Monday, September 30, 2019

Bipolar Disorder

Some people are more prone to either mania or depression, while others alternate equally between the two types of episodes. Some have frequent mood disruptions, while others experience only a few over a lifetime. There are four types of mood occurrences in bipolar disorder: mania, hypomania, depression, and mixed episodes. Each type of bipolar disorder mood episode has a unique set of symptoms. Mania Symptoms In the manic phase of bipolar disorder, feelings of heightened energy, creativity, and euphoria are common. People experiencing a manic episode often talk a recklessly and profligately, scarcely sleep, and are hyperactive.They may also feel like they're omnipotent, impregnable, or destined for prominence. Although mania inaugurates with delightful sensations, it has a tendency to spiral out of control. People often Denave uncontrollaDly aurlng a manic eplsoae: gamDllng away savlngs, engaging In inappropriate sexual activity, or making irrational business investments, for example . They may also become angry, irritable, and aggressive†picking fights, lashing out when others don't go along with their plans, and blaming anyone who criticizes their behavior.Some even become delusional or start hearing voices. Depression Symptoms In the past, bipolar depression was amalgamated in with regular depression. But a mounting reservoir of research suggests that there are significant differences between the two, particularly when it comes to recommended treatments. Most people with bipolar depression are not helped by antidepressants. In fact, there is a risk that antidepressants can make bipolar disorder worse†triggering mania or hypomania, causing rapid cycling between mood states, or interfering with other mood stabilizing drugs.Despite many similarities, certain symptoms are more common in bipolar depression than in regular depression. For example, bipolar epression is more likely to involve irritability, guilt, unpredictable mood swings, and feelings of restlessness. People with bipolar depression also tend to move and speak slowly, sleep a lot, and gain weight. In addition, they are more likely to develop psychotic depression†a condition in which theyVe lost contact with reality†and to experience major disability in work and social functioning.TYPES There are several types of bipolar disorder; all involve episodes of depression and mania to a degree. They include bipolar l, bipolar II, cyclothymic disorder, mixed bipolar, and rapid-cycling bipolar disorder. Bipolar I Raging bipolar (l) is characterized by at least one full-blown manic episode lasting at least one week or any duration if hospitalization is required. This may include inflated self-esteem or grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, being more loquacious than usual, flight of ideas, distractibility, an increase in goal-oriented activity, and excessive involvement in hazardous activities.The symptoms are severe enough to disrupt the patient's ability to work and socialize, and may require hospitalization to prevent harm to themselves or others. The patient may lose touch with reality to the point of being psychotic. The other option for raging bipolar is at least one â€Å"mixed† episode on the part of the patient. The DSM-IV is uncharacteristically vague as to what constitutes mixed, an accurate reflection of the confusion within the psychiatric profession. More tellingly, a mixed episode is almost impossible to explain to the public. One is literally â€Å"up† and â€Å"down† at the same time.Bipolar II Swinging bipolar (II) presumes at least one major depressive episode, plus at least one hypomanic episode over at least four days. The same characteristics as mania are evident, with the disturbance of mood observable by others; but, the episode is ot enough to disrupt normal functioning or necessitate hospitalization and there are no psychotic features. Those in a state of hypomania are typically the life of the party, the salesperson of the month and more often than not the best-selling author or Fortune 500 mover and shaker, which is why so many refuse to seek treatment.But the same condition can also turn on its victim, resulting in bad decision-making, social embarrassments, wrecked relationships and projects left unfinished. Rapid Cycling DSM-IV defines rapid cycling as the occurrence of at least 4 major depressive, manic, ypomanlc, or mlxea eplsoaes aurlng tne prevlous year In a patient wltn a Olagnosls of BP I or BP II. These episodes must be demarcated either by a partial or full remission of at least 2 months' duration or by a switch to an episode of opposite polarity.Duration criteria for episodes are not waived, which means that each major depressive episode must last at least 2 weeks, each manic or mixed episode must last at least 1 week, and each hypomanic episode must last at least 4 days. Mixed Bipolar A mixed episode is not a disorder itself, but rather is a description of a component of a specific type of bipolar disorder. A mixed episode is defined by meeting the diagnostic criteria for both a manic episode as well as a major depressive episode nearly every day for at least a full week.Like most mental disorders, a mixed episode must be severe enough to cause distress or impairment in social, occupational, education or other important functioning and is not better accounted for by the physiological effects of substance use, or abuse, or a general medical condition. Cyclothymia Cyclothymia is a chronic bipolar disorder consisting of short periods of mild depression and short periods of hypomania, lasting a few days to a few weeks, eparated by short periods of normal mood.Individuals with cyclothymia are never liberated of symptoms of either depression or hypomania for more than two months at a time. In 1980 the classification of cyclothymia was changed in the DSM-IV from Personality Disorder to Mood Disorder. Though the above description portrays cycl othymia as a mild disorder, it is so only relative to the severity of Bipolar I and Bipolar II disorders. Cyclothymia can completely disrupt the life of an individual and create personal chaos. In their continual oscillation of mood, they never know from ne day to the next what to expect.TREATMENTS Bipolar disorder is being better understood each day. There is also ongoing research into its treatment. But successfully treating bipolar disorder can involve several medication trials, and it can take years to achieve remission. Even if remission is attained, recurrence is the rule † not the exception. It's not uncommon for all first- line treatments to be exhausted. Common Treatments Lithium and the anticonvulsants lamotrigine and valproate are treatments for bipolar depression. They are mood stabilizers. For severely ill patients, lithium and an ntidepressant are sometimes used.A mood-stabilizing medication works on improving social interactions, mood, and behavior and is recomm ended for both treatment and prevention of bipolar mood states that swing from the lows of depression to the highs of hypomania or mania. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), lithium, lamotrigine, valproate, carbamazepine, and most atypical antipsychotic medications are approved by the FDA for treating one, or more, phases of bipolar disorder. Treatment Resistance There is no consensus among clinicians and researchers on one definition of reatment resistance.Generally, patients in an acute state, manic, depressed, or mixed, whose symptoms do not improve after at least two evidence-based medication trlals are conslaerea treatment-reslstant In researcn stu01es. In tne malntenance phase, patients are considered treatment-resistant if they continue cycling despite several adequate medication trials. In some studies additional criteria must be met in order to truly be considered treatment-resistant. These include functional measures of remission. Dr. Prakash Masand, p sychiatrist and founder of Global Bipolar Disorder Bipolar Disorder Heather McLean HCA/240 Maryam Pirnazar 4/14/2013 Introduction Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder it can cause shifts in moods, activity level, energy, and also the ability to due day-to-day tasks. It is also commonly known as manic- depressive illness. This disorder is one of the oldest illnesses that is known. It is one of the first noticed that goes as far back and the second century. The first person that recognized the some of the symptoms is Aretaeus of Cappadocia. What he found went unnoticed until Richard Burton a scientist wrote a book, which the main focus was depression.This is still used in today’s time. There are many different myths and misconceptions about bipolar disorder. Some myths about bipolar disorder consists of things that people believe like, bipolar disorder can not get better or people with the disorder can not lead a normal life, people with this disorder swing back and forth between depression and mania. Some even believe that dipo lar disorder only affects moods, and some believe that medication is the only way people with this disorder can control it. Only with getting the facts will people be able to understand the truth about bipolar disorder.The causes of bipolar are unknown. There are several factors that do seem to play a role in triggering the bipolar episodes. These causes consist of biological differences, neurotransmitters, hormones, inherited trait, and environment. They’re are some that believes that, bipolar disorder is inherited and a family trait. Symptoms Symptoms for bipolar disorder are severe and people do not notice them off the bat. When a patient had bipolar disorder people experience different states. When patients have bipolar disorder, they experience an intense emotional state, which can be called ‘mood episodes’.A person that experience overly joy or overly excited times is called manic episodes. When bipolar disorder patients experience extreme hopelessness or s ad states, is considered to be a depressive episodes. There are even times when episodes are mixed, which are considered as mixed states. There are many different things that go with the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Patients can have extreme changes in their activity, energy, sleep patterns, and their changes in their total behavior. It is also possible that people with this disorder can have episodes for a long period of time.Symptoms of mania include mood changes, the patient can feel high or overly happy or a long period of time, and extreme irritable moods. Their behavioral changes consists of talking fast, going from one idea to a different one, easily distracted, an increase in goal-directed activities, being restless, have little sleep, behave impulsively and taking part in high risk behavior. They can also have unrealistic beliefs in ones abilities. Symptoms of depression include a long period of feelings, worry or even empty, a lack of interest and activities, which includ es sex.The behavior changes are felling tired, problems with concentration, and memory and even making decisions. Other symptoms are restlessness, a change in eating habits, and thinking about death and suicide. Neurotransmitters Neurotransmitters are also involved with the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorders. Before knowing how it is involved in bipolar disorder, knowing what neurotransmitters are important. A neurotransmitter is a chemical substance that is released at the very end of the nerve fiber. It transmits signals from the neuron to a target cell across a synapse.With bipolar disorders, neurotransmitters are involved in the aetiology of mood disorder. In earlier theories, suggestions where made that an excess of neurotransmitters occurred during a manic episode, which is not really what happens. It is the effectiveness of the cell functions under the modification and the control of neurotransmitters that underlines the patho-aetiology of mood disorders. Diagnoses Some people wonder how bipolar disorder is diagnosed. The person can do is talk to a doctor that can diagnose and give a physical examination, and mental lab test.It cant be found through a blood test or even a brain scan, although these tests can help make sure that there are not any other contributing factors. The doctor can then conduct a evaluation of mental health. He can also give a patient a referral to a mental health professional, like a psychiatrist, which is more experienced with diagnosing bipolar disorders. When conducting a diagnostic evaluation they discuss all family history and get the patients history of any symptoms. They will also talk about the patients close relatives and spouse.Getting more information about the patient and what they are going through in life will also help determine whether or not they are bipolar. When a person has bipolar disorder, they are more likely to look for help in their most vulnerable state, which is when they are depressed. Making sure that the patient is not mistakenly diagnosed it is important for the doctor to make sure that the patients medical history is done with care. After going thought the process of being diagnosed, the doctor will then find the appropriate treatment for the patient.Treatment Bipolar disorder has no known cure. The best thing for patients is to have proper treatments, to have a better control over their mood swings and other symptoms they may have. Patients with bipolar disorder are in need for a long-term treatment because the disorder is a lifetime disorder. The most affective treatment plan involves medication and psychotherapy, which help the patient from relapsing and helps them reduce the severity of their symptoms. Normally someone that is a doctor of medicine prescribes by a psychiatrist or medications.There are also others that can prescribe medications like psychiatric nurse practitioners, advanced psychiatric nurse specialists and clinical psychologists, but it all depends on the state that you are in, and it is best to check with your states licensing agency to make sure. Some of the types of medications that are used to treat bipolar disorders are, mood-stabilizing medications like Lithium and Valproic, Atypical ant-psychotic medicates like Olanzapine, and Aripiprazole, and antidepressant medications like Fluoxetine. Everyone may not respond to the medications in the same exact way.It may even take different tries with different medications to get the right one that works for the right patient. It may even help to keep a daily chard or the patients mood symptoms, sleep patterns, treatments, and their everyday life to make sure you can tell the doctor about how affective the medication is. With every medication, it is important that you know the side effects and patients should always talk to their doctor about and risks and benefits. Psychotherapy is a part of the treatment with bipolar disorders. It is really when the patient goes in to talk in thera py.It is a way to provide education, guidance, and more important support. Some treatments that can be used in psychotherapy are, cognitive behavioral therapy, family focused therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and psycho-education. It is a way to let the patient talk out their feeling and what is going on in their lives, and a way for the doctor to talk to the patient about how they should deal with thing and educate them on the process. Environmental surrounds also could help a person with bipolar disorder, not have an episode or is may cause them to have one. EnvironmentalAn environmental surround of a person that is suffering from bipolar disorder is very important. It is important that the patient understands that doing certain thing or even being around certain people may cause them to have an episode. If the patient is around people and surrounding that does not stressful and not giving the patient a hard time will help them not get over work about things, and b eing around people and place that could upset the patient can cause them to have an episode. Any life event may trigger an episode; alcohol or drug abuse or even hormonal problems can cause an episode.Knowing what is causing the episodes is important, and the patient will be able to have a better control over their episodes. In the Past Things are so much different than when they were before the 20th century. Before the 20th century diagnostic was done a bit different than in today’s time and so was the treatments. Physical explanations gave way to many theories that believed that mental illness came in the mind. The causes were thought to be a demonic possession or even a moral weakness, and it could be cured by exorcism or a religious zeal. People were even outcast and many was even convicted of consorting with the devil and burned.With ancient treatments, Egyptians believed that depression was caused by a reversal of fortune or even a loss of status. They thought that it c ould have been cured by talking it out or for the person to look to a religious faith. Some people believe that mental illness was a gift from the heavens, and it should have been cherished. The Greeks believed that depression was an overabundance of mania to yellow bile and black bile, that lives in the body, and the only help for it was bleeding or for the person to purge the system to regain their balance.In today’s time doctors are used to determine what is wrong with the patient, and they are able to treat them with medication and therapy to help them deal with their disorders. Conclusion It is a good thing that in today’s time we have people to example patients and get appropriate diagnoses for them, and to also make sure they get the help that is needed. Understanding what is going on with a persons mind is important and making sure they know how to deal with a life long situation like bipolar disorder, is necessary. Experience from a Patient with Bipolar Disord er Living with bipolar disorder isn’t easy. You never know when you’re going to have a good or bad day. You just have to be ready for whichever one comes. The medication help a little, but you have to be mentally strong to deal with the things this serious disorder will put you through, that the way I felt was completely natural. I had weeks I was angry, sad, and someday I was happy. It was easy to set me off, I would get mad at simple things and hold on to that anger. School become harder, I didn’t want to be there, everything pushed my buttons.I would hold my anger for so long and it would build up, then someone says something and I would blow the top off the kettle. Finally my build up anger caused me to go to fail, after that I decided I needed some sort of help. I made an appointment with an anger management person and they asked me some very personal questions. They proceeded to a drug test after I told them I did not do drugs, and everything was clean. Th en she said she wanted to try me on a simple mood stabilizer. So for a month I took this medicine called Saphris. It tasted like sulfur, and kept me awake and made me very hyper.I couldn’t sleep and wasn’t really hungry or anything. So I told her on my next visit what I was experiencing. She then changed it to a higher dosage and it did the same things. So my nexts visit, which was a month later, she changed my medicines again, and this time it was a simple anti-depressant call Prozac. Since taking this medicine I have gotten better, I am less angry, sad and hyper. I finally fell semi-normal, its been two months and I am pretty much controlling my moods with the help of Prozac, but I still have my days, that normal just something I live with daily and I am beginning to cop pretty well with everyday life. (Dezarare Walden 4/13/2013). Dezarae is an 18 year old, white, female, which agree to write her experience of bipolar disorder for me. The best way to talk to people a bout it, is to speak to those who are experiences the disorder. Reference: Copyright  © caregiver. com, Inc. 1995 – 2013  ©Helpguide. org Duman et al, 1997; Duman, 2002 U. S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health NIH Publication No. 09-3679 Revised 2008 Reprinted 2009 Bipolar Disorder Bipolar Disorder Heather McLean HCA/240 Maryam Pirnazar 4/14/2013 Introduction Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder it can cause shifts in moods, activity level, energy, and also the ability to due day-to-day tasks. It is also commonly known as manic- depressive illness. This disorder is one of the oldest illnesses that is known. It is one of the first noticed that goes as far back and the second century. The first person that recognized the some of the symptoms is Aretaeus of Cappadocia. What he found went unnoticed until Richard Burton a scientist wrote a book, which the main focus was depression.This is still used in today’s time. There are many different myths and misconceptions about bipolar disorder. Some myths about bipolar disorder consists of things that people believe like, bipolar disorder can not get better or people with the disorder can not lead a normal life, people with this disorder swing back and forth between depression and mania. Some even believe that dipo lar disorder only affects moods, and some believe that medication is the only way people with this disorder can control it. Only with getting the facts will people be able to understand the truth about bipolar disorder.The causes of bipolar are unknown. There are several factors that do seem to play a role in triggering the bipolar episodes. These causes consist of biological differences, neurotransmitters, hormones, inherited trait, and environment. They’re are some that believes that, bipolar disorder is inherited and a family trait. Symptoms Symptoms for bipolar disorder are severe and people do not notice them off the bat. When a patient had bipolar disorder people experience different states. When patients have bipolar disorder, they experience an intense emotional state, which can be called ‘mood episodes’.A person that experience overly joy or overly excited times is called manic episodes. When bipolar disorder patients experience extreme hopelessness or s ad states, is considered to be a depressive episodes. There are even times when episodes are mixed, which are considered as mixed states. There are many different things that go with the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Patients can have extreme changes in their activity, energy, sleep patterns, and their changes in their total behavior. It is also possible that people with this disorder can have episodes for a long period of time.Symptoms of mania include mood changes, the patient can feel high or overly happy or a long period of time, and extreme irritable moods. Their behavioral changes consists of talking fast, going from one idea to a different one, easily distracted, an increase in goal-directed activities, being restless, have little sleep, behave impulsively and taking part in high risk behavior. They can also have unrealistic beliefs in ones abilities. Symptoms of depression include a long period of feelings, worry or even empty, a lack of interest and activities, which includ es sex.The behavior changes are felling tired, problems with concentration, and memory and even making decisions. Other symptoms are restlessness, a change in eating habits, and thinking about death and suicide. Neurotransmitters Neurotransmitters are also involved with the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorders. Before knowing how it is involved in bipolar disorder, knowing what neurotransmitters are important. A neurotransmitter is a chemical substance that is released at the very end of the nerve fiber. It transmits signals from the neuron to a target cell across a synapse.With bipolar disorders, neurotransmitters are involved in the aetiology of mood disorder. In earlier theories, suggestions where made that an excess of neurotransmitters occurred during a manic episode, which is not really what happens. It is the effectiveness of the cell functions under the modification and the control of neurotransmitters that underlines the patho-aetiology of mood disorders. Diagnoses Some people wonder how bipolar disorder is diagnosed. The person can do is talk to a doctor that can diagnose and give a physical examination, and mental lab test.It cant be found through a blood test or even a brain scan, although these tests can help make sure that there are not any other contributing factors. The doctor can then conduct a evaluation of mental health. He can also give a patient a referral to a mental health professional, like a psychiatrist, which is more experienced with diagnosing bipolar disorders. When conducting a diagnostic evaluation they discuss all family history and get the patients history of any symptoms. They will also talk about the patients close relatives and spouse.Getting more information about the patient and what they are going through in life will also help determine whether or not they are bipolar. When a person has bipolar disorder, they are more likely to look for help in their most vulnerable state, which is when they are depressed. Making sure that the patient is not mistakenly diagnosed it is important for the doctor to make sure that the patients medical history is done with care. After going thought the process of being diagnosed, the doctor will then find the appropriate treatment for the patient.Treatment Bipolar disorder has no known cure. The best thing for patients is to have proper treatments, to have a better control over their mood swings and other symptoms they may have. Patients with bipolar disorder are in need for a long-term treatment because the disorder is a lifetime disorder. The most affective treatment plan involves medication and psychotherapy, which help the patient from relapsing and helps them reduce the severity of their symptoms. Normally someone that is a doctor of medicine prescribes by a psychiatrist or medications.There are also others that can prescribe medications like psychiatric nurse practitioners, advanced psychiatric nurse specialists and clinical psychologists, but it all depends on the state that you are in, and it is best to check with your states licensing agency to make sure. Some of the types of medications that are used to treat bipolar disorders are, mood-stabilizing medications like Lithium and Valproic, Atypical ant-psychotic medicates like Olanzapine, and Aripiprazole, and antidepressant medications like Fluoxetine. Everyone may not respond to the medications in the same exact way.It may even take different tries with different medications to get the right one that works for the right patient. It may even help to keep a daily chard or the patients mood symptoms, sleep patterns, treatments, and their everyday life to make sure you can tell the doctor about how affective the medication is. With every medication, it is important that you know the side effects and patients should always talk to their doctor about and risks and benefits. Psychotherapy is a part of the treatment with bipolar disorders. It is really when the patient goes in to talk in thera py.It is a way to provide education, guidance, and more important support. Some treatments that can be used in psychotherapy are, cognitive behavioral therapy, family focused therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and psycho-education. It is a way to let the patient talk out their feeling and what is going on in their lives, and a way for the doctor to talk to the patient about how they should deal with thing and educate them on the process. Environmental surrounds also could help a person with bipolar disorder, not have an episode or is may cause them to have one. EnvironmentalAn environmental surround of a person that is suffering from bipolar disorder is very important. It is important that the patient understands that doing certain thing or even being around certain people may cause them to have an episode. If the patient is around people and surrounding that does not stressful and not giving the patient a hard time will help them not get over work about things, and b eing around people and place that could upset the patient can cause them to have an episode. Any life event may trigger an episode; alcohol or drug abuse or even hormonal problems can cause an episode.Knowing what is causing the episodes is important, and the patient will be able to have a better control over their episodes. In the Past Things are so much different than when they were before the 20th century. Before the 20th century diagnostic was done a bit different than in today’s time and so was the treatments. Physical explanations gave way to many theories that believed that mental illness came in the mind. The causes were thought to be a demonic possession or even a moral weakness, and it could be cured by exorcism or a religious zeal. People were even outcast and many was even convicted of consorting with the devil and burned.With ancient treatments, Egyptians believed that depression was caused by a reversal of fortune or even a loss of status. They thought that it c ould have been cured by talking it out or for the person to look to a religious faith. Some people believe that mental illness was a gift from the heavens, and it should have been cherished. The Greeks believed that depression was an overabundance of mania to yellow bile and black bile, that lives in the body, and the only help for it was bleeding or for the person to purge the system to regain their balance.In today’s time doctors are used to determine what is wrong with the patient, and they are able to treat them with medication and therapy to help them deal with their disorders. Conclusion It is a good thing that in today’s time we have people to example patients and get appropriate diagnoses for them, and to also make sure they get the help that is needed. Understanding what is going on with a persons mind is important and making sure they know how to deal with a life long situation like bipolar disorder, is necessary. Experience from a Patient with Bipolar Disord er Living with bipolar disorder isn’t easy. You never know when you’re going to have a good or bad day. You just have to be ready for whichever one comes. The medication help a little, but you have to be mentally strong to deal with the things this serious disorder will put you through, that the way I felt was completely natural. I had weeks I was angry, sad, and someday I was happy. It was easy to set me off, I would get mad at simple things and hold on to that anger. School become harder, I didn’t want to be there, everything pushed my buttons.I would hold my anger for so long and it would build up, then someone says something and I would blow the top off the kettle. Finally my build up anger caused me to go to fail, after that I decided I needed some sort of help. I made an appointment with an anger management person and they asked me some very personal questions. They proceeded to a drug test after I told them I did not do drugs, and everything was clean. Th en she said she wanted to try me on a simple mood stabilizer. So for a month I took this medicine called Saphris. It tasted like sulfur, and kept me awake and made me very hyper.I couldn’t sleep and wasn’t really hungry or anything. So I told her on my next visit what I was experiencing. She then changed it to a higher dosage and it did the same things. So my nexts visit, which was a month later, she changed my medicines again, and this time it was a simple anti-depressant call Prozac. Since taking this medicine I have gotten better, I am less angry, sad and hyper. I finally fell semi-normal, its been two months and I am pretty much controlling my moods with the help of Prozac, but I still have my days, that normal just something I live with daily and I am beginning to cop pretty well with everyday life. (Dezarare Walden 4/13/2013). Dezarae is an 18 year old, white, female, which agree to write her experience of bipolar disorder for me. The best way to talk to people a bout it, is to speak to those who are experiences the disorder. Reference: Copyright  © caregiver. com, Inc. 1995 – 2013  ©Helpguide. org Duman et al, 1997; Duman, 2002 U. S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health NIH Publication No. 09-3679 Revised 2008 Reprinted 2009

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Competitive Strategy at Sportsman Shoes: Case Analysis Essay

Sportsman Shoes has been a leader in the shoe industry for more than thirty years. Sportsman manufactures and sells athletic shoes for all types of sports. The company has pursued a low-cost strategy in order to sustain their success. They sell a limited number of shoe designs and have held costs low through manufacturing efficiency and standardized operations. However, the past five years have been a struggle at Sportsman. The shoe market has seen a rise in the availability of low-cost imported shoes that has threatened Sportsman’s competitive position. As a result, company executives have decided it is time for a strategy shift. Sportsman executives have done extensive market research and have determined that many niche athletic shoe markets exist where athletes are willing to pay more for shoes designed to meet the needs of their unique sport. There are very few competitors in these niche athletic shoe markets, and most do not have Sportsman’s past experience in keeping control of manufacturing costs. Sportsman has determined that with talented shoe designers in place, they can manufacture athletic shoes to meet the needs of the niche markets using their current manufacturing facilities and employees. By designing shoes that have features that differ from competitors and meet the specific needs of a new group of customers, Sportsman believes the company can create a competitive advantage. Further, while their shoes will not be as low-cost as they were in the past, they will likely be able to sell their shoes for less than market competitors and still make a healthy profit. Therefore, Sportsman has decided to shift from their current low-cost strategy to a differentiation strategy and will begin production to make specialty athletic shoes.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Divorce has different legal and social implications for the Divorce Essay

Divorce has different legal and social implications for the Divorce Arab and Muslim woman. Discuss, giving examples - Essay Example This paper critically discusses the legal and social implications of divorce for the Arab and Muslim woman with particular focus to examples in various Islamic countries. Firstly, there are a number of legal implications related to divorce in the Islamic societies particularly for women. Legally, although matters of marriage and divorce are largely governed by the Sharia law, the rules of Islamic divorce and consequently, its legal implications vary among various Islamic jurisprudence from one Muslim country to another due to different cultural traditions and practices. In most cases, the Islamic laws have always been largely seen to favor men in relation to their female counterparts in nearly all the Arab and Muslim countries. For instance, while Islam allows Muslim husbands to marry immediately after divorce, women are often required to observe a certain period of time (iddah) before they remarry or have any conjugal relations after divorce. An iddah is a period prescribed of about three months before the divorce becomes final. In most cases, the wife must remain in the home during this period to see whether a reconciliatory method of salvaging their marriage is achievable or if she is pregnant (Haddad et al 134). Another important implication of divorce for a woman in the Arab and Islamic world is the potential loss of custody of her children. For example, the legal system used in Tunisia only allows the woman to have the custody of children up to the ages of 7 for boys and 9 for girls after which the husband the custody reverts to the husband. Although the Arabic and Islamic laws do not make divorce acquiescently permissible, these laws perfectly well through its chapter-based hedges the sanctions of the practice with many defences. In the Suratul-Talaq for example, divorce is highlighted with a lot of positivity; this scripture teaches that when you divorce a woman, divorce them at their prescribed periods, and count accurately

Friday, September 27, 2019

Compensation Plan Outline Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Compensation Plan Outline - Assignment Example The following is an outline of Kellogg’s compensation plan. Kellogg is the world’s number one producer of cereal, snacks, and frozen food producer including, crackers, cookies, cereal bars, fruits, flavored snacks, toaster pastries, veggie foods, and frozen waffles. In order to motivate its employees, the company has come up with a compensation plan, which provides eligible workers with a competitive form of retirement benefits depending on the years of service and pay and improve the performance of the employees. Kellogg Company uses a variety of equity-based compensation plans to provide long-term compensation to employees (Zoltners, Sinha, & Lorimer, 2006). Currently, the company’s incentives comprise of only stock options and executive performance shares, stock grants, and restricted stock units. In addition, Kellogg Company compensates employees for tax equalization payments, travel and home leave allowances, adjustments for cost of living, moving and relocation allowances, utilities and housing allowances, and hardship pr emiums and foreign service allowances (Harding & Rovit, 2004). Kellogg Company agrees to give compensations and benefits, according to the terms and condition of the Company’s benefit and compensation rules and regulations. Employees warrant and represent that an employee has gone through the compensation plan and understood its application and meaning. For the purpose of the compensation plan, employees in Kellogg Company agree that.A worker shall receive compensation and benefits as according to the compensation plan. According to the compensation plan of Kellogg Company, employees should receive compensation pay, which is equal to two operational years of target bonus and base salary. Such compensation amount shall be paid to employees under equal install aments as from the departure date (Plunkett, Jack, & Plunkett, 2009). According to Kellogg Company, then the

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Trainings Woeful Countenance Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Trainings Woeful Countenance - Article Example The objective of the article is to use this exploration to emphasize that all contemporary training outcomes and interventions, mediated by Human Resource Development, should conform to ethical standards. Kopp and Desiderio successfully highlight the fallacious reasoning behind the physiognomy-based training manuals of the last century and sound a wake-up call for a critical evaluation of all contemporary training methods. Kopp and Desiderio draw the reader’s attention to several training manuals of the last century which are founded on the folk science of physiognomy, such as J. A. Hargrave’s Secrets of Selling, F.B. Goddard’s The Art of Selling, Ford Products and Their Sale and the Merton Method of linking physiognomic traits to job performance. The authors cite several of the axioms of this approach, which associate customer buying with the appearance of the face, or the shape of the skull: a Jew’s nose is acquisitive; a pointed chin is a mark of cunning; a broad forehead denotes idealism; a receding forehead indicates idealism. By this method, Kopp and Desiderio create a consensus among readers that â€Å"the sales training manuals that relied on physiognomy for their training techniques were at best, by today’s standards, politically incorrect and, at worst, blatantly bigoted, exploiting historical stereotypes† (2009, p. 136). The authors differentiate be tween the use of physiognomy in America as a tool to increase sales, and its use in Europe as an instrument to advance the agenda of racial discrimination. Having firmly established their case as to the illegitimacy of physiognomic traits as the foundation of training, the authors go on to interpret the implications in terms of contemporary practices in training and development. Kopp and Desiderio make the reader aware that the now discounted physiognomic influence which pervaded training in the early twentieth century was but

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Brown Vs The Board Of Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Brown Vs The Board Of Education - Essay Example The deciding factors in this case not only concerned children and their education but was also influenced by the fact that there was a human tendency to prejudge and discriminate against others based on their ethnic or religious culture as well as their physical characteristics. The impact of the decision in this case was felt in many social situations and was not limited to education and children. Although Brown v Board of Education is widely recognised for the way that segregation in schools was overruled this was not the first legal challenge on such a policy. In 1849 the case of Roberts v City of Boston was brought by African Americans were racial segregation had been mandated in certain schools. Social reform and the Civil Rights Movement were a direct result of the Brown case and the notion of democracy was enforced as pertaining to all individuals. Although the decision in Brown was given in 1954 it was a further ten years before the ruling was applied in the Deep South. The i mpact of this delay is that male workers who finished their education before segregation was stopped were less well educated then those whose education occurred after desegregation. Although Brown is largely responsible for the abolition of racial disparities in schools these had already started to disappear twenty years before this case . Large scale desegregation in the Deep South did not take place until ten years after the decision in Brown and was part of the U S commission on Civil Rights 1967 .

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Personal Profile of Para Medical Officer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Personal Profile of Para Medical Officer - Essay Example This attribute has helped me in overcoming the emotional trauma that is a norm of my field. I also think that it is a very fulfilling job because it gives me the opportunity to contribute towards the society in a positive sense. Working as a paramedic gives me self-satisfaction, because I feel important, by helping others. I have strong aspirations for future. I plan to introduce a service to patients that is effective and convenient. I believe that good diagnosis systems should be available for the patients; they are given proper treatment, which will help them in their recovery. In order to achieve this, it is very important for me, to have correct systems and knowhow about the management issues of the large medical facility, which I am lacking at this time, but I am learning and will accomplish this goal one day. Over my academic career, I have gathered basic knowledge in the field of paramedics. The focus of my studies has been on providing emergency medical service in case of road incidents. My stronghold on this field helps me in better decision making in volatile conditions, while placing a premium on emotional stability. I have also done practical training which has been very helpful in the development of the ambulatory skills that are needed in a healthcare career. This training was focused on ensuring fewer errors in future. What I found most challenging about my degree was learning English, because, it is not my native language. Therefore, I had to face a lot of problems in my degree because of it. But I had an interest in the medical field, so I had accepted this as a challenge and overcame it by discussing different concepts with experienced doctors on weekly basis. Another challenge that I had faced, was during my paramedic training, caused by witnessing the pain people go through in the case of tragedy, therefore it has taken me, a while before I had gotten acquainted with it.

Monday, September 23, 2019

Single Person Decision Theory and Efficient Market Theory Essay

Single Person Decision Theory and Efficient Market Theory - Essay Example The theory trusts the decision making capability of an individual and holds the belief that the decision maker is equipped with extreme computational expertise. According to the single person decision theory, investors should be completely made aware of the potential threats of investment along with the benefits that are frequently advertised. Not just this, the investor should also be made aware of the possible strategies that can be implemented to combat the threat. This requires the experts to be experienced enough to identify the potential threats that can be encountered as a result of the investment, and propose the solutions accordingly. Some of the key features of the single person decision theory are as follows: 1. It is essentially a model that formally explains the best way important decisions can be made and information can be considered. 2. It takes investing parties as risk averse. 3. It considers new information important enough to bring change in the decisions. 4. When new information is found, it may alter the original beliefs of the individuals responsible for decision making. 5. It explains the way an individual can make rational decisions while being in the state of uncertainty (Scott 60). 6. The decision maker selects the most appropriate choice from a whole range of alternatives.

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Mathematics and English Sentences Essay Example for Free

Mathematics and English Sentences Essay The order of operations was developed years ago. Someone just decided on an order in which operations should be performed. It has nothing to do with magic or logic. Some one decided to adopt a way, and it has been followed through out history. It makes communication easier. Punctuation marks are used in any language to make clear what we want to say. Punctuation marks are just as important in number sentences as they are in English sentences. Without being told by a symbol or some other means, we do not know whether to do the multiplication or the addition first. To avoid the confusion of such an expression naming two different numbers, let us use parentheses to indicate which operation is to be first. When part of a number sentence is enclosed within parentheses, think of that as naming one number. It is commonly agreed that when more than one operation, or all of the operations, are indicated in the same expression, we multiply and divide first, then add and subtract going from left to right. Just as punctuation marks are used to make sentences, the order of operations are used to make math sense. Whenever the order of operation is not indicated by grouping symbols, there is a standard order of operations to be followed. That order is Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition and Subtraction from left to right. In mathematics, more than in some other forms of written expression, ambiguity must be eliminated. Otherwise, different people may assign different meanings to the same symbols, and communication is faulty. Ambiguity is eliminated using grouping symbols and the order of operations rule.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

The Kite Runner Essay Example for Free

The Kite Runner Essay Is set in December 2001 when Amir the narrator is living in San Francisco. He recalls an event that occurred in 1975 which happened in Afghanistan where he grew up. He doesn’t go into detail about what happened but says what happened there made him who he is today. Amir gets a call from a friend named Rahim Khan who asks Amir to come to Pakistan to visit him. When Amir gets off the phone he walks along golden gate park, when he sees to kites which reminds him of his friend Hassan , the kite runner. â€Å"It’s wrong what they say about the past, I’ve learned, about how you can bury it. Because the past claws its way out. Looking back now, I realize I have been peeking into that deserted alley for the last twenty-six years. † Pg 1 â€Å"It was my past of unatoned sins. † Pg1 â€Å"For you, a thousand times over. † pg 2 Chapter two Amir and Hassan lived two different lives, as Amir lived in a mansion with his father Hassan lived in a small mud hut. Hassan has always been good with his slingshot, they both liked to annoying people by reflecting the sunlight into their neighbours window from glass. It was always Amir idea to do these things but Hassan never blamed him. Both of the boys don’t have mother , Amir mother died giving birth as Hassan mother run away after giving birth . Hassan is a Hazara which is a persecuted ethnic group in Afghanistan, while Amir and Baba are Pashtuns. Once while Amir And Hassan were walking a solider yells at Hassan saying he had sex with his mother. Since the boys both didn’t have a mother Baba found a nurse for the boys to feed off. They both shared the same breast. â€Å" He wouldn’t deny me. Hassan never denied me anything. † Pg 4 â€Å" People say that eyes are the windows to the soul. † Pg 8 â€Å"Mine was Baba. His was Amir. My name. Looking back now on it ,I think the foundation for what happened in the winter of 1975 – and all that followed- was already laid in those first words. † Pg11 Chapter three Amir describes his father Baba, to be a tall man with a thick and wild beard. Baba did everything people said for him not to do he always proved them wrong. Baba came one of the most successful businessmen in the city. One of the stories Amir is told that his father wrestled a real bear. Amir is always tiring to be just likes his father but it is never successful . Amir is passionate about reading and writing , Baba fears for him as he is not like the other boys . Amir is always jealous on how well his father and Hassan get along. Amir was learning at school that drinking was a sin. As Baba drinks he has a different opinion about it and really dislikes Mullah Fatiullah Khan. â€Å" I have imagined Baba’s wrestling match countless times, even dreamed about it . And in those dreams, I can never tell Baba from the bear . † pg 12 â€Å" He asked me to fetch Hassan too , but i lied and told him Hassan had the runs. I wanted Baba all to myself. † Pg 13 â€Å" the problem , of course, was that Baba saw the world in Black and white. And he got to decide what was black and what was white. You cant love a person who lives that way without fearing him too. Maybe even hating him a little. † Pg 15 â€Å" god help us if Afghanistan even falls into their hands. † Pg 16 Baba only sin he believe in : â€Å" when you kill a man, you steal a life, You steal his wife’s right to a husband, rob his children of a father. When you tell a lie, you steal someone’s right to the truth . When you cheat, you steal the right to fairness. Do you see? † pg 17 â€Å" if I hadn’t seen the doctor pull him out of my wife with my own eyes , I’d never believe he’s my son . † pg 22 Chapter four Baba and Ali grow up together but Baba never considers them being friends as they have different religion and ethnic . Amir thinks the same with Hassan . Amir often reads to Hassan as he is illiterate. One time Amir was telling him a story he had made up, Hassan thinks its the best story he has every told. That night Amir rights his very own first short story, Amir tries and shows Baba but he doesn’t pay any attention to him . Rahim Khan his father’s friend shows interest. Rahim reads his story and leaves Amir a note saying how good it is. Amir then goes and wakes up Hassan to show him the story , Hassan suggested something he should have done , Amir did not like that. â€Å" Never mind any of those things. Because History isn’t easy to overcome . Neither is religion. In the end, I was a Pashtun and he was a Hazara. I was Sunni and he was Shi’a and nothing was ever going to change that. Nothing. † Pg 24 â€Å"The same night , i wrote my first short story. † pg 29 ‘After all, didn’t all fathers in their secret hearts harbor a desire to kill their sons ? ’ pg 28 â€Å"When they left, I sat on my bed and wished Rahim Khan had been my father. †pg 30 â€Å"the word was bravo† â€Å" never mind the time. This story’s special. I wrote it myself. † Pg 31 Chapter five One night Amir Hassan and Ali were left at home when they here gunshots. They didn’t know what it was all about, but the next morning they hear talk on the radio, that Afghanistan becomes a republic. Amir and Hassan to go for a walk and go climb a tree, they discover Assef and two other boy of the neighbourhood , Assef is a bully. He carries around a set of brass knuckles, Assef bullies Hassan and calls him a flat-nose. Assef believes that Hitler had the right idea about ethnic purity. Assef thinks of Amir as a problem as he is friends with a Hazaras as they are both Pashtuns. He goes and hits Amir but Hassan gets in the way with his sling shot and scares him away . For Hassan birthday Baba offers him a gift of getting plastic surgery , Hassan cleft lip is just left with a faint scar. â€Å"None of us had any notion that a way of life had ended. Our way of life . † pg 34 â€Å" About Hitler. Now, there was a leader. A great Leader. A man with vision. Pg 37 â€Å"Afghanistan is the land of Pashtuns. It always has been , always will be . † pg 38 â€Å"you’re a disgrace to Afghanisitan. † Pg 39 It wasn’t fair. Hassan hadn’t done anything to earn Baba’s affection; he’d just been born with that stupid harelip. † Pg 43 Chapter Six In winter in Kabul it’s the best season for boys as schools close for icy season and it’s the best time to fly kites. Baba takes Amir and Hassan to go buy a kite for the annual Kite-fighting tournament, the last kite of the tournament to fall is a trophy of honour. Hassan is the best kite runner in Kabul, he always knows where the kite will land. Baba has confidents that Amir will win , if he wins Amir think he will win Baba’s approval. The day comes and they fly their kites , Amir wins. Hassan goes and finds Amir kite for him as Amir is getting congratulated . Amir doesn’t know where Amir had gone to he ask a old merchant and he says that boys were chasing him. Assef and his friends corner Hassan asking him for the blue kite, Hassan says no and they both argue back then Assef and his friend charge at Hassan , Amir sat there watching . After that Amir sees Hassan emerging from the alleyway crying and bleeding he hands him the kite. None of the boys speak of what happened, when they get home Amir falls into Baba’s hands and weep. â€Å" And kites , of course, Flying kites . And running them. † Pg 45 â€Å" the chill between Baba and me thawed a little. And the reason for that was the kites. † Pg 46 â€Å" The rules were simple: no rules. Fly your kite. Cut the opponents. Good luck. † â€Å"but Hassan was by far the greatest kite runner I’d ever seen . † pg 49 â€Å" In the winter of 1975, I saw Hassan run a kite for the last time . † pg 51 Chapter Seven The day comes and they fly their kites , Amir wins. Hassan goes and finds Amir kite for him as Amir is getting congratulated . Amir doesn’t know where Amir had gone to he ask a old merchant and he says that boys were chasing him. Assef and his friends corner Hassan asking him for the blue kite, Hassan says no and they both argue back then Assef and his friend charge at Hassan , Amir sat there watching . After that Amir sees Hassan emerging from the alleyway crying and bleeding he hands him the kite. None of the boys speak of what happened, when they get home Amir falls into Baba’s hands and weep. â€Å" Let’s fly. He said. † Pg 59 â€Å"And that right there was the single greatest moment of my twelve years of life, seeing baba on that roof, proud of me at last. â€Å" pg 63 â€Å"I opened my mouth, almost said something. Almost. The rest of my life might have turned out differently if I had. But I didn’t. I just watched. Paralysed. † pg 69 Chapter eight After the rape Amir and Hassan drift apart. Baba and Amir take a trip to stay at Baba’s cousins they have a large Afghan dinner , Baba is proud to say to everyone about the Kite tournament Amir is not happy about it . After the dinner they all lie in the same bed, Amir can’t sleep he admits out loud that he say Hassan get raped but everyone was asleep so they didn’t hear. When they return home Amir continues not to play with Hassan, he is confused why Amir is avoiding him he ask why and Amir tells him to stop harassing me, after that they avoid each other. One day Amir ask Hassan to go for a walk to a pomegranate tree, Amir ask Hassan what he would do if he threw the pomegranate at him, he starts throwing them at him, but Hassan doesn’t do anything back like Amir wanted him to . Instead he crushes it against his forehead. â€Å"But Hassan did nothing as I pelted him again and again. You’re a Coward! I said. Nothing but a goddamn coward! † pg 86 â€Å"I’ve never laid a hand on you , Amir, but you ever say that again He looked away, shaking his head. You bring me shame. And Hassan.. Hassan’s not going anywhere, do you understand ? † pg 84 â€Å" I’ll tell you what I want you to stop doing, I said eyes pressed shut , Anything, I want you to stop Harassing me. I want you to go away. † 82 Chapter nine The next morning Amir is thinking either he has to leave or Hassan and Ali must go. As he is opening is presents he wait till they leave as he grabs Baba present to him which is a watch and birthday money and hide it under Hassan pillow and tells Baba he stole it . when they return Baba ask Hassan if he stole them and to Amir surprise he says yes. Amir realizes Hassan saw him in the alleyway and knew what he was up to . Baba forgives him, but Ali says he must leave , Baba pleads them to stay. Amir sits their watching them go . â€Å" Except Baba stunned me by saying. I forgive you. † Forgive? But theft was one unforgivable sin, the common denominator of all sins. † Pg 98 â€Å" I flinched, like I’d be slapped. My heart sank and I almost blurted out the truth. Then I understood: This was Hassan’s final sacrifice for me. Pg 98 â€Å" either way , this much had become clear: One of us had to go. â€Å" pg 95 Chapter ten March 1981 Amir and Baba are on their way to Pakistan. They can’t trust anyone as Amir is embarrassed as he feels sick in the back of the truck. They left home in the middle of the night as the rafiqs or comrades as Amir called them have divided the society. People turn each other in for the money or under threat. When they are at the checkpoint a Russian guard spots one of the women in the truck and says if they wish to pass its an half hour with her. Baba won’t allow this. The Russian guard threatens to shoot Baba if he doesn’t sit down but another guard comes along to stop him. Amir feels sorry for Baba as he has to leave behind all the things he has done in Afghanistan . there though quickly change as they find out that Kamals father finds out his son didn’t survive the trip as of this he kills himself. â€Å" I’ll take a thousand of his bullets before I let this indecency take place. † Pg 101 Chapter Eleven Some tome since Baba and Amore now arrived to Fremont California. The moving to another country hasn’t been a easy one , especially for Baba. Amir notices the changes in his father and realizes he will never full adjust to life in America because he misses Afghanistan so much. Amir realizes that their move to a better place was for Amir’s future. Baba finds work at petrol station , in the summer of 1983 Amir graduates from High school, he decided to enrol in junior college and summons the courage to tell his father that he intends to continue writing , Baba is not impresses but accepts his decision, Amir enjoys life in America as it has no memories. 1984 Baba and Amir go to garages sales every Saturday and then sell their items at a swap marker where a large group of Afghan families work. That is where Amir meets General Taheri and his beautiful daughter Soraya. â€Å" I didn’t want to sacrifice for Baba anymore. The last time I had done that , I had damned myself. † Pg 117 Chapter Twelve Amir is increasingly tormented by his growing love for Soraya, they start seeing each other over several weeks. This continues until General Taeri reminds Amir that he is creating inappropriate gossip. Amir is distracted from his romantic ways when he discovers that Baba eventually starts to suffer from inoperable lung cancer. Baba refuses any medical help because it wouldn’t change the outcome. They go on with their lives as normal as they can but it becomes hard as Baba’s illness becomes to hard to hide. Baba has a seizure at the market and Soraya comes and comforts Amir. Baba refuse any more help with his condition , Amir now asks one more favour of his father. He wants to marry Soraya and as tradition demands he needs his father to ask Soraya father for her hand. Amirs proposal is accepted but , before formally getting married Soraya insists on confessing to an earlier affair because she dones want their marriage starting off with secrets. Amir admires her courage but was unable to make his own confession about his past. â€Å" I though of how I used my literacy to ridicule Hassan. How I had teased him about big words he didn’t know. † Pg 132 Chapter Thirteen There is a series of celebrations for the newly wed couple in which Amir is formally welcomed into Soraya’s family . Baba spends almost everything he has on his sons wedding. They live with Baba where Soraya dedicates herself to take care of Baba. After a month later he dies, Amir is terrified of life without his father . Amir completes his first novel acquires an agent and succeeds in getting his book published. Amir and Soraya have plently of trie on having a baby but they learn that they have unexplained infertily. They decied to move on to IVF but this to is unsuccessful and Soraya doesn’t want to adopt. Amir feels this is punishment for his past actions. â€Å" I realized how much of who I was, what I was, have been defined by Baba and the marks he had left on people’s lives. † PG 152 Chapter fourteen The narrative jumps forward to 2001 where Amir tells Soraya that he must go to Pakistan to see Rahim Khan. Amir endeavours to come to believe that Rahim Khan knows about his betrayal of Hassan but believes these is a way to be good again. â€Å" He knew about Assef, the kite, the money, the watch with the lighting bolt hands, He had always known. † Pg 168 Chapter fifteen It takes a long journey to go see Rahim Khan , he recalls their last meeting, some twenty years earlier. Amir arrives in Pakistan but barely recognises Rahim Khan, Amir tells him about Baba his wife and life in America and his successful writing career. Rahim Khan always tells him about life in Afghanistan and how much it has changed and they cruelity of the Taliban. He sadly tells Amir that he is dying and doesn’t have long to live. Finally he informs him what he really wants to talk about which is Hassan. â€Å"Rahim Khan had always been one of the most instinctive people I’d ever met. † Pg 173 Chapter sixteen It goes back to 1986 where loneliness and increasing ill health lead Rahim in search for Hassan . He finds him married to a woman named Farzana and living in a modest mud hut near the city of Bamiyan. Hassan tells Rahim that Ali was killed by a landmine in 1984. Hassan asks about Amir and Baba he was incredibly upset about baba’s death. Hassan decideds to go live with Rahim in Kabul but says he will live in the same hut where he grew up in this is where is wife gave birth to their still born daughter. In 1990 Hassan’s mother returns and comes to live with Rahim , Hassan rejects his mother. That winter Farzana gives birth to their son , sohrab . Hassan’s mother becomes very close to him, four years later she sadly dies. Hassan teaches his song how to read and write, shoot a slingshot and run kites. Hassan worries and the implications for the Hazara people . the taliban’s ban on kite fighting in 1998 . â€Å" Hassan taught him to read and write his son was not going to grow up illiterate like he had . † pg 186 Chapter seventeen Rahim Khan gives Amir a letter addressed to him from Hassan, which contains a photo of Hassan and his son. In the letter Hassan describes on how much Afhganistan has changed over the years. He also write for his hope that Amir will one day return to Kabul. The letter is 6 months old . rahimi tells Amir that the Taliban come to question him, they ordered him to leave Baba’s house but Hassan fought back with this the Taliban shot him. They shot his wife aswell but they toke their son to an orphanage. The real reason that Rahim wanted him to come to was to rescue Sohrab and bring him back to Pakistan. Rahim reveals that he is dying and wants Sohrab to go to a safe place and lastly he reveals that Hassan was Amir’s brother. Amir is deeply shocked and upset and doesn’t know what to think .

Friday, September 20, 2019

Mcdonalds Have Used Effective Global Expansion Strategies Commerce Essay

Mcdonalds Have Used Effective Global Expansion Strategies Commerce Essay The McDonalds is one of the most thriving global restaurant chains around the world. McDonalds have used effective global expansion strategies to enter new markets and gain a share of the foreign fast food market. This report presents McDonalds best practices in the global food industry, international growth trends and challenges.   It will also look at the McDonalds Corporation in relation to its major competitors and analyze how the company has responded to its surrounding environment. In closing, report will look at the prospects for McDonalds future and it will be clear that McDonalds will be able to maintain its dominant market position. It will continue to be a model that serves as a benchmark for others in the industry. Overall, the report provides an overlook of how McDonalds creates both customer and brand loyalty for their products and services. This report focuses on McDonalds international success, challenges and strategies. Index 1: Introduction -05 1.1. Background of the report06 1.2. Aims and Objectives:-06 1.3. Methodology06 2. Literature review and Analysis09 2.1. Environmental factors impacting upon McDonalds09 2.2. Strategic analysis of McDonalds16 3. Conclusion -21 4. Recommendations22 5. Reference:23 1. Introduction In the world of globalisation the fast food business is the most dynamic and growth orientated business. And without any doubt McDonald is the leader of all. McDonalds Strategy is continued growth, providing exceptional customer care, remaining an efficient quality producer, offering high value effectively marketing. Now McDonalds is a global scale brand. Since the start of the company in 1973, McDonalds Corporation began spreading domestically throughout the United States thus establishing its brand recognition. Its initial strategy began by advertising directly to the middle and upper class citizens, as can be seen in countries such as India and China. However, with its many bargain deals on several of its food items, McDonalds began to cater to several people belonging to the lower class. The key strategic elements that make McDonalds so successful is adding 700-900 restaurants annually, using new menu items, low price specials, extra value meals to promote frequent customer visi ts, being highly selective in granting franchises, choosing sites convenient to customers, focusing on limited product line consistent quality ,careful attention to store efficiency extensive advertising use of Mc prefix, hiring courteous personnel; paying an equitable wage; providing good training. Originated in Ray Krocs founding principles of Quality, Service, Cleanliness Value, McDonalds management has constantly believed in being a leader in issues that affect their customers. This belief is evident in McDonalds involvement in various community projects regarding education, health care, medical research, and rehabilitation facilities. These activities help the corporation to extend their image beyond fun and entertainment into social responsibility. Background of the report The background of this report is to evaluate environmental factor and key drivers impacting McDonalds success and strategy. The McDonalds restaurants are operated by MacDonalds Corp, franchisees, or affiliates under joint venture agreements. At March 31, 2005 there were 18,306 franchised restaurants (generating 60% of 2004 system wide sales), 8,091 company operated restaurants (27%) and 4,111 affiliated restaurants (13%). In addition to the McDonalds restaurants operating under the same brand name, which is one of the 10 most popular brand names in the world, McDonalds Corp operates other restaurant chains under its Partner Brands which include Boston Market and Chipotle Mexican Grill. The restaurants operating under these brands are approximately 1,000 and represent 3.22% of the stores operated or franchised by the company. (www. Mcdonalds.com) Aim and purpose of the study Aim and purpose of the report is to evaluate and analyse the key drivers that impact MacDonald success and strategy, its swot analysis and examine current strategies. Methodology Pure research is concerned with the expansion, examination proof and improvement of the research methods and techniques and tools that from the body of research methodology. Examples of clean research include just beginning a sampling method which can be applied to a specific situation; developing a methodology to access the force of the procedures. Normally research in the social sciences is applied. In other words the experiments, methods, and research tools which is called the research methodology. Research methodology is useful to collect the information in the different aspects of an issue, problems and situations. Research will carry out mainly, using the qualitative method of research methodology, as the nature of research is based on primary data which will be collected by doing personal interview questionnaires. Quantitative vs. Qualitative Quantitative research is based on the measurement of the quantity. It is applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in term of quantity. The importance of the primary narrative and theoretical conjecture Figure : 3.1 Source: Remenyi, D et al (1998), Doing Research in Business Management An introduction to Process Method pp-125, by Sage Publication. According to Saunders (2000) the research philosophy depends on the way we think about the development of knowledge and this thinking affects the way we do search. Whilst undertaking the research, a clear understanding of research philosophy is essential since it helps the researcher to refine and specify the research methods to be used in a study, that is, to clarify the overall research strategy to be used (Easterby-Smith et al., 1997) 2. Literature review and Analysis This chapter will provide a detailed literature review. The literature review helped frame the initial focus of this study, as well as focus the data analysis Swanson Holton, (1997). Literature reviews help researchers limit the scope of their inquiry as well as act as a benchmark for comparison purposes. According to Creswell (2003) literature reviews provide a framework for establishing the importance of the study. According to Swanson and Holton (1997), Research is a process of a specific type of outcome. Outcomes of research are new knowledge, obtained through an orderly, investigative process. Typically the research process begins with attempting to solve a problem, which is done by asking a question and identifying a solution or, in essence, drawing a conclusion. 2.1 Environmental factors impacting upon McDonalds McDonalds is one of most thriving companies in the world today. With its rapid globalization, the firm has been able to expand and maintain numerable growth; as well as continuing to explore with its growth potential in the coming years. From the creation of the companys development in the United States, to its spread in England, Australia and more recently India and China, the firm has been able to provide a variety of hamburgers and other foods to its consumers. From the Big Mac, to the Maharaja, the companys successive strategies, specifically with heavy research and development have allowed it to fulfill the tastes of locals in every country it operates. Its leaders in all of its major departments have established prices worldwide in all types of currencies, making its foods affordable for customers of all classes. The companys challenges of providing healthier foods to its patrons have contributed to its financial success, thus enabling loyal consumers. In certain countries, suc h as India and China, eating at a McDonalds has become a luxury, primarily among the middle class, who feel a sense of empowerment that they too can afford to eat at quality restaurants. However, as the company continues to settle into its new environments, it will slowly cater to the lower class, as can be seen in the United States. The strategies developed by its experts, thus allows for the company to increase in revenues, quality, and bring about consumer satisfaction. McDonalds SWOT analysis Strengths MacDonalds has a strong global presence with its nearest domestic competitor being only half its size, McDonalds is the market leader in both the domestic and international markets. MacDonalds benefit from cost reduction through economies of scale because of its enormous size and its huge global presence allows it to diversify risk involved with the economic performance of specific countries. In international markets, MacDonalds is well placed to expand and take advantage of long-term economic growth. Weaknesses The food industry is really saturated. As a result of this, MacDonalds has to deal with the prospect of looming market saturation, which could make it difficult to add new outlets. The market is forecast to grow by around 2% per year. Opportunities MacDonalds sold its Donatos Pizzeria back to its founder in 2003 and discontinued Boston market operations outside of the US. The company will instead focus on Chipotle Grill which is the companys most successful non MacDonalds branded chain of restaurants. Also to increase profitability the company has slowed its expansion of McDonalds restaurants so as to refurbish and change the image of current restaurants and adding new features such as Internet access. Threats McDonalds is exposed to changes in the global economy. The companys aggressive international expansion has left it extremely vulnerable to other countries economic slowdown. Foreign currency fluctuation is also another problem global companies like McDonalds. The Fast food industry is becoming an increasingly competitive sector. MacDonalds keeps up with competitors through expensive promotional campaigns which leads to limited margins to gain market share. McDonalds is attempting to differentiate itself, with new formats and new menu items, but other fast food industry are doing the same too. McDonalds SWOT analysis shows us that even though there are many threats against the fast-food industry, McDonalds occupies a relatively strong position in the global marketplace.   According to the five forces model, the strongest competitive force is between rival sellers in the industry.   This SWOT analysis shows the much strength that Mc Donalds employs to keep itself at the top of the fast-food industry.   Although there are various weaknesses, these can all be turned around following the McDonalds Plan to Win, which was implemented with the hiring of Jim Cantalupo.   Obviously all fast-food chains are going to have to combat the new consumer health expectations, but we feel that under Cantalupos leadership, McDonalds has a strong enough consumer base to grow in the upcoming years.   The financial analysis shows certain flaws in McDonalds finances, but these are largely due to the expansionary policy in place in the company.   SWOT Analysis and Grand Strategies Source:  P. Wright, C.D. Pringle, and M.J. Kroll,  Strategic Management,  2nd ed. (Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1994), Competitive Forces The quick-service sandwich industry faces competitive pressures from a number of forces.   The major competitive threats originate from competing sellers in the industry as well as firms in other industries that offer substitute products.   McDonalds main competitors within the quick-service sandwich industry are continually deriving new strategies through offensive and defensive tactics in order to gain customers and market share.   In 1989, Wendys implemented the 99 cent value menu as an offensive strategy to gain customers looking for a quality product at a value price.   In response, McDonalds and Burger King took a defensive approach and also instituted a value menu in their respective stores so that they wouldnt lose market share and customers to Wendys.   Firms in the quick-service sandwich industry are constantly jockeying for better market position through offensive strategies and in response to these strategies, other firms will take a defensive approach to guard against that offensive move made by the rival firm. Forces in the Industry Analysis Source: Based on M.E. Porter,  Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors Substitute Products In addition to competition from rival sellers in the industry, sandwich firms also face intense competitive pressure from firms in other industries selling substitute products.   The substitute products for the fast-food industry are probably some of the most diverse in the world.   These substitute products may include products purchased from the local grocery store, food from sit-down restaurants, or delivery foods such as pizza.   The primary issue with these substitute products is that they are readily available to the customer and the customer tends to view them as being comparable or better in terms of the quality of fast-food products.   Another issue that faces the fast-food industry is the availability of products that cater to the health-conscious lifestyle.   The majority of the public tends to view fast-food restaurants as primarily serving foods that are high in fat content and unhealthy and as a result they are likely to look elsewhere for a healthy alternativ e.   In response to the product offerings, buyers also exercise a great deal of bargaining ability through their purchasing power.   While fast-food products may not always be associated with health and quality, fast-food restaurants to possess a major advantage over firms selling substitute products through the price of their products and the quick, convenient service.   New Entrants The threat of potential new entrants and the bargaining power of suppliers is not a significant competitive force in the fast-food industry.   Occasionally, new entrants will come along and compete with firms in the fast-food industry and offer substitute products.   However, in order to compete on a large scale, it will require a great deal of capital to invest in real estate and build physical restaurant locations.   In addition, the market is already so saturated that the new competitor might find it difficult to establish a customer base and become profitable.   Suppliers in the fast-food industry do not have substantial bargaining power due to the fact that firms in the fast-food business tend to purchase their materials from various outlets.   One company might purchase their meat supplies from a couple different meat manufacturers, then purchase their dairy needs from a number of different dairy companies, and also purchase their bakery products from a variety of sou rces.   Since the fast-food firms divide their purchases among a diverse array of suppliers, the suppliers tend to have little or no bargaining power or leverage since there are multiple suppliers for the same products.   Driving Forces   There are a number of driving forces which have molded the current state of the fast-food industry.   In the beginning, fast-food companies typically focused on being the low-cost provider and sought to expand into as many markets as possible.   As these national brands have grown, the markets they are competing in have become overly saturated with restaurant options.   As a result, the fast-food industry has begun to focus on the needs of the customer.   The buyer has a great deal of leveraging power due to the fact that if they are dissatisfied with one brand they can easily switch or purchase from an alternate brand with little or no monetary repercussions.   The fast-food firms have implemented strategies to improve the quality of customer service and the cleanliness of the restaurant locations in order to please their customers in hopes that they will become a repeat customer.   Health Factor All fast-food hamburger chains, McDonalds included, are forced to respond to the shift in customer preferences from high-calorie burger and fries to healthier items such a deli sandwiches and baked potatoes. All the chains are expected to be struggling for several years to come to meet new consumer health expectations without compromising the original menu items. McDonalds customer service and opposing points    As years have progress many issues have arisen for McDonalds but the greatest is probably its poor customer service. A customer service index done in 2003 found that McDonalds has the lowest the customer service ranking in the fast food industry and is ranked even lower on customer service than the IRS. One reason for this is a high employee turnover rate. McDonalds has the highest employee turnover rate among its competitors. Another contributing aspect to the poor customer service is slow service at the drive-through window. McDonalds currently ranks fifth in speed at the drive-through window and 19th in accuracy. If you compare its speed and accuracy to its competitors and keep in mind that McDonalds generates 60 percent of its revenue from its drive-through and assume it is losing one percent of revenue for every six seconds that its behind, than McDonalds is loosing approximately 97,000 dollars annually. While McDonalds feels positive about its newly implemented changes the critics are rather skeptical. It was stated that long-term they believe that it will be tough to sustain growth and margin expansion. Specific concerns include McDonalds ability to maintain it current level of product innovation and competitors ability to copy those ideas. The critics even went as far to question if McDonalds recent improvement was more of a reflection of the market and the dollar rather than its newly implemented strategy. In response, McDonalds officials stated that they will need to deliver on their stated goal of sustaining increases in sales and operating income. Following with the most significant question of weather or not the new changes will sufficiently provide McDonalds with core competencies necessary to build a sustainable competitive advantage in the global fast-food industry. 2.2 Strategic analysis of McDonalds McDonalds Global strategy McDonalds already holds a strong position in the global economy.   It is recommendation that they decrease expansion in the almost saturated domestic markets, and continue their expansion in foreign countries, such as Asia, and the Pacific.   Companies generally expand into foreign markets in an attempt to gain new customers and capitalize on core competencies.   McDonalds core competency is that they are able to produce and sell quick and cheap food to a large number of customers.   With this concept, they have been able to expand into other countries, and they currently are the largest global fast-food chain in the world.   Since they already hold this lucrative position, they should continue expansion in an effort to drive out competition.   One strong recommendation would be for McDonalds to expand into emerging markets.   Since they focus on low-priced food, it is likely that many could afford their products, and therefore, McDonalds could expand into a stronger co mpany. Politically Sensitive Strategy One of the companys major concerns was to develop ways to avoid political confrontation with the Indian government. The other major concern was to be careful of the religious sensitive in India. Almost 80% of Indians do not eat beef, and over 150 million Indian Muslims do not eat pork, therefore, instead of supplying the normal Big Mac, which consists of beef, the company developed the Maharaja Mac that is made of two lamb patties. Other foods were also added to the non-standardized menu including McAloo Tiki Burger, and other common Indian dishes. Emphasis on Local Management Throughout the world, McDonalds prides itself in hiring locals, specifically management in order to gain acceptance into the country by its citizens. The emphasis is based on the think global, act local theme of the company. For instance, the company decided to establish two joint ventures with two local entrepreneurs in New Delhi, who were selected to manage the fast food restaurant. This strategic move allowed the company to gain easy access to the bureaucracy associated with the countrys government. Employment Opportunity Foreign enterprises are often reluctant to hire locals in their companies, specifically at the managerial positions, however, McDonalds research concluded that in order to survive the brutal Indian government, it would have to hire locals as cashiers, cooks, managers, etc., as well as provide jobs for the countrys agricultural workforce. In fact, McDonalds outsources its products to several Indian companies throughout India. This provides evidence to the Indian government that McDonalds is not only customer friendly, but also employee friendly. Environmental Friendliness In order to achieve a positive reputation, as well as follow local and national policies of a country, McDonalds tries to establish services that are environmentally friendly. India is an example where the company provides financial contributions and sponsors several community related activities in order to promote environmental protection. This is primarily seen within schools; thus indicating that the company also supports local schools. Corporate Citizenship In order to better its reputation, this multinational firm gives back to the local citizens in all countries it operates. For example, the company provides several financial donations to local organizations. This is one way to encourage consumers to eat at its restaurants, as it is an incentive that is used to spread the name. Diversification One strategy that McDonalds as well as many of the other fast-food chains have embraced is that of diversification.   We feel that McDonalds should continue this trend.   With the large health-craze hitting the United States, many restaurants have to change to healthier, higher quality menu items.   The fast-food industry is no exception.   Healthier burgers, low-fat salads are all popping up on menus across the country.   We feel McDonalds should continue its diversification and incorporate more healthy foods, including low-carb burgers and fries.   If McDonalds is able to stay ahead of the competition in this aspect, they will have a strong competitive advantage over such companies as Wendys and Burger King.   Defend strategy The purpose of this strategy is to make it harder for challengers to gain ground and for new firms to enter. A fortify-and-defend strategy works well with firms that have already achieved industry dominance. Since McDonalds is already the industry leader in the fast-food market, they can opt for a number of tactics using this strategy to maintain their industry position. They can continue their expansion tactics by continuing to open more stores around the world. This expansion would help defend against and help to discourage smaller companies from increasing their market share. In addition, they can also elect to invest capital in RD to aid in developing new technologies for their operations. These new technologies will help them remain cost-competitive and technologically progressive. Recommended strategy for McDonalds The main goal of the stay-on-the-offensive strategy is to be a proactive market leader. The principle of this strategy is to continually stay one step ahead of your competitors and force them to play catch up. McDonalds is already the industry leader in the fast-food industry with a market share of 33 percent compared with the number two chain in the industry, Burger King at 13 percent market share. They can stay out front by implementing technological improvements in their restaurants to enhance the production methods or to improve the ordering process of the customer. In addition, they can also introduce new or better product offerings to satisfy the needs of their customers. The best approach that McDonalds can take through this strategy is to improve their customer service. McDonalds customer service ranking was the lowest in the fast-food industry and was even lower than the Internal Revenue Service. To improve upon this substandard attribute, McDonalds should revamp their train ing process for newly hired employees and introduce new educational modules for currently employed personnel. Training and learning McDonalds should put more emphasis on training of its employees as part of their strategy of growth. Training and learning is the main tools for HR to prepear management for any upcoming change in the organization. According to Beardwell and Claydon (2007) the role of formal training in organisation today appears to have declined significantly. Firstly, the speed with which skills requirements change in some sectors means the formal time consuming, to deliver efficiently as required. Secondly, the growing recognition of Human resource development as a tool to achieve competitive advantage has raised awareness of the need of the embrace learning as a central strategic concern and to be part of the culture of the organisation. Employees, employers, managers, leaders, government, European and international bodies, customers and Human resource development specialist consultants all of them needs more training for the future. Equal opportunity Equal opportunity, means changing workplace behaviour in the areas of discrimination, sexual harassment and affirmative action to ensure that all employees have equal access to fulfilling and productive working lives. Wright,N (2003) 3. Conclusion In analyzing McDonalds, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats were inevitably explored to better understand the current situation. This SWOT analysis shows us that although there are numerous threats against the fast-food industry, McDonalds occupies a relatively strong position in the global marketplace.   According to the five forces model, the strongest competitive force is between rival sellers in the industry.   This SWOT analysis shows the much strength that Mc Donalds employs to keep itself at the top of the fast-food industry.   Although there are various weaknesses, these can all be turned around following the McDonalds Plan to Win, which was implemented with the hiring of Jim Cantalupo.   McDonalds has adopted many strategic changes during its business cycle.  McDonalds business will continue to thrive as long as the core competencies are recognized and never forgotten.   With every issue and challenge the corporation faces, it has the opportunity to improve itself and prove itself to the public, shareholders, and stakeholders.   With every battle conquered, another one rises and with a secure mission and vision in mind, the corporation should never stray too far from the roots and success of the company. The recommended strategy will strengthen this plan because it is doing what McDonalds does best and more so.   Despite the downturn the company has seen, the general impression we receive from McDonalds financial situation is that the company is slowly climbing out of a low period and making a turnaround.  Ã‚   We must never forget the key success factors of the business which really makes the business for what it is today, including franchises that off er quick, efficient service in a clean friendly environment. 4. Recommendations Team building Team building is crucial for any individual McDonalds store for improvement of their sales figure and as a whole for the organization. If the organizations have the proper team than they can face all sorts of challenges, they can achieve the competitive advantage, and organizations can maximize their profit. Sustainable growth Managers and employees of McDonalds need to put more effort about the sustainable growth. In this constant changing world of organizational dynamic only sustainable companies will survive. McDonalds should have concern more on their product and the way they produce it , and environmental issues. Total quality management Total quality management is the key of the success in the development path. If everything is done by as they planned, than they will the quality in every field of the organisation. The reason behind is, why researcher is emphasizing on these studies, because after covering these factors managers, employees and organisations will get the continuous development path.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Hester Prynne, of Nathaniel Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter, and Margare

Hester Prynne, of Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, and Margaret Fuller, Themid-nineteenth-century Campaigner for the Rights of Women "Endowed in certain respects with the sensibility of Margaret Fuller, the great campaigner for the rights of women, Hester Prynne is as much a woman of mid-nineteenth-century American culture as she is of seventeenth-century Puritan New England." Is this an accurate assessment of Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter? Margaret Fuller (1810-1850) was an author, critic, editor and teacher who "possessed more influence on the thought of American women than any woman previous to her time" [1]. She contributed significantly to the American Renaissance in literature and to mid-nineteenth century reform movements. A brilliant and highly educated member of the Transcendentalist group, she challenged Ralph Waldo Emerson both intellectually and emotionally. Women who attended her "conversations" and many men of her time found Fuller's influence life-changing. Her major work, Woman in the Nineteenth Century published in 1845, profoundly affected the women's rights movement which had its formal beginning at Seneca Falls, New York, three years later. Hester Prynne is the protagonist of Nathaniel Hawthorne's romantic novel, The Scarlet Letter, which is set in seventeenth-century Puritan New England. As a young woman, Hester married an elderly scholar, Roger Chillingworth, who sent her ahead to America to live but never followed. While waiting for him, she had an affair with a Puritan minister named Dimmesdale, after which she gave birth to Pearl. Found guilty of adultery (through the absence of her husband and the birth of Pearl), Hester is punished by being forced to wear a scarlet lette... ...on, 1996 4 The Scarlet Letter, p.263 5 Puritanism in Early America, edited by George M. Waller, p.6 6 The Scarlet Letter, p.53 7 Ibid. p.144-5 8 Ibid. p.195 9 Ibid. p.165 10 Ibid. p.86 11 Ibid. p.263 12 Charles Capper, in An American Romantic Life. p.ix. 13 The Scarlet Letter, p.165. 14 Ibid. p.263 15 Ibid. p.263 16 An American Romantic Life, p. xi 17 The Scarlet Letter, p.94 18 Ibid. p.263 19 Ibid. p.263 20 Margaret Fuller, Julia Ward Howe, 1889 21 The Scarlet Letter, p.113 22 Ibid. p.117 Bibliography Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. History of Woman Suffrage, 1881 Nathaniel Hawthorne. The Scarlet Letter, Oxford World's Classics, 1990 The Concise Oxford Dictionary, Ninth Edition, 1996 George M. Waller, (Ed). Puritanism in Early America Charles Capper. An American Romantic Life Julia Ward Howe. Margaret Fuller. 1889

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Toni Morrisons Sula - Female Struggle for Identity Essay -- Sula Ess

The Female Struggle for Identity in Sula   Ã‚  Ã‚   The novel Sula by Toni Morrison exemplifies the new feminist literature described by Helene Cixous in "The Laugh of the Medusa" because of the final portrayal of the two main characters Nel and Sula.   However, it is clear throughout the novel that both Cixous's and Gilbert and Gubar's descriptions of women characters are evident within this novel.   The traditional submissive woman figure paradoxically is set against the new woman throughout the novel.   It is unclear whether the reader should love or despise Sula for her independence until the very last scene.   Although both the perspectives of Cixous and Gilbert/Gubar are evident within the text, ultimately it is the friendship of the two women that prevails and is deemed most important.   This prevailing celebration of womanhood in all of its dualistic and mysterious aspects is exactly what Cixous pushes women writers to attempt.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   First there is the presence of the old stereotypical woman character, a woman split between the conventional and nontraditional roles of women.   No differences are apparent initially between Morrison's Sula and any other women's literature in the past.   Women are depicted either as docile servants to men, like Nel, or ball-busting feminist monsters like Sula.   The hidden aspect of the novel lies underneath these stereotypical surface roles, in the incomprehensible and almost inappropriate bond of the two women.   In the final scene of Sula, Nel comes to the realization that the emptiness inside her is due to the loss of Sula, not Jude (Morrison 174).   Her friendship with Sula is all that matters.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The development of a feminist reading from the perspective of Gilbert and Gubar... ... but instead reunites the two women's spirits.   "We was girls together," Nel says, and it becomes clear the importance of this revelation to her.   She cries "circles and circles of sorrow" for the lost itme between herself and Sula (Morrison 174).   Perhaps she also cries for a whole history of lost women seperated by societal functioning and a world built my men.    Works Cited   Cixous, Helene. "The Laugh of the Medusa."   The Critical Condition: Classic Texts and Contemporary Trends.   Ed. David H. Richter.   Boston:   Bedford Books, 1998. 1453- 66.   Gilbert, Sarah M. and Gubar, Susan.   "From the Infection in the Sentence: The Woman Writer and the Anxiety of Authorship."   The Critical Condition: Classic Texts andContemporary Trends.  Ã‚   Ed. David H. Richter.   Boston: Bedford Books, 1998.   1361-74.   Morrison, Toni.   Sula.   New York:   Plume Printing, 1982.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Infancy and Early Childhood Development Paper Essay

Infancy and early childhood are considered a time when most cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development takes place; allowing it to be exceptional and very essential in human development. A child’s development does not start at birth but through proper nutrition before and during conception. â€Å"Infancy and early childhood is a critical stage of development that forms the foundation for children’s future well-being and learning† (UNICEF, 2011). At this early stage of life, development can be hinder due to certain factors within families and the environment. In this paper, I will explain how families affect the development of infants and young children. I will also evaluate different parenting styles and its influences on a child’s development during the infancy and early childhood stages while voicing my opinion on which parenting style I believe is most effective. Lastly, I will discuss early childhood education and the influence it plays on cognitive development. Effect of Families on Development Throughout history, the role of families and how it affects a child development has been a topic of discussion for centuries. â€Å"Family is the first interaction that a child have that remains continuously† (Elkin & Handel, 1978). The family structure and parent-child communication have more of an impact on the child development than those early years of attending daycare. Throughout the United States, children are raised in various family environment ranging from single to dual parenting, same-sex parenting, and multi-racial parenting. All of those factors contribute to the different families, cultures, and religion a child is introduced to because they are all spawned through marriage, divorce, and other forms of relationship connections. Berger (2011), argues that â€Å"families accommodate responses in children from the facial expression, emotional and physical connections.† â€Å"The sense of security a child finds at their home base is the foundation of their s uccess in life† (Harris, nd; Faith, n.d). Engaging in â€Å"baby talk† allows children to gain socialization skills. Positive family interactions make room for healthy brain, emotional, and cognitive development. Children learn from their surroundings, they absorb all information from families and parents; whatever message that is giving  to that child molds the â€Å"basis of the child’s self-concept and self-confidence, which are vital to positive social and emotional developmental changes throughout childhood† (Faith, nd.). During these early stages in a child’s life, they are more dependent on the role of family members to meet their needs thus molding their development in how they will later interact, learn, and view the world. Styles of Parenting Based off the studies of clinical and developmental psychologist Diane Baumrind, she â€Å"found that parents differed on four important dimensions† after studying â€Å"100 preschool children, all from California and mostly middle-class European Americans† (Berger, 2011, pg. 273). These dimensions are expressions of warmth, strategies for discipline, communication, and expectations for maturity. In order to understand the different parenting styles, the characteristics of these dimension for parent should be addressed. Expression of warmth describes a parent who is warm and display affection, when other parents can be analytical. Strategies for discipline are the thought process the parent goes through in determining the best route in dealing with the action of the child. Communication is the value the parent set on listening. Expectations for maturity describe the amount of responsibility that the parent(s) places on the child. The four different dimension of parents, allowed Baumrind to later identify three styles of parenting. Authoritarian Parenting Parents who have an authoritarian style of parenting are â€Å"extremely strict and high controlling† (Gurian, 2011). â€Å"The authoritarian parent’s word is law, not to be questioned† (Berger, 2011). These parents do not expect their children to have an opinion and discussions about emotions are limited. Even though, authoritarian parents may not display emotions of love for their children; the love is there, some argue that it is â€Å"tough love† and a way to help children self soothe themselves and mold the child into coping with the world better. Santrock (2010), argues that children whose parents use the authoritarian style of parenting are â€Å"often unhappy, fearful, and anxious about comparing themselves to others, fail to initiate activity, and have weak communication skills.† These children usually grow up to respect authority and are likely to become obedient, but place blame  on themselves for their failures or if things go wrong. Permissive Parenting â€Å"Permissive parents (also called Indulgent parents) â€Å"make few demands, hiding any impatience they feel (Berger, 2011, pg. 273). Parents do not believe in disciplining the child based on their thoughts of the maturity level of the child. These parents are more attached to their child needs and are very nurturing and accepting. They believe that children should have â€Å"free will† in choices to help shape and mold their character, they maintain a â€Å"friend† relationship with their child. The children that fall under the guidance of this style of parenting â€Å"usually have little self-control and little respect for others† (Santrock, 2010). These children usually grow up living at home and make immature decisions in life. Authoritative Parenting Unlike the authoritarian style of parenting, parents who fall under authoritative parenting â€Å"set limits and enforce rules but yet they also listen to their children† (Berger, 2011, pg., 273). This style of parenting allows room for maturity understanding that children make mistakes and that not all actions involve punishment. These parents â€Å"consider themselves as guides for their children† (Berger, 2011, pg. 273). Children who fall under this style are usually â€Å"cheerful, self-controlled, self-reliant, achievement-oriented, and maintain a friendly relationship with peers† (Santrock, 2010). Neglectful/ Uninvolved Parenting There is one more style of parenting that Baumrind failed to recognize, maybe because it is not a form of parenting in the eyes of society or that it â€Å"is sometimes mistaken for the permissive style, but is actually different† (Berger, 2011, pg. 274). The neglectful/uninvolved parenting upholds to its name. Neglectful parenting are those parents who are â€Å"uninvolved with children† (Santrock, 2010). Neglectful parents are unaware of their children action or whereabouts. The children that receive this parenting style are usually â€Å"immature, sad, and abused† (Berger, 2011, pg. 274); they lack self-discipline and have no respect for others; not even their own parents. I believe that the best parenting style depends on the value the parent place on their culture. Some believe that the  authoritarian style of parenting is most effective, because it allows the children to respect authority and function in society better. I am not sure if I necessarily agree that one style of parenting is better than the next. However, I do believe that children need to be guided and have discipline in order to become outstanding citizens. Regardless of which parenting style is most effective, each child will develop their own way of living and learning as they age; each generation is different and new ways of parenting is constantly being introduced. Early Childhood Education and Cognitive Development Early childhood is a time where physical growth takes place but the growth that emerges when early childhood education is presented has a major significant on the development of a child’s cognitive development. Cognitive development â€Å"pertains to the mental processes (language, memory, and problem solving skills that children use to acquire knowledge† (Grisham-Brown, 2009). According to Nuttall (n.d), â€Å"cognitive development impacts a child education and allow educational providers to better support children and in turn, play an active part in a child’s development at home.† Jean Piaget is credited for his work in childhood cognitive development. Piaget believed that children are intelligent but due to the maturity of their brain they just learn differently. â€Å"Piaget’s Cognitive Theory, had three basic components. Schemas â€Å"which are building blocks of a child’s knowledge and how he/she processes and categories informationâ €  (Nuttall, n.d). The second component is the â€Å"process that take place for the transition to expand from one stage to another† (Nuttall, n.d). The third stage â€Å"includes the stages of development themselves† (Nuttall, n.d). An example to sum up how all these stages/component work within a child’s cognition would be how a child can differentiate between a chicken and a turkey. The child at first glimpse may process that they are the same thing, but he/she will later store new information that a turkey has different types of feathers which will help that child to process new information. The benefit of early childhood education plays a crucial and important role in the cognitive development of a child. There are many types of early childhood programs available; with access to these programs children have increase intelligence and gain cognition abilities faster. Child-Centered Programs These programs â€Å"stress children’s development and growth† (Berger, 2011, pg. 253). Child-centered programs are geared to strengthen the child’s own interest and abilities. Many of these programs are self-paced to allow children to explore their artistic expression. Montessori schools and Reggio Emilia are some of the schools that fall under the child-centered programs. Berger (2011), stated that â€Å"child centered programs are often influenced by Piaget, who emphasized that each child discover new ideas, and by Vygotsky, who thought that children learn from the other children, with adult guidance† (pg. 253). Teacher-Directed Programs â€Å"Teacher-directed programs stress academics, usually taught by one adult to the entire group† (Berger, 2011, pg. 255). These programs usually teach letter, numbers, and shape recognition. Within these programs children are required to take naps, have snacks, and go to the bathroom on a set schedule. These programs are usually geared to teach the children time management and appropriate behavior. Children who attend these programs adapt quickly to normal conditions that surround elementary schools. Intervention Programs Intervention programs like head start are aimed to cater to those families less fortunate to enroll their children into other early childhood education programs. â€Å"Both health and cognition† is the goal of these programs (Berger, 2011). These programs aid children to build social skills, importance of health, and learning to get them better prepared for the future. Conclusion It is without a doubt that the first interaction a child receives is that from parents and family members and that those relationships lay the foundation to how a child develops. It molds their personality and overall outcome on life in general. The style of parenting along with the interaction of parents influence development. Those parenting styles are authoritarian, permissive, authoritative, and neglectful parenting. Each style of parenting has a different effect on the child overall well-being  and future. It is safe to say that early childhood education programs have a unique way in being essential to a child cognitive development. Each program is design to fit the child’s individual need but the results are all the same, it produces a higher intelligence rate and improvement in their cognitive development. References Berger, K.S. (2011). The developing person through the life span (8th ed). Retrieved from the University of Phoenix eBook Collection Database. Grisham-Brown, J. (2009). Early childhood development. Influences of early childhood development. Retrieved from http://www.education.com/reference/article/early-childhood-development/ on April 4, 2014, Gurian, A. (2011). Parenting styles/children’s temperaments: the match. Retrieved from http://www.aboutourkids.org/articles/parenting_styleschildren039s_temperaments_match on April 4, 2014. Harris. B & Faith. R. (n.d). How early relationships affect child development. Retrieved from http://mom.me/parenting/5252-how-relationships-affect-child-development/ on April 3, 2014. Nuttall, E. (n.d.). Cognitive development in early childhood education. Retrieved from http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/cognitive-development-early-childhood-education-15503.html on April 5, 2014. Santrock, J.W (2010). A topical approach to life-span development. Bost on: McCraw-Hill Higher Education. UNICEF. (2011). Early childhood development: a key to a full and productive life. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/dprk/ecd.pdf on April 1, 2014.