Saturday, August 31, 2019

Advanced English

Malaysian born Azrul Mohd Khalib writes frequently on issues affecting his native land. He is currently working in the issues related on HIV/AIDS, sex and human rights. He has written many articles in one of the daily email news website called â€Å"The Malaysian Insider†. His articles have also appeared in the Malaysiakini, the article â€Å"Baby-Dumping: Killing the mothers won’t solve any problem†, â€Å"Ramadan a time to be considerate†, â€Å"Law still fuzzy on marital rape† as well as â€Å"not impossible for teens to be having sex† and etc. He has currently runs and battling an addiction to the â€Å"A Song of Ice and Fire† book series. Azrul Mohd Khalib has written many articles in the Malaysiakini in its letters section. The Malaysiakini is a political news website that has been widely considered to be one of the leading non-government owned paid-news agencies in Malaysia. Its news coverage concentrates mainly on local events, with a strong emphasis on items related to Malaysian politics, and also publishes columns, readers’ opinions in its letters section which claims to practice an editorial policy that is consistently supportive of justice, human rights, democracy, freedom of speech and good governance. And now the Malaysiakini is a voice of reasoned discussion on the letters section and not an exercising excessive editorial control on letters section. Summary The article emphasize the teenage pregnancy in Malaysia is continuously increasing from year to year and many teenage girls lost their lives because of resulting from pregnancy and not provide them necessary support for those in need. Teenage pregnancy has no self-righteousness and despised by the people and how they look at them to judge them, neglect to provide help that actually they are the victims of the issues. The author mentioned happens to teenage pregnancy in social environment and provides his personal opinions to solve the teenage pregnancy problems. According to the Ministry of Health (MOH) shows that many of the young people involved in the pregnancy. Besides that, MOH’s report show that some of the teenage pregnancy will carry her own burden and end up on the statistics of the MOH. MOH’s report also shows that some of the girls chose to commit suicide because of the cost of their lives. On the other hand, the author suggests providing the sexual reproductive health services for not just those who are married. Analysis of the presentation The author is referring to Ministry of Health (MOH) reports and attended his recent discussion which focuses on teenage pregnancy in Malaysia to present his point of view. He was not agree to look for people to blame them and outraged when read the reports of babies found buried and will moan about lack of religious and moral fibre, from the point of view of this sentence, it is show that this happens cannot be blame to those pregnancy of teenage and should find out the solutions to solve the problem. He support his point of view by giving the evidence, â€Å"These girls are victims of an environment created due to our continued neglect of issues relating to sexual health such as ensuring the availability of proper sexual reproductive health education and services. † The author state that the weaknesses of our social which aim to punish and harm but lack to provide necessary support for those in need. The author’s point of view is that our social lack of providing the necessary support to the teenage pregnancy. The author support his point of view by giving several evidence, which is â€Å"We allow people who call for hatred, discrimination and abuse on people who are gay or lesbian to give speeches to our students at schools but refuse entry to educators who talk about sex education and teaching things like how to use a condom. † The author also giving the evidence that proved his point of view, which is â€Å"The exploding numbers related to teenage pregnancy is a direct result of our society’s failure to acknowledge and address our blinkered views of sex. The author state the weaknesses of our social that no government healthcare facility offers abortion services for unwanted pregnancies or even condoms and sexual health information for singles and unmarried couples. From the point of view of this sentence, it is show that there is very few places turn to support and shelter those young women. The author state that reality of social culture in Malaysia has ready to judge f or the teenage pregnancy mistake. The author support his point of view with several evidence, which â€Å"there are more girls and teenagers living in fear as a result of an unwanted pregnancy. Most of them will increasingly resort to unsafe abortion and DIY attempts to force a miscarriage. † The author suggested underage marriage in the misguided and simplistic belief will solve the problem and this is better thing than being outside marriage. For the author’s point of view, the underage married can hide the problem. Also, the author’s point of view, there is another method which is religious convictions to improve the case of teenager pregnant. From the author’s point of view, sex education may confuse to the children with the complex messages. The author show several evidence to support his point of view, which is â€Å"â€Å"When I grew up, I didn’t need all of this and I was still able to live, marry and have kids†, a frequently comment from detractors of sex education. The author also suggested an effective way to improve the problem by providing relevant sexual reproductive health services. The author’s point of view, not just provide to those who are married but for all the young people. Author’s tone is recounting and invoking because he proves a lot of evidence to show that he really knows about the teenage pregnancy and he provide the solutions for teenage pregnancy from this article. Thus, our country should take a step and refer the facts and ways from this article to solve the problems of teenage pregnancy in our country. Response The author’s argument is practical and valid due to the author’s argument is logical and well-reasoned. In the article, the author uses the information from MOH report and the recent discussion about the causes of teenage pregnancy in Malaysia can proved that the author knew the situation of teenage pregnancy and narrates the problems in this country. Thus, he supports it by referring to his research which he more works on sex and human rights issues. The author’s argument is not objective enough to discuss the problem. He only narrates the role of teenage pregnancy happens in this country and not provide strong enough negative arguments to debate his own opinion. Besides that, the author wrote several causes in this article. He approached the causes happens and he described with the example of imagination. Apart from that, the author knew that the world is realistic to dealing with this issue of sex. He supports it by referring the MOH report and news from nowadays and the case happens to the young girls who went to commit suicide. Even though the article is not objective enough, however, the author provide the information is sufficient to convince the readers, education system, parents and government which not only belief in their own personal religious conviction, but government have to take an action to improving the teenage pregnancy. The argument is credible because the author, Azrul Mohd Khalib,his essays have generally posted in the MalaysiaKini, The MalaysianInsider, and The New Strait Times. He had works for sex and human rights issues for many years. This article was released at Monday, 12 of Nov 2012 in the Malaysian Insider. Malaysian Insider is a website that covers the issues of the day, politics, business, lifestyle, sports and entertainment that showcasing issues and opinions of reports analyses view to us. Besides that, the author uses his works on sex issues in long time research experiences, Ministry of Health reports and recent discussion of this issue that prove the evidence in the article, which show that the author’s argument is credible enough to the audience and has the experience of reporting the sex and human rights issues. Conclusion In conclusion, this article has been well written by the author and has high reliability. As a reader, I think that this article is very useful especially for the government, parents and education system to concern about the social’s role in the teenage pregnancy problems happens in our surrounding. I would like to recommend this article to several intended audience like teachers and schools and government because they are the main person can solve those social’s role in the teenage pregnancy problems in the future. After reading this article, government should be able to provide effective solutions and trying their best in several ways to help teenage pregnancy in social life problems.

Friday, August 30, 2019

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening Chapter Five

The full moon was directly overhead when Stefan came back to the boarding house. He was giddy, almost reeling, both from fatigue and from the glut of blood he'd taken. It had been a long time since he'd let himself feed so heavily. But the burst of wild Power by the graveyard had caught him up in its frenzy, shattering his already weakened control. He still wasn't sure where the Power had come from. He had been watching the human girls from his place in the shadows when it had exploded from behind him, sending the girls fleeing. He had been caught between the fear that they would run into the river and the desire to probe this Power and find its source. In the end, he had followedher , unable to chance her getting hurt. Something black had winged toward the woods as the humans reached the sanctuary of the bridge, but even Stefan's night senses could not make out what it was. He had watched while she and the other two started in the direction of town. Then he had turned back to the graveyard. It was empty now, purged of whatever had been there. On the ground lay a thin strip of silk that to ordinary eyes would have been gray in the dark. But he saw its true color, and as he crushed it between his fingers, bringing it slowly up to touch his lips, he could smell the scent of her hair. Memory engulfed him. It was bad enough when she was out of sight, when the cool glow of her mind only teased at the edges of his consciousness. But to be in the same room with her at the school, to feel her presence behind him, to smell the heady fragrance of her skin all around him, was almost more than he could bear. He had heard every soft breath she took, felt her warmth radiating against his back, sensed each throb of her sweet pulse. And eventually, to his horror, he had found himself giving in to it. His tongue had brushed back and forth over his canine teeth, enjoying the pleasure-pain that was building there, encouraging it. He'd breathed her smell into his nostrils deliberately, and let the visions come to him, imagining it all. How soft her neck would be, and how his lips would meet it with equal softness at first, planting tiny kisses here, and here, until he reached the yielding hollow of her throat. How he would nuzzle there, in the place where her heart beat so strongly against the delicate skin. And how at last his lips would part, would draw back from aching teeth now sharp as little daggers, and- No . He'd brought himself out of the trance with a jerk, his own pulse beating raggedly, his body shaking. The class had been dismissed, movement was all around him, and he could only hope no one had been observing him too closely. When she had spoken to him, he had been unable to believe that he had to face her while his veins burned and his whole upper jaw ached. He'd been afraid for a moment that his control would break, that he would seize her shoulders and take her in front of all of them. He had no idea how he'd gotten away, only that some time later he was channeling his energy into hard exercise, dimly aware that he must not use the Powers. It didn't matter; even without them he was in every way superior to the mortal boys who competed with him on the football field. His sight was sharper, his reflexes faster, his muscles stronger. Presently a hand had clapped him on the back and Matt's voice had rung in his ears: â€Å"Congratulations! Welcome to the team!† Looking into that honest, smiling face, Stefan had been overcome with shame. If you knew what I was, you wouldn't smile at me, he'd thought grimly. I've won this competition of yours by deception. And the girl you love-you do love her, don't you?-is in my thoughts right now. And she had remained in his thoughts despite all his efforts to banish her that afternoon. He had wandered to the graveyard blindly, pulled from the woods by a force he did not understand. Once there he had watched her, fighting himself, fighting the need, until the surge of Power had sent her and her friends running. And then he'd come home-but only after feeding. After losing control of himself. He couldn't remember exactly how it had happened, how he'd let it happen. That flare of Power had started it, awakening things inside him best left sleeping. The hunting need. The craving for the chase, for the smell of fear and the savage triumph of the kill. It had been years-centuries-since he'd felt the need with such force. His veins had begun burning like fire. And all his thoughts had turned red: he could think of nothing else but the hot coppery taste, the primal vibrancy, of blood. With that excitement still raging through him, he'd taken a step or two after the girls. What might have happened if he hadn't scented the old man was better not thought about. But as he reached the end of the bridge, his nostrils had flared at the sharp, distinctive odor of human flesh. Humanblood . The ultimate elixir, the forbidden wine. More intoxicating than any liquor, the steaming essence of life itself. And he was so tired of fighting the need. There had been a movement on the bank under the bridge, as a pile of old rags stirred. And the next instant, Stefan had landed gracefully, catlike, beside it. His hand shot out and pulled the rags away, exposing a wizened, blinking face atop a scrawny neck. His lips drew back. And then there was no sound but the feeding. Now, as he stumbled up the main staircase of the boarding house, he tried not to think about it, and not to think about her-about the girl who tempted him with her warmth, her life. She had been the one he truly desired, but he must put a stop to that, he must kill any such thoughts before they were started from now on. For his sake, and for her own. He was her worst nightmare come true, and she didn't even know it. â€Å"Who's there? Is that you, boy?† a cracked voice called sharply. One of the second-story doors opened, and a gray head poked out. â€Å"Yes,signora -Mrs. Flowers. I'm sorry if I disturbed you.† â€Å"Ah, it takes more than a creaky floorboard to disturb me. You locked the door behind you?† â€Å"Yes,signora . You're†¦ safe.† â€Å"That's right. We need to be safe here. You never know what might be out there in those woods, do you?† He looked quickly at the smiling little face surrounded by wisps of gray hair, the bright darting eyes. Was there a secret hidden in them? â€Å"Good night,signora .† â€Å"Good night, boy.† She shut the door. In his own room he fell onto the bed and lay staring up at the low, slanting ceiling. Usually he rested uneasily at night; it was not his natural sleeping time. But tonight he was tired. It took so much energy to face the sunlight, and the heavy meal only contributed to his lethargy. Soon, although his eyes did not close, he no longer saw the whitewashed ceiling above him. Random scraps of memory floated through his mind. Katherine, so lovely that evening by the fountain, moonlight silvering her pale golden hair. How proud he had been to sit with her, to be the one to share her secret†¦ â€Å"But can you never go out in sunlight?† â€Å"Ican , yes, as long as I wear this.† She held up a small white hand, and the moonlight shone on the lapis ring there. â€Å"But the sun tires me so much. I have never been very strong.† Stefan looked at her, at the delicacy of her features and the slightness of her body. She was almost as insubstantial as spun glass. No, she would never have been strong. â€Å"I was often ill as a child,† she said softly, her eyes on the play of water in the fountain. â€Å"The last time, the surgeon finally said I would die. I remember Papa crying, and I remember lying in my big bed, too weak to move. Even breathing was too much effort. I was so sad to leave the world and so cold, so very cold.† She shivered, and then smiled. â€Å"But what happened?† â€Å"I woke in the middle of the night to see Gudren, my maid, standing over my bed. And then she stepped aside, and I saw the man she had brought. I was frightened. His name was Klaus, and I'd heard the people in the village say he was evil. I cried out to Gudren to save me, but she just stood there, watching. When he put his mouth to my neck, I thought he was going to kill me.† She paused. Stefan was staring at her in horror and pity, and she smiled comfortingly at him. â€Å"It was not so terrible after all. There was a little pain at first, but that quickly went away. And then the feeling was actually pleasant. When he gave me of his own blood to drink, I felt stronger than I had for months. And then we waited out the hours together until dawn. When the surgeon came, he couldn't believe I was able to sit up and speak. Papa said it was a miracle, and he cried again from happiness.† Her face clouded. â€Å"I will have to leave my papa sometime soon. One day he will realize that since that illness I have not grown an hour older.† â€Å"And you never will?† â€Å"No. That is the wonder of it, Stefan!† She gazed up at him with childlike joy. â€Å"I will be young forever, and I will never die! Can you imagine?† He could not imagine her as anything other than what she was now: lovely, innocent, perfect. â€Å"But-you did not find it frightening at first?† â€Å"At first, a little. But Gudren showed me what to do. It was she who told me to have this ring made, with a gem that would protect me from sunlight. While I lay in bed, she brought me rich warm possets to drink. Later, she brought small animals her son trapped.† â€Å"Not†¦ people?† Her laughter rang out. â€Å"Of course not. I can get all I need in a night from a dove. Gudren says that if I wish to be powerful I should take human blood, for the life essence of humans is strongest. And Klaus used to urge me, too; he wanted to exchange blood again. But I tell Gudren I do not want power. And as for Klaus†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She stopped and dropped her eyes, so that heavy lashes lay on her cheek. Her voice was very soft as she continued. â€Å"I do not think it is a thing to be done lightly. I will take human blood only when I have found my companion, the one who will be by my side for all eternity.† She looked up at him gravely. Stefan smiled at her, feeling light-headed and bursting with pride. He could scarcely contain the happiness he felt at that moment. But that was before his brother Damon had returned from the University. Before Damon had come back and seen Katherine's jewel-blue eyes. On his bed in the low-roofed room, Stefan moaned. Then the darkness drew him in deeper and new images began to flicker through his mind. They were scattered glimpses of the past that did not form a connected sequence. He saw them like scenes briefly illuminated by flashes of lightning. His brother's face, twisted into a mask of inhuman anger. Katherine's blue eyes sparkling and dancing as she pirouetted in her new white gown. The glimmer of white behind a lemon tree. The feel of a sword in his hand; Giuseppe's voice shouting from far away. The lemon tree. He must not go behind the lemon tree. He saw Damon's face again, but this time his brother was laughing wildly. Laughing on and on, a sound like the grate of broken glass. And the lemon tree was closer now†¦ â€Å"Damon-Katherine-no!† He was sitting bolt upright on his bed. He ran shaking hands through his hair and steadied his breath. A terrible dream. It had been a long time since he had been tortured by dreams like that; long, indeed, since he'd dreamed at all. The last few seconds played over and over again in his mind, and he saw again the lemon tree and heard again his brother's laughter. It echoed in his mind almost too clearly. Suddenly, without being aware of a conscious decision to move, Stefan found himself at the open window. The night air Was cool on his cheeks as he looked into the silvery dark. â€Å"Damon?† He sent the thought out on a surge of Power, questing. Then he fell into absolute stillness, listening with all his senses. He could feel nothing, no ripple of response. Nearby, a pair of night birds rose in flight. In the town, many minds were sleeping; in the woods, nocturnal animals went about their secret business. He sighed and turned back into the room. Perhaps he'd been wrong about the laughter; perhaps he'd even been wrong about the menace in the graveyard. Fell's Church was still, and peaceful, and he should try to emulate it. He needed sleep. September 5 (actually early September 6-about 1:00 a.m.) Dear Diary, I should go back to bed soon. Just a few minutes ago I woke up thinking someone was shouting, but now the house is quiet. So many strange things have happened tonight that my nerves are shot, I guess. At least I woke up knowing exactly what I'm going to do about Stefan. The whole thing just sort of sprang into my mind. Plan B, Phase One, begins tomorrow. Frances's eyes were blazing, and her cheeks were flushed with color as she approached the three girls at the table. â€Å"Oh, Elena, you've got to hear this!† Elena smiled at her, polite but not too intimate. Frances ducked her brown head. â€Å"I mean†¦ can I join you? I've just heard the wildest thing about Stefan Salvatore.† â€Å"Have a seat,† said Elena graciously. â€Å"But,† she added, buttering a roll, â€Å"we're not really interested in the news.† â€Å"You-?† Frances stared. She looked at Meredith, then at Bonnie. â€Å"You guys are joking, right?† â€Å"Not at all.† Meredith speared a green bean and eyed it thoughtfully. â€Å"We have other things on our minds today.† â€Å"Exactly,† said Bonnie after a sudden start. â€Å"Stefan's old news, you know. Passe.† She bent down and rubbed her ankle. Frances looked at Elena appealingly. â€Å"But I thought you wanted to know all about him.† â€Å"Curiosity,† Elena said. â€Å"After all, he is a visitor, and I wanted to welcome him to Fell's Church. But of course I have to be loyal to Jean-Claude.† â€Å"Jean-Claude?† â€Å"Jean-Claude,† said Meredith, raising her eyebrows and sighing. â€Å"Jean-Claude,† echoed Bonnie gamely. Delicately, with thumb and forefinger, Elena drew a photo out of her backpack. â€Å"Here he is standing in front of the cottage where we stayed. Right afterward he picked me a flower and said†¦Ã¢â‚¬ Well,†-she smiled mysteriously-â€Å"I shouldn't repeat it.† Frances was gazing at the photo. It showed a bronzed young man, shirtless, standing in front of a hibiscus bush and smiling shyly. â€Å"He's older, isn't he?† she said with respect. â€Å"Twenty-one. Of course,†-Elena glanced over Tier shoulder-â€Å"my aunt would never approve, so we're keeping it from her until I graduate. We have to write to each other secretly.† â€Å"How romantic,† Frances breathed. â€Å"I'll never tell a soul, I promise. But about Stefan†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Elena gave her a superior smile. â€Å"If,† she said, â€Å"I am going to eat Continental, I prefer French to Italian every time.† She turned to Meredith. â€Å"Right?† â€Å"Mm-hmm. Everytime.† Meredith and Elena smiled knowingly at each other, then turned to Frances. â€Å"Don't you agree?† â€Å"Oh, yes,† said Frances hastily. â€Å"Me, too. Every time.† She smiled knowingly herself and nodded several times as she got up and left. When she was gone, Bonnie said piteously, â€Å"This is going to kill me. Elena, I am going to die if I don't hear the gossip.† â€Å"Oh, that? I can tell you,† Elena replied calmly. â€Å"She was going to say there's a rumor going around that Stefan Salvatore is a narc.† â€Å"A what !† Bonnie stared, and then burst into laughter. â€Å"But that's ridiculous. What narc in the world would dress like that and wear dark glasses? I mean, he's done everything he can to draw attention to himself†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Her voice trailed off, and her brown eyes widened. â€Å"But then, that may bewhy he does it. Who would ever suspect anybody so obvious? And he does live alone, and he's awfully secretive†¦ Elena! What if it's true?† â€Å"It isn't,† said Meredith. â€Å"How do you know?† â€Å"Because I'm the one who started it.† At Bonnie's expression, she grinned and added: â€Å"Elena told me to.† â€Å"Ohhhh.† Bonnie looked admiringly at Elena. â€Å"You're wicked. Can I tell people he's got a terminal disease?† â€Å"No, you cannot. I don't want any Florence Nightingale types lining up to hold his hand. But you can tell people whatever you want about Jean-Claude.† Bonnie picked up the photograph. â€Å"Who was he really?† â€Å"The gardener. He was crazy about those hibiscus bushes. He was also married, with two kids.† â€Å"Pity,† said Bonnie seriously. â€Å"And you told Frances not to tell anyone about him†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Right.† Elena checked her watch. â€Å"Which means that by, oh, say two o'clock, it ought to be all over the school.† After school, the girls went to Bonnie's house. They were greeted at the front door by a shrill yapping, and when Bonnie opened the door, a very old, very fat Pekingese tried to escape. His name was Yangtze, and he was so spoiled that no one except Bonnie's mother could stand him. He nipped at Elena's ankle as she went by. The living room was dim and crowded, with lots of rather fussy furniture and heavy curtains at the windows. Bonnie's sister Mary was there, unpinning a cap from her wavy red hair. She was just two years older than Bonnie, and she worked at the Fell's Church clinic. â€Å"Oh, Bonnie,† she said, â€Å"I'm glad you're back. Hello, Elena, Meredith.† Elena and Meredith said â€Å"hello.† â€Å"What's the matter? You look tired,† said Bonnie. Mary dropped her cap on the coffee table. Instead of answering, she asked a question in return. â€Å"Last night when you came home so upset, where did you say you girls had been?† â€Å"Down in the-Just down by Wickery Bridge.† â€Å"That's what I thought.† Mary took a deep breath. â€Å"Now, you listen to me, Bonnie McCullough. Don't youever go out there again, and especially not alone and at night. Do you understand?† â€Å"But why not?† Bonnie asked, bewildered. â€Å"Because last night somebody was attacked out there, that's why not. And do you know where they found him? Righton the bank under Wickery Bridge .† Elena and Meredith stared at her in disbelief, and Bonnie clutched at Elena's arm. â€Å"Somebody was attacked under the bridge? But who was it? What happened?† â€Å"I don't know. This morning one of the cemetery workers spotted him lying there. He was some homeless person, I guess, and he'd probably been sleeping under the bridge when he was attacked. But he was half dead when they brought him in, and he hasn't regained consciousness yet. He may die.† Elena swallowed. â€Å"What do you mean, attacked?† â€Å"I mean,† said Mary distinctly, â€Å"that his throat was nearly ripped out. He lost an incredible amount of blood. They thought it might have been an animal at first, but now Dr. Lowen says it was a person. And the police think whoever did it may be hiding in the cemetery.† Mary looked at each of them in turn, her mouth a straight line. â€Å"So if youwere there by the bridge-or in the cemetery, Elena Gilbert-then this person may have been there with you.Get it ?† â€Å"You don't have to scare us anymore,† said Bonnie faintly. â€Å"We get the point, Mary.† â€Å"All right. Good.† Mary's shoulders slumped, and she rubbed at the back of her neck wearily. â€Å"I've got to lie down for a while. I didn't mean to be crabby.† She walked out of the living room. Alone, the three girls looked at one another. â€Å"It could have been one of us,† said Meredith quietly. â€Å"Especially you, Elena; you went there alone.† Elena's skin was prickling, that same painfully alert feeling she'd had in the old graveyard. She could feel the chill of the wind and see the rows of tall tombstones all around her. Sunshine and Robert E. Lee had never seemed so far away. â€Å"Bonnie,† she said slowly, â€Å"did you see somebody out there? Is that what you meant when you said someone was waiting for me?† In the dim room, Bonnie looked at her blankly. â€Å"What are you talking about? I didn't say that.† â€Å"Yes, you did.† â€Å"No, I didn't. I never said that.† â€Å"Bonnie,† said Meredith, â€Å"we both heard you. You stared out at the old gravestones, and then you told Elena-† â€Å"I don't know what you're talking about, and I didn't sayanything .† Bonnie's face was pinched with anger, but there were tears in her eyes. â€Å"I don't want to talk about it anymore.† Elena and Meredith looked at one another helplessly. Outside, the sun went behind a cloud.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Amu Scin138 Lab 9

0 Points Question 1 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points Questions 1 through 3 are based on the Lab Exercise, Step 2. Record your answer to Lab Exercise, Step 2, Question 11. How long ago was the igneous rock in rock unit B formed? A. 352 mya B. 380 mya C. 704 mya D. 1408 mya Answer Key: A Question 2 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points Record your answer to Lab Exercise, Step 2, Question 12. How long ago was the igneous rock in rock unit C formed? A. 70. 4 mya B. 140. 8 mya C. 352 mya D. 704 mya Answer Key: B Question 3 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points Record your answer to Lab Exercise, Step 2, Question 13. How long ago was the metamorphic rock in rock unit G formed? A. 625 mya B. 704 mya C. 1250 mya D. 2500 mya Answer Key: C Question 4 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points Questions 4 through 8 are based on the Lab Exercise, Step 3. 4. Record your answer to Lab Exercise, Step 3, Question 14. How long ago were the fossils found in Layer A formed? A. 65. 5–145. 5 mya B. 201. 6–145. 5 mya C. 251–201. 6 mya D. 299–251 mya Answer Key: B Question 5 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points During what period were the fossils in Layer A formed? A. Cretaceous Period B. Triassic Period C. Jurassic Period D. Cambrian Period Answer Key: C Question 6 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points Record your answer to Lab Exercise, Step 3, Question 15. How long ago were the fossils found in Layer D formed? A. 251–299 mya B. 359–299 mya C. 416–359 mya D. 444–416 mya Answer Key: D Question 7 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points During what period were the fossils in Layer D formed? A. Permian Period B. Devonian Period C. Silurian Period D. Ordovician Period Answer Key: C Question 8 of 31 3. 0/ 3. Points Record your answer to Lab Exercise, Step 3, Question 16. How long ago were the fossils found in Layer E formed? A. 444–416 mya B. 488–444 mya C. 542–488 mya D. 1000–542 mya Answer Key: B Question 9 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points During what period were the fossils in Layer E formed? A. Permian Period B. Devonian Period C. Silurian Period D. Ordovician Period Answer Key: D Question 10 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points Record your answer to Lab Exercise, Step 3, Question 17. How long ago were the fossils found in Layer F formed? A. 444–416 mya B. 488–444 mya C. 542–488 mya D. 000–542 mya Answer Key: C Question 11 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points During what period were the fossils in Layer F formed? A. Cambrian Period B. Triassic Period C. Carboniferous Period D. Tertiary Period Answer Key: A Question 12 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points Record your answer to Lab Exercise, Step 3, Question 18. What is the least amount of time that could have passed during the hiatus represented by younger unconformity seen in Figure 9. 12? A. 101 million years B. 150. 4 million years. C. 206. 6 million years D. 286 million years Answer Key: B Question 13 of 31 3. 0/ 3. Points Record your answer to Lab Exercise, Step 3, Question 19. What is the least amount of time that could have passed during the hiatus represented by the older unconformity seen in Figure 9. 12 ? A. 708 million years B. 762 million years. C. 1333 million years D. 1958 million years Answer Key: A Question 14 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points 14. Which of the following principles is NOT used in determining the relative age of rocks? A. Principle of Cross-cutting Relationships B. Principle of Original Horizontality C. Principle of Superposition D. Principle of Vertical Continuity Answer Key: D Question 15 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points Questions 4 through 8 are based on Figure 9. 17 on page 208 of your lab book. Determine the relative age each of the geologic structures shown in the geologic cross section below (Figure 9. 17) from youngest to oldest; then answer the questions below. As before, a wiggly line running across the geologic cross section indicates an unconformity and a fault is indicated with a bold straight line. Which is the youngest geologic structure in Figure 9. 17? A. E B. A C. B D. D Answer Key: B Question 16 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points Which is the oldest geologic structure in Figure 9. 17? A. A B. C C. F D. D Answer Key: D Question 17 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points Which letter represents an unconformity in Figure 9. 17? A. A B. C C. E D. F Answer Key: C Question 18 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points Which letter represents a fault in Figure 9. 17? A. A B. C C. E D. F Answer Key: D Feedback: F Question 19 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points What is the proper order of geologic structures B, C, D, and F in Figure 9. 17 from oldest to youngest? A. F, B, C, D B. D, C, B, F C. D, F, B, C D. B, C, F, D Answer Key: B Question 20 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points What relative dating principle states that in a sequence of sedimentary rocks, unless overturned, the oldest beds are at the bottom and the youngest beds are at the top? A. Principle of Cross-cutting Relationships B. Principle of Inclusion C. Principle of Superposition D. Principle of Original Horizontality Answer Key: C Question 21 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points What relative dating principle states that fossils in a sequence of sedimentary rock layers succeed one another in a definite, recognizable order? A. Principle of Cross-cutting Relationships B. Principle of Faunal Succession C. Principle of Inclusion D. Principle of Superposition Answer Key: B Question 22 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points The Principle of Cross-cutting Relationships states that A. sedimentary layers and lava flows accumulate as horizontal layers. B. rock fragments found within an igneous intrusion are older than the intrusion. C. geologic structures that cut across other structures are younger than the structures they cut across. D. younger rocks are deposited over older rocks. Answer Key: C Question 23 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points The Principle of Lateral Continuity states A. sedimentary layers and lava flows accumulate as horizontal layers. B. layer of sedimentary rock originally extended in all directions until it thinned to zero or reached the edge of the basin. C. rock fragments found within an igneous intrusion are older than the intrusion. D. younger rocks are deposited over older rocks. Answer Key: B Question 24 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points What type of unconformity appears between two parallel sedimentary layers? A. a disco nformity B. a nonconformity C. an angular unconformity D. a sedimentary nonconformity Answer Key: A Question 25 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points What type of unconformity appears between a sedimentary layer and an igneous or metamorphic rock body? A. a disconformity B. a nonconformity C. an angular unconformity D. a sedimentary nonconformity Answer Key: B Question 26 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points What type of unconformity appears between a tilted sedimentary strata and a horizontal overlying layer? A. a disconformity B. a nonconformity C. an angular unconformity D. a sedimentary nonconformity Answer Key: C Question 27 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points If a sample of radioactive material contains a parent isotope with a half-life of 3 years, then at the end of 6 years A. all of the parent isotope remains. B. half of the parent isotope remains. C. one-quarter of the parent isotope remains. D. one-ninth of the parent isotope remains. Answer Key: C Question 28 of 31 9. 0/ 9. 0 Points Questions 28 and 29 are based on the Lab Exercise, Step 1. 1. Record your answers to Lab Exercise, Step 1, Questions 1 through 9. List each of the geologic features shown in Figure 9. 12 from youngest to oldest. C (youngest rock unit A H B D E F I G (oldest rock unit) Answer Key: C, a, h, b, d, e, f, i, G Feedback: ___C____ (youngest rock unit) ___A___ ___H___ ___B___ ___D___ ___E___ ___F___ ___I___ ___G___ (oldest rock unit) Question 29 of 31 4. / 4. 0 Points Record your answer to Lab Exercise, Step 1, Question 10. What letters represents unconformities, and what type of unconformities are they? H is a(n) Angular unconformity ; I is a(n) Nonconformity . Answer Key: an* un*, non* Question 30 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of a once-living organism. Answer Key: fos* Question 31 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points An index fossil is a fossil of an organism that was common and had widespread geographic distribution during a short period of time in Earth’s history. Answer Key: ind*, fos* Amu Scin138 Lab 9 0 Points Question 1 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points Questions 1 through 3 are based on the Lab Exercise, Step 2. Record your answer to Lab Exercise, Step 2, Question 11. How long ago was the igneous rock in rock unit B formed? A. 352 mya B. 380 mya C. 704 mya D. 1408 mya Answer Key: A Question 2 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points Record your answer to Lab Exercise, Step 2, Question 12. How long ago was the igneous rock in rock unit C formed? A. 70. 4 mya B. 140. 8 mya C. 352 mya D. 704 mya Answer Key: B Question 3 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points Record your answer to Lab Exercise, Step 2, Question 13. How long ago was the metamorphic rock in rock unit G formed? A. 625 mya B. 704 mya C. 1250 mya D. 2500 mya Answer Key: C Question 4 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points Questions 4 through 8 are based on the Lab Exercise, Step 3. 4. Record your answer to Lab Exercise, Step 3, Question 14. How long ago were the fossils found in Layer A formed? A. 65. 5–145. 5 mya B. 201. 6–145. 5 mya C. 251–201. 6 mya D. 299–251 mya Answer Key: B Question 5 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points During what period were the fossils in Layer A formed? A. Cretaceous Period B. Triassic Period C. Jurassic Period D. Cambrian Period Answer Key: C Question 6 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points Record your answer to Lab Exercise, Step 3, Question 15. How long ago were the fossils found in Layer D formed? A. 251–299 mya B. 359–299 mya C. 416–359 mya D. 444–416 mya Answer Key: D Question 7 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points During what period were the fossils in Layer D formed? A. Permian Period B. Devonian Period C. Silurian Period D. Ordovician Period Answer Key: C Question 8 of 31 3. 0/ 3. Points Record your answer to Lab Exercise, Step 3, Question 16. How long ago were the fossils found in Layer E formed? A. 444–416 mya B. 488–444 mya C. 542–488 mya D. 1000–542 mya Answer Key: B Question 9 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points During what period were the fossils in Layer E formed? A. Permian Period B. Devonian Period C. Silurian Period D. Ordovician Period Answer Key: D Question 10 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points Record your answer to Lab Exercise, Step 3, Question 17. How long ago were the fossils found in Layer F formed? A. 444–416 mya B. 488–444 mya C. 542–488 mya D. 000–542 mya Answer Key: C Question 11 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points During what period were the fossils in Layer F formed? A. Cambrian Period B. Triassic Period C. Carboniferous Period D. Tertiary Period Answer Key: A Question 12 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points Record your answer to Lab Exercise, Step 3, Question 18. What is the least amount of time that could have passed during the hiatus represented by younger unconformity seen in Figure 9. 12? A. 101 million years B. 150. 4 million years. C. 206. 6 million years D. 286 million years Answer Key: B Question 13 of 31 3. 0/ 3. Points Record your answer to Lab Exercise, Step 3, Question 19. What is the least amount of time that could have passed during the hiatus represented by the older unconformity seen in Figure 9. 12 ? A. 708 million years B. 762 million years. C. 1333 million years D. 1958 million years Answer Key: A Question 14 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points 14. Which of the following principles is NOT used in determining the relative age of rocks? A. Principle of Cross-cutting Relationships B. Principle of Original Horizontality C. Principle of Superposition D. Principle of Vertical Continuity Answer Key: D Question 15 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points Questions 4 through 8 are based on Figure 9. 17 on page 208 of your lab book. Determine the relative age each of the geologic structures shown in the geologic cross section below (Figure 9. 17) from youngest to oldest; then answer the questions below. As before, a wiggly line running across the geologic cross section indicates an unconformity and a fault is indicated with a bold straight line. Which is the youngest geologic structure in Figure 9. 17? A. E B. A C. B D. D Answer Key: B Question 16 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points Which is the oldest geologic structure in Figure 9. 17? A. A B. C C. F D. D Answer Key: D Question 17 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points Which letter represents an unconformity in Figure 9. 17? A. A B. C C. E D. F Answer Key: C Question 18 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points Which letter represents a fault in Figure 9. 17? A. A B. C C. E D. F Answer Key: D Feedback: F Question 19 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points What is the proper order of geologic structures B, C, D, and F in Figure 9. 17 from oldest to youngest? A. F, B, C, D B. D, C, B, F C. D, F, B, C D. B, C, F, D Answer Key: B Question 20 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points What relative dating principle states that in a sequence of sedimentary rocks, unless overturned, the oldest beds are at the bottom and the youngest beds are at the top? A. Principle of Cross-cutting Relationships B. Principle of Inclusion C. Principle of Superposition D. Principle of Original Horizontality Answer Key: C Question 21 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points What relative dating principle states that fossils in a sequence of sedimentary rock layers succeed one another in a definite, recognizable order? A. Principle of Cross-cutting Relationships B. Principle of Faunal Succession C. Principle of Inclusion D. Principle of Superposition Answer Key: B Question 22 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points The Principle of Cross-cutting Relationships states that A. sedimentary layers and lava flows accumulate as horizontal layers. B. rock fragments found within an igneous intrusion are older than the intrusion. C. geologic structures that cut across other structures are younger than the structures they cut across. D. younger rocks are deposited over older rocks. Answer Key: C Question 23 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points The Principle of Lateral Continuity states A. sedimentary layers and lava flows accumulate as horizontal layers. B. layer of sedimentary rock originally extended in all directions until it thinned to zero or reached the edge of the basin. C. rock fragments found within an igneous intrusion are older than the intrusion. D. younger rocks are deposited over older rocks. Answer Key: B Question 24 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points What type of unconformity appears between two parallel sedimentary layers? A. a disco nformity B. a nonconformity C. an angular unconformity D. a sedimentary nonconformity Answer Key: A Question 25 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points What type of unconformity appears between a sedimentary layer and an igneous or metamorphic rock body? A. a disconformity B. a nonconformity C. an angular unconformity D. a sedimentary nonconformity Answer Key: B Question 26 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points What type of unconformity appears between a tilted sedimentary strata and a horizontal overlying layer? A. a disconformity B. a nonconformity C. an angular unconformity D. a sedimentary nonconformity Answer Key: C Question 27 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points If a sample of radioactive material contains a parent isotope with a half-life of 3 years, then at the end of 6 years A. all of the parent isotope remains. B. half of the parent isotope remains. C. one-quarter of the parent isotope remains. D. one-ninth of the parent isotope remains. Answer Key: C Question 28 of 31 9. 0/ 9. 0 Points Questions 28 and 29 are based on the Lab Exercise, Step 1. 1. Record your answers to Lab Exercise, Step 1, Questions 1 through 9. List each of the geologic features shown in Figure 9. 12 from youngest to oldest. C (youngest rock unit A H B D E F I G (oldest rock unit) Answer Key: C, a, h, b, d, e, f, i, G Feedback: ___C____ (youngest rock unit) ___A___ ___H___ ___B___ ___D___ ___E___ ___F___ ___I___ ___G___ (oldest rock unit) Question 29 of 31 4. / 4. 0 Points Record your answer to Lab Exercise, Step 1, Question 10. What letters represents unconformities, and what type of unconformities are they? H is a(n) Angular unconformity ; I is a(n) Nonconformity . Answer Key: an* un*, non* Question 30 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of a once-living organism. Answer Key: fos* Question 31 of 31 3. 0/ 3. 0 Points An index fossil is a fossil of an organism that was common and had widespread geographic distribution during a short period of time in Earth’s history. Answer Key: ind*, fos*

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Controversial Advertising Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 7500 words

Controversial Advertising - Coursework Example Since wary and cynical viewers are bombarded with an ever-increasing number of advertising messages, they immediately tend to put up their defences as they detect they are being sold something. Marketers must therefore rely on more subtle methods of communicating a message to their consumers. Stealth marketing attempts to catch people at their most vulnerable by identifying the weak spot in their defensive shields. Stealth marketing represents the latest in a long line of marketers' attempts to get their brands noticed in a crowded marketplace by flying below the consumers' radar. It is considered a viable alternative to conventional advertising because it is perceived as softer as and more personal than traditional advertising. Stealth-marketing attempts to present a new product or service by cleverly creating and spreading "buzz" in an obtuse or surreptitious manner. (1) Instead of aggressively shouting to everybody at the same time, stealth marketing tends to whisper occasionally to a few individuals. It loads a product or service with attractive features that make it "cool" or "in" and relies heavily on the power of word of mouth to encourage customers to feel they just "stumbled" upon the product or service them. The main objective of controversial advertising is to get the right people talking about the product or service without it appearing to be company-sponsored. ... (1) Instead of aggressively shouting to everybody at the same time, stealth marketing tends to whisper occasionally to a few individuals. It loads a product or service with attractive features that make it "cool" or "in" and relies heavily on the power of word of mouth to encourage customers to feel they just "stumbled" upon the product or service them. The main objective of controversial advertising is to get the right people talking about the product or service without it appearing to be company-sponsored. Essentially, it creates a positive word-of-mouth environment whereby selected consumers become spontaneous carriers of the message. Eventually, the message is diffused in concentric circles, from the trendsetters to mainstream consumers. The initial message can be conveyed in a variety of ways: physically (celebrities or trendsetters may be seen with the brand); verbally (people sneak the brand name in on-air or off-air conversations); virtually or virally (message is transmitted via internet chartrooms, newsgroups, or weblogs); or in any combination thereof. If consumers like the new product or service, they will be delighted to mention it to their friends and colleagues who probably know people just like themselves. By attempting to incorporate the product in the target audience's lifestyle, stealth marketing tends to present products and services by the softest sell of all. Brand managers looking to move beyond the traditional reliance on 30- second TV commercials should explore the feasibility of using controversial advertising techniques. While stealth marketing is an emerging phenomenon in the controversial advertising arena, it will become more

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Make a recommendation to Apple Inc Research Paper

Make a recommendation to Apple Inc - Research Paper Example He should promote systems thinking by looking at the system from a broader perspective that would include overall structure and the whole cyclic processes going on rather than considering smaller events and processes. This would help in addressing the problematic issues on the whole. He should enhance personal mastery of all individuals by making them learn new techniques in which they would show their mastery and creativity. He should incorporate mental models by discussing the success as a complete picture produced by the minds collectively. He should encourage a shared vision of all employees by discussing and communicating with them. He should inculcate team learning rather than individualistic approach and would consider team as a fundamental learning unit. Moreover, proper communication should be ensured between all employees to resolve conflicts that may happen among them when job satisfaction decreases (Masters and Albright). Cooperative communication tends to avoid or settle a conflict to â€Å"put an end to it in an effective way† (Bacal

Monday, August 26, 2019

The Underclass and Group Offending Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Underclass and Group Offending - Essay Example However, since the term underclass was coined, there has not been a precise definition of the term underclass but most sociologists have now come to define underclass as those members of the society whose incomes fall below the level of poverty and may be eligible for assistance by the government. Wilson (1987) attempts to define the underclass as the most deprived sections of the urban community composed of black population, the heterogeneous grouping of individuals and families outside the main employment of the American system. He stated that this group includes those people lacking necessary skills, training to secure employment, have not been in employment for a long-term or are not members of the mainstream labour force. They are those individuals that are often engaged in crime and other forms of behaviour that are abhorred by the society and have experienced long spells of poverty relying on assistance by the government (Wilson 1987, p.8). ... power, the labour government of Prime Minister Tony Blair appreciated the menace posed by the underclass by setting p a social exclusion unit that would deal with what it referred to as Margaret Thatcher’s underclass that defines people who were without jobs and skills, often without homes and hopeless. These individuals were also considered alienated from the conventional setting of a society (Mark 2011); therefore according to the studies by Murray, the underclass are not only defined by their economic positions but also by their behaviour in that they respond to their lowly economic situations through engagement in behaviour that can be deemed to be deplorable (Murray 1990, p.68). One distinct area associated with the underclass and group offending is found among gangs who in most cases belong to a minority underclass found in urban areas. Gangs are often avenues for particular groups of people especially the underclass to get out of poverty and in the mix, they are always brought into the world of crime and the gangs are normally organized in peer groups, street gangs or criminal networks that are organized. Several researchers have suggested that the existence of gangs and gang-related crimes increase when there are limited economic opportunities available. A study conducted by the Crime Justice Research Centre of Ohio State University found that when jobs were lost in the industries, unemployment became rampant; consequently, there was always an upsurge of gangs engaging in criminal activities (Watts 1992, p.819-820). These findings confirm that there is a direct correlation between criminal activities, lack of employment and poverty often associated with the underclass, and most people join gangs discerning that it can provide them with an opportunity to be

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Report on HSBC Experience Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Report on HSBC Experience - Essay Example This position came with the role of ensuring the clients served are fully satisfied in their queries. None of the clients was to have unanswered questions upon visiting the desk occupied. As a result, one of the things needed to in order to perform effectively the role was ensuring that information was on the fingertips. The job’s tasks included helping the clients fill loan forms, opening accounts, offering professional advice as well as guiding the clients through the online transactions. The duties that came with this job included serving clients, selling company products, responding to customers’ phone queries. Besides serving clients at the customer care desk, the position entailed promoting the products by working with a group of salespeople every one weekend per month. Other weekends’ duties involved compiling the sales reports and customer’s comments. Every day there would be a meeting where each officer was expected to give their experiences in th eir respective roles. These duties needed the highest portrayal of professionalism since many of the clients came from high social classes. The duties and tasks demanded discretion and high level of ethics observation because one had to look at the client’s account. The description detailing how the duties were undertaken includes that loan forms had to be filled only by the client but under the direction of the officer. The opening of the account-required the client to fill the blank spaces but confirmed and approved by the officer.

The Impact Of Employee Motivation On Organisational Performance (UK) Dissertation

The Impact Of Employee Motivation On Organisational Performance (UK) - Dissertation Example Different sampling techniques were used for both studies, which seemed best suited for the situation and type of study considering time and other limiting factors. Eleven dimensions were derived out of the semi–structured interviews and questions in the survey were based on these dimensions. Data obtained from questionnaires, on Likert scale from 1-5, was assessed by calculating summated scores and cumulative percentages of each dimension and total cumulative scores. In order to identify the core concern areas, Pareto analysis was performed. Three main dimensions captured more than 75% of dissatisfaction among employees. Analysis of scores obtained for each dimension reveals the significance of organisational procedures, practices and policies on employee motivation. Recommendations are proposed based on these findings, which can be practically implemented. Conclusions are drawn based on all findings and gaps that emerged during the research study have been proposed for future research. The cumulative scores from this research indicate average satisfaction among employees, which are comparable with average performance recorded by company. Table of Contents Chapter 1--An Overview 5 1.1 Introduction 5 1.2 Introduction to this research: a general impression 5 1.2.1 The need and means for employee motivation 5 1.2.2 Significance of employee motivation in organisational success 6 1.3. Background for this study 7 1.3.1 Rationale for this research 7 1.4 Aims and objectives 7 1.5 Hypotheses 8 1.6 Research Questions 8 1.7 Scope and Limitations 8 1.8 Summary 8 Chapter 2 --Literature review 10 2.1. Introduction 10 2.2. Theoretical perspectives on employee motivation 10 2.2.1 Theoretical standpoints 11 2.2.2. Other impressions on employee motivation 13 2.3 Types of motivation 14 2.4. Factors impacting motivation 15 2.5. Impact of employee motivation 16 2.6. Summary 17 Chapter 3 -- Methodology 19 3.1 Introduction 19 3.2 Research design 19 3.2.1 Semi-structured interv iews 20 3.2.2. Survey questionnaire and design 20 3.3 Population and sample size. 21 3.3.1 Semi structured interviews 21 3.3.2 Survey questionnaire 22 3.4 Data collection and method of assessment 22 3.4.1 Semi-structured interviews 23 3.4.2 Survey questionnaire 23 3.5 Validity, reliability and generalisability of the methods 24 3.5.1 Semi-structured interviews 24 3.5.2 Survey questionnaire 25 3.6 Ethical considerations 25 3.7 Reference to previous research 26 3.8 Summary 26 Chapter 4—Findings and Results 27 4.1. Introduction 27 4.2 Qualitative research : Findings and results 27 4.2.1. Semi-structured interviews with staff: findings and interpretations 27 4.2.2. Responses from supervisors/managers 29 4.3. Limitations of semi-structured interviews 33 4.4. Quantitative research: Findings and results 33 4.4.1 Hypothesis testing using Chi-square test 33 4.4.2. Percentage calculations 34 4.5 Pareto analysis 35 4.6. Summary 35 Chapter 5 -- Discussion. 35 5.1 Introduction 36 5.2 Retu rning to aims and objectives of this research 36 5.3 Hypotheses testing 36 5.4 Analysing qualitative and quantitative information 37 5.5 Pareto analysis 48 5.6. Summary 48 Chapter 6 – Conclusions and Recommendations 50 6.1 Introduction 50 6.2 Answers to research questions 50 6.3 Conclusions from overall research 51 6.4 Limitations and drawbacks of this research 51 6.5 Recommendations for supervisors/managers 52 6.6 Final conclusion and propositions for future research 53 Chapter 7 – References and Appendices 54 Chapter 1--An Overview 1.1 Introduction: This chapter presents an overview of the research to be

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Health Care Organization Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Health Care Organization - Term Paper Example Human resources play a key role at all levels of health care provision, enhanced by proper decision making by health care organizations. In the light of the Johns Hopkins Medicine organization, human resources environment is evaluated and assessed in terms of the various factors that characterize that environment. Challenges of managing the human resources in the organization Managing human resources is often characterized by a number of identifiable challenges. These challenges are spread across all variables that define the operational functionality of human resources in an organization. Human resources management in the context of Johns Hopkins Medicine organization experiences challenges internally and externally, based on local and international trends in factors that affect human resources and the entire health care industry. The challenges herein are discussed below: New technology challenge The Johns Hopkins Medicine organization is one of the health care organizations that h ighly adopt changes in new and advanced technologies. The organization is committed to providing the domestic and international community with health services that utilize contemporary technologies in a bid to make the services effective and efficient. This is actually a positive effort for the organization, but its human resource management personnel face a significant challenge posed by this pursuit. This process promotes a shift from touch labor to knowledge work (Beardwell & Claydon, 2010). In other words, managing this change in the context of the workforce is a difficult task. Leadership development Leadership impacts on the organization at all levels. This is because organizational decisions are taken at all levels due to the required interdepartmental relationship. While Johns Hopkins Medicine organization is focused on becoming a world leading example in the health sector, little or no concentration is directed towards internal leadership of specific departments. On the sam e note, all the departments are required to work in harmony and observe the same goals and objectives. The conflicting pursuit challenges leadership development in the organization. Measurement of effectiveness Many health care organizations are focused on the result other than the process. Effectiveness measurement in these organizations is directed to the general company performance other than the individual contribution of each department in the organization. It is important to account for the effectiveness of the human resource department in the pursuit of the organizational goals. However, proper mechanisms to do so are lacking in many organizations. While such mechanisms may be in place in Johns Hopkins Medicine organization, the key variables that measure the effectiveness are lacking. Staffing It is the role of human resources management to undertake proper staffing in an organization. This is done through recruitment and management of available skilled labor, locally and in ternationally (Pilbeam & Corbridge, 2011). Johns Hopkins Medicine is an ever advancing organization in terms of its operations and technology. As a result, the staffing of the organization needs to be diverse and dynamic over time in order to match these trends. Striking a balance between the advancement and the staffing process is

Friday, August 23, 2019

The use of emulsifiers in the food industry Essay

The use of emulsifiers in the food industry - Essay Example In this paper, the need, use and importance of emulsifiers in food industry will be clearly depicted. The importance of emulsifiers in different food preparations will also be explained by examples. 2.0 Emulsifiers Emulsifiers are the chain of molecules which possess one water-loving i.e. hydrophilic nature on one end of the chain and oil-loving, i.e. hydrophobic nature at the other end. For example, when oil and water are added together, it does not mix and the oil floats in the water surface. This mixture can only be possible when emulsifier is added in them. After mixture of emulsifier, oil and water get lightly dispersed with each other forming stable, homogenous smooth mixture (Food Info, 2009). Emulsifier is generally a product which facilitates two substances to mix up homogeneously which ordinarily may not be possible to mix well. For example, mayonnaise is an ‘emulsified food product’. To enhance the taste and texture of this food product, emulsifier is added wi th other ingredients. In food products, the emulsified mixture are the combination of at least two components or â€Å"phases† which in general do not mix well all together. Oil and water are the two phases in mayonnaise (Bernstein, n.d.). 3.0 Importance The food industry uses various types of emulsifiers while producing variety of food products. The simplest type of emulsifier used in food industry is a natural emulsifier which is derived from a source of vegetable referred to as ‘lecithin’. This natural emulsifier has been derived from soybeans though other types of emulsifiers are derived from various other sources. For the production of lecithin, the soy oil is expressed from the soil beans, which is ultimately treated with steam. This emulsifier is commonly used in chocolate bars and chocolate candy. The presence of lecithin with other various ingredients in chocolate facilitates to uphold stability and avert separation and spoilage. In the food industry, em ulsifiers are a foremost ingredient group that are used in products. The primary importance of emulsifiers is to increase the improvement of food palatability. The food products which make use of fats or fatty ingredients need the presence of emulsifier in order to maintain their reliability and quality. Several products of chocolate coatings and icings require this as they make fatty things. The disadvantage of the existence of these fats is primarily â€Å"mouthfeel†, which they convey to the final product. The addition of emulsifiers makes the finished product more delicious since it reduces the slippery content from the product after tasting of the fat component. Consequently, texture and stability does not negotiate taste and consumer acceptability (Bernstein, n.d.). 4.0 Applications of Emulsifiers Emulsifier is used in variety of food productions in the food industry. Several examples can highlight the importance of use of emulsifier: It is used in making bread because without the use of emulsifier it becomes dry, low in volume and get decayed easily. Two types of emulsifiers are used in bread, which are dough strengtheners and dough softeners. In dough strengtheners, diacetyl tartaric acid esters and sodium or calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate are included which help to make the dough stronger; and dough softener includes mono- and di-glycerides of fatty acids,

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Sundry Environmental and Economic Implications Essay Example for Free

Sundry Environmental and Economic Implications Essay Initially, humans scour their surroundings for food, picking up what is convenient. Then our ancestors learned the sophistication of hunting and the usage of tools. They hunt not only on land but in the oceans as well. Previously, we only hunted for what we needed and there was a sense of respect for nature, which provides much needed food. However, as humans evolved and became more complex, our needs have also undergone corresponding changes. We not only hunt food for our own needs but gather as much as we could for profit. The depletion of our natural resources especially that coming from our coastal ecosystem is now a growing concern worldwide. Aside from pollution and other issues, experts express alarm on the destructive consequence of our fishing activities and the kind of future that awaits us if there are no fish left to catch. Recent technological innovations in electronics, vessel design, vessel constructions, marketing and transport together with the rising human population contributed to the present dwindling fish population (Stergiou, 2002). In early times since the surface of the world is covered with 71% water, it was a common notion that the ocean had an endless resource of marine life that humans can take advantage of. This belief seems to be supported by the first explorers as well when they described abundant marine life in their explorations. As Roberts (2003, p. 166) explained, early explorers writing about oceans teeming with life encouraged a second wave of global travel, spearheaded by merchants seeking profit. Thus, it can be said that these voyages of early explorers started the trend of abuse on aquatic resources. It started out with the mega faunas like seals, manatees, turtles and whales and just like their land counterparts, hunters begin with big animals. Once the supply is down, they move on to the next area. If supply has been exhausted, the next target will be smaller scale faunas, until there is nothing left to hunt. A trend that is still happening up to present time, only this time around hunters are aided with more advanced gadgetry. On the other hand, although the trend continues, we now recognize that marine resources are not endless and that some of these resources are either already depleted or on the verge of extinction. Together with this recognition are calls for change in our attitude and treatment of Earth’s natural resources. Others factors that play a role in the declining condition of our marine resources are our fishing system, coastal constructions, pollution, usage of land and water and shipping system. All of the combined effects resulted to what Andelman, Gaines, Lubchenco Palumbi (2003, p. S3) describes: coral bleaching, zones of hypoxic or anoxic water, abrupt changes in species composition, habitat degradation, invasive species, harmful algal blooms, marine epidemics, mass mortalities, and fisheries collapses. Not only these; there are also repercussions on the marine ecosystems and the consequent provision of goods and services. Due to the adverse condition of the marine ecosystem, concerned organizations and individuals are actively seeking solutions that can prevent further damage and restore balance in marine life. As presented, there are various causes for the current problems in regards with marine life. This paper however will only focus on overfishing, a human activity that directly contributes to the depleting stock of marine life. Current state of fisheries and impact of overfishing will be covered as well as what can be done to intervene. The State of World Fisheries There have been a lot of conflicting reports about the real status of world fisheries. The most common status being quoted is the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) report which states that 75% of the world’s fisheries are overexploited. However, assessment is easier said than done since fish move around. Various measuring scheme have been used, examples are trends in catch, stock-by-stock classification, trends in the tropic level of catches and trends in catches for individual stocks (Branch, Ernst, Hilborn, Magnussson, Minte-Vera, Scheuerell Valero, 2003). Another projection was made by a research suggesting that by 2048 wild fish stocks will be gone or collapsed. The implication of this is that catches are less than 10% of their historic high. A very grim prediction that has been refuted by some. According to Branch (2008, p. 39) this prediction is not true. Although the research presented some important insights about diversity and ecosystem functioning, the two main reasons why it is believed to be false are: first, the number of not-collapsed fisheries shows an increasing trend to about 5,600, and second, even if all fisheries collapsed at least once, 50–55% would be recovered in any given year. He argued that while there are fisheries that are collapsing, it is being offset by a growing number of fisheries that are thriving. Thus by the 2048, those that collapsed today would already have recovered, contradictory to what the research predicted. Conflicting views about fishery status come from two communities, the ecologist and fisheries scientist. Both communities do agree that fisheries are being misused and that the future of marine life is through sustainable development. However, the method of how to achieve this is where opposing views lie. The research of collapsed fisheries by 2048 is one good example of such opposing views. The research is mostly composed of opinions of ecologists, while a rebuttal like that of Branch (2008) is coming from the community of fisheries scientists. Solutions that are presented by both communities also differ from one another; ecologists push for marine-protected areas while the other community proposes to stop the competition among fishing fleets (Hilborn 2007). Both the efforts of these communities is only towards one common goal, that is, to save marine life from being extinct. Their methods might be different, but all are found to be effective. Some of these methods will be discussed later. To give a perspective of the status of some fish stocks, Dankel, Skagen and Ulltang (2008) reviewed thirteen commercially important fish stocks and their report presented the current status of each. The following are some of the individual statuses of specific fish stocks: Japanese anchovy (Engraulis japonicus) – its species can be found in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea. It is one of the primary fish species in this area. They are short-lived, oceanic schooling species and stock number is vulnerable to fluctuations. One reason behind population size discrepancy is overexploitation. Between the periods of 1986-1995 the Chinese marine captures have increased from 8 million tons to 24 million tons. This is attributed to the increasing number of powered vessels. The development resulted to decline in marine catches as well as catch make-up: most of the catches now are smaller lower trophic species and immature juvenile fishes. By 1996 actual catches are go beyond the advisable level. Then in 2003 it reached its all time low of only 110,000 tons of catch. Therefore, the FAO declare the Japanese anchovy as a â€Å"fully exploited† species of the Northeast Pacific Ocean (Dankel et al, 2008). Anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) – the other name use for this is the European anchovy which is usually seen in the Bay of Biscay. It grows only up to 15cm, also an oceanic schooling species and resides in the International Council of the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) sub-area VIII which are mostly 0–2-year-old fish. Environmental circumstances greatly affect the fluctuations of recruitment for this species. Both the French and Spanish fishing fleets target the Bay of Biscay anchovy. The Spanish fish for them during the fist half of the year while the French do their fishing on the second half. Stocks for the Bay of Biscay anchovy was very healthy from 1990 to 2000. But the decline in recruitment during 2001 and 2002 alerted the ICES to put it at a precautionary level of 21,000 tons spawning stock biomass. The number of new recruits continues to fail and by 2005 and 2006 the anchovy fishery was officially closed due to failure of commercial fishery (Dankel et al, 2008). Lesser Sandeel (Ammodytes marinus) – most are located in ICES area IVb, these are small and shoaling fish. It plays an important role in the ecosystem of the North Sea since Sandeel are food for piscivorous fish, seabirds, seals and some crustacean. They prefer the patchy sand beds of the North Sea making them an easy target for professional fishermen. Adult Sandeel do not move much and usually stay under the sandy bottom of the sea. During the day, the fish will ascend to the pelagic area to eat on plankton. Since they only live for a short period, the stock mass of this species relies on recruitment; however, fluctuations in the number of recruits have been observed for many years. From 2002 and succeeding years, there has already been a decrease in the sandeel population in the North Sea. By 2005, the fishery was official closed. There is no recent data about the sandeel stock due to absence of catch information (Dankel et al, 2008). North Sea herring (Clupea harangus) – they are schooling and pelagic species that have economic and nutritional value for many European countries. The stock is located at the ICES area IV. Spawning occurs during autumn at the western coasts of the North Sea. The juveniles will spend their time in Skagerrak then the stock will mature in two to three years. Predation keeps the mortality rate of juveniles higher than adults. Historically, the stock has been exploited for years most probably due to its role in the economy and diet of Europeans. The spawning stock biomass (SSB) has been fluctuating between 1 to 2 million tons. To indicate if there is a failure in recruitment, a limit biomass of 800,000 tons was set. In mid-1970 SSB only reached 50,000 tons thus the fishery was closed. However it was able to recover in 1980 due to strong year classes. There have been instances of low SSB between 1993 and 1996 due to overfishing despite that the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) awarded the certification for sustainable and well-managed fishery to the North Sea herring in 2006. The fishery continues to experience poor recruitment thus ICES foresees continued decrease in stock. The MSC re-examines the certification but points out that failure of recruitment is not due to over fishing or any other human activities (Dankel et al, 2008). Icelandic cod (Gadus morhua) – the Icelandic cod is located in the ICES area V that circles Iceland. The population is divided to northern and southern groups, with the northern being a little larger than the latter. It has an economic value to Iceland since 38% of seafood export profit and 40-50% of merchandise exports come from these species. There has been an observable decline in the SSB since 1955. Fluctuations in recruitment also happened, but the ICES North Western Working Group stated that the current stock is in good shape (Dankel et al, 2008). Barents Sea cod (Gadus morhua) it is also known as Northeast Arctic cod which is usually located in ICES northernmost areas, II and I. Their feeding area is at Barents Sea, then they travel to the Lofoten area of northern Norway for spawning. There was an abundance in stock post-WWII because there were no fishing activities; however, by 1960 fishing activities started and with continuous utilization of the stock, it reached a grave and alarming condition in 1980. This prompted Norway and the former USSR to take action by regulating fishing activities. The stock was rebuilt but fishing mortality rose up again in 1994-2000. After which, the fishery has again undergone rebuilding with decline in fishing mortality and rising SSB (Dankel et al, 2008). South African cape hakes (Merluccius paradoxus, M. capensis) – the hake has two species that are both economically important to South Africa. The deepwater hake (Merluccius paradoxus) which is caught using demersal trawlers and the shallow water hake (Merluccius capensis) caught using demersal long lines and handlines. Originally, the two species are not differentiated from one another but with improved management processes, they have now distinct statistics and are set apart using the gear type. Cape hakes do not have a definite spawning season; therefore they are considered serial spawners. For this type of fish, the females are larger and can grow up to 53 cm. Exploitation of the fishery started in the 1900s and continued even after WWII. The fishery is dominated by foreign fleets and in 1972 they are catching almost over 300,000 tons of hake. By 1975, the population dropped and thus larger mesh size was used which is 110 mm. In 1977, the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 200 nautical miles was implemented with foreign fleets banned in the fishery by 1983. The measures taken helped the recovery of the fishery from under 30,000 tons in 1975 to approximately 50,000 tons in 2004 (Dankel et al, 2008). Sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) – they can be found up north in Siberia or down south in California. It is one of the five species of anadromous Pacific salmon. But the species are found to be abundant in Alaska and Japan. To be able to spawn, the sexually mature male return every summer to the freshwater river where the hatch. This is a thousand miles travel from the pelagic sea. The males are usually called jacks and are about 4 years old when they spawn. From June to first week of August is the fishing season for sockeye salmon in Alaska where they are in abundance. They can be found in five commercial regions but the center is in Bristol Bay. Currently, one particular stock, the Kvichak jacks, is struggling and is considered to be a â€Å"stock of management concern†. This means that there is no excess in population number for commercial fishing and the stock is experiencing spawning problems. The reasons behind the issue are still unknown (Dankel et al, 2008). Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) – also known as king, spring, or tyee salmon, it is considered to be the largest specimen of the anadromous Pacific salmon. The Chinook found in Puget Sound, Washington USA have various distinct populations that are organized based on migration seasons. They also differ in time of freshwater entry, spawning period and specific natal stream return timing. Currently, there are hatchery projects being implemented to help restore the population of chinook and products from these projects are what comprise a large portion of the spawns. Although the stock productivity is secure, it has still decreased for the past years (Dankel et al, 2008). Southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) – due to migratory nature of the bluefin, research about its reproductive cycles are scarce but many think that it reproduces once it reaches 8-12 years of age when they are about 1. 5 in length and 90 kilograms in weight. Countries that fish for bluefins are Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Taiwan, Philippines and Indonesia. The bluefin is highly demanded for in Japan because of the sashimi market. The highest yield for the bluefin was 81,605 tons which was recorded in 1961. The trend continues until 1980 and today SSB is below what it was before 1980 (Dankel et al, 2008). Pacific Island tuna fisheries – the Pacific Island is where states like the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Niue, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu can be found. These states are collectively known as the independent Island States in the western and central Pacific Ocean (WCPO). The collective land mass of the states if 552,789 km2 while the collective EEZ is 30,569,000 km2. The WCPO is the primary source for food for most of the states but the true value comes from the tuna fisheries located in the area that have an estimated value of US $3. 1 billion. Majority of the Island States rely on these fisheries for revenue and economic exercise. Their four species of significance are albacore, skipjack, yellowfin and bigeye. In contrast to tuna fisheries in the Atlantic, Indian and Eastern Pacific Oceans, most of the fishing activities in the WCPO region happen within the EEZs of the Pacific Island States, Indonesia and the Philippines. The importance of fisheries can be seen as the Island States rely on it for food and source of employment. It provides 21,000-31,000 jobs, source of income coming from access fees that amount to AUD$80-90 million and income coming from payments by vessels that are locally based which is about AUD$190 million. There is mounting alarm that overfishing of yellowfin and bigeye in particular is endangering the sustainability of the species. Although currently the species are not officially over-fished, the Scientific Committee of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission already raised these concerns; thus precautionary measures were implemented. It is important that these fisheries are maintained because of its economic value to half of the Pacific Island States especially Kiribati and Tuvalu. Since the fish are migratory, regulation agreements between nations in the region are vital to the long-term sustainability of the tuna fisheries. There is a need for firm governance and implementation of regulation to protect the interest of these Island States (Hanich Tsamenyi, 2008). Mitigation Measures being Implemented There are various techniques and methods being used by governments and organizations to mitigate the effects of overfishing to various fisheries in the world. Some of these methods are explained below. Individual Transferable Quotas (ITQ) – According to Grafton (1996, p. S135), individual transferable quotas allocate the total allowable catch among fishers in the form of individual harvesting rights. This means that the right to fish is regulated by the government. The idea is that instead of using control, incentives will be given to fishers. On the other hand, Hartig Waitt (200, p. 87) describe it as an example of a non-regulatory, low-cost, and administratively flexible environmental management approach based on the rights to buy and sell access to an environmental resource. This means that public property like air and water is brought to the marketplace as a commodity. The practice is being implemented to various countries like Canada, Iceland, Australia and New Zealand. The rationale for implementing this management scheme is that since operators now have a fixed allocated share of the catch, there is no need to compete with other operators for fish. They can now instead focus on more economical equipment and manpower to use. Operators will not need to invest a lot of capital on advanced equipments just to get ahead of others. Moreover, they will not be forced to fish on bad weather, since they can plan their fishing expeditions ahead of time because they have an assured share of catch (Copes, 1986). One of the expected benefits from introducing ITQ is the reduction in fishing efforts. This means there is a decrease in investments in excess employment. In most countries where it is being implemented, there was a reduction in the number of fishing vessels. Another benefit is the increase in profit. Since competition is lessened, the remaining operators with allocated quota, they may reap the benefit of better quality fish and other factors. Just like in the Icelandic demersal fisheries, where after the implementation of ITQ profit from reduced fishing effort and better products amounted to US$15 million within a year (Grafton, 1996). One example of successful implementation was in Australia. It was the Australian Commonwealth government that implemented the identified individual transferable catch quotas (ITCQs) in 1989. As of the research, only two fisheries are under this management scheme the southern bluefin tuna (SBT) fishery and the southeast fishery. The scheme was implemented in the southeast fishery only in 1992 while in SBT it was deployed in 1984 (Battaglene, Brown Campbell, 2000). Initially, quotas are computed based on the value of the boat, which may be assessed by a registered marine insurance assessor, and history of the boat catch. Battaglene et al (2000, p. 111) explain it as individual quota allocation per boat was set as a proportion of the total allowable catch according to the proportion of quota units held. During the first year of implementation, the total allowable catch was 14,500 tonnes. Although out the states there are differences in the quota set. Western Australian average allocation was 39. 3 tonnes per boat; the New South Wales average was 77. 7 tonnes per boat; and the South Australian average was 231. 8 tonnes per boat. After the implementation of ITCQ in the bluefin fishery, numerous changes occurred in terms of fishing vessel operators. Within two years’ time after its implementation, smaller and less efficient vessels left the fishery which is favourable to the remaining vessels since the scale and scope of their operations could be adjusted to higher levels. Another benefit of this management scheme is that operators have the choice to either sell or lease their allocated quota. In addition, the ITCQ facilitates the transfer of technology from Japan through a series of joint venture agreements. Through this venture, the trading price for the commodity was set for years benefiting most operators. In addition, Australia was able to acquire the long-lining and farming technology from Japan. The implementation of ITCQ in Australia was successful but it is still facing problems in terms of global allowable catch and multijurisdiction boundaries. One suggested solution is to let non-member states be part of the Convention for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna so that their activities might be regulated as well (Battaglene et al, 2000). Marine Reserves – according to Andelman et al (2003, p. S3), marine reserves can be defined as areas of the ocean completely protected from all extractive and destructive activities. In marine reserves, fishing and removal or interruption of living and non-living marine resource is strictly forbidden. It can only be done if it is for research purposes. Protection varies depending on the governing body; some allow fishing to be done but do not allow drilling for oil or gas. Through marine reserves’ geographical area is the one being protected, both the species and their biophysical environments are protected. Marine reserves then are considered as an ecosystem-based approach in fisheries management. Benefits from using this approach are conservation of biodiversity; protection or enhancement of ecosystem services; recovery of depleted stocks of exploited species; export of individuals to fished areas; insurance against environmental or management uncertainty; and sites for scientific investigation, baseline information, education, recreation, and inspiration (Andelman et al, 2003).

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Reflective Account Essay Example for Free

Reflective Account Essay On an occasion at work I was aware of a staff member communicating very negatively, for example sighing and tutting and general negativity. Supervision was due so it was brought into meeting that last had concerned had noticed a change in the person’s general attitude, I asked if there was a specific reason and was told there was not. Although they agreed that they were being negative. We discussed the workload and it was decided it was not that. It was mentioned by the staff member that they were feeling a little unsure of how to deal with a service user who had dementia and was unpredictable and seemed to have taken a dislike to the staff member . We discussed at length the way forward and I arranged for some training in challenging behaviour and dementia. The staff member realised she could not avoid the service user and that if she had mentioned her concerns sooner the problem would not have escalated. She tried to hide her feelings but they were shown in a different way. I agreed to mentor and support the staff member with the service user helping her to find an appropriate approach, the service user was feeding on the negative behaviour of the staff .In a few weeks the situation was improved undoubtedly and the staff member is more positive and no longer showing any sign of negativity. I recorded everything we had discussed and we both signed it. At the following supervision the staff had been on a training workshop and was awaiting further news of more. She mentioned previously that she felt it was a weakness in her that is why she had tried to cover it up but since our discussion and my ongoing support she would never hesitate to mention any concerns she had in the future. I felt that we needed to improve activity at the Centre; the service users are a mixed group (physically and mentally frail) so I needed to find something they could all do and enjoy. I signed myself onto three one day courses with another staff member. The courses were all different but aimed at dementia sufferers. The first one ‘Bringing stories to Life ‘, I thought was going to be about putting together a Life Story, I could not have been more wrong! The ice-breaker at the beginning of the workshop was letter bingo, it involved walking around so I have adapted this so that my service users are seated, we use sets of the 26 letters of the alphabet and the service user chooses a letter and then gives me a word beginning with that letter before answering a quiz question, which I write down and while they are playing two alike trying to match up. I take the words and make up a little story or poem. The feedback from that activity has been very positive. Also from the workshop which involved using props to tell a story I have been able to do this activity several times? Using the props seems to help the quietest of the service user to join in and the feedback discussion afterwards have become very enjoyable to all. The second workshop was about using pictures (not personal) to story tell. Again this activity has been very successful, there was one or two people who were unsure but has we progressed they too joined in. The picture is given to the service user and they are asked open ended questions about it and everything is validated. Before we start we decide who is going to scribe and afterwards that person will firstly read back what as been said and ask if the service users would like to add anything? When everybody is satisfied the scriber will type the ‘story ‘ up and each service user gets a copy , we keep a copy in a folder for all to look at and we also pin a copy too our notice board . The third workshop was along the same line but using senses to make a story/poem, again we have done this a couple of times. We used a bottle of water some soil in a bag, cotton wool, leaves and bubbles, we pass the items around the room one at a time and ask the service user to say the first word they thought of when looking / touching or smelling the item .one thing we came up against was that the service users said the same thing as the previous person, so we are trying to adapt this activity further. From all three workshops I and my staff member redeveloped our armchair exercise which we do daily. We had heard the service users discuss how they were bored with doing the same exercise week after week and listening to the same music disc. So we put together some more upbeat music and sat and compiled our version of seated exercise ,using the same safe exercise taking advice from one of our other services ‘Ageing Well’ who had spent several weeks showing us seated exercise . Of course before we started any of the new activities we had a meeting with all the staff who were going to be involved. We discussed what we had learnt from each workshop and asked for feedback from the staff, some of them felt unsure about using the props and pictures, so me and the staff member who came with me agreed to lead the first one, we arranged a date and agreed on a theme for it and it was decided we would use props for the first one .I was to lead and the staff member was going to scribe. Before we started we went to each service user and asked them to sign a consent form to allow us to take photographs. This would allow another staff to get a little involved with out feeling to unsure .the discussion /feedback with the service users was great ,they were still talking about how much they had enjoyed themselves when they were going home. They were excited when I told them that there would be photographs to look at the following week. I discussed with the staff the following day how they felt about the activity and was pleased they were all positive. I continued to share taking the lead with the staff member who attended the training with me for several sessions to enable the other staff to be able to learn from us. Although with all the activities there is no right or wrong way. That is why we validate everything that is said. The change in the majority of service users is a pleasure to see, even the quietest person as become much more vocal and willing to join in with most of the activities we do. One person in particular who is hard of hearing and registered blind joins in, when in the past he as chosen not to. He still talks about certain themes we have done the story telling to, for example at Halloween we took the opportunity to do this theme, we used pumpkins and plastic spiders, I passed these things around the room and we used ‘The Monster Mash’ song to do some light movement to music before using props to make up a story relevant to the theme. I asked the service user to describe the spider, for example what he thought it was felt like and he got really into it and even had a photograph taken. Since then I have heard him telling others about ‘the day we let him hold the Tarantula ‘and how he danced to ‘spooky music’. Changing what we do and the way we do it as had a very positive effect all the way round. We still do the other activities for example Bingo, dominoes etc.During our action plan meeting we discuss which service users are in the centre that day and adapt our activity to suit, of course what we plan for the day may change if we ask the service users they may want to do another thing so if we can we will accommodate the majority. Usually the day is spent doing group work but if needed we do offer one to one.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Analysing the Payback Period when making an investment

Analysing the Payback Period when making an investment Payback Period is the length of time required before the total of the cash inflows received from the project is equal to the original cash outlay i.e. the length of time the investment takes to return its initial capital. In yet another definition, it is the ratio of initial fixed investment over annual net cash flows. The decision criterion is that if the payback period is less than some minimal accepted payback period that is set as a threshold, the proposal is accepted. If the period is more than the cut-off period, the project is rejected. For ranking decisions, projects with shorter payback periods get preference over those that take longer. The following is the formula for calculating the payback period; Payback period = Year before full recovery + Unrecovered cost at start of the year Of the original investment Total cash flow in year The payback criterion is a rough measure of risk. It reflects the liquidity of a project and therefore the more liquid the project the higher the chance of recovering the initial investment. A project with short payback period but with a low rate of return is preferred over projects with long payback period and high rate of return reason being that the firm may be in need of quick returns of its invested cash. This is the reason behind its preference by firms with liquidity problems. Payback period is the investment appraisal method of choice for firms that produce products that are prone to obsolescence. Since these products last for only a year or two years, their payback period must be short for the firm to have recouped its initial capital. It is therefore preferred in situations when time is of relatively high importance. The method is easy to understand and the calculation involves simplified steps. It only considers the net cash flows and cumulating them to determine when they equal the cost of the project. It automatically adjusts for the uncertainty of later cash flows by ignoring them. the main interest is only the initial capital and the time taken to that point hence cash flows generated after the payback period arent considered. In spite of the above advantages, payback period has some drawbacks. The method fails to consider the cash flows after the payback period and consequently not ideal viable for measuring the actual profitability of a project. It also does not take into account the magnitude or timing of recoveries during the payback period and considers the recovery period as a whole. This is particularly bad since most investments tend to have lower cash flows in earlier years and higher cash flows as the project matures. The payback period ignores the time value of money. This implies that it ignores financing costs of investments. Time value of money is essential in considering the productivity of a project because it considers present cash flows as equal to future ones. The method ignores the scale of investment and recommends an arbitrary cut-off point. There is no objectivity in establishing cut-off points across different firms thus bringing inconsistency. This is not to add that quick payback does not necessarily mean good investment. The method discriminates against long-term projects such as research and development and new product development. These types of projects normally require huge initial outlays and take long to give returns and yet they are so critical to any firm interested in enhancing its competitiveness in the industry. In addition, it does not have an inherent mechanism to highlight differences in investments useful life. Such differences are very essential and relying on payback can lead to incorrect decisions. Despite the disadvantages of the payback method, it is widely used in practice though often only as a supplement to more sophisticated methods. It is favored because of its simplicity and most investors take it as the conventional one. Net Present Value Net Present Value (NPV) is the difference between the value of an investment and its cost. It represents the economic worth of the project in terms of todays dollar. A zero NPV means that the project cash flows are enough to repay the invested funds and provide the required rate of return on such capital. For positive NPV projects, excess cash accrues to shareholders and therefore their position is improved. Positive NPV projects result in an increase in the market price of ordinary shares while negative NPV projects cause erosion of shareholders wealth. It is calculated as; Present value of future net cash flows (PV) Initial investment (Io). The decision a criterion is that if the sum of these discounted cash flows is equal or greater than zero the project is accepted. Otherwise, the project is not accepted. In the case of mutually exclusive projects, the project with the highest NPV if it is positive gets acceptance. That way, the shareholders wealth is boosted to a maximum. Advantages The method uses the relevant cost approach by concentrating only on incremental cash flows. It measures the shortfalls or excess of cash flows and assumes that the cash flows obtained are reinvested is at the present rate of return. This is more appropriate in conditions of capital rationing. The result represents increase to a shareholders wealth expressed in present-day terms. The method considers the time value of money. This is important because cash flows obtained today are not the same as those obtained five years from now. This is because the method considers the time value of money and the relevant cash flows uses the cost of capital of the company as a discounting factor. Additionally, it considers cash flows for the entire project life. It is thus more comprehensive and reliable in appraising long-term projects. However, the results and procedures involved in calculating NPV arent easily understood by nonprofessionals. The cost of capital is difficult to calculate especially due to the effect of inflation and the fact that some industries lack sufficient data to base their calculations. The method requires a detailed long-term forecast of a projects cash flows, which is a very subjective exercise. Twice limited should consider using NPV in their appraisal because as compared to other capital appraisals, it expresses in absolute terms the expected economic contribution of the project. Its results shows the present worth in future cash flows after discounting them with the firms cost of capital. Assessing the five projects Under the payback period, the five proposals for the new holiday are as follows. Climb project The initial investment is 1,760,000 Year Net cash flows Cumulative cash flows 2011  £1,040,000.00 1,040,000.00 2012  £ 780,000.00 1,820,000.00 2013  £ 520,000.00 2,340,000.00 Payback period = 1+ (1,760,000-1,040,000)/780,000 = 1.92 years Paddle project Initial investment is 1,640,000 Year Net cash flows Cumulative cash flows 2011  £ 770,000.00 770,000.00 2012  £ 770,000.00 1,540,000.00 2013  £ 770,000.00 2,310,000.00 Payback period = 2+ (1,640,000-1,540,000)/770,000 = 2.13 years Rappel project Initial investment is 1,130,000 Year Net cash flows Cumulative cash flows 2011  £ 740,000.00 740,000.00 2012  £ 240,000.00 980,000.00 2013  £ 590,000.00 1,570,000.00 Payback period = 2+ (1,130,000-980,000)/590,000 = 2.25 years Swim project Initial investment is 1,030,000 Year Net cash flows Cumulative cash flows 2011  £ 480,000.00 480,000.00 2012  £ 480,000.00 960,000.00 2013  £ 480,000.00 1,440,000.00 Payback period = 2+ (1,030,000-960,000)/480,000 = 2.15 years Float project Initial investment is 280,000 Year Net cash flows Cumulative cash flows 2011  £ 100,000.00 100,000.00 2012  £ 130,000.00 230,000.00 2013  £ 100,000.00 330,000.00 Payback period = 2+ (280,000-230,000)/100,000 = 2.5 years The summary of projects payback periods is as follows. Project Number of years Climb 1.92 Paddle 2.13 Rappel 2.25 Swim 2.15 Float 2.50 Based on the ranking decisions, Twice limited should accept and implement paddle holiday project. It has the shortest payback period and this means that the project will recover its initial cost within 1 year and 11 months. Under NPV, the projects net cash flows use the cost of capital as a discounting factor within the period of three years. The general calculation of NPV is Present value of future net cash flows (PV) Initial investment (Io). The following are NPV of the proposals: Climb project Year 2011 2012 2013 Net cash flows  £1,040,000.00  £ 780,000.00  £ 520,000.00 PVIF8%, 3 0.9259 0.8573 0.7938 PV 962,962.96 668,724.28 412,792.77 NPV = [962,962.96 + 668,724.28 + 412,792.77] 1,760,000 = 284,480.01 Paddle project Year 2011 2012 2013 Net cash flows  £ 770,000.00  £ 770,000.00  £ 770,000.00 PVIF8%, 3 0.9259 0.8573 0.7938 PV 712,962.96 660,150.89 611,250.82 NPV = [712,962.96 + 660,150.89 + 611,250.83] 1,640,000 = 344,364.68 Rappel project Year 2011 2012 2013 Net cash flows  £ 740,000.00  £ 240,000.00  £ 590,000.00 PVIF8%, 3 0.9259 0.8573 0.7938 PV 685,185.18 205,761.31 468,361.02 NPV = [685,185.19 + 205,761.32 + 468,361.02] 1,130,000 = 229,307.52 Swim project Year 2011 2012 2013 Net cash flows  £ 480,000.00  £ 480,000.00  £ 480,000.00 PVIF8%,3 0.9259 0.8573 0.7938 PV 444444.44 411522.63 381039.47 NPV = [444,444.44 + 411,522.63 + 381,039.47]- 1,030,000 = 207,006.55 Float project Year 2011 2012 2013 Net cash flows  £ 100,000.00  £ 130,000.00  £ 100,000.00 PVIF8%, 3 0.9259 0.8573 0.7938 PV 92592.59 111454.04 79383.22 NPV = [92,592.59 +11,454.04 + 79,383.22] = 3,429.86 Twice limited should accept Paddle holiday project because it ranks the highest NPV of  £ 344,364.68. This indicates that after proper analysis of the net cash inflow, paddle project would generate over the three the above value and shareholder wealth will be improved. According to the payback period, climb project has the shortest recovery period and if the company was only using it for capital appraisal, the Twice limited could accept. NPV is more realistic because it considers time value of money as it discounts the net cash flows. The result shows the present value of a particular project in present-day using future cash flows. NPV method is regarded as superior in terms of project appraisal and Twice limited have to accept paddle project and discard climb project as proposed by payback period.