The lack of IT systems within the logistics department of TATCO Yemen Literature review

The lack of IT systems within the logistics department of TATCO Yemen - Literature review Example Tatco-Yemen is a branch of Abudawood Group,a diversified group of companies that operates in the Middle East,Europe and the United States.The company specializes in the professional management of assets in different sectors including trading,sales and delivery of commodities,real estate,education and training of staffs,and financial investment. The company’s logistics focuses on supplying various products to consumers, an area where it has registered significant successes in the recent past. However, due to the rapid growth and expansion of its consumer base, stark challenges in the company’s management of inventory continue to exist. Tatco grapples with multiple problems related with the lack of Information Technology systems within the logistics department; these include, delays in the arrival of hard copies of important documents like invoices, causing unnecessary delays in customs clearance. Moreover, cargoes remain in the Yemeni port for longer due to lack of stora ge; and wrong information about the date of product. These problems have proved to be costly to the company. The paper explores the challenges of lack of IT systems in Tatco’s logistics department. Generally, logistics is an all-encompassing aspect of business involving planning, controlling and organizing the movement of goods and services, communications, real-time facts and people from the one point to another (Slater, 2012). Most of successful companies such as Tatco have in place strong a logistical department that supports the movement of its various assets across the country. The main problem with Tatco, however, is that most of its logistics processes are not properly integrated and built around IT systems. Processes such as handling of the materials, storage, information, shipment, packaging and inventory still lag behind, with the old paper work methods still in place (Safadi, 2003). The company suffers from ineffective logistical support and as such geographical restructuring of unfinished products, and the cleared inventories have been largely unpredictable, leading to products delays and rising operational costs (Von Der Gracht, 2008). Farooquie and Nasir (2010) in dicated that in any organization, the logistics department is expected to deliver on everything related with logistics by ensuring that the processes are developed in line with the organizational objectives of cost reduction and maximization of efficiency. However, the lack of IT systems within the organization present grave challenges to the organization’s storage processes distribution of wares, warehousing, and transportation of goods (Raj, 2009).

The Stereotype of Intolerance Essay Example for Free

The Stereotype of Intolerance Essay I have many international friends in my area, with whom I have shared good times and bad.   I have slept in their homes, and even been considered by their parents a genuine part of their families.   Yet I disliked the fact that Indian families may often act only the basis of emotions.   I blamed their emotionally charged natures on the Indian soap operas they watched day after day.   I disliked those Indian shows even though I had watched only two of them in my entire life.    Still, I knew that it was best not to feel negative emotions in myself.   I had to stop being stereotypically intolerant, after all, and love my friends as I loved my own family.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Indian dramas that my friends’ families loved to watch daily were just slow motion pictures in my opinion.   Each moment of each drama focused on lethargic and unreal adventures in emotions.   Nothing went very far.   Crying; getting offensive about everything under the bright blue sky; and blaming one another were the themes of the shows.   I disliked them with all my heart.   And, whenever it was time for my friends’ families to watch those Indian shows, I found myself leaving their homes.   I was even uncomfortable leaving in those moments, given that my own negative emotions were obnoxious enough to seem to strangle me because I did not understand them at all.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In order to understand my emotions, in the face of the fact that I loved my Indian â€Å"families,† I made an effort to watch â€Å"Kyunke Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thee† (2006) with my friends another time.   While watching the show this time, I was observant of my own reactions and feelings.   At the same time, I observed the others in the TV lounge watching the show with me.   Two of Vijay’s aunts sobbed during the show.   To my surprise, Vijay, his mom, and his dad also started to laugh during the show soon after I had witnessed the sobbing aunts.   I relaxed there and then, and from that point on, the show was a breeze.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Even though â€Å"Kyunke Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thee† lasts only thirty minutes each time, five days a week, I disliked it the first two times I watched it.   I believed that it was the TV drama that had taught my Indian friends to overreact to certain emotional issues in the past.   I also believed that the emotional drama was a bad influence on me. Obviously, I was being oversensitive at the same time as I blamed the drama for teaching oversensitivity to its viewers.   Besides, I was not thinking that it is the individual himself with the prerogative to allow conditioning of any sort.   Nobody can force us to be influenced by anything.   Thus, being stereotypically intolerant is nobody’s problem except our own.   The good news is that it is possible for us to get rid of our stereotypes by analyzing them like I did.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Now I have stopped detesting the Indian shows that I previously could not digest.   I can stay in my friends’ homes as long as I please.   Apart from this, I have understood that my Indian â€Å"families† have a right to feel and believe whatever they do.   Choosing emotions over the intellect many a times is their choice and responsibility.   And if I love them, I must do so regardless of the different perspectives we have about dealing with ourselves and others. While I imagine that I am granting my Indian friends this â€Å"space to breathe,† in actuality this space is mine to occupy.   I give up my stereotypical intolerance today – and for ever – but only after realizing that I had adopted this stereotype subconsciously, or perhaps just by observing it in society.   After analyzing this stereotype, I feel like a different, freer person altogether.   For sure, it was difficult to breathe in negativity. References â€Å"Kyunke Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thee.† Star Plus (30 December 2006). TV Series.

Sport And Physical Activity Physical Education Essay

Sport And Physical Activity Physical Education Essay 1. INTRODUCTION Sport and physical activity are powerful tools and by engaging all sections of the community, they can help to break down barriers, bring people together to share positive experiences and gain a greater understanding of each others lives. Sport can enrich peoples quality of life, by improving health and well-being. It can help raise self-esteem and confidence and provide enjoyment, which in turn builds stronger, safer communities, strengthens the economy and helps to develop the skills of local people. Sportercise is a multi-faceted company, recently developed in the Liverpool area. This company has developed a programme of initiatives to overcome barriers restricting participation in sport and physical activity amongst young people in the community. The government modernising agenda continues to have an impact on the services delivered. The Recreation Best Value Review, the Customer Focus Initiative, Public, Private, Partnership, the Local Performance Service Agreement (LPSA), the Investors in People Programme and more recently legislation from The Children ACT 2004 sets out new statutory duties and accountabilities for childrens services on local government and other service providers. This is supported by a new national framework for children and young people set out in Every Child Matters and summarised in the table below. The fundamental aspect of the Every Child Matters national framework is that services are built around the needs of young people. The framework is based on five key outcomes that children say are important to their well being now and in later life i.e. being healthy, staying safe, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution and achieving economic well being. Research evidence demonstrates the contribution that sport and physical activity can make in meeting the Every Child Matters agenda nationally. Framework outcomes: à ¢Ã… ¾Ã‚ ¤Being healthy Sport reduces the risk of illness and ill health for young people can help to prevent or tackle obesity and contributes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. à ¢Ã… ¾Ã‚ ¤Staying safe Sport can promote community cohesion and decrease the likelihood of young people being the victims of youth crime or anti-social behaviour, bullying or discrimination. It can also help to reduce some accidents among young people. à ¢Ã… ¾Ã‚ ¤Enjoying and achieving Sport assists young people to learn and attain educational standards, contributes to their personal and social development and to their enjoyment of leisure time. à ¢Ã… ¾Ã‚ ¤Making a positive contribution Sport engages young people in community activity, reduces the likelihood of them being involved in youth crime or anti-social behaviour; develops their self confidence and encourages positive behaviour and relationships. à ¢Ã… ¾Ã‚ ¤Achieving economic well being Sport helps young people to become economically active through providing training and employment opportunities both directly and indirectly In partnership with relevant agencies, the local and regional sporting community, public, private and voluntary sector organisations in Merseyside for example; Liverpool Youth Service, Liverpool Youth Offending Team, Liverpool Local Education Authority and Local sports clubs. Sportercise will continue to develop a wide range of recreational, health, and sporting opportunities throughout the area. The Governments Policy Action Team 10 Report of the Social Exclusion Units work, recognises the part sport can play in economic regeneration and the promotion of community spirit. The report shows how sport can not only make a valuable contribution to delivering key outcomes of lower long-term employment, less crime, better health and better qualifications. It demonstrates how sport can develop individual pride, community spirit and the capacity to enable communities to implement regeneration programmes for themselves and is a strong endorsement of the policies and activities, which Sportercise has developed in Liverpool. Investment in sport is not just a sports policy. Its a health policy, an education policy, an anti crime policy, and an anti drugs policy (Rt Hon Tony Blair, Prime Minister, September 2000). Sportercise is committed to ensuring equality of access for all members of the community. This will be achieved through liaison with relevant target groups to tackle issues of social exclusion, gun and knife culture, barriers to participation and the development of sport, recreation / health and physical activity within the community. 1.1 Mission Statement The Sportercise Team are committed to developing diverse and high quality programme of sports and physical activity for all people of Liverpool. Sportercise aims to promote a positive sporting and educational environment in order for young people and the community to enjoy a healthy lifestyle, raising awareness of nutrition, healthy eating, education and participation in sport. 1.2 Key Aims and objectives Sportercise will provide sporting, physical activity and health related opportunities for children, young people and families who wish to participate in sport more frequently, with special consideration given to the sedentary population and people with disabilities. Sportercise will continue the development of the physical activity programme through their work and the implementation of the following: Organised sports and physical activities, competitions and events Curriculum/after school initiatives/breakfast clubs Holiday schemes/weekend schemes/sporting camps Taster sessions for all ages and abilities Training, leadership and coaching opportunities for teachers, youth workers, clubs, parents and volunteers interested in supporting the work of the project Specialised assistance for people with disabilities to increase participation in sport To work with the proposed Sub Regional Sports Physical Activity Partnerships to implement an agreed programme of sporting/health related opportunities across Liverpool. Improve pathways and exit routes for talented young people to fulfil their full potential To provide an in depth mentoring programme for school children, looked after children and youth clubs. initiative so that the whole family can participate in sport and physical activity (dads lads, to create an active families, mums daughters) To organise and run sports days in Primary Schools that encourages the whole family. To offer the local school children an opportunity to access and experience alternative activities during the school holidays through local play schemes. Thus allowing those individuals excluded from sport the opportunity to access activities, arts and crafts and alternative forms of exercise. To provide accredited awards for individuals to work towards, such as the sports leaders awards and NGB qualifications. The objectives of the programme being to: Reduce childhood obesity and promote a culture of physical activity Reduce the risk of anti social behaviour Reduce the risk of bullying and violence Improve self confidence and self esteem Improve self image Tackle barriers that prevents young people from taking part in physical activity Have fun Make friends and integrate with someone from different cultures and race Learn new skills and try something completely new 2. THE STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK A strategic management framework for the Cultural, Tourism and Sport Department has been developed and adopted by Sportercise to ensure that the organisation contributes to Merseyside Sport Vision, values and priorities. It is this process by which continuous improvement within the service will be monitored and reviewed. The Merseyside Sports partnership works with the 5 main community sports networks of Wirral, Halton, Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens and Liverpool The main priorities of this sports partnership are to: Increase the number of people participating in sport Widen access to opportunities for sport and active recreation Bring together and align partners; existing priorities and targets within one joined up local action plan for active recreation in the community sports network, based on the needs of the local community. Over the next 4 years Sportercise aims to promote sport and physical activity across Merseyside, providing numerous opportunities for all people to have access to a variety of sporting activities, regardless of ability. Sportercise 4 Year Plan Year 1 Focus on South Liverpool, whilst making links with other areas Year 2 Focus on South Liverpool and Central Liverpool, whilst making links with other areas Year 3 Focus on South Liverpool, Central Liverpool and North Liverpool whilst making links with other areas Year 4 Focus on the whole of Merseyside This vision relates heavily towards Liverpool City Councils overall vision and values (where this project will initially be set up). Liverpool City Councils Vision and Values have been developed to guide the organisation and the service delivery it provides. The Council aspires to create a district where everyone values the importance of being physically active and has the opportunity to be so. This drives the Councils strategic plans and policies, including the Community Strategy, Local Cultural Strategy and departmental service plans. Supporting this vision the Council has developed, through consultation, six corporate priorities; which Sportercise aims to contribute towards, these are: Building the Infrastructure and settings This is concerned with Increasing and improving the quality of accessible facilities and opportunities to participate in sport and physical activity across the Merseyside Encouraging healthier lifestyle Looking to raise the awareness of the value of physical activity and sport, whilst also taking into consideration of the opportunities available to young people Aim to promote a wider variety of activities and not necessarily the more traditional ones. Also developing a sport structure to help individuals change their attitudes and become more active. Closing the Gap To address and remove the barriers which prevent people participating in sport, through increasing physical activity opportunities for minority ethnic groups and disadvantaged communities Create an equal opportunity for everyone to enjoy and participate in sport and physical activity Meeting the needs of children, young people and families Improve the quality time spent of families participating in sport and physical activity to encourage healthier lifestyles. Develop the message thats its cool to be active through the use of both traditional and non traditional activities, Develop programmes specifically designed for those people at are obese or at risk of becoming obese, identify gifted and talented people and providing exit routes and performance pathways for them to compete at the highest level. Increase the participation of older people to improve their health by the active families initiative. Active Ageing Introduce initiatives to get older people more involved in physical activity whether this be through participation or mentoring younger people in a bid to get them to be more active. Building Capacity Increase resources available for sport and physical activity through developing effective partnerships. Develop a workforce within Merseyside who are experienced in the delivery of sport and physical activity that can help identify and nurture talent. By Sportercise focusing on the same strategic aims and priorities as Merseyside and the Cultural, Tourism and Sport Department consistency in the approach to tackling these priorities will be achieved and will ensure that improvements occur in priority areas identified by local people. Other departmental plans that have been developed to achieve this goal include: Sport Physical Activity Strategy 2007 2012 Financial Management Strategy Marketing Strategy Recreation Best Value Review Merseyside Plan for Sport Community Strategy Chart 1.The Strategic Framework Community Strategy A multi-agency partnership approach to promoting the economic, environmental and social well being of the area, which is currently being developed. This local strategy will be delivered through Local Strategic Partnerships and Neighbourhood Partnerships The Councils Vision, Values and Priorities Governments Cross-Cutting Agenda Social Inclusion The involvement and inclusion in cultural activities of those most likely to be excluded and disadvantaged Lifelong Learning Supporting of all kinds of learning at any age Regeneration Improving social, economic and environmental wellbeing of an area Sustainability Managing services and facilities in an economical and environmentally sustainable way e-Government Establishing UK-wide Information Communications Technology (ICT) by 2005 Best Value Programme to achieve continuous improvement of council services and ensure delivery in an efficient, effective and economic way Departmental Performance Plan Sets out how the Department will monitor the implementation of the action plan and key objectives by using a comprehensive Performance Management System The Councils Best Value Performance Plan A statutory document published annually to tell local people what the Council is trying to achieve on their behalf and how it is meeting the demands of Best Value. It reviews the Councils performance and suggested improvements Local Cultural Strategy An overarching strategy developed in partnership with the voluntary, private and public sectors to guide the development of culture in the area Physical Activity and Sport Strategy 2007 2012 Sportercise Business Plan Chart 2. Links between Plans and Strategies Sportercise Business Plan Local Cultural Strategy Departmental Plans Sport, Parks and Recreation Service Plan Recreation Best Value Review Marketing Strategy Information Strategy Departmental Performance Plan National and Regional Strategies Mayors Cultural Strategy National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal Regional Sports Plans Sustainable Transport Strategy Economic Development Strategy Sport England NHS Plan National Framework for Sport Merseyside plan for Sport National Health Service Frameworks for Coronary Disease and Older People Council/ Cross-cutting Plans and Strategies Community Strategy Corporate Plan / Best Value Performance Plan Customer Focus Initiative Unitary Development Plan Local Agenda 21 Crime and Disorder Strategy Tourism Strategy Community Safety Strategy Youth Service Plan Sports Strategy Health Improvement Plan Sport Physical Activity Strategy 2.1 Links with other Plans and Strategies The Sportercise Business Plan and associated Recreational Service documents do not exist in isolation, but links with other plans, strategies and initiatives both within the Council and externally with partner agencies. Linkages and working in partnership avoids duplication of resources and ensures that there is a joined up approach towards achieving related aims and objectives, examples of which can be seen in Chart 2. Merseyside Plan for Sport The Sportercise Business Plan is linked heavily to the Merseyside Plan for Sport, with Sportercise having the same ideas on sport, education and community progress. The Merseyside Plan for Sport was devised in accordance with the governments game plan initiative, in order to raise participation rates in sport whilst also aiming to lower crime and improve community safety. The main targets of the Merseyside Plan for Sport are: Increase participation rates in sport across Merseyside Improve levels of sporting performance in young people Widen access to participation in sport, allowing all people to have equal opportunities to participate Improve the health and well being of people in Merseyside Improve community safety by using sport as a way of reducing crime and anti social behaviour rates Raise standards in education by working in partnerships with the local schools. Using sport as a way of benefitting the economy Merseyside Sport The Sportercise Business Plan links directly to the Merseyside sports plan, which has been devised in order to increase participation levels, generate a wider access to sport and active recreation and also bring together and align partners to meet existing targets within the 5 main areas of Merseyside. Liverpool City Councils Sports and Physical Activity Strategy 2007 2012 The Sports and Physical Activity Strategy 2007 2012 was developed in 2007. The strategy guides the development of sporting / physical activities and facilities in Liverpool and prioritises actions to achieve this. It also underpins bids to secure external funding, which will assist in developing and improving sports and physical activity provision within the area. It aims to develop opportunities for people to participate in sport through direct provision of quality services and in an enabling role with other agencies. Furthermore, it seeks to create equality of access to services through the location of facilities in local areas, considered programming of activities to encourage participation from groups previously excluded and that access issues for those with disabilities are considered for buildings. Customer Focus Initiative (CFI) The Councils commitment to developing the Customer Focus Initiative (a private Finance Initiative) will facilitate the development of ICT systems to provide much needed customer data. It seeks to harness the latest technology to provide increased connectivity between the Council systems and a single point of contact for its customers. It will affect all parts of the Councils service delivery and provide a more efficient and effective service to all Council customers. Through the CFI, many benefits of state of the art computer systems such as customer relationship management (CRM) will provide valuable data on customers, of the type the department needs to meet its strategic aims and improve its knowledge and exploitation of the customer base. By providing a corporate ICT infrastructure, systems will be rationalised, improving efficiency and simplifying service provision to customers. Through business transformation projects, identified as an area for improvement in the CFI Best Value Review, back and front office process will be linked and re-engineered to provide a more effective service to the public. Working in Partnership By adopting a partnership approach to service delivery, it is possible to ensure that the widest range of best quality services and opportunities are provided to the community. Sportercise will depend on a range of partners to develop and deliver its work such as: Neighbourhood Partnership Sport England Sub Regional Partnerships Sportslink Primary Care Trust Liverpool County FA Liverpool Lifestyles Liverpool Council Social Services Liverpool Council Education Services Liverpool Council Youth Services Liverpool Youth Offending Team Charitable Trusts Private Sector Organisations Voluntary sector Local Housing Associations The Police The Fire Brigade 2.3 Consultation Customer involvement will continue as work proceeds on key issues and recommendations. There is a commitment to creating a dialogue with the people of Liverpool to assess how well they think the service is performing and establishing what else needs to be considered. A consultation Audit of the Company will be conducted and a Communications Plan produced to address these issues. The mechanism by which continual dialogue with the public will be achieved is shown in Diagram One. This will be measured through annual satisfaction surveys and through mystery shopping exercises. Sportercise understands that consultation exercises are valuable in relation to gaining specific feedback on the services being provided. Through monitoring of targets, this will provide a measure of the success of increasing participation from people in the traditionally hard to reach groups. Sportercise is proactive in setting up a system to establish dialogue with customers to share information, concerns over aspects of service delivery and feedback on progress of projects or developments that will inform the Sportercise service planning process. Examples that will be used are: Talkback forms Sportslink Sport Physical Activity Forums Local Neighbourhood partnership meetings (by ward) Specialist focus groups to be set up for specific purposes Staff conferences/meetings Mystery Shopper Exercises Steering Groups Liverpool Schools Sports Partnership School Sports Co coordinator Steering Group Disability forums Diagram 1: The Consultation Process. Consultation Process Review service improvement priorities Implement service improvement Measure/ Evaluate outcome of service improvement Further consultation 2.4 Training Development Training and developing staff is an ongoing process within Sportercise. All training is documented and kept in the member of staffs individual development and learning folder to comply with IIP and Quest accreditation. Other courses and training undertaken by staff include: Health Safety Successful Staff Selection Computer training First Aid Customer Care Product knowledge Governing Body Awards 3. STAFFING Sportercise will employ two full time development officers, who are responsible for co-ordinating, adminstration and linking with relevant agencies to develop and promote the company. They will also deliver a diverse high quality programme of sport and physical activities to local schools, youth and community groups. The role of coaches is to act as enablers/facilitators within a wide range of sporting activities and in turn to implement the sports, competitions and events on behalf of the Council. In addition to the full time development officers Sportercise will employ sessional coaches as and when needed. However Sportercises level of output is dependent on the human and financial resources available. The financial position is enhanced by the successful generation of funds and in kind support from within the public, commercial, voluntary and charitable sector for specific initiatives. 4. PROGRAMMING Sportercise will adopt an outreach approach with no dedicated facilities of its own. The work undertaken by the Sportercise Team plays an important role in the sports development network of Liverpool and should be enhanced by the recently established links with relevant agencies, local and regional organisations, Sports England and sports Governing Bodies, Sportercise will continue to develop a wide range of area wide sporting/recreational and health related opportunities. The Team will work tirelessly to overcome the barriers that restrict participation in sport/recreation and health activities amongst young people, women, minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities, providing a mentoring service and also working to promote the awareness of gun and knife culture and other issues through the use of issue based workshops. Participation in sport therefore encompasses many benefits. These include: Enjoyment, fun, relaxation Social benefits from participation in group activities Increased confidence/self esteem Improves all round educational performance Development of leadership and teamwork skills Reduction in crime through sport as a diversionary activity Opportunity to acquire physical skills, and for those who have the potential, develop to top levels of performance General feel-good factor at an individual level and pride in performances of being in a team Health benefit healthy lifestyles Minimising the risk of anti-social behaviour Develops self discipline and self respect Fulfilment of individual potential up to and including top-level performance The development of interests in related sports Employment opportunities in sport and the leisure industry Contributes to regeneration strategies Kudos to the area in the form of regional, national and international honours 4.1 Curriculum Programme The programmes that are to be offered by the Sportercise team are very extensive and aim to provide opportunities to both the able bodied and the disabled. Those people with disabilities are a key target group in terms of sports development. It is important to consider this group at both the strategic and planning levels of development. Sport, leisure and physical activity play an important part in the lives of people with disabilities through building their self esteem, encouraging interaction and offering the physical benefits of improving mobility and general health. The Disability Officer continues to extend Sportercises work with this target group. The aim is that all people with disabilities should be able to participate in sport, recreation, leisure and health related activities in an environment that they choose, whether this is integrated or disability specific. In June 1998, the Health Education Authority reported on disability and sport. They commented that people with disabilities. Represent a significant and important proportion of the population Are often less active and have lower than average fitness levels Are at risk of developing health problems as a result of inactivity Face social and environment barriers to participation A survey undertaken by Health and Fentem in 1997 and the Governments White Paper on Health (November 2004) showed that levels of physical activity are lower for people with disabilities and confirmed the need to address the issue of under representation amongst this target group. Sportercise will tackle these issues in partnership with many organisations who work with the disabled and also through an effective relationship with Liverpool City Council who assist the development of sport for people with disabilities across Merseyside. Sportercise aims to include the following disability programme: Curriculum programmes in Special Schools After school clubs Weekend schemes Holiday projects Coach Education / training Competitions and events The planned curriculum programme to be offered will initially begin within the Liverpool area where there are 123 primary, 31 secondary schools, 2 Pupil Referral Units and 11 special schools. All these schools will be offered the opportunity to participate in the curriculum programme that provides specialist advice/support of the National Curriculum. The initiative incorporates six one-hour sessions in hockey, netball, basketball, athletics, Gymnastics, dance, swimming, rugby, cricket, tennis. These are delivered over a half term period by a qualified Governing Body coach. This programme will be developed in partnership with the Partnership Development Managers to ensure it details the work of the School Sports Coordinator initiative. When working with the disabled community we aim to provide a basic introduction to sport and health related activity which otherwise would not be available due to the limited expertise that exists particularly in primary school education. The programme includes all Special Schools who all receive six one-hour sessions over a half term period. Working with the School Sports Coordinators will provide support to PE Coordinators in the delivery of Physical Education. Along with the sporting activities offered by Sportercise, we also offer a curriculum programme to schools based around developing well rounded young people in Liverpool. This alternative programme offers mentoring sessions with young people, aiming to work on issues such as self esteem, behaviour, anger management and anti bullying. All of these sessions will help the young people of Liverpool develop personally and socially, thereby contributing to making Liverpool a safer area to live in, whilst also reducing the rates of crime and anti social behaviour. 4.2 After School and Weekend Programmes Sportercise will liaise with local agencies to ensure a co-ordinated approach is adopted. This is vital to ensure maximum use of resources. The after school and weekend programme provides participants with further opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of sport. The programme employs the expertise of local qualified sports coaching from clubs who act as ambassadors for their particular club. These clubs then offer the performance element within the sports development continuum for young people to continue their development. The young people will be encouraged to join sports clubs. Where clubs are unable to offer the young people the chance for continued participation, Sportercise will link with relevant governing bodies and individuals in the community to address this issue and hopefully resolve it by creating a community team. A priority of the programme is to attract non-participants to participate in sport outside of curriculum time and to experience the advantages and benefits of taking part in sport and physical activity. These initiatives provide positive experiences, reduce the possibility of young people becoming involved in criminal activities, address issues of social inclusion, life long learning and encourages the adoption of leading healthy and active lifestyles. The involvement of local sports clubs and the development of specific sports steering groups are an important ingredient for the long-term success of after school provision in Liverpool. Along with the sporting activities offered by Sportercise, we also offer a curriculum programme to youth clubs and community groups based around developing well rounded young people in Liverpool. This alternative programme offers mentoring sessions with young people, which aim to work on issues such as anger management and anti bullying. All of these sessions will help the you

The Benefits of File Sharing Technology :: Internet Online Communication Essays

Napster: The Benefits of File Sharing Technology Napster. Never before has one word brought so much controversy and debate over technology and peoples' rights to information. Napster was co-founded by Shawn Fanning, a college student with a million dollar idea. His idea was to provide people across the world the ability to download information from other users’ computers. Although this technology was already available through local networks, Shawn envisioned a way to make this network technology possible for the average college student like himself. What Shawn didn't envision however, was the lawsuits and court injunctions that now plague his company. These lawsuits have stemmed from Napster allegedly violating copyright laws set forth by the music industry. Seeing that Napster has approximately 64 million users worldwide, the company is being charged with allowing "rampant music piracy" (Evangelista 2001). Although this may be true, I believe that Napster is doing more good to our society than bad. It's use of file sharing technology and expression is allowing new standards to be set for the future. A great misconception is that Napster provides its clients with illegally pirated music software known as MP3's. These MP3's are compressed CD quality music files that can be stored on any computer for easy listening, or can be copied onto an actual CD for listening on the go. In actuality, Napster does not provide any pirated MP3's; rather they act as a catalog for users to find certain songs (Magid, 2001). When you run the Napster program on your computer, Napster opens a direct link from your folder with MP3's files in it, to the catalog on the Napster server. Since Napster has over 60 million members, at any given time during the day hundreds of thousands of people have their files catalogued through Napster. So when I want to search for a song, Napster searches though the thousands of open directories of its users. When I find the song I want, I download the MP3 file directly from that particular Napster users computer. Napster as you can see is just acting as a search directory for MP3 files. Now that you know how Napster works, let me tell you why the program upsets so many people. Napster first made national news when many universities, including IU, started to ban the file-sharing program. College students having access to Ethernet and large bandwidths could not resist Napster's service.

Health Promotion Study Guide Essay

Illness – is an event that manifests itself through observable/felt changes in the body. Illness is the state in which the physical, emotional, social, intellectual or spiritual functioning is diminished or impaired compared with previous experience. It is NOT synonymous with disease and may or may not be related to disease. Illness is highly subjective. Wellness – is the state of being healthy in both body and mind as the result of deliberate effort. Wellness is the state of well-being. It is an approach to healthcare that emphasizes preventing illness and prolonging life as opposed to emphasizing treating diseases. Anspaugh et al propose 7 components of wellness: 1) Physical 2) Social 3) Emotional 4) Intellectual 5) Spiritual 6) Occupational and 7) Environmental. Well-being/Wellness is a subjective perception of vitality and feeling well which can be described objectively, experienced, and measured and can be plotted on a continuum. Dunn’s concept of high level wellness theorizes that wellness is the degree of illness/health modified by the environment. It says that it is an integrated method of functioning that is oriented towards maximizing the potential of which the person is capable. It requires that the individual maintain a continuum of balance and purposeful direction within the environment where he is functioning. The patient’s perception of health, wellness and illness must be considered by the nurse in order to provide individualized, quality care. Lifestyle factors that influence health: (PP Health Promotion and Disease Prevention) Internal and external factors influence health status. Internal factors include Age, Genetics, Physiologic, Lifestyle, Health habits (smoking, drugs, alcohol, eating habits, exercise and stress). External factors include: Environment (radiation, air pollution, H20 and sun exposure), Safety (seatbelts, riding on motorcycle), and Standard of living (less educated the poorer the health). How to take a patient’s temperature using different routes: (Lab & Kozier PP. 532-537) There are a number of body sites for measuring body temperature. The most common are oral, rectal, axillary, tympanic and temporal artery. Normal adult temperature is 37 degree C and 98. 6 degree F. In older adults ( > 70), temp is usually 36 degrees C or 96. 8 degrees F. Newborns- 1 yr old are usually 98. 2 degree F and 36. 8 degree C. Oral: Most common route. Place thermometer underneath the tongue on either side of the frenulum. Do NOT take in someone with mouth lesions or if patient has had oral surgery. Be sure to ask if patient has had anything cold/hot to drink in last 30 minutes. Rectal: Most accurate route. Place Pt. in lateral or Sim’s position. Apply gloves and instruct patient to take a slow deep breath during insertion. Insert 1. 5 inches in adults. Do NOT take in Pt that has had rectal surgery, has lower GI problems, is immuno-suppressed, has a clotting disorder or Pt that has hemorrhoids. In some agencies taking rectal temps is contraindicated in patients who have had an MI. It is believed that this can stimulate the Vagus nerve which can cause myocardial damage. Tympanic: Temps measured in this site are usually 1. 1-1. 5 degrees higher than oral. These are non invasive and quick. To measure temp, pull pinna slightly upward and back( adults) and point the probe slightly anteriorly, toward eardrum. Insert the probe slowly using a circular motion until snug. Axillary: The least accurate route but safest route. Dry arm pit if moist. Place thermometer bulb in center of axilla. In order to obtain a more accurate reading it must be left in place for a long time. Temporal Artery: Safe, noninvasive and very fast. Equipment slightly more expensive, as it is a scanning infrared thermometer. The probe is placed in the middle of the forehead then drawn laterally to the hairline. If Pt has perspiration on forehead the probe is also touched behind earlobe. Levels of preventive health care: Three levels of preventative care are: Primary – focuses on health promotion and protection against specific health problems or health risks. Primary prevention precedes disease or dysfunction and is applied to generally healthy individuals or groups. Examples include: Immunizations; risk assessments for specific disease i. e. iabetes; health education about injury and poisoning prevention. Secondary- focuses on early identification of health problems and prompt intervention to alleviate health problems. Goal is to identify people in early stages of disease process and to limit future disability. It is curative in nature. It emphasizes health maintenance for people with health problems (i. e. someone with diabetes who has it under control). This level includes prevention of complications and disabilities. Examples include: Encouraging regular medical/ dental checkups; Teaching self exam of breast; screening surveys hypertension). Tertiary- focuses on restoration and rehabilitation with the goal of returning the person to optimal level of functioning, within the constraints of the disability. This level of prevention occurs after an illness, when a defect is stabilized or fixed and determined to be irreversible. Examples include: caring for someone with a chronic disease; referring patient with colostomy to support group; teaching patient with diabetes to identify and prevent complications ( heart disease); referring patient with spinal cord injury to a rehab to receive training to maximize his remaining abilities. Understand who the older adult is and physiological/psychological changes: Successful psychological aging is reflected in the older person’s ability to adapt to physical, social, and emotional losses and to achieve contentment, serenity, and life considerations. The older adult continues to learn and problems solve and intelligence and personality remain as they have always been. A person’s social ability does not change during the course of their life: if you were a young extrovert/introvert you will be an old extrovert/introvert. Wisdom increases as we age. As a person becomes older they go through physiological and psychosocial changes. Some physical changes are visible and some are not. In general lean body mass decreases, fat tissue increases, and bone mass decreases. Intracellular fluid decreases which can cause dehydration. Skin becomes drier and less elastic and they become more susceptible to skin tears. Bony prominences may become visible. There is a loss of overall stature and osteoporosis can occur in people who have insufficient intake of calcium and in women who have been through menopause. There is a steady decrease in muscle fibers. Reaction time slows. There is loss of visual acuity and progressive loss of hearing and reduced elasticity and increased rigidity of arteries and an increase in blood pressure. Orthostatic hypotension is common. GI changes include increase in indigestion and constipation. There is increase in frequency and urgency of urination and incontinence in many older adults. Decreased immune response and lowered resistance to infection is normal. Many older people have decreased thyroid function and increased insulin resistance. Respiratory efficiency is reduced with age. Older adults may experience many health problems including physical injuries and chronic disabling disease, and dementia. Psychologically people have much to adapt to as they become older. Some of these things are 1) Retirement – this is often a difficult time of adjustment for people. Many have a sense of self worth from working and lose a sense of identity when they stop working. Income decreases sometimes by 35% during this time. 2) Economic Change- Decrease in finances related to retirement and lack of pension plans/savings. Health care costs skyrocket because of increase in illnesses. This decrease in monetary resources can cause older people to become less independent. This causes them to lose self esteem and become depressed. 3) Grand-parenting: At this time in life older people become grandparents and are able to provide support to younger family members in a number of ways. 4) Relocating- many people move closer to their children for general support and supervision. This is a very big stressor. Older adults can either live with their children; live in assisted living, live at home with adult day care, live in a long term care facility or in private group homes. ) Maintaining Independence and Self Esteem- This is a big one. Elders thrive on independence and it is important for them to be able to maintain their self esteem. The more they can do for themselves the better. 5) Facing Death and Grieving – as people age the chance of their spouse dying increases. Friends and family members die and this is a period of adjustment and grieving. The older person h as feelings of loss, emptiness and loneliness during this time. According to Erickson the developmental task at this time is ego vs. despair. People who attain ego integrity view life with a sense of wholeness and derive satisfaction from past accomplishments. This is the time of life where many older people start focusing on their faith and spirituality. Most people start an internal life review and seriously start thinking about their own imminent death. Caregiver Role Strain†¦what is it? What nursing interventions would the nurse provide? (P. 137) Caregiver role strain is when they have physical, emotional, social, and financial burdens that can seriously jeopardize their own health and well-being. Nursing intervention would be to encourage caregivers to express their feelings and at the same time convey understanding about the difficulties associated with caregiving and acknowledge the caregivers competence. Through conversation with the caregiver assess areas where assistance may be desired or need. Identify possible source of help. Like volunteer (family, neighbor, friends, church, caregiver support groups) or agency sources (home health aide, meals on wheels, day care, transportation, and counseling and social services. Remind the caregiver of the importance of caring for themselves. Know about these nursing diagnoses: Coping Ineffective, Fear, Anxiety (PP. 1069-1070) NANDA diagnostic labels related to stress, adaptation, and coping: Anxiety: Vague, uneasy feeling of discomfort or dread accompanied by an automatic response (the source often nonspecific or unknown to the individual); a feeling of apprehension caused by the anticipation of danger. It is an alerting signal that warns of impending danger and enables the individual to take measures to deal with a threat. Fear: response to perceived threat is consciously recognized as a danger. Ineffective Coping: Inability to from a valid appraisal of the stressors, inadequate choices of practiced responses, and/or inability to use resources. Terms associated with assessment of pulse (CHP 29, PP. 538-540) Assessment of pulse: Terms Locations: Temporal, carotid, apical, brachial, radial, femoral, popliteal, posterior tibial, pedal (dorsalis pedis) Pulse: wave of blood created by contraction of the left ventricle of the heart. Cardiac output: volume of blood pumped into the arteries by the heart and equals Stroke Volume (SV) X Heart Rate (HR) per minute. Compliance: ability of the arteries to expand Peripheral pulse: pulse located away from the heart Apical Pulse: central pulse; apex of the heart (PMI) point of maximal impulse Palpation: feeling Auscultation: hearing DUS: Doppler ultrasound stethoscope Tachycardia: excessively fast heart rate ( over 100 BPM in an adult). Bradychardia: A heart rate less than 60 BPM in an adult. Pulse rhythm: pattern of the beats and the intervals between beats. Dysrhythmia/arrythmia: irregular rhythm. Pulse volume: pulse strength or amplitude, refers to the force of the blood with each beat. Elasticity of the arterial wall: reflects its expansibility or its deformities. Perfusion: blood flow to a particular area of the body Understand different tools for therapeutic communication: (P. 469-470 box 26-2) Broad opening statement General leads Reflecting/paraphrasing Sharing observations Acknowledging feelings Silence Giving information Clarifying Implied verbal communication Summarizing Focusing (from power point #18 in communication) further information can be found on pg. 469 and 470 box 26-2 Different domains of learning: cognitive, affective, psychomotor: (P. 89) Cognitive domain – the â€Å"thinking† domain, includes six intellectual abilities and thinking processes beginning with knowing, comprehending, and applying to analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Affective domain – the â€Å"feeling† domain is divided into categories that specify the degree of a â€Å"person’s depth of emotional response to tasks†. Psychomotor domain – the â€Å"skill† domain, includes motor skills such as giving an injection. Know normal vital signs for the adult and older adult. Average range for adults: (P. 529) 96. 8-100. 4. Older adults (>75) are at risk for hypothermia ( temperatures

Minority Representation

There are a number of places where the rationale behind having minority representation in any legislative or judicial sitting is asked for. There are a number of reasons why this could be mad important and essential for the betterment of the society and this is why the activity is usually practiced by several countries. Minority is defined in a number of ways. â€Å"The definition of a minority group can vary, depending on specific context, but generally refers to either a sub-group that does not form either a majority or a plurality of the total population, or a group that, while not necessarily a numerical minority, is disadvantaged or otherwise has less power (whether political or economic) than a dominant group.† (Wikipedia, 2007[1]) Minority representation is an important part of any legal formation because there are a number of countries that practice this. â€Å"Minority party is a term describing the party in a legislature that does not hold a majority. In the United States Congress, it is led by the minority leader. (Wikipedia, 2007[2]) The United States of America is known for having a minority party within its congress and any other legal formation because the minority party would then carry the interests of the minority group and they would help the issues that are faced by such people top be brought out into the open to the majority of the country. The majority party would not always be the one to stress upon a certain point or a event that should be achieved but rather there must be a few people who must work with the majority in order to explain them the benefits and the harm that may be faced by the people if such a thing takes place. The minority must be allowed to speak up on any important account because then their interests must also be heard and so that the minority groups are ensured not be suppressed over the other groups that are in majority. However, in a few countries, there are minority parties that are not provided all the representation that they need such as â€Å"The Minority Party (Minoritetspartiet) is a political party in Denmark without parliamentary representation.† (Wikipedia, 2007[3]) Such countries do not allow the voice of the minorities to be heard. Of course, there can be a rationale provided that not all minority parties can be provided with representation; else the place for the majority parties would reduce. Hence, there could be a system where only those minority parties that are deemed important in the legislation or another group must be invited. Who must decide the importance of the groups is a major issue because there could be a number of riots and arguments about the decisions that will be taken. Hence, there must be a way for the government of the authority to ensure that the parties needed are not left out. This is a great responsibility to ensure that the minorities are also allowed to take part in several groups and discussions for the betterment of the country so that in case there is a point or piece of fact that the majority groups are forgetting to analyze, the minority group could think about it and let them know. The minority group will not be a burden on the groups or discussions but rather could be a means to establishing a better society and a country that is acceptable to all and that there are no riots or demonstrations against what the citizens have to say against the government for the decisions that have been taken. References Wikipedia. (2007). Minority. Retrieved on February 7, 2007 from: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minority Wikipedia. (2007). Minority Party. Retrieved on February 7, 2007 from: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minority_party [1] Wikipedia. (2007). Minority. Retrieved on February 7, 2007 from: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minority   [2] Wikipedia. (2007). Minority Party. Retrieved on February 7, 2007 from: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minority_party [3] Wikipedia. (2007). Minority Party. Retrieved on February 7, 2007 from: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minority_party

3 Sentences That Lack a Word to Achieve Parallel Structure

3 Sentences That Lack a Word to Achieve Parallel Structure 3 Sentences That Lack a Word to Achieve Parallel Structure 3 Sentences That Lack a Word to Achieve Parallel Structure By Mark Nichol Each of the following sentences is flawed because omission of a word prevents the statement from conveying the intended meaning. Discussion and revision point out the missing word. 1. Smith will discuss the organization’s mission and activities to date. The writer likely did not intend to suggest that the discussion would be about both the organization’s mission to date and its activities to date; its mission is almost certainly unchanging, so â€Å"to date† pertains only to the activities, and therefore that noun must be preceded by a possessive noun or pronoun to match the preceding possessive noun: â€Å"Smith will discuss the organization’s mission and its activities to date.† 2. Dennis Eckersley, with his familiar mustache and long hair flowing out from underneath his cap, was perhaps the face of the Oakland A’s in the late 1980s and early ’90s. Presumably, this baseball player’s mustache did not flow out from underneath his cap, so the references to the mustache and the long hair must have their own pronouns; in addition, each must be followed a distinct adjective: â€Å"Dennis Eckersley, with his trademark mustache and his familiar long hair flowing out from underneath his cap, was perhaps the face of the Oakland A’s in the late 1980s and early ’90s.† 3. The business moved forward without realizing the value or need for consultation with various departments. Because value and consultation would not, in isolation, be bridged with the same preposition that separate need and consultation, value requires a distinct preposition: â€Å"The business moved forward without realizing the value of or need for consultation with various departments.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Style category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:The Royal Order of Adjectives 10 Colloquial Terms and Their MeaningsPhrasal Verbs and Phrasal Nouns

My sister Saved my life Professor Ramos Blog

My sister Saved my life Do you ever feel like the cost of living ever out weighs your monthly income or even no matter how much you work your bills keep getting bigger? At one point in my life I felt that way. I was living paycheck to paycheck with no extra money to save. I come from a family of six, me being the second youngest growing up my parents did not have a lot of money. My dad raised us by himself and most of the time he was living paycheck to paycheck. Of course, we always had what we needed but that’s it nothing extra. I remember that he was barely able to make ends meet and could not really save money. So, it was hard for him if something was to happen to his truck. He would have to borrow money or just not have a truck due to him not having extra money to fix it. My mom was not really in the picture. So, I really didn’t have anyone at the time to teach me the importance of saving money. Since I was a little girl I always looked up to my sister as if she was my second mom. By the time my sister was twenty-four she was the one raising me, working at the movie theaters making minimum wage and going to college to be a teacher. I was sixteen, in high school and had just got my first job at Bakers Drive Thru. I went to school Monday thru Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and then would go to work from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. five to six days a week. On the weekends I would work from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. I felt like I was always working and going to school but never had money. After working there for six months I thought to myself I’m going to be just like my dad living paycheck to paycheck and barely making ends meet. I was never going to be successful like my sister. But then there was this one summer day I was with my sister and we went to the bank to pull out money. She had happened to get a receipt and I happened to look at it and noticed how much was in her savings. I was shocked! So, I asked â€Å"how did you learn to save your money?† She learned from her boyfriend that works, goes to school and is barely making minimum wage. She states, â€Å"I pay my bills, go grocery shopping, put gas in my car, and then pull out forty dollars cash.† The forty dollars was for her to buy a shirt, go out to eat with friends, or do whatever she wanted to do with that money. She just knew that the forty dollars is all she had for the rest of the week. Anything left after that she must save. At the time I did not have a lot of bills. I just payed for my phone bill. So, I would just go blow my money on anything and everything. It was hard for me to grasp the concept on how to save money. My sister had started to notice since I would ask to borrow money from her a lot. So, she offered to help by managing my money. She would help by getting what I needed and would only give me forty dollars a week. At the beginning I hated it. At the age of sixteen and a teenager who wouldn’t want their money to have and control it. It took me a year to finally realize she is doing it to set me up for success. After a year, I saved enough money to purchase my first car. I was so excited that I was finally able to purchase my first car. I purchased a grey 2015 Sport Toyota Corolla. Without the help of my sister I wouldn’t be able to purchase a car. I currently work for a retirement home called Plymouth Village. Making a little over minimum wage. I have realized the more money I make the more bills get thrown my way. I now have rent, phone bill, utility’s, and a car payment to make. So, it can be hard to save at times with all the bills. But I have now managed my own money for over two years. Sometimes it is hard because I still want to spend more than the forty dollars I have a week, but I know I can’t due to the fact I need money in my savings for emergencies, such as if my car breaks down, if I happen to get sick and not be able to work. Also, in case if my daughter needs anything, you just never know what life will throw your way, so I try my best to save. It is best to learn to save as soon as you can, so you can be successful in life. If something was to happen to my car or my daughter I would have no money if I didn’t learn how to save. My sister saved my life and I can’t thank her enough for teaching me how to manage my money, without her help I would still be spending my money and living paycheck to paycheck. picture source:  https://www.google.com/search?q=money+locked+with+chainsource=lnmstbm=ischsa=Xved=0ahUKEwj3oYzx1bTdAhULw1QKHTBGDQoQ_AUICigBbiw=1280bih=584#imgrc=RPVUL4kzlY4NZM:

Analyse article by Roberto Gonzalez Echeverria Essay - 1

Analyse article by Roberto Gonzalez Echeverria - Essay Example A very comprehensive and an important philosophy that Echevarria illustrates in the very beginning of the article is that human and monster are two flip sides of a same coin and in his play Calderon also uses the symbol of a monster under the same context. However the author also states that it solely depends on an individual the manner in which he sets the pattern of his life as it also apparent from the character of Segismundo. Hence it is observed in the play that initially Calderon portrays him as a monster and an animal disguised as a human being however later he realizes his mistakes and makes efforts to avoid such animalistic behavior in future. Moreover Segismundo’s imprisonment is also a figurative representation of the fact that inside every human being there lives a beast however it depends on an individual to curb and control or unleash it. Another pertinent and an interesting fact that the author demonstrates is that any form of abnormality or unusual personality traits also hold the tendency to categorize an individual as a monster as it is also observed in the case of Rosaura. Her character is portrayed as a female with masculine attributes such as strength and determination. Such unusual characteristics make her look like a monster or a beast in the eyes of the society because her unusual personality goes against the strictures and conventions. Hence in other words Echeverria establishes that monster is a vast term that has layers of meaning one of which is the unconventional behavior of an individual. Hence it is observed that the author provides the readers with a very apt explanation of the symbol of the monster and hence helps in adding new dimension to the context of Calderon’s play. Moreover Echevarria also strives to convince the readers that the term monster in literature not only implies a beast in the physical terms but also any

Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 63

Essay Example Then, significantly his teachings and works here on earth, through miracles, and by his very own exemplary way of life. As this paper highlights and explains the Life of Jesus by elaborating the two distinct Natures of Jesus Christ; that is His Godly Nature and His Human nature. God in all His wisdom intended that all and everything He created was for Him and Himself, hence, all His creation was to live and stay with Him. God tried to use men (Abraham and the Prophets) to bring back their fellow men to Him, but Men did not shun their evil ways and turn back to God. In the end, God offered His only Son as a Sacrifice that brought men back to Him. The climax of God’s ordained was the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ was born in human form and nature, and lived as a man. This is actualized in the resurrection of Jesus Christ because in sins, men die with Christ on the cross and they are raised to new life in Christ on the resurrection (Romans 6:3-10). Also discussed in this paper are the lessons that People learn from the ideal life of Jesus. Consequently, for them to be united with God, they have to lead and live according to the teachings of Jesus. The life of Christ is all based on his salvific mission on Earth; to save mankind and bring them back to God. This is to fulfill/accomplish God’s work of Salvation and His sole purpose of creation; that was to unite all things in Him that all things may have eternal life in Him, (Elmer L. Towns 79). The Bible and other Historical writings show that, about 2000 year ago, Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem. His birth was mystical because it was through divine conception, where by the Angel of God appeared to a virgin called Mary, and she conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. However, after the intervention of the Angel, Joseph took Mary as his wife, and together they raised the child. Jesus Christ grew up just like

Educational Standards and Principles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Educational Standards and Principles - Essay Example The administration of the educational organizations should ensure that each and every affair of the institution is completely complying with the policies and principles set by the school authorities. If an institution falters in any of the ethical standards then that means that it has failed in the principles set by the education system. There should be maximum effort to comply with the ethical standards because if an organization falters here then the whole reputation of the organization is at stake. The following are the important ethical standards: 1. Educational Research Population: As mentioned in the website of American Educational Research Association (AERA) "Educational researchers conduct research within a broad array of settings and institutions, including schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, and prisons. It is of paramount importance that educational researchers respect the rights, privacy, dignity, and sensitivities of their research populations and also the integrity of the institutions within which the research occurs." (Para.1) This is a principle, which is termed as 'preamble' by AERA. Apart from this principle there are other principles like, with the children and other vulnerable group of the research population, the educational researchers should be exceptionally careful. Under the 'standard section' of the AERA website, many explanations of how the preamble or principle should be followed is given. Hence the principle is a concise statement of the plan of action while standard is an elaborate explanatio n of how and to what level of perfection this plan of action should be carried out. Thus the AERA website that focuses on the educational research population, in order to make understand one paragraph of principles eleven points of standards have been mentioned. For example "Participants have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, unless otherwise constrained by their official capacities or roles." (Aera, para.6) is an example of the standard related to the set principle. This website is an excellent way to find out the difference between educational standards and principles in the context of educational research population. 2.Intellectual Ownership: The authors and poets who have creatively produced a piece of prose or poetry are considered to have intellectual ownership of their work. This is an educational principle whereas points like "Clerical or mechanical contributions to an intellectual product are not grounds for ascribing authorship. Examples of such technical contributions are: typing, routine data collection or analysis, routine editing, and participation in staff meetings." (AERA, para.5) is an example of the many standards that revolve around the principle of intellectual ownership. 3.Sponsors, Policymaker, and Other Uses: In the field of education many principles are framed keeping the sponsors and policy makers in mind. Sponsors are an integral part of the entire education system as all educational endeavors are successful only due to them. Whereas policy makers are the backbone for the proper functioning of the entire educational system. It is due to the sponsors and policy makers, that the different educational princ

Influenza in Elderly Aged 65 years and above Essay

Influenza in Elderly Aged 65 years and above - Essay Example Therefore, the effective measure for preventing this communicable disease is to offer influenza vaccinations to ageing people. Influenza is a public health issue because it is an acute viral infection, which can spread from one individual to another, and it circulates across the globe and can affect many aging people at a higher rate. According to the WHO report, global influenza epidemics result to 3 to 5 million of severe cases yearly and this contributes to death rates of approximately 500, 000 deaths where the majority are the ageing people of 65 years and above (Ryu, Kim, Park and Park (2011 p. 4197). Influenza causes annual epidemics and the winter seasons or temperate areas are the peak seasons for influenza. This illness can take economic toll because of heavy expenditure on provision of healthcare services not only to the aging population but also to children who are dependent. The essay explores the determinants of influenza in aging people and analyzes the inequalities, as well as, policies that impact on the public health issue. Determinants Of Influenza In Adults Age 65 Years Old And Above Ageing people are at higher risks for many vaccine preventable illnesses because this illness contributes to high morbidity and mortality rates. Influenza and pneumonia in adults are among the 8th leading cause for increased death rates among the aging people across the globe (DH 2009, p. 5). Many aging people die while others get admitted in hospitals due to complications of influenza disease. The determinant of health covers all the risk factors that may pose an individual to influenza. Social issues are among influenza determinants among the elderly populations across the globe. The research carried out revealed that social determinants such as gender, ethnicity, social-economic status, cultural beliefs and values were among the determinants of influenza in adults (Nagata (2013, p. 88). The behavioral beliefs, affordability, education or attitudes about the va ccine are also significant determinants of flu vaccine. Vaccination gains influenza virus is vital because it is one of the best methods of preventing unnecessary hospitalizations and premature death rates to elderly people. Another influenza determinant is the health care provisions among the elderly population. Since the beginning of the 20th century, timely and efficient intervention methods have been significant contributing factors for the decline of morality rates from influenza disease and other associated diseases such as cancer and coronary heart disease (Merrill 2010, p. 57). The health of aging population is influenced by varied factors including the past and present behaviors, as well as, health care provisions. There is an immense dissimilarity among the health inequalities and health determinants. The primary causes for health are frequently summed up in the slogan of dealing with the determinants for wellbeing and health inequalities. The health inequalities are tackl ed under the policy implementation whereby the government focuses on distribution of equal health care services to all population. Focusing on the determinant of healthcare inequalities is vital because this is one of the increased causes for widespread influenza disease. Education factor is among the social determinants of influenza and it is linked to learning disabilities for adults. The research study carried out revea

Major factors in managing construction of house Assignment

Major factors in managing construction of house - Assignment Example The completion of any project is the successful conglomeration of many factors. Construction of house is also no exception to this. The following factors must be taken care of by the project manager in the ensuring that all activities are completed in time. License from the authority for the construction Availability of wood, nail, gum, plumbing material, wiring material, curtain, carpet etc Availability of Labour Efficient use of resources Completion of each activity in time so that the project can be finished as desired (i)Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of network and the WBS. Advantages of Networking Helps the project manager to concentrate their attention to the critical activities and their completion in time Provides the best way of planning and scheduling a project Give complete information about duration, slackness etc of activities Suggest areas for increasing efficiency and reduction of costs Helps to formulate new schedules and when the existing schedule cannot be met Minimizes delay in completion of the project Disadvantages of Networking The realistic time estimates are not obtained. In the case of new and non-repetitive type of projects, the time estimates are more often mere guesses It is not easy to develop a clear logical network in some cases The level of network details cannot be determined properly in some cases. The level of details varies from planner to planner depending on the judgment and experience Lack of trained personnel in the network methodology. Advantages of WBS Allows the project manager to understand the scope of the project Facilitates the manager to understand the various activities, sub activities and their completion time It provides the frame work to understand the planning and controlling cost of the project It can be revised as and when required by the manger Disadvantages of WBS In case of some projects, certain activities cannot be delineated from other activities because of overlapping The exact deliverables need not be estimated with accuracy in case of all projects The philosophy of WBS preparation may change from firm to firm. (k) Integrate WBS and OBS for the project Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) Performing Department Landscaping Foundation Siding Roofing Plumbing Finishing Project Manager (Andy) Plastering Framing Wiring Skylight TV Antenna Painting Make Curtain Lay Carpet Builder ( Joseph) X X Electrician (John) X X Plumber (Tony) X Handyman (

E-commerce Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 3

E-commerce - Essay Example When utilized properly, it allows companies and organizations to enhance their profitability, move into new markets and also provide the consumers with better services and products. It is due to the advantages of the practice that several enterprises, both small and large, continue to incorporate it into their operations and procedures. By 2005, the e-business revenue exceeded $2 trillion (Laudon & Guercio 2014). This is a strong signal that additional businesses are becoming aware of the opportunities that are available and exploiting them for their own benefits and that of the customers. Some of the brick and motor enterprises which had only physical presence have decided to embrace it to realize the benefits of the innovation (Chaudhury & Kuilboer 2002). It is, however, important to remember that for a brick and motor business to embrace and benefit from e-commerce, it must be ready to counter some of the challenges inherent in the practice. With the right approach, positive outco mes will be realized both in the short term and long term. E-commerce can be defined as a business that is transacted electronically. In most instances, the internet is used (Frieden & Roche 2006). Majority of people take e-commerce to be only about buying commodities over the web. However, it is much more than this. The practice includes purchasing various items from online sellers, online banking services and paying for travel services and accommodation. The basic idea is that there is minimal or no physical contact between the seller and the buyer of the commodity (Graham 2008). This is unlike the brick and motor business model, which requires the buyer to come to the physical location of the commodities and products and buy them or pay for them. Brick and motor businesses rely on traditional selling platforms (Humeau & Jung 2013). This is the same model that Coventry Books has been using. For a customer to transact any business with Coventry

Influenza in Elderly Aged 65 years and above Essay

Influenza in Elderly Aged 65 years and above - Essay Example Therefore, the effective measure for preventing this communicable disease is to offer influenza vaccinations to ageing people. Influenza is a public health issue because it is an acute viral infection, which can spread from one individual to another, and it circulates across the globe and can affect many aging people at a higher rate. According to the WHO report, global influenza epidemics result to 3 to 5 million of severe cases yearly and this contributes to death rates of approximately 500, 000 deaths where the majority are the ageing people of 65 years and above (Ryu, Kim, Park and Park (2011 p. 4197). Influenza causes annual epidemics and the winter seasons or temperate areas are the peak seasons for influenza. This illness can take economic toll because of heavy expenditure on provision of healthcare services not only to the aging population but also to children who are dependent. The essay explores the determinants of influenza in aging people and analyzes the inequalities, as well as, policies that impact on the public health issue. Determinants Of Influenza In Adults Age 65 Years Old And Above Ageing people are at higher risks for many vaccine preventable illnesses because this illness contributes to high morbidity and mortality rates. Influenza and pneumonia in adults are among the 8th leading cause for increased death rates among the aging people across the globe (DH 2009, p. 5). Many aging people die while others get admitted in hospitals due to complications of influenza disease. The determinant of health covers all the risk factors that may pose an individual to influenza. Social issues are among influenza determinants among the elderly populations across the globe. The research carried out revealed that social determinants such as gender, ethnicity, social-economic status, cultural beliefs and values were among the determinants of influenza in adults (Nagata (2013, p. 88). The behavioral beliefs, affordability, education or attitudes about the va ccine are also significant determinants of flu vaccine. Vaccination gains influenza virus is vital because it is one of the best methods of preventing unnecessary hospitalizations and premature death rates to elderly people. Another influenza determinant is the health care provisions among the elderly population. Since the beginning of the 20th century, timely and efficient intervention methods have been significant contributing factors for the decline of morality rates from influenza disease and other associated diseases such as cancer and coronary heart disease (Merrill 2010, p. 57). The health of aging population is influenced by varied factors including the past and present behaviors, as well as, health care provisions. There is an immense dissimilarity among the health inequalities and health determinants. The primary causes for health are frequently summed up in the slogan of dealing with the determinants for wellbeing and health inequalities. The health inequalities are tackl ed under the policy implementation whereby the government focuses on distribution of equal health care services to all population. Focusing on the determinant of healthcare inequalities is vital because this is one of the increased causes for widespread influenza disease. Education factor is among the social determinants of influenza and it is linked to learning disabilities for adults. The research study carried out revea

E-commerce Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 3

E-commerce - Essay Example When utilized properly, it allows companies and organizations to enhance their profitability, move into new markets and also provide the consumers with better services and products. It is due to the advantages of the practice that several enterprises, both small and large, continue to incorporate it into their operations and procedures. By 2005, the e-business revenue exceeded $2 trillion (Laudon & Guercio 2014). This is a strong signal that additional businesses are becoming aware of the opportunities that are available and exploiting them for their own benefits and that of the customers. Some of the brick and motor enterprises which had only physical presence have decided to embrace it to realize the benefits of the innovation (Chaudhury & Kuilboer 2002). It is, however, important to remember that for a brick and motor business to embrace and benefit from e-commerce, it must be ready to counter some of the challenges inherent in the practice. With the right approach, positive outco mes will be realized both in the short term and long term. E-commerce can be defined as a business that is transacted electronically. In most instances, the internet is used (Frieden & Roche 2006). Majority of people take e-commerce to be only about buying commodities over the web. However, it is much more than this. The practice includes purchasing various items from online sellers, online banking services and paying for travel services and accommodation. The basic idea is that there is minimal or no physical contact between the seller and the buyer of the commodity (Graham 2008). This is unlike the brick and motor business model, which requires the buyer to come to the physical location of the commodities and products and buy them or pay for them. Brick and motor businesses rely on traditional selling platforms (Humeau & Jung 2013). This is the same model that Coventry Books has been using. For a customer to transact any business with Coventry

Assessment Process Essay Example for Free

Assessment Process Essay A1 Award 1 Understand the principles and requirements of assessment. 1. 1 Explain the functions of assessment in learning and development. ? ? ? What is initial assessment and how does this identify learner’s needs? What is formative assessment and how does this track learner’s progress? What is summative assessment and how does this assess learner’s achievement? 1. 2 Define the key concepts and principles of assessment. ? ? ? ? ? How do you make assessment using set criteria in order to make judgements of learners’ knowledge, skills and competence? What is meant by validity and reliability? What role does evidence have in making assessment decisions? What is meant by evidence being authentic, sufficient and current the importance of objectivity and fairness to learners? What is the importance of transparency for the learner? 1. 3 Explain the responsibilities of the assessor: ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? How do you ensure that you understand and apply the standards and requirements of the award you are assessing? How do you plan assessments to meet learner needs? How do you communicate assessment requirements to learners? How do you carry out assessments? How do you compare evidence with set standards? How do you make assessment decisions? How do you record the assessment process and decisions? How do you provide feedback to learners? How do you take part in standardisation processes? What do you do that ensures you take part in continuing professional development? 1. 4 Identify the regulations and requirements relevant to assessment in own area of practice ? How do you ensure you implement the assessment requirements for the awarding organisation (i. e. City and Guilds) or regulatory body (i. e. Ofsted)? ? What do you have to do in order to comply with the above? ? Why do you need to comply with the relevant assessment strategy for that particular qualification? What is the importance of this process? 2. Understand different types of assessment method. 2. 1 Compare the strengths and limitations of a range of assessment methods with reference to the needs of individual learners Looking at a range of assessment methods and their strengths and weaknesses of each. 3. Understand how to plan assessment. 3. 1 Summarise key factors to consider when planning assessment ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? How do you know what standards/criteria to be used when planning assessments? How do you pick what type and volume of evidence is required? How do you decide what assessment method to use? What do you communication to the learner about the assessment plan? What needs to be communicated to other people involved in the assessment process? How do you consider location and resources when planning assessments? How do you decide what time and duration the assessment planning process should take? How do you plan specific learner needs and decide on any support required? How do you manage the assessment process? How do you record the assessment processes and the decisions that you have made? How do you feedback to the learner? How do you comply with the relevant assessment strategy of planning the assessment of a qualification? 3. 2 Evaluate the benefits of using a holistic approach to assessment. ? ? ? ? How can you ensure that you are efficient in the collection of evidence for the learner and for you as an assessor? How can you plan for evidence that can be used for more than one unit? How can you identifying how the learner integrates different areas into their practice to ensure that holistic assessment takes place. Understanding into their practice. 3. 3 Explain how to apply holistic assessment when planning assessment. How do you plan assessments so that a variety of required evidence can be derived from one assessment occasion? 3. 4 Summarise the types of risks that may be involved in assessment in own area of responsibility. How do you ensure that you assess risks in your role as assessor: 3. 5 Explain how to minimise risks through the planning process. How to manage assessments to minimise risks associated with, health and safety, learner stress and potential for inauthentic evidence, collusion, unjustifiable support to the learner, fairness. 4. Understand how to involve learners and others in assessment 4. 1 Explain the importance of involving the learner and others in the assessment process. What are the benefits of involving learners in the assessment process? 4. 2 Summarise types of information that should be made available to learners and others involved in the assessment process. What information should be given to learners and others involved in the assessment process? 4. 3 Explain how peer and self-assessment can be used effectively to promote learner involvement and personal responsibility in the assessment of learning. Why should the learner and others contribute to formative assessment? What are the benefits of the learning developing a sense of ownership over the learning and the assessment process? 4. 4 Explain how assessment arrangements can be adapted to meet the needs of individual learners. What types of adapts regarding assessment may need to take place in order to meet the needs of the following: language requirements / physical disabilities / particular learning needs and working patterns. 5. Understand how to make assessment decisions 5. 1 Explain how to judge whether evidence is valid, authentic, current, and sufficient? 5. 2 How do you ensure that assessment decisions are made against specified criteria and are valid, reliable, and fair? 6. Understand own contribution to the quality assurance of assessment 6. 1 Evaluate the importance of quality assurance in the assessment process How do you ensure that you meet the requirements of quality assurance? How do you ensure the reliability of assessment decisions and the fairness to individual candidates? 6. 2 Summarise quality assurance and standardisation procedures in own area of practice What are the quality assurance and standardisation procedures for the qualifications that you assess? 6. 3 Summarise the relevant procedures to follow when there are disputes concerning assessment in own area of practice. What are the appeals procedures relevant to own area of assessment practice? 7. Understand how to manage information relation to assessment of occupational competence 7. 1 Explain the importance of following procedures for the management of information relating to assessment. How do you ensure that you provide accurate information on learner achievement and contribute to quality and standardisation? How do you ensure that feedback is given to the learner and review the learning progress? How do you maintain records if required in regards to an appeal? 7. 2 Explain how feedback and questioning contributes to the assessment process. How does feedback help the learner develop? 8. Understand the legal and good practice requirements in relation to assessment 8. 1 Explain legal issues, policies and procedures relevant to assessment, including those for confidentiality, health, safety and welfare. What is the organisation, legal and awarding bodies policies and procedures in regards to the following areas: Health and safety, including leaner emotional welfare, confidentiality, transparency, record keeping, equal opportunities and diversity, compliance with the relevant assessment strategy if assessing a qualification.

Impact Of Celebrity Endorsement On Consumer Purchase Intention Marketing Essay

Impact Of Celebrity Endorsement On Consumer Purchase Intention Marketing Essay Celebrity endorsement has become a modern day staple of advertisement strategies, used to create distinctive competencies in increasingly competitive industries. This is especially the case with the telecom sector of Pakistan, which is one of the countrys most profitable industries and thus the level of competition is fierce and companies often resort to celebrity endorsement to impact consumer purchase intention. This research study aims to study the nature of the relationship between celebrity endorsement variables and purchase intention. The use of previous studies in this field has created a common set of variables that combine to form the celebrity endorsement factor and as such these variables have been extracted from the literature review. The identified variables are: image-fit, brand recognition, likeability, trustworthiness and attractiveness. The research primarily used a quantitative method for analysis as the author wanted the results to be less subject to the authors own intuition and thus his own bias. This analysis was obtained from questionnaires and formed the basis of the data used to regress the variables with each other. Overall, the regression and cross tabulation results concluded that all five variables had a significant impact on purchase intention with brand recognition and trustworthiness being given the highest value by consumers in terms of affecting their purchase intention. Acknowledgements I would like to express my gratitude to all those who helped me during the whole of my project. I gratefully acknowledge the help of my supervisor, Professor Fareedy who has offered me invaluable advice throughout the project. He has spent time and energy to aid in the completion of this project and none of this would have been possible without his patient instructions, insightful criticisms and expert guidance. I would also acknowledge the enormous support and advice received from my dear friend, Ammar Hameed, without whom this thesis would not have been of the quality that it is now. Table of Contents Chapter I: Overview Introduction Advertisement plays a vital role in the economy; it is the foundation upon which this fast paced world learns whats new and available. To sell a product in the competitive global market has become a challenging task. Homogenous products and brands make it difficult to choose from. Minor tweaks in design and voila a new product is ready for the shelves. However advertisement is major difference between the brands and their products and services. In order to survive in this trade, companies require sales to increase which would establish a label for the company seemingly creates a sense of belonging between the consumer and the product. This sense of belonging is awakened in the hearts of the purchasers by going along with celebrity endorsements where consumers can relate to their favorite celebrity that leads on to influencing demand for that brands product or service. When relating to celebrities, it is vital that companies choose celebrities who are up in the popular rating hence strengthening the scope of accomplishment in gaining market share for the particular brand, product or a service. It can be said that the popularity and the association of the celebrity with the brand has a direct relationship. As the popularity level goes up, so does the image of the brand in question. The basic idea of the endorsement is quite simple. General consensus is that people like celebrities, if those celebrities say that they like a product or a service naturally people will like what they like. It is as if by magic celebrities transfer their popularity from themselves to the products. Endorsement also might symbolize quality or any other related virtue. In order to sell a product we need to advertise and what could be better than to advertise on the shoulders of already successful sales i.e. celebrities. It is thus that this research project seeks to understand the how celebrities, and specifically their attributes affect, both positively and negatively, the purchase intention of the consumers and hence the title: Impact of celebrity endorsers attributes on consumer purchase intention Background The history of celebrity endorsement of products dates back to the 1760s. Josiah Wedgwood, the founder of the Wedgwood brand of pottery and chinaware, also called the father of the modern brand ; he used royal endorsements with regard to his brand to create a sense of aura and position the brand in such a way as to exceed its value in comparison to the value created by the product and services offered. The cigarette industry signed on entertainment personalities and used them in its ads in 1905. Since radio became commercial in the late 20s and the invention of TV screens in the 40s, celebrities have done commercials. Western culture has always flocked to the notion of a celebrity driven culture; whereby celebrities dictate the trends of the post-modern materialistic culture. Endorsements help the companies to gain strength in the market in order to be part of the consumers purchase basket. By doing so, sunrise companies prosper and develop into bug giants. Celebrities have a growing interest of the consumer population hence that image and aura is used in relation to a brand to influence the purchase decisions of people all around. This mechanism allows for change in tastes and interests with regard to the celebrity endorsement. Aristotle once said, Any brand can get a celebrity that is easy; but getting a celebrity consistent with the right brand to the right degree at the right time for the right purpose and in the right way; that is not easy. Significance of the Study The usage of famous ambassadors or celebrities in the department of marketing intervention and communications is growing since the late 1970s and has exalted to a percentage of nearly 25% at the end of the 1990s. Some researches show a positive direct economic effect of these famous endorsements despite they are very expensive. It ought to be of greath worth to the companies to know what product/brand goes with which celebrity in light of the expected outcome. Celebrity endorsements amount to millions of dollars in investments and the investment has to be on the mark to produce fruitful results. However to ensure soundness of the investment, appropriate time and money is alloted to the marketing department to match the product with the celebrity keeping in view the popularity ranking of the celebrity in question with forecasted predictions of his/her future public stance. This research measures the Impact of celebrity endorsers attributes on consumer purchase intention to keep a chec k on the consumers behavior patterns in relation to the associated celebrity endorsement. However, Although, marketing strategies if well directed could improve the message getting across thus creating a suitable link between the brand and the celebrity. In light of this, the planning process of the message and the brand equity management should cater to the celebrity appropriately. The research itself would focus on Lowe Raufs client, Nestle and how celebrity endorsements affect consumer purchase behavior and brand equity for milk. The milk industry in Pakistan is an ever growing industry with multiple competitors and multiple ad agencies vying to create effective communication channels for these brands. Milkpak for the first time in Pakistan is not the market leader and as such the use of celebrity endorsement is an effective way of readdressing that balance. Time Frame The time frame for this research project is 5 months, starting from August and ending in December. Research Proposal Submission (August 2012) Revisions to Proposal (1st September 2012) Literature Review (1st September 2012) Hypothesis Generation (1st September 2012) Theoretical Framework (1st September 2012) Methodology (1st September 2012) Data Collection (22nd September 2012) Data Compilation (6th October 2012) Data Analysis (13th October 2012) Results and Findings (20th October 2012) Final Submission (3rd November 30th 2012) Resources Zakria Fawad (Account Manager, Nestle) served as the primary source of reference as he handles the Nestle and Stylo accounts within the firm. Prior case studies generated by Lowe and Rauf also served to help gather further information of the research topic and as such was a useful resource. The GM, Anwar Kabir, was the secondary source of information, providing further insight as to the workings of the firm at a macro level. Chapter II: Lowe Rauf Lowe Rauf Lowe Rauf, Pakistan is an affiliate of Lowe and Partners international, which itself is a unit of Interpublic Group, one of the four biggest advertisement companies in the world. Situated in Karachi, Lowe Rauf firsts established itself in Pakistan in 1951 as an in-house agency of Unilever and gradually morphed into an independent company after a decade. This new independent company was called R-Lintas and was headed by Mr. Rauf who saw it grow and morph into one of the key players in Pakistans advertising industry. In the mid 90s, R-Lintas opened its doors to the Lahore market as well and has been thriving ever since in the city, creating many memorable campagins for some of the largest players in the industry, including but not limited to: Lux, Dalda, Nestle, Unilever Foods, Unilever Non Foods. In 2003, R-Lintas was taken over by Lowe and Partners International and was changed to Lowe Rauf Pakistan ever since with a new philosophy that focuses on fusing local ideas into everyday products that is known in its offices as, Populist Creativity. Mission Statement: Populist Creativity engage the many not the few to achieve top client satisfaction Vision Statement: To create the most significant, cultural and profitable IMCs in Pakistan Clients: Surf Excel, Walls, Nestle (all products), Mitchells, Rexona, Knorr, GFC fans and Stylo shoes. The Lahore office specifically caters to Nestle, GFC, Mitchells and Stylo. The most famous campaigns include: Kha Badami for Walls Daagh tau achay hotay hain for Surf Excel Commander Safeguard for Safeguard Rio Biscuits from Rio for Peak Freans Goals Objectives (2012) Continuous and stringent current client satisfaction for the next 3 years Develop effective communication channels with current client affiliates Increase research into changing consumer expectations based on the past 5 years Build and sustain corporate relationship with overseas subsidiaries Create IMC programs that consistently challenge, innovate and surprise Attract top industry clients whose contract terms with rivals are about to be expired IMC Services Offered IMC Strategy Formulation TVC Campaign Planning, Creation Execution Print Media Campaign Planning, Creation Execution Digital Media Campaign Planning, Creation Execution Media Production Media Buying Public Relations Strategy Press Releases Market Research Organizational Structure The Interpublic Group of Companies sits at the top of the chart with Lowe Partners followed by the local agency, Lowe Rauf, within Lowe Rauf, the Lahore office and the Karachi office function independently, with differing clientele. The Karachi office has eight different departments which include: Account Service, Account Planning, Creative, Finance, Media Buying, Production, Human Resource and Research. The Lahore office shares these resources for some functions, while running independently for others and thus it has smaller set of departments. It has a separate, Account Service, Creative, Media Buying and Production department, while the rest are shared with the Karachi office. Organizational Chart [Source: Lowe Rauf, Pakistan (2012). Organizational Structure, People Procedures Manual, pp. 3] Functional Departments Account Service Department: This department acts as a liaison between the agency and the client. It is responsible for maintaining the client portfolio along with working with the creative department and the client to ensure that information flows smoothly and to maintain a good working relationship with the client so that future work can also be brought in. The account services department, typically the account executive works to create a creative brief, which forms as the basis upon which the creative department comes up with ideas. Account Planning Department: The role of the account planning department is fundamentally to formulate a strategy that will drive all campaign objectives forward in a manner that is consistent with the agencys goals as well as the clients needs and the consumer perception of the brand in question. It is thus the most important department in the agency. Account planners frequently work with the research department because it is based on the information provided by the research team that they form their strategy and plans. Creative Department: The creative department is responsible for coming up with ideas for all campaigns. They use the creative brief provided by the account service department and use that to create print and TVC advertisements. The concepts created by this department are related back to the account service department which shows them to the client for approval. Often creative need to come up with multiple concepts because clients can be finicky and choosy. Media Production Department: The media production department is responsible for producing the TVC or print idea that the creative department has come up with. Once the final idea for the advertisement has been approved by the client, this department works with the creative department to create the advertisement so that a final form can be aired on television or published in newspapers, magazines etc. Media Buying Department: The media buyers use their sources and contacts to purchase advertising space wherever required at the cheapest rate possible. It is thus important to have a very low turnover rate within this department as one of the major ways through which lower rates are gained are through the media buyers contacts. These people also need to be aware of costs with regards to different locations, timings special occasions so that they can act upon it quickly, before the competition. Human Resource Department: The Human Resource Department, like any HR dept. at any organization is responsible for the planning and managing of personnel within the organization. This department mostly uses internet and websites to satisfy personnel needs, however sometimes newspaper advertisements might also be used. Market Research Department: The market research department is constantly in contact with consumers of different clients to understand how, when and why are consumer perceptions changing with regards to new campaigns and changes to brand. They also track brand health and measure equity if the client desires. Finance Department: Like with any other organization, the finance department controls all costs and cash associated with the firm at all levels. Market Strategy and USP Lowe Rauf follow a differentiation strategy in that their services are slightly expensive than most of the competition, however they make up for it by providing efficient services, that are uniquely creative as well as the fact that they are one of the fastest agencies in terms of creating campaigns. That is their major differentiating factor as well as the fact that they are highly experienced in FMCG goods and have a very successful portfolio with Surf Excel, Walls, Nestle, etc. USP: Their unique selling proposition is the fact that they can create uniquely creative advertisement campaigns within 10 days. Financial Statements Lowe Rauf Income Statement 2009 2010 Sales Rs. 22,145,385 Rs. 37,275,400 Direct Cost of Sales 0 0 Other Production Expenses 0 0 Total Cost of Sales 0 0 Gross Margin 22,145,385 37,275,400 Gross Margin % 100.00% 100.00% Expenses Payroll 9,965,423 16,773,930 Sales and Marketing and Other Expenses 3,321,808 5,591,310 Depreciation 0 0 Leased Equipment 0 0 Utilities 110,000 110,000 Insurance 0 0 Rent 1,110,000 1,110,000 Payroll Taxes 1,494,813 2,516,090 Other 0 0 Total Operating Expenses 16,002,044 26,101,330 Profit Before Interest and Taxes 6,143,341 11,174,071 EBITDA 6,143,341 11,174,071 Interest Expense 491,467 893,926 Taxes Incurred 1,535,835 2,793,518 Net Profit 4,116,038 7,486,627 Net Profit/Sales 18.59% 20.08% [Source: Lowe Rauf, Pakistan (2012). Financial Statements, People, Procedures Manual, pp. 17] Lowe Rauf Cash Flow Statement 2009 2010 Cash Received Cash from Operations Cash Sales 5,536,346 9,318,850 Cash from Receivables 15,501,770 26,092,780 Subtotal Cash Received 21,038,116 35,411,630 Expenditures Expenditures from Operations Cash Spending 10,939,820 18,414,048 Bill Payments 5,890,672 9,915,256 Subtotal Spent on Operations 16,830,493 28,329,304 Additional Cash Spent Long-term Liabilities Principal Repayment 2,100,000 2,100,000 Purchase Other Current Assets 0 0 Purchase Long-term Assets 0 0 Subtotal Cash Spent 18,930,493 30,429,304 Net Cash Flow 2,107,623 4,982,326 Cash Balance 10,522,869 15,505,195 [Source: Lowe Rauf, Pakistan (2012). Financial Statements, People, Procedures Manual, pp. 18] Lowe Rauf Balance Sheet 2009 2010 Assets Current Assets Cash 10,522,869 15,505,195 Accounts Receivable 5,787,578 8,527,857 Other Current Assets 1,331,100 1,331,100 Total Current Assets 17,641,547 25,364,152 Total Long-term Assets 0 0 Total Assets 17,641,547 25,364,152 Liabilities and Capital Current Liabilities Accounts Payable 1,157,516 1,705,571 Current Borrowing 0 0 Other Current Liabilities 0 0 Subtotal Current Liabilities 1,157,516 1,705,571 Long-term Liabilities 10,055,682 14,457,567 Total Liabilities 11,213,197 16,163,138 Paid-in Capital 12,700,000 12,700,000 Retained Earnings 2,155,612 -3,987,641 Earnings 4,116,038 7,486,627 Total Capital 6,428,350 9,201,014 Total Liabilities and Capital 17,641,547 25,364,152 Net Worth 6,428,350 9,201,014 [Source: Lowe Rauf, Pakistan (2012). Financial Statements, People, Procedures Manual, pp. 19] Chapter III: Industry Competitors Local Industry Pakistans media network has gained new benchmarks as compared to yesteryears. Once being an agriculturally dominated, Pakistan has developed in this aspect. Cable and television being accessible to wherever there is electricity and road side billboards being the hub of advertisement. Be it radio, television, billboards or internet, advertisement market of Pakistan has expanded its outreach whereby it is now creating alliance with celebrities from overseas and setting aside endorsements as per the requirement of the current times. This opportunity of hiring non- Pakistani celebrities for brand image reaches new popularity levels that were previously held by Pakistani entertainers. Pakistan is increasingly following in the footsteps of the Western world by adopting a celebrity driven culture; where latest trends, fashions and ideas are modeled after various celebrities. History is witness to the fact that investments in celebrity endorsements in Pakistan have increased rapidly in the l ast decade or so hence increasing the quality of competition as well promoting innovation in marketing strategies as well as product development. This chain of events have allowed Pakistan to grow in the positive direction hence creating awareness and increasing knowledge of the general public by means of massive advertisement projects in relation to gaining total strength of the consumer population. Huge investments require similar increases in revenue. Brand image once embossed within the consumers then the companies get their safe haven until they reap the fruit of their own mistakes. Thus companies are increasingly using celebrities to endorse their brands by either publicly using their product or appearing in advertisements for said products. The aim is to increase sales of the product by getting consumers to change their purchase behavior and buying more of the product (either by consuming it in greater quantity or buying more of the product). However celebrity endorsement does not automatically guarantee greater success, nor is the effectiveness same for every brand of a particular celebrity. Thus it becomes important for organizations to understand how celebrity endorsement affects their brand. The purpose of this thesis is to study the impact that celebrity endorsement has on a brand as well as the factors that determine the effectiveness of the endorsement for the brand in order to maintain successful brand recognition. Competitor Analysis The local Pakistani advertising industry is brimming with a multitude of advertising agencies and each day it seems a new one is opening up around the corner. However, most of the top agencies in Pakistan have been around for decades and have a stable client base with which they operate and conduct their business with. Orient McCann: McCann-Erickson is an affiliate of the Interpublic Group of Companies and is a multinational advertising agency with some of the largest and lucrative clients in the world. McCann Erickson combined with a local corporation, Orient in 1996 to form Orient McCann in Pakistan. It soon established itself as one of the best agencies in Pakistan and currently has the highest market share with major clients as Habib Bank, KFC and LOreal. Synergy Advertising: Synergy Advertising has made a name for itself in recent years by winning the award for the best print advertisements in Pakistan. It has also gained strides by roping in Moiblink as its client along with Engro Polymer and NBP. Synergy is the second largest advertising service in Pakistan today. JWT: JWT, another international company with significant backing has been in the industry for over 20 years and has some of the most loyal client base in the industry. JWT prides itself on providing discounts and other deals to its clients, which are unmatched in the industry. Its major clients include Bank Alfalah and Asiatic Bank. Interflow: Interflow was established in Pakistan in 1979 and was initially slow to get off the ground. However over the last 10 years it has consistently performed well and with international clients such as Samsung and LG, it continues to build its reputation in the market. Manhattan International: Manhattan International is one of the few advertising agencies, certainly the only recognizable agency in Pakistan that is actively affiliated with its international office. Most other agencies, including Lowe Rauf are independent organizations with the same set of rules and principles; however Manhattans strongest point is that it can take the help of its international counterparts for campaigns and that is why they are strong in Pakistan, even though they have been here for a very short duration. Their biggest client at the moment is PIA. Pak Media Com: Pak Media Coms claim to fame has been one intensely popular campaign that has made them famous on the circuit. That campaign is the recent Ufone advertisements which have taken the industry by storm. Deemed to be the most recognizable and most appreciated advertisements amongst teenagers and young adults, these advertisements have put Pak Media Com on the map. Midas: Midas has started relatively recently in Pakistan and has been able to get the Indus Motor Company as their clients, along with a recent contract with Samsung post 2012, once their partnership with Interflow expires. This has made them a prominent player in Pakistans increasingly competitive advertising landscape. Evernew Entertainment: Evernew Entertainment has been around for over 20 years but has slowly seen a decline in its client base with the emergence of new players in the industry. It still has a few significant clients, such as Dawlance, which make them a worthy competition even now. Mindshare Pakistan: Just like Evernew, Mindshare has also been in operation for a long time but has a dwindling client base, however with Nokia still in their portfolio, they are deemed significant enough by the other agencies. Argus Advertising: Argus Advertising is not a large firm (as compared to the others on this list) but they have a very large, very profitable client in Sony. Although their client base is limited, the presence of Sony in their portfolio has been the envy of many Pakistani advertising agencies. Competitor Form Sheet [Source: Lowe Rauf, Pakistan (2012). Financial Statements, People, Procedures Manual, pp. 21] Financial Ratio Comparison Lowe Rauf with Argus Ever new Ratio Analysis Lowe Rauf Argus Evernew Sales Growth 9.60% 7.20% 11.40% Percent of Total Assets Accounts Receivable 32.17% 42.06% 35.75% Other Current Assets 7.20% 5.74% 3.41% Total Current Assets 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% Total Assets 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% Current Liabilities 5.89% 6.46% 5.42% Long-term Liabilities 57.60% 34.46% 13.63% Total Liabilities 63.49% 40.93% 19.05% Net Worth 36.51% 59.07% 80.95% Percent of Sales Sales 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% Gross Margin 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% Selling, General Administrative Expenses 106.55% 85.91% 74.60% Advertising Expenses 21.25% 16.22% 15.09% Profit Before Interest and Taxes -2.60% 22.01% 37.23% Main Ratios Current 16.97 15.47 18.45 Quick 16.97 15.47 18.45 Total Debt to Total Assets 63.49% 40.93% 19.05% Return on Net Worth -29.16% 72.40% 80.99% Return on Assets -10.65% 42.77% 65.56% Additional Ratios Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Net Profit Margin -6.55% 14.09% 25.40% Return on Equity -29.16% 50.68% 56.69% Activity Ratios Accounts Receivable Turnover 3.79 4.6 2.9 Collection Days 56 78 82 Accounts Payable Turnover 12.05 12.17 12.3 Payment Days 27 26 29 Total Asset Turnover 1.63 2.13 1.81 [Source: Lowe Rauf, Pakistan (2012). Financial Statements, People, Procedures Manual, pp. 17] Chapter IV: Literature Review Literature Overview From a marketing perspective, it is important to understand each and every aspect that has an impact on the brand (and product). Hence there are innumerable studies that have dedicated themselves to understanding the factors that lead to an increase in marketing effectiveness and leading to the ultimate aim of greater purchases and greater brand equity. Celebrity endorsement is one such factor that impacts purchase behavior and as such there have been studies that have been dedicated to not only studying the impact of this variable but also how it can be utilized to increase marketing effectiveness as well as the precautions that must be taken into account. The following reviews consist of studies relevant to this study. Celebrity Endorsement Hidden Factors to Success T