Hunger Games

The Hunger Games is a fictional book. which establishes the relationship between the protagonist Katniss, and the protagonist Peeta. Katniss is a 16 year old girl who lives In District twelve, Panem. She Is the sole provider for her family and competes in the Hunger Games, a game where two people from each of the twelve districts are chosen to fight to the death. Peeta is a 16 year old boy who is also from District Twelve who competes in the Hunger Games with Katniss.Throughout the book there s great debate on whether Katniss and Peeta are in love, or not in love. Katniss pretends to be In love with Peeta because It helps her In the Games, and It Is an act of survival. Peeta on the other hand is deeply in love with Katniss. Throughout the book Katniss often finds herself making multiple references back to her friend, Gale, who has been her best friend for years. She wonders what life would be like with Katniss pretends to be in love with Peeta. She sees It as her only way of survival In the Games.When she and Peeta are in an affectionate state, the Capitol audience is ntertained. This results In her and Peeta getting both food and messages from their mentor Haymitch and their sponsors. Luckily, they entertain the audience enough to survive the games but towards the end of the book Peeta says to Katniss, â€Å"It was all for the games, how you acted. † (Pg. 372) This is legitimate proof that Katniss only pretended to be in love with Peeta. Based on much evidence from the book, it is revealed that Peeta is deeply in love with Katniss.Prior to the beginning of the Games, both Katniss and Peeta had to take art In a pre-game Interview. In Peeta's Interview. he tells the audience how winning the games would not help his situation because he is deeply in love with Katniss. Katniss was not happy with Peeta's statement, but later In the book calmly asks him, â€Å"Peeta, you said at the interview you'd had a crush on me forever. When did forever start? † ( Pg. 300) Peeta responded, â€Å"Oh let's see. I guess the first day of school. We were five. You had on a red plaid dress and your hair†¦ it was in two braids Instead of one.My father pointed your out. (Pg. 300) This is the most heart-felt moment between the two; however Katniss only asked Peeta the question because she knew she had to keep entertaining the audience. Her strategy to manipulate Peeta's emotions was a great advantage to her game. Katniss often makes references back to her friend Gale, her long time best friend that Is back home In District Twelve. She has mixed feelings about him because when Katniss was about to leave for the games, Gale was saying good bye to Katniss and was cut short with the slamming of a door.There are many misinterpretations about what Gale was trying to say to Katniss. Most people, Including Katniss, think that he ‘OF2 was aoout to say â€Å"l love you Inls unnnlsnea sentence OlsturDs Katnlss aurlng tne games when she has mixed fee lings about Peeta. Katniss thinks to herself, â€Å"Gale's not my boyfriend, but would he be, if I opened that door? † (Pg. 280) Any person who is truly in love would not be thinking about other men in this way. Throughout the Hunger Games there is great talk on whether Katniss and Peeta are in love, or not.Katniss pretends to be in love with Peeta because it helps her in the Games, and she uses it as an act of survival. Peeta on the other hand, is deeply in love with Katniss. During the book Katniss often finds herself making multiple mentions back to her friend, Gale, who has been her best friend and hunting buddy for years. She wonders what life would be like if she was with him. Too conclude, Katniss and Peeta are not meant to be. They have completely different individualities and although it may seem that their pretend love is mutual, it is not. Hunger Games The Hunger Games is a fictional book. which establishes the relationship between the protagonist Katniss, and the protagonist Peeta. Katniss is a 16 year old girl who lives In District twelve, Panem. She Is the sole provider for her family and competes in the Hunger Games, a game where two people from each of the twelve districts are chosen to fight to the death. Peeta is a 16 year old boy who is also from District Twelve who competes in the Hunger Games with Katniss.Throughout the book there s great debate on whether Katniss and Peeta are in love, or not in love. Katniss pretends to be In love with Peeta because It helps her In the Games, and It Is an act of survival. Peeta on the other hand is deeply in love with Katniss. Throughout the book Katniss often finds herself making multiple references back to her friend, Gale, who has been her best friend for years. She wonders what life would be like with Katniss pretends to be in love with Peeta. She sees It as her only way of survival In the Games.When she and Peeta are in an affectionate state, the Capitol audience is ntertained. This results In her and Peeta getting both food and messages from their mentor Haymitch and their sponsors. Luckily, they entertain the audience enough to survive the games but towards the end of the book Peeta says to Katniss, â€Å"It was all for the games, how you acted. † (Pg. 372) This is legitimate proof that Katniss only pretended to be in love with Peeta. Based on much evidence from the book, it is revealed that Peeta is deeply in love with Katniss.Prior to the beginning of the Games, both Katniss and Peeta had to take art In a pre-game Interview. In Peeta's Interview. he tells the audience how winning the games would not help his situation because he is deeply in love with Katniss. Katniss was not happy with Peeta's statement, but later In the book calmly asks him, â€Å"Peeta, you said at the interview you'd had a crush on me forever. When did forever start? † ( Pg. 300) Peeta responded, â€Å"Oh let's see. I guess the first day of school. We were five. You had on a red plaid dress and your hair†¦ it was in two braids Instead of one.My father pointed your out. (Pg. 300) This is the most heart-felt moment between the two; however Katniss only asked Peeta the question because she knew she had to keep entertaining the audience. Her strategy to manipulate Peeta's emotions was a great advantage to her game. Katniss often makes references back to her friend Gale, her long time best friend that Is back home In District Twelve. She has mixed feelings about him because when Katniss was about to leave for the games, Gale was saying good bye to Katniss and was cut short with the slamming of a door.There are many misinterpretations about what Gale was trying to say to Katniss. Most people, Including Katniss, think that he ‘OF2 was aoout to say â€Å"l love you Inls unnnlsnea sentence OlsturDs Katnlss aurlng tne games when she has mixed fee lings about Peeta. Katniss thinks to herself, â€Å"Gale's not my boyfriend, but would he be, if I opened that door? † (Pg. 280) Any person who is truly in love would not be thinking about other men in this way. Throughout the Hunger Games there is great talk on whether Katniss and Peeta are in love, or not.Katniss pretends to be in love with Peeta because it helps her in the Games, and she uses it as an act of survival. Peeta on the other hand, is deeply in love with Katniss. During the book Katniss often finds herself making multiple mentions back to her friend, Gale, who has been her best friend and hunting buddy for years. She wonders what life would be like if she was with him. Too conclude, Katniss and Peeta are not meant to be. They have completely different individualities and although it may seem that their pretend love is mutual, it is not.

Character Sketch of Patrick Jane in The Mentalist

Character Sketch – Patrick Jane, The Mentalist Patrick Jane is the primary character on The Mentalist, a dramatic series that uses the homicide team of the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to showcase Jane’s talents. He has a reputation for his observation skills, which are highly useful when questioning suspects and witnesses, even though he can appear unfeeling when interacting with the recently bereaved. He frequently challenges his superiors, and does it in a mocking manner.Jane’s career prior to the CBI gig was as a charlatan, actually. He was the kind of entertainer that people in need actually believe in – they think he can speak to their dead relative and deliver messages. He was really just reading the audience members’ body language, and filling in the blanks from his imagination. In his interactions with his co-workers and suspects he comes off as quirky, but is quite often spot-on. Otherwise the series wouldn’t have lasted four years (so far).His has a great sense of humor, and is mischievous, even though he is still in mourning for his wife and child, who were murder victims. This creates a high degree of tension and may act as Jane’s motivation in his quest to find the murderer in each episode. Jane is a very attractive white male in his thirties. He’s of average height, with a slim build. His curly, light-brown hair is a little too long to be considered professional. While he always wears a jacket and usually wears a vest, he never wears a tie.Jane’s unconventional attire matches his apparent need to flaunt authority by baiting his superiors. When Jane is trying to work out a problem, he lies on the couch in the the detectives’ area, shuts his eyes, and lets the pieces fall into place. Quite often he sits on that same couch to have a cup of tea. We never see him drinking anything else. Jane is a round character, as we see his struggle to deal with his loss, to develop h is relationships with co-workers, particularly Lisbet. She may be, at some point, a love interest.There are flashbacks to illustrate (showing us) the horror he encountered when he discovered his family’s bodies, and we see that he’s getting emotionally healthier, though he still struggles. His character is dynamic in that regard, yet consistent in his appeal, his cockiness and his mockery of those who take themselves too seriously (telling us his personality traits). He is plausible to the degree that it is possible there’s a person like this – he isn’t superhuman, or anything. He’s just so charming, and so sympathetic, that it’s unlikely that any of us will meet anyone like this. It does work, though.

Analyze The Procurement Methods Samples

The success of a construction project is usually determined from the initial stages through the procurement process chosen. The procurement process will influence the whole construction process and able to determine the success of the construction projects. This paper will analyze three key procurement methods namely design and construct procurement method, management procurement method and collaborative procurement. This paper will analyse the positive and negative impacts, which are accrued when these methods are adopted in construction projects. Additionally, it will look at the benefits and risks, which the different stakeholders experience when either of the methods is chosen. One of the key procurement method, which is gaining popularity in construction projects, is the design and constructs procurement method. As the name suggests, the procurement method can allow the commencement of the construction phase while the design process is still on the process (Victorian State Government, 2006). The adoption of this method is usually done to ensure that the completion of the project is completed in time. Moreover, under this procurement method, different details of the project are given in advance and therefore enhancing the stakeholders planning. Additionally, under this method, the contractor can bear most of the risks in design and implementation of the project. The terms of the contract sum are provided through competitive pricing, which the client can control (Infrastructure Australia, 2012). Under this method, different approaches, which are able to define the relationship and responsibilities of different stakeholders, are usually stated. The following diagrams are able to highlight the different approaches, which are used when this method is applied in a construction project. Under this method, the client can control only one firm which they enter into a contract with regarding the project. The firm has the responsibility for design and construction of the project. The few stakeholders involved can increase the operational efficiency when implementing projects (Mortledge, Smith, and Kashiwagi, 2006). This is able to enhance the commitment of the resources to one area and limit the time of contacting different people separately such as designers and contractor. Overlapping of activities is possible which enhances the implementation cycle. Time is usually saved when the different activities take place at the same time, and this enhances completion of the project within the stipulated timeline. Moreover, the contractor has a contribution on the design parameters, and this enhances the constructibility of the project. Additionally, the cost of implementation is under control when this method is used. The maximum price is usually determined in the procurement stage, and this ensures that any escalation is met within the set budget. Nevertheless, this method has some key flaws, which are experienced when it’s chosen to implement construction projects. The project specifications can easily change according to the needs of the client. Since the lump sum cost is fixed, it creates a hard implementation time when the specification changes (National Research Council (U.S.), & National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (U.S.), 2016). This can lead to an expensive project than it was anticipated before. Also, this method requires comparison of different designs. This may take a lot of time and therefore take up implementation timeline. Moreover, the client is required to commit to a concept design before the detailed and complete designs are completed. This raises high chances for changes while the project is under implementation stage and making the project expensive (Construction Specifications Institute, 2005). Moreover, the client has to prepare all the contract documents in advance and through this method, difficulties may be experienced, where the documents are inadequate and insufficiently comprehensive due to client limitation to prepare them. Several stakeholders involved in these projects can enjoy when it is chosen to implement a construction project. First, the client has limited risks since the contractor has much of the control of the project. This means that the contractor and not the client will sort out financial escalation. Secondly, the client can receive the completed project on time. This is because overlapping of activities is possible and gives the contractors and subcontractors enough time to beat the project deadline (Construction, 2016). The method enhances proper construction method by the contractor since they were involved in the design stages. This gives them ample time for implementation and enhancing the cooperation of the different ideas. Some of the stakeholders are able to experience some problems when this method is chosen. First, the client is required to prepare the contract document, an exercise, which the client may, not be experienced in doing (Gould & Joyce, 2014). The client may experience this problem when preparing the documents. Secondly, the contractor is able to bear all the risks and therefore when the costs exceed the contractor can experience the losses. When changes occur, the cost of the project is able to change but the lump sum cost is unlikely to change and therefore the contractor bears that additional cost. The projects, which their design scopes are unlikely to change, suit this procurement method. In addition, projects whose building is functional rather than prestigious aspects are more stresses suit this method (Gould, 2012). Simple projects, where the technical knowledge is limited suit this method for implementation. Lastly, projects, which require quick implementation, need a procurement method like this to ensure quick implementation. Another upcoming procurement method in the construction projects is the management procurement. Under this procurement method, the client can appoint an independent professional team and a management contractor. This team can act as the adviser to the client in the preconstruction stages and able to carry out the construction works during the construction stage (Gould & Joyce, 2014). In addition, under this method, different approaches can as well be used. Some of these methods include management contracting, construction management and design and manage. The different stakeholders under this method relate according to the following diagram Management contracting- this method requires the appointment of an independent professional team which will advise the client and later carry out the construction works (Austroads, 2007). Early start of the project can be achieved through this approach. Construction management – this approach requires a management contractor who is able to determine the different project aspects (Arain, 2016). Work contractor is also chosen and enhance the implementation of the project works. The management contractor can manage the other contractors. Design and manage –A contractor is chosen to head the design and implementation stage of the construction project. The works contractor and consultant take different responsibilities under this approach. There are different pros, which are achieved using this method. First, the client is able to choose a single firm, which he or she deals with. This enhances the management and coordination from the client perspective (Mortledge, Smith, and Kashiwagi, 2006). Additionally, overlapping of activities is possible through this method and therefore enhancing early completion of the project. Constructability is usually enhanced since the contractor is involved in the design stage when this method is chosen. Competitiveness in tendering process ensures value for money to the client. Additionally, all roles and responsibilities to the different stakeholders are usually stipulated and therefore minimising conflict of interest. Lastly, the flexibility of design is usually possible to suit the client preferences. First, this method is not certain about the cost of the project, and it is only known at the end of the project completion. This means that cost escalation can be able to increase and making the implementation stage hard. Additionally, the client is much involved in the process and therefore requires client who has knowledge of the construction process (Gould, 2012). Additionally, the client is able to lose the control of the design, a responsibility which constructors can take. This means clients needs may not be addressed fully (Harris, Mccaffer & Edum-Fotwe, 2013). Lastly, clear definition of the implementation timeline and all information of the project is required before the implementation stage commences, which may be hard to provide. The client has an easy time in control of the single firm chosen to manage the project. This enhances the collaboration and coordination between the client and implementation team (Fewings, 2013). The methods provide enough time for the contractor to complete the project on time through the overlapping of activities. Additionally, the client can achieve the value of money for the project through the competitive tendering and selection of the implementation team. Each role and responsibility of the stakeholders is to know and therefore enhancing their operation. The client is able to lose the control of the design aspects of the project. This means that their needs may not well articulated as they need. Since the client is not in the design and management part, the end product may not suit their needs (Fewings, 2013). The cost risk is available to the works contractor and the client. Since the cost is uncertain, changes on the cost are likely to occur and therefore likely to suppress the set budget. Informed client about the construction process is a key element to this method. A problem may arise on the management team when the client does not understand these processes. Simple projects, which the clients can understand, are most preferred to be carried out through this method. Projects, which can easily change also, require this method for their implementation. Under this method, different stakeholders in the construction project come together. The risks involved in the project are share according to the different responsibilities, which the shareholders have in the project (Gould, 2012). This procurement method requires stakeholders who can share the same ideas and aspects concerning the project. Under this method, the flow of different elements can be represented as in the following diagram. Transparency level is usually high under this method, and this is a key pro, which this method can bring in procurement sector (Centre for Excellence and Innovation in Infrastructure Delivery, 2010). The different parties are able to collaborate and able to bring the value of money to the project. High resource utilisation is also achieved in this method. Effective implementation of the project is usually achieved through the high consultation in the project. Different ideas are presented enhancing the innovations and implementation of the project. Lastly, due to the high involvement of stakeholders, the projected uncertainty is usually low. This method requires a lot of time during the implementation stage. This may lead to the project timeline to be exceeded (Arain, 2016). The high involvement and coordination require the high trust to the members. This level may not be possible. Opportunistic behaviour may arise and therefore increasing the risk of implementation. The client can forecast on their needs of the project through the early involvement in design stages (Gould, & Joyce, 2013). This enhances the client to prepare and manage their resources for the project implementation. The contractors have an easy time in implementation due to different ideas from stakeholders. The high quality project is achieved for the client through the collaborative ideas. The client may not receive the project on time due to the increased collaboration process. Trust issues among the stakeholders are a problem, which may affect the contractors working (Harris, Mccaffer & Edum-Fotwe, 2013). Increased implementation timeline is a risk to the contractor since additional costs may accrue. Complex project requires this method to enhance their implementation. Additionally, high project requires this method to take the advantage of different input from different people. Procurement methods are key in the implementation of the construction project. The choice of the procurement method depends on the details of the project. Each method has its pros and cons and the areas, which they will perfectly suit to bring the best out of the projects. The different stakeholders can derive different benefits on each method, which is chosen. Additionally, the risk is a key part of the construction process and therefore whichever method is chosen, some problems may be experienced. (2016). Construction. https://trrjournalonline.trb.org/toc/trr/2573. ARAIN, F. M. (2016). Construction project management research compendium. Volume 6 Volume 6. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=1365770. AUSTROADS (2007). Guide to project delivery: part 2: project delivery planning and control, by R Brown and P Robinson, AGPD02/07, Austroads, Sydney, NSW. BALDWIN, A., & BORDOLI, D. (2014). A handbook for project planning and scheduling in construction. https://public.eblib.com/choice/publicfullrecord.aspx?p=1666532. centre for excellence and innovation in infrastructure delivery (2010). Infrastructure procurement options guide, Centre for Excellence and Innovation in Infrastructure Delivery, Western Australia, Perth, WA.   CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS INSTITUTE. (2005). The project resource manual: CSI manual of practice. New York, McGraw-Hill. FEWINGS, P. (2013). Construction project management: an integrated approach. Abingdon, Oxon, Routledge. https://public.eblib.com/choice/publicfullrecord.aspx?p=1092840. GOULD, F. E. (2012). Managing the construction process: estimating, scheduling, and project control. Boston, Prentice Hall. GOULD, F. E., & JOYCE, N. (2014). Construction project management. GOULD, F., & JOYCE, N. (2013). Construction Project Management. Upper Saddle River, NJ, Pearson Education. https://public.eblib.com/choice/publicfullrecord.aspx?p=4773308. HARRIS, F., MCCAFFER, R., & EDUM-FOTWE, F. (2013). Modern construction management. Hoboken, N.J., Wiley-Blackwell. https://www.AUT.eblib.com.au/EBLWeb/patron/?target=patron&extendedid=P_1132836_0. INFRASTRUCTURE AUSTRALIA. (2012). Efficiencies in major project procurement: volume 1: Benchmarks for efficient procurement of major infrastructure, Department of Infrastructure and Transport, Canberra, ACT. MORTLEDGE, R., SMITH, A., KASHIWAGI, D.T. (2006).   Building Procurement. Blackwell, Oxford, UK.   NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (U.S.)., & NATIONAL ACADEMIES OF SCIENCES, ENGINEERING, AND MEDICINE (U.S.),. (2016). Construction. (Transportation research record.) VICTORIAN STATE GOVERNMENT (2006).   Project Alliance Practitioners Guide. Department of Treasury and Finance (https://www.dtf.vic.gov.au/projectalliancing)  

Arts and Politics - China, Germany, and the Soviet Union Essay

Arts and Politics - China, Germany, and the Soviet Union - Essay Example China, Germany, and the Soviet Union have been used as the target examples. This end of the article analyses the three choices, looks at their relationship and the reason as to why they were chosen as great choices for this report. In the 19th century, the Russian Tsars were clear in their articulation that revolutions stood in the offing, in the presence if outstanding masterpieces. There are situations in Russia where great artists of various forms were regarded as a threat to the government’ existence through their works of art. Pushkin, for example, as a great author who could express his thoughts in an articulate manner that was deemed as arrogant, with some freedom that made him make fun of official figures. His work, as per the governments, would rather have been used in public service. Art and politics have been closely related from past to present. There are some aspects that clearly point out the relationship between the two. The institutions of art, schemes in ideol ogy and some artists’ political dominance are just but a few. Over years, some authorities have tried to impose controls on ideologies in order to tame artists. Other governments have even attempted to thwart the freedom of expression as rolled out by artists. In China, the communist party pushed at gaining legitimacy in order to win cooperation from artists. The party tried to woo the artists to join in socialist constructions. The Chinese movements and the various notable interactions between the governments and artists place the country as one worthy of analysis for the purpose of this research. The artistic influence has grown in stages in China, with a recent period starting in the 1980’s after Mao’s death. This is a period that saw individual subjectivity on the rise and artists expressing themselves in minimal social reform. Germany has had its issues in the interactions between arts and politics as well. There were early attacks by the government to the artists, some of which indicate the magnitude that the artists had on the political arena. A good situation is in the 1940s when the national socialists banned all art that was in existence prior to 1933. There are examples of artists being forced to join certain groups, with those who refused being frustrated with professional dismissals. Looking at the mentioned issues, their effects and the reasons that led to their occurrence, art is an indispensable weapon in politics despite its autonomy, there is some coexistence that cannot be refuted. Looking at the Soviet Union, there is some inseparability between art and politics. According to Fox (1977), aesthetics and the style of art are led by the political exigencies. The politics of the day in the USSR dictate the Russian art. The styles of art in this country follow the trends that are in accord with the government. The links between art and politics in the Soviet can be traced from Karl Marx to Frederick Engels who asserted the i mportance of realistic representations to the state. The three countries have been able to showcase the tight bond between art and politics clearly as outlined b the examples stated above. A distinct relation is first evident in the manner in which the government controls the works of art. This may be represented vaguely, but political icons have treated artists with great suspicion from the word go, in all situations. In the USSR, the government dictated the styles; in Germany, the â€Å"degenerate art† exhibition indicated the government’s perception towards art and culture. In China, the government literally controlled the artistic movements.     

New Policy Statements- HIPAA Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

New Policy Statements- HIPAA - Assignment Example ompletely secured and information were accessed and misused from the computers without having the need to operate the computer physically from which the data was supposed to be accessed. Developments in technology were making the business operations and way of working easier whereas, at the same time those developments assisted in manipulating ways and misusing the information for one’s own benefit (Pesante, 2008). The organization or company whose policies regarding information security need to be reviewed is in the business of insurance and deals with health insurance. The review is proposed in order to make certain that it fulfills the regulatory obligations and meet up to the obligations of the associated standards as well as regulations. The company comes under the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) according to which any information regarding health requires to be protected. Taking into account the federal standards, patients should be capable of accessing information in relation to their respective medical records (HIPAA, 2007). Based on the nature of business operations, the company complies with the guidelines of HIPAA, HITECH, GLBA and PCI-DSS. In spite of abiding by all the relevant regulations, the policy regarding accessing information by a fresh user and the prerequisite for passwords are becoming a grave concern for the supervisor of the company. Although the present policy of the company ensures high level of security but still it should structure a new policy. According to the new policy the request to access information by the new user along with the personal details and signature would be initially taken down. According to the policy, access would be provided only to the particular information or area specifically requested by the new user. There should be a time limit mentioned in the policy for accessing information by a new user and once the limit is over, the access should be automatically denied by the

Relying on Consumer Behavior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Relying on Consumer Behavior - Essay Example Penny and Kahle (1996) points out that consumers, when interviewed, would state what they think they want but would behave in a different manner in 'real life'. This is especially true with the application of 'operant conditioning'. The term 'operant conditioning' as applied in marketing refers to the methods used by marketers to influence consumers to purchase or consume a product and make it look rewarding to the consumer. Coupons, repeated advertisements, free samples and other promotional gimmicks can and do influence consumer preference. Marketers can also employ different kind of appeals to endeavor a product to a consumer. Appeals include fear appeals, comparative appeals, emotional appeals, value expressive and utilitarian appeals all of which perform to make the customer want the product or service offered. The point is that there are many factors which can change what the consumer would want. Another risk in relying on what the consumers say they want is that it can change over time and the time span can be radical or sporadic. For example, Greenwald (2003) conducted a study on the behavioral shift of UK consumers belonging to the 16-24 age bracket and found that some preference or attitudes change as fast as 3 days or as long as 5 years. Relying on what c

Tourism and economic developement policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Tourism and economic developement policy - Essay Example ensive and extensive research article essentially and fundamentally delves deep into the advantages and challenges of the bottom up approach to tourism development in influencing and strengthening the economic growth of the region. The historical and geographic context of tourism development is also traversed in this study, consequently with in depth research into the socioeconomic and governmental involvement and significance and the overall efficacy and benefit of sustainable tourism. In this context the study is concentrated on one of the most promising emerging economies – India specifically its state of West Bengal. Dating back to the Roman Empire, the rich and the prosperous community only could afford to visit places to enrich experiences, to splurge in luxury and leisure, Baiae being one such seashore vacation place. â€Å"Tourism† was coined in 1811 and â€Å"tourist† by 1840. Whereas in 1936 the â€Å"tourists† were elaborately demarcated by the then ‘League of Nations’ as one journeying outside of country for a minimum of twenty-four hours – which was modified by the United Nations at the end of World War II in 1945 and conceived tourism as which expanded for the time period of maximum six months. The concept of eco-tourism was initiated in 1989. In the present scenario tourism is deemed to be the most rapidly evolving and vastly expanding global business with an approximate growth rate of 4 percent to 5 per cent per annum which is responsible for 10% of global gross domestic product (WTO). The advanced as well as emerging nations have attracted an enormous influx of foreign tourists with an estimate of 760 million in 2004 and another 1.6 billion anticipated by the World Tourism Organization (WTO 2005a) by the year 2020. With globalization and open-door policies being implemented world wide, more and more emerging and advancing nations are becoming the hot tourists’ hot attractions since 1950 at which time there was a record influx of 25 million

Poe Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Poe - Essay Example His poem ‘Annabel Lee’ is one of the greatest illustrations of Poe’s poetic talents. In the poem Poe through the narrator’s melodious voice presents the death of a beloved and its effect on the lover. â€Å"Using a melodious narrative form, the speaker laments the death, many years ago, of his beloved young bride Annabel Lee.† (Allen Poe, 2005-2006). The poem artistically develops the mysterious relation between the poet and his mistress whose death affected the poet greatly. An analysis of the theme, mood, and the point of view in â€Å"Annabel Lee† would confirm the merit of the poet as well as the poem as these elements of the poem, when analyzed is seen as largely effective in conveying the poem’s deep meaning. In a close reading of the poem, it becomes evident that the poet achieves great success in dealing with the prevailing theme of the poem conveyed through the literary tools which creates an effective mood that leads to the fo cal theme of the poem. In this paper, a very close analysis of Poe’s ‘Annabel Lee’ is undertaken in order to reveal the mood, theme, and point of view of the poem. Poe presents the main theme, mood, and the point of view of the poem in the very opening lines and we rightly identify the theme as the lamentation over the death of the beloved which happened long ago. The theme entirely focuses on the passionate relationship between the lover and beloved. We need also to understand the mood of the poem in this connection. It is clear from the poem that the central character, the maiden beloved, â€Å"lived with no other thought/ Than to love and be loved by me.† (Poe). The poem is told in the background of their deep love which â€Å"was stronger by far than the love/ Of those who were older than we-/ Of many far wiser than we† and this creates the mood of the poem. (Poe). The mood of the poem creates in the minds of the reader the same kind of an intense feeling of love and this proves the creative faculty of

Exploration of Regional Variations in Attitude towards Guanxi Dissertation

Exploration of Regional Variations in Attitude towards Guanxi - Dissertation Example Political forces and economic policies also influence the thinking and conduct of Chinese people. A subsection talks about the developments of people’s behavior under the Chinese Communist Party and Socialism. As China opens its doors towards the world economy, the country as well as its people adapts to a new state of affairs. New practices and new ways of thinking are introduced to the people. A subsection takes note of the developments in regional economic reforms that greatly affect regional values. The effect of regional variation in management is explored through different literatures in a separate section. Cities of Shanghai, Dongguan and Chongqing represent the eastern, southern and southwestern regions of China, respectively. The three cities are the focus of the research since they are close representatives of regional diversity in China. Subsections on relevant information about the cities are written in order to give background data and facts. The second section will unpeel the meso factors specific to China on a national and regional level analysis. Values and beliefs are elements of a person’s behavior towards guanxi management. A subsection discusses Confucianism as the source of Chinese traditional values. Under the open economy, Western practices influenced the traditional style of Chinese manager’s behaviors and attitudes. A subsection is focused on western influences. The inner core of Chinese managers’ attitudes lies in the regional and ethnic diversity of the country. Each region has different business styles and characteristics. Separate subsections describe the varying subcultures dominant in cities of Shanghai, Dongguan and Chongqing. The next section of the chapter skins the different micro layers wrapping an individual Chinese manager. It is in this section that contemporary theories about guanxi and its relevance in the business environment are introduced and reviewed. The components that constitute guanxi are identified and defined using different contemporary literatures. As behavior is directed by social standards, a subsection appraises the sources of social expectations of managers. Another

Potential Short-Run Economic Impacts of the Recent Japanese Disaster Essay

Potential Short-Run Economic Impacts of the Recent Japanese Disaster on the Australian Economy - Essay Example According to the research findings, it can, therefore, be said that specifically, the study of microeconomics allow us to have better understanding about the movements of money from the local firms to household which often times is dictated by the movements of a curve in demand and supply of goods and services in domestic and global markets. Furthermore, the study of microeconomics allows us to reflect on interrelated between salary and wages, employment and unemployment rate, its potential effects on business performances, and the economy as a whole. Based on the Keynesian model, economic recession and contractions are usually caused by the presence of inadequate demand for Australian goods and services. In fact, the post-Keynesian economics proposed the theory of aggregate employment such that the distribution of income, economic growth and developments in trading practices are dictated by the demand-side curve, Although the post-Keynesian economic theory suggests that the market o f a competitive economy is dictated by the demand-side curve and will never attain or satisfy the idea of full employment, economists generally believe the presence of inadequate demand for goods and services can cause a serious market failure and economic problems. With this in mind, the presence of inadequate demand can result in the presence of high unemployment rate. The recent tsunami in Japan has to lead to a significant decrease in the demand for Australian coal and iron ore. The problem with a sudden decrease in demand for goods and services is that the business owners of local firms in Australia may simply lay-off some of its current employees.

Legalizing Marijuana Essay Example for Free

Legalizing Marijuana Essay Cannabis Sativa, more commonly known as Marijuana, is made up of dried parts of the Cannabis hemp plant and is the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States. For centuries, people all over the world have been using marijuana to achieve â€Å"euphoria†, but the drug has remained illegal in the United States despite countless efforts to reverse the law. In the last few years, the legalization of Marijuana became both a prominent and controversial issue in our country and remains an extremely touchy subject. Despite its short term effect of distorted perceptions and memory impairment, Marijuana has several pro’s that can not only help individuals but could benefit our country as a whole. These â€Å"pros† include medical use, a boost in our economy, the creation of an entire hemp industry, and the lowering of crime rates. The use of marijuana for medical purposes dates back centuries to doctors of the western hemisphere. Because of their initial use of the hemp plant to help alleviate pain, doctors of the 18th century were able to develop the use of the drug and determine its uses in the medical field. It was classified as an illegal drug by many countries, including the US in the 20th century. Over the past 30 years, there has been a growing movement to legalize marijuana, primarily for medical use. In fact, several studied show that marijuana can even be good for your health and help with the treatment of other conditions. Medical marijuana has aided in the treatment of Alzheimers Disease, Epilepsy, Multiple sclerosis, Glaucoma, Arthritis, Depression, Anxiety, and different types of cancer. The American Cancer Society says that, Marijuana has anti-bacterial properties, inhibits tumor growth, and enlarges the airways, which they believe can ease the severity of asthma attacks. There have also been hundreds of studies done to show the benefits of using marijuana as a type of treatment. So far, 18 states have legalized medical marijuana, and several other states are fighting for those same laws. Other states are struggling to pass the law because the belief in how the drug can harm people. Though several doctors including, Dr. Lester Grinspoon have stated that there has never been a death reported from marijuana. In fact, Dr. Paul Hornby, a biochemist and leading authority on cannabis research stated, â€Å"Ive heard you have to smoke something like 15,000 joints in 20 minutes to get a toxic amount of delta-9  tetrahydrocannibinol and I challenge anyone to do that.Meanwhile it is known information that anyone can die from ingesting to much alcohol, aspirin, or even wate r. Legalizing the drug, especially for medical use, can help ease the pain of thousands of people and even help to save lives. Legalizing marijuana would lead to an increase in our economy. Due to the fact that the illegal drug is used widely across our country, the Federal Government spends billions of dollars each year in order to decrease and prevent the trafficking of it. According to Dr. Miron Replacing marijuana prohibition with a system of legal regulation would save approximately $7.7 billion in government expenditures on prohibition enforcement — $2.4 billion at the federal level and $5.3 billion at the state and local levels.† In our current economic situation, this would be considered a â€Å"smart move†. Besides it saving our country billions of dollars a year, it can potentially also increase our entire revenue due to tax dollars. Because production cost for marijuana is very low, the government can mark up the price significantly and tax it like alcohol and cigarettes. The legalization of marijuana would lead to the creation of an entire hemp based industry, which will lead to the creation of thousands of jobs. Hemp fibers from the stalks of the plant have countless of other uses besides its general purpose. The oil extracted from the seeds could be used for fuel and the fiber extracted from the hemp strand could be spun and woven into linen like fabric. This fabric will be usable for apparel textiles, home furniture textiles, and even carpeting. When combined with cotton or wool, hemp strengthens the fabric making it breathable and more comfortable to wear. Hemp can be made into rope, clothing, and even paper. More importantly, the creation of this industry will bring upon thousands of jobs for people in our country. Currently, our country exceeds more then $300 million in annual retail sales and the numbers continue to ride. Industrial hemp could generate thousands of sustainable job, helping our country to get back on track. Patrick Goggin, a bo ard member on the California Could for Vote Hemp, the nations leading industrial hemp-farming advocacy group stated, Were in the midst of a dark economic transition, but I believe hemp is an important facet and has tremendous economic potential.† Another benefit accrued through legalizing marijuana would be a significant reduction in crime rates. Since Marijuana is currently illegal, it is sold on the streets country wide. Thousands purchase the drug from dealers, putting their lives and reputations at risk, simply because it is the only method to attain it. Both drug dealers and gangs fight to sell the drug in the street, causing their deaths and the deaths of innocent people. Legalizing the drug help decrease the street wars and gang violence by taking the â€Å"right† to sell out of the hands of dealers, and into the hands of the government. Since the drug will be legalized, it will be available in the same locations as cigarettes and alcohol, decreasing crime across the United States. After going over the various pro’s that come along with legalizing the drug, it is hard to see why marijuana is still illegal in our country. In my opinion, the only reason for it not being legalized is the amount of money and jobs that were invested in the drug war. The United States Government takes great pride in their war on drugs and have put countless efforts in to show the potential dangers of the drug. In other words, the government looks defeated if they begin to revise laws and turn back. Another reason it hasnt been legalized is due to the protection of the reputation of political figures. Politicians assume that by supporting the legalization of marijuana, they are automatically condoning it. Though in reality, this isnt true at all. There are many positive benefits of legalizing the drug, and our government should begin to overlook the current laws and work in order to change them. They would be able to regulate it to their advantage and make a profitable revenue. Some states are already realizing the benefits and attempting to make changes. The reelection of the new president and a start to a new term brought about a great victory in the fight to legalize marijuana. On November 6, 2012 prohibition came to an end in Colorado and Washington State. The two states made it legal to smoke marijuana recreationally, without any prescription or medical use. Prior to this, Colorado and Washington were among the 18 states with medical marijuana laws but became the first in the United States to  approve it recreationally. An article in the New York Times stated that Even though it will take months before they write the rules and make other regulations, â€Å"As soon as the laws are certified, it will be legal under Colorado and Washington law for adults 21 years and older to possess up to an ounce of marijuana. In Colorado, people will be able to grow as many as six plants. In Washington, users will have to buy their marijuana from state-licensed providers.†(Healy, 2012) In conclusion, I believe that the legalization of marijuana would have a positive influence on America. Legalizing the now illegal drug will allow Americans to cultivate and use hemp to a great advantage. Billions of dollars would be saved in government expenditures, and revenue from taxation on the regulated sale of marijuana would bring in billions of dollars as well. Although the impact on a persons health is debatable, to this day, not one person has been killed from a marijuana overdose. Smoking cigarettes daily and drinking alcohol on an every day basis is much more detrimental to a persons health then marijuana, therefore, this is really no specific reason that the drug shouldnt be legalized. Also, most importantly, using marijuana for medical use would benefit the thousands of people suffering with terminal illnesses.

Database Needs for Early Learning Programs Essay Example for Free

Database Needs for Early Learning Programs Essay The Outcomes and Targets for the recently passed Families and Education Levy are very high. At the heart of the levy is accountability and using data in timely ways to improve annual outcomes. In the realm of Early Learning the dollars will double and the number of children and professional staff served will increase dramatically. The need for reliable, accessible data is great. An HSD IT web based data system (ELNIS) was created in 2006 for the previous levy. It was deployed in the summer of 2007 and began to be used in the 2007-2008 school year. Hosted by the state of Washington, it is accessible to each agency under contract with the city through a city purchased computer and digital certificate. Help desk support and training are also provided by the city. In 2009 the state ECEAP program substantially changed its enrollment form. ELNIS no longer matches the data elements required by the state. It was decided, because the change came so late in the year, that it was not feasible to make the changes in ELNIS. For the 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years the data has been out of sync with enrollment forms for ECEAP. ELNIS was designed in 2005 with the hope of having a single early learning data base for ECEAP, Step Ahead, and Child Care Subsidy. This proved to be unfeasible given the time constraints and limited resources available to accomplish the task. Children are entered into multiple data bases that do not connect with each other, but all ECEAP children are also in ELNIS. In 2010 Creative Curriculum substantially change the child assessment tool, such that in the final year of the levy 2010-2011 the child assessment data is no longer uploaded into ELNIS. Again it was decided not to reconfigure ELNIS to match the changes in the assessments because of time and cost, until the new levy passed. The OFE monthly report drives the immediate need for data. Each month OFE requires a data set of demographics, attendance and assessment data be delivered on the last day month following the month reported. In the MOA each year between OFE and HSD the data elements are negotiated. The data reporting required for early learning in 2010-2011 is on pages 5 8 of this report. These will still form a substantial part of the required data, but there will be additional items and number of records will increase substantially. Further, each year an analysis is completed by the data and evaluation strategic advisor in August/September for the previous school year. The data is used to help managers and education specialists to improve the performance of the agencies in the next school year. This process begins by creating a large data set of assessments matched to each child who has been served. The early vision was that the data would be stored in ELNIS and download for use in evaluations ready to be reported or analyzed. ELNIS is capable of containing the demographic data (although it no longer matches the data collected for ECEAP families) for each child, the agency, site and classroom data, and the ECERS assessment. It can no longer upload the Embedded Child Profile Assessment data, the PPVT- 4 child data, nor any data about professional development. All of this data must be managed separately in Excel spreadsheets and appended to the download from ELNIS. Increased needs for data and new data elements The new levy includes six components of which are three are new and three are expanded: †¢Professional Development †¢Family Engagement and Outreach †¢Preschool †¢Kindergarten Transition †¢Home Visiting Program †¢Health and Mental Health Support for Children The new required elements for reporting are expected to include the following indicators of progress toward the outcomes: †¢Parent-Child Home Program (PCHP) Caregivers/Adults will demonstrate increased positive behavior on the Parent and Child Together tool (PACT). †¢PCHP Children will meet standard on the Child Behavior Traits (CBT) and the Teacher Rating of Oral Language and Literacy (TROLL). †¢Family Friend and Neighbor’s (FFN†S) Care Providers Caregivers/Adults will demonstrate increased positive behavior on the Parent and Child Together tool (PACT). †¢Step Ahead Preschool Programs Children enrolled will meet the Standard Score and/or make gains on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-4 (PPVT-4) of Receptive English by the end of the preschool year. †¢Step Ahead Preschool serving children who are English Language Learners: Children will make statistically significant gains in English Language Acquisition at the end of the preschool year on the PPVT-4. †¢Step Ahead Preschool Children will meet age level expectations at the end of the preschool year on Teaching Strategies Gold Child (TSG) assessment. †¢Children served by Step Ahead and SEEC and enrolled in full-day kindergarten Children will meet the age-level expectations on Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (WaKIDS) . †¢SEEC Pre-K Classrooms will meet the Environmental Rating Scale (ERS) standard at the end of the program year. †¢SEEC Pre-K Teachers will meet standard on the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) at the end of the program year. †¢Children enrolled in Step Ahead pre-K program will have fewer than 5 absences per semester. †¢Children served by a Step Ahead Preschool will be assessed at level 2 or higher on the district English assessment test at the beginning of Kindergarten. †¢Number of early learning and child care settings receiving targeted consultation or training. †¢% of children who enroll in kindergarten on time. †¢% of children enrolled in full day kindergarten. †¢% of children who attend 90% of school days. †¢% of children who meet the birth to 3-year indicator for health (TBD). †¢% of 4 year olds who meet standard on the curriculum embedded assessment in preschool. Early Learning Health †¢Number of early learning and child care settings and providers receiving targeted consultation or training. †¢Number of children in early learning and child care settings receiving developmental assessments. †¢Number of children in early learning and child care referred for mental health therapy and/or medical follow-up. †¢Number of low-income families linked to a health care home, Medicaid coverage, and/or other health care resources. Assessment Tools used to provide outcome and indicator data Formative Assessments †¢Child: Teaching Strategies Gold (administered fall, winter and spring of the pre-k year) †¢Classroom: Curriculum-embedded classroom checklist (administered annually) †¢CLASS: Annual voluntary observation of pre-k and kindergarten- 3rd grade teachers to measure teacher effectiveness. Summative Assessments †¢Child – PPVT-4 (administered fall and spring of pre-k ) †¢Child – WaKIDS ( administered fall and spring of kindergarten) †¢Classroom ECERS ( administered annually) Performance Payment with OFE will likely include these Outcomes (indicators) 2010-11 Indicator BaselinesNumber of Students Meeting IndicatorPercent of Students Meeting Indicator Families demonstrating increased positive behavior on the PACT and the CBT 35/4283. 3% Children making gains in the Standard Score from the fall pre-PPVT to the spring post-PPVT 657/93570. 3% Children with a minimum of two assessments meeting age-level expectations on Teaching Strategies Gold397/546 73. 0% Children are in classrooms meeting an ECERS standard of 5 in each subscale or an average of 6 in all subscales. 397/636 62. 4% Indicator Targets2010-20112012-132013-142014-152015-162016-172017-182018-19 Families demonstrating increased positive behavior on the PACT and the CBT 83. 3% 84% 85% 86% 87% 88% 89% 90% Children making gains in the Standard Score from the fall pre-PPVT to the spring post-PPVT 70. 3% 73% 76% 80% 83% 86% 89% 90%. Children with a minimum of two assessments meeting age-level expectations on Teaching Strategies Gold 73. 0% 75% 78% 81% 84% 87% 89% 90% Children are in classrooms meeting an ECERS standard of 4 in each subscale or an average of 6 in all subscales. 62. 4% 67% 71% 76% 80% 85% 89% 90% Conclusions: ELNIS as currently configured will not meet the needs of the Early Learning System to report data to the funder, to use data for improving outcomes, or to manage data for contract payment purposes and monitoring. Either work needs to begin ASAP on reconfiguring ELNIS or a new data system needs to be created or purchased. Options include an HSD IT build or a purchase of a configurable off the shelf software system, such as Adsystech or ETO. Data will need to begin being reported to OFE in the fall of 2012, eight months from now. What options exist for meeting this need? What resources are available? What planning team should be assembled? Data Set currently required to be reported by OFE (2010-2011) SEEC Early Learning – Pre-K Source: HSD (monthly) Data ElementData TypeNotes YearNumericThe year of the period that the data is reported for. e. g. 2006 for reporting period December 2006. MonthNumericThe month of the period that the data is reported for. e. g. 12 for reporting period December 2006 Child HSD IDNumeric1 = English 2 = Other than English 3 = English and another language 4 = not reported Student IDNumericEnter SPS Student ID after child is enrolled in Kindergarten Ethnicity CodeChar 25 categories from SPS Child’s Home LanguageNumeric Gender CodeChar 1 SEEC Agency CodeChar 4Corresponds with Agency name look-up table SEEC Site CodeChar 4Corresponds with classroom site look-up table SEEC Classroom Code Char 7Corresponds with classroom look-up table. SEEC StatusNumeric1 = Step-Ahead Pre-K 2 = Step Ahead Match SEEC TierNumericTier I – Step Ahead, Tiny Tots, Refugee Women’s Alliance, and Jose Marti Tier II – Denise Louie Education Center/Head Start Tier III – Non-Step Ahead Early Childhood Education and Assistance Programs (ECEAP) , Neighborhood House Head Start Tier IV – Comprehensive Child Care Program (CCCP), other Head Start Programs in the City of Seattle Days in Pre-K ProgramNumeric/NullTotal number of days the student has participated in the Pre-K program during the month. ECERS Average Subscale Scores and average totalNumericRange 1-7 ECERS – Met StandardYes/No/Null ECERS average score of 4 across all 7 elements Classroom Quality StandardYes/No/NullClassroom met quality standards Classroom LevelNumeric/NullClassroom score based on years of experience and training 1st Child Assessment – Social/Emotional DevelopmentNumeric/NullStudent’s level from the 1st Creative Curriculum child assessment or High/Scope COR 1st Child Assessment – Physical DevelopmentNumeric/NullStudent’s level from the 1st Creative Curriculum child assessment or High/Scope COR. 1st Child Assessment – Cognitive DevelopmentNumeric/NullStudent’s level from the 1st Creative Curriculum child assessment or High/Scope COR 1st Child Assessment – Language DevelopmentNumeric/NullStudent’s level from the 1st Creative Curriculum child assessment or High/Scope COR 2nd Child Assessment – Social/Emotional DevelopmentNumeric/NullStudent’s level from the 2nd Creative Curriculum child assessment or High/Scope COR 2nd Child Assessment – Physical DevelopmentNumeric/NullStudent’s level from the 2nd Creative Curriculum child assessment. or High/Scope COR 2nd Child Assessment. Cognitive DevelopmentNumeric/NullStudent’s level from the 2nd Creative Curriculum child assessment or High/Scope COR. 2nd Child Assessment – Language DevelopmentNumeric/NullStudent’s level from the 2nd Creative Curriculum child assessment or High/Scope COR. 3rd Child Assessment – Social/Emotional DevelopmentNumeric/NullStudent’s level from the 3rd Creative Curriculum child assessment or High/Scope COR. 3rd Child Assessment – Physical DevelopmentNumeric/NullStudent’s level from the 3rd Creative Curriculum child assessment or High/Scope COR. 3rd Child Assessment. Cognitive DevelopmentNumeric/NullStudent’s level from the 3rd Creative Curriculum child assessment. 3rd Child Assessment – Language DevelopmentNumeric/NullStudent’s level from the 3rd Creative Curriculum child assessment or High/Scope COR. Formative Assessment ChildYes/No/NullChild met the standard in the final embedded assessment as adopted by the SEEC assessment workgroup. PCHPYes/No/NullParticipated in Parent-Child Home Program. SEEC Early Learning – Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, Fourth Edition PPVT Source: HSD (twice yearly) Data ElementData TypeNotes Child HSD IDNumeric. Child AgeXX-XXChild’s age at time of test in years and months 1st assessment – standard scoreNumeric/NullStudent’s standard score from the 1st Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test. 1st assessment – raw scoreNumeric/NullStudent’s raw score from the 1st Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test 1st assessment – grade equivalent scoreNumeric/NullStudent’s grade equivalent score from the 1st Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test 1st assessment – age equivalent scoreNumeric/NullStudent’s age equivalent score from the 1st Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test 1st assessment – growth scale valueNumeric/NullStudent’s growth scale value from the 1st Peabody Picture. Vocabulary Test 1st assessment – percentile scoreNumeric/NullStudent’s percentile score from the 1st Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test 2nd assessment – standard scoreNumeric/NullStudent’s standard score from the 2nd Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test. 2nd assessment – raw scoreNumeric/NullStudent’s raw score from the 2nd Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test 2nd assessment – grade equivalent scoreNumeric/NullStudent’s grade equivalent score from the 2nd Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test 2nd assessment – age equivalent scoreNumeric/NullStudent’s age equivalent score from the 2nd Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test 2nd assessment – growth scale valueNumeric/NullStudent’s growth scale value from the 2nd Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test 2nd assessment – percentile scoreNumeric/NullStudent’s percentile score from the 2nd Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test. SEEC Early Learning – ECERS Source: HSD (twice yearly) Data ElementData TypeNotes SEEC Classroom Code Char 7Corresponds with classroom look-up table. 1st ECERS score – Space and FurnishingsNumeric/NullAverage score for subscale 1st ECERS score – Personal Care RoutinesNumeric/NullAverage score for subscale 1st ECERS score – Language and Reasoning Numeric/NullAverage score for subscale 1st ECERS score – Activities Numeric/NullAverage score for subscale 1st ECERS score – Interaction Numeric/NullAverage score for subscale 1st ECERS score – Program StructureNumeric/NullAverage score for subscale 1st ECERS score – Parents and StaffNumeric/NullAverage score for subscale 1st ECERS cumulative classroom scoreNumeric/ NullAverage score across all subscales 2nd ECERS Score – Space and FurnishingsNumeric/NullAverage score for subscale 2nd ECERS Score – Personal Care RoutinesNumeric/NullAverage score for subscale 2nd ECERS Score – Language and Reasoning Numeric/NullAverage score for subscale 2nd ECERS Score – ActivitiesNumeric/NullAverage score for subscale 2nd ECERS Score – InteractionNumeric/NullAverage score for subscale 2nd ECERS Score – Program StructureNumeric/NullAverage score for subscale 2nd ECERS Score – Parents and StaffNumeric/NullAverage score for subscale 2nd ECERS cumulative classroom scoreNumeric/NullAverage score across all subscales. Early Learning – Parent-Child Home Program Source: HSD (twice yearly) Data ElementData TypeNotes YearNumericThe year of the period that the data is reported for, e. g. , 2006 for reporting period December 2006. MonthNumericThe month of the period that the data is reported for, e. g. , 12 for reporting period December 2006. Child HSD IDNumeric Student IDNumericEnter SPS Student ID after child is enrolled in Kindergarten Ethnicity CodeChar 25 categories from SPS, Other, Bi-Racial/Multi Racial Gender CodeChar 1 AgeNumeric In Parent-Child Home Visitor ProgramYes/NoStudent has participated in the Parent-Child Home Visitor Program during the month. Parent-Child Home Visitor Program Provider CodeNumeric292 = Atlantic Street Center 304 = Neighborhood House at Rainier Vista 305 = Neighborhood House at New Holly 310 = Southwest Youth and Family Services Parent-Child Home Visitor Program – Total Number of VisitsNumeric/NullCumulative number of visits during the month. 1st Child Behavior Traits (CBT) Assessment Cooperation with Adults Domain Numeric/NullScore ranges 1-4: average score for items that make up the domain shown at left 1. Does not exhibit this behavior 2. Sometimes exhibits this behavior 3. Most of the time exhibits this behavior 4. Always exhibits this behavior 1st CBT Assessment Attention to Task Domain. Numeric/NullScore ranges 1-4: average score for items that make up the domain shown at left 1. Does not exhibit this behavior 2. Sometimes exhibits this behavior 3. Most of the time exhibits this behavior 4. Always exhibits this behavior 1st CBT Assessment Engagement in Developmentally Appropriate Tasks Domain Numeric/NullScore ranges 1-4: average score for items that make up the domain shown at left 1. Does not exhibit this behavior 2. Sometimes exhibits this behavior 3. Most of the time exhibits this behavior 4. Always exhibits this behavior 2nd CBT Assessment Cooperation with Adults DomainNumeric/NullScore ranges 1-4 2nd CBT Assessment Attention to Task DomainNumeric/NullScore ranges 1-4. 2nd CBT Assessment Engagement in Developmentally Appropriate Tasks DomainNumeric/NullScore ranges 1-4 3rd CBT Assessment Cooperation with Adults DomainNumeric/NullScore ranges 1-4 3rd CBT Assessment Attention to Task DomainNumeric/NullScore ranges 1-4 3rd CBT Assessment Engagement in Developmentally Appropriate Tasks DomainNumeric/NullScore ranges 1-4 1st Parent and Child Together (PACT) Assessment Parent-Child Interactions Domain Numeric/NullScore ranges 1-4 average score for items that make up the domain shown at left 1. Does not exhibit this behavior 2. Sometimes exhibits this behavior 3. Most of the time exhibits this behavior 4. Always exhibits this behavior 1st PACT Assessment -Positive Parenting Behavior Domain Numeric/NullScore ranges 1-4: average score for items that make up the domain shown at left 1. Does not exhibit this behavior 2. Sometimes exhibits this behavior 3. Most of the time exhibits this behavior 4. Always exhibits this behavior 2nd PACT Assessment Parent-Child Interactions Domain Numeric/NullScore ranges 1-4 2nd PACT Assessment Positive Parenting Behavior Domain Numeric/NullScore ranges 1-4 3rd PACT Assessment Parent-Child Interactions Domain Numeric/NullScore ranges 1-4 3rd PACT Assessment Positive Parenting Behavior Domain Numeric/NullScore ranges 1-4. 1st Teacher Rating of Oral Language and Literacy (TROLL) Assessment – Language ScoreNumeric/NullScore ranges 0-20 (5 items with maximum of 4 points for each item) 1st TROLL Assessment – Reading ScoreNumeric/NullScore ranges 0-20 (5 items with maximum of 4 points for each item) 1st TROLL Assessment – Print Concept ScoreNumeric/NullScore ranges 0-12 (3 items with maximum of 4 points for each item) 2nd TROLL Assessment – Language ScoreNumeric/NullScore ranges 0-20 (5 items with maximum of 4 points for each item) 2nd TROLL Assessment – Reading ScoreNumeric/NullScore ranges 0-33 (8 items with maximum of 4 points for each item; one Yes/No item scored 1/0 ) 2nd TROLL Assessment – Print Concept ScoreNumeric/NullScore ranges 0-28 (7 items with maximum of 4 points for each item).

Child Adoption In England And Finland Social Policy Essay

Child Adoption In England And Finland Social Policy Essay This essay attempts to illuminate the differences and similarities in issues related to child adoption in England and Finland while offering an examination into the contexts in which social workers and associated professionals have to function. While both England and Finland are states within the European Union (EU), they demonstrate distinct and differing approaches to the adoption of children. In Finland along with other countries in Scandinavia, child adoption and the permanent transfer of parental rights is less of a central a concern, or worry than currently so in England where child adoption is featured prominently across a range of professional, political and popular discourses. In terms of social work practice the involvement of children and families, coupled with certain factors of the adoption process have been handled in a distinctly different way between the two countries. This can be seen where in Finland adult adoptees were allowed to gain access to records regarding th eir adoption or their birth parents far earlier than their English counterparts where this was not permissible until much later earlier through the Children Act 1975 (Triseliotis, 1973, p. 1). According to Lowe (2000) in the late-nineteenth century attempts were made to introduce adoption, but it was not until 1927, subsequent to the Adoption of Children Act 1926, that child adoption became legally recognised in England. Since then many factors including; reports, legislation and case law have all had an impact, this has resulted in refined policy and changes in social work practice. More recently media attention has illustrated social workers alleged shortcomings in relation to child adoption processes. In recent years, adoption policy has been influenced by a number of socio-cultural and political factors. During the Conservative government of the 1990s politicians and policy makers made attempts ineffectively to restructure what were viewed as unsatisfactory adoption procedures (see PIU, 2000, p. 31). These services were impaired because social workers were driven by political correctness (Hopton, 1997). The white paper Adoption: The Future was published In November 1993, representing a common sense approach to adoption (Department of Health, 1993). In 1996, the DoH published a Draft Bill with an emphasis placed on child adoption as an alternative to single parenthood during the consultation period. The Bill failed to progress any further due to the General Election in May 1997. With a change in government, the then Prime Ministers (Tony Blair) Review of Adoption was published in 2000 (PIU, 2000). Followed by a White Paper, Adoption: A New Approach (Department of Health, 2000), wh ich was followed by the publication of the Adoption and Children Bill in 2001. The Bill failed to materialise due to the General Election later in the same year. It was however re-introduced in October 2001 and the Adoption and Children Act received royal assent in November 2002. The first Adoption of Children Act in Finland was in 1925, a year earlier than the English equivalent. The present Finnish Adoption Act stems from 1985 followed by an additional Adoption ruling in 1997 which dealt specifically with adoption counselling and inter-country adoptions. Specific to Finnish adoption system is the role of Save the Children originally created in 1945 following the merging of two previous organisations (Homes for Homeless Children which were practicing adoption since 1922 and Save Finlands Children, which was set up after the Second World War in an attempt to help orphaned children). This organisation is now part of the International Save the Children. Save the Children has had an influential position as a provider of adoption services in Finland. In addition to civic welfare bodies, Save the Children is still the only private child welfare organisation in Finland licensed to provide adoption counselling (Pylkkanen 1995) In Finland, adoptions have dramatically changed during the last 30 years, in 1970, 243 Finnish children were adopted through Save the Children. Over the last few years this has decreased to less than fifty. Partly as abortion became more freely available following the Abortion Act of 1970; the number of unplanned children born to young single mothers fell. (Garrett, 2003 p.21). England too has seen a decrease in adoptions, (PIU, 2000, p.10) This may be attributed to the rise in use of the contraceptive pill and the acceptance of single mothers. According to Lowe (2000) The largest decline is in respect of babies (children under the age of 12 months) put up for adoption; in 1968, 12,641 babies were adopted (51% of all adoptions), but only 195 babies were adopted in 1998 (only 4% of all adoptions) According to Bennett (2009) Only 4,637 children were adopted in 2007, the lowest number since 1999. In both states, adoption is far more likely to involve children in public care-or looked after children (In England under the Children Act 1989) who are older, are child protection concerns, or have disabilities (DoH, 1998). This is in part due to the fact that there are very few healthy babies available for adoption. In England there are approximately 60,000 children looked after. (Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), 2007). 62% of these children were removed, on a compulsory basis, from their family. Approximately 1% of all children under 18 years live in foster care, with about 48% in family foster care, 40% are in childrens homes, and the remaining 12% in new formats of family professional care (Kalland Sinkkonen, 2001). In July of this year these statistics were even worse according to sources obtained by Bennett (2009) who claimed that this figure was now almost three quarters of all adoptions, she agrees with the reasoning behind the removal of children form their families stating The increase in alcohol and drug abuse among parents is also a growing factor in care proceedings, with parents often being given several chances to break their habit before children are removed. It may possibly be argued that many of those children in long-term placements should and probably could be adopted, but this is not the overriding view of Finnish society, indeed the dominant view is that of family preservation. Several contributors share the opinion that childrens best interests are met when every effort is made to keep the family together. If foster care is needed, it should always be of limited duration (Garrett, 2003). These views echo FOX HARDING CHECK WHICH PERSPECTIVE AND MENTION Many of these Finnish children in long-term foster care could have been adopted if they lived in England. Evidently, foster care makes it possible for children to keep some contact with their birth family. Unfortunately, this is not always advantageous for the child because of the severe difficulties including both psychological and behavioural of some parents (Quinton et al., 1997). The placement faces the risk of breakdown where the birth parents have sufficiently dealt or recovered from their difficulties, and desire to be a complete family with the return of their child. This may be successful, but may also be short-lived resulting in endless short-term placements. This will have an adverse effect destroying the childs ability to form any meaningful attachments in adulthood. Adoption would offer the child an opportunity to form a stable relationship but this would cut the connections with the birth family. In Finland adoption against the will of the natural parents is far from th e norm. As a result, there are very few contested adoptions. According to the Finnish Adoption Act, the consent of both biological parents is needed before the adoption can take place. It should be noted that there are two exceptions to this; firstly, adoption can be granted if it is believed that the adoption is definitely in the best interests of the child and the refusal of consent of the parents is not suitably justified, secondly, the parents cannot logically express their will due to illness or disability, or if their whereabouts are unknown. Additionally the mothers consent is only accepted after she has recovered from the birth (no earlier than eight weeks). In Finland the feelings and desires of the child are taken into account, this is according to the age and level of maturity. If the child is 12 or older, their opinions must be taken into account. In recent years England has evolved a degree of openness in the adoption process (DoH, 1999, Ch. 5). This is because traditionally in England, the adoption of children resulted in the cutting off of the relationship with the birth mother and birth family. The developments in this area have been provoked through professionals whose opinion that openness is important for the mental health and identity needs of adoptees (Kirton, 2000, p. 108). The ability for English adoptees and their family to gain access to records is relatively recent, in fact as recent as 1973 Scotland and Finland were the only countries in the Western world where an adopted person could obtain information from official records that could help them trace their original parents Triseliotis (1973, p. 1). The move away from high levels of secrecy can also be attributed to adoptees who wanted to find birth relatives (Campbell et al., 1991), birth mothers also campaigned for larger levels of openness in adoption in Engl and (Logan, 1996). These actions coupled with the Natural Parents Support Group, an organisation of birth mothers, who lobbied the UK parliament for a public inquiry into the injustices which occurred through the mass adoption in the 1950s and 1960s (Rickford, 2000, Fink, 2000). The Children Act 1975 gave adopted people over the age of 18 years the right to apply for access to their original birth certificates. The recent openness has enabled in some instances, contact arrangements between the child and birth family after the adoption has taken place (Lowe, 2000, p. 326-329). The Adoption Act 1976 amended by the Children Act 1989, made it compulsory for the Registrar General to set up an Adoption Contact Register in an attempt to make it possible for adopted people to contact their birth parents and other birth relatives. It the opinion of Hughes Logan (1995) that these measures are in part due to the increasing awareness of the importance of post-adoption services. The view in Fin land however has been far more open indeed; Save the Children has mediated between the adopted child and biological parents since the 1960s. It should be mentioned that large proportions of adopted people in Finland still do not wish to seek contact with their original families, usually those that felt disappointment about being adopted inn the first instance (Garrett 2003). This all means that while the recent drive toward adoption being more open is obviously important, it must be recognised that openness is not simple or straightforward. Kalland et al. (2001) shows that mortality rates in Finland for both sexes on the child welfare registry are in excess compared with the general population. Another Finnish study showed aggressive behaviour, delinquency and attention problems were associated with children and adolescents in childrens homes and that children may also be at risk of sexual abuse in these homes with the person responsible for the act often being an older adolescent (Hukkanen et al., 1999). What is important though is, none of these negative instances can be entirely attributed to poor quality or damaging care that children get whilst in public care. Numerous children arrive in these institutions already suffering from been highly traumatised in some cases due to parental addictions. In short, it is not simply the looked-after experience which leads to poor outcomes. Whereas in contrast concerns about the poor outcomes of children who are looked after (Parker et al., 1991) in England such as; ineffective health provision available for looked after children (Butler Payne, 1997), poor levels of educational achievement (Aldgate et al., 1993, Fletcher-Campbell, 1998), the bullying that takes place in care settings, the high pregnancy rates amongst teenagers in care in 2007 there were 360 mothers aged 12 and over who were looked after, an increase of 15 per cent from the previous year, (Corlyn McGuire, 1998, DCSF, 2007), the disappointingly high number of moves from care environment to care environment (Sone, 1997), and the lack of preparation for those leaving care, and poor after-care support (Biehal et al. , 1995) has led to the English adoption system making wholesale reform In July 2000 the then Prime Minister, Tony Blair published the governments Review of Adoption which contained over 80 recommendations. Four of these recommendations focused on plans to; develop and implement a National Adoption Register, drawing up of new National Standards for local authorities to follow, the setting up of an Adoption and Permanency Taskforce to promote best practice and challenge poor performance, and conducting a rapid scrutiny of the backlog of children that were waiting to be adopted (PIU, 2000, p.4).This was followed in December 2000, with the White Paper, Adoption-A New Approach. The aim of establishing a National Adoption Register and an Adoption and Permanency Taskforce were again set out. A national target was to be set with the aim of increasing the number of looked after children adopted. Other processes highlighted in the consultation paper integrated within the plan were to introduce new National Standards for councils and adoption agencies. To enforce these standards, powers were put in place emergency inspections and special measures to deal with problematic service providers. Other plans included, timescales for children enabling a sound plan for their permanent future, this would be made within six months of their starting to be continuously looked after. When the decision was made that adoption was to take place, a new family should be found within a further six months. In an attempt to aid adoptive parents new plans to support them were briefly set out. Other significant measures included: a new legislative option, called special guardianship, this would provide a sense of stability for the child, but fall short of legal separation from their birth parents. Unlike England there is no National Adoption Register and there are no plans to develop and implement one in Finland, a National Register however, could possibly help in advancing research and practice in a Finnish framework. Likewise an Adoption and Permanency Taskforce similar to that of England would be welcomed by many in Finland. Finlands parliament however, have this year voted to give people in same-sex couples who are registered in an official partnership the legal right to adopt the naturally-born child of their partner.(Finnsson, 2009) No further plans to speed up adoptions of looked after children are planned. This is, perhaps, because as suggested earlier of the dominant position Fox Harding again which places an emphasis on family preservation services. There are very few Finnish waiting to be adopted. There are however in contrast, hundreds of couples waiting to adopt a child. There has been some discussion in the media about the intense frustration of these couples. It may take four or five years to have a child adopted. This has raised the notion of an adoption industry which is fed by the child protection system, Regrettably, in many cases, the emphasis has changed from the desire to provide a needy child with a home to that of providing a needy parent with a child. As a result, a whole industry h as grown, generating millions of dollars of revenues each year, seeking babies for adoption and charging prospective parents enormous fees to process paperwork.(Pragnell, 2008) It is also his view that the interests of the child are now the cause of atrocities committed against children and parents by well-meaning and well-intentioned employees of state and related agencies but whose acts are leading to immense suffering for children.

Challenges Facing Goodyear Essay -- Business Management Consumerism Ti

Challenges Facing Goodyear Problem Statement There are several challenges facing Goodyear in the current environment. Our sales have leveled off in the past few years and we need to increase our market share in order to improve these numbers. Our debt is high and our interest payments are eating away at our profiles so we need to get more income to pay down this debt. The more immediate question is if Goodyear should launch its new line of Aquatred tires. The trend has been toward higher mileage tires and the Aquatred tire is not in line with this trend, being more of a higher end tire. Additionally, if we do determine that we are going to launch the Aquatred, do we start the advertising during the Olympics when we don’t have all the tire sizes available? We are also determining if remaining with our current distribution channel is the best approach or if we need to expand the way our tires get to market. If we decide that we are going to expand our distribution channels, we then have to determine which tires, we are going to offer in the new channels. Finally, our market share in the replacement market is lacking not sure this is true, and since consumers feel that buying tires is a necessity we have to find a way to make them excited about purchasing our product. Goodyear used to be considered the Gorilla in tire producers, but with increased competition in recent years, that is not longer the case. Issues: Consumer model and expectations Essentially, consumers fall into 4 basic segments. Â § There are Price-constrained buyers who buy the best brand they can afford. They do not show any loyalty toward any brand and tend to shop around for tires so we would have to get our tired in front of them and be the best priced. Â § There are the Value-oriented buyers that shop around a lot to get the best price, but would generally buy major brands only so we would probably be able to capture this buyer because of our brand name, but we would need competitive pricing. Â § There are the Quality buyers who were loyal to the outlet and the brand of tire. These consumers were generally upscale and are going to be our main target audience and the challenge here would be to get the tire to the outlet that the consumer is comfortable buying at and communicating the difference in our tire verses our competitors. Â § Finall... ... and concern was put forth by the company to try to make tires as safe as possible. This is a positive spin on the company as a whole, which should translate to higher sales for our other tire products. In conclusion, we have a unique opportunity to take advantage of a niche market that is as of yet untapped. We have already purchased advertising time at the Olympics for which we are going introduce our new Aquatred tire, as well as promote Goodyear’s continuing quest for safety and quality. We are going to open up new distribution channels for our lower end tires so as to increase market share in these areas, while ensuring that our independent dealers sales are respected and promoted as much as possible. This is a very exciting time for Goodyear and the Aquatred tire. A little long, but I like your plan of action. Most important attributes for consumers when purchasing a new tire: 1. Tread Life 2. Wet Traction 3. Handling 4. Snow traction 5. Dry traction US market for Passenger Tires Replacement OEM Total Industry 152.0 43 195 Goodyear 22.8 16.3 39.1 Goodyear’s percent 15% 38% 20%

Cyberculture and the Future of Print :: Writing Technology Technological Papers

I remember a time, when I would actually sit down and write out an assignment, with a pencil and paper before going to the computer and typing it. Those days are long gone. Now when I have a writing assignment to do, I simply go to my computer desk, sit down, and begin to type. The technologies that once were have become something of the past, and we are faced with these high powered machines that connect to the World Wide Web in a matter of minutes, or link you to anyone across the United States for a one on one instant message conversation. Within a ten year time period, we have become a very cyber centered society, and I dont expect a change any time soon. The purpose of this paper, is to explain how cyberculture has changed the way that we think about writing, and ourselves in particular as writers. As young adults, it is always instilled in us, that there is a right way to do something and a wrong way to do something. I was taught growing up to sit down and write out a draft for my paper(s) along with an outline before getting started. That was the right way. Doing it this way was supposed to provide the main idea and key points that I was going to use in my paper. Now 4 years later, I find that when I have to write a paper, I donwrite anything out. I sit at the computer and let it flow. I am not saying that this is the right way of doing things, its just my way. A way that has, for the most part worked for 4 years I try to think of myself as a very objective person. Just because I can appreciate all that a computer can do, does not mean that I do not see any problems with it. Many people argue that just sitting down and typing your assignments with no previous drafts wont work because people tend to think faster than they can write. This is true. But I feel that just as easily as you can forget to type a word, you can forget to write it. Landow said it best, when he said that All the strengths of electronic text, including adaptability, infinite duplicability, and speed of transport make these changes ultimately a means of saving time, energy, and other resources, particularly paper (Landow, p.

life during wartime :: essays research papers

There’s nothing I can say about the parade of still pictures, the faces on the television – except, perhaps, that they all seemed to share a fierce pride in their eyes, photographed for the first time in their Marine Dress Blues. Surely their families are proud of them. I certainly am, and I never got to know any of them. And now, I never will. Names scroll in little yellow letters across the bottom of our glowing screens: Sergeants, and Captains, and Privates. These men have died for us. More will follow. We asked them to go, and they went. All across this nation -- here and there, sparkling across the map like fireflies on a summer night – sedans are slowly rolling to a stop outside of small, modest homes. Men in uniform emerge, straighten their tunics, and walk slowly up driveways. Doorbells are rung. Maybe here and there smiles will evaporate in shock and surprise as doors are opened, but more likely the face will be one full of stunned realization that the very worst thing in the whole world has happened. And children will be sent to their rooms. And the men will speak in somber, respectful tones. And sons and mothers and fathers and wives will be told that the one thing they love more than anything in this world has been taken away from them, that their sons and daughters will not be coming home, that their fathers or mothers have gone away and will never come back, not ever. Why do we do this? What could possibly be worth this? The war is an abject and utter failure. What everyone thought would be a quick, decisive victory has turned into an embarrassing series of reversals. The enemy, -- a ragtag, badly-fed collection of hotheads and fanatics – has failed to be shocked and awed by the most magnificent military machine ever fielded. Their dogged resistance has shown us the futility of the idea that a nation of millions could ever be subjugated and administered, no matter what obscene price we are willing to pay in blood and money. The President of the United States is a buffoon, an idiot, a man barely able to speak the English language. His vice president is a little-seen, widely despised enigma and his chief military advisor a wild-eyed warmonger. Only his Secretary of State offers any hope of redemption, for he at least is a reasonable, well-educated man, a man most thought would have made a far, far better choice for Chief Executive.

ICT and Business Development

ICT and Business Development In line with the main priorities set by the URBACT Information Society Network, this theme focuses on business development and the role of ICT as a means of tackling economic restructuring and promoting employment and in doing so fostering social cohesion and economic inclusion. The purpose of this brief document is to act as a guide for colleagues when preparing material or presentations on this topic and to provoke discussion on the issues raised in it. Business Development and its relationship to ICT?Business Development is the process of improvement that enables a business to become more efficient, profitable, and thereby creating or safeguarding jobs. Business development therefore does not only concern marketing and sales departments, but all parts of a business which constitute its value chain and requires effective communication and co-operation within a company. Over the last 20 years ICT has increasingly been identified as a major contributor to the process of business development and improvement and it has been identified that â€Å"ICT †¦. is responsible for around half of productivity growth in modern economies.It drives improved efficiency and better services and products across the entirety of the private and the public sectors. † (Viviane Reding, Member of the European Commission responsible for Information Society). What has been the impact of ICT on Business? The use of ICT and technology has affected every aspect of business, transforming not only the way that business is conducted but also creating new business sectors and jobs. The creation of companies like Google and e-Bay which did not exist 10 years ago, was only made possible by advances in technology and the changes that this has created in the way that people ehave (currently Google is valued at ?44billion – Source BBC 5th June 05). Some examples of the nature of this change include: Marketing: The use of websites has allowed companies to develop new and cheaper ways of reaching new markets, offering customers the opportunity of buying goods and services whenever they want and often at reduced cost, whilst also enhancing the level of customer service. This has been coupled with the expansion and use of e-mails which again has been used by business to market their goods and services directly to potential customers, as well as communicating with existing customers and suppliers.Increasingly the marketing campaigns of businesses include the use of technologies such as Contact Management Systems that allows them to co-ordinate, monitor and report on various aspects of their marketing campaigns in new ways making these campaigns more targeted and effective. Finance: Practically all companies now use software programs e. g. Sage or Excel to manage their accounts. This has allowed them to look at financial information when required, monitor and respond to their customers purchasing patterns by e. g. offering discounts an d overall improve the management of their finances.The result of this has been for many companies a reduction in their accountancy fees. Out of office working: For many businesses the need for staff to be away from the office attending meetings etc. or to be based in another geographical location has grown alongside employee demands for more flexible working patterns. However effective communication and ability to access information etc. remains critical to the productivity of these staff members. Therefore through the use of technology many companies now use a range of technologies to enable this.These include mobile phones, e-mail, broadband, laptops, etc. Thus ensuring that companies are able to be flexible and adaptive depending on their business needs. Networks: Virtually all businesses now have or have access to a computer. The existence of two or more computers in an office almost always leads to the creation of a network. The main advantage of doing so is that resources can be shared e. g. printers, internet access, files/information can be managed and shared amongst workstations and the security of information can be better managed through a network.Increasingly networks are not just confined to the office but are being adopted so that they allow home/remote working that supports changing business needs. This transformation has really taken place over the last 20 years and continues to transform the way business is done. No business today can ignore the use of technology as its effective use helps businesses to remain competitive and profitable, thereby creating or safeguarding jobs. The role of the Public Sector? What is the case for Public Sector intervention if this is already happening?Talking specifically about SME’s, the final report (Feb. 2004) of the European Go Digital Awareness campaign 2001-2003 shows that â€Å"to help SME’s to â€Å"Go Digital† is still a policy challenge† as SME’s remain sceptical about ICT and e-business. This is mainly the result of: †¢Their experience of procuring technology has often left an impression that the wrong decision was made as the expected benefits from using new technology have not materialised. This then affects businesses willingness to further invest in technology and therefore threatens their further competitiveness. The creation of new businesses especially in new industries requires that the right support and business environment are present.For example the presence of Science Park’s, Universities, and Research Centres etc. can help the spread of an innovative culture amongst businesses. In the absence of proper support and the right environment areas/regions risk losing the jobs and prosperity brought by the creation of new businesses. †¢Procuring technology in itself is not a route to successful business development but requires that staff have the right skills to implement and use it effectively. Many of the new technologi es and emerging or existing businesses are increasing dependant on the presence of a relevant technological infrastructure to support business development e. g. Broadband access. The lack of this infrastructure can undermine business development, therefore damaging competitiveness and jobs. The issues above although not exhaustive are indications of market failure and therefore a challenge to the public sector in defining a role and developing projects/iniatives to address them.Without effective action areas/regions risk falling behind and therefore losing out in terms of: †¢Developing new businesses in new business sectors made possible by advances in technology; †¢Ensuring that businesses by effectively using technology are competitive both locally and globally; †¢Ensuring that businesses have the necessary information and support to develop into new markets; †¢Enabling businesses to become more flexible and responsive to the demands of their customers and thei r staff; †¢Developing a workforce with the necessary skills that are demanded in the present and future labour market.How did you develop your project? Once you have identified a problem or issue then the next stage is to plan actions to overcome or redress these issues. This starts with the planning stage which is a critical component to the success of any project, starting with identifying the need for the project, and includes project time scales, project design, project finance, project partners and resources, project organisation and management etc. What were the key factors in achieving this and what barriers did you have to overcome to do so?Main outcomes of the project to businesses? Over the course of any project measuring its success is a necessary part of project management, reporting and measuring impact or change. What therefore were the main outcomes of the project and how were they measured? ?Increased or improved use of ICT helped to expand business activities? ?Increased or improved use of ICT resulted in the development of new services and/or products? ?ICT usage has helped to create new networks – inside and outside the company? The adoption of ICT solutions has lead to the restructuring of working and communication methods in the enterprise? ?New models of working and/new jobs emerged? ?The implementation of e-work helped to integrate people who have been excluded from â€Å"traditional† jobs in the company before? ?The business now understands better the need for staff training? ?Additional jobs and/or the maintenance of exiting ones as a result of the projects work? Lessons learnt?During the course of any project the experience of delivery often throw’s up many unforeseen issues, especially when you are dealing with technology, which are a result of internal and external factors. This then leads to lesson’s learnt which can range from better ways to manage a project through to innovative approaches to prov iding support etc. These lessons learnt are not only of value to the project staff but also for others interested in developing or currently running similar projects.