Sunday, December 29, 2019

Essay about Reason and Love in A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Reason and love in A Midsummer Night’s Dream Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is often read as a dramatization of the incompatibility of â€Å"reason and love† (III.i. 127), yet many critics pay little attention to how Shakespeare manages to draw his audience into meditating on these notions independently (Burke 116). The play is as much about the conflict between passion and reason concerning love, as it is a warning against attempting to understand love rationally. Similarly, trying to understand the play by reason alone results in an impoverished reading of the play as a whole – it is much better suited to the kind of emotive, arbitrary understanding that is characteristic of dreams. Puck apologises directly to us, the audience,†¦show more content†¦48) without the ability to look beyond what he sees. The notion of fantasy versus reality is not limited only to the fairies, however; Shakespeare makes his audience aware of supernatural elements in other characters as well by his use of different styles of verse. Furthermore, by comparing the play-within-a-play, and the royals’ response to it, to the larger narrative, Shakespeare gives further warning against literalising the effects of the play. Metaphor pervades the play and the play should likewise be read as metaphor. There are three distinct levels of action during the play. Firstly, we as the audience see the characters play out the main narratives. Secondly, Shakespeare introduces a play-within-a-play during which the audience observes the mechanicals acting out their tragedy, and thirdly, as part of an epilogue, we are addressed directly by Puck. These differing levels of viewing the play encourages the audience to reflect upon, and compare, the interplay between the levels of address; when the three levels are compared to each other a deeper reading of the play becomes possible, even though the structure is irrational with regards to rational narrative structures. The dramatic conflict is resolved after the fourth act, begging the question of why Shakespeare opted for a play-within-a-play for his final act. The effect of â€Å"Nature† (V.i. 278) is contrasted between the mainShow MoreRelatedWeathering the Storms of True Love1159 Words   |  5 Pages Sitting on a porch swing with ones true love hugging and kissing as the moon smiles down upon them, seems like the perfect situation for true love. Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. Shakespeare presents the truth about true love in his comical tragedy A Midsummer Nights Dream. Lysander clearly stated loves situation when he told Hermia the course of true love never did run smooth (Griffiths 94). In some ways Lysanders declaration becomes the plays structuralRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s A Midsummer Night s Dream1474 Words   |  6 Pagesincreasing bar of literary works. A reason for this could be the inclination of everyday people to the consistent and underlying concept of romance in each of Shakespeare’s plays and related movies. For instance, one could look at the movies A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Shakespeare in Love. The latter follows the life of William Shakespeare himself, everything from his love affair with Viola de Lesseps to his cr eation of Romeo and Juliet. A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is one of the most famous plays ofRead MoreThe Theme of Love in A Midsummer Nights Dream by William Shakespeare1563 Words   |  7 PagesThe Theme of Love in A Midsummer Nights Dream by William Shakespeare In A Midsummer Nights Dream, Shakespeare presents us with multiple types of love by using numerous couples in various different situations. For example: Doting loves, the love induced by Oberons potion and in some aspects, Lysander and Hermias love for each other; there are true loves: Oberon and Titania, Lysander and Hermia (for the first half at least, as Lysanders love switches to Helena temporarily)Read MoreEssay on Analysis of Rationality In A Midsummer Nights Dream1058 Words   |  5 PagesWilliam Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is not simply a light-hearted comedy; it is a study of the abstract. Shakespeare shows that the divide between the dream world and reality is inconstant and oftentimes indefinable. Meanwhile, he writes about the power of the intangible emotions, jealousy and desire, to send the natural and supernatural worlds into chaos. Love and desire are the driving forces of this play’s plot, leaving the different characters and social classes to sort out the resultingRead MoreLiterary Love Essay968 Words   |  4 PagesLove - possibly the most powerful four-letter word known to man. A feeling and emotion so strong that it makes it nearly impossible to put its meaning into words. However, it is also one of the most explored subjects in the world of literature. Whether in a comedy or a tragedy, the theme of love is v ery often expressed. This theme can be expressed in many different ways, for example, positively causing everyone to live happily ever after in a fairytale type of world, negatively being the causeRead MoreThe Anatomy Of Criticism By Northrop Frye991 Words   |  4 Pageslife and love over the waste land† (Frye). This structuralist approach is crucial to analyzing Shakespeare s comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream. One finds that the play revolves around many different pairs of oppositions, in particular that of the court and the forest. Analyzing the play with this structuralist point of view underscores the archetypal qualities of the court (the real world) and the forest and provides a deep contrast between both mythic locations. A Midsummer Night’s Dream begins inRead MoreA Midsummer Night s Dream Essay854 Words   |  4 PagesA Midsummer NIght’s Dream A â€Å" Midsummer Night’s Dream† is a classical play written by William Shakespeare. It is one of his more eccentric piece of work. The play is about the struggle of love between four essential characters: Hermia, Lysander, Demetrius , and Helena. However, it is not quite that simple. The play is quite confusing. In â€Å"Midsummer Night’s dream† the play take place in two realms fairy realm and human realm, two of the three main settings. Another one of the settings take placeRead MoreSimilarities Between Hamlet And A Midsummer Nights Dream1324 Words   |  6 Pagesand A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is the concept of a play within a play. This concept helps create suspension because both plays critically involve the topic death, but they also shed light unto Shakespeare as a poet because it plays with the idea of meta-theatre. Another similarity between the two plays is that they include a message regarding absurd love. â€Å"Pyramus and Thisbeâ⠂¬  focuses on two doomed lovers in a comical way, whereas â€Å"The Mousetrap† in Hamlet doesn’t address the concept of love directlyRead MoreThe Roots Of Fantasy Assignment : A Midsummer Night s Dream911 Words   |  4 PagesThe Roots of Fantasy Assignment: A Midsummer Night’s Dream William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream was written in the early modern period somewhere between 1595 and 1596. The play showcases elements of the fantasy genre which not only influence the plot and overall world of the play but significantly developed and contributed to the genre itself. Shakespeare contrasts the lawful setting of Athens with the enchanted, magical world of the forest, capturing how the role of imagination andRead MoreA Midsummer Night s Dream1094 Words   |  5 PagesJeana Jago Theater History J. Robideau October,1st 2015 A Midsummer Night’s Dream In a Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare story about romantic desire. Theseus and Hippolyta, are about to be married; both of them are wonderful figures from classical mythology. (Greek Mythology) Theseus is a great warrior, a kinsman of Hercules; Hippolyta is an Amazon warrior-woman, defeated in battle by Theseus. (Theseus and Hippolyta) He was longing for the wedding day, and this is what opens the play and closing

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Essay on Late Adulthood - 1511 Words

The Bucket List Movie Review Rhea F. Dahilig PSYCH-320 4/15/2010 FOREWORD The journey through late adulthood can be experienced in different ways. One particular movie entitled â€Å"The Bucket List† exhibits an astounding portrayal of late adulthood. In fact, there are many accounts that the movie entails about late-adulthood. This includes the illustration of Erickson’s late adulthood stage – â€Å"Ego Integrity vs. Despair,† wisdom, marriage, friendship, parent-child relationship, and death and dying in late adulthood. Having given less than a year to live because of cancer, the two characters – Edward Cole and Carter Chambers seem to deal with despair rather than integrity, a stage Erickson depicts for late adulthood based on his†¦show more content†¦I believe both characters are wise in their own way. Edward is wise in the business world, where he states that Presidents have asked for his advice and have dined with royalties all due to his well-renowened wisdom in that category being that hes been around that business since the age of 16. Carter, especially, is wise in life lessons. He mentioned numerous words of wisdom throughout the movie and amongst them, my favorite was, I believe that you measure yourself by the people who measure themselves by you. For me though, one does not have to be in the late adulthood stage to be wise. I believe that, we, as humans, already have an innate ability of wisdom and is only strengthened through time and experiences that we acquire along th e way. Another highlight obtained in the movie is the depiction of married couples in late adulthood. It seems to me that I have to agree with the statement that married couples in their late adulthoods are more satisfied than middle aged couples because, with time they are bounded with commitment and respect; overcoming the hurdles in life together longer, growing stronger from it each time. For Carter, he appears to be happily married with his wife, Virginia, because of the effort, support, concern and commitment that Virginia shows to care for Carter in his times of need and I am sure Carter would do the same if Virginia was in his place. Hence, Carters view of marriage with respect, loyalty and faithfulness, in which he practicedShow MoreRelatedLate Adulthood Observation : Early Adulthood1541 Words   |  7 PagesLate Adulthood Observation The group I chose to observe is late adulthood. I proceeded to observe late adulthood people at the Eagle’s Bingo. The group participating in Bingo is a large group and consists of men and women, with very few young people. I observed the players for quite a long time and found the experience interesting. I noticed many different interactions among the group members but the most important is a lack of exclusion of any member from the group. The group consisted of peopleRead MoreEarly Adulthood : Adolescence, Middle Adulthood, And Late Adulthood1921 Words   |  8 Pagespeople in different stages of their adulthood which include: early adulthood, middle adulthood, and late adulthood. For early adulthood, I asked someone who was in one of my classes because I wanted to have the perspective of someone who was going through college and wanted to know how they viewed their goals. For middle adulthood, I asked my mother because since we have a close relationship, I would be able t o elaborate more on her answers. For late adulthood, I had asked one of the residents fromRead MoreSummary of Young Adulthood and Late Adulthood Essay608 Words   |  3 PagesPhysical: While young adults do not grow significantly taller in their 20s, they typically grow stronger and healthier as their bodies reach adult size. In terms of overall health, as well as peak physical condition, early adulthood is the prime of life. With each year from 20 to 40, signs of senescence-the state of physical decline, in which the body gradually becomes less strong and efficient with age-become more apparent. All the body systems gradually become less efficient (though at differentRead MoreThe Value Of Aging : Late Adulthood1111 Words   |  5 PagesThe Value of Aging Late adulthood is a time many people tend to suppress in their minds. Late adulthood is often considered a time of physical and mental decline, but in reality for many older adults it is a time of mental and spiritual growth. During late adulthood, people tend to start reflecting on their lives and what is really important. During younger ages, people tend to focus on things that may not matter in the future, and spend time worrying about things that are unimportant. ThroughRead MoreLate Adulthood2745 Words   |  11 Pagessocial and physical activity; living arrangement; marital status; socio-economic status, and sociopolitical and sociocultural influences. Our objective in this paper is to explore these factors and how they influence life satisfaction in late adulthood. With late adulthood individuals may have accrued considerable life experience, which may be considered a significant internal resource. However, they may also have huge external resources in health and socio e conomic status. Personal Factors InternalRead MoreLate Adulthood705 Words   |  3 PagesJamia E. Phoenix January 19, 2016 Colorado Christian University In 1973, Phillip K. Zimbardo, a psychology professor at Stanford University. Zimbardo researching how prisoners and guards learned submissive and authoritarian roles. There was an ad placed in the newspaper by Zimbardo seeking male subjects to participate in his research experiment. There was a $15 per day compensation offered to the chosen participants. There were roughly 75 people to respond to the professors ad. However thereRead MoreRelationship Between Adulthood And Late Adulthood944 Words   |  4 PagesJournal #8: Relationships Young Adulthood to Late Adulthood During early adulthood ages twenty to forty, people enter the achieving stage according to the developmental psychologist K. Warner Shaie. In this stage young adults begin to be more focused on making decisions on what to do for the rest of their lives and whom to form relationships with. These decisions will soon make up the core of their happiness throughout adulthood. According to the psychologist Erik Erikson, this challenge of formingRead MoreLate Adulthood Essay788 Words   |  4 PagesLate Adulthood (age 60 Ââ€" 80) During this closing period in the life span of human beings, people tend to move away from previous more desirable periods often known as usefulness. Age sixty is usually considered the dividing line between middle and old age. It is the time where you are considered an elderly- meaning somewhat old or advanced beyond middle age. Period of decline Ââ€" comes partly from physical and partly psychological factors. The physical cause of decline is a changeRead MoreEssay on Late Adulthood1394 Words   |  6 PagesLate Adulthood Late adulthood is known as the period of life after middle adulthood, usually from around 65 years old to death (Santrock, 2013, p. 485). There are many varying stages of development and health in late adulthood, along with steady changing of life expectancy. Aging is a part of life, and with it comes changes in every area of living. Many diseases find late adulthood as an opportune time to affect people. Eventually, whether caused by disease or another reason, every individual diesRead MoreLate Adulthood and Death855 Words   |  4 PagesLate Adulthood and Death According to Erikson stages of human development, late adulthood stage is between the ages 65 to death (Erikson, 1982). This stage is ego integrity versus despair involves individual to look back over one’s life and feel a sense of contentment and satisfaction (Erikson, 1982). Success at this stage leads to feeling of wisdom and failure to achieve results in bitterness, regret, and despair. This negative resolution manifests itself as a fear of death, a sense that life

Friday, December 13, 2019

Boko Haram Free Essays

string(176) " into exile by the British authorities, he refused to believe Mohammed was the Prophet and instigated riots in the country which resulted in the deaths of thousands of people\." Boko Haram From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Boko Haram People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad | Participant in the Nigerian Sharia conflict| Active| 2002–| Ideology| Islamism Islamic fundamentalism Oppose man-made law Support strict sharia law| Leaders| Mohammed Yusuf Abubakar Shekau[1] Mallam Sanni Umaru[2][3][not in citation given]Abu Qaqa – spokesman[4] Abu Zaid – spokesman[3]| Headquarters| Kanamma, Nigeria| Area  of operations| Northern Nigeria| Opponents| Nigerian State| Battles/wars| Nigerian Sharia conflict 2009 Nigerian sectarian violence| Map of Nigerian states that currently implement Shariah (in green) People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad[5] (Arabic: , Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad), better known by its Hausa name Boko Haram, is a jihadist terrorist organization based in the northeast of Nigeria. 6] It is an Islamist movement which strongly opposes man-made laws. Founded by Mohammed Yusuf in 2001[7] or 2002,[8] the organisation is a Muslim sect that seeks to abolish the secular system of government and establish sharia law in the country. We will write a custom essay sample on Boko Haram or any similar topic only for you Order Now [9][10] The group is also known for attacking Christian churches. [11] The movement, whose name in the Hausa language, Boko Haram, translates as â€Å"Western education is sacrilege†[9] or â€Å"a sin†,[12] is divided into three factions, and in 2011, was responsible for more than 450 killings in Nigeria. 9] Though the group first became known internationally following sectarian violence in Nigeria in 2009, it does not have a clear structure or evident chain of command. [13] Moreover, it is still a matter of debate whether Boko Haram has links to terror outfits outside Nigeria and its fighters have frequently clashed with Nigeria’s central government. [9] Contents * 1 Etymology * 2 Ideology * 2. 1 Criticism * 3 History * 3. 1 Background * 3. 2 Origin * 3. 3 The beginning of violence * 3. 4 Reemergence * 4 Assessment * 5 Funding * 6 See also * 7 References * 8 External links| Etymology The group has adopted its official name to be People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad, which is the English translation of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad ( ). In the town of Maiduguri, where the group was formed, the residents dubbed it Boko Haram. The term â€Å"Boko Haram† comes from the Hausa word boko meaning â€Å"western education† and the Arabic word haram figuratively meaning â€Å"sin† (literally, â€Å"forbidden†). [14][15][16][17] The name, loosely translated from Hausa, means â€Å"western education is forbidden†. The group earned this name due to its strong opposition to anything Western, which it sees as corrupting Muslims. [18] Ideology Boko Haram is an indigenous Salafist group which only turned itself into a Salafist Jihadist group in 2009. [6] It propagates that not only interaction with the Western World is forbidden, but it is also against the Muslim establishment and the government of Nigeria. [19] The group publicly extols its ideology despite the fact that its founder and former leader Muhammad Yusuf was himself a highly educated man who lived a lavish life and drove a Mercedes Benz. 14] The members of the group do not interact with the local Muslim population[20] and have carried out assassinations in the past of any one who criticises it, including Muslim clerics. [18] In a 2009 BBC interview, Muhammad Yusuf, then leader of the group, stated his belief that the concept of a spherical Earth is contrary to Islamic teaching and should be rejected, along with Darwinian evolution and t he concept of rain originating from water evaporated by the sun. [21] Before his death, Yusuf reiterated the group’s objective of changing the current education system and rejecting democracy. 22] Nigerian academic Hussain Zakaria told BBC News that the controversial cleric had a graduate education, spoke proficient English, lived a lavish lifestyle and drove a Mercedes-Benz. [21] In the wake of the 2009 crackdown on its members and its subsequent reemergence, the growing frequency and geographical range of attacks attributed to Boko Haram have led some political and religious leaders in the north to the conclusion that the group has now expanded beyond its original religious composition to include not only Islamic militants, but criminal elements and disgruntled politicians as well. Boko Haram has become a franchise that anyone can buy into. It’s something like a Bermuda Triangle,† said Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima. [23] Criticism Dr Mu’azu Babang ida Aliyu, the Niger State governor, has criticised the group saying â€Å"Islam is known to be a religion of peace and does not condone violence and crime in any form† and Boko Haram doesn’t represent Islam. [24] The Sultan of Sokoto Sa’adu Abubakar, the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, has called the sect â€Å"anti-Islamic† and, as reported by the website AllAfrica. om, â€Å"an embarrassment to Islam. â€Å"[25] The Coalition of Muslim Clerics in Nigeria (CMCN) have called on the Boko Haram to disarm and embrace peace. [26] The Islamic Circle of North America,[27] the Islamic Supreme Council of Canada,[28] The Muslim Council of Britain,[29] the Organization of Islamic Cooperation[30] and the Council on American Islamic Relations[31] have all condemned the group. History Background Main articles: Islam in Nigeria and Colonial Nigeria Before colonisation and subsequent annexation into the British Empire, the Bornu Empire ruled the territory where Boko Haram is currently active. It was a sovereign sultanate run according to the principles of the Constitution of Medina, with a majority Kanuri Muslim population. The Bornu Sultanate emerged after the overthrow of the Kanem-Bornu Empire ruled by the Saifawa dynasty for over 2000 years. The Bornu Sultanate of the Kanuri is distinct from the Sokoto Caliphate of the Hausa/Fulani established in 1802 by the military conquest of Usman dan Fodio. 6] Both the Bornu Sultanate and Sokoto Caliphate came under control of the British in 1903. However, due to activities of early Christian missionaries who used Western education as a tool for evangelism, it is viewed with suspicion by the local population. [18] Increased dissatisfaction gave rise to many fundamentalists among the Kanuri and other peoples of northeast Nigeria. One of the most famous such fundamentalists was Mohammed M arwa, also known as Maitatsine, who was at the height of his notoriety during the 1970s and 1980s. He was sent into exile by the British authorities, he refused to believe Mohammed was the Prophet and instigated riots in the country which resulted in the deaths of thousands of people. You read "Boko Haram" in category "Papers" Some analysts view Boko Haram as an extension of the Maitatsine riots. [32] Origin The group was founded by Mohammed Yusuf in 2002 in the city of Maiduguri with the aim of establishing a Shari’a government in Borno State under former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff. [7][32] He established a religious complex that included a mosque and a school where many poor families from across Nigeria and from neighboring countries enrolled their children. 18] The centre had ulterior political goals and soon it was also working as a recruiting ground for future jihadis to fight the state. [18] The group includes members who come from neighbouring Chad and Niger and speak only Arabic. [33] In 2004 the complex was relocated to Yusuf’s home state of Yobe in the villa ge Kanamma near the Niger border. [22] Human Rights Watch researcher Eric Guttschuss told IRIN News that Yusuf successfully attracted followers from unemployed youth â€Å"by speaking out against police and political corruption. Abdulkarim Mohammed, a researcher on Boko Haram, added that violent uprisings in Nigeria are ultimately due to â€Å"the fallout of frustration with corruption and the attendant social malaise of poverty and unemployment. â€Å"[34] The beginning of violence Timeline of incidents| 7 September 2010| Bauchi prison break[35]| 31 December 2010| December 2010 Abuja attack[36]| 22 April 2011| Boko Haram frees 14 prisoners during a jailbreak in Yola, Adamawa State[37]| 29 May 2011| May 2011 northern Nigeria bombings[38]| 6 June 2011| The group claims responsibility for the 2011 Abuja police headquarters bombing[39][40]| 26 June 2011| Bombing attack on a beer garden in Maiduguri, leaving 25 dead and 12 injured[41][42]| 10 July 2011| Bombing at the All Christian F ellowship Church in Suleja, Niger State[43]| 11 July 2011| The University of Maiduguri temperory closes down its campus citing security concerns[44]| 12 August 2011| Prominent Muslim Cleric Liman Bana is shot dead by Boko Haram[45]| 26 August 2011| 2011 Abuja bombing[46]| November 2011| 2011 Damaturu attacks[40][47][48]| 25 December 2011| December 2011 Nigeria bombings[49]| 5–6 January 2012| January 2012 Nigeria attacks[50]| 20 January 2012| January 2012 Kano bombings[51]| 28 January 2012| Nigerian army says it killed 11 Boko Haram insurgents[52]| 8 February 2012| Boko Haram claims responsibility for a suicide bombing at the army headquarters in Kaduna. [53]| 16 February 2012| Another prison break staged in central Nigeria; 119 prisoners are released, one warder killed. 54]| 8 March 2012| During a British hostage rescue attempt to free Italian engineer Franco Lamolinara and Briton Christopher McManus, abducted in 2011 by a splinter group Boko Haram, both hostages were killed. [55]| The group conducted its operations more or less peacefully during the first seven years of its existence[6] That changed in 2009 when the Nigerian government launched an investigation into the group’s activities following reports that its members were arming themselves. 56] Prior to that the government reportedly repeatedly ignored warnings about the increasingly militant character of the organisation, including that of a military officer. [56] When the government came into action, several members of the group were arrested in Bauchi, sparking deadly clashes with Nigerian security forces which led to the deaths of an estimated 700 people. During the fighting with the security forces Boko Haram fighters reportedly â€Å"used fuel-laden motorcycles† and â€Å"bows with poison arrows† to attack a police station. [57] The group’s founder and then leader Mohammed Yusuf was killed during this time while in police custody. 58][59][60] After Yusuf’s killing, a new leader emerged whose identity was not known at the time. [61] Reemergence After the killing of M. Yusuf, the group carried out its first terrorist attack in Borno in January 2010. It resulted in the killing of four people. [62] Since then, the violence has only escalated in terms of both frequency and intensity. In January 2012, Abubakar Shekau, a former deputy to Yusuf, appeared in a video posted on YouTube. According to Reuters, Shekau took control of the group after Yusuf’s death in 2009. [1] Authorities had previously believed that Shekau died during the violence in 2009. 63] By early 2012, the group was responsible for over 900 deaths. [64] Assessment Boko Haram is considered a major potential terrorist threat affecting Nigeria and other countries, and U. S. officials believe it is potentially allied with Al Qaeda. U. S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Commander General Carter F. Ham stated in September 2011 that three African terrorist groups – Shabab of Somalia, Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb across the Sahel region, and Boko Haram – â€Å"have very explicitly and publicly voiced an intent to target Westerners, and the U. S. specifically† and that he was concerned with â€Å"the voiced intent of the three organizations to more closely collaborate and synchronize their efforts. â€Å"[65] General Ham reiterated his concern after the Christmas Day 2011 bombings of churches in Nigeria: â€Å"I remain greatly concerned about their stated intent to connect with Al Qaeda senior leadership, most likely through Al Qaeda in the lands of the Islamic Maghreb. †[65] The US House of Representatives Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence urged the Obama Administration and U. S. intelligence community in November 2011 to focus on Boko Haram as a potential threat to United States territory. [66] Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, General Owoye Andrew Azazi, has been working with other African governments, European and Middle Eastern governments, and the U. S. government to build cooperation against Boko Haram. He met in 2010 with then-CIA Director Leon Panetta, and in 2011 with AFRICOM Commander General Ham, and other U. S. fficials, and was in the United States when the congressional panel was preparing its report on Boko Haram. He participated in a CIA conference at about the same time. [67] After the Christmas 2011 bombings carried out by Boko Haram, President Barack Obama’s office issued a statement that confirmed that the U. S. and Nigeria were cooperating at a senior level against the terrorist group. [68] Funding A spokesman of Boko Haram claimed that Kano state governor Ibrahim Shekarau and Bauchi state governor Isa Yuguda has paid them monthly. [69][70] How to cite Boko Haram, Papers

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Marketing Actions and Functions

Question: Write a report on any small or medium size company of Australia. It should include the followings: This assignment is in report form with the following headings:- Executive summary- Clear and concise target market, segments and positioning (includes positioning mapping) followed by the company- Comments on both Micro and Macro environmental forces affecting the company- Brief analysis of consumer perceptions and behaviour about the brand/company- Marketing Mix Answer: Introduction The marketing management assists the actions and functions, which are occupied in the distribution of commodities and services. In order to meet the increasing competition, the need for marketing management had increased. The significance of marketing mix has also augmented due to the need for enhanced techniques of distribution in order to decrease cost and to enhance profits. The importance of marketing mix is also due to the introduction of new products in the market. An effective marketing management in order to increase the base of the customer as well as to improve the opinions of the customers uses the resources of a company. This in turn increases the professed value of the company. The marketing management is mainly concerned with the chalking out of a specific program after the cautious analysis of the marketing condition. Aramac Food Pty Ltd is the small enterprise of Australia which has specialize its product in extracting flavor and syrup. The company adopted some unique marketing policies which made them to earn revenue better than other companies of Australia (Kotler 2012). Target Market Age The age for the customers lies from 1-100. They specialized in flavoring extract and the syrup. The target market covers all the age group who has a liking for syrup and flavoring extract. (Hollensen 2015). Gender The company covers the market of all age along with all gender. Though, mainly it covers the children and the women. Children gets attracted as the products could add flavor and chocolate in their milk. They even target the women as they could include the syrup as well as the flavoring extract in their recipes (Wrigley 2014). Interest The company covers the market of all age and gender. They mainly target people who like to add chocolate and flavoring extract in their food (Hollensen 2015). Geographic Location The company targets are in the Australian market. They mainly target the market of New South Wales of Australia (Hollensen 2015). Occupation Aramac Food Pty Ltd does not cover people according to any particular occupation. It can be brought to any family because of its low price and fine taste (Wrigley 2014). Segmentation Aramac Food Pty Ltd segmented the market into various groups. They segmented each group according to their choice of taste, preference and likings (G. Budeva and. Mullen 2014) Geographic Segmentation The company sells its product in the Australian market. It has its main focus on the New South Whales market (Cross et al. 2015). Demographic Market The company segmented its market according to different Age. The company segmented its product for different age. The syrup can be used for the children to add in their food to make it more. However; it creates a demand for the product. On the other hand women would like to add flavor with the product. It would add an extra advantage for their recipes (McDonald 2012). Psychological segmentation Aramac Food Pty Ltd segmented the product according to various attitude and interest of the people. The company segmented according to various lifestyles. The customers are there who would buy more of its product than its necessary. The segmentation of the customers also depends on their interest for the use of it. Like people with hobbies in cooking would like to use the syrup and the flavoring extract in their food. The company further segmented its product according to the taste. It has customers with different taste so the company made different flavors to satisfy the taste of each customer (Wrigley 2014). Behavioral Segmentation The company is established in the year of 1982 they have customers who are using their syrups and flavoring extracts for long time. They are the loyal customers of the company. The company specializes in manufacturing as well as in wholesaling. However, they give extra advantage of their customers through discount. While the company also has customers who started to use the product recently are the potential and the first time users. The company tries to capture their market through the usage of varies in terms of taste and flavor (McDonald 2012). Segmentation by benefits The company further segmented its product according to the quality and the image. A child of 7years has totally different image than that of his mother. The child would like to buy the product to add taste to his foods. However, the mother wants to make innovative recipes through the usage of it (Cross et al. 2015). Positioning The Aramac Food Pty Ltd is positioned as one the small enterprise of Australia. The company though shares a profit which I same comparing with the average company of the country. It manufactures the product and wholesales it to dealers. The company attracts a huge number of customers through their innovative process manufacturing and targeting their product. The product positioned for manufacturing the low cost product with high in quality. The company has a very low budget but earns more revenue comparing with its investment. The company is marketing the product through establishing an image in front of the customers. It is created through its unique process of marketing mix. It utilizes its price, product, place, promotion and people. The position of the market enables it to gain importance from its customers (Dulea Iulia - Andreea 2014). Target Market Analysis The best way to position its company is though a vivid analysis of its potential market. A company needs to develop the position strategy through the use of the target customers. The people, who want, need and has interest on the product. Aramac Food Pty Ltd utilizes the above strategy in positioning their product. The company consists of target audience of all age. But it has mainly children and women as their potential customers. So, they capture and utilize the market in terms of its position. The children want to have their product in their daily food. The company positioned it as they introduce variety of flavor for them. Naturally the parents are getting the product in a low cost. So, to meet their childs demand they used to buy them and use it regularly (Tompson and Kennedy 2013). Positioning in Advertisement Advertisement acts as an important factor to determine the position. Though, because of low investment of the company cannot invest in the advertisement. Though, they are using the online sites to position their product in the market (Slack 2015). Online sites offer search engine which is the most popular way to search the product for new generation. It enables them to position their produce in the market in much cost effective way. Positioning through price The company has its customers of all occupation. The product is used by most of the families. So, people with low income would have tough if the product is of high cost. Moreover the customers are mainly children. However, the company strategies lie to make the position in the market through its low price. It enables even the children to but the product with its low price. The low price strategy helps them to get a competitive advantage. People with low income groups prefer the brands of Aramac Food Pty Ltd rather than any other high price product of other brands (Handfield 2015). Positioning through Sales location The company targets mainly the market of North South Whales. It has numerous markets like Byron Bay market, The Bondi Market etc. the location consists of wide variety of customers along with the tourists. The company tries to capture the market of it. The company gets a wide variety of customers from the market. It has wide options of transportation so that it can be distributed to other markets. The good transport availability helps the customers to visit in the market of New South Wales. However, the company enables to capture wide variety of customers as well as other markets of Australia (Slack 2015). Micro Environment The micro environment consist are controlled by the management people. Customers Customers are the most important factor for any company. They are the one who leads to establish the demand for the product. Aramac Food Pty Ltd has the strongest customers. The customers demand enables the company to sales its product without much participation in the promotional activities. The customers mainly the children enable the company to have the regular customers (Mende et al. 2013). Employees The company does not consist of huge number of employees. It a small company with less number of employees. But its employees loyalty and coordination enables the firm to ensure a quality product for its customers (Lovelock et al. 2014). Competitors The company has wide variety of competitors in the brand of flavoring extract and the syrup. However, the company has strength over their competitors as they mainly produce branded products. Now with brands they are highly expensive products. It becomes tough for the low income parents to afford such brands regularly for their child. So the company gets an advantage over other brands for its pricing strategy (Paharia et al. 2014). Public The public refers to the people in general. It consists of people like environmentalists, customer protection groups, media person and the local people. It is important for the company to effective mange the group as it acts their opinion and views acts as an important factor (Hollensen 2015). Suppliers The company needs to have a good relation with the suppliers. Aramac Food Pty Ltd maintains that. This helps them to maintain the quality of their pocduct to be same for years. The suppliers of Aramac Food Pty Ltd enable them to provide products which are high I quality and reliability. The suppliers provide them with product with warranties and the products are obviously low in cost (Peck et al. 2013). Marketing Intermediaries Aramac Food Pty Ltd does only manufacture the product but they also wholesale their product. Now, the company needs to establish good relationship with the wholesalers and the agents so that help their product to sale in more quantity (Hollensen 2015). The efficient intermediaries would enable to act as a marketing agent. As they directly face the customers so it becomes easy for them to influence their customers. Macro environment Political Aramac Food Pty Ltd produces product is mainly consumed by the children. It is regulated by the Food Safety Standards. The company needs to maintain the firm standard as per the laws. Australia has a different set of laws and regulations. The laws are either loose or they are stringent. The company needs to understand the political situation of the country. At times there is political unrest. It is mainly due to the inflation in some markets. Aramac Food Pty Ltd need to understand the political factors attached with it and work accordingly (Gillam and Siriwardena 2013). Economic The recent economic downturn affected the company to some extensive level. The company needs to construct a strong sales and marketing team so that they could overcome such situations. Economic conditions has the highest influence in terms of any kind of business regardless of the trade it is in. though the company gets wide amount of revenue even in the economic downturn. It enables the company to get advantage over its competitors in terms of sales (Babatunde and Adebisi 2012). Social The company has a great influence of the society and the culture. It is mainly consumes by the children and the women in their recipes. The product need to maintain the quality mainly because of the children consumes it. The company needs to understand the psyche of the market and need to change accordingly (Lefebvre 2013). Technological The company produces the product in very less amount. The reason makes them not to use much of advanced technological machine. However, the demand for the product is increasing and the market is changing to more of advanced technology (Manyika et al. 2013). The company needs to adopt such strong technology in their product and produce it accordingly. Legal The law for the food and the beverage industry has become more stringent. The company needs to understand it. The main strategy o the company is to produce low cost food. The company needs to understand that for low cost foods they need to maintain the quality as well. Though, the company produces products which have high quality value. They need to adopt policies to maintain that (Sheth and Sisodia 2015). Environmental The environmental sustainability has become one of the major concerns for the generation. Now, the company needs to adopt policy according to it. They need to adopt measures to support the environment. The company needs to adopt policy so that they are more environmental friendly. They need to curtail policies which they use goes against the environment (Hollensen 2015). Consumer Perceptions and Behavior The perception and the behavior depend upon the companys growth. Aramac Food Pty Ltd produces products for all age groups and that can e used by people of all income group. The perception of the customers enables the brand to make it sales high or low. The company has customers whose perception and the behavior and acting positively. However, it enables the brand to make more revenue from it (Cantallops and Salvi 2014). Influencing perception The company Aramac Food Pty Ltd is in the market for a long time. It enables the customers to use the product for longer period of time. The company also maintains its quality. It enables the customers to have perception that they want to use the product throughout their life. Reaching customers The company reaches a wide variety of customers through its intermediaries. It enables the customers to have faith on the brand. The faith does not only come from its loyal customers but also from the first time users. The first time users get the impression of the brands through its wholesalers and the retails. The companys good relation with the intermediaries enables them to reach wide among of customers (Aaker 2012). Risk perception The perception and the behavior of the customers also add with the risk factor of the company. There is always a risk associated with every product. Now the risk affects the customers to a large extend. It directly relates with the assumptions and the perceptions of the brand. It could on the other hand change the customers behavior on the brand. It is consumes by the children so Aramac Food Pty Ltd need to maintain the safety policy for its product (Kotler 2012). Customer retention The company needs to have plans for its growth. The growth can be achieved through expanding the customer base and the retention of the customers. The retention would help to expand the loyal customers. The loyal customers on the other hand ensure to expand the brand through suggesting it to other people (Mende et al. 2013). More the company retains its customers more the customers behavior would affect the brand in a positive way. Marketing Mix The marketing mix mainly refers to the set of actions as well as strategies that is used by a company in order to promote the products that is produced by the company. The marketing mix generally refers to the four Ps that includes the product, price, place and promotion. Price Price generally refers to that the value that is charged by a company. The Aramac Food Pty ltd. is mainly a small flavoring extract and syrup company and that is the reason the price it charges for the product are reasonable. The price mainly relies on the costs of production as well as the ability of the market to pay as well as to demand and supply. If the company charges a lower price for its product then it will in turn enhance the image of the product (Borden 2015). Product It mainly refers to the item that is being sold on the actual basis. The product that is delivered by Aramac Food Pty ltd. is the flavoring extract and syrup. However, being a small company the product that it delivers must deliver a minimum level of performance (Pavlou and Stewart 2015). Place The point of sale is referred to as the place. The Aramac Food Pty ltd. products are sold at a single location. This in turn does not help the company to draw many customers. As a result, the Aramac Food Pty ltd. should make the use of the place strategy to attract more customers to buy its products. (Goi 2015). Promotion Promotion is that activity that needs to be undertaken to make the product of a company known to the purchasers. The promotional strategies include the positive word of mouth, advertisement as well as incentives. However, Aramac Food Pty ltd. being a small company does not make use of the promotional strategies. The elements of marketing mix manipulate each other in the sense that these elements make up the exact business policy that leads to the success of the company. The marketing mix involves a lot of understanding as well as market research (Gordon 2012). Recommendations Aramac Food Pty Ltd is one the emerging firm of Australia. It has its strategy of maintain the low price for its product. The company does not use much promotional activities. However the company needs to understand the market of Australia. New companies are emerging in a fast pace. They all have the strategy to attract the market through lowering their price. The customers can shift into those brands because of better promotions of new entrants. The company needs to involve into the promotional activities like advertising through print media. They can even publicize their product through social networking sites as that would not take much involvement of cost (Aaker 2012). Aramac Food Pty Ltd should also involve in adding more variety of products into their segments. They could add chocolates and ice cream in their segments. The company can also expand their business through online sale. They need to create a website and can sell their product through those websites. They can add a mascot like clown or any cartoon character so to attract more children (Kotler 2012). Conclusion It can thus be concluded that the Aramac Food Pty ltd. being a small flavoring extract and syrup company should mainly focus on the marketing mix strategies. The target market includes each customers starting from the youth to the elder people and makes their sale be augmented. The strategies include low cost products to its customers. The company should incorporate the promotion strategies so that they can make their products known to the global customers. It is also recommended that the company should adapt innovative technologies so that they can compete with the big chocolate companies. Reference: Babatunde, B.O. and Adebisi, A.O., 2012. Strategic environmental scanning and organization performance in a competitive business environment.Economic Insights-Trends Challenges,64(1), pp.24-34. Borden, N.H., 2015. The concept of the marketing mix. Harvard Business school. Cantallops, A.S. and Salvi, F., 2014. New consumer behavior: A review of research on eWOM and hotels.International Journal of Hospitality Management,36, pp.41-51. https://isiarticles.com/bundles/Article/pre/pdf/44242.pdf Cross, J.C., Belich, T.J. and Rudelius, W., 2015. How marketing managers use market segmentation: an exploratory study. InProceedings of the 1990 Academy of Marketing Science (AMS) Annual Conference(pp. 531-536). Springer International Publishing. Dulea Iulia - Andreea 2014, "BRAND POSITIONING. AN ANALYZE OF THE ROMANIAN CHOCOLATE BARS MARKET FROM YOUNGSTERS PERSPECTIVE",Management Dynamics in the Knowledge Economy,vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 409-438. Budeva, D. R. Mullen, M. 2014, "International market segmentation",European Journal of Marketing,vol. 48, no. 7/8, pp. 1209-1238. Gillam, S. and Siriwardena, A.N., 2013. Leadership and management for quality.Quality in primary care,21(4), pp.253-259. Goi, C.L., 2015. Marketing Mix: A review of'P'. The Journal of Internet Banking and Commerce, 2005. Gordon, R., 2012. Re-thinking and re-tooling the social marketing mix. Australasian Marketing Journal (AMJ), 20(2), pp.122-126. https://www.aasm.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/AASM-Viewpoint-Vol-1-Issue-2-Ross-Gordon-Rethinking-the-social-marketing-mix.pdf Handfield, R., 2015. Book Review: Sourcing Portfolio Analysis. Power Positioning Tools for Category Management Strategic Sourcing.Journal of Strategic Contracting and Negotiation,1(3), pp.231-235. Hollensen, S., 2015.Marketing management: A relationship approach. Pearson Education. Kotler, P., 2012.Kotler on marketing. Simon and Schuster. Lefebvre, R.C., 2013.Social marketing and social change: Strategies and tools for improving health, well-being, and the environment. John Wiley Sons. Lovelock, C., Patterson, P.G. and Wirtz, J., 2014.Services marketing. Pearson Australia. Manyika, J., Chui, M., Bughin, J., Dobbs, R., Bisson, P. and Marrs, A., 2013.Disruptive technologies: Advances that will transform life, business, and the global economy(Vol. 12). New York: McKinsey Global Institute. McDonald, M., 2012.Market Segmentation. John Wiley Sons, Ltd. Mende, M., Bolton, R.N. and Bitner, M.J., 2013. Decoding customer-firm relationships: how attachment styles help explain customers' preferences for closeness, repurchase intentions, and changes in relationship breadth.Journal of Marketing Research,50(1), pp.125-142. https://www.ruthnbolton.com/Publications/MendeJMR2013.pdf Paharia, N., Avery, J. and Keinan, A., 2014. Positioning brands against large competitors to increase sales.Journal of Marketing Research,51(6), pp.647-656. Pavlou, P.A. and Stewart, D.W., 2015. Interactive Advertising: A New Conceptual Framework Towards Integrating Elements of the Marketing Mix. In New Meanings for Marketing in a New Millennium (pp. 218-222). Springer International Publishing. Peck, H., Christopher, M., Clark, M. and Payne, A., 2013.Relationship marketing. Taylor Francis. Sheth, J.N. and Sisodia, R.S., 2015.Does marketing need reform?: Fresh perspectives on the future. Routledge. Slack, N., 2015.Operations strategy. John Wiley Sons, Ltd. Tompson, G.H.J. and Kennedy, S.W., 2013. Perspectives: Where Exactly is the Target Market? Using Geographic Information Systems for Locating Potential Customers of a Small Business.Entrepreneurial Practice Review, p.57. Wrigley, N., 2014.Store Choice, Store Location and Market Analysis (Routledge Revivals). Routledge.

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Affective Foreshadowing

Affective Foreshadowing Foreshadowing is a literary device used in both Of Mice and Men and The Pearl. Foreshadowing is when a part or event in a story suggests something before it happens.In The Pearl the songs of evil foreshadow the events that would soon happen.After hearing the songs in his head, something dangerous or bad would happen to Kino. For example on page thirty-six it reads, "He smelled the breeze and he listened for any foreign sound of secrecy or creeping, and his eye searched the darkness, for the music of evil was sounding in his head and he was fierce and afraid."  Soon after Kino got in a fight with someone who was trying to steal the pearl. Kino ended up stabbing this person. Foreshadowing was also used when the appraisers told Kino that the pearl was worthless. Kino counted on these men to be honest, after they lied it showed how they rest of the town would probably act.Of Mice and Men (1939 film)

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Analyse and critically discuss the statement below Essay

Analyse and critically discuss the statement below - Essay Example ch as GE, Apple and others use these terms and their associated theoretical underpinnings to gain competitive advantages and their example becomes important while we try to understand the connection between theory and practice. For instance, when it comes to creating a purpose or strategy for an organization, GE uses the vision of the company to guide itself in where it wants to be over a given period of time. No company in the world across any industry in any location is as well respected as GE (Demos, 2006). Throughout its existence, and more recently in the last few years, analysts from the fields of management, human resources and organisational studies have all given their respects to GE (Fisher, 2006). A large part of this respect comes from the way GE handles its human resources of which examples have been given by those who have been a part of GE as well as those who have observed it from afar. In essence, the handling of human resources at GE is deeply linked with their idea of the mission and vision of the company. In theory, the functionalist paradigm of human resource management connects greatly with the idea of rationality and thus rewards as well as punishments become a rational method for ensuring continual behaviour of one type or another. Consequentially, these are an intrinsic part of the management system at GE (Kerr, 1996). Welch (2005) reports that, â€Å"We publicly rewarded people who drove the mission and let go of people who couldn’t deal with it for whatever reason (Welch, 2005, Pg. 16)†. The idea of publicly rewarding top performers ensures that those who see it happen know why some individuals are being rewarded more than others. On a simpler level, the individuals who were rewarded would have a harder time in leaving the company and their strategic relationship with the company would evolve and be strengthened (Henry, 2006). Therefore, rationality and rewards go hand in hand with the theory and strategy behind human resource

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Punitive vs. Restorative Justice Policies in American Criminal Justice Research Paper

Punitive vs. Restorative Justice Policies in American Criminal Justice - Research Paper Example During the progression of court proceedings, the plea-bargaining begins and the person charged with the crime would eventually deny accountability, his representative would eventually bargain for a lesser charge and punishment in exchange for a guilty plea. Supposedly, in these proceedings, justice is served and the offender is sent to prison. Net widening is where offenders are subjected to more invasive sanctions than before ­Ã‚ ­. When offenders are going to be subjected to probation orders or are going to be fined, they are now subjected to conditional sentences. If ever that the offender got imprisoned for violating a conditional sentence or be jailed for more than he should be than if he had never been subject to conditional sentence order ( Cohen and Reaves, 2007). On the other hand, restorative justice involves the victim, the offender and the community in a meaningful journey of healing, renewal and recompense. This system makes offenders accountable for what they have done and would let them recognize that injustice violates people and relationship. It would show to them that every there violation entails an obligation to fix the mistake. Through this system, we can realize that punishing the offender alone will not work. Making the offender experience the effects of their action towards the victims would lead to lower repetition of the same action thus producing safer communities in the future. The use of conditional sentences is justified when the courts embraced restorative justice as an approach to sentencing. Ambiguities and complexities of the conditional jurisprudence piled up because of this reliance on restorative justice. These complications came out since restorative justice is not a traditional sentencing philosophy and it has different interpretations. Some problems might arise specially in the interpretation of restorative justice and the balance of using restraint in imprisonment with the

Monday, November 18, 2019

Tesco Plc Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words - 1

Tesco Plc - Essay Example . Tesco plc is largest retailer in the UK and one of the largest retail firms in the world. The company operates four store formats :Tesco Express, Tesco Metro, Tesco Extra and Tesco Superstores.Tesco Express store are combinations of convenience and gasoline retailers. Tesco Metro locations are small urban stores designed to meet the needs of the local community. Tesco Extra stores are hypermarkets located in Asia. Tesco Superstores provide traditional grocery items as well as insurance, banking, telecommunications products, books, flowers, movie rentals and school uniforms. The firm has expanded all of its grocery stores to include non-food items, such as book, software, electronics and music. Tesco also operates on e-commerce site with over 500,000 registered users in the UK. This division makes nearly 300,000 CD, video and DVD titles. The firm also operates the Tesco Direct catalog and the Tesco Baby club. Tesco is involved in the financial services business, serving nearly 1.5 m illion customers. Services offered by the company include saving accounts, online banking, and travel, house and pet insurance policies. In early 2006, Tesco telecom began offering a cost effective, easy to use Internet phone. Also in 2006, Tesco introduced self-branded software. Its office suit retails for roughly $35, well below Microsoft’s. The firm owns a 35% stake in Safeway Grocery works, a grocery store chain in the U.S.Tesco plans to open convenience stores on the West Coast of the U.S. in early 2007.... in early 2007. Also in 2007, the company will begin running a dedicated green rail line between Scotland and the Midlands to improve its suppy chain Strategic review of Tesco Plc Environmental Analysis Organizations need to be in tune with their environment. In particular, they need to anticipate the sort of changes that will take place in their environment and make appropriate plans for these. Environmental auditing enables the organization to be proactive rather than reactive. The effective organization will put a lot of effort into the process of environmental auditing and scanning. The principal tools used to carry out the environmental analysis of Tesco Plc is: PEST Analysis Competitor Analysis/Audit (Porter's 5-force analysis) SWOT Analysis PEST Analysis PEST stands for political, economic, social and technological features of the business environment which might influence or even threaten the company. The acronym PEST suggests that these are all nuisance or hindrance factors to business development. New regulations to be compiled with, increased taxes or import tariffs, reductions in market size due to demographic changes or the threats of new technology rendering products obsolete - these are all stuff of the executive nightmares. Often, however, PEST factors can often be of considerable business value. This technique is, in truth, little more than four headings to stimulate thinking about broad aspects of the business environment that might otherwise go unnoticed. Political: Changes in law or regulations introduced by Governments or government agencies. Can also include political changes which may stabilize or

Friday, November 15, 2019

Process And Project Systems Construction Essay

Process And Project Systems Construction Essay Influential Govt reports presented by Latham (Latham 1994) and Egan (Egan 1998) which stressed the need of change in construction industry, improving current practices and processes covering the lifecycle of the project. Despite various initiatives the industry still lags behind and demands of end users remain far from being achieved. The construction industry being a process based industry (Halpin 1993); Kagioglou et al. (1998) point out that these issues are related to process, and not product (Goulding and Alshawi 2002). On the said guidelines efforts are being carried out by standardizing the working processes, defining responsibilities not in just construction phase but from inception to post completion. The report aims to find out advantages and disadvantages of moving towards Generic Design and Construction Process Protocol in the context of CTG project. For the purpose evaluation the current processes and sub processes in CTG are mapped using firstly by RIBA plan of work revised 2007 version incorporating single stage design build contract; later the same processes are mapped by using Process Protocol. An effort has been made to apply 8 principles of Process Protocol to CTG project. 1.1 Introduction Construction is a process based industry (Halpin 1993). 1.2 Scope of the GTC Project: The brief shows that the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (client) needs a high-tech office complex (CTG) to house world class super computers for nuclear design staff. Selected site for the project is in Liverpool, Uk. As per the statistics: Total Building Cost: Â £ 50,000,000, Project Size: 20,000 sqm, Built Up Area: 10,000,000 sqft The activities that are involved to carried out the end result are; Pre-design/Planning Activities, Design Activities, Construction Activities and Operation / Maintenance Activities. 1.3 Project Objectives of CTG: Achieving following objectives is crucial for the success of CTG project, 1) Design-to achieve balance in safety, security efficiency, lifecycle costs and working conditions. 2) Accessibility-To achieve compliance with all state requirements. 3) Aesthetics-to generate excitement and enthusiasm in new staff recruits.4) Cost effectiveness-to achieve cost certainty. 5) Energy- efficiency as electricity used annually is: 7,000 KWh. 6) Security-to make sure that the world class facility to construct and test super computers is under an extremely secured environment. 7) Sustainability-To achieve environmental goals using recyclable materials and overcoming concerns in terms of water and power. 8) Quality to achieve quality in terms of design, function and service provided. 9) Time-to achieve completion of the project within two years, the time given by the client. Throughout the process mapping it has been taken care that these objectives are being achieved. Though through use of Process P rotocol it was very easy to see in the process map that these objectives are being satisfied but through process mapping of CTG through RIBA it was not. 1.4 Project and Processes in Construction and in CTG: Project: The project can be defined as a temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product (PMBOK). Process: The process has been defined in number of ways and with perspectives, Hammer defines process as a related group of tasks that together create a result of value to a customer (Lecture Notes,2010). However (Koskela 2000) argues production processes, need to be analysed not only as transformations but also as flows and as value generation (Koskela 2000). 2. CHAPTER -2 RIBA Plan of work for Mapping a Process in CTG (from contructors point of view): (RIBA 2007; plan of work stages) 2.1 The reason for choosing RIBA Plan of work for Mapping: RIBA plan of work identifies the steps through which any construction project must pass (Hughes 2001), also it describes a logical sequence of action and describes duties of various parties at according to various stages of the project (Wilkinson and Gupta 2005). RIBA plan of work is widely used framework by the construction industry in UK and the updated 2007 plan incorporates various procurement practices (design build in CTG case) and risk management (Phillips,2008). 2.2 Introduction to RIBA plan of work: In an attempt to standardise the project process RIBA first introduced plan of work in 1963. The plan helps in organizing complete process in a sequence with required overlap where necessary. It starts right from appraisal stage through construction till end use, this process is divided into key work stages, depending upon the procurement method sequence of work stages may change and may overlap. RIBA 2007 plan of work stages are as follows: Preparation: a. Stage A Appraisal b. Stage B Design Brief Design: c. Stage C Concept d. Stage D Design Development e. Stage E Technical Design Preconstruction: f. Stage F Production Information Sub Stage F1 Acquiring necessary approvals, preparing details of production for tendering. Sub Stage F2 g. Stage G Tender Documentation h. Stage H Tender Action Sub Stage H1 Identification of potential contractors, consultants and suppliers. Sub Stage H2 Evaluating tenders and awarding contracts to the selected. Construction: i. Stage J Mobilization j. Stage K Construction to practical completion Use: k. Stage L Post practical completion Sub Stage L1 ensuring product delivered according to specification, and carrying out final inspections. Sub Stage L2 Review overall project performance, and the feedback provided by the end user. RIBA plan of work of single stage tender for Design and Build contract. Fig :RIBA Plan of Work for Design and Build contract, Single Stage Tender, (www.architcture.com) 2.3 Mapping the Process in CTG, using RIBA plan of work (from the Constructors point of view) Stage A Appraisal / Inception for CTG: Department for technology and skills (owner) appointed a cross functional teams to identify the clients needs and objectives, and possible constraints. Understanding the clients nature of business setting the requirements; safety, security, efficiency, lifecycle cost, working conditions, aesthetics, and future expansion needs (technological physical) Activities or Tasks: Identify procurement type (Single stage Design Build contract) Stage B Feasibility of CTG: Cross functional team and clients representatives prepare a project outline as per the clients requirement to meet the project objectives. Carrying out feasibility studies of the project from technical, functional and financial point of view. Activities or Tasks; As per project requirements study rules regulation, site conditions, neighbourhood surveys, market research, planning, costing, engage specialist consultant/s (computer expert) Stage C Concept / Outline Proposal of CTG: Parties involved: Design team, QS, engineers, specialist. Purpose of stage: Clarify clients ideas, suggesting or advising him better alternatives, giving client idea about the future developments in the project. Activities or Tasks: Stage D Design and Planning for the CTG: Parties involved: Design team and specialist contractor for check buildability of design, QS, IT consultant. Purpose of stage: Activities or Tasks: Stage G Tender Documentation and Bill of Quantities: Parties involved: Design team, QS, and client representative. Purpose of stage: Stage E Detail Design for CTG: Parties involved: Specialist design firm, QS, specialist contractor and client representative. Purpose of stage: Stage H Tender Action for CTG: Parties involved: a cross functional team, engineers, QS, design team, contractors, client representatives. Purpose of stage: Identify contractors to carry out the project. Activities or Tasks: Holding pretender briefing for prospective contractors on the project for putting forward expectation of client and clearing doubts of them. H1: Evaluation and identification of contractors to carry out CTG project. H2: contractors giving feedback / suggestions on tender or project to the client. Stage F Production Information: Parties involved: Architect, QS, specialist contractor, and engineers. Purpose of stage: Getting ready for onsite production and last gateway to make major changes in design. Activities or Tasks: finalizing the design and related specifications, obtaining the required permissions, detail costing and scheduling. Stage J Mobilization for CTG: Parties involved: Main contractor, sub contractors. Purpose of stage: gathering required resources to start the work on site. Activities or Tasks: Site preparation (clearing, fencing, establishing water/electricity, site office, residential facility for workers, health and safety unit). Preparing site conditions to commence the construction. Stage K Construction to Practical Completion of CTG: Parties involved: Main contractor, sub contractors, architect, QS, engineers, client representatives. Purpose of stage: Execute on site operations as per planned. Activities or Tasks : carrying out construction works till practical completion of CTG building. Stage L Post Practical Completion: Parties involved: Client representatives, contractor, sub contractor, QS, architect, engineers. Purpose of stage: Handing over of CTG facility completing all obligations. Activities or Tasks: clearing the site of any left behind materials, rectifying any defects, rechecking the facilities provided, and settling the accounts with client and sub contractor/suppliers, Stage M Feedback from CTG: Parties involved: Client representatives, employees working in CTG, sub contractors, supply chain. Purpose of stage: analyse the throughout project performance and learn from it (making of learning organization) Activities or Tasks: preparing reports evaluating delivered performances against planned. Checking whether project meets its objectives and client requirements. 3. Chapter 3 The Process Protocol 3.1 Introduction to Process Protocol: In an attempt Process Protocol is process-driven model of the design and construction process, which is primarily based on best practice manufacturing new product development (NPD) (Kagioglou, Cooper et al. 1999). Process Protocol consists of following ten phases covering life cycle of the project: a. Pre Project Stage: This stage relates to understanding the client and business needs. It also emphasises on issues such as need for This stage consist of following phases: 1) Phase 0- Demonstrating the need 2) Phase 1- Conception of need 3) Phase 2- Outline feasibility 4) Phase 3- Substantive feasibility study and outline financial authority. b. Pre Construction Stage: This stage consist of following phases 1) Phase 4- Outline conceptual design 2) Phase 5- Full conceptual design 3) Phase 6- Production design, procurement and full financial authority c. Construction Stage: This stage predominantly focuses on two phases 1) Phase 7- Production information 2) Phase 8- Construction d. Post Construction Stage: Phase 9- Operation and maintenance 3.2. Mapping the Process in CTG using Process Protocol: The computer aided software Microsoft Visio is used to draw Process Protocol maps, which is used to map the processes in CTG. The map includes activities carried out by cross functional team appointed by CTG which has carried out preliminary project work (phase0-5) and further (phase 6-9) activities undertaken by G C Ltd (appendix ). Hence phases (6-9) have been considered for mapping the sub processes. (appendix ) 3.3 Application of Eight Key Principles of Process Protocol in CTG: Whole Project View: CTG to house high tech computers for nuclear design staff, hence issues such as balance safety, security, working conditions along with lifecycle cost, sustainability, and need for flexibility to address advancement in technology need to be considered throughout the four stages of project to accomplish desired outcomes of the CTG Progressive Design Fixity: The phase review involves discussions, meetings, brainstorming sessions to review about accomplished work, this stage could contribute significantly in progressively fixing or finding design solutions also help in predicting the construction works and upcoming issues. A Consistent Process: Process protocol provides a standard approach to performance measurement, evaluation, and control will facilitate the process of continual improvement in design and construction which may benefit the future projects of CTG undertaken by G C Ltd. Stakeholder Involvement / Teamwork: As the value is determined by the customer, involvement of CTG representatives, employees who would be using the CTG should be involved in the design process along with other stakeholders such as municipal council, planning authority, defence committee, environmental dept, local community, fire and safety dept, international community need to be involved to have timely communication, foster team working, and building trust. Such involvement would reduce design alteration, rework failure to do so could lead to considerable budget escalation. Co-ordination: Addressing the fragmentation issue raised by Latham (1994), effective coordination between G C Ltd, sub contractor, suppliers, other specialist is important for improving overall productivity in CTG. Activity zones in PP help in achieving it through process manager represents the responsibility of each and every activity so it is easy to co-ordinate people for each particular activity. Feedback: process protocol helps in getting feedbacks in two ways : 1) Phase review: It records and update the project experiences throughout the process and inform next/later phases whether to increase or decrease resources next phase of CTG 2) Legacy archive: it records, documents the experiences throughout the process which aid in continual improvement in future projects of CTG and G C Ltd. Process flexibility Customizable process: It enables to bring in flexibility according to the objectives of CTG, issues such as security, sustainability could be added while some irrelevant processes could be deleted. 3.4 Activity Zones in CTG: activity zones are multifunctional representing structured set of tasks and processes which support and guide works towards common objective. At the same time earlier identification and involvement of concerned parties throughout the lifecycle process of CTG contributes significantly to success (Kagioglou, Cooper et al. 1998) Development Management: is responsible for creating and maintaining business focus among CTG representatives, contractors, financers, other stakeholders, and GC Ltd. (Cooper, Aouad et al. 2005) Project Management: is an agent of the development management activity zone and is responsible for effective implementation of CTG project. This activity zone involves project management professionals of GC Ltd, and client representatives. Resource Management:Includes planning, co-ordination, procurement and monitoring of all financial, human and material resources in CTG. It involves (Development Management establishes the overall budget) Design Management: is responsible for design process and business case of CTG and its project brief into an appropriate product definition. Involving GC Ltd, suppliers of materials/components, sub contractors, cross functional design team, representatives from production, facility, development, project management and health and safety, statutory and legal management activity zones. Production Management: The activities all that are related to the execution of the building on the site, this activity zone effectively communicates with the other zones during this execution period (Cooper, Aouad et al. 2005). Facility management: Issues concerning the facilities eg. servers, computer systems during the project are dealt in this activity zone. Health and safety, Statutory and Legal Management: is responsible for the identification, consideration, and management of all regulatory, statutory and environmental aspects of CTG project. Process Management: develops and operationalises process protocol. It is responsible for planning and monitoring each phase in CTG. Change Management: is responsible for effectively communicating changes to all relevant activity zones for development and legacy archive in CTG. 3.4.1 Introduction of Sustainability Management in Activity Zones: The built environment contribute significantly to the climate change and health of environment through the materials used, decisions about site, electricity and water usage, and landscape surroundings (Younger, Morrow-Almeida et al. 2008) they go on further to suggest the built environment components may mitigate climate change, promote adaptation, and improve public health. SMAZ was developed first in the form of a table (Khalfan et. al., 2003) and then further refined into an activity zone within the Process Protocol, implementing it in the same format (Shelbourn, Bouchlaghem et al. 2006). Sustainability being one of the main objectives in CTG introduction of SMAZ could help in achieving it. 3.5 Deliverables in CTG 4. Chapter 4 (Potential advantages and disadvantages of moving towards Process Protocol) 4.1.1 Critical Appraisal of Current methods of working RIBA plan of work and Process Protocol The RIBA plan of work is looked as design and management framework considering architect in the lead role (Osmani, Glass et al. 2008). It perceives construction process from design team/s point of view hence it restricts from being generic enough for application of complex and large construction works such as CTG. Shortcomings of the plan in terms of activity zones, phase reviews, legal archive etc. were noticed while mapping the process for CTG. While Process Protocol presents a generic implementation guidelines.(Kagioglou, Cooper et al. 1998) it can be applied in a flexible manner across construction projects, teams and client needs with benefits being clearly measured(Tzortzopoulos, Sexton et al. 2005). RIBA plan of work represents a logical sequence of events and his linear fashion of management could not accommodate the concurrent working practice in construction projects (Learning package 3). 4.3 Advantages of moving towards Process Protocol: a. Stakeholders Involvement: In a large and complex project such as CTG involving number of professionals from different disciplines (architect, engineers, contractors, QS ) makes it essential to know whom they are and would be working with in the later stages of the project, this builds team work, trust, brings in transparency consequently reducing chances of stalemates and litigations. Also extending it to the employees of CTG which would be ultimately can contribute significantly to the success of project. b. Whole Process view and Progressive Design Fixity via Stage gate Approach: Process Protocol and RIBA suggest to look at the project from pre project, pre -construction, construction and post completion phases deviating from traditional methods where pre project and post completion phases received negligible attention. Design fixity via stage gate approach enables continuous planning and review procedures throughout the project (Cooper, Aouad et al. 2005) c. Phase Reviews: Reviewing the output after each phase before getting on with the subsequent phase helps in gathering feedback which is useful for making future decisions or to make appropriate resources available. They provide a good learning experience. RIBA plan of work lacks this characteristic of process protocol. d. Legacy Archive: This is another feature of Process protocol lacking in RIBA. Throughout the project huge amount of information is generated, legacy archive helps in storing and making it available when required. As (Aouad, Hinks et al. 1998) state the legacy archive ensures that best practice is captured and re-used which would benefit during the project and post project to G C Ltd. Disadvantages of moving towards Process Protocol: There are very few disadvantages of mapping the process through process protocol which are: 1) The use of PP proves too complex and unnecessary for small construction project (single house) where mapping of such depth is not required, not many parties are involved. 2) The awareness of such software at this stage in market is very low, not many companies in practice use or know how to use it, which put limitations if its use. 3) Like RIBA revised plan PP lacks special provision for various contracting methods, tendering process. 4) Too much detailing involved in each phase where not so important activity may get undue weight age which can be misleading. 5. Chapter 5 (Key production activities in CTG, identifying value adding and non value adding activities) 5.1 Introduction: In recent years production is viewed from transformation view and flow view these two major aspects, which many argue should be synthesized into a new theoretical view on construction (Koskela 1999). The production in CTG can be analyzed as waste and value Key Production Activities in CTG: a. Effective Planning: Making optimum use of the available resources. 2) Required specialist and material / products (pre fabricated components) are made available at right time. 3) keeping enough buffer periods between activities. 4) Managing overlaps using the principles of concurrent engineering. 5) Use of environmentally friendly materials, techniques are used which would benefit the environment and building in long run. 6) Review physical, financial progress, monitoring and controlling it. 7) Breakdown the work packages for managing the project. b. Cost Controlling during construction: Forecast the budget for executing the CTG project. 2) Estimate costs for key as well as small work packages. 3) Regular audits to check expenditure committed and needed to complete the works. c. Coordinating and Communicating 1) 5.2 Value adding activities in CTG Value is generated through a process of negotiation between customer ends and means (Ballard and Howell 1998). One of the ways in which value can be added is by increasing the function and at the same time keeping cost same (Egbu, 2009). G C have undertaken the value management from winning the contract through the lifecycle of the project. Capturing requirements in clearly defining objectives. 2) Checking track record using competitive tenders in selecting sub contractors and suppliers. 3) Clear allocation of responsibilities and risks to avoid any confusion and litigation in the future. 4) Planning effectively and efficiently so at no point work is halted due to any reason. 5) Keeping contingency plan for works and cost eg. 6) Using JIT for very expensive high tech computers and servers to avoid double handling and damage. 7) green architecture concepts to reduce energy consumption in building (appendix) 8) Use of photovoltaic cells, Blooms Energy Server (appendix) to reduce dependence on external supply of electricity. 9) Methods such as rainwater harvesting to be used, treated water (from water treatment plants) to be used to cool down servers, gardening. 9) Excavated soil to be used to create landscape which will provide zero waste. 10) suspended ceilings to be used to accommodate heavy electrical wiring. 11) CTG h old 40 hour workshop for its employees on value management. 5.3 Wasteful activities in CTG Waste is anything that creates no value for the owner/end-user (CTG), it is something designers, constructors and clients want to eliminate because it creates no value for the customer and yet it is a cost to them (Mossman, 2009). Despite the best efforts and utmost precautions taken by G C there are likely to be some wastes or factors leading to it. 1) Waste of time due to miscommunication. 2) Non working days such as national holidays ( eg. 3rd May), union strikes 3) Untimely events such as rain, storm could stop the work. 4) Incorrect offsite manufacturing order which mismatches onsite component. 5) Excess of material lying on site consumes space, resources, chances of damage/theft 6) incorrect drawings for production could cost huge financially, rework and then manufacturing could cause time delays. 5.4 Efficiency of Identified Production Activity 5.5 Tools and Principles Used for Value Adding and reducing Wasteful Activities Material Requirement Planning: In a complex project as CTG, involving number work packages requires huge quantity and various types of materials and products at necessary stages of construction. It avoids excessive (unnecessary) stack of inventory; by controlling the flow of inventory it optimizes the utilization of labour and machines used in the project (Waller 2003). Last Planner Lean production: Principles of lean production such as just in time which focuses on eliminating waste and producing or making available just when needed. Eliminating waste would help in driving up the overall quality of CTG and procuring just on time would help in reducing excess inventory save space in city surroundings of Liverpool. =7AIBx 6. Chapter 6 (Conclusion and Recommendation) http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleListURL_method=list_ArticleListID=1262271380view=c_acct=C000047642_version=1_urlVersion=0_userid=8579047md5=b83cadfeeccb8117982b84fa9b7980a5 Aouad, G., J. Hinks, et al. (1998). An IT map for a generic design and construction process protocol. Journal of Construction Procurement 4(1): 132-151. Ballard, G. and G. Howell (1998). What kind of production is construction. Cooper, R., G. Aouad, et al. (2005). Process management in design and construction, Wiley-Blackwell. Egan, J. (1998). Rethinking Construction (the Egan Report). Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, HMSO. Goulding, J. and M. Alshawi (2002). Generic and specific IT training: a process protocol model for construction. Construction Management and Economics 20(6): 493-505. Halpin, D. (1993). Process-based research to meet the international challenge. Journal of construction engineering and management 119(3): 415-425. Hughes, W. (2001). Evaluating plans of work. Engineering Construction and Architectural Management 8(4): 272-283. Kagioglou, M., R. Cooper, et al. (1998). A generic guide to the design and construction process protocol. Kagioglou, M., R. Cooper, et al. (1999). Re-engineering the UK construction industry: The process protocol. Kagioglou, M., R. Cooper, et al. (1998). Cross-industry learning: the development of a generic design and construction process based on stage/gate new product development processes found in the manufacturing industry. Koskela, L. (1999). Management of production in construction: a theoretical view, Citeseer. Koskela, L. (2000). An exploration towards a production theory and its application to construction. VTT PUBLICATIONS. Latham, S. (1994). Constructing the Team: The Latham Report. HMSO, London. Osmani, M., J. Glass, et al. (2008). Architects perspectives on construction waste reduction by design. Waste management 28(7): 1147-1158. Shelbourn, M., D. Bouchlaghem, et al. (2006). Managing knowledge in the context of sustainable construction. ITcon 11: 57-71. Tzortzopoulos, P., M. Sexton, et al. (2005). Process models implementation in the construction industry: a literature synthesis. Engineering Construction and Architectural Management 12(5): 470. Waller, D. (2003). Operations management: a supply chain approach, International Thomson Business Press. Wilkinson, S. and S. Gupta (2005). The Adaptability of the RIBA Plan of Work with the Design and Build Procurement Option. Construction Information Quarterly 7(1): 6-9. Younger, M., H. Morrow-Almeida, et al. (2008). The Built Environment, Climate Change, and Health. Am J Prev Med 35(5). Mossman, A. (2009). Creating value: a sufficient way to eliminate waste in lean design and lean production. Lean Construction Journal, 13-23. www.processprotocol.com www.architecture.com http://www.ribapublishing.com/publications/practicemanagement/planworkmulti.asp Query and Assumption Sheet: Query Assumption Type of a Contract Stage of the Project Design and Build (Single Stage) Pre Construction stage including detail Design Appendix : Process Mapping in CTG using RIBA Plan of Work Appendix : Process Mapping in CTG using Process Protocol Blooms Energy Server (appendix). its a new invention that generate electricity Built with patented solid oxide fuel cell technology, Blooms Energy Server is a new class of distributed power generator, producing clean, reliable, affordable electricity at the site

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

The Short Story Of Night - A C :: essays research papers

"The Short History Of Night" by John Mighton fervently seeks to expound upon the idea that societal disorder will eventually affect all levels of society despite any purposeful attempts to be detached, whether physically, using status or otherwise. Throughout many facets of the play this thought is effectively echoed, more particularly in the areas of set design, sound and light design, and character development. The utilization of levels in the set design is sensibly used in what I believe, a twofold purpose. First, and more obviously, to create various physical levels on stage with the use of the raised circular portion as in the scene with Kepler and his soon-to-be wife sitting on a hill awaiting his "prophesied" comet or with the depiction of Tycho's observatory. On the other hand, this rise in physical level also produces a platform for a higher level of observation or rationale. Kepler's wife, while standing on this upper level, would begin to ponder and question her husband on various topics possibly beyond her character's intelligence level as inferred by her husband's response. It is ironic that she is also placed at this level as she is "raving" during her interrogation on her involvement with witchcraft. Therefore, following the same train of thought, the use of this arrangement suggests that her examiners, namely the Inquisitor, are merely acting out of ignoran ce. Most tangible however, is the complete black appearance of the set that helps considerably to establish the notion that the play is a representation of place in a period of discord. The darkness of the set creates a sense of eerieness and obscurity that draws the audience into the social upheaval of this period. More interestingly, over the course of the play this "blackness" extends into the allusion of the lurking evils of the society and its possible infiltration at any time on the unsuspecting. Working in conjunction with the set, to completely produce the aforementioned effect, is the sound and lighting design. Strikingly impressive, is the use of shadows to create scenes and evoke mood, as with the shadow representation of the forest creating the setting and generating a harrowing atmosphere -- perfect for Kepler's secret journey to Tycho's observatory. The sound and music successfully accentuate the growing conflict in the play with the extensive use of tension chords, particularly during the arrival of the Inquisitor and the scene changes, creating dissonant, chaotic-sounding tones.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Racial and Ethnic Disparity in Healthcare

The population of United States of America is quite diverse as there is substantial numbers of African-American, Hispanic, Native American or Asian/Pacific Islander living here. The numbers of non whites is enormously increasing in the country. In 1900, one in eight American was non white but at present one in four is non white and it is estimated that by the year 2070, each one of two American will be non white. (US Census Bureau 2005) This changing composition of population is making differences in various sectors but the nation is facing an important challenge with respect to the biasness in healthcare.The overall healthcare of the country is impressively improving but this improvement is not being equally shared by all the racial and ethnic groups of nation. Non white population is getting divergent and low level medical treatment and care as compared with the white people and this difference has created healthcare disparities among the minorities. There are several causes behind these growing healthcare disparities among the minorities and several strategies have also been designed in order to cope up with this problem.This paper is proposing to conduct a quantitative research in order to highlight the root causes of healthcare disparities, strategies to overcome this problem and the attitude and role of the nation towards these disparities. The paper provides the background information, statistic data, need, purposes, significance and methodology of research. Introduction Disparity is â€Å"the condition or fact of being unequal, as in age, rank, or degree† and healthcare disparity refers to unsatisfactory situation when patients receive unequal medical treatment and care.When the medical care and treatment become unequal on racial and ethnic grounds, it gives rise to minorities healthcare disparities. Many researches have proved that in United States of America, people belonging to different races are not getting equal healthcare and the healthcar e disparities among the minorities is extensively increasing. The quality of medical care and treatment is different for minorities There are some basic factors responsible for this disparity like â€Å"differences in socioeconomic level i. e.income and education, language barriers, differences in health behaviors of consumers, lack of diversity in the health care workforce, lack of multi-cultural knowledge and actual discrimination and stereotyping by health care providers† (American Hospital Association). The death rate of African, South Asian, Hispania American due to severe diseases is considerably higher then that of white Americans. In order to avoid these disparities authentic researches are required that can highlight the problem areas and then design the strategies for improving the healthcare situation of minorities.A research study is proposed in order to find out the role of healthcare provider in promoting these healthcare disparities. The research will focus on the behaviors of nation especially the healthcare providers and their practice pattern in order to point out their contribution towards amplifying these disparities. It will be a qualitative research; a survey of major healthcare units where the health care providers (doctors and medical staff) and the patients (both White and Non-Whites) will be questioned about the issue.The research will focus on the points that how the people are responding towards the strategies designed for reducing the healthcare disparities among the minority population, how much the working pattern of healthcare provider has changed for minorities, how the white people are changing their attitude for non whites and weather the victims (minority population) are feeling any difference in their treatment and care or not. The data will be access to get the key findings which will be use in order to develop future strategies for preventing and minimizing the minorities healthcare disparities.The research will co ntain an introduction, background information, Statistical Data, Finding of the survey, Analysis and results, discussion, proposed strategies and conclusion. The problems statement or hypothesis for the research will be â€Å"Is our nation doing enough to reduce racial and ethnic disparity in healthcare? † Background Information There is great rise in healthcare discrimination for minorities in United States. Despite the improved national healthcare situation, the minority population is facing more problems regarding their health.Following is the background information about the health condition of African Americans, Hispanics, South Indian and Native Americans, and islanders. The infant mortality rate is going down in America but the African American still have a high infant mortality rate which is almost double than the white Americans. â€Å"Heart disease death rates are more than 40 percent higher for African Americans than for whites. The death rate for all cancers is 3 0 percent higher for African Americans than for whites; for prostate cancer, it is more than double that for whites.African American women have a higher death rate from breast cancer despite having a mammography screening rate that is nearly the same as the rate for white women. The death rate from HIV/AIDS for African Americans is more than seven times that for whites; the rate of homicide is six times that for whites. During 2001-2004, 68% of all women reported with AIDS were African American; among men, just under half (44%) of the new cases of HIV and AIDS were in African Americans. Lupus is three times more common in African American women than in white women.African American women tend to develop symptoms at an earlier age than other women, and have more severe organ problems, especially with their kidneys. † (Health People 2010) The Hispanic population is also facing low level medical care which has resulted in their poor health conditions. Among the new cases of tuberc ulosis registered in America during 1996, almost 20% were Hispanic. The number of Hispanic Americans dieing from diabetes is almost double then the non Hispanics.They also have high blood pressure and obesity rate as compared with non Hispanics. â€Å"Only 18% of Hispanics with high blood pressure have this condition under control, compared with 30% of whites. Type 2 diabetes is being diagnosed more often in Hispanic children and adolescents than in the past. Only 42% of Hispanics aged 65 years or older receive a pneumonia or annual flu shot, compared with 63% of whites. Only 28% receive the pneumonia shot, compared with 61% of whites.Hispanics have the second highest rate of HIV/AIDS diagnoses and account for 18% of all HIV/AIDS cases. In 2004, non-Hispanic black persons were less likely than non-Hispanic white persons to have received a flu shot during the past 12 months (Non-Hispanic black: 32. 9%; Non-Hispanic white: 50. 9%), and were also less likely to have ever received a pn eumococcal vaccination (Non-Hispanic black: 38. 6%; Non-Hispanic white: 60. 9%)†. (CDC, 2007) The American Indians and Alaska natives are also the minority nations having bad health conditions.The diabetes and infant mortality rate is almost double among them as compared with the white Americans. â€Å"The Pima of Arizona have one of the highest rates of diabetes in the world. American Indians and Alaska Natives also have disproportionately high death rates from unintentional injuries and suicide. † (CDC) The health condition of Asians and Pacific Islanders is considered as â€Å"one of the healthiest population groups in the United States† but there are still data that proves that this population is also facing healthcare diversities.For example â€Å"the women of Vietnamese origin suffer from cervical cancer at nearly five times the rate for white women. New cases of hepatitis and tuberculosis also are higher in Asians and Pacific Islanders living in the Unite d States than in whites. Pacific Islanders are more than twice as likely as whites to receive a diagnosis of diabetes. Although the estimated HIV/AIDS rate among Pacific Islanders is the lowest in the United States compared with all other racial and ethnic groups, the rate increased an average of 9% each year during 2001–2004.† (Healthy People 2010) There are many diseases which are very common among the minorities and causing high death rates among them. These diseases include Infant Mortality, Hepatitis, Tuberculosis, Mental Problems, Cancer, Heart Diseases, Diabetes, Immunizations and HIV AIDS. These diseases are effecting the health situation of minorities at large for example, the â€Å"African-American, American Indian, and Puerto Rican infants have higher death rates than white infants. In 2000, the black-to-white ratio in infant mortality was 2. 5 (up from 2. 4 in 1998).African-American women are more than twice as likely to die of cervical cancer as are white women and are more likely to die of breast cancer than are women of any other racial or ethnic group. In 2000, rates of death from diseases of the heart were 29 percent higher among African-American adults than among white adults, and death rates from stroke were 40 percent higher. In 2000, American Indians and Alaska Natives were 2. 6 times more likely to have diagnosed diabetes compared with non-Hispanic Whites, African Americans were 2. 0 times more likely, and Hispanics were 1.9 times more likely. African Americans and Hispanics accounted for 66 percent of adult AIDS cases and 82 percent of pediatric AIDS cases reported in the first half of that year† (NCHS 2002) whereas In 2001, Hispanics and African Americans aged 65 and older were less likely than Non-Hispanic whites to report having received influenza and pneumococcal vaccines (MMWR, 2002) The mental problems of the minorities are also an important point of concern as â€Å"American Indians and Alaska Natives appear t o suffer disproportionately from depression and substance abuse.Minorities have less access to, and availability of, mental health services. Minorities are less likely to receive needed mental health services. Minorities in treatment often receive a poorer quality of mental health care. Minorities are underrepresented in mental health research. † (Mental Health Report 1999) In 2002, 50 percent of those infected with Hepatitis B was Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Black teenagers and young adults become infected with Hepatitis B three to four times more often than those who are white.One recent study has found that black people have a higher incidence of Hepatitis C infection than white people. (Department of Health and Human Services) Of all the TB cases reported from 1991-2001, almost 80 percent were in racial and ethnic minorities. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders accounted for 22 percent of those cases, even though they made up less than four percent of the U. S . population. (NCHSTP Division of TB Elimination) Medical Care and Treatment of MinoritiesThe poor health condition of the minorities is caused by unequal medical treatment and care. The minority people are in great need for better medical facilities because they are suffering from severe diseases at higher rates but there is not proper access of minorities to the healthcare facilities. Some factors are responsible for this issue like â€Å"lack of health insurance, an inadequate number of health care facilities, patient dumping, difficulty in obtaining prescription drugs and an insufficient number of African-American doctors.† (Cara A. Fauci, 1996) There is lack of medical facilities availability to the minority population for example, the â€Å"African Americans are 13 percent less likely to undergo coronary angioplasty and one-third less likely to undergo bypass surgery than are whites, Among preschool children hospitalized for asthma, only 7 percent of black and 2 percen t of Hispanic children, compared with 21 percent of white children, are prescribed routine medications to prevent future asthma-related hospitalizations.The length of time between an abnormal screening mammogram and the follow up diagnostic test to determine whether a woman has breast cancer is more than twice as long in Asian American, black, and Hispanic women as in white women. African Americans with HIV infection are less likely to be on antiretroviral therapy, less likely to receive prophylaxis for Pneumocystis pneumonia, and less likely to be receiving protease inhibitors than other persons with HIV.An HIV infection data coordinating center, now under development, will allow researchers to compare contemporary data on HIV care to examine whether disparities in care among groups are being addressed and to identify any new patterns in treatment that arise. Asian American, Hispanic, and African American residents of nursing homes are all far less likely than white residents to ha ve sensory and communication aids, such as glasses and hearing aids. A new study of nursing home care is developing measures of disparities in this care setting and their relationship to quality of care.† (AHRQ Fact Sheet 2000) Following is the chart that shows the total number of deaths in America during the year 2001 and the ratio of different minorities’ death due to different diseases. The Need to Conduct the Study: The above stated information clearly throws the light on the situation of minorities’ health in United States. The current scenario is not very positive and hopeful for the people living in US, belonging to different races and ethnicity. The situation demands the attention of scholars and social scientists to work for its betterment.Research studies are greatly needed in the field of healthcare disparities of minorities because the results of the researcher will work for formulating strategies that can reduce the disparities and make the situation better. To eliminate the racial and ethnic discrimination in healthcare sectors it is very necessary to have a research support so that there could be a better understanding of healthcare disparities among the government, healthcare providers, insurers, employers, hospital staff, physicians, patients and general public.Several researches have been conducted with the aim to minimize the healthcare disparity. These researches worked out for authentic data and strategic plans but despite all that there is no significant improvement in this field. Now a research is much needed to know the impact of previously taken steps so that the new plans can be designed. There is a great need to know weather those steps and strategies are working or not. It is required to find out the response of public towards the strategies and steps that have been taken in order to create awareness among people about the healthcare disparities of minorities.The change in the working pattern of healthcare provid ers and their behaviors towards the minorities is also need to be found out. All these requirements can be fulfilled by this proposed study as it is intended to focus upon the nation’s role in minimizing minorities’ healthcare disparities. It is also required to measure the differences in the medical treatment given to the people of different races so that a clear picture of the issue could be achieved.The report of the proposed research will also provide authentic data and detailed background information of the issue that will aid in formulating policies for the betterment of the sector. The Purpose and Objective of Research The research study is aimed at improving the healthcare conditions of minorities in United States by expanding the information about the minorities’ healthcare with reference to particular diseases like heart problem, cancer, AIDS and infant mortality etc.It will point out the main diseases and their relative medical care conditions for the minority people. This data will help in the formulation of health policy for the minorities also it will throw the light on the main health problems among minorities that could make them conscious about their health. The study will be directed by the objective of enhancing the understanding of issue at national and governmental level and to underline the negative consequences of the issues so that there could be great awareness about reducing the disparities.Through the study people will be insisted to change their thinking about the minorities and changing their behaviors. The healthcare providers who discriminates the minority people will be accessed and they were asked to analyze their attitude towards minorities. Their personal analysis of their attitude could be helpful in making changes in their way of thinking and as a result there could be betterment in situation for the non white and low income people who are not getting proper medical care from them.The purpose of the stu dy is also to investigate people about their troubles and to point out the major problem areas like language barrier or other so that the monitory population will also get some idea to overcome this discrimination. The survey could be a great opportunity for the minorities to express their thinking and to share their experiences. It will develop a communication link among different people of the society. The principle factors responsible for the disparities among the racial and ethnic groups will also come in front of people, as a result of this study.In short the purpose of the study is to get a better understanding of the minorities healthcare disparities and to find out the ways for the reduction of this disparity. It will be a systematic approach and managed effort for minimizing the minorities healthcare disparities. Significance of the Research The research will focus on the purpose of eliminating the healthcare disparities among minorities. The study will work to collect the data related to the issue from all possible sources then its analysis and interpretation for digging out some points that can help in making situation better.This effort will result in the gathering of complete authentic background information about the issue that will be helpful for the other scholars intended to work in the field. The data will also provide the students of this field a deep and detailed view of the issue. The systematically gathered data about the health condition and medical care will facilitate the policy making people and while formulating the health policy for minorities, it will be significant to know their health condition with respect to several diseases and their treatment.The major problems area will be identified easily. The research is proposed to done in quantities method and the data gathered through the survey from different people will provide a picture about the thinking and interpretation of the issue. The social scientists and psychologists can a lso dig out some solutions from the thinking style of people and they can also work for changing people behaviors and their perception of the issue.Some researches have been done by different organizations that focused on minority healthcare disparities and strategic plan for their reduction. Many of the researches are done under the supervision of credible organizations. A research was conducted by the â€Å"Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality – AHRQ† in the year 2003, under the name of â€Å"National Healthcare Disparities Report†. The National Healthcare Disparities Report is the â€Å"national comprehensive effort to measure differences in access and use of health care services by various populations.The report includes a broad set of performance measures that can serve as baseline views of differences in the use of services. The report presents data on differences in the use of services, access to health care, and impressions of quality for seven cl inical conditions, including cancer, diabetes, end-stage renal disease, heart disease, HIV and AIDS, mental health, and respiratory disease as well as data on maternal and child health, nursing home and home health care, and patient safety.It also examines differences in use of services by priority populations. † (AHRQ) The 2003 report is also available online at http://www. qualitytools. ahrq. gov/disparitiesreport/2003/download/download_report. aspx. Another research â€Å"Racism and Health Care in America: Legal Responses to Racial Disparities in the Allocation of Kidneys† was conducted by Cara A.Fauci in the year 1996 which â€Å"proposes and analyzes various responses to disparities in kidney allocation on the basis of race including public education, organ donation publicity campaigns, presumed consent to donation laws, the creation of criteria for placement on an United Network for Organ Sharing kidney allocation waiting list, alteration of kidney allocation gui delines, and litigation under both the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution and Title VI of the Civil Rights of 1964. † This report is also available online at http://www. bc. edu/bc_org/avp/law/lwsch/journals/bctwj/21_1/02_TXT.htm Another research is done by AHRQ â€Å"Strategies for Improving Minority Healthcare Quality†. The research is focused at developing scientific information for other agencies and organizations on which to base clinical guidelines, performance measures, and other quality improvement tools. Contractor institutions review all relevant scientific literature on assigned clinical care topics and produce evidence reports and technology assessments, conduct research on methodologies and the effectiveness of their implementation, and participate in technical assistance activities (AHRQ Fact Sheet)The Hypothesis or Problem Statement and Introduction of Research The research study will focus on the nation’s awareness about the minorities’ healthcare disparities and will focus on the attitude and thinking ways of general public and healthcare providers. The problems statement or hypothesis for the research will be â€Å"Is our nation doing enough to reduce racial and ethnic disparity in healthcare? The problem statement will be expresses in the questionnaire.A survey will be done among the healthcare providers, white Americans and non white Americans in which they will be asked to express their views about the role of nation for reducing the disparities of health care. It will be evaluated weather there is complete awareness among the people about the issue or not. The strategies designed by different research organizations are successful in changing nation’s way of thinking or not. The general public also has discrimination with each other and do the white people think it is justify carrying on the discrimination with non whites.Method and Introduction of the Research Study The research st udy will be quantitative. It will be a survey which is to be conducted among the healthcare providers and general public. Keeping in view the problem statement, a survey questionnaire would be designed. The questionnaire will consists of more then 5 questions which will be aimed at finding out the people opinions and thinking about the issue. Most of the questions will be multiple choices and in some there would be open field for people to express their views.The main question would be the same; the problem statement with sub questions i. e. â€Å"Is our Nation Doing enough to Reduce Racial and Ethnic Disparity in Healthcare? † a) The behavior of healthcare providers varies for people of different races and ethnicity or not? b) Is there any impact of strategies planned reducing the minorities’ healthcare disparities? After the making of questionnaire, the universe for the survey would be decided; the number of people to be questioned, their geography, demography, age, sex, profession, race etc.Survey sampling is an important part of research in which it would be decided that what would be the criteria for selecting the people from different groups either they will be picked randomly or every 10th or 20th listed in the telephone directory or other population statistical data catalog. The data gathering could be through telephone, through internet and preferably by meeting them personally. The people can be accessed in the hospitals, clinics, offices or homes.After getting the entire questionnaire filled by the decided number of people, the next step would be finding out the results. Once the results came out they can be analyze in different ways, with respect to race and ethnicity, with respect to age, with respect to gender or with respect to profession or locality. After analyzing the key findings of the results will be use to presenting result summary of the research. The key finding will help in formulating the strategies for the betterment of situation.there would be a discussion on the finding and proposed strategies as well as the impact of previous strategies. A conclusion would windup the research report. Contents of Research Thesis with Proposed References List In the beginning there would be an Abstract and Acknowledgement. The theses will be consisting of main chapters including Introduction, Background information and Statistical Data, Research Methodology, Research Findings or Results of the Study, Discussion, Proposed Strategies, Conclusion and Appendix.The â€Å"Introduction† will throw light on the whole theses. It will contain basic information about the issue, the need and purpose of research study, its significance, and the outcome. The introduction is an important part of the thesis. It should be compact and comprehensive. In the next section â€Å"Back ground Information and Statistical Data† there would be complete factual information about the situation of healthcare disparities related to minorities. There would be history indicating that the problem is not very new but it has deep roots inside history.After history there will be present picture of the issue; the ratio of different racial and ethnic groups in the population of United States and their health condition. The situation of present healthcare of minorities with regard to major diseases and their respective treatment will also be including in the background information. The quality of medical care available for different ethnic and racial groups would be an important point to focus upon. The statistical data will comprise of charts and tables indicating different diseases among minorities and death rates compared with white people.The thirds section â€Å"Research Methodology† will describe the entire method of conducting research. It will include the problem statement, questionnaire, survey sampling, data gathering tools and methods. It will also inform about demography and geography of the peopl e included in the study, the number of people questioned, the number of questions asked, the method of conducting survey either through telephone, internet, post or personal meetings. After the methodology, the next section will be the â€Å"Research findings† or â€Å"Results of the Survey†.In this section there would be included the statistical data that came out from the survey questionnaires. The opinion of people would be included in percentages with respect to their race, age, geography and profession or income group. The results will clarify the study finding and highlight the public opinion. The next section i. e. â€Å"Discussion† will contain the analysis of the findings of the survey. This is the main part of the theses where the result finding will be use to analyze the current situation and the impact of previously formulated strategies.The discussion will throw the light on the current condition of minority healthcare disparities. The discussion wi ll be followed by the â€Å"Proposed Strategies† where there will be suggestions about the steps that could be taken in order to reduce the disparities in minority healthcare and to create better awareness in nation about the problem. In the â€Å"Conclusion† the whole thesis would be windup. It will be the end of research report which will sum up all the information, data, findings, discussion and proposals made within the theses.