How is consumer satisfaction related with their loyalty has been likely the most important issue in consumer behaviour for ensure a long-term success in a marketing strategy (Pappu et al 2006). The literature and researchers suggest that there is a strong relation between product satisfaction and brand loyalty, but always highlighting their relation as a unidirectional relationship. In other words, product or service satisfaction has a direct relationship with loyalty, but loyalty has not a significant dependency with satisfaction (Oslen 2005). In other words, brands can have satisfied customers; nevertheless, that does not mean loyal customers in the future (Oslen 2005). In addition, the literatures also suggest that there is a link between loyalty and profitability thanks to repurchase behaviour (Dick Basu 1994; Anderson et al 1994; Rust et al 1995). All these positive consequences are possible if managers consider in their strategies concepts such as consumer satisfaction and customer loyalty to build strong relationships based on trust and commitment (Dick Basu 1994). All these concepts are totally useful to take a lot of opportunities in the wine business. Its features as a business mix between products and services, its challenging competitive environment and its complexity for products evaluation, make the wine business completely dependent of these concepts. Hence, this essay will discuss what is customer satisfaction and why is relevant for a business success in a long-term. Then, it will do the same with customer loyalty concept making a special attention in the differences between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty concepts. Furthermore, to have different viewpoints about loyalty, also it will be discussed an important argument against loyalty known as â€Å"double jeopardy effect†. After that, this essay will offer two approaches of how is calculated customer profitability due to their significance in managerial marketing decisions. Finally, it will be explained how are linked satisfaction- loyalty-profitability and its consequences to the wine business. Customer satisfaction is very important to a business success in a long-term (Jones et al 2000; Pappu et al 2006). There is a wide range of arguments to support why customer satisfaction is so relevant for future performance of many companies. For example, satisfied customers are stronger against competition marketing campaigns, also they are less sensitive to the price and might be more loyal to the brand than unsatisfied customers (Dimitriades 2010). However, satisfaction is not the only step that wineries have to give to archive their goals with their clients. There is a big differentiation between satisfaction and loyalty, and a deep understanding of each concept might be essential for businesses with a strong association between products and services like the wine business. Nowadays, the wine business has been recognized as one of the most competitive business due to its small margins and large supply. In addition, the changing wine business environment has forced wine producer to use strategies focused on consumer preferences (Kimpakorn Tocquer 2011). All these factors have become critical for wineries that want to have a differentiation against their competitors and satisfy their customers. According to aforementioned, several authors are defined and studied customer satisfaction and their loyalty due to their relevance in a long-term, but their definitions vary according to the purpose of the study (Oslen 2005). Nevertheless, The American Marketing Association (AMA), is the most respectful professional association for individuals and organizations who are leading the practice, teaching, and development of marketing worldwide, and they defined customer satisfaction as follow: 1. The degree to which a consumers expectations are fulfilled or surpassed by a product. 2. The post-purchase evaluation of a consumer action by the ultimate consumer or the decision maker. The beliefs, attitudes, and future purchase patterns; word-of-mouth communication; and legal and informal complaints have been related to the post-purchase satisfaction/dissatisfaction process. (American Marketing Association 2012) Therefore, for those wineries that are looking for a differentiation, satisfied customers might be a good alternative. As it is possible to see, according to the definition of AMA, everything is related with consumer’s expectations and how companies exceed it or not. In addition, the post-purchase process will determinate their attitudes and beliefs to the brand. In this line, a satisfied customer is a potential ‘promoter’ of the brand through word-of-mouth and could be a very profitable if companies understand their needs and wants. Moreover, Anderson and Sullivan (1993) explain that are two factors as antecedents of satisfaction, expectations and perceived quality (Anderson et al 1993). This means, the evaluating process will depend on how were built these expectations and the quality perceived. Furthermore, the authors sustain that these antecedents will have a different weight in the process depending on how complex is evaluate the product. Consequently, it might be more relevant manage customer satisfaction when clients are familiarized with the product. On the contrary, when the product is complex or difficult for evaluating, expectations are more relevant (Anderson et al 1993). So, these findings challenge the wine industry due to wine is not an easy product to evaluate. In other words, it is not enough produce just a good quality wine, but also it is manage customer’s expectation as a part of their job to obtain their satisfaction. Wineries that already exceed customer’ expectations, now are looking for keeping their attention and future preferences. Is here when loyalty becomes an important and relevant goal for those wineries that passed the first step, create a long-term relationship with their customers. Many conceptualizations of customer loyalty can be found in the literature (Donio et al 2006). The importance of create profitable relationship with customers is so relevant that many authors have dedicated their studies to understand it. What is customer loyalty and why it is so significant to the future success of a business are the key questions. The main recurrent argument in the literature is capturing a new customer is much more expensive than delighting existing one (Dick Basu 1994). As we discuss before, satisfaction in the wine business is more related with customer expectation, but once exceeded these expectations, is essential start to thinking in how to build a sustainable relationship with customers in the long-term. Dick and Basu (1994) defined loyalty as follow: â€Å"The strength of the relationship between an individual’s relative attitude towards an entity (brand, service, store, or vendor) and repeat patronage† (Dick Basu 1994) So, Dick and Basu (1994) suggest that there is a link between the strength of the relationship and the individual’s relative attitudes toward a brand, which it determinate a possible future purchase. Now, it is not clear yet how these attitudes work and are built. To explain this, Dick and Basu (1994) explain three different approaches of customer loyalty. First, loyalty as an attitude toward a brand, second, loyalty expressed as a pattern behaviours, and third, buying moderated by individual attitudes (Dick Basu 1994). Understanding these three views are very useful for appreciate deeply what is customer loyalty. The first approach is viewed as positive attitudes toward a brand. This means, a good past experiences generated a commitment with the brand. This is measured asking people how much they like the brand or if they will give any recommendations. The level of these feelings and recommendations will measure the level of commitment with the brand and future purchases (Dick Basu 1994). In other words, any marketing campaign that reinforces positive attributes toward the brand is working on enhancing these positive attitudes. For instance, Coca-cola and its marketing campaign of happiness or Harley-Davidson and their ‘unique sound’ and ‘style’ of motorcycles, both are campaigns that enhance positive attributes toward the brand. However, this definition is not quite verifiable for buying of ‘low-risk’ (Dick Basu 1994). The second definition, loyalty expressed as pattern behaviour, defines different kind of customers. Those called ‘monogamous’ that means one hundred per cent loyal to a brand and the others as ‘promiscuous’ that means loyal to a category of products more than a specific brand (Dick Basu 1994). So, under this definition loyalty is more like a propensity to buy a brand into a category of products than feelings of commitment with a particular one. In deed, there are evidences that show people who declared them self as satisfied or very satisfied and in the next purchase they buy another brand. For example, In the UK, Oglivy Loyalty Centre found that, although 85% of automotive customers declared them self as satisfied, only 40% bought the same brand, and of packaged goods customers who identified a favourite brand, the 66% had bought another brand recently (O’Malley 1998). Finally, the third approach, buying moderate by individual attitudes, links the behaviour with customer’ attitudes. Dick Basu (1994) interpret behaviour as the act of buying plus the attitudes created for that act. As attitudinal dimensions Dick and Basu (1994) give three steps, ‘customer satisfaction’, ‘customer trust’ and ‘customer commitment’. These three steps would be the antecedents of customer loyalty. In simple words, people will buy something with expectations created by advertising, background, social environment, etc. Then, post-purchase, they will create several attitudes according to the process of product evaluation. Consequently, these attitudes will generate satisfaction if these expectations were exceed it. Once satisfaction is obtained, people might develop trust in that brand and a possible desire of commitment. Hence, according to this third definition, we can see a deeper process behind customer loyalty and a better explanation of how to manage it. It may say, to build customer loyalty is not enough create a relationship through a loyalty scheme, gifts or create email lists and send emails for communicating promotions and activities. Loyalty is much more complex than that, first, it is necessary obtain customers trust for building a compromise with them (Dick Basu 1994). Then, once customers take commitment, it is possible to speak about loyalty. As an example, this is similar to marriage. First, there is a period where people know each other (trust), then, people who really want to make a compromise for building something in the future get engaged, and finally, during the marriage, the couple works everyday to remember their votes and keep their loyalty through time. In marketing, seems to be the same pattern, companies that want to create strong relationships based on trust, first, they must gain it. Then, companies have to build a commitment with those customers that are profitable for them and, finally, find the way to develop their loyalty, remembering why they took this preference in the past. Small brands have a double goal, increase their market share and their popularity to defeat the double jeopardy effect. In the literature it is possible to find a very common, but unknowing phenomenon called, Double Jeopardy (Ehrenberng et al 1990). This phenomenon, presented in business is cited as one of the most common arguments against loyalty explaining the repurchase behaviour as a consequence of the brand size in the market. Ehrenberg (1999) explains this phenomenon as follow: In any given time period, a small brand typically has far fewer buyers than a larger brand. In addition, its buyers tend to buy it less often. This pattern is an instance of a widespread phenomenon called double jeopardy

Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre as a Coming of Age Story Essay -- Jane Ey

Jane Eyre as a Coming of Age Story   Charlotte Bronte's classic, Jane Eyre, is a "coming of age" story. The main character, Jane, travels from the innocence of childhood through the maturity of adulthood. During this journey, Jane goes through the battle of education vs. containment, where she attempts to learn about herself and about the world. She must constantly battle a containment of sorts, however, whether it be a true physical containment or a mental one. This battle of education vs. containment can be seen by following Jane through her different places of residence, including Gateshead Hall, Lowood Institution, Thornfield, Moor House and Morton, and Ferndean Manor, where she is, finally, fully educated and escapes the feeling of containment which she held throughout the novel. The story begins as Jane lives with the Reed family in their home at Gateshead Hall. Here, the theme of education vs. containment develops immediately, as Jane is kept confined indoors on a cold winter day. The other children (Eliza, John, and Giorgiana) are "clustered round their mamma in the drawing-room" (Bronte: 39) being educated, as Jane had been excluded from the group. Jane tries to educate herself by reading from Berwick's History of British Birds, but once again, she is held back from her attempt at enlightenment by the abuse of John Reed, who castigates her and throws the heavy book at her. In anger, Jane cries out, "You are like a murderer - you are like a slave-driver - you are like the Roman emperors" (Bronte: 43). In this passage, Jane compares John Reed to a slave-driver because, like a slave-driver, he deprives Jane of her attempt at education and keeps her suppressed. Afterwards, Jane is blamed for the entire incident and... ...ome of the modern woman, as she manages a perfect balance between both, the spiritual and the physical, which is what she really wanted in life. Works Cited and Consulted Beaty, Jerome. Misreading Jane Eyre. Columbus: Ohio State UP, 1996. Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: Dodd, Mead & Company, 1991 Bronte, Charlotte. "Charlotte Bronte's Letters". New York: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc., 1971. Dowta, Dr. Allyson. Women and the Written Word. Trenton: Prentice Hall, 1992. Fraser, Rebecca. The Brontes. 1st ed. New York:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Crown Publishers, 1988.    Gates, Barbara Timm, ed. Critical Essays on Charlotte Bronte. Boston: G. K. Hall, 1990.    Jane Eyre. Dir. Franco Zeffirelli. Perf. William Hurt, Charlotte Gainsborough, and Anna Paquin. 1996    Jane Eyre. Dir. Julian Aymes. Perf. Timothy Dalton, Zelah Clarke. 1983   

Identify a personal hero and articulate the influence this person has h

Identify a personal hero and articulate the influence this person has had on you I learn Spanish literature from a petite, sophisticated woman who has yet to appear in anything less that pearls, a well-cut suit and carefully scraped-back hair. Nevertheless, not one class has gone by without her eventually sitting cross-legged on her desk, eyes intent behind wire-rimmed glasses, hair slipping from her ponytail as if in agreement with her insistence that Spanish is exciting and all-encompassing, that Spanish literature is life reflected. At first, I thought she was a lunatic, ranting about "El simulo," "las metaforas," and "el tema." I spent the first week getting accustomed to her quick Iberian way of speaking, catching every other verb or noun, frantically trying to piece together what exactly she wanted from me. Each time she would veer her gaze in my direction, I would bend my head down to my note pad, furiously scribbling down some non-important point in the hopes that she wouldn't call on me....

Critical Thinking Reflection Essay

Select one of the following questions and answer it in 200 to 300 words using the principles of critical thinking you learned in this course. How can we reduce poverty in the United States?  Will receiving a college degree improve your career opportunities? Has the United States peaked as a world power? Will receiving a college degree improve your career opportunities? Once I choice this question immediately my enculturation barrier surfaced, because as soon as I read the question I said to myself well yes it does, and I believe I said that to myself because that what we have all been taught by our parents, teachers, and media, so that’s what I know to be true. After realizing that I allowed my barrier to surface I stopped and started to ask myself questions that might help me figure out what the answer really is on my own. I asked myself things like, where is there proof of this? Are there facts that will support what I currently believe? After going through the series of question in my head I started doing some research. After I completed my research I found information that did support my original thought, but there was also information that I found to be informative but didn’t really go with my thought process. I found things like, â€Å"College grads also tend to make more, which many view as a benefit. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, over a lifetime of work, the typical college graduate earns $650,000 more than the typical high school graduate. (The study also found that college graduates have more stable employment.† (â€Å"Finding the Value in a College Degree,† 2014, para.). Which shows that having a college degree can benefit you. The other information I found that was informative was that â€Å"A college degree doesn’t guarantee high earnings. This benefit will depend on your intended major and school.† (â€Å"Finding the Value in a College Degree,† 2014, para.). This tells me that just because someone has a degree it doesn’t mean that they will make more money, they have to have a degree that applies to that job. After asking myself questions and doing some research I am going to say that having a college degree will improve career opportunities. Citation Finding the Value in a College Degree. (2014, September). The Student Loan  Ranger, (), . Retrieved from http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/student-loan-ranger/2012/09/12/finding-the-value-in-a-college-degree Write, once you have answered the above question, a reflection of the process of critical thinking you used in forming your response. Include the following in your reflection: How does the process of critical thinking you used relate to or differ from the process you used to find content for your answer? How can you use critical thinking in other areas? What steps can you take to ensure that you continue to use critical thinking in the future? Reflection The process of critical thinking that I used to answer my question relates because in critical thinking you have to be willing to think differently and not just go with what you think you already know. You also have to ask yourself question and be able to understand the answers. I believe that I can use critical thinking in other areas by making sure that I am always open minded and be willing to listen and learn form others. The steps that I can take to ensure that I continue to use critical thinking in the future are to be able to acknowledge when I’m letting barriers get in the way, and make sure that I try to avoid them in the future. Other steps that I can take are to make sure that I question almost everything, don’t always go with what someone wants me to believe. I will always ask questions and try my hardest to make sure that I understand the answer. I will also continue practicing and learning about critical thinking as much as a can so I can strive to become an advanced critical thinker.

Review on Lawrence of arabia essays

Review on Lawrence of arabia essays For a brief background of this film, Lawrence of Arabia is based on the retelling of T.E. Lawrences adventures during WWI. This film is thought to have had the best cinematography of any film of that era, shot with a Super Panavision 70-mm scope. The film tells of the life of a British officer who aided the Arabian Bedouins against the Turks during WWI. The Arabian Desert serves as a back drop for the making of this film. This film focuses on four main events in Lawrences life; the defeating of Aqaba, Lawrences capture and torture in Deraa, the massacre at Tafas, and the fall of Damascus. This film is rated two stars, during this film I tended to lose interest due to the dull graphics of that time period. I also began to fall asleep during some of the uneventful scenes. This film could have easily been broken down to about 45 minutes to an hour. I must however take into consideration what time period this movie was shot in. Maybe I am spoiled with the new technology we have in todays society and that is why I cant get into this movie or it could just be an outdated movie, past its prime of giving us continuous viewing pleasure. Maybe this is not the kind of movie I enjoy or maybe its just a bad movie. Whatever the case, I had to give the movie two stars for mediocre acting by the leading actor and lack of guts and gore that I have come so accustomed to seeing in my day. I do have to say that the movie had a surprising crispness to it that I dont usually see with films from that time period, but that is the only thing that kept it from the dreaded zero stars th at it deserves. So in closing, do yourself a favor and watch Titanic for the 5,000th time and save your money, dont rent this movie. ...

Free Essays on Kevin Mitnick

Kevin Mitnick Although, arguably the most dangerous computer hacker, Kevin Mitnick has turned his life around for the better. Kevin Mitnick’s early life helped shape his future dealing with computers and led him to a life of crime. The life he was leading was going to have to stop because he started hacking and breaking into computer systems. Finally, the law caught up to him, forcing him to serve many years in jail and never to touch a computer or modem again. His life now is a great one; he started his own computer security business and is on the right side of the law. Kevin Mitnick’s early life was mischievous and full of trouble. His parents were divorced when he was the age of three. He lived with his mom, who worked as a waitress (Macnee 197). Also he lived in San Fernando Valley (L.A), where he had very few friends as a child. Kevin rarely saw his father, and his mother worked long hours and double shifts. That left Kevin with a lonely childhood. During his teenage years he started his life of crime. He began phone phreaking which uses electronics to illegally access phone services. While phreaking phones he became friends with other phone phreakers and often met with these friends at Shakey’s Pizza Parlor in Los Angeles to plot ways to break into local computer and communications systems (Macnee 197). Kevin’s criminal life started when he was in his teen years while attending Monroe High School in North Hills California. He had access to the network where he could change students grades. He also reportedly hacked his way into the North American Air Defense Command computers in Colorado just for fun. When he was seventeen, he was caught stealing valuable technical manuals from Pacific Bell Telephone Company. A judge sentenced him to probation (Macnee 198). In spite of his brush with the law Mitnick returned to hacking. After he was caught breaking into computers at a local university, he was sentenced to si... Free Essays on Kevin Mitnick Free Essays on Kevin Mitnick Kevin Mitnick Although, arguably the most dangerous computer hacker, Kevin Mitnick has turned his life around for the better. Kevin Mitnick’s early life helped shape his future dealing with computers and led him to a life of crime. The life he was leading was going to have to stop because he started hacking and breaking into computer systems. Finally, the law caught up to him, forcing him to serve many years in jail and never to touch a computer or modem again. His life now is a great one; he started his own computer security business and is on the right side of the law. Kevin Mitnick’s early life was mischievous and full of trouble. His parents were divorced when he was the age of three. He lived with his mom, who worked as a waitress (Macnee 197). Also he lived in San Fernando Valley (L.A), where he had very few friends as a child. Kevin rarely saw his father, and his mother worked long hours and double shifts. That left Kevin with a lonely childhood. During his teenage years he started his life of crime. He began phone phreaking which uses electronics to illegally access phone services. While phreaking phones he became friends with other phone phreakers and often met with these friends at Shakey’s Pizza Parlor in Los Angeles to plot ways to break into local computer and communications systems (Macnee 197). Kevin’s criminal life started when he was in his teen years while attending Monroe High School in North Hills California. He had access to the network where he could change students grades. He also reportedly hacked his way into the North American Air Defense Command computers in Colorado just for fun. When he was seventeen, he was caught stealing valuable technical manuals from Pacific Bell Telephone Company. A judge sentenced him to probation (Macnee 198). In spite of his brush with the law Mitnick returned to hacking. After he was caught breaking into computers at a local university, he was sentenced to si...

The Argentine Ant Supercolony essays

The Argentine Ant Supercolony essays No single insect has had a larger influence on the development of mankind than the lowly ant. It has been storied throughout world literature, and even in the greatest of books, the Bible. Proverbs 6:6 states "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways and be wise." It is said that rose by any other name is still a rose; however, the story is not the same with the ant. One particular species, the Argentine ant, or Iridomyrmex humilis or Linepithema humile, has been revered for its tenacity, especially in defense of the nest. It is even set apart in literature, in Linengen Versus the Ants. This particular species is known mainly for its proliferation and aggressive behavior. These ants often fight to the death when they encounter another colony and drive out other ant species as they proliferate. It seems they are made for this barbaric behavior, as they have large mandibles and a chemical weapon called iridomyr-mecin, which kills enemies or at the very least forces them to retreat. They also have as many as eight queens per thousand workers, which makes them nearly impossible to eradicate, as they reproduce at an astounding rate. "If all of the buildings in the world disappeared, just leaving the (Argentine) ants in the air, you could still see the outlines of the city." But recently, this aggressive, tenacious species is becoming known for so mething else: cooperation. A supercolony, or unicoloniality, is an extraordinary social organization whereby individuals mix freely among physically separated nests. It has been known for a while now that a supercolony of these ants exists in southern California, but until recently, this was thought to be one of a kind. This was proved to be untrue by a group of scientists led by Laurent Keller, and entomologist from the University of Switzerland. It would be easy for one to understand nests cooperating within a few feet, but this supercolony is the largest ever discovered, span...

Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Coursework Example This is something that is very much costly as it has been seen where some clients left the company in question and went to the competing company. In relation to the above case, there is a need of reviewing some of the policies in relation to the employee access to data and the revealing of information to parties that are not associated with the firm. There are some proposed policy changes that might just go a long way in preventing a repeat of the same from happening. Some of these include: 1. Termination or revoking of whatever access tools the terminated employee might be having in relation to the company’s database. 2. Wiping away of all the log files that may be related to the employee who has left the firm. 3. Instituting rules and regulations that have legal implications in the event that there is flaunting of these rules and this is in particular regard to the sensitive nature which information may be characterized. Company records prove to be something that is rather v ital for the survival of a particular firm. For this reason there has to be the devising of some policies that will bring about the safeguarding of this information. One of the policies that may be of focus in this case is the development of log files which will enable the administrator to keep track of the employee activities in the system. These files will bring to light what that particular employee has done in the system and what information he or she has accessed. In addition to this it provides tracks such that there will be evidence available when it is needed. Assignment 3 The issue of logging user activities in systems has become something that is of the essence to most organizations that are after the safeguarding of the information which they possess. In this particular case having a deeper understanding of just what logging entails will be something that is rather important in a bid to understanding the importance of the matter. These log files come up in various systems and means of access that may be there to the users of computers. Some may be in relation to the websites which these users access while others may be in relation to the information on the system which these same users access at times. The development and application of the log files will be dependent on the type of environment that the particular user is in. Some of the logfiles may be in the online environment while others are just used in the typical database. The language used in their development will also depend on the language that the environment is founded on. These may be web-based languages such as PHP and HTML while others may be reliant on the database systems such as My SQL. Some of these logging utilities come with the system upon purchase while at the same time there are those that are custom made for the purpose of meeting the specific firm requirements. Of these it is more advantageous to come up with a system that can provide the tracking and warnings or notificat ions in the event that the set barriers are violated. This is where developing of the logs as opposed to their purchase is of importance. What a person can create a person can also destroy. What this means is the fact that these log files can be bypassed by whoever has a critical knowledge of just how good they work. It will be particularly hard to develop a

Vendor Management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5750 words

Vendor Management - Case Study Example In the 90s, Vendors management within the main stream of supply chain management (SCM) gained momentum and received due attention from practitioners and researchers. Beaumont & Comer (2003) refers to procurement as the process in which goods and services necessary for a company's operations are obtained from other organisations. The researcher cautions that organisation should be aware of the fact that purchasing usually constitute between 60-70% of the cost structures of companies. According to David and John (1993P.1), Freight forwarding involves the transfer of goods along cross border, national and international routes, to reach pre-determined destinations (David and John 1993P.1). In other words, Ramsay (2000), argues that It is an intermediary facilitative service between importers and exporters. Freight forwarders take up the responsibility for transfer of goods and utilities between the client and various transport destinations. The transportation of goods, services and utilities between international destinations involves complex legal requirements. A freight forwarding service takes up the duty of meeting all of these legal requirements with relative professional ease. Gau, Lau & Neo (1999) cited in Beaumont & Comer (2003) stipulated that proc... The transportation of goods, services and utilities between international destinations involves complex legal requirements. A freight forwarding service takes up the duty of meeting all of these legal requirements with relative professional ease. Gau, Lau & Neo (1999) cited in Beaumont & Comer (2003) stipulated that procurement is a change of terminology. For freight forwarders are strategic players within the freight forwarding supply chain. They increase the level of customer's service, information sharing, and inventory cost reduction through collaborative relationship or partnerships. Here, Mun (2005) stipulated that, freight forwarding supply chain depends on the level of customer's service which in turn depends on information technology. Thus, through their activities in Singapore, the clients are obviated from the rigours and tension associated with movement of goods to various destinations around the globe. 1.1 Problem Statement Many corporate mission statements set customers as the focus of an organisation's business activities, and key thinkers have defined the quality of goods and services with reference to how well they satisfy needs and expectations of the customer base. At the other end, some companies are paying performance premiums. Mun (2005) in a joint study with Australian logistic association argues that, shippers and multinational companies have changed the nature of logistics by demanding high quality, customised services, quality services from freight forwarding companies in order to meet their special needs (Mun 2005). In the battle for survival, Singapore Freight forwarding companies for example are entering into long term

LEE IACOCCA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

LEE IACOCCA - Essay Example The biography of Lee Iacocca happens to be the story of an ordinary person who took the initiative, as and when the life presented opportunities to him and made something out of himself. One thing that set apart Lee Iacocca’s leadership style from others was that he happened to have a strong conviction in his ideas and beliefs. Part of the issues that Iacocca faced at the Ford Car Company was that he seldom hesitated from sitting down and defending the ideas and views that seemed right and effective to him. No wonder Lee Iacocca’s personality carried an immense sense of charisma that made others trust him, believe in him and follow him. Hus style of leadership was marked by a sense of courage that not only motivated others to do their best, but also assured his followers that if anything went wrong, he will be there to help and defend them as Iacocca says, â€Å"Leadership means setting an example (Iacocca & Novak 241)†. The communication style of Iacocca was mar ked by astuteness in being able to and willing to talk about facts, even when they sounded unpalatable and unsavory. I was his ability to bear with hard facts that helped him turnover Chrysler. In the context of Kouzes-Posner model of leadership one thing that Iacocca learned when he was fired from Ford was the fact that a leader ought to set the principles as per which people need to be treated and made to achieve the goals. Iacocca possessed remarkable people skills. Iacocca not only firmly believed in his vision, but also had the ability to make others trust his vision and do their best to further and facilitate that vision. One thing that Iacocca did after joining Chrysler was to challenge the status quo and to question the way things were done earlier, so as to do away with the old flab and make the company focus on the things that added to its success. Both at Ford and at Chrysler, Iacocca pursued a collaborative approach with his team members and acted as a leader who believe d in empowering others. It was Iacocca’s ability to keep alive the hope and belief at Chrysler that enabled him and the people working with him to make Chrysler a success. The personality of Iacocca possessed a trait that happened to be both his strength and a weakness. One thing that made Lee Iacocca peculiar was that he tended to be quiet emotive about his professional life. He associated with his work with a marked sense of emotional passion and took both the success and the failures coming his way with an emotive sense of conviction. For instance when Iacocca was fired from Ford, instead of merely taking it as one other aspect of his job, Iacocca rather took this instance quiet personally and meditated on the impact that firing had on his personal and family life. However, one could certainly say that this emotive sense of temperament could have turned out to be a tragic flaw in any other person, but Lee Iacocca instead of allowing his emotions to benumb and stymie him, r ather used them to his advantage and moved on to utilize his innate talent to make Chrysler a burgeoning success. On thing that could be strongly attributed to Lee Iacocca’

Rules and Regulations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Rules and Regulations - Essay Example Expectation: â€Å"Students raising their hand†; all students will be needed to raise their hand any time they have a question. In addition to this, all students will be required to give adequate time to their colleagues to answer and contribute in the classroom conversation. This is to ensure that all students participate and contribute adequately during classes. Some students if left to decide whether to contribute or not may never contribute in class. As a measure to ensure full participation, constant encouragement to participate in classroom discussions and positive reinforcement will be implemented or encouraged. Expectation: â€Å"preparing to go home†; all students will be required to ensure their classrooms are clean by keeping away materials in the right place. They will put their chairs on top of the allocated desks/tables. The classroom will end by meeting at the assembly hall where the students and teachers discuss what they learned throughout the day (Franco & ODonoghue, 2004). The discussions will be conducted in the foreign language learnt in school in order to ensure effective practice of the

Social Structure Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Social Structure Theory - Essay Example Social structure theory is a sociological theory based on the argument that the social surroundings in which one exists tend to affect his or her behavior. There is a strong relationship between social environment and behavior in that the manner in which people behaves will be similar despite of their social environment. From the film, it is evident that people from different social surrounding behave differently from people in a different social surrounding. For instance, those people who grew up in poverty and lower class social surroundings tend to manifest criminal behaviors than those from upper class (Durkheim, 1951) The film endorses the social structure theory in that it shows how the society is composed of social institutions such as educational, political, economic, family, and religious whose purpose is to socialize an individual. Further, it shows how society is classified based on economic income and social status whereby those with high economic income belong in upper c lass and have high statuses in society as compared to those with low economic income that have low status in society. It depicts how people in all societies in the world aspire and desire to utilize and maximize their potentials in life but deficiency in natural skills and talents hinder some of them from achieving their objectives. This in turn makes them turn to other means such as crime in order to realize their dreams. The film reveals that social disorganization make people violate the laid down rules and regulations since there is total breakdown of power of informal community to control their behavior. This is attributed to the fact that they want to get themselves out of informal community in which the society has placed them. As such, they will engage in criminal behavior such as human trafficking and slavery in order to achieve their goals (Hester & Eglin, 1992). Social strain theory explains that crime in all societies is as a reaction to the conditions and circumstances that hinder opportunities for some people to achieve economic success for which all individuals are supposed to have. From the film, it is evident that there is no institutional balance of power as proposed by social structure theory. This trend often leads to forced control of some institutions by others thus depriving them some societal privileges. Poverty bounds people from different cultures. The disintegration of informal social control eventually leads to social disorganization as violent groups replace social institutions such as family, schools, and religion as socializers thus transmitting violent values to people (Hester & Eglin, 1992). Therefore, human trafficking is as a result of intergeneration spread of violent values. The film highlights the most serious social issues in modern society, which is human trafficking, and violation of human rights whereby human beings from different parts of the world are sold into slavery for different purposes. People assume that human trafficking is a vice that existed in the distant past or in nations where everybody is above the law. This idea is wrong because as the film depicts, human trafficking exist in every part of the world where people are transported to other nations for working in illegal business or engaging in prostitution. In most cases, men are usually trafficked to provide labor while women are trafficked for prostitution. The film describes that human traffi

Rules and Regulations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Rules and Regulations - Essay Example Expectation: â€Å"Students raising their hand†; all students will be needed to raise their hand any time they have a question. In addition to this, all students will be required to give adequate time to their colleagues to answer and contribute in the classroom conversation. This is to ensure that all students participate and contribute adequately during classes. Some students if left to decide whether to contribute or not may never contribute in class. As a measure to ensure full participation, constant encouragement to participate in classroom discussions and positive reinforcement will be implemented or encouraged. Expectation: â€Å"preparing to go home†; all students will be required to ensure their classrooms are clean by keeping away materials in the right place. They will put their chairs on top of the allocated desks/tables. The classroom will end by meeting at the assembly hall where the students and teachers discuss what they learned throughout the day (Franco & ODonoghue, 2004). The discussions will be conducted in the foreign language learnt in school in order to ensure effective practice of the

Impact of the Internet on a Small Business Research Paper

Impact of the Internet on a Small Business - Research Paper Example Today a business without the use of the computing power of a computer, or the use of the internet, is sure to be left behind and age very quickly. Competition in the business world is fierce and business is all about marketing and who can reach the consumer first. Today’s computers and internet play a vital role in accomplishing this task. It is impossible for modern business groups to think about a world without internet at present. This was not the case a mere twenty years ago when the internet was in its infancy. Irrespective of large scale, medium scale or small scale, all types of businesses are highly dependent on internet related technologies in today’s perspectives. Through the internet, a business of any size can compete in the global marketplace. In fact, on the internet, the size of an organization's operation makes little difference because the internet is an open environment. Similar companies compete against one another while being only a click of the mous e away. In other words, a buyer can locate numerous sellers offering similar merchandise, similar prices and similar offers in a very short time period. As more people and businesses become comfortable with the internet, the marketing landscape will continue to evolve quickly in the coming years (The Influence of Internet on Modern Business, 2009). The arrival of internet related technologies helped small scale industries immensely. The internet lent a hand in small companies competing on a global level. This also factored in a small business growing into great proportions at incredible speeds never experienced in history ever before. Many of the traditional business concepts were given way for internet related business strategies because of the arrival of computers and internet. For example, internet helped the business world to convert many of the offline market spaces into online market spaces. Moreover, outsourcing, off shoring like modern business principles were evolved out be cause of the developments in internet related technologies. Since a company could outsource, so easy is it to have its down fall, on many Americans who loose there job to overseas areas that had cheaper labour and less taxes. We can see this with a majority of companies at a minimum outsourcing their phone tech support. Many of these companies have tech support online twenty four hours a day and three hundred sixty five days a year. Advertising is another in which internet helps small scale industries immensely. Social networks are used extensively by the businesses for marketing and advertising purposes. This can be seen by looking at any internet search engine today from Google, Yahoo, or any other of the one hundred and seventy search engines available. If you go to any search engine like Google or MSN you will see advertisements on the right hand side, or on top of the page. These are seen by millions of people today. These ads are cheap and easy to acquire to the point where an y person or business can advertise for pennies on the click. At the same time, internet has the potential to affect small businesses in a negative way too. For example, internet helped globalization in many ways, but it also lent way to sites like Angie’s list to see if the business is reputable or garbage. It should be noted that globalization helped corporate companies to expand their business all over the world. The intrusion of corporate compani

Theme and Narrative Elements in the Short Story Essay Example for Free

Theme and Narrative Elements in the Short Story Essay The short story of Little Red Riding Hood is a simple to understand child’s tale and clearly portrays the deceitfulness of appearance. The story is clearly organized with characters and symbols of innocence by a child and the sly dangers represented by a wolf. Throughout the story we see the characters build more of a persona of innocence and evil. It is stated by Cassady, M. (1991), â€Å"Symbolism plays a large part in Identity and Difference.† This is seen a lot and very clearly with the oblivious thoughts of Red Riding Hood and the singular objective of the wolf constantly reminded throughout the story. The characters add to the theme and the theme is portrayed though these characters. The theme of Little Red Riding Hood is made clearer and understanding in many ways. In the original short story there are clear references to what the clear idea is behind the theme. These are pointed out and recognized by asking simple questions even supported through the text. Clungston, R. (2010), â€Å"How does the writer use setting to narrow the underlying idea? How do characters make particular aspects of the underlying idea clear? How does conflict reveal the strength or worth of the underlying idea?† These are questions more clearly defined in this story than could be found in many others. The most clear and obvious would be the characters. The antagonist being represented as a mischievous and blood thirsty wolf gave a clear view on the danger posed against the young and innocent Little Red Riding Hood. The little fun loving child was also a character who added to the theme, making it clear there was an innocent victim. Along with the presence of the characters there is a clear instance of conflict making the theme clearer. In the short story there was a most noted and memorable moment when the wolf and Little Red Riding Hood reunited without Red Riding Hood knowing she was in the presence of the wolf. The famous lines in the story written by l’Oye (1697), â€Å"Grandmother, what big arms you have! All the better to hug you with, my dear. Grandmother, what big legs you have! All the better to run with, my child. Grandmother, what big ears you have! All the better to hear with, my child. Grandmother, what big eyes you have! All the better to see with, my child. Grandmother, what big teeth you have got! All the better to eat you up with.† Said and repeated, this became one of the most notorious childhood short stories to ever exist. This conflict showed the adolescence of the child and the trust she put into the wolf’s words. As these go on it becomes more obvious the appearance of Little Red Riding Hood’s grandmother become less resembling to how Little Red Riding Hood know her to appear. This is where â€Å"looks can be deceiving† seems to be most appropriately referenced. In the story of Little Red Riding Hood the child character had no knowledge of not talking to the stranger wolf, which led to her and her grandmother’s peril. . The story has the intertwining relations between the characters and their symbolism in the story. As the little child frolics and plays with butterflies and picks up nuts to enjoy the wolf tears through the woods to be sure not to lose out on his opportunity to feast. This is the image brought to the reader of the characters and heightened by the influences of the child being a child and the wolf being a wolf. Cassady, M. (1991) also states, â€Å"the characters are symbols as well as individuals† this explain our predicted image of the characters and the importance of why these two characters have to be who they are to make a clear statement in the story. Without the presence of these characters or the manifestation of the theme, neither would exist without the other to create the effect this story created. This is symbolism and character created strongest in the story of Little Red Riding Hood.

Software As A Service Information Technology Essay

Software As A Service Information Technology Essay SaaS is nothing but a high end software model that enhances the interaction of companies with their clients or consumers. The most common instances of SaaS are to track the shipment online or online billing. The advantage of implementing SaaS is that there is no cost incurred upon the consumers/ clients. The software is developed and ported on the internet and is accessible 247 throughout the world. This document covers the information regarding traditional Client-Server model and SaaS. Also advantages and disadvantages of SaaS are discussed in this paper. Document Overview: This document gives an overview of the SaaS, basic architecture how it is using in the real world, and describes the advantages and disadvantages of SaaS. What is SaaS: SaaS is a software application which is ready to use where user can purchase or rent the software on a monthly or yearly basis, and user nothing to worry about application software or any other installation process. Client Server Vs SaaS: Traditionally, most of the software applications have been developed using client-server model. In a client-server model, we can find many hidden costs for supporting and deploying a client server system, together with expensive hardware to install and maintain. In most of the scenarios, the initial software license worth of a client server system is only one third of the total worth of the system. Client Server Model The significance of SaaS is that is a technology platform and its becoming increasingly recognized as a more efficient way to deploy software application. SaaS model is a technique of providing the same software to dissimilar customers through a network, over the Internet. In other way, we can say that the software is not installed on the customers personal computers. SaaS model delineates a vendor is whole responsible for the creation, maintenance, enhancements and all software and hardware related updates. Customers are only responsible for initial purchase of the product or subscription to access it. This subscription includes a separate license for each individual person that will make use the software. The Saas model can add cost savings and efficiency for the both the customer and product vendor. Customers save money and time since they do not have to install drivers and maintain software programs or any other hardware related system upgrade. We get softwares from different customers through network, commonly Internet. Software is not presented in client side, it is provided by a vendor. Vendor have to be uploaded the software in the server. If anything needs to update, preparing to upload new software and maintenance of the application means software vendor has to do this. Once customer purchased the software, he gets the licensed key, it is unique and applicable for one time and no one can share the information. SaaS MODEL SaaS and SOA: SaaS also uses Service Oriented Architecture to communicate between subsystems in the Enterprise Applications. Each application subsystem can act as service to interact with other subsystems via public brokers. These services also act as service requesters. Enterprise application some time requires a web services to verify the data with some other third party agencies. In order to interact with some other application, web service call will be routed through SOA. SaaS Applications: In our real life we are currently using many SaaS applications. Those are free to use but more useful in our real world. Free SaaS Applications: Gmail Google Calendar MapQuest Google Maps. Wikipedia All these above applications have simple interfaces and powerful enough to do everything we want to do. Any types of enhancements for any SaaS application vendor do it in a single shot then everyone (customers) can use those changes on their machines without doing any operations. Profit Organizations Using SaaS Applications: FedEx Chase Air Canada Hertz Google Finance All profit organization using SaaS applications are fully tested while they going for any new application related enhancements or any application related fixes. Benefits of SaaS: Lower Costs: Most SaaS solutions are offered at a lower subscription cost (Monthly/Quarterly/Yearly) with no up-front fees. By using Saas software consumers can save a lot of money. All they have to do is pay a subscription fee for the duration of time they will be using an application for and vendors bear all the security and infrastructure costs. This is a very cost effective solution for users who may only use a software application on rare occasions. Data storage requirements: Some application can occupy a lot of hard drive space at end users systems. By using SaaS software consumers can save a lot of hot drive space because data is stored on the vendors database. Also users dont have to worry about constantly backing up the data as this is handled by SaaS vendors. SaaS vendor profits: SaaS allows software vendors to receive a continuous stream of income in the form of subscriptions. Speed of deployment: Potentially very fast as the application is already up and running on the vendors server so you just have to get your data onto the system. Simpler Solution: The less software and hardware components installed on-premise, the simpler faster the deployment becomes. The time to value is much faster compared to on-premise Alternatives usually measured in minutes. Lower Risk: In a SaaS model the customer can unsubscribe or cancel the subscription, and with no databases and application servers to install, this means lower overall risk to IT and the business. Enhance Scalability:   In SaaS Model expansion of business and contract is easily accommodated by providing the flexibility to expand their operations without having to wait for their Information Technology infrastructure to grasp up. This allows organizations to simply add new applications when they needed. This type of flexibility in other business model is not possible.   Improved Data Security: The SaaS provider has many resources to provide systematic and widespread data security options and guard the computer centers from casual access. Access Anywhere: Users can access their data by using the SaaS application from anywhere as long as they have the internet connection. This will enhance the user experience in making the work done in a faster way. Automatic Upgrades: The version of software available when you log into your SaaS account is latest because there is only one version offered. If there is an error found in the software the SaaS provider can quickly make the changes. Not Platform Specific: The software is platform independent and can be used from any operating system as long as you have an internet connection to use the application. It will enable you to use a wide variety of platforms. End User Advantages: End user or Customer no needs to main the Software, deployments in the server and updating. If new versions are release user nothing to bother about any type of operations. Vendor is responsible to upgrade the versions. But user needs to update those versions. Risks Disadvantages: More costly in the long run: Flouting point usually occurs around two to three years Less manage over the application: Customization and integration of application is more limited for end users. Vendor feasibility becomes even greater unease: Since users data is restricted by the vendor. Security issues: Since the data is stored on the servers of the SaaS application provider there might be a security issue of intruders hacking the personal information while the data is transferred over the network. To prevent this, the SaaS application providers need to apply necessary security patches. It depends on the vendor for providing good security. Limited applications: Generally SaaS vendors offer the applications which are more popular and the application user wants to use may not be he is from that group. So the only way to user use the application is to buy it and install it in his computer. Summary: In this paper we discussed about Software as a Service (SaaS) how it works in a real time and why SaaS replaced by traditional Client Server Model. Also we discussed about various types of applications that are using SaaS. At the end we discussed about advantages, Risks and disadvantages by using SaaS.

tv-dont use this paper :: essays research papers

In Bill Mckibben essay â€Å"Daybreak† he writes about how TV has changed the way we look at the world. A little less than half of all American’s get â€Å"most of their information from television†. There are some things that people would never see in their life if it wasn’t for TV, but there are things that people could go without seeing at times too. TV is one of the greatest things ever to happen to some people and the worst for others. For some people television is the best way to take part in the world. Many American’s watch 7 hours of TV in one day, some people think the best way to live and learn is outside the living room and in the wilderness. Some people learn more when they’re out in nature, that’s what there into. Others do better in the house watching TV. MiKibben had friends tape every channel on the Fairfax network for 24 hours. Then he spent 10 hours a day for 2 months watching TV. After watching all the channels, he then went and spent two days on Crow Mountain watching nature. He found that there are things in nature that you would never get the whole effect of watching them on television. Then there are things on TV you would never even see without watching TV. I myself use both of them in everyday life. TV is a way for me to see what’s going on in the world. I watch TV three to fours a day. It goes from MTV to ESPN to the News. I do watch a lot of movies. I can see how people think TV is bad, and don’t want to have anything to do with it. There are shows that could be taken off the air but at the same time TV gives people a glimpse of things in the world that they would never see in real life. To get away from all the TV and things that go on in the world is the wilderness. Its goes the same way for the wilderness as it does for TV. There are things in the wilderness that you would never see or experience on TV. All people need to do is find a happy medium and use both to benefit themselves. I would rather go out and spend the day in the woods then sit home and watch TV there is some people that would rather stay inside.

Moniza Alvis Presents from my Aunts in Pakistan Essay -- English Lite

Moniza Alvi's Presents from my Aunts in Pakistan Moniza Alvi was born in Lahore, in Pakistan, the daughter of a Pakistani father and an English mother. She moved to Hatfield in England when she was a few months old. She didn't revisit Pakistan until after the publication of her first book of poems, The Country over my Shoulder, from which this poem comes. The poet says: 'Presents from My Aunts... was one of the first poems I wrote - when I wrote this poem I hadn't actually been back to Pakistan. The girl in the poem would be me at about thirteen. The clothes seem to stick to her in an uncomfortable way, a bit like a kind of false skin, and she thinks things aren't straightforward for her. I found it was important to write the Pakistan poems because I was getting in touch with my background. And maybe there's a bit of a message behind the poems about something I went through, that I want to maybe open a few doors if possible.' Subject Matter What is Presents from my Aunts in Pakistan all about? * The speaker in the poem, who is of mixed race, describes the gifts of clothes and jewellery sent to her in England by her Pakistani relatives. * She is drawn to the loveliness of these things, but feels awkward wearing them. She feels more comfortable in English clothes - denim and corduroy. * She contrasts the beautiful clothes and jewellery of India with boring English cardigans/from Marks and Spencer. * She tries to remember what it was like for her family to travel to England. * Her knowledge of her birthplace, which she left as a baby, comes to her only through old photographs and newspaper reports. * She tries to imagine what that world might be like. Glossary Sa... ...n Hatfield at that time, of a mixed race background or indeed from any other race, so I felt there was a bit of a blank drawn over that. I think I had a fairly typically English 50s/60s upbringing. When I eventually went to Pakistan I certainly didn't feel that was home, I'd never felt so English. But I never feel entirely at home in England, and of course I'm not part of the Asian community at all. And it feels a bit odd sometimes that because of the group of poems that I've written about my Asian background, I sometimes tend to be identified as a black writer. I tend to think of England as being very culturally mixed now. But it's important to know where you come from, which is perhaps what I was lacking as a child. I think it's important to know what has gone into your making, even quite far back, I think it gives you a sense perhaps of richness.'

Learning and education Essay

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Learning and education are some of the most prized assets any person could have. Many parents consider these assets to be the primary treasure which they can give to their children to face the challenges of the future. However, there are some instances in which education becomes unreachable due to some hindrances like learning disabilities. It may become a concern not only for the individual but for the family as well.   Fortunately there are still some available steps in order to combat the possible dilemmas learning disabilities might bring.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   On the part of Tony, it seems that he is not really that ready enough to become a part of the larger scope of education structure. He used to have a separated domain of learning which highlighted his interests to accommodate knowledge. The one-on-one teaching method provided by Ms. Brumbley became the most comfortable realm for Tony to achieve success. However, in order to develop more, he needs to take a few more steps of the education ladder. In middle school and beyond, school works are more complex and require more diligence in following directions. Add to that the extremely dynamic social nature of the class where students will tend to stabilize their roles and projections towards other members of the society. Because of such factors, Tony may have a hard time adjusting to the situation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In order to accommodate Tony to perform his ultimate best, what can be done is to at least set some modifications in the classroom. First is to introduce the basic foundations of new lessons for discussion. For example, a lesson in Math can first take a course of simple arithmetic to fraction computations. This may seem too easy relative for the whole class but exampling to them the importance of the strong math foundation will not impose an obvious aspect that the procedure is intended for Tony to refresh what he has previously learned. It is also possible to provide Tony a separate customized textbook and assignments so that he can gradually adjust to the lessons involved in middle school education. This approach is not intended for a long term basis so that he can actually progress to entertain newer and more complex lessons in middle school subjects. Lastly, as a concerned teacher, he will be provided with at least an hour of academic assistance everyday after class. A consultation form of conversation is best for him so that he could provide any feedback about the class procedures.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In order to support the standing of Tony in middle school through high school, coordinating with his other teachers would be the best practice to do. This will help the whole learning sector to have a single approach in fulfilling the special needs of Tony. Even if after he has completed the year level in a particular class, a complete coordination between his previous teachers and the ones who will be handling him should be initiated.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Basing on some studies and personal observations, individuals like Tony do not simply experience learning problems. The nearest dilemma apart from education concerns is the social interaction aspect of the person. Primarily, if one is not able to acquire the supposedly pace of learning rates in education, then most probably there will be a certain problem within his core interactive capabilities. Of course, it was noted that he exemplifies a certain degree of fondness in dealing with people in a comical way but deep inside, Tony might also have some concerns in having an interaction with people in a serious manner. If he will realize his disadvantages over the people he will constantly interact with, he might experience a sense of inferiority or discrimination. Compassionate encouragement and kindness can minimize the inferiority factor this dilemma might induce (Kentucky Education Cabinet).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Helping the students to explore their capabilities is one way to nurture their personalities. But for individuals who have a relative disadvantage in learning, utmost assistance and care is needed beyond teaching. References Kentucky Education Cabinet. N.D. Learning Disabilities. Kentucky.gov. Retrieved February 4, 2008 from http://ada.ky.gov/learning_dis_def.htm.

Philosophy Rhetoric Essay

For those politicians who find themselves faced with a question whose answer may be distressing to their audience, there is no substitute for the power of rhetoric   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The light-as-air rhetoric politicians tend to give in response to any question regarding national identity is a fine example. Asked what it is to be an American, most politicians will appeal to emotion with reflexes so skilled and precise that a kung-fu master would be hard-pressed to imitate them. Where logic is concerned, the rhetorical replies to this sort of question often begs many others. The politician will surely answer using words such as â€Å"hope†, â€Å"values†, â€Å"family† and â€Å"faith† but are those words even useful as descriptions? Do they speak to the actual experience of being an American or do they speak to some of the notions in which many find great comfort? How much of any politicians answer to this question is ritual and how much actual response? And, most importantly, are those things really characteristic of Americans or are they things Americans like to think about themselves, reality notwithstanding?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Where a reasonable, logical answer to the question of   what it means to be American may be pages long and the subject of spirited debate–not to mention heavily influenced by the time in which the question was posed–a rhetorical answer provides an easy dodge that leaves the politician with a faint glow of patriotism, the great persuader who is so often summoned by way of such simple rhetoric.

XBUS Quail Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

XBUS Quail - Assignment Example It was on March 18th 2011 at approximated time of 8:30 in the morning. There were two officers: Officers 4 and Officer 3, who were on their assignment at a subway station in Manhattan on West 72nd street. They came across five teenage boys shoving one another at about ten yards away near the subway platform that was crowded with many people. The two officers walked towards to five boys where Officer 3 shouted at the five boys telling them to stop the shoving of one another but they went on with the shoving. When the other officer approached, he yelled, â€Å"Freeze, if you know what is good for you.† When the teenagers received the caution from Officer 3, they stopped shoving one another and they began talking to the other officer. There was a woman, 42 year-old, Ms. Smith who was standing at the subway platform got curious of the activities of the officers and the boys. She tapped Officer 3 on his shoulder and then asked the officer why they were disturbing the boys. He turne d around and said, â€Å"Back off or I’ll take you in too.   I’m busting my ass to save your ass.† Officer Four came to Ms. Smith and Officer 3 after speaking to the five boys. When he noticed the Ms. Smith was questioning his fellow officer, Officer 4 said, â€Å"We don’t need this type of crap.   Let’s go.† It was then when Ms. Smith recorded their budge numbers and their names on her cell phone when the two officers walked away as they continued with their patrol. After all this, it was then when Ms. Smith filed her complaint with the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB). On her complaint, she stated that both the officers were discourteous. She also stated that Officer 3 had threatened to arrest her. She claimed that she believed the two officers had questioned and stopped the teenagers since they were Hispanic and black and there were other reason for bothering them. After being

Aurora Textile Company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Aurora Textile Company - Essay Example The operating profit in 2002 was $445 which is relatively low compared to $6,234 in 2001 and $4,109 in 2000. The company’s sales are affected by stiff competition from cheap imported yarns from Asia industries that flooded the U.S market. In addition, the profit margins are affected by the liability related to customer returns. The customer returns saw the textile company loose between 5 to 7.5 times more on revenue in reimbursements (Bruner et al. 314). In order for Aurora Textile Company to survive in the competitive market, there is a need to modernize their operations and cut costs (Bruner et al. 313). The proposal by to invest in a new machine Zinser 351 will improve the company’s performance and help to reduce the production expenses. The machine would reduce maintenance and power costs amounting to $0.03/lb, and customer returns equal to $0.077/lb based on conversion costs for 2002 (Bruner et al. 316). The purchase of Zinser 351 reduces the rate of customer returns that is critical during the period the WTO lifted the ban on quotas in January 2005. When the company makes more money, then it will attract more investments by the shareholders that will help Aurora Textile industry to operate and survive in the competitive

Carl Marx Labor Maifesto Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Carl Marx Labor Maifesto - Essay Example Developing countries, such as Africa, also are seeing the formation of this large gap (Kretzmann). This inequality must urgently be addressed before we fall so far into poverty that the lower class will not be able even to survive. To find the solution to this, we must turn to our own history and the concepts of Marxism. Capitalism has been the way for much of the modern world, and it has long been held up as the ultimate solution to economic problems. As Marx and Engels argued in the Communist Manifesto, this solution is not working, and it has not been working for quite some time. Something new must be found to pave a way forward. Marx argued in a time when economics was uncertain and the future of many frightening. We are at this point again, and the systems that have kept us safe are no longer enough. Large businesses and rich men continue to grow in industry, preventing smaller businesses from gaining a foothold or from competing within the market. These large businesses, with their efficiency and research, employ many workers at first; however, as time progresses, technology is developed to undermine their position. The development of more efficient practices, better technology, and streamlined processes all result in the same outcome, a decrease in the number of people employed. Businesses are no longer seeking the best interests of their consumers or their staff. Instead, they are focused only on their own profits, expanding to new markets quickly and removing any competition that stands in their way. For workers, the image is bleak. The more businesses try to cut costs, the less people are hired. Unless something changes, the situation as it stands today will only degrade. A solution must be found and it must be found now. As Marx and Engels argued for the uniting of the workers of the world, so we must once more make this call, too. In the Communist Manifesto, they forwarded the concept of communism, they stated that

Black Fish Movie Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Black Fish Movie - Assignment Example There are no records of the attacks; thus trainers have little information on the risks involved in their job. The orcas are unhappy in this captivity and aggressive not to themselves but also to the trainers. This negligence witnessed in the way the orcas are treated, and this put the lives of the trainers in danger. The Blackfish film expounds on the mistreatment of orcas. This film focuses on the way the SeaWorld captured the orcas and kept in their captivity for human entertainment. Blackfish is one such documentary, which exposes the unkindness man imposes on animals and the plight of wildlife in marine parks as they undergo domestication and training to amuse humans and generate profits The filmmaker is making emphasis on telling the stories of the trainers and their narrative pointing to the abuse and in the way SeaWorld keep the killer whale in captive. The film advocates on the plight of orcas. It is not adequately supported because it is focusing on the incidents Tilikum and his captivity but fails to digress in talking the other incident involving others killer whales. There is no differentiation of the incidents. The film is not clear on how to treat SeaWorld. People interviewed in the film have the adverse opinion, and they do not provide the solution. The film has perfect visual work, and different interviews blended with the mixture of footage of animations of parks and animals. This cinematography is trying to bring clear vision and emotions on the subject of the plight of animals.

Snowmobiles Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Snowmobiles - Research Paper Example An interesting feature of a sled is the fact that it does not move on wheels. It has a long belt of rubber moving along the bottom of its body which forms a track for the sled to move on. Because of this track the sled does not slip and slide in the snow as it provides it with sufficient grip to keep it in control of the rider (DuBois 30). Snowmobiles use large amount of gasoline to run (Mara 1998). Hence, their popularity was greatly reduced during the 1970’s when the prices of gasoline reached sky high. Today there are only four major manufacturers of snowmobiles – Polaris, Arctic cat, Ski-doo and Yamaha (Mara 7). In snowmobiler’s parlance, these companies are called â€Å"big four† (DuBois 7). These companies manufacture these vehicles for various purposes which could be for personal use like transportation or for racers. Snowmobile racing is a very popular sporting activity during the snow fall season in various countries. This can be seen from the fac t that in North America alone there are more than 3000 clubs for snowmobilers (Mara 7). Major countries where people enjoy this sport are US, Canada, Denmark, Norway and Sweden. The cost of snowmobiles manufactured for this specific purpose is twice the price of ordinary use snowmobiles. Brief history of snowmobiles Snowmobiles were born out of the need for means of transport in snow covered areas. ... These were put to use for warfare in the World War II by the soldiers. Thus, though the early invention of this vehicle dates back to the 1920’s, it was mostly used for work and not for fun. It was only in the 1960’s that the idea of using them in sports caught the fancy of the inventors (Sommers 12). Carl Eliason built his first hand made Motor Toboggan in a small garage. He patented this machine in 1924. It was at that time made up of a long wooden sled and powered by 2.5 horse power engine which was attached on its outer board. Bicycle parts were used to make the dual trail track and it also had a radiator to cool the motor when it overheated (Sommers 11). Over a period of 15 years Eliason sold 24 such vehicles, each one being different from the other. His major buyers were the hunters and utility workers (Sommers 17). The biggest order of these vehicles (150 of them) was from the US army during the World War II. However, after this peak period there was a slowdown i n demand. By the 1950s, Canada became the production base for snowmobiles. However by this time, Eliason had a strong competitor, a superior quality product Ski-Doos which was invented by Joseph-Armand Bombardier and had taken over the snowmobile market with its unique design. This product had a design which still sets standards for today’s snowmobiles. A lot of inventors started taking interest in finding better and more efficient designs and â€Å"by 1972, there were more that 100 snowmobile companies† operating in this business (Sommers 19). However, as mentioned earlier, today the â€Å"big four† are the major players in this arena after an intense activity of mergers and acquisitions over the past three decades. Evolution of the designs The earlier design of snowmobiles was that of a sleigh

Critique on against gay marriage Essay Example for Free

Critique on against gay marriage Essay The modern world is experiencing transition in all aspects of life. This change is being experienced in marriage whereby some people are moving a way from the belief that marriage should only take place between people of same sex. They have gone to an extent of pushing for marriage between people of same-sex to be accorded the same treatment and recognition just like the case with the heterosexual marriage. Some people believe that marriage should be heterosexual while others believe that even homosexuals have a right to marry and live with their partners just like a husband and wife in opposite-sex marriage. This paper presents a critique in support of gay marriage. The society especially in the current state is crippling with many social problems emanating from heterosexual marriage. One of these problems is unwanted pregnancies which arise from irresponsible relationships. This is an incident which can only happen in a marriage between two people of opposite sex. Embracing same-sex marriage would offer a remedy to this problem because there is no chance of pregnancy in a marriage between gays and lesbians. This would also help in reducing the high cases of deaths and abortion which are being witnessed in the society today. Incase homosexuals decide to adopt a child, the possibility of neglect is very low as this would be a decision between two independent people. Same-sex marriage reduces the dominance by one partner which is associated with union between a man and a woman. For fear of victimization, most gays and lesbians are forced into heterosexual marriages against their will. However, they still continue to live their homosexual lives by secretly relating to other homosexuals while staying in the same-sex marriage. Therefore, accepting same-sex marriage will help reduce this unfaithfulness and promote marriage to one partner (Sullivan, A. , 2004). Since the society allows all kinds of people and groups to marry including murderers, thieves as well as marriage between people of different races. Condemning same-sex marriage is discrimination of the minority who are supposed to be protected by the constitution just like any other group. As opposed to what Bennet believes, it would not be the first time that the institution of marriage is experiencing change; Marriage between different races which are happening today never happened several years ago (Bennett, J. W. 1996). The strong position against homosexuality which is adopted by the church is an intrusion into private business. This is because marriage is a personal commitment between the two people involved in the relationship. This marriage therefore hurts no one who is not part of the relationship (Bennett, J. W. 1996). Every element of the society is transforming hence disregarding same-sex marriage is simply refusing to accept the natural changes in the institution of marriage. The acceptance of homosexuality as evident among school pupils is an indication that homosexuality is a thing of the current generation hence nature should be allowed to take its course. Bennet should not argue against adoption by gay and lesbian couples as this would be better that single parenting. The long-term repercussions of same-sex marriage talked about by those against gay marriage are baseless and coming out of fear of the unknown; accepting same-sex union would only serve to create more choices concerning marriage and people would be guided by individual choices. (Bennett, J. W. 1996). Conclusion From the accounts given above, same-sex marriage should be allowed and homosexuals do not deserve the harsh criticism and victimization that they are undergoing in the society. Legislation and rules governing marriage only needs to be adjusted to provide for same-sex union. Reference Bennett, J. W. (1996). Gay Marriage: Not a very good idea. The Washington Post. OP-ED; Pg. A19 Sullivan, A. (2004). Same-sex Marriage, Pro and Con: A Reader. New York: Vintage Books.

The Neurobiological Basis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

The Neurobiological Basis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Family name:  Batty Personal Name:  Therese Major depressive disorder (MDD) which is also known as either unipolar depression or major depression is a common yet disabling mental disorder affecting over 400 million people worldwide with a higher incidence in women than men (World Health Organisation, 2012). Depression may be endogenous where there is no discernible cause or reactive whereby the depression is a result of an incidence such as the loss of a parent, loved one or stress. Some of the emotions that individuals may experience with depression are, feelings of sadness, anger, bitterness and resentment, emotions which can last a few days or in some cases, months and have a huge impact on the individuals life. Some individuals suffering from MDD are also more likely to have a substance abuse problem, other mental and physical problems, and are likely to have a greater suicide risk. MDD is a widely researched topic with a sense of urgency to find the exact aetiology and pathophysiology behind the disease so that a more tho rough understanding can be reached and treatment can be uniquely designed for each individual. Researches surmise that various factors are involved such as the chemical changes in the brain, genetic predispositions and environmental factors. The aim of this essay, although not comprehensive enough, is to try and bring together research material from various sources and highlight some key areas around MDD such as a synopsis of the aetiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, treatments and test available today. Aetiology The underlying aetiology (causes) of MDD is so complex with many gaps that it appears that no-one is quite sure what causes depression, however much research done to date into this condition suggests that a combination of factors are involved, such as genetics, an individual’s biochemical environment, personal experiences and psychological factors. According to Dr Michael Miller, a Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard University (2013), several forces interact to bring on depression including faulty mood regulation by the brain, medications, medical problems, genetic vulnerability and stress. In as much as age related brain changes, disease related changes , for example, cerebrovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy, lead to disruptions in the circuitry of emotion regulation and can cause the onset of depression (Wryobeck, Haines, Wynkoop and Swanson, 2013). Areas of the brain underpinned by major depressive disorders such as the thalamus, the hippocampus and the amygdala (Limbic circuitry) (Figure 1. Miller, 2013 ) include several groups of neurons and white matter. Cell connections, nerve cell growth, and the functioning of nerve circuits in the brain have a major impact on how the brain functions, particularly in the way they communicate with each other. Several different chemicals and hormones working within and outside these nerve cells play a key role, with reduced levels of serotonin and noradrenaline posit to be a huge factor associated with the disease (Miller, 2013). Similarly, Villanueva (2013) through the construct of a survey used to assess the neurobiology of MDD, found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDFN) along with expressions of miRNA’s (involved in neural plasticity), abnormal gastrointestinal signalling peptides and proinflammatory cytokines are all causative factors of major depressive disorder. What proinflammatory cytokines do, is stimulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, activate secretion of growth hormone and inhibits the thyroid stimulating hormone secretion, all of which are associated with depression. Whereas gut microbiota (flora), specifically leptin, ghrelin and cholecystokinin (signalling peptides), influence the central nervous system including modulation of neurogenesis which can influence brain chemistry and consequently an individual’s behaviour. According to Lopresti, Hood and Drummond (2013), as seen in figure 2 below, a bi-directional relationship is likely to exist between depression and lifestyle factors with key symptoms including changes in appetite, general energy levels, motivation levels and sleep, which in turn affect diet, exercise and sleep thereby creating a cycle of influence. A vicious cycle, all of which point to the necessity of promoting lifestyle changes Figure 2. Potential mechanism of diet, sleep and exercise on major depression. In Lopresti et al. (2013). Another avenue suggested by Dr Miller (2013), is that research has identified that genetics play a role, in that not only do certain genes make individuals more vulnerable to low moods, but it can influence how individuals respond to drug therapy. Likewise, Stanford school of medicine surmise that through its research on the study of identical (100% genetically identical) and non-identical twins (50% genetically identical) and major depression as a heritability factor, heritability shows to be a huge contributor in the development of this disease. Each individual inheriting a unique combination of genes, with a predisposition to certain illnesses (Levinson and Nichols, n.d.). Genes controlling either the production or utilization of serotonin plays and important role in the pathogenesis of depression and in particular with serotonin reuptake due to the fact that depressed individuals have a lower rate of serotonin uptake. In depression of the elderly or late onset depression, genetic s is less common or does not appear to play a role as genetic markers are not present (Halverson, Bhalla, Bhalla and Andrew (2014). In so saying then, non-genetic factors, many of which are not known, also need to be taken into account, as Levinson and Nichols (n.d) suggest, these factors also increase the risk and progression of depression. Pathophysiology Progression of the illness as indicated by Treadway et al.(2014), is linked to biological changes. Due to over-stimulation of steroidal and inflammatory signalling molecules by stress, structural abnormalities within the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, known for regulating behaviour and endocrine responses to stress, can be damaged. Moreover diet, sleep and exercise not only play a significant role in the development and progression of the illness, it also impacts on the treatment. One research analysis undertaken by Maletic, Robinson, Oakes, Lyengar, Ball and Russell (2001), summarised that MDD involved structural, functional and molecular alterations within the brain. Similarly research conducted by Halverson et al. (2014), speculates that although the underlying pathophysiology of MDD has not been clearly defined, studies show a strong interaction between the neurotransmitter availability and receptor regulation, with emphasis again on serotonin activity disturbances in the cen tral nervous system. Other neurotransmitters such as epinephrine, dopamine, glutamate and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are also implicated in depression. Cells within the hypothalamus are responsible for an individual’s emotional state which in turn link to the stress responses. Several studies , in particular Lopresti et al. (2013), show that during stressful times, the hypothalamic – pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA), the neuroendocrine circuit that manages stress in the body, becomes activated. This then leads to the release of epinephrine and glucocorticoids (cortisol) to assist the body in its adaptive response to stress. However, if the body remains under a constant state of stress, excitotoxicity of neurons, particularly in the hippocampus can occur leading to dendrite atrophy and apoptosis of neurons (Wryobeck et al. 2013). Research shows that while cortisol helps the brain to cope with stressful situations, it also damages and kills cells in the hippoca mpus. So it can almost be said that stress excites brain cells to death. Furthermore research shows that individuals experiencing depressive disorders have a smaller hippocampal volume than individuals who do not from depression and that positron emission tomographic (PET) showed a diminished activity in the area of the prefrontal cortex in individuals with depressive disorders. Thereby underlying the functional and structural abnormalities in the brain regions of individuals suffering from depression (Halverson et al. 2014). Most individuals with MDD present with normal appearance however, individuals with more severe symptoms may present with more significant signs such as, poor hygiene, poor grooming and changes in weight. Individuals with MDD have a distorted view of their life whereby negative attitudes make it more difficult to see a positive outcome from a difficult situation. Other symptoms such as psychomotor retardation, agitation or restlessness, suicidal thoughts or atte mpts, social withdrawal and in the elderly somatic complaints may also be evident. These however are only some of the underlying signs and symptoms as individuals vary from one to the next. Risk factors / causal agents It is a widely held view that there is an unambiguous relationship between physical, psychological, environmental, genetic and social factors as well as a dysregulated response to chronic stress as risk factors for depression. Halverson et al. (2014) infer that stress plays a dominant role in depression due to the chemicals involved throughout the body such as adrenaline and cortisol which in abundance, leads to other health complications. With the various types of onset of stress being for example, the loss of a parent prior to the age of 10 years, parent-child relationships, due to poor interaction between the two and child stressors, which can contribute to depression or thought to be associated with both early and late abuse and neglect. In addition, stressful changes in life patterns such as a serious loss, difficult relationships, trauma or financial problems can trigger a depressive episode. Women with a previous history of depression are at higher risk of menopausal depressio n while low testosterone levels in older men also aid in onset of depression (Halverson et al. 2014). Likewise Martin (2014) highlights that women may experience more episodes of depression than men due to hormonal changes such as during premenstrual phases, pregnancy, postpartum and menopause. Coupled with this is the additional stress of work-life balance where women take on the added responsibility of tending to children and or aging parents whilst still trying to forge a career for themselves. Individuals with a family history of depression tend to be at higher risk of developing depressive disorders. Psychosocial risk factors according to Halverson et al. (2014) can include impaired social supports, caregiver burden, loneliness, bereavement and negative life events. Abused substances and pharmacological agents can increase depression risks due to altering brain chemicals. These include pain relievers, sedatives, sleeping pills, cortisone drugs and seizure drugs, to name but a few. Whilst in the elderly, neurodegenerative diseases particularly Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, stroke, macular degeneration (vision) and chronic pain can all contribute to higher rates of depression (Martin, 2014). Treatment strategies First and foremost, education plays an important role in the treatment of MDD as individuals may become aware of the signs of relapse thereby allowing them to seek early treatment. Family and support members also need to be educated about the nature of depression and the treatment involved so as to be able to give the support needed, ensure medication compliance and encourage a change in lifestyle such as keeping active (Halverson et al. 2014). Wryobeck et al. (2013), posit that with depression being a multi-factored illness, treatment should encompass a combination of therapies such as psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, lifestyle management, psychosocial therapy and pharmacotherapy. Pharmacotherapy such as anti-depressants being one method affects the neurotransmitters. Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a new class of antidepressants, which allow for the increase of serotonin by blocking the re-uptake of serotonin into the presynaptic neuron, is according to Clarke and Gordon (2011), used as the first line of treatment. SSRIs allow for autoreceptors to be desensitised or down-regulated, nerve transmission and serotonin levels are normalised and mood is elevated. Figure 3 below, illustrates how the amount of neurotransmitters in individuals with depression are reduced and postsynaptic receptors are increased as a response to these lower levels. The re-uptake of serotonin adding to the decreased amount of neurotransmitters. When treatment of SSRIs take place, serotonin levels increase due to the blocking of the re-uptake and down-regulation of postsynaptic receptors occur (Clarke Gordon, 2011). Figure 3 Action of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor drug. In neurobiology of mental illness Clarke Gordon (2011). Psychotherapy can include behaviour therapy, cognitive-behaviour therapy, family therapy, interpersonal therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy and supportive psychotherapy. Psychosocial therapies according to Halverson et al. (2014) and supported by The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is often a first-line of treatment for mild cases of depression however, in more severe cases this should be combined with antidepressant medication. Other approaches according to Wryobeck et al. (2014) and Halverson et al. (2014), can include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) which is thought to increase neurogenesis, reversing degeneration and decreased proliferation of nerve cells, regulate neurotransmitters and correct dysregulation of neuropeptides. Stimulation techniques such as vagus nerve stimulation which involves the nerve to be stimulated with electrodes resulting in the assumption that it may alter norepinephrine release and elevating levels of inhibitory GABA. Transcranial magnetic stimulation concentrates magnetic energy over parts of the brain allowing for either an increase or decrease in cortical excitability depending on the frequency. Stimulation over the right frontal lobe apparently reduces the symptoms of depression. Talk therapy as well as exercise are more non-invasive forms for dealing with MDD allowing the individual to develop problem solving skills, coping mechanisms and in some instances to form a suppor t group. Relevant tests To date there are no physical findings that are specific to MDD, instead diagnosis is dependent on the individual’s history and mental state exam. As depression may be linked to an underlying physical problem, both a physical exam as well as thyroid function blood tests can be done. A psychological evaluation is also of benefit to gather information around an individual’s feelings and behaviour pattern. In New Zealand a wide range of tools are available such as the Kessler 10 (K10) for assessing depression, anxiety and general mental health, the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression and the GAD-7 for anxiety assessment. According to the Best Practice Advocacy of New Zealand [bpac z](2009) these tools also allow for monitoring the response to an individual’s treatment regime to ensure that optimal health is being met. In conclusion, to date the specific causes of major depressive disorders (MDD) is still unknown, however a substantial amount of research has gone into and still continues in this area with a consensus that depression appears to be a multifactorial and diverse group of disorders involving the chemical reactions and nerve communication in the limbic circuitry of the brain and both genetic and environmental factors. Progression of MDD is linked to biological changes, diet, sleep and exercise. Treatment strategies appear to be multi-factored with underlying assumptions based on individual research results. Education is still an important element focusing on the individual and support structures while more up to date pharmacopeia such as serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, lead the market as the go to drug for antidepressants. Most literature to date however, underlines the need for more research to take place, in particular, within the area of the aetiology / pathophysiology of the disease and likewise specifically structured individual treatment strategies. References Clarke, G. Gordon, C. (2011). Neurobiology of mental illness. In J. Craft, C. Gordon A. Tiziani (Eds.), Understanding pathophysiology (pp. 1177-1180). Chatswood, NSW: Elsevier. Halverson, J. L., Bhalla, R. N., Bhalla, P. M. Andrew, L. B. (2014). Depression. Retrieved from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/286759. Levinson, D.F. Nichols, W.E. (n.d.). Major depression and genetics. Retrieved from http://depressiongenetics.stanford.edu/mddandgenes.html. Lopresti, A. L., Hood, S. D. Drummond, P. D. (2013). A review of lifestyle factors that contribute to important pathways associated with major depression: Diet, sleep and exercise. Journal of Affective Disorders 148 (2013), 12-27. Maletic, V., Robinson, M., Oakes, T., Lyengar, S., Ball, S. G. Russell, J. (2007). Neurobiology of depression: an integrated view of key findings. International journal of Clinical practice, 61 (12), 2030 – 2040. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-1241 Martin, B. (2014). What are the risk factors for depression? Retrieved from http://psychcentral.com/lib/what-are-the-risk-factors-for-depression. Miller, C. M. (2013). What causes depression. Retrieved from http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/what-causes-depression.htm. The Best Practice Advocacy centre of New Zealand. Assessment of depression in adults in primary care. (2009). Retrieved from www.bpac.org.nz/BPJ/2009/adultdep/assessment.aspx. The world health organisation. (2012). Depression fact sheet. Retrieved from www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets. Treadway, T. M., Waskom, M. L., Dillon, D. G., Holmes, A. J., Park, M. M., Charavarty, M. M., ‘†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢, Pizzagalli, D. A. (2014). Illness progression, recent stress and morphometry of hippocampal subfields and medial prefrontal cortex in major depression. Society of Biological Psychiatry. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biospych.2014.06.018 Villanueva, R. (2013). Neurobiology of major depressive disorder. Neural Plasticity, volume 2013. doi: 10.1155/2013/873278 Wryobeck, J. M., Haines, M. E., Wynkoop, T. F. Swanson, M. M. (2013). Depressive disorders. In C. Noggle S. Dean (Eds.). The Neuropsychology of psychopathology (pp 201-220). New York, NY: Springer Publishing. List of illustrations Figure 1. Miller, C. M. (2013). What causes depression. Retrieved from http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/what-causes-depression.htm. Figure 2. Lopresti, A. L., Hood, S. D. Drummond, P. D. (2013). A review of lifestyle factors that contribute to important pathways associated with major depression: Diet, sleep and exercise. Journal of Affective Disorders 148 (2013), 12-27. Figure 3. Clarke, G. Gordon, C. (2011). Neurobiology of mental illness. In J. Craft, C. Gordon A. Tiziani (Eds.), Understanding pathophysiology (pp. 1177-1180). Chatswood, NSW: Elsevier.