Breast Cancer Speech

Breast Cancer The topic of cancer is a very sensitive one. Cancer is a disease of which in many cases is fatal and has affected the lives of many and sadly will continue to affect the lives of many more. I chose to explore the topic of breast cancer because it is one of personal interest to me. This topic interests me for various reasons but mainly because breast cancer is most prone to and extremely common in women of all ages and I myself am a young woman growing up in society. As shown in recent statistics———————–.I also wanted to make others aware of the harsh reality of breast cancer and expose them to some of the true emotions experienced by the victims and their loved ones. My I. A. is based on how a woman’s life is affected by being diagnoses with breast cancer. It explores the emotional impact on her and the way in which she handles this difficult time in her life. It also shows the support given to her by her be st friend who goes through this difficult time with her. Just as in the story many women are being diagnosed with breast cancer everyday and as said before, unfortunately it is extremely prominent and common in females.Dying of Breast Cancer in the 1800sCancer not only affects the lives of the patient but also their many loved ones or anyone close to them for that matter. It is a disease which can affect the emotional, social and financial well being of an individual. When an individual is diagnosed with breast cancer or any cancer at all their lives and lifestyles can change drastically over a short period of time. These changes are usually for the worst. It may take a lot of time together with love and support to restore lives back to their normal order or as close to it as possible.Some of the difficulties experienced in writing about this topic were being able to capture actual emotions of a cancer patient and the effects on their loved ones. While it was almost extremely easy t o think of some of the possible emotional effects of cancer, it was a difficult task to actually transfer their emotions to paper. I was able to overcome this difficulty by reading actual articles written by real cancer victims on the internet. By reading their articles I was able to internalize and better understand some of their emotions. With this being said, the internet was my main source of information.I visited sites which contained both fictional and factual articles on cancer patients. The internet was a great source because I was able to pull both recent and dated information and even future estimated statistics. My other sources where books written about breast cancer patients. Those too were good sources because they provided great facts and true emotions. In general all sources used seemed to be extremely reliable as they provided information written by experts and they provided statistics from many researches which were all fairly dated. In conclusion, breast cancer is a topic of great interest to me because of its effects on women.Although there were some difficulties experienced in expressing the real emotion of breast cancer patients, I was able to overcome that with the use of reliable sources and information. I have personally been able to learn a great deal from the exploration of this topic. I am now aware of the reality of this disease and the tragedy it brings to a family. As a young woman growing up in society I will try my best to prevent the contraction of this disease in any way possible and I hope that readers both locally and internationally, will assist in the promotion in breast cancer awareness and education.

Bartleby the Scrivener Essay

In the course of the story the narrator describes the each characters however such is limited only to their performance in the workplace and none was revealed in their personal life. The narrator who is a lawyer in Wall Street keeps a company of three people, Turkey, Nippers, and Bartleby. Turkey, and English man who has a strange temperament that that the narrators likened to a sun rising in the morning rendering a calm atmosphere and becomes rather too hot in midday that lasts until dinner. Nippers on the other hand is the antithesis of Turkey. He is irritable in the morning and is rather calm in the afternoon. Aside from this, he also â€Å"dresses like a gentleman† as the narrator would put it in contrast to Turkey whose fashion statement is anything but appealing to the author (Melville, 1935). The narrator says he keeps Turkey and Nippers in his office because they efficient despite their mood swing. Perhaps they can be likened to the typical office clerks who got fed up with the monotony of their jobs that they have developed outburst as ways of coping. Nothing is revealed of their personal life but since they are described as efficient by the author, then there is the assumption that despite their mood swings and peculiar outbursts they are likable. On the case of Bartleby, on which the story’s title is attributed, the narrator finds him rather odd. He is a copyist same as Nippers and Turkey however he refuses to do other things such as reading a file or sending mail. As the story ends it is revealed that he works for the Dead Letter Office and as the author puts it, Bartleby is â€Å"prone to a pallid hopelessness† and his work in the Dead Letter Office only cultivated his depression (Melville, 1935). Bartleby exhibits passive resistance which is connected to his detachment from society and his roles. It can be interpreted as his refusal to be a slave to the corporate world by doing what he wishes. Overall, he poses no threat to his Boss since he can choose to dispose him whichever way he pleases but his Boss exhibits a remarkable form of charity and pity towards him. He even offers his house for Bartleby to stay at. At the end of the story when he heard rumors of Bartleby’s previous occupation he took pity on him and how his job has destroyed him.

Contemporary issues in conflict and security Case Study

Contemporary issues in conflict and security - Case Study Example Terrorism poses threat to societal gains as wells lives of the people in the society. The interest in discussing this issue lies in the fact that it conflict human security interest. Crenshaw (2009:383), believe that the causes of terrorism fall into two categories. First, societal setting creates permissive conditions, which promote terrorism. Modernisation is one of the permissive conditions, which creates interrelated factors that support the terrorism activities. Communication and transportation are crucial to terrorism activities because they allow the terror groups to improve their networks and extend their activities across the world. For instance, train bombing in Spain in 2001, depicts how networking and transportation allow terror activities to expand their roots in the society. Crenshaw (2009:381), argues that terrorist activities observed in the historical Russia in 1890s and the modern terrorist observed in Spain in 2001 depend on modernisation in executing their ills. The fear that the society harbours today is potentiality of the terror groups, using the modern nuclear technology to execute their plots. Crenshaw (2009:382), posit that urbanisation is an aspect of modernisation that create permissive situations for terror activities. The concept of terrorism in relation to urbanization traces its roots in 1960s in Latin America where urban war fair first appeared. She points out that cities became the central point for terror activities. Various scholars have given their explanation in relation to cities as target places for terror activities (Bjorgo, 2005:123). Largely, these arguments describe the urbanisation effects as weaknesses that create permissive conditions for terror activities in the cities. For instance over population create conditions of low lifestyle, economic constraints, among other factors, which lead to criminal activities. The criminal hideouts in the shanties permit the

Man Killed in Sydney Shooting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Man Killed in Sydney Shooting - Essay Example Local people are strictly prohibited to get into the area until the investigation process is in progress and police advice the people for not to come across the street and try to avoid it. However, even after several primary investigation process police is still unable to identify any criminals or suspects. As the shootout was held in the evening the police have decided to close the road from late evening. Even though the investigation is taking place still the criminals are still free and no one is yet arrested by the police. The case is in progress and the murderer is still undetected. Moreover, the increasing number of crime in Australia is affecting its social and political stability to a large extent. Thus, the local people are getting affected by the increasing criminal activities in Australia (The Australian, 2014). The Social Structure Theory mainly implies the relationship between various attributes of the society. The social structure theory is mainly based on the three modules those are a strain, cultural deviance theory, and social disorganization theory. The objective of these components of the theory is to provide support for understanding individual behavior towards the criminal behavior. In this context, the cultural deviance fits appropriately for the case. The cultural deviance theory is a combination of the social disorganization and strain theory. The criminal activities taking place within the society, which is mainly witnessed amid the lower grade people with a poor mentality. From the above case, it is found that the crime has taken place in a roadside area. Police, however, suspects that there might be some involvement of the mafia gang who are experts in this kind of activity as referred to in the case. The cultural deviance theory signifies that the upbringing or the family cu lture of a person can lead them towards the crime.  

Records and Information Management Research Paper

Records and Information Management - Research Paper Example The article also asserts that information is one of the best resources in the world. It is required daily to solve not only problems, but also make decisions affecting the future. Increasingly, the level of success enjoyed by any organization depends on the manner in which the information resource is managed. According to the article, when one refers to information he or she means the entire records, documents, as well as data and files created, received and preserved. Records management on the other hand is the â€Å"field of management responsible for the efficient and systematic control of the creation, receipt, maintenance, and disposition of records – including capturing and maintain evidence of and information about business activities and transactions in the form of records† (Records & Information Management, 1). According to the article, the objectives furnishing accurate, timely as well complete information for amicable decision-making. Other objectives include efficient processing of recorded information, provision of information as well as records at the lowest cost, rendering maximum service to record users and getting rid of the information that is not required. The article also asserts that organizations invest in records management systems together with programmes so as to realize their business benefits. In relation to this assertion, one can deduce that RIM systems are the key part of incorporating new technologies i nto the business as well as ensuring conformity with record keeping requirements by the government. In conclusion, information management as well as record management plays a very significant role in the management of an organization. Organizations rely on information in making amicable decisions pertaining to their production of services to the customers. Organizations also invest on records management in order to realize the benefits of their

Skydiving Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Skydiving - Essay Example The reason behind this is the force of gravity. This gravity results in an acceleration of 9.8 m/s^2. Given this acceleration, the following formula determines how far the skydiver will travel in a given time: Air resistance is the force that acts against the gravity while the skydiver is accelerating downward. Air resistance acts upwards against the gravity which acts downwards. In the beginning, the push provided by air resistance is much smaller than the pull of gravity; therefore, the skydiver continues to accelerate downwards. However, as the skydiver falls faster and faster, the value of air resistance increases because of which the acceleration starts to decrease. Eventually, the force of air resistance becomes equal to that of the force of gravity. At this point, the skydiver stops accelerating and attains a constant speed. This constant speed is known as the terminal velocity. Terminal velocity is the maximum velocity that a particular body can reach when falling through the air. (Gordon et al 2000; Lenaker 2002) The cross-sectional area of the skydiver plays a very important role in how quickly or slowly the skydiver will reach their terminal velocity. This is because the cross-sectional area determines the amount of air resistance that will act on the skydiver. Greater the cross-sectional area, greater will be the force of air resistance. For example, a skydiver who falls in a spread eagle position will encounter a greater air resistance than one who falls head, or feet, first. This is where the role of parachutes comes in. As soon as the skydiver opens their parachute, their cross-sectional area increases, leading to an increase in the air resistance. This air resistance becomes greater than the gravity. The upward net force causes the skydiver to slow down. As the speed of the skydiver decreases, so does the air resistance, until the skydiver reaches terminal velocity again. (Gordon et al. 2000). Gordon, J. R.,

Innovation and Regulation of Information and Communication Coursework

Innovation and Regulation of Information and Communication Technologies - Coursework Example However, the existing participants into the marketplace who are planning to offer a telephony or telephony supported VoIP product have confirmed that the present regulatory arrangements could not be convinced under the provisioning measures they have been capable to put into practice (Australian Communications Authority, 2004). In addition, the Voice over Internet Protocol services was also largely reached in approximately 57 nations, even the nations where there was no clear regulatory structure or licensing procedures for VoIP. Additionally, till mid-2009, the number of nations where Voice over Internet Protocol services were accepted had increased to two-thirds, with 92 nations allowed VoIP and more than 39 nations standing it. In the meantime, the number of nations where VoIP was not allowed or banned minimized from 80 in year 2004 to 49 in year 2009, or in relation to a quarter of the entire nations for which data exist. From this discussion it is clear that the greatest regulat ory challenge is to encourage the expansion of a marketplace for less costly VoIP services, as compared to the immediately leaving VoIP to build up of its own accord. Moreover, in several nations like Australia, the size of the Voice over Internet Protocol services marketplace is a main fear for the regulators that regularly monitors as well as publish marketplace data estimates (Biggs, 2011). This paper discusses various regulatory problems that are raised due to the growth of Voice over Internet Protocol services. In this research I will outline some of the major areas to make regulatory decisions that can affect the economic prospects of different kinds of service provider in the communications area. This paper will also present a discussion of the regulatory aims and strategies that could form the basis of possible decisions in this area. Regulatory framework This section presents the basic analysis of the regulatory framework for the Voice over Internet Protocol services. The r egulation of carriage services holds a broad variety of services as well as an STS is an explicit kind of carriage service. In this scenario, the Telecommunications Act 1997 offers a detailed description of the carriage service according to which it is a type of services for carrying out communication services using unguided or/and guided electromagnetic energy. Additionally, if the communication carriage services are provided in Australia then these services will be covered by this Act. According to which an individual or a firm offering a carriage service to somebody ‘beyond the instant circle’ of the supplier is acknowledged as a carriage service source. In addition, there exist a vast variety of laws and regulations which apply on different classifications of services such as carriage services and their suppliers as carriage service providers. However, there are some regulations which are applied to all the types of carriage services, comprising VoIP services, inclu de: (Australian Communications Authority, 2004) Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997 must be followed Offer number associated information to the IPND (Integrated Public Number database) manager intended for directory use as well as to forward calls to the emergency operator Safety of the privacy of communications Offer an interception potential as well as an interception facility plan to the related agencies. Moreover, the commitment of carriage servic

UNIX Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

UNIX - Essay Example Now however we are presented with the 3D interface that somehow accusingly is deemed not viable. The 3D interface has been hailed as the road to incredible virtual landscape discovery. It couples sound and graphic and enables a faster multiple file copying and file location. The purpose of this paper is to examine the phenomenon of 3D feature in the operating systems of Mac OS, the widespread Linux, Windows and more emphatically UNIX. Apart from its impact on the IT world we will consider a review and evaluation of multiple desktops, program launchers, file browsers, task switchers from a 3D standpoint. The UNIX system has sold incredible number of software to a host of other software developers from Linux, Solaris, to Mac OS X. in fact their development are as a result of a component of the UNIX system. Since the UNIX operating system is to a very large extent engaged in compliance certification, multitasking, multiple users, its position is solid. Most other applications mentioned earlier depend on the UNIX system server. The UNIX operating system was instrumental in the launch of the Win3D beta version interface that created a renaissance in the whole 3D environment. The basic principle was to multi task the desktop to perform more than one job than it traditionally performed. UNIX therefore provided businesses and advertisers online a well primed tool for increasing sales and entering a new dawn of marketing endeavor. The other aspect was introduction of a 3D interface that was cheap and functional in possession of a head tracking device. It also uses a WII Remote. The strength of this interface is its usage in the solid UNIX interface. The UNIX system holds some of the most incredible 3D animation, 3D ant attack and other 3D games. Linux as an operating system was developed from a minute UNIX constituent called Minix.

Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 3

Strategy - Essay Example Porter argues that the ability to perform particular activities and to manage the linkages between these activities is a source of competitive advantage.   The above diagram shows an example of a corporate value chain analysis that can be applied to general manufacturing process of a Cadbury’s product. The analysis can help identify the company’s core competencies and weakness throughout the manufacturing process and whether competitive advantage is created or lost because of this. Internal Factor analysis summary (IFAS) External factors Analysis Summary (EFAS) Porter’s five forces applied to Cadbury plc Force Strong/Weak Threat to Cadbury Industry/ Competitor/Competitive rivalry Strong There are three main competitors within the confectionery industry, Cadbury , the market leader followed by Mars and Nestle, The competition between the three companies is very strong and each company aims to be the market leader Corporate strategy Chen et al (2009) states that â€Å" Corporate strategy is primarily about the choice of direction for a firm as a whole and the management of its business or product profile. Cadbury’s corporate directional strategy after their success in 2008 is growth. This is one of Cadbury’s main priorities for the future. Working alongside the company’s business strategy , Cadbury will work towards achieving horizontal growth. This is achieved by Cadbury expanding its products into other geographical locations and/or increasing the range of products and services it offers(Chen et al 2009) Cadbury hope to achieve horizontal growth by focusing on five key brands, Cadbury, Trident, Halls, Green and Black’s and The Natural Confectionary Company Cadbury are doing this as an action towards achieving their vision as it is believed that these brands have the strongest potential in new and existing markets on a global level A key factor towards Cadbury mentioned throughout the report, is lack of sales a nd revenue generated by Cadbury outside of western Europe. Therefore concentrating on specific brands that are thought to be the most successful on a global scale will help the company launch new products in other countries , hopefully

Investment Management Essay Example for Free

Investment Management Essay Both hedge funds and mutual funds are â€Å"pooled† instruments, but there are more differences than similarities between them. Three kinds of differences are going to introduce in the following part which are strategy, risk and reward. Strategy: The hedge funds managers have fewer limits to deal with, they can sell short, use derivatives and use leverage, and otherwise, they can also change the strategy significantly if they think it is appropriate. The mutual fund managers cannot be as flexible as hedge fund managers. In case they changes the strategy of the fund, the may be accused of â€Å"style drift†. Risk: As hedge funds are managed much more aggressive than the mutual fund, they can take speculative positions in derivative securities and have the ability to short sell stocks. This will obviously increase the leverage and the risk of the fund. Mutual funds are the opposite of the hedge funds, taking highly leveraged positions is not allowed and managers should take solid strategy to make the funds safe. Reward: Hedge funds take an aggressive strategy which has high risks to seek absolute returns (it means they want to produce positive return no matter what the market performance is). Mutual funds are managed relative to an index benchmark which means their return is steady because they are judged on their variance from that benchmark. 3. Arbitrage opportunity 3. 1 According to the case study, during the IPO of Ubid, there is only 20% equity offer to public, and remaining 80% will distribute to CC’s shareholders after 6 months. The arbitrage opportunity is appear because if we own CC’s share that we will receive Ubid’s share after six months. In that reason, we should form a portfolio which combines long position of CC and short position of Ubid. In Dec 9, there was 10,238,703 CC’s share outstanding and 9,146,883 Ubid’s share outstanding. However the 80% of Ubid’s share will distributed to CC’s shareholders after 6 month of IPO. In that reason, we can assume that 80% of Ubid’s share is subjected to CC’s share. (10,238,703? 80%)/9,146,883=0. 715 If we have long position on 1 share of CC, we should take 0. 715 short position of Ubid’s share. 3. 2 Based on the output in section 3. 1, the arbitrage opportunity has arise when we have 1 long position on CC’s share and 0. 15 short position on Ubid’s share. Therefore we need short sell the Ubid’s share and buy CC’s share. Assume that we buy 1 share of CC and short sell 0. 715 share of Ubid. After 6 months later. In addition, after 6 months, the 80% Ubid’s share will distribute to CC’s shareholders, therefore, after 6 months we have 1 share of CC will receive 0. 715 share of Ubid. Subject to 1 s hare of CC, we have 0. 715 share short position of Ubid. In that reason we will have a portfolio that combine 1 long position of CC and 0. 715 short position of Ubid. The total payoff of portfolio is sum of payoff in both position is: Price of CC after six month price of CC + 0. 715? price of Ubid. As we mention before, our return is the total payoff of portfolio. According to the equation of payoff of portfolio, even the price of CC is drop to Zero, we also will generate positive return which is price difference between Ubid and CC, and this is our minimum return Price difference of Ubid and CC is 0. 715? 35. 6875-22. 75=2. 767 and the initial margin is 50% for long and short position, therefore the capital required is 50%? 2. 75+50%? 35. 6875=29. 22. The minimum rate of return is 4. Risks in arbitrage The arbitrage means that investors find temporary risk-free profit from misprice at inefficient market. Therefore, arbitrageurs will face risk lower than other investors. However, some of risks can limit arbitrageur to seek risk free profit. Firstly, arbitrageurs need to bear the fundamental risk. Although arbitrageurs can eliminate unsystematic ( firm-specific) risk by portfolio diversification, they cannot mitigate systematic risk which arises from market contracture. This lead to some of bad news or policies can cause negative effects on fundament value and arbitrageurs’ profits. Thus, the fundamental risk can limit arbitrageurs to invest in inefficient market. Secondly, noise trader risk will limit arbitrage. High percentages of noise traders who make irrational investment of decision in market will lead price and risk level to be different with expected level for arbitrageurs, and cause misprice to be reduced. Thus the profit of arbitrage will be limit by noise trader risk. Finally, arbitrageurs will also face high implement cost. Implement cost includes commission, bid-ask spread, price impact, short sell cost and identification cost. High cost will cause arbitrageur loss interest on seeking misprice in inefficient market.

Fractions In The Mathematics Curriculum Education Essay

Fractions In The Mathematics Curriculum Education Essay This chapter reviews the relevant literature related to the study. It will explore the overview of the topic and theories that are related and relevant to the study. The study can be divided into two main themes-, the issue and the intervention. The issue here refers to learning problems associated with Fraction which includes the place of the subtopic in the Brunei Mathematics Curriculum, review of previous research on students difficulty and underlying theories related to the topic. The intervention describes how the instruction will be carried out, what are the relevant instructional type of intervention used, the theory behind the choice, including previous research on the choice of intervention. These are then referred to the Brunei SPN-21 curriculum framework. 2.1 Issue: Fractions 2.1.1 Fractions in the Mathematics Curriculum Fractions are first introduced to pupils in Year 2 in Brunei mathematics curriculum. The curriculum keeps revisiting the topic of fractions at different depth up to secondary education. The syllabus content for O Level Mathematics outlined the expected outcome in this topic. Students are expected to be able to use the language and notation of simple vulgar and decimal fractions and percentages in appropriate contexts, recognize equivalence and perform calculations by suitable methods, with and without a calculating aid in involving fractional operations (Cie,2012). The Curriculum Development Department (CDD), Ministry of Education, Brunei Darussalam has outlined the learning outcomes that should be attained by students at each level as shown in Table 1. Table 1: Placement of Fraction in the Brunei Syllabus Year Learning Outcomes 2 Understand the ideas of fraction as a part of a whole Use fraction chart to name fractions with denominators up to 10. Name simple fractions based on fraction diagrams. Shade simple fractions on given diagrams. Demonstrate that when all fractional parts of a whole are included the result equals one whole. Read and write for example; = 1 , = 1 , = 1 3 Use fraction chart and number line to recognize and name fractions with denominators greater than 10. Shade or colour fractions with denominators greater than 10. State the numerator and the denominator of a given fraction. Compare like fractions. Order like fractions in order of size. Compare unit fractions .(S) Arrange unit fractions in order of size. .(S) Use diagrams or fraction chart to recognise equivalent fractions. (S) Compare unlike fractions. (C) Arrange unlike fractions in order of size. (C) Add and subtract like fractions within one whole. 4 Determine equivalent fractions of a given fraction with denominator à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¤ 10 Reduce a given fraction to its simplest form Compare and order fractions with denominators Convert improper fractions into mixed numbers vice versa (S) Addition and subtraction of like fractions with results >1 Add and subtract related fractions(C) Solve word problems. (SC) 5 Add and subtract related fractions Add and subtract unlike fractions Multiply fractions (include mixed numbers) by a 1-digit whole number Divide fractions (include mixed numbers) by a 1-digit whole number (C) Interpret fraction as division Solve word problems (M, SC) 6 Apply concept of fraction in estimating answers in computations. (e.g. less than 2; is slightly more than 52, etc.) (C) Understand fraction as part of a set Find a fraction of a set Divide fractions (including mixed numbers) by a whole number (C) Multiply a fraction by another fraction (S) Divide a fraction by another fraction (S) Solve word problems (M, SC) 7 Perform operations on fractions without / with the use of the calculator. Apply fraction as part of a set and as a division of two numbers in various contexts. Recognise place values of digits in a given decimal. Convert between fractions and decimals. Compare fractions and/or decimals using words and symbols: , à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¤, à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¥ and = (CDD documents, 2010) After Year 7, fraction is incorporated into other topics such as algebra, everyday mathematics and measurements. The content of the topic is designed by using Bruners spiral curriculum. Jerome Bruner, a renowned psychology in the constructivist theory, believed that any subject could be taught at any stage of development in a way that fit the childs cognitive abilities. Spiral curriculum refers to the idea of revisiting basic ideas over and over, building upon them and elaborating to the level of full understanding and mastery. As shown in Table 1, the topic is revisited from Year 2 to Year 7 in different depth. 2.1.2 Students difficulty in learning and understanding Fraction It is well documented that fractions are among the most complex mathematical concepts that children encounter in their years in primary education (Newstead Murray, 1998, Bezuk, Cramer Streetfland, 1991). Hartung (1958) acknowledged the complexity of the fraction concept that cannot be grasped all at once. He also cited that knowledge of fractions must be acquired through a long process of sequential development. This is probably one of the reason why in our curriculum framework, the topic is being taught in stages from as early as when the children are in Year 2, and is developed as they grow older to a more complex form. Experts have outlined a number of reasons to explain students difficulty with fractions. Some researchers had point out the causes for the low performance in this topic (e.g Kerslake, 1986,Hart, 1988, Domoney, 2002, Hannula, 2003). One of the predominant factors contributing to the complexities is the fact that fractions comprise a multifaceted notion encompassing five interrelated sub-constructs which are part-whole, ratio, operator, quotient, and measure (Brousseau, Brousseau Warfield, 2004; Kieren, 1995; Lamon, 2001). It has been suggested that children should develop an integrated understanding of different sub constructs (Post, Cramer, Bejr,Lesh, Harel,1993). Other factors which contribute to the students weakness in fractions is that fractions cannot be counted and there are infinite numbers of fractions between any two fractions, as reported by Robert Siegler (2010). Students tend to memorize formulas or algorithms instead of understanding them. Students also have a difficulty in incorporating concept into practice, example is that students do not know why addition and subtraction require a common denominator. Although being exposed to the computing of fractions from primary school, students in secondary school still make significant error in the addition and subtraction of fractions (Wan, 2002). Studies have also established that students difficulties are mainly due to lack of conceptual understanding of fraction itself. Students had good procedural understanding of fractions as this had been the method taught to them since primary school. (Moss Case, 1999). The development of conceptual understanding involves seeing the connections between concepts and procedures, and being able to apply mathematical principles in a variety of context.(BOS NSW, 2002). A number of recent research studies in Brunei Darussalam have confirmed that pupils in schools are drilled into application of rules and formulas at the expense of mathematical understanding (Veloo and Lopez-Real, 1994; Wong and Veloo 1996; Clements, 2002; Lim, 2000; Khoo 2001; Norjum Veloo, (2003); Veloo and Ali Hamdani, 2005). This is further supported by a report on error analysis on students performance in PMB 2008. The report revealed that students were mostly drilled to do mathematical rules without understanding (MOE, 2008). Study in Brunei on Primary 5 and Primary 6 pupils, had identified some common error patterns, namely grouping error, basic fact error, defective algorithm, incorrect operation and careless error. (Yusof Malone,2002). The study also reported that although the students achievement in the post test had improved but their performance on fraction work remained unsatisfactory particularly on basic operations. Various studies in Brunei primary schools (Clements (1999), Fatimah (1998), Jabaidah (2001), Leong, Fatimah Sainah (1998) Raimah (2001) ) also revealed that pupils in the upper primary school find fractions to be extremely difficult and most of them had no relational understanding of fraction concept. Suffolk and Clements (2003) studied students in Form 1 and Form 2 from 27 secondary schools in Brunei also found out that many students were experiencing serious difficulties with elementary fractions tasks. Another study by Zurina (2003) involving Form 4 (N-Level) students discovered that students had very poor knowledge and understanding of fractions and decimals. The major contributing factors were that teacher spent large amount of time on preparing students for high-stake examination, therefore the traditional drill and practice method was mostly employed by teachers. She further commented that teaching and assessment methods were not generating towards the desired quality of stud ents. Despite being a difficult and complex topic, fraction is one of the main topics in the Brunei Mathematics syllabus, and is being taught formally as early as in Year 2. Wu (1999), cited that fraction understanding is vital to a students transformation from computing arithmetic calculations to comprehending algebra. In Year 7, students are expected to know and understand the sub-constructs of fractions, and are able to perform operations using fractions fluently. They should have acquired the conceptual and procedural understanding of fractions. Addition and subtraction of fractions was first introduced to pupils in Brunei in Year 3 and continued in different depth to secondary education. Although students have been exposed to computing of fractions as early as in Year 3, they still make significant errors in addition and subtraction of fractions in secondary school (Wan,2002). Samsiah (2002) in her study on Primary 6 pupils in Brunei Darussalam found out that pupils don not acquire accurate procedural knowledge for carrying out fraction operations and she further recommended that teaching and learning environment need to be created which are conducive to a healing process. Common errors in addition and subtraction of fractions is the classic error of adding or subtracting the numerator and denominator. This implies that students were thinking of fractions in a disjointed rather than holistic manner. Students difficulties in fractions could be seen as a global phenomena as being discussed. Recognizing the difficulties and acknowledging the importance of fraction in mathematics education makes this study of great significance to the researcher and mathematics teachers. 2.1.3 Students confidence Concentration, Confidence, Competitive urge, Capacity for enjoyment (Arnold Palmer) Confidence is a state of being certain whether the hypothesis or prediction is correct or that a chosen course of action is the best or most effective.   According to Jones (2001), the self-confidence is the assurance that a person has in his or her own abilities. Self-confidence is also defined as the sureness of feeling that you are equal to the task at hand. This sureness is characterised by absolute belief in ability. Bandura (1986) reasoned that the most important source of information on students confidence comes from the mastery experience. The term mastery experience implies that individuals are to reflect on and evaluate their own performance. Self-confidence is extremely important in almost every aspect of our lives, yet so many people struggle to find it. Sadly, this can be a vicious circle: People who lack self-confidence can find it difficult to become successful. In order to develop confidence in Mathematics, students need to be provided with opportunity to use mathem atics in a real context. 2.2 Intervention and Remediation According to a study by Kroesbergen and Van Luit (2003), intervention is used to teach basic math skills and problem-solving strategies for students with special needs. Remediation is the effective re teaching of material not previously mastered when it was originally taught, according to a research study for the Southeastern Regional Council for Educational Improvement by Gypsy Anne Abbott and Elizabeth McEntire. A successful remediation strategy covers any prerequisite concepts or skills needed to understand the current objective. Students who did not learn the material the first time it was taught may simply need reteaching or a fresh approach, while students with problems learning may also need modifications to the lessons and assessments, more time to complete assignments or shortened assignments. In this study, the researcher is doing remediation programme adopting the Learning study strategy in two cycles. First cycle is addressed at improving students conceptual understanding of fraction, particularly looking at equivalent fraction which is the pre requisite for addition and subtraction of fraction with different denominators. The second cycle is aimed at improving students fluency in doing operation with fractions. The pre-test is administered before the intervention programme is carried out. This is to find out the students knowledge of the problem being investigated. The post-test is administered at the end of cycle 2. This is as a measure of the learning which might take place as a result of the intervention. 2.2.1 Learning Study Learning Study is a process where teachers work collaboratively to plan teaching strategies by focusing on the students needs. It builds teacher knowledge about how students develop mathematical understanding. Learning Study aims to advance student learning through building a sequence of learning experiences, reviewing the lessons and evaluating the effectiveness of the learning experiences. It is most effective when supported by an expert to offer constructive advice and support Learning study is similar to the Japanese Lesson Study (Yoshida,1999 ; Stigler Hiebert, 1999). It is aimed at improving students learning in a cyclic process of planning and revising lesson by a group of teachers. The theory of Variation (Marton, Runesson, Tsui, 1997) forms the basis of the theoretical framework of Learning Study. According to variation theory, learning is defined as a change in the way a person experiences a particular phenomenon and is associated with a change in discernment in that persons structure of awareness (Marton Booth, 1997; Marton Tsui, 2004; Marton Pang, 2006). In designing the patterns of variation and invariation, teachers are advised to use the principles of variation, as follows: The principle of contrast teacher to give contrasting example (e.g. Fraction and Whole number) The principle of separation to test one variable, change the other variable. (e.g to understand relationship of numerator to the value of fraction, vary the numerator and keep the denominator invariant) The principle of generalization to generalize a concept, different examples of the same value are given (e.g to generalize the concept of , give all kinds of examples involving say half of an apple, half of an hour etc The principle of fusion vary different dimensions simultaneously (e.g. to understand two critical aspect of numerator and denominator, vary both at the same time, systematically) The main focus of learning in the SPN-21 curriculum is the learner, with emphasis on the teaching and learning for understanding. Learning study is one of the strategies which focus on the teaching and learning for understanding. It is the aim of the Ministry of Education to provide continuous professional development in order to help teachers to improve their understanding of teaching. To support this, Learning study group of secondary school teachers had been set in Brunei to improve teaching and learning of science and mathematics. Learning Study is a process where teachers work collaboratively to plan teaching strategies by focusing on the students needs. It builds teacher knowledge about how students develop mathematical understanding. Learning Study aims to advance student learning through building a sequence of learning experiences, reviewing the lessons and evaluating the effectiveness of the learning experiences. It is most effective when supported by an expert to offer constructive advice and supporTeachers are encouraged to use different approach to their teaching for the improvement of learning in Brunei. Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Yusoff Hj Ismail, the acting Minister of Education, in his speech at the opening of the World Association of Lessons Studies (Wals) Conference 2010 mentioned on the importance of lesson study and learning study to improve on the teachers understanding of their teaching. He further added that the challenge is to ensure that collaborative enquiry trough lesson and learning study takes root in the culture of our school (Brunei Times,2010 Dec) 2.2.2 Use of Manipulative in Mathematic I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand (Confucius, 551-479BC) Mathematics education today are moving towards the facilitation of students understanding and conceptualization rather than drill and practice of rote procedures (Heddens,1986). This is in line with the SPN-21 curriculum framework which also give emphasis on the teaching and learning for understanding. One of the ways to promote understanding is by using manipulative. Manipulative are physical object help to make mathematical concepts become concrete. Research in many countries supports the idea that the mathematics instruction and students mathematics understanding will be more effective if manipulative materials are used (Canny, 1984; Clements Battista, 1990; Dienes, 1960; Driscoll, 1981; Fennema, 1972; 1973; Skemp, 1987; Sugiyama, 1987; Suydam, 1984) Allowing students to use concrete objects to observe, model, and internalize abstract concepts will yield a positive effect on students achievement (Sowell,1989.,Ruzie and OConnel,2001) . Manipulative allows students to construct their own cognitive models for abstract mathematical ideas and processes. They are also engaging students and increasing both interest and enjoyment of mathematics. Long term interest in mathematics translates to increased mathematical ability (Suton Krueger, 2002). 2.2.3 Games in Mathematics Classroom Games are seen to be fun, not only motivating but ensuring full engagement, particularly through reflection and discussion, on which constructive learning depends (Booker,1996). Games are also valuable for simulating and encouraging mathematical discussion between group of children and between students and teacher (Earnest, 1986). Students may build on their prior knowledge and forms links between the game and their everyday surroundings (Bragg, 2006). Bragg further added that through the use of games, students ability to work independently of the teachers and others helps them to build confidence through achieving success in classroom. Games offer mathematics teachers a way of practicing and reinforcing arithmetic and other mathematical skills, as well as supplementing for drills and practice-problems. Games are seen as a way of presenting high level mathematics concepts in a simple and non-threatening way. Although games has been seen as a beneficial tool in mathematics classroom (Bragg,2006; Booker,2000; Gough,1999; Anily,1990), it is also important to ensure the structure of the game support learning, for learning to take place (Swansed Marshall, nd). Learning outcomes related to the games should be clearly specified to make the usefulness of games explicit to students (Bragg, 2006). In this study, the game of I have.. , who has? is used. The game is chosen because it involves the whole class and easy to administered. The rule is also very simple In this game, students have to be attentive and at the same time try to figure out the answer that match their cards. 2.2.4 Use of Video song Music is chosen as another mean of helping students to understand the topic. Music establishes a positive learning state and energizes learning activities. Songs and rhythmic chants invite the students to become active in the learning practice. Music adds an element of fun while helping accentuate the lesson orientation. Songs help stimulate the students imagination. Music helps ease tension through work that does not feel like typical classroom work. The melody, rhythm and repetition collaborate together as an effective tool in improving students memories, which in turn will establish good retention of the topic Music is a universal language which promotes reading, creativity, and comprehension skills all at the same time(Wright,2009). Don McMannis, an expert on childrens music, mentioned the positive effect of music on peoples emotions and creativity. He also agreed that music is an effective medium for learning and retaining information, in a way that it activates three different centers of the brain at the same time: language, hearing, and rhythmic motor control (Elias,2009). Music is considered as one of the avenues for learning proposed by cognitive phychologists in the theories of multisensory learning (Harris,2009). Music is viewed as a multi-sensory approach to enhance learning and retention of academic skills. The music activities used will directly carry the curriculum content that the student is to learn. For example, if the student is to add single digit numbers, the lyrics to the educational song or chant will deal directly with that target skill. Research supports the use of music as a mnemonic device for the learning and recall of new information. Music also plays a role in focusing attention and providing a motivating environment for learning. In addition, educational research confirms that we learn and retain information better when we find it interesting and meaningful. In this study, a video song from you tube, called the Mathe Mia Addition of Fractions, is used. The lyrics of the song summarize how to do addition and subtraction of fractions, from common denominators to unlike denominators and the mixed numbers. After the students have acquired the intended learning objectives, the video song will helps them to recall and retain the information learnt. 2.3 Summary It is well documented that fraction is one of the most difficult topic in Mathematics. Fraction has been taught to students in stages; from as early as when they are in Year 2. Understanding how fraction works is needed in life and other field of study. It is therefore important to establish good foundation in this topic. Lesson study is being practised worldwide and has proven a successful and effective method of enhancing teaching and learning. The ministry of Education has encouraged schools to practice lesson or learning study to help teachers and students in their teaching and learning. Teachers are also encouraged to use of different teaching strategies in enhancing students learning. The use of Manipulative in teaching and learning had been established in the education system. The effectiveness of games in promoting students learning had also been well documented. Games give an alternative way of learning in a fun, enjoyable and non-threatening way, which in turn will boost students motivation and confidence. Research had found out the positive impact on the use of music in education, although it is not a very popular means of teaching in the secondary schooling. Through the use of different strategies, students learning of the subject might yield positive result.

Shirley Temple Essay examples -- Biography

America's little darling, everyone knows her but where did she come from? George Francis Temple was her father (Shirley Temple). He was born in 1888 and eventually became a banker (Shirley Temple). Her mother's name was Gertrude Amelia Krieger, she was born in 1893(Shirley Temple). They had two sons whose names were: Jack Temple and George Jr. Temple (Shirley Temple). While expecting their first daughter Gertrude played the phonograph and attended dance recitals (Shirley Temple). Finally on April 23, 1929 a beautiful baby girl was born (Shirley Temple). Shirley was a baby who would bring smiles to everyone’s face during the great depression (Hall). They named her Shirley Jane Temple. Shirley was born at 9:00 p.m. She once said " Too late for dinner, and so i started life one meal behind. Ever since then I have tried to make up for that loss"(The Official Shirley Temple Website). Shirley began dancing extremely early (Shirley Temple). Even as early as eight months old, as she swayed back and forth in her baby crib (Shirley Temple). Her love for dancing continued. As Shirley got older she took dance lessons at Ethel Meglin Dance Studio, which was only ten miles from Hollywood (Bankston 6-7). It was the day before Thanksgiving and the family had travel plans arranged, so Shirley took dance class early that week (Bankston 7). While in a hurry her mother did not have time to curl her hair and Shirley had on very casual clothes, not knowing that this would be the day her fame would begin (Bankston 7). This is the day in 1931 that producers Jack Hays and Charles Lamont discovered Shirley (The Official Shirley Temple Website). Shirley's family became very protective of their little girl (Shirley Temple). She attende... ...he received many awards even after her acting career had ended. In September of 2005 the Screen Actors Gold proclaimed that Shirley," who captivated the world as no other child star has done before or since, then served her country as an eminent diplomat over more than three decades"(U-S-history). She received a Life Achievement Award for her many accomplishments (U-S-history). Also, in 2005 Premiere Magazine put her at number thirty-three on the Greatest Movie Stars of all-time list (Shirley Temple). She was voted the thirty-eighth greatest movie star of all time by Entertainment Weekly (Shirley Temple). At one point, Shirley's fan club in England had 650,000 members (Lindeman). Located at 1500 Vine Street is her Hollywood Walk of Fame star (Shirley Temple). All in all, Shirley Jane Temple had a very full life and accomplished so much.

Exploring Police Officers Use of Discretion Essay -- Criminal Justic

Discretion is used by officers throughout the country; it gives them the choice to carry out law word by word, based on the input of the situation and surrounding circumstances around the officer it also gives them the choice to disobey the written law which usually ends up in tragic instances. This is why discretion is such a hot topic in the United States and throughout the world. One side argues that police officers are ill trained to properly carry out split second decisions. The other side of the argument claims that discretion saves countless lives of many civilians and police officers. The abuse of power by the police is well documented. From Timothy Thomas, Roger Owensby from Cincinnati, Ohio or Sean Bell and Amadou Diallo in New York, many believe this was a direct cause of the officer’s personal belief about race which can’t be brushed aside so easily. If we all look at the criminal justice system we can tell from the cases and documents that the majority of men that are injured killed or imprisoned by the law are black males. Discrimination isn’t new to police officers around the country, in 1976 the city of Chicago was found to have discriminated against black, Hispanic and female police officers in hiring and in promotions to sergeant in its police departments. This level of dislike is common throughout America, so they say; it runs deep within a police station, against co workers. Many propose that new and harsher punishments should exist in law enforcement but I believe in order to drastically reduce these occurrences from happening would be to enroll these officers in classes that would get them comfortable with races and beliefs other than their own. This is a huge factor in every major case; a maj... ...eyes of a criminal. It would also give the failed assumption that killing an officer or threatening their lives wouldn’t have repercussions’ on the scene. In reality, this argument can last for many years due to what the law covers or doesn’t in regard to what an officer experiences in the field. There may be instances where the law may be clear. Laws are written in ways that could expand for future issues. Police encounter many people and behaviors, some of which would be completely new to an officer, where no laws have not been thought out. But on the other hand police have been known to do well with their discretion by choosing another option besides an arrest. We all should keep in mind the stresses that they deal with on a day to day basis and can cause an officer to become paranoid there for leading to instances where they use excessive force.

China’s One Child Policy †Success or Failure Essay

In 1979 led by Deng Xioping The People’s Republic of China, located in South East Asia, implanted what is called China’s one child policy or (as referred to by the Chinese government) the family planning policy. This policy restricts married, urban couples to bearing only one child and 35. 9% of China’s population is subject to these restrictions, mainly those in urban areas as couples living in rural areas are allowed to have two children, especially if the first child is female or disable, as well as this ethnic minorities are exempt from the policy. However today 90% of all urban children and over 60% of rural children are growing up without any siblings. During Mao Zedong’s rule, the policy in China was â€Å"the more people, the stronger we are† which led to extreme over population (a population verging on 1 billion during 1979/1980) and famines. However when Deng Xiaoping took power in 1978, his policies concentrated on strengthening the Chinese economy and he saw China’s overpopulation as a obstruction in the way of economic development. As well as this the policy hoped to alleviate social and environmental problems (such as stretched resources in certain regions) within the country, however the primary objective of the policy was to decelerate the rate of population growth. The initial goal of the policy was to limit China’s population to 1. 2 billion people by the year 2000. Enforcing the Policy Many of the prevailing criticisms of the One-Child Policy is that it is an abuse of Human rights, and many oppose the core principle of the policy, claiming a violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On a provincial and regional level, government agents police the situation, enforcing the regulations. Theoretically speaking, the policy is voluntary, but the government impose punishments and heavy fines on those who do not follow the rules. Parents with extra children can be fined from $370 to $12,800 depending on the region and if this fine goes unpaid, even stricter rules have been enforced in some cases, such as the removal of land, loss of jobs, destruction of homes and not allowing a child to attend school. In one extreme case, a woman in the 1980s pregnant with a second child, was fired from, had a forced abortion, and was then sent to a psychiatric hospital, and was still in a labour camp in the early 2000s. Although this seems extreme, it should be assumed that since this incident, which occurred in the early stages of the policy, most of this behaviour has died out now. However similar, though less brutal cases have been noted. As although the policy is supposed to involve eugenic testing which is policed and enforced through a system of economic disincentives and fines, there have been numerous reports of forced abortion, forced sterilization and infanticide, even in the last decade, for example it was reported that in 2001 an annual quota of 20,000 forced sterilizations and forced abortions were set for Huaiji in the Gundang Province for those who did not adhere to the policy of one child only. However, China banned the use of physical force to for abortions or sterilizations in 2002, but it seems even official law cannot stop the brutalities, as there have been continuing reports of violence against women pregnant with a second or third child. However it’s not just the women who are in danger, if families hide from officials, their relatives were thrown into jail until the white flag was shown; even women with permission for a second child have been subject to violence. In some places the enforcement has been so harsh that the FPA (Family Planning Association) had to give out brochures that detailed the â€Å"seven don’ts† of the policy, which included things such as not beating up people who have unplanned births and don’t burn down their houses. Despite these horrific stories, the enforcement of the policy does vary greatly from place to place, so these stories cannot be generalised to the whole of China. Some provinces contain families with four or five children and can get away with it because the policy is either ignored or the fines can be easily paid. Propaganda: These are just a couple of the examples of hundreds of uses of propaganda used in China to help enforce the one child policy. The first one uses the word â€Å"him† which suggests that as well as advocating the one-child policy, some of the propaganda advocates a son instead of a daughter. Although these are examples of the tamer slogans and statues, there have been ones which bring across a much harsher message; Slogans painted on walls by the roadside have been both terrifying and unsubtle, such as ‘Kill all your family members if you don’t follow the rule! and ‘We would rather scrape your womb than allow you to have a second child’. However the FPC is now saying that a shift is needed in the tone of this propaganda, more towards the one’s shown above. Instead of intimidation, persuasion and encouragement are the new tactics to be adopted, so as to avoid offending the public and causing violence. Impacts of the Policy: This policy was set out to reduce the social, economic and environmental problems that plagued China in the 1970s/80s however has the policy actually performed as well as predicted? When the policy was first introduced, a 1. 2 billion target population was set for the year 2000, however in this year the population was at 1. 27 billion and even this was regarded as an underestimation. The Chinese authorities claim that the policy has prevented over 400 million births since it was introduced over 30 years ago; this is also shown through the declining fertility rate, which has fallen from 2. 9% to around 1. % (recent figures show). However despite this drop, it is difficult to ignore the parallels China has with many other countries around the world that have also experienced significant drops in fertility rates, which leads to speculation around whether the policy is the reason for the decline, or that the government policy that encouraged later marriages and longer intervals between birth and further children had more of an impact. This argument is indeed plausible, as the fertility rate in China dropped from 5% to just below 2% even before the one child policy was introduced and as the graph above shows, the steepest decline was before 1979. Skewed age demographic: Although there is speculation about the cause of fertility rates, a large impact of the one child policy has been a rapid increase in the ageing population of China, it is expected that the population will become disproportionally older well into this century. Today 10% of the urban population is already aged 65 and over, and this is thought to rise to over 15% in a decade, 20% by 2025 and 35% in 2050 if the fertility rates remain consistent. But how prepared is China to cope with such a rapidly ageing population? Before the decline of fertility, the elderly relied nearly exclusively on their children for support, however now the elderly in China will face a lack of young carers. At the time the one-child policy was introduced, the economy at the time still provided support in the way of communes in the countryside and organizations in urban areas. However now that China’s economy has changed and developed this societal support has all but disappeared. This lack of support, coupled with the one-child policy means that extra social and financial pressure on a single child to support their grandparents and their parents. This is known as the 4:2:1 phenomenon, where the 4 represents the grandparents, the two represents the parents, and the one represents the child; this shows that increasing numbers of couples will end up with the sole responsibility of care for their child and their parents. Despite this, the government does offer $6 to poor rural elderly with one child, although it can hardly be considered much help or a substitute for the support of more children. As well as this, over 60s have been reassured of extra provisions they may be able to receive, however many questions have been raised as to exactly how these new allowances will be funded. The imbalanced sex ratio: In 1982, the sex ratio was at 108. 5 boys to every 100 girls, which is already above the normal range, but in 2011 it had reached to 117. boys to every 100 girls and these ratios are not just confined to rural China. The policy has contributed to the sex ratio imbalance in several ways. Some couples who have not yet had a son resort to sex-selective abortions after ultrasound in order to have a child of the preferred gender. Despite the fact this is thought to account for a large proportion of the decline in female births, actual figures are difficult to calculate, as this kind of abortion is ille gal, although it’s known to be very widely carried out. At the same time as this, some females are uncounted, missing or have ‘disappeared’ as they are hidden from the government officials, or not officially registered at birth and this allows for couples to have a second child in an attempt to have a boy instead. Another explanation for the skewed ratio is the potential of infanticide, abandonment or deliberate neglect of baby girls. Although female mortality rates had been declining since 1930, by 2000 this had reserved and excess female mortality has risen since the implementation of the one-child policy. This can be seen to be one of the failures of the olicy and the potentially disastrous social consequences of this ‘female shortage’ have been acknowledged. This shortage is thought to have increased male mental health problems as well as socially disruptive behaviour of the same gender. As well as this, a shortage of women mean the scarcity of brides, and this means that male marriage has once again become an indicator of social privilege, by 2000 27% of rural males were still unmarried at age 40. This scarcity of brides also leads to kidnapping and trafficking of women for marriage, as well as an increase in the numbers of commercial sex workers. However despite this skewed ratio, there is evidence to show that this traditional preference for boys is shifting, as 37% of young urban women claim to have gender preference for their child, and in fact more women voiced a preference for a female than for a male. As well as this, new propaganda has been brought in the encourage families that having a girl is not a bad thing. Economic Impacts: One benefit that has seemed to arisen from the policy is that it has helped to fuel the economic change seen in China over the past decades, as there is not as much competition between citizens, which has allowed more wealth to be spread around. It has also been noted that at the same time of the population growth slowing down, China’s GDP has risen from 550USD to 7000USD, and during this time the growth of the GDP was greater than that of the US, Europe, Japan and India. As well as this is has been noted that the lower fertility rates have enhanced female labour participation, despite this fact, this may be down to the policy that was implanted before the one child policy that encouraged later marriage among other suggestions. It is also uncertain whether this correlation between the two factors necessarily means that the slowed population growth has led to an increase of the countries GDP. The policy is also thought to have a negative impact on the overall economic future of China due to the rapidly aging population, which means more financial dependency is put on adult children to provide for their parents and grandparents (see 4:2:1 phenomenon above). Despite this fact, many studies have concluded that the population transitions that have taken place since the policy was implemented are responsible for 1/6 to 2/5 of China’s economic growth. As well as this, individual savings rates have increased as well since the policy was implemented, and this is thought to be because households have more money and resources that aren’t being spent on multiple children. As well as the strain on household resources being decreased, so has the strain on natural resources since 1980, as it has been estimated (as mentioned before) that there would have been 400 million extra people, which would have been a huge additional strain on resources. According to the State Family Planning Commission, coverage of tap water has increased, and so has the coverage of natural gases. Political Impacts: The Chinese government has had to pay a dear cost politically for the introduction of the one child policy. The reports of forced sterilization and induced abortion have invited hostility as well as resistance from the population and the government have received large amounts of criticisms from the international community, the US in particular have expressed their disapproval with Chinese leaders for their sterilization policies. These physical abuses began to disappear by the end of the 1990s and China shifted its program towards encouraging contraception and providing couples with a wider selection of thee contraceptive methods. This shift in operation may have helped to ease the tension somewhat between the birth control officials and civilians. However by the 1990s, the birthing reporting system has all but collapsed and it is now difficult to trust demographic data that is collected and released from government agencies, as it was also reported that as many as 30% of births were not counted in some areas during the 1990s. These problems with birth registrations have spread to other areas of demographic data-gathering operations such as the population census. The two main agencies responsible for collecting fertility information simply gave up their attempt to provide reliable and detailed information on fertility, and a rough estimate was used as an estimate instead. As well as this the government has required increasing amounts of financial resources to continue the birth control policy. During the 1990s alone, the budget allocation towards birth control programs increased 3. times, and has increased during the beginning of the 21st century. As well as this, to initiate the policy an ‘army’ of birth control officials are needed, and this army has been rapidly increasing, with many on the government payroll. In addition to this, where fertility does not reach a low enough level, local officials are require to spend large amounts of time on the issue, as meeting these birth control goals are major benchmarks used in evaluating the performance and it affects the local officials’ political careers. Success or Failure? – intrusive: Overall, the campaign has been more of a failure than of success. In terms of what it set out to do, the policy was in fact a success as in the years succeeding its introduction the fertility rates did indeed drop and it was thought that over 300 million births were prevented due to the policy (see above). Although undeniably effective in these terms, it seems obvious that the policy has not caught on in other countries also facing overpopulation such as India, who have seen the one-child policy as too intrusive on their populations lives, which is justifiable considering the shocking stories mentioned above of using force to stop women having a second child in a country that advocates a seemingly ‘voluntary’ scheme of fewer offspring. Densely populated countries such as India have used alternative schemes such as women advocacy groups, the increased availability of contraception, female empowerment and greater emphasis on sex education from an early age. As the fertility rate in areas which have adopted these frames of population control have dropped even faster than in China, as well as there being no evidence to say that forced abortion and sterilization is widespread, it begs the question that if China had adopted other methods and used more effective government leadership, would the population growth have decreased faster than using methods which invade couples lives and lead many into a state of fear when they become pregnant? However one problem with placing all the success in the hands of the one-child policy is that it may not just be that which has caused the drop in the fertility rates and in fact there are other significant factors, which were thought to of affected it. One factor that may have affected the fertility rates of women instead of the one-child policy in in China is the fact that with a new economy, many young Chinese had new economic opportunities and rising incomes, which would have directed their attention away from marriage and childbearing, this is backed up by the fact that the ge of first marriage rose in the 1990s, and this was evidence that the changing demographic was not down to the one-child policy. As well as this, the general costs of childbearing also increased, and this may have quashed reproductive desires. However perhaps the most significant factor in this is that as mentioned above the fertility rate dropped more significantly in the years proceeding the policy due to the government’s â€Å"longer, later, fewer† policy which advocated later marriage, longer birth intervals and few births, it must be noted as well that in the policies early years the fertility level hardly affected the fertility rate. If the previous policy had more impact on decreasing population growth then this policy can be seen to be a failure, as it had very little impact but very many negative consequences such as the tough policing of births which sometimes resulted in violent consequences. Despite this, if we can blame the subsequent impacts of declining population growth on the â€Å"longer, later, fewer† policy, then we can say that the policy was not directly responsible for the skewing of the gender ratio and the rapidly increasing population, however this does not make the policy a success, as it is likely that the policy did have some effect on the gender ratio and aging population problems. Despite these factors, it is hard to know for sure whether the one-child policy directly effected population growth decline, as there are many other situational factors, which had the possibility to affect it, in this respect we can deem the one-child policy a failure to a small extent, because it is likely that it did have some affect on the population growth decline.

Career Counselling and Development

In the New Careering Model, Miller-Tiedeman uses case studies and discussion points throughout the text journey to help both professionals and students learn practical application. In the book by Miller – Tiedeman, historical events, models, and comparison charts are punctuated all throughout lending a global perspective to the New Careering model. The visual Pythagorean wheel blueprinting the spectrum of living harmonies activates different dimensions of awareness and possibilities for life. This model is ideal for use in the classrooms (Mahoney, 2007). The book includes end-of-chapter questions, in-class exercises, and potential homework projects. The book appropriate for beginning counsellor education courses, entrepreneurial classes in business administration, career classes in other disciplines, church groups, pastoral counselling classes, and support/study groups. While many career counselling models have focused almost entirely on practical methods aimed at occupation with little attention to the process nature of life, Miller – Tiedeman outlines a creative approach that advocates a theory of life, not job, as career. Focus is centred on a three-fold approach of thinking, feeling, and willing of the career theory of the individual, by addressing logical, emotional, and spiritual aspects as cited in the book. In a global and human perspective, Miller – Tiedeman illustrates, through detail of theory, a broader view of career places in which individuals can connect with their deeper spiritual selves. This book by Miller – Tiedeman unfolds into three major components such as Learning the New Careering: The â€Å"What† Question; Practicing the New Careering: The â€Å"How† Question; and the Living the New Careering: The â€Å"Why† Question. Through this journey of introspection and a myriad of careering principles, the reader is able to ask about his/her own life direction. Miller – Tiedeman helps guide the question, â€Å"Does one’s life compass mostly toward job and things, or is it toward the journey as a whole?† Every chapter ends with discussion questions that evoke powerful inquiries into one’s complete approach to life and career. The book by Miller – Tiedeman is highly detailed and theory focused. One theory, in particular, The Pythagorean model — a spectrum of living harmonies — illustrates different dimensions of awareness and possibilities for life, and demonstrates how the nine power streams of focused energy through different parts of ourselves: i.e., the body, emotions, mind, will, intuitive thoughts and feelings, make up our complete life and career backdrop. Nine primary energies suggest nine basic power streams that are universal and available in every person’s life. The nine power streams outlined include the power stream of close relationship, initiative, artistic creativity, freedom, achievement, sociability, life experience, inner wisdom, humanitarian service will to power. Miller – Tiedeman met every objective in outlining in detail many of the aspects of New Careering and how it relates to the human elements of life. I highly recommend this book for anyone and everyone connecting with people for career, life, and inner growth as well as for career direction from a holistic or whole-life approach. Bearing of the Quantum Theory on Career Counselling The New Careering method, based on the principle of flow, much like nature, uses as its foundation ideas from a broad range of theories including Quantum physics. It is said that change need not occur linearly, but rather can be discontinuous – a â€Å"quantum leap.† In counselling, clients should be prepared for â€Å"quantum† shifts at times from the impact of even minor influences–like those at time produced from values clarification exercises. The quantum theory was asserting that the character of nature was essentially mental. The quantum theory was merely a tool for making predictions about experiences. The same line of thinking has led a serious attempt by to bring human conscious experience into the quantum mechanical description of nature (Bozarth, 1985). Decision-making Process Decision-making process is usually approach as an outcome of a long, continuous cognitive processes that may result to the selection of a course(s) of action among several alternatives. This process leads to a final choice, action or an opinion, among the alternatives (Reason, 1990). The decision-making process is integrated in the interaction with the environment (Kahneman, 2000). It is a problem solving process that is halted upon arrival to a sound solution to the problem. It can be rational or irrational. It can be based on explicit or tacit assumptions. My own style of decision-making could greatly influence the way I counsel. This is because my style of arriving at a decision and my way of resolving issues will be carried on how a client and I will arrive at a course of action(s) for the client’s case at hand. I might help a client who comes to me for help with making career-related decisions by drawing out various alternatives then at the end of it, allowing the client to choose the best option that the client thinks best fit. Issues Explored on the Client in the Vignette and the Envisioned Counselling Process 1. Identify the need for counselling In this vignette, it is evident that there is a need for focused, two-way communication with the client. There are several issues explored from the vignette on the client named Bridget, a thirty (30) years old senior college student who is raised from dairy farm in a small town in the New York State. According to Bridget, none of her siblings attended college. That is, after high school Bridget was eager to become financially independent and worked for a few years as a cashier at K-Mart near her hometown. Bridget eventually decided to major in biology in a college in Kansas. In that school, she got a 3.0 average. It was at this period when Bridget felt anxious about graduating and leaving her comfortable niche in school. That time, Bridget was not sure about what to do with her life. She also thought that the job market in both Kansas and nearby towns is rather limited. That time, Bridget’s former supervisor at K-Mart would be willing to give her a job as manager. However, Bridget felt that despite the pay check, getting that managerial job would be like she had never gone to college at all. 2.Prepare for counselling To prepare for counselling, select a suitable place. Schedule counselling in an environment that minimizes interruptions. This environment has to be free from distracting sights and sounds. Schedule the time. When possible, counsel a subordinate during the duty day. Counselling after duty hours may be rushed or perceived as unfavourable. The length of time required for counselling depends on the complexity of the issue. Generally a counselling session should last less than an hour. If you need more time, schedule a second session. Additionally, select a time free from competition with other activities and consider what has been planned after the counselling session. Important events can distract a subordinate from concentrating on the counselling. Notify the client well about the scheduled counselling in advance. For a counselling session to be a subordinate-centred, two-person effort, the subordinate must have time to prepare for it. The subordinate should know why, where, and when the counselling will take place. Counselling following a specific event should happen as close to the event as possible. However, for performance or professional development counselling, subordinates may need a week or more to prepare or review specific products, such as support forms or counselling records Organize information. Solid preparation is essential to effective counselling. Review all pertinent information. This includes the purpose of the counselling, facts and observations about the subordinate, identification of possible problems, main points of discussion, and the development of a plan of action. Focus on specific and objective behaviors that the subordinate must maintain or improve as well as a plan of action with clear, obtainable goals. Outline the counselling session components. Using the information obtained, determine what to discuss during the counselling session. Note what prompted the counselling, what you aim to achieve, and what your role as a counsellor is. Identify possible comments or questions to help you keep the counselling session subordinate-centred and help the subordinate progress through its stages. Although you never know what a subordinate will say or do during counselling, a written outline helps organize the session and enhances the chance of positive results. Plan the counselling strategy. The right atmosphere promotes two-way communication between a leader and subordinate. To establish a relaxed atmosphere, you may offer the subordinate a seat or a cup of coffee. You may want to sit in a chair facing the subordinate since a desk can act as a barrier. Some situations make an informal atmosphere inappropriate. For example, during counselling to correct substandard performance, you may direct the subordinate to remain standing while you remain seated behind a desk. This formal atmosphere, normally used to give specific guidance, reinforces the leader’s rank, position in the chain of command, and authority. Establish the right atmosphere. The right atmosphere promotes two-way communication between a leader and subordinate. To establish a relaxed atmosphere, you may offer the subordinate a seat or a cup of coffee. You may want to sit in a chair facing the subordinate since a desk can act as a barrier. Some situations make an informal atmosphere inappropriate. For example, during counselling to correct substandard performance, you may direct the subordinate to remain standing while you remain seated behind a desk. This formal atmosphere, normally used to give specific guidance, reinforces the leader’s rank, position in the chain of command, and authority. 3. Conduct counselling During the conduct of counselling, opening the session should be in a manner that would make the client at ease with the activity. Her stories should be carefully listened to, giving particular attention to the details of her case. There is a need to observe Bridget’s behaviour and performance. The issues will be discussed one by one. Then Bridget’s case will be compared to the standard. Then develop the plan of action. After careful analysis, feedback(s) will be provided to Bridget in the form of counselling. Recording and closing the session should be done in order to deliver an efficient counselling work that entails exploration of Bridget’s case, understanding and resolving the issues. 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Follow up After the implementation of the plan of action, the results have to be evaluated. During the evaluation, the plan of action has to be reviewed with the client to determine if the desired results were achieved. This evaluation session gives relevant data and information for future follow-up counselling activities. References Bozarth, J. D. (1985). Quantum theory and the person-centered approach. Journal of Counseling and Development. Special issue, 64(3),179-182. Kahneman, Daniel and Tversky, Amos. 2000. Choice, Values, Frames. The Cambridge University Press. Mahoney, Moira. 2007. Review: Learning, Practicing, and Living in the New Careering. Career Planning and Adult Development Network. Unite Media Group, Inc.   http://www.careertrainer.com/Request.jsp?nView=PrintArticle&Article=OID%3A52982. Miller – Tiedeman, Anna. Learning, Practicing, and Living the New Careering. Reason, James. 1990. Human Error. Ashgate..

The Alchemist

Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist: Following your dream is no easy task. Thesis Statement: Paulo Coelho’s book, The Alchemist (1988), demonstrates a boy named Santiago following his dream, also known as his â€Å"Personal Legend†, and encounters various obstacles, which will convey him to what he will become. The connection made by Paulo Coelho in this manuscript was, all that is around him will eventually assist the effort made by the individual (Santiago). Paulo Coelho reveals many spiritual/religious references tied with the acts and decisions of Santiago, and how they guide him, and how he follows them up to obtain his desired dream.Introduction: An old man that he had met in his village awakes Santiago, a young shepherd. Awoken in the sense that this man declared he was a King, and had inspired Santiago to follow his â€Å"Personal Legend†, basically, his dream, and had served knowledge to this young fellow. Throughout Santiago’s journeys, good omens had ma de him pursue his goal. The shepherd encounters various strangers, which help him, willingly or not, to chase his goal. During his quest, he awakes various senses he never had before, such as profound wisdom, communicating with nature, a spiritual connection with God, and the art of Alchemy.Santiago constantly takes life-threatening risks, which are considered challenges in the face of God. Throughout his whole journey, Santiago persistently follows his one and only reason of being, his dream, which is to find the treasure he dreamed of as a shepherd, and throughout his whole adventure, every little detail that crossed him, every lesson that he had been taught, with or without words, the soul of the world that he understood to communicate with, every little detail had defined his true treasure. Body Essay: As pointed out, Santiago was a dream chaser, he wanted to discover his Personal Legend†, what pushed him to do so was a wise old king Melchizedek. The fact that a King would speak to a shepherd is very odd, although the King was doing it for several reasons, it may include the fact that he wanted to make other people realize and drive them to know their â€Å"Personal Legend† as shown: â€Å"Why would a king be talking with a shepherd? † the boy asked, awed and embarrassed. â€Å"For several reasons. But let’s say that the most important is that you have succeeded in discovering your Personal Legend. † (21) This explains how the king is trying to help the Santiago realize his reason of life.As stated previously, he had overcome an obstacle that had given him patience, wisdom, and a lesson. He necessitated to understand that everything had a soul, which when he was an apprentice crystal merchant, had taught him these qualities. â€Å"Everything on earth is being continuously transformed, because the earth is alive . . . and it has a soul. We are part of that soul, so we rarely recognize that it is working for us. But in the crystal shop you probably realized that even the glasses were collaborating in your success. (79) This spiritual reference indicates that if he insisted on succeeding his dream, everything around him, conscious/unconscious will be of assistance to him. Long travels were endured by Santiago; yet, he was on the verge of giving up his â€Å"Personal Legend† for a woman, which is natural. The love he felt for Fatima, (the woman he loved), was an asset that pushed him to go further on and chasing his dream, yet, at the same time, it made him doubt the fact that if this was all worth the chase, the gamble of life and death. â€Å"During the third year, the omens will continue to speak of your treasure and your Personal Legend.You’ll walk around, night after night at the oasis, and Fatima will be unhappy because she’ll feel it was she who interrupted your quest. But you will love her, and she’ll return your love. You’ll remember that she never asked you to stay, because a woman of the desert knows that she must await her man. So you won’t blame her. But many times you’ll walk the sands of the desert, thinking that maybe you could have left . . . that you could have trusted more in your love for Fatima. Because what kept you at the oasis was your own fear that you might never come back. At that point, the omens will tell you that your treasure is buried forever. (120) Here is another example of the proverb shown in the book, â€Å"†¦when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it†, as which everything around him drives him to go further and pursuit his dream. He realized that his dream had shown him all these magnificent experiences; nothing would stop him at this point, even Santiago, a shepherd, a boy, did not fear death. His dream meant everything to him. Conclusion: Santiago, a simple shepherd, made it very far in life by just pursuing in an extremist way his true goal i n life, his Personal Legend.He had overcome every obstacle God and nature intended to test him with, and succeeded in a redeeming way. It is wonderful how Paulo Coelho shows that when you pursue what you love in life, everything around you, living or unconscious, will help you. Santiago proves bravery, strength, wisdom, patience, and various other qualities. It is astonishing how by doing things with love, and joy, you connect with the world and God. Santiago at this point, had completed his emptiness, he achieved his one true meaning, his dream and goal.

Product Life Cycle Concept Essay

Michael Porter’s framework of competitive analysis is applicable to our business organization known as D.T.DOBIE TANZANIA LTD which falls under the automobile industry in Tanzania and worldwide in the following ways: A.Barriers to entry/threat of new entrants. It’s true that the average person can’t come along and start selling brand new cars. The emergence of foreign competitors with the capital, required technologies and management skills began to undermine the market share of brand new car sellers. The following factors are barriers to automobile seller’s new entrants: * Knowledge and Technology Ideas and knowledge of servicing its supplied products is the one that provides competitive advantage to D.T Dobie over others. D.T Dobie uses machines of highest technology on checking and servicing its cars in which, gives them power to provide guarantee of up to one year service to its product since they are assured of what they are doing. The machines used by the skilled labor of D.T Dobie to service and check the product are of high quality and they are very expensive in such a way that for new entrants firm in that business its an ownership barrier. * Access to distribution The demand for brand new cars in Tanzania is very low since they are sold at price that individual can’t afford. D.T Dobie is a greater supplier of brand new cars to Tanzania government institution, most United Nations (UN) organizations such as UNICEF, ILO, UNESCO, representative’s offices in Tanzania and embassies offices. Since these agencies are the most buyers of brand new cars, it has made D.T Dobie to have almost the access to distribution channel of selling brand new cars in which this act as barrier to new entrants since the buyers are few. * Cost of entry Initial capital required to set up a new firm is very high, it makes the chances of new entrants to be very less. * Product differentiation and cost advantage The product has to be different and attractive to be accepted by the customers. D.T Dobie is the greater seller of brand new NISSAN, MITSUBISHI, MERCEDES BENZ, HONDA and HYUNDAI in which made them different from its competitor since it sells many brands than others. By being supplier of government cars has made them to be exempted when importing cars for government institution uses. B. Bargaining power of suppliers: The bargaining power of suppliers is also described as the market of inputs. Suppliers of raw materials, components, labor, and services (such as expertise) to the firm can be a source of power over the firm, when there are few substitutes. Suppliers may refuse to work with the firm and also may charge excessively high prices for unique resources. For organization of our choice i.e. D.T Dobie its suppliers for motor vehicles are TOYOTA, NISSAN, MITSUBISHI and MERCEDES BENZ. D.T Dobie is the seller of brand new car in Tanzania where by its inputs i.e. imported new cars from great multinational companies are so important for its survival, this leads the suppliers having great power over D.T Dobie since it’s not manufacturer but the buyer of finished product. Increase in production cost to one of suppliers on specified product may lead to switching cost which will be relative to D.T Dobie switching cost. Degree of differentiation of inputs: D.T Dobie supplier’s supply different brands in which is difficult for them to switch from one supplier to another. For example if they are required by its customers i.e. government to supply cars that’s engine capacity is V8 that pushes them to deal with TOYOTA since other suppliers are not producing cars with that engine capacity. For parts suppliers, the life span of an automobile is very important. The longer a car stays operational, the greater the need for replacement parts. On the other hand, new parts are lasting longer, which is great for consumers, but is not such good news for parts makers. C. Bargaining power of customers: Buyers refer to the customers who finally consume the product or the firms who distribute the industry’s product to the final consumers. Bargaining power of buyers refer to the potential of buyers to bargain down the prices charged by the firms in the industry or to increase the firms cost in the industry by demanding better quality and service of product. Since our organization of our choice D.T Dobie supplies and sell brand new cars in Tanzania, its customers are few since who can afford to buy brand new cars are government institution, most united nations (UN) organizations such as UNICEF, ILO, UNESCO, representatives offices in Tanzania, embassies offices and individuals who can afford to do so. Since its customers only want quality and guaranteed products this act as driving force to D.T Dobie to supply not only quality products but also quality parts and servicing those cars for the whole year as guarantee after being sold out. Since D.T Dobie is greater supplier of brand new NISSAN, MITSUBISHI, MERCEDES BENZ etc. cars in Tanzania availability of substitute products such as FORD, RANGE ROVER, LAND ROVER which are supplied by its competitors like CMC motors and sold at same or at lower price than D.T Dobie’s have made some of its customers to shift to those brands as it’s known customers are very sensitive to price. Most of those mentioned above customers purchase in large quantities. They have full information about the product and the market. They emphasize upon quality products. They pose credible threat of backward integration. In this way, they are regarded as a threat. D. Threat of Substitute Products: Substitute products are goods or services from outside a given industry that perform similar or the same functions as a product that the industry produces. Rather than looking at the threat of someone buying a different car, there is also a need to also look at the likelihood of people taking the bus, train or airplane to their destination. When determining the availability of substitute’s time, money invested, personal preferences and convenience in the auto travel industry should be considered. D.T.Dobie should consider the following factors when analyzing this force: * Price Band The threat that consumer will switch to a substitute product if there has been an increase in price of the product or there has been a decrease in price of the substitute product. If the price of the cars sold by D.T.Dobie will increase the main expected customers i.e. the one switching from bike to car will not move to car and will remain in the bike only. Thus the price is kept checked in this manner. * Substitutes performance The performance of the substitute sector also plays an important role in the success of the business. If the price of other dealers such as Africariers increases or the price band of the small segment falls, it will have effect on the quantity required in the market. It’s just on the price but also the features and the other services associated or it may be the status symbol story. * Buyers willingness Products with improving price/performance tradeoffs relative to present industry products. It will determine the willingness of the buyer to buy from D.T.Dobie.The willingness of the customers to go forward to try the new product in the market such as Mercedes Benz reduces the threat from substitute products. E. Competitive Rivalry: This force analyses the level of competition between existing players in the industry. Because an industry’s firms are mutually dependent, actions taken by one company usually invite competitive responses. Thus in many industries firms actively compete against one another. Highly Competitive industries generally earn low returns because the cost of competition is high. The auto industry is considered to be an oligopoly (a market condition in which sellers are so few that actions of any one of them will materially affect price) which helps to minimize the price-based competition. Below are factors which are seen in this force: * Price Competition Advertising battles may increase total industry demand, but may be costly to smaller competitors. Products with similar function limit the prices firms can charge. Price competition often leaves the entire industry worse off.. * Product Quality Increasing consumer warranties or service is very common these days. To maintain low cost, companies consistently has to make manufacturing improvements to keep the business competitive. This requires additional capital expenditure which tends to eat up company’s earning. On the other hand if no one else can provide products/ services the way you do you have a monopoly. D.T.Dobie enjoys the monopoly of selling new cars are there are no competitors in this segment. * Unique Selling Point Also D.T. Dobie has advantage over its rivals because it represents a premium brand which is recognized over the world, they found a niche in the market where have a leading brand like Mercedes-Benzes a and a brand which people aspire to own .Also they are lucky to have Nissan one of the most renowned Japanese brands which is an equal pillar of their business. * Expansion DT Dobie is looking to grow and move forward, both in its native Tanzania and in surroundings regions. By building strong relationships and working closely with strategic partners, DT Dobie’s footprint keeps on growing. Also they are expanding by appointing more dealers around the country. * Investment In terms of investing in our own equipment, this takes priority; they put all eyes on technology so they are not behind the rest of the world. Even if the latest technical advancement s are available to the company, DT Dobie makes sure any investment is benefiting to the organization as a whole .Every five years D.T. Dobie has an equipment review which makes sure the company is on right track, ensures investments have been successful and assesses whether upgrades need to be made in order to reach the next level, they are absolutely up to date. Also ensures that its vehicle testing equipment has modern standards which outnumber it from its rivals. CONCLUSION: In general, any CEO or a strategic business manager is trying to steer his or her business in a direction where the business will develop an edge over rival firms. Michael Porter’s model of Five Forces can be used to better understand the industry context in which the firm operates. Porter’s Five Forces model is a strategy tool that is used to analyze attractiveness of an industry structure. Porter’s Five Forces model views the business from inside and outside. It focuses on assessing competitive position within the industry.