Review of Related Literature About Inventory System

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE The review of the literature for this study focuses on creating computerize inventory system for Cavite State University Marketing Main Campus. In order to create we need to find some helpfull resources about the study. Related Literature Janes (2001) stated that computers are extremely reliable device and very powerful calculators with some great accessories applications like word processing problem for all of business activities, regardless of size, computers have three advantages over other type of office equipment that process information because computer are faster, more accurate more economical. Reyes (2005) task would be time consuming to accomplish manually and more practical with the aid of†¦show more content†¦For the mere fact that instead of doing things manually, with the use of computer technology everything is done fasters. Huntchinson et.al (2001) stated that file is a collection of related records. Examples are the entire student’s courses card for Anthropology 101 or the transcript of all courses in the register’s office. Sander (2002) computers are an intelligence amplifier that can free human to use their time effectively. Because a computer is a fast and accurate electronic symbol or data manipulating system that design automatically accept and store input data process and procedure output results under the direction of the stored program or instruction. Towsand (2005) stated that database is structed collection of data. The data may be about people, product events in short, any type of information is to manage the collection of data for reporting and making decision. Adamski(2007) give some advantages of database processing first economy of scale getting more information from some amount of data, sharing data balancing conflicting requirement, enforcement of standard, controlled redundancy consisting integrity security ,flexibility and responsiveness ,increase programmers productivity, improve program maintenance and data independence Alcaria (2004) explained that the use of computer are continue to grow, the need for a more timely information and data processing comes on demand keeping the records ofShow MoreRelatedForeign Related Literatures1598 Words   |  7 PagesForeign Review of Related Literatures 1. SalonBooker SalonBooker is the leading online  scheduling,  point-of-sale  and business management software for the beauty industry. Thousands of businesses have joined the GramercyOne family to provide online booking to their customers, manage day-to-day operations and drive new business. 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I kept telling myself, changing to a new system would not really benefit my business that much, and in any event, I dont have the time. A friend of mine, who had gone through the process a year earlier, was kind enough to sit down with me and share how he had handled the changeover process, and some of theRead MoreAn Empirical Analysis Of Supply Chain Risk Management1692 Words   |  7 Pages  Literature Review: Jorn-Henrik Thun and Daniel Hoenig in the paper titled â€Å"An empirical analysis of supply chain risk management in the German automotive industry† applied the practices of supply chain risk management by surveying sixty-seven manufacturing plants in German automotive industry. The need of real empirical research in supply chain risk management to help analyzing supply chain risk and test the previous research proposed instruments that can be applied for supply chain risk managementRead MoreThe Theory Of Constraints Of Lean Thinking1128 Words   |  5 Pageswhich implies, matching cost per unit of production against the value of output or selling price. There have been a number of practices implemented over time that includes statistical process control (SPC), Theory of Constraints (TOC), Just-in-Time inventory management (JIT), Total Quality Management (TQM), Six Sigma, and Total Preventive Maintenance (TPM). Each of these has made a marginal contribution to the mindset of continuous process improvement. Rather than evaluated as separate initiatives, more

Example Of Fyployee Fluctuation - 1051 Words

Delivering a startling news on Oct. 3, Lisa Coffman, the JPA Director of Risk Management of Keenan and Associates, presented to the Board of Trustees, an eye-opening report on Palo Verde Unified School District’s workers’ compensation fluctuation. As a member of the no member left behind program of the Riverside Schools Risk Management Authority organization, which funds the district’s insurance worker’s compensation coverage, Coffman said, PVUSD is one of 20 members who are struggling entities who have poor experience modifications and are in need of improving their losses and their poor. With the district’s rating performance based on an ex-mod formula, which calculates the rate of losses to their payroll size and compares to their†¦show more content†¦This is your bottom line. This is your budget, that $1.3 million,† she said. Giving a visual model of where the school need to spend their focus on, Coffman shared table data showed that occupations, which filed claims within the 2016-17 school year for cost of medical treatment and salary compensation of lost time, included aides having the highest number of claims within the district, with a remarkable $120,387 total. However, county-wide, teachers had the highest number of claims, equal to $2,143,263. â€Å"Claim Severity which has impacted the PVUSD widely includes the cost of the claim to be resolved including payment for medical treatment, salary compensation for time lost, permanent disability compensation and then retraining,† Coffman told the board. Other claims incurred by the PVUSD included claims of four custodians ($37,827), two clerical employees two ($3,300), administrators ($1,282), three maintenance workers ($83,226), one transportation operator ($4,451), two campus yard supervisors ($18,203), one groundskeeper ($1,489) and two computer/lab/trader ($65,218), which are also the only two reported claims in the county in this category. Nonetheless, Coffman said, â€Å"â€Å"These are [the] areas that require some attention and focus.† Within the RSRMA, Coffman visited last week’s school board meeting to help assist the district in driving down their losses and improving their overall performance, by

Accounting Frauds in the ISCA Organization Sample for Students

Question: Examine the Nature of Accounting Fraud that took Place. Answer: Accounting fraud is a term used to describe a situation when an employee of a business entity allocates the funds to personal interest, misappropriates or embezzles money and other resources. All the personnel in a company in a position to steal ranging from managers to chief accounting financial officer can initiate this kind of fraud (Agrawal and Cooper, 2015). Accounting frauds normally are not quickly realized which in the long run can cause failure in the business in question. About the local accounting frauds in the ISCA organization, the JSI Shipping Director of the Singapore-based subsidiary engaged in an account receivable accounting fraud ranked as local case 8 in the ISCA organization. The fraud is categorized as such in nature because the director was involved in a scheme which diverted JSI shipping profits for his benefit. The incentive to commit fraud is the reason why one commits fraud. About the JSI shipping company scandal, the perpetrator of the fraud who was the director was overwhelmed with greed and selfishness that he decides to divert profits that should go to the firm to his benefit at the expense of the company (Thibodeau and Freier 2015). Opportunity to commit fraud is the situation that allows fraud to happen, JSI company internal control and corporate governance were weak and failed to obtain independent verification of the Singapore-based director's entitlement to remuneration thereby giving the manager a chance to misappropriate the profit realized. Rationalization of committing fraud relates to mind justifying the fraud (Bhasin, 2015). The director of JSI firm in Singapore defended his actions by convincing himself that no one would notice and compared to the efforts he has put in place for such much profits realized he has a right to benefit himself rather than the firm at large. The above three conditions must be present in varying degrees for fraud to occur. The external audits should have detected the frauds using their objectivity applied in evaluating evidence, they should have gone further to verify the director's entitlement to remuneration, the cheaque signing limits of the director, and the renovation expenses recorded, and the actual spent. The fact that the audits relied on management representation and did not go further seek approval from the initial branch management adoption in the USA made it difficult for them to realize the fraud carried out by the director until when a staff reported to the USA leaders (Hribar, Kravet, and Wilson, 2014). The external auditors unlike the internal auditors they are not in the way directly attached to the organization, and its their report that can identify any discrepancies which internal control could have been overridden and not able to question such acts by the top management. The director of the Singapore branch could have manipulated the systems making it difficult to identify any fra ud by the internal auditors; its only the external auditors who could have verified all these discrepancies Financial scams tend to display a false figure related to revenues, sales and the profits a firm generates. It affects the investors' interest and progress of that specific company. References Agrawal, A., Cooper, T. (2015). Insider trading before accounting scandals.Journal of Corporate Finance,34, 169-190. Bhasin, M. L. (2015). Corporate accounting fraud: A case study of Satyam Computers Limited. Hribar, P., Kravet, T., Wilson, R. (2014). A new measure of accounting quality.Review of Accounting Studies,19(1), 506-538. Thibodeau, J. C., Freier, D. (2014).Auditing and accounting cases: Investigating issues of fraud and professional ethics. McGraw-Hill, a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Incorporated.

Professional School Counselor Personal Experience Essay Example

Professional School Counselor: Personal Experience Essay As Maria’s professional school counselor, how would you assist her with issues that have personal, emotional, developmental, cultural, and spiritual/religious ramifications? ? Specifically identify strategies, programs, and practices that advocate for social justice and academic success for Maria. ? Â  Identify how you would use collaboration and consultation to work with students, teachers, parents, and community agencies to reduce the recent increase in teenage pregnancy at your school. Briefly, compare and contrast the three models of consultation presented in the Erford text , and identify the model that you would apply it to address the issue of teenage pregnancy in your school and why? ? What are the ethical and legal considerations in this case? As Maria’s professional school counselor, I would assist her with her issues with various ramifications by having one-on-one counseling sessions to learn more about her, her culture, her worldview, and her current decisi on making process.I understand that she may be having a hard time dealing with the obstacles life has put in her path by being pregnant, losing her parents, being new to the U. S. and school, and not knowing what decisions she will make. After getting to know Maria better, I would counsel based on the information I gathered from her, along with the help of various resources to help her deal with the issues we addressed. A strategy that could advocate for social justice and academic success for Maria would be using a scientific approach as proposed by Sue (1998).I would start by forming a hypothesis about Maria. I would then do dynamic sizing, which in this situation I definitely would want to exclusively work with Maria. This is important because it helps me to not stereotype Maria and embrace her culture at the same time. Lastly, I would do research on Maria’s culture and consult with a colleague who may have the same culture, or is bilingual to help make the process smoothe r. I would look into getting her into and ESL class as soon as possible to ensure I am advocating for the successful completion of high school against the odds that Maria face.The recent increase in teenage pregnancy is definitely an issue I would like to address. Through collaboration and consultation with parents, teachers, and the community, I would propose having assemblies twice a year on teenage pregnancy and premarital sex and the risks the student is taking. I would get with the health department and see if I could get a nurse to lead the program and become the guest speaker as well provide alternate means of protection when it comes to sex.I am aware that I would not be able to change the decision of whether or not the students have sex, but I would be sure that they are well educated on the consequences and repercussions of the act. The assembly would be scheduled where the female and male students attended separately so there would not be any discomfort. The assembly woul d be mandatory. The three models of consultation in the Erford text is triadic-dependent model, the collaborative-dependent model, and the collaborative-interdependent model.The triadic-dependent model is based on a consultee, a helpgiver, and the focus of concern, which is the client. In this model, the consultant provides services indirectly to the client through the consultant’s work with the consultee. The counselor works in direct contact with the student (223). The collaborative-dependent model is the consultant engages the knowledge and expertise of the consultee regarding the student’s and the system’s strengths and weaknesses, the contextual factors that influence the student, and the student’s reactions to previous interventions (p. 27). The collaborative-interdependent model emphasizes an interdependent problem-solving process in which family members, educators, counselors, youth, and members of the broader community contribute as equal partici pants (p. 228). Triadic-dependent and collaborative-dependent consultation models are helpful when seeking change for an individual client or family or for a single organizational system related to normal development problems. The collaborative-interdependent is used for problems that are more complex.I would use the collaborative-interdependent model when it comes to addressing the teenage pregnancy in my school because this gives the students a wealth of professional and community members that they are able to seek help from that goes beyond the schoolhouse and home. Ethic and legal considerations for this case with Maria would definitely be confidentiality. I would have to find who her legal guardian is because I would try to get her to let them know she is pregnant if she had not already.I would also need to make sure she is getting the correct medical attention and vitamins that she needs while she is pregnant. I would not push the issue of citizenship, but if she addresses it, we would look into the situation to ensure that there are no issues when it comes to delivering her child. Reference Erford, B. (2011). Transforming the school counseling profession. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.

World Trade Organization, Chinas economy will deeply and broadly get involved in international division of labor. The WritePass Journal

World Trade Organization, Chinas economy will deeply and broadly get involved in international division of labor. Introduction World Trade Organization, Chinas economy will deeply and broadly get involved in international division of labor. Introduction1. The background of Lenovo Group2. The internal and external environment of LenovoStrengthsStrong market shareBrand advantageWeaknessLack of scaleOpportunitiesGrowing PC demandOlympic strategyThreatsPEST analysis3. International Expansion Rational4. Country SelectionCountry AttractivenessStrategic Consideration5. International Market Entry Mode Selection(1)  Ã‚   Sales expansion(2)  Ã‚   Resource acquisition:(3)   Risk minimization:6. Challenges and StrategiesDifferentiation StrategyCoordination7. Conclusion and RecommendationReferenceRelated Introduction After entering into the World Trade Organization, Chinas economy will deeply and broadly get involved in international division of labor. To develop and establish a stable foothold in the competition, Chinese enterprises should learn and grow in the face of competition and challenges. Chinese enterprises have also realized it and explored reasonable international strategy for their development and management. Some outstanding Chinese enterprises have used mergers, acquisitions or strategic alliance with foreign companies to achieve the dream of being multinational corporations. The most representative enterprise is the Lenovo Group. Based on analysis of the international road of the Lenovo Group, the report is aimed at discuss Chinese enterprises choice of internationalization. The structure of the report is described as follow: Firstly, it introduces the background of global PC industry and the Lenovo Group. Secondly, SWOT and PEST model are used to analyze internal and external env ironment of the Lenovo Group. Motives of Lenovo to go international are listed in third part. Fourthly, chooses Japan to expand its international markets and analyzes the Lenovo Groups entry model. Then the report will give advice of Lenovo’s international competitive strategy. Recommendations and conclusion will be given in the last part. 1. The background of Lenovo Group Lenovo group was established in 1984, it was originally invested by Chinese Academy of Sciences and it was called ‘Legend’. It is a highly innovative, international technology company formed by Lenovo and the former IBM Personal Computing Division. Lenovo Company mainly produces desktop computers, printers, projectors, laptops, mobile phones, servers, and other goods. In a very first stage, Lenovo have to occupy the most domestic market share in China, changes from single product to wide range products. In the one hand, Lenovo made its business to meet specified customer needs, changes from product model to solution model. In the other hand, Lenovo increased its service range, changes from value added service to a full standard service. Moreover, the three stages of transformation enhanced its business integration and improved their competitiveness. In 1996, Lenovo ranked No.1 in Chinas domestic market, along with its rapid development in recent years. Then in December 2 004, Lenovo purchased IBM’s personal PC business in a total price of $1.25billion dollars. The IBM personal PC business integration helps Lenovo to gain experience, especially in new product development, talent reserves, management and sales. Moreover, these insist the transformation of Lenovo from a local enterprise to become multinational corporations. 2. The internal and external environment of Lenovo Business environment consists of the internal and external forces under which the organization operates (.Stephen, 1997). It shapes the abilities of enterprises in order to keep successful relationships with their customers. Successful enterprises pay more attention to constantly watching and adapting to the changes of the business environment (Richard, 2003). Generally speaking, most enterprises can control their internal environment such as customers and suppliers, but external environment is uncontrollable, such as political factors, economic factors etc. In order to gain the unbeatable position in the market, enterprises must strive hard continuously to adapt to the changes in the external environment (Zhao, 2004). SWOT and PEST analysis are effective tools to monitor and evaluate the internal and external environment of companies. Strengths Strong market share Lenovo has a prominent advantage on market share in Asia- Pacific PC market (not including Japan). Figure 1 shows the data about market share in the PC market of Asia in 2007. In the one hand, Lenovo’s market share is dominant compared to other competitors like Dell and HP in Chinese PC market. The Lenovo Group reached a new height of 34.5 percent in the fiscal year 2007, and achieved 24 percent year on year growth in PC shipments (Lenovo Group, 2008). In the other hand, Lenovo is one of the leading brands in China and has maintained this leading place for over 10 years. Lenovo can fully understand the local consumers’ needs as a localized enterprise and adapt to the market changes successfully. Figure 1 Source: Internet Data Center Brand advantage The strong market share enhances the brand image of the Lenovo Group. In the PC market, the leadership of Lenovo has exceeded many other competitors in China, and is in an industry leader position. Since Lenovo has acquired the IBM’s PC operations, the advantage of Lenovo’s Dual-brand strategy appeared increasingly. The company could use the ThinkPad brand on existing Lenovo products. Therefore, a strong brand portfolio of Lenovo laptop was established in the domestic PC market, and it has taken a complete coverage of business and consumer market. The brand influence is improving gradually. In addition, Lenovo plays a leading role in cost control and Channel Architecture as a domestic enterprise in China. The Group is able to adjust its strategies and directions to the market development and pass its products’ consumptive value to consumers quickly in order to have the advantage of time difference. Weakness Small market share in global PC market Although Lenovo has achieved great success in China, the market share of Lenovo in the global PC market is still very little. Market share is a comprehensive reflection of the products competitiveness. The performance of Lenovo in America and Europe is very unstable. Lenovo lags far behind Hewlett-Packard in the global PC market share. And the gap of international operational experience between Lenovo and Dell is much bigger in the US market. It will be difficult for Lenovo to catch up with Dell and HP. Lack of scale The Lenovo group is lack of scale to compete with its major competitors effectively. Table 1 shows the revenues and unit PC shipments of the major competitors in the fiscal year2009. It is easy to find that Lenovo falls behind its competitors. Table 1(million) HP Acer Dell Lenovo Revenues $114,552 $17,397.4 $52,902 $16,604.8 Unit PC shipments 59 40 37 25 Source: Lenovo Group, Ltd.2010 Laptops and desktops are the main products of Lenovo, but its competitors have a wider range of product portfolio. For example, Acer offers the products including notebook computers, PCs, liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors, and high-definition televisions etc. HP has various kinds of products and service, such as PCs, imaging and printing-related products and services, and technology services (Lenovo Group, 2010). Although it has expanded the product portfolio with Lenovo mobile, Lenovo needs to expand its products and service continually. Because the weak scale of the group will limit and affect its operating performance. Opportunities Growing PC demand The global PC market is expected to grow rapidly in the future. With the rise of the notebook market and the popularity of PC, the consumer market will show annual growth in geometric progression. And small-medium business segments of the PC markets are also expected to drive the growth. Table 2 shows the data about the demand of PC markets from 2007 to 2010. It can be seen that the demand of PC growth rapidly from the year 2007. Table 2 2007 2010 Global PC shipments 250 million 350 million Consumer segment 120 million 170million Small-medium business 55 million 80 million Source: Lenovo Group, Ltd.2010 Lenovo plays a leading role in global PC market, and the brands of PC products include IdeaCentre, IdeaPad, Essential, ThinkPad and ThinkCentre. Positive outlook for PC market will contribute to steady revenue flows for the Lenovo group in near term. This is no doubt that providing a good opportunity for the development of Lenovo in consumer market. Lenovo can be in a good position to benefit from the growing PC demand. Olympic strategy It is the best opportunity for Lenovo to break into the global market. Lenovo has many sports marketing cases in past few years, including signing a contract with the World Player, and cooperating with NBA. It also sponsors F1 Williams. Lenovo’s Olympic marketing is the most impressive and prospective strategy. Relying on the various advantages of Olympic sponsor, Lenovo can appeal to the public’s attention from the Olympic to the Lenovo’s products. It will help Lenovo enhance the brand image and awareness. Threats As China had joined the WTO, the market is gradually opening up. It is easier for foreign companies to access to the Chinese market. More and more famous computer manufacturers have established in China, the competition will become fiercer.And the mid-range market and the low-end market will be the target markets for international brands, so Lenovo will face the threat from gradually reduced price. Lenovo needs to know how to develop the advantages in scale, cost, channels and service when faces intense competition. In the consumer market, Lenovo faces stiff competition from Dell, HP, Acer, Apple and Sony For example, HP became the world’s first position by the success in the consumer PC market. And Dell also broke the years of single direct sales into retail stores. Lenovo will face a big challenge of Hewlett-Packard, Dell and other manufacturers in the world. PEST analysis Analysis the external environment is very helpful for a company to achieve long-term improvement and strategic planning. Following part will focus on analyzing the Lenovo’s external environment by using PEST tool including political, economic, social and technological factors. Political With the development of IT industry, some problems have emerged, such as environmental pollution and energy consumption. Therefore, the Green IT has been encouraged by Chinese government. Green IT refers to low energy consumption and low noise pollution. As a leader in Chinese PC market, Lenovo has achieved the task of Green IT in noise pollution. The noise index of a Lenovo brand-‘Kai Tian S’ was lower than 30 dB (Lenovo, 2005). In addition, the IT industry’s export tariff has decreased to 9.1 percent in 2005 since China joined the WTO (Global MA Reachch Center, 2006). So these policies are tends to encourage Lenovo to expand its global market. Economic The world economic has a tendency to decline because of the economic crisis in 2008. However, new economic policies were announced by Chinese government at that time. The policies were loose monetary policy and positive financial policy. And Chinese government offered 400 million RMB to motivate economic growth (The Marketing Surveillance Center of China, 2008). It is a great opportunity to develop IT industry. The demand of IT products in China has also increased by the growth of GDP. What’s more, the economies of some developing countries grow rapidly so that provides more opportunities for IT industry, while the IT industry in developed countries has become saturated. Social factors It contains education, population, income levels, lifestyles and other cultural factors. Brand awareness of the computer manufacturers will be affected by the income and education level of consumers. Firstly, education level and the demand of IT products are increasing in China with the development of society. Secondly, Chinese people become more international because of the globalization. The lifestyles of Chinese people changed a lot with the influence of developed countries. So it provides a better external environment for Lenovo’s development. Technology Lenovo Group was established by the Chinese Academy of Science. There are more than 1,800 computer professionals in this governmental organization which owns the highest level of computer technology in China. After the acquisition of IBM’s PC operations in 2005, Lenovo took full use of the IBM’s advanced technologies to produce high quality products and make the RD activities (Lenovo, 2005). And remote work of Internet offers a good opportunity for enterprises to share their advanced technologies. Therefore, Lenovo Group can enhance its competitive ability in order to expand the scale of global market based on the analysis of internal and external environment. 3. International Expansion Rational Kotter (1980) pointed that two important factors decide the reason why enterprises choose to go international. First is the force of circumstances, due to market price in easy or government control, there are fewer opportunities for enterprises in home market. Second is attractive factor, the demands for enterprises products are getting greater and greater overseas. Luftman and his colleagues (1992) described the distinction between primary motives and secondary motives. Primary motives include market-oriented investments, cost cutting investments and overseas investments for the purpose of reducing raw material costs or other reasons. Secondary motives include internal investment environment, the ability to respond to the external environment, or factors relate to the country to invest. By 1999, the company held 21.5 percent share was the best known brand in China and had some brand presence in Asia. Having keeping the domestic PC market leadership for five following years, the company faced new challenges when China entered the World Trade Organization. The company owned 30 percent share in domestic PC market far outdistanced other competitors 10 percent share, but it could no longer depend on local player advantages such as tariffs on imports or foreign companies distribution channels. For example, Dell used a direct sales model to enter China. Also by 2003, the company faced an increasing domestic competition of rising Chinese PC giants, for example Haier, the appliance maker, introduced their own-brand PCs. Besides, seeking and capturing broad overseas markets have been the basic motive. When the company has grown to sizable scale, it will face pressure of growing markets. While domestic market cannot offer opportunities, the company has to extend to external markets. The company can expand scale and scope of product operation to enhance its competitive advantage due to external markets. On the whole, as the limitation of internal market capacity and gradually while-hot competition, also Lenovos growth rate has been declining, internationalization has became the inevitable choice for Lenovo. In addition, Lenovo aimed to develop its core competence by going international. In international market, Europe and other developed countries pioneer in the fields of global information technology and network technology. Lenovo has set up the research laboratory in Silicon Valley, and through IBM Deal built strategic business partner relationship with IBM, the company pursued high-tech to ceaselessly strengthen its core competence and occupy a position in the fierce competition of high-tech area. 4. Country Selection Lenovo’s next move for expansion is Japan and to focus on personal PCs. In 27th January 2010, the announcement was given by Masato Yamamoto (NEC President) and Yang Yuanqin (Lenovo CEO): A new company called B.V. established which registered in Netherland. Lenovo owns 51% shares and paying $175million US dollars for the initial IPOs. And rest of the combination activities will be completed in June 2011. Country Attractiveness Japan is a small island located at the Pacific Ocean near China, the Japanese own a tradition of strong electronic industries, and some major world-class brands are came from there such like: Toshiba, NEC, Fujishu, Panasonic and SONY. In the Asia-pacific region of personal PC business, when competing with MNES such as: HP, dell, Acer and Asus, Lenovo is clear that it leads 20 percent of market share, however, in order to keep their position and secure their business in Asia, the opportunities for Lenovo to entry Japanese market beyond its cooperation. As a part of Lenovo’s global strategy, the market share combination will benefit NEC from the Chinese market and Lenovo from the Japanese Market, especially both brands will have a strong partnership facing the competition in a global stage. As the pie chart showed below: Strategic Consideration Meanwhile, Japan is a country with complexity, even in the business relates areas: Japan has cumbersome regulations, a deep cultural background and special business practices. The consumer market is very competitive, and consumers prefer domestic goods. In Japan, the majority of sales channels controlled by large corporations in Japan, this increase distribution cost and impact foreign products to be less competitive in the Japanese market. Japanese consumers have the taste of high-quality products and product design. Figure 3. Japanese market characteristics: A positive spiral of Japanese market Source: In the electronic industries, Yasushi (2006) mentioned the ideal cycle mode for growth as an electronics manufacturer in Japan, for several years, the negative cycle relied on saturated market limits and share competition in Japan market, and the solution for Japanese companies is to go overseas to gain more cost competitiveness. The positive cycle shows more about the relationship between market expansion and capture global market share. For Lenovo, facing these challenges, the product line could be localized in Japan or even in China, and sell computers in the Japanese market. Figure 4: Target country’s attractiveness and risk involvement Target country’s attractiveness Lenovo Strength (Benefit) Weakness (Harmful) Potential Market Growth and high end users Good quality control and research design can fulfill Japanese customer needs, especially with IBM as one of the core brand The gap to specifically define the locations of different sales network ‘Home bias’ ecosystem Partnership with NEC will increase their brand name as PC product line were built in Japan Lenovo still a new brand that need certain time of acceptation by JP customers Government policies and the hardware bias over software Hardware sales might booming according to industry gap Software might stands alone as Lenovo want to create more added value The absence of alternative forms of financing: banking loans and venture capital More direct investment will have more direct control and free hand from banking operations Foreign business have less banking backup and the bottleneck may harm the business long-term Japanese companies preferred to develop long-term relationships with their hardware suppliers and to depend on those suppliers Chinese business people could more familiar with the high context culture in Japan Relationship building with different destitution dealers may lower the efficiency on new product promotion Different concept on fitness or adaptation between computer software and operations Lenovo’s own research center in Japan used as technical support, and further cooperation with NEC could easily modify software to fit operations Lenovo cannot adapt their operations in order to take advantage of the software, this might increase its spending on research 5. International Market Entry Mode Selection There are many critical issues of a multinational company to be successful in internationalisation process. The entry mode selection is one of the most important issues which many scholars have been investigated in factors of the entry mode decision (Osland et al 2001). Transaction and the cost of uncertainty will be increased if the entry mode decision is inappropriate.   (Meyer et al, 2009). Therefore both country level factors, (i.e. institution, exchange rate and cultural distance), and industry level factors, (i.e. market size and structure, product maturity, type and sales service) need to be considered (Meyer et al, 2009). In addition, objectives of the market entry will frame level of involvement, level of control, time spending and ownership arrangement, which lead a company to make a proper entry mode decision (Figure.1). Since PC is a manufactured product, the foreign operating mode could be classified into wholly owned subsidiaries, export and joint venture. Figure 6.1 Level of involvement and time in order to choosing the entry mode Source: Adapted from Zhu (2010) The first entry mode, wholly owned subsidiary is a foreign business that fully operates under the parent company’s control. The parent company performs self-handling operation, owns resources and its particular assets with anticipation to take high risk and generate high profits (Zhu, 2010). Level of equity arrangement to host country is 100 percent ownership. Thus, an interest of the parent company is a major. The second entry mode, exporting, is a low level of internationalisation. Products and services made by a company in one country and sent to another country (Rugman and Collinson, 2009). There is none-equity arrangement to the host country. The third entry mode, â€Å"joint venture is a special type of strategic alliance inwhich the partners share in the ownershipof an operation on an equity basis† (Griffin, 2008, p.122). Moreover, to select the best entry mode for Lenovo expansion in Japan, advantages and disadvantages of the three kinds of entry modes is consid ered and displayed in the table below. Table 6.1 Comparisons of Advantages and Disadvantages of three entry modes Advantage Disadvantage Wholly owned subsidiaries -high power of management -not share profit -chance of high political risk -high capital investment and resources obligation -need operational facilities in host country Exporting -no need operational facilities in host country, -gain economy of scale -limit opportunities to gain knowledge of local market and competitor -slow response to customer demand -high transportation cost -face trade barrier Joint Venture -share investment risk, i.e. profit and loss with local partner. -combine data, information, complementary resources and know-how -possibility of reducing political or governmental condition risk -lack of fully control -possibility to face inappropriate contractual term, also argument and conflict -loss of competitive advantage through imitation. -managing the relationship with foreign partner Source: Adapted from Johnson, G et al (2005) and Zhu (2010) Japan is a country with both low physical and psychic distance from China, Lenovo’s home country, so, the wholly owned subsidiaries seems not to be very risky, furthermore the country ranks 17th freest economy out of 179 countries, the economy scores above the world average and it is found none of trade barriers (Datamonitor, 2010a). However, Japan has ‘Home bias’ ecosystem, the absence of alternative form of finance, government policies, particular way of develop long-term relationship with suppliers and different concept adaptation between computer software and operation, which the authors have stated in Chapter.5 before, that is, become an obstacle in the nature of competition in Japanese local market. In joint venture, the company will combine the market know-how within partners to understand market needs. Moreover the partners will bring in additional resources to assist each other in operating at the particular marketplace to overcome the new entry dilemma ( Yui and Makino, 2002). With regard to objectives in internationalisation of Lenovo in Chapter.3, the country analysis in Chapter.5 and review of market entry mode conditions, joint venture can be identified to be the most suitable entry mode of Lenovo in Japan. On 27th January 2011, Lenovo, (the fastest growing top-five global PC maker, who is a manufacturing and technology expertise), has announced $175million in joint venture with NEC (new company formation structure is illustrated in Appendix.1). NEC is number 1 Japan PC market share, who has superior brand name in Japan with strong market position. Evidences: benefits of the joint venture entry mode regard to objectives of international business expansion is illustrated below: (1)  Ã‚   Sales expansion NEC is the strongest PC brand in Japan. Lenovo could benefit from extensive distribution channels in order to expand customer based (Lenovo, 2011). Lenovo could focus on twenty two thousand local subsidiaries of NEC around the world to expand its overseas sales as it’s showed in figure 6.4 (NEC, 2011). NEC Lenovo Japan Group become number one PC Company in Japan with approximately 25% market share as it’s showed in figure 6.2 (Lenovo, 2011). NEC Lenovo Japan Group in worldwide position at the third quarter of 2009 and 2010 is compared in table 6.3. The company increased 1.9% of its market share, from 9.3% to 11.2% after the integration (Lenovo, 2011). Figure 6.2:   Market share of PC in Japan on 2010 Source: Lenovo (2011) Table 6.3:   Market share of PC in worldwide on 2010 PC Manufacturer 3rd Quarter 2009 3rd Quarter 2010 +/- HP 19.6% 17..8% -1.7% Acer 13.5% 13.1% -0.3% DELL 12.6% 12.6% 0.0% NEC Lenovo 9.3% 11.2% +1.9% Source: IDC Japan, Japan Personal Computing Quarterly Model Analysis Q3 2010 (Cited in NEC, 2011) Figure 6.4:   NEC’s sale network Source : NEC (2011) (2)  Ã‚   Resource acquisition: It is known that PC companies have razor-thin margins which could be improved by economies of scale and cost savings. Profit margin of Lenovo is about 1.8 percent in the last reporting quarter, meanwhile their competitor, Acer, generate its profit margin at 2.9 percent. (Soh, 2011) Joint venture with NEC will perform resource acquisition and formulate economies of scale. Refers to figure 6.4, Lenovo not only has determined to improve its supply chain, RD and sales marketing by increasing scale, but also plan of decreasing in service, product and information system cost (Lenovo, 2011) NEC also agreed that PC product strength through the joint development. Leveraging the scale of both company will enhance PC price competitiveness (NEC, 2011). Vincent Chen, an analyst with Yuanta Securities in Taipei also claimed that ‘most of NEC’s PC production is out sourced’. This means that NEC have a good relationship with suppliers, cause, Lenovo would gain more bargaining po wer with the contract manufacturers. (Soh, 2011) Figure 6.4: Benefits of joint venture in terms of resource acquisition. Source: Lenovo (2011) (3)   Risk minimization: At industry level in current period, there is a global expansion of commercial PCs manufacturers (NEC,2011) However, PC sales dropped due to increasing of global popularity of tablet PCs such as Apple’s iPad (Soh, 2011). Also, touchscreen tablets from Research in Motion(Blackberry maker) and Dell, will be launch soon in this year. This will cause a PC market size reduction. (Soh, 2011) Similarly, Acer(Taiwan-Based) and Asustek hit PC market with low-cost netbook PC and plan to produce touchscreen tablet(Soh, 2011). This could reflex that, PCusers’ need are varies and unstable. PC makers need to develop new innovative products continuously to maintain its position in order not to drop out of the market. At country level, there was a research of Gartner that many multinational companies, such as HP, was struggled to break in to Japan. They could not compete with a local company, such as Toshiba (Soh, 2011). Distribution channel This joint venture could help Lenovo to break in to Japan with lower risk than wholly own subsidiary or exporting entry mode. There are many successful joint ventures in Japan. Japan’s regulation attracted investor to invest in the country for example reducing trade barrier, such as lowest import tax. In contrast Meschi (2004) claims that failure rate of the joint venture is high. However, the successful of the cooperation depends on following agreement of the partners and the ability of partners to perform their values. 6. Challenges and Strategies Differentiation Strategy If there is no financial crisis in 2008, apparently NEC would not face such as loss in 2009 and 2010. Lenovo’s huge opportunity appears from its product diversifications, so after the joint venture NEC could give strong support to Lenovo on its new product innovations, in order to prevent customer impression of low cost Chinese production, and making their products with more added values to attract more customers. Because the natural of personal PC industry relies on new cutting edge design, highly practicable functions and digitalized lifestyle integrations. Compare to other traditional industries, this trend would lead to Lenovo apply the differentiation strategy, but before ensuring the validity of this strategy, it is very necessary to look at what is the actual strength of NEC. Coordination According the announcement given by Lenovo and NEC, they are willing to share key research centers in Japan, so, if NEC give more emphasis on personal PC division, both engineers could work together in the new joint venture company, in order to increase the speed of new product development process, especially for Lenovo, except their mainstream product ThinkPad, other product series also could get effective technical support, and boost sales. Furthermore, it is expected that both of Lenovo and NEC’s brand and products could be more competitive in the marketplace, such as good research, development and innovation. As a result, Lenovo is very likely to adapt a differentiation strategy that brings the new product design back to China or other overseas market: by using the manufacturing bases in developing countries, and then integrates them with advanced technology, and Lenovo’s future shows a clear path than ever before. 7. Conclusion and Recommendation In summary, Lenovo is one of most outstanding Chinese enterprises who have adopted mergers and acquisitions or strategic alliance with foreign companies to achieve the dream of being multinational corporations. Lenovo has a dominant market share in China and prominent advantage on market share in Asia- Pacific, unfortunately not in Japan. An attractive strategy to internationally expand the firm to Japanese PC market is joint venture. Even Japan has ‘home bias system’, lack of financial support for JV. It is obviously a high technology development country. Lenovo could gain sale expansion, resource acquisition, especially complementary knowledge from this market entry. It is enhancing Lenovo’s mission to be the global innovation leadership, refer to their mission statement. Stepping forward into Japan is a challenging move for Lenovo. However, it is not a finish line of its internationalisation. The company needs to decide the next move strategically and appropriate entry mode. Moreover, how the company operates successfully in different market and different cultures is more important. Adjusting to a new market should be less ethnocentric. Although, joint venture is an appropriate entry mode to Japan, market research is still essential. Sustainable growth is an approach to dominate global PC market. Appendix 1: PC Business Alliance Scheme Source : NEC Japan web site (2011) Reference Datamonitor (2010) Japan–In-depth PESTLE Insights. Country Analysis Report. [Online] Available from: http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer? sid=b17c0647-420c-40ae-a954-24184c2a33ae%40sessionmgr112vid=16hid=107 [Accessed 8th March 2011]. Global MA Research Center, (2006), China Mergers and Acquisitions Yearbook, 2006 annual report, Beijing, Posts Telecom Press Griffin, R.W. (2008), Management 9 ed. Texas, Houghton Mifflin Company Jian Mei, Liu. (2008), Lenovo Groups strategic evaluation: Based on the analysis of the Balanced Scorecard. [Online]. Available from: http://jingpin.szu.edu.cn/strategy/strategy2009/upfiles/edit/200906/20090622160000.doc [Accessed 28th March 211] Johnson, G., Scholes, K. and Whittington, R. (2005) Exploring Corporate Strategy. (7th ed). Essex: Prentice Hall. John Quelch, (2006), Lenovo: Building a Global Brand. Harvard business school. [Online]. Available from: www.ecch.com. [Accessed 28th March 211] Lenovo Group, Ltd. (2008). SWOT Analysis, p4, 1p. Available at: lenovo.com/social_responsibility/us/en/sustainability/Lenovo_2006.2007_Sustainability_Report.pdf. (Accessed: 25th March, 2011) Lenovo Group, Ltd.(2010). SWOT Analysis, p1-9, 9p, 2 Charts Lenovo, (2005), Introduction of Organization. Available at: lenovo.com.cn/about/lenovo/company1959.shtml (Accessed: 24th March, 2011) Meschi, P. -X. (2004) Valuation Effect of International Joint Ventures: Does Experience Matter? International Business Review, 13 (5), 595-612. Meyer. K. E., Estrin. S., Bhaumik. S. K, Peng. M. W (2009), Institutions, Resources, and Entry Strategies in Emerging Economics, Strategies Management Journal, 30, 61-80. NEC. (2011) NEC.co.jp [Online] Available from: nec.co.jp/press/en/1101/images/2702-01-01.pdf [Accessed 8th March 2011]. Osland, G. E., Taylor, C. R. Ming, Z. S. (2001) Selecting International Modes of Entry and Expansion. Marketing intelligence and planning, 19 (3), 153 161. Richard ,L. (2003). Daft Management [M]. Machinery Industry Press.p23 Rugman, A.M. and Collinson, S. (2009). International Business. (5th ed). London: Prentice Hall. Robert Dujarric , Andrei Hagiu (2009) Capitalizing On Innovation: The Case of Japan. (Online) Available from: hbs.edu/research/pdf/09-114.pdf [Accessed date: 18th March, 2011] Soh, K., (2011) Reuters. Lenovo, NEC in PC Joint Venture in Japan . [Online] Available from: channelinsider.com [Accessed 8th March 2011] Stephen ,P , Robbins. (1997). Management [M] China Peoples University Press, p64. The Marketing Surveillance Center of China, (2008), principal economic policies. Available at: chinammn.com.cn/zh/2/2008-11-19/47987.htm (Accessed: 25th March) Wong, W.M., (2011) Lenovo.com. [Online] Available from: http://news.lenovo.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=1413 [Accessed 8th March 2011]. Yasushi Uchida (2006) Japanese Makers Struggle for Foothold in Emerging Markets Available from: http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/HONSHI/20061026/122746/ [Accessed date: 18th March, 2011] Yiu, D. Makino, S. (2002), The Choice between Joint Venture and Wholly Owned Subsidiary: An Institutional Perspective, Organization Science, 13 (6), 667-683 Yu Qing, (2011) the new pattern of Personal PC industry: NEC and Lenovo’s joint venture. Available from: http://tech.qq.com/a/20110124/000295.htm [Accessed date: 18th March, 2011 Zhao Xibin.(2004) ‘Several basic theoretical issues on enterprise environment’ [J]. Journal of Wuhan University: Philosophy and Social Sciences, 57 (1):12-17. CnBeta.com, (2011) Lenovo and NEC’s new joint venture market share (Online) Available from: cnbeta.com/articles/133482.htm [Accessed date: 18th March, 2011] Zhu, Y. (2010) International Business Management. Lecture Slides: MGT 4139, London, Middlesex University.

How to Easily Make Edible Fake Barf

How to Easily Make Edible Fake Barf Making a simulant is a form of chemistry, right? Here are instructions for making your own edible fake barf. Ick! Yet, you might need fake vomit for a gag or costume, right? Edible Fake Barf Ingredients As you can see from the list of ingredients, theres nothing nasty or inedible in this recipe. In fact, its downright nutritious! Feel free to add food coloring if you need a special effect or other ingredients. 1 pkg unflavored gelatinapplesaucepowdered cocoaoatmealraisin bran cerealfrying pankitchen utensils How To Make Fake Barf Heat 1/4 cup of applesauce in the frying pan over low to medium heat.Stir in 1 packet of unflavored gelatin.Add a pinch or two of cocoa powder. Mix thoroughly and remove from heat.Sprinkle oatmeal over the mixture into an aesthetically-pleasing chunky pattern. You can stir it in a bit, but dont mix too much.Repeat the oatmeal procedure with some raisin bran cereal.Spread the barf mixture onto a plate so that it resembles vomit, adding extra raisins or cereal bits, as desired.Allow the barf to cool completely (a couple of hours). Remove it from the plate with a spatula.Have fun! Useful Tips You may wish to spray your plate with nonstick cooking spray to keep the vomit from sticking.Adult supervision is recommended since heat is involved.Please let me know if you come up with alterations to this recipe that make it even more realistic.

Assignment - Intervention and Assistive Technology

- Intervention and Assistive Technology - Assignment Example In years past, however, it often took a great deal of time before a child was tested for disabilities, and then even more time to properly diagnose the disability and create an individual education plan designed to help the student get back on track academically and socially. This is time wasted that can never be claim. In addition, students are all to often incorrectly diagnosed as having a disability, creating a stigma that is long lasting and causing academic and social difficulties for the student. Response to Intervention (RTI) is that methodology that seeks to solve this issue. The aim of RTI is to provide testing and services to students with disabilities as quickly as possible in an effort to get valuable rehabilitation services set in motion. This paper seeks to explain the process and its importance on the field of education, particularly in the area of special education. Summary of Response to Intervention In essence, response to intervention (RTI) is â€Å"a multilayered system that can prevent academic and social failure before a student is unnecessarily or prematurely identified as having a disability† (Beard, Carpenter, & Johnston, 2011, p. 28). Children today suffer from enough pressure that educators should be cautious about adding to that. Often times, young people have difficulty learning, but they cannot express what they are feeling. While it is important, as professional educators, to intervene and strive to provide any assistance necessary, it is equally important that the child not feel singled out and threatened. Response to Intervention is designed to improve the process by which students with disabilities are tested, diagnosed, and educated. Simply put, RTI is designed to provide needed assistance to students who are having difficulty learning. Response to Intervention is a methodology that dictates this intervention is to be provided as early as possible and in a systematic manner. The goal is to provide help to students that will enable them to succeed academically, rather than failing because certain learning disabilities go undiagnosed. This is accomplished not only through early intervention, but also through frequent progress updates, and by providing researching-based interventions that are meant to help children who continue to experience difficulty learning. In the early days of diagnosing learning disabilities, the focus was on comparing IQ test scores with academic achievement. If there were a discrepancy noted, then children would be further tested to determine if they have some special needs that needed to be accommodated. The problem with this method was that it could take years to let this strategy run its course, during which time the child would likely continue to fail academically and become increasingly frustrated. In order to shorten the time required to intervene and provide children with much needed assistance, RTI was developed in an effort to quickly locate a specific learning disa bility much more quickly than the previous model allowed for. In addition, RTI fits well within the parameters of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004. Educators must be careful, however, when using RTI to ensure that they are truly identifying students who have learning disabilities, and not simply labeling children as such because they are low achievers. The two are not necessarily related, and improperly

Koro Syndrome Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Koro Syndrome - Essay Example For example, there has been the existence of varied anxiety syndromes that involve fright of death, fear of getting castrated and concerns regarding sexual potency. The Nigerian Yoruba believed that the main cause of male impotence was â€Å"bewitchment†, in such cases a male witch would steal a mortal man’s penis to use it for having intercourse with the wife of the victim or any other woman and then return it back in an altered and manipulated form thus making him impotent for life (Koro-A culture-bound depersonalization syndrome, n.d.) What is Koro Syndrome? Koro is primarily an anxiety disorder characterized with sexual dysfunction hysteria and death. In psychological terminology, koro is basically â€Å"genital retraction syndrome† (GRS). In layman terms, it is the delusion that the genitals will be completely shrinked into the body. The male victims of Koro mainly suffer from the fear of the fact that their penises are retracting to their abdomen and as a r esult they will die when the process gets completed. In females, it is characterized by shrinking of nipples inside the breast mass. Koro mainly occurs to men and is occasionally seen in women. ( Koro- the Genital Retraction Syndrome, 2001) However, Koro is often considered a culture-specific disorder, which means only people of certain specific cultures and territories get affected by this disease, and it is not really one of those diseases generally recognized by Western medicines. It is seen mostly in Southern China, Malaysia, Singapore as well as certain parts of Africa, Afghanistan, India and even in some parts of the West. Every region has different names for the disease, like in China it is known as â€Å"suo-yang† (suo=shrinkage yang=penis), in Cantonese it is known as â€Å"suk-yeong†, in India â€Å"jhinjhini bimari† (=tangling disease) etc. (Garlipp, 2008). Koro, primarily seen in the South China region, mainly affects young normal Chinese males in th e age range of 21-40 years who have prior experiences of premorbid sexual inadequacies and maladjustments. Most commonly cited reasons of Koro Syndrome mainly include masturbation, illicit sexual encounters with prostitutes, witchcraft etc. Psychologists who laterally analyze different cultures are of the view that koro is closely integrated to panic attacks due to sexual apprehensions. Attacks are often experienced by men in situations which generally cause genitals to retract slightly, such as cold weather or emotional anguish (Koro-the Genital Retraction Syndrome, 2001). Most koro attacks occur usually at nights with common symptoms like senselessness, palpitation, pounding heart rate, fear of death, loss of penile shape and muscular tone, loss of sexual desire and power and genital tingling. It has been argued that these can be sufficient criteria for diagnosis of koro but not really necessary in any ways. The fear of depersonalization is so acute in certain cases that people of ten hold on to their penis all along during the course of the attack in fear that it might disappear inside their abdomen forever. They prefer to visually inspect their penis and touch them often to be sure of its existence and size (Koro-A culture-bound depersonalization syndrome, n.d.) Cultural Stigma One can get some insights into the causes of Koro from the Basic Chinese Culture. Koro means head of a turtle in Chinese. The Chinese, for long have been using the turtle symbol for long lasting lives and for

The individuals with dsabilities education Act Essay Example for Free

The individuals with dsabilities education Act Essay Laws and Practices The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 1975), was originally called The Education of Handicapped Children Act. The act is a work in progress. It has been amended several times, including a major revision in 1997. This Federal law attempts to insure access to effective public education for people with a variety of disabilities. School personnel must become well versed with the Act, knowing what actions to take at each specific stage of a student’s development. Legal guidelines also apply to student’s referrals to special services. As times change, research surfaces, and issues arise, the act has been amended. Ensuring adequate funding for compliance with the act is always a challenge. It is often the focus of changes to the law. The law now extends to the time prior to the students enrollment in special education. Pre-Referral Interventions In the 1997 IDEA bill, parents were conferred the right to refuse an evaluation of their child for possible eligibility for special services. Mediation is provided in case of such an event. If the student opts for this evaluation a specific set of requirements apply. A multi-disciplinary team should be assembled early in the student’s educational process. The team may include administrators, guidance counselors, and special and general education teachers. Also members of the community who work with the student and experts in the particular disability may be included. This team may choose one of several decision making models to arrive at a strategy. Environmental and individual personality factors are assessed and attempts may be made to modify the students learning environment. The underlying assumption is that the student, whenever possible, should remain on a general education track. If the process results in a referral, a team familiar with the student will already be in place. Once that referral is made, the IDEA legislation provides the means to ensure that the rights of the individual are upheld. Six Key Components First, the IDEA legislation proposes that access to free appropriate public education (FAPE) is a right for individuals with disabilities. The method of education is unique to the needs of each individual learner. This is the theoretical underpinning for all the IDEA laws. If a child receives a pre-referral intervention or is referred to special education, the parents will not be subject to any additional fees in excess of those for other students. â€Å"Public† means that the public schools are required to educate all students, and adhere to federal requirements regarding education. Secondly, the act requires that all disabled students are evaluated effectively. Information about the student should be gathered from a number of sources then used in the development of the student’s learning plan. This information will also be used to determine which services the student is eligible for. During this stage, a diverse, knowledgeable team of professionals is developed to help the student’s progress. Thirdly, IDEA provides for the development of the Individualized Education Program (IEP). This is a written document that provides a road map for the student’s educational progress. A detailed Individualized Education Program (IEP) must be developed for each student. This should occur in short order after the student is referred and evaluated. The act stipulates what information is used in writing the IEP, who writes it, and what the school is obligated to do for the student. The IEP must be consulted, and may be amended, during the placement process. Fourth, IDEA states the principle of the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). Placement in classrooms must be in the best interest of the student. If this means that classrooms need to be modified in some way, it must be done unless it is to the detriment of the other students. The disabled student, as much as possible, must be included in the general education classroom. Providing assistance in order to do this is preferable to assigning the student to a special education classroom. If this is not feasible, there still should be a range of options available to foster as much inclusion as possible. Fifth, IDEA states the importance of parental involvement in decision making. The parent has the right to participate in any meetings concerning the student’s education. IDEA proposes that the process of educating the student is a partnership between that student, his or her parents, and the public schools. Parents are always an equal partner and are critical to the ultimate success of the student. This team will help determine placement for the student through a number of means, including norm referenced and criterion referenced tests. Since the student’s capabilities and potential eligibility for services are being assessed, these tests must be carefully chosen and peer reviewed. The presence of a parent or guardian should never be seen as a hindrance. This presence can only help the process for all involved. Finally, the sixth provision of the IDEA legislation imposes procedural safeguards to ensure the rights of all involved. Full disclosure of the factors leading to any school decision regarding the disabled student must be made to his or her parents. A mediation process is provided to resolve any disagreements that may arise. The six principles of IDEA are designed to ensure educational access from the time of first assessment until well after the special education program is exited. As times change, the IDEA law has been modified in a number of ways. Related Laws PL 99-457 (1986) – These amendments to IDEA provided for the creation of an individualized family service plan (IFSP) for each family served. It extended provisions of PL 94-142 (Free Appropriate Public Education) to preschool aged children. PL 101-476 – The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990 mandated that the least restrictive environment (LRE) be provided to physically challenged vocational students. This act changed the term â€Å"handicapped† to â€Å"disabled† (U.S. Dept of Education, 2003). More people were covered as a result. The FAPE principle is stated again in this act, along with the requirements for an IEP and associated services. Assisted technology is now included as one of the associated services. Laws applying to inclusion and providing the least restrictive placement for the learner were reinforced. Much needed additional funding for early intervention services was provided. Finally, the act requires that each learner’s IEP must have a plan for transition to employment included by the age of 16. PL 105-17 (1997) – This law was a major revision to the original IDEA legislation. Disciplining special education students can be a thorny issue. In the past, many forms of classroom discipline risked violating IDEA laws. This issue was addressed in greater detain in this amendment. An amendment that would have eliminated the requirement to provide certain services to students who have been suspended was not included in the final bill. In addition to the IEP, the student’s educational team must also conduct functional behavioral assessments. A behavioral intervention plan must be developed, reviewed, and amended as necessary. The IEP itself must be more specifically tied in to general education requirements than in the past. Special education is to be de-emphasized and modified mainstreaming will be emphasized. For students with disciplinary problems that affect the learning of others, The IEP team must devise a strategy for behavioral management. For students who commit particularly dangerous acts, the team may impose a longer suspension or removal to an alternative setting. However, the team is also required to make a ruling, using accepted procedures, whether the behavior of the student was a function of his or her disability. (U. S. Dept. of Education, 2003). The behavioral management plan is then reevaluated from that perspective. HR 1350 IDEA Reauthorization (2004) – This reauthorization addresses financial issues as well as making several revisions to previously instituted policies. A risk pool was established to help offset state costs for students whose educational costs are particularly expensive. Full funding is not guaranteed by this act, but a gradual process leading to that goal was instituted. This bill sets additional standards for teacher certification. Overall performance goals are outlined and certification goals are established. Mandatory performance data will be gathered. A particular focus of this bill is to use this information to determine if there is a disproportionate enrollment of minority students in special education. The bill also makes further requirements for the IEP. Goal statements must include functional as well as academic goals. Provisions for IEP transfer between states are made. For students exiting special education, the bill requires the development of an educational summary along with recommendations for further education or entry to a career (Apling, 2002). IDEA in Practice Under the 1997 revision, general education teachers will become more involved in the education of those with disabilities. They will help in developing the student’s IEP, in addition to helping create the least restrictive environment (LRE) for the student to participate with regular classes. The IDEA legislation is recognition that the cookie cutter approach to education is often not effective. This is particularly true for those who have disabilities. At the same time, it proposes a great many regulations that educators must adhere to. However, these regulations should be seen as a helpful tool for guiding the disabled student toward the best possible educational experience. IDEA recognizes that not only do these students have the same right to a public education as anyone else, but that it is also in the best interest of society to provide that education.Sources Apling, Richard Jones, Nancy Lee. (2002). â€Å"The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): Overview of Major Provisions†. Washington D. C. : The Congressional Research Service. Francis, Leslie P. Silvers, Anita. (2000). Americans with Disabilities: exploring implications of the law for individuals and institutions. New York: Routledge. U. S. Dept. of Education. (2003). â€Å"An overview of the bill to provide a broad understanding of some of the changes in IDEA ‘97†. Accessed 12/17/2006. Available from: http://www. ed. gov/offices/OSERS/Policy/IDEA/overview. htm.

19th-Century Medicine in the United Kingdom Essay -- European History

19th-Century Medicine in the United Kingdom Professor comments: In this paper, the student synthesizes several sources about nineteenth-century medicine and medical education into a focused and coherent essay that provides information about aspects of this topic especially relevant to understanding Lydgate's position in Middlemarch: the differences among physicians, apothecaries, and surgeons, both in terms of training and duties on the one hand, social status on the other; the processes by which someone obtained a medical education and became a licensed practitioner; and the differences in English, Scottish, and French training. In doing so, the student displays an awareness of the importance of the contextual material for more than merely factual purposes, and she employs a principle of selection, concentrating on material that will facilitate her interpretation of Lydgate's role in the novel--especially in the connection between medical and political reform--in a separate essay. Nineteenth-Century Medicine in the United Kingdom At the turn of the nineteenth century, medicine was hardly the enlightened profession it is today. Medical practices were often barbaric, employing methods that had been used for centuries, yielding little or no results and often killing the patient with a different affliction than the original ailment. Leeching (or blood letting), purgation, poor liquid diets, and cold water dousing were common practices as late as the 1850's. Even after newer, more effective methods of medical treatment had been introduced, many of the physicians, surgeons, and apothecaries hesitated to use them. Fearing the loss of their reputations, they hung on to superstitious beliefs, doubting the effectiveness of su... ...l student: surrounded by books, a model of human skull at his elbow, he labored over his studies with gravity and decorum late in to the night" (Peterson 40). Because of the efforts of the enlightened few, and because of the discoveries happening in other European countries, the United Kingdom was finally able to give the medical profession the much desired respect and reform that it needed, making medicine a profession to be revered and a source of pride to all those who practiced it. Works Cited Peterson, M. Jeanne. The Medical Profession in Mid-Victorian London. Berkeley, Los Angeles, London: U of California P, 1978. Pfeiffer, Carl J. The Art and Practice of Western Medicine in the Early Nineteenth Century. Jefferson, NC, and London: McFarland, 1985. Youngson, A.J. The Scientific Revolution in Victorian Medicine. New York: Holmes and Meier, 1979. 19th-Century Medicine in the United Kingdom Essay -- European History 19th-Century Medicine in the United Kingdom Professor comments: In this paper, the student synthesizes several sources about nineteenth-century medicine and medical education into a focused and coherent essay that provides information about aspects of this topic especially relevant to understanding Lydgate's position in Middlemarch: the differences among physicians, apothecaries, and surgeons, both in terms of training and duties on the one hand, social status on the other; the processes by which someone obtained a medical education and became a licensed practitioner; and the differences in English, Scottish, and French training. In doing so, the student displays an awareness of the importance of the contextual material for more than merely factual purposes, and she employs a principle of selection, concentrating on material that will facilitate her interpretation of Lydgate's role in the novel--especially in the connection between medical and political reform--in a separate essay. Nineteenth-Century Medicine in the United Kingdom At the turn of the nineteenth century, medicine was hardly the enlightened profession it is today. Medical practices were often barbaric, employing methods that had been used for centuries, yielding little or no results and often killing the patient with a different affliction than the original ailment. Leeching (or blood letting), purgation, poor liquid diets, and cold water dousing were common practices as late as the 1850's. Even after newer, more effective methods of medical treatment had been introduced, many of the physicians, surgeons, and apothecaries hesitated to use them. Fearing the loss of their reputations, they hung on to superstitious beliefs, doubting the effectiveness of su... ...l student: surrounded by books, a model of human skull at his elbow, he labored over his studies with gravity and decorum late in to the night" (Peterson 40). Because of the efforts of the enlightened few, and because of the discoveries happening in other European countries, the United Kingdom was finally able to give the medical profession the much desired respect and reform that it needed, making medicine a profession to be revered and a source of pride to all those who practiced it. Works Cited Peterson, M. Jeanne. The Medical Profession in Mid-Victorian London. Berkeley, Los Angeles, London: U of California P, 1978. Pfeiffer, Carl J. The Art and Practice of Western Medicine in the Early Nineteenth Century. Jefferson, NC, and London: McFarland, 1985. Youngson, A.J. The Scientific Revolution in Victorian Medicine. New York: Holmes and Meier, 1979.

Centrally Planned vs. Market Economy Essay

It is a cardinal truth that, in order to make the best possible use of the economic resources available in any economy, three basic decisions need to be taken – what to produce, how to produce and for whom to produce. The answers to these three fundamental questions are completely dependent to the extent of government’s interference in the economy. Based on the government’s role in the economy, the economic systems are divided into two major categories viz. market or capitalist economy and centrally planned or socialistic or command economy. Market Economy and Centrally Planned Economy The capitalist or market economic system emphasizes complete freedom of individuals as buyers and sellers through the price mechanism. In such a market, price of a commodity is based on market forces of demand and supply. The customers have complete freedom to make choices regarding their purchases and the producers, in turn, allocate their resources according to the respective demand. If the demand of a particular product increases, its price is expected to be increased initially and if the cost price remains the same as before, it will generate more profit for the producers. Naturally, the producers will allocate more resources to that particular product. On the other hand, if the consumers are unwilling to bye a product, its price would fall, resulting in a lower profit or even loss to the producers. But the scenario is completely different in a centrally planned or command or socialistic economy. Here, the three major economic decisions – what to produce, how to produce and for whom to produce – are taken by the government. All major decisions regarding investment, savings and consumptions are practically governed by the central authority. Thus, all the decisions, starting from the allocation of resources to the distribution of end products, are taken care off solely by the government. Unlike a capital market, efficiency in a centrally planned economy can only be achieved only when the demands are accurately estimated and the resources are allocated accordingly. The government fixes the output target for each state and industry and allocates the required resources accordingly. Legal Institution of Private Property vs. Social Ownership: In a market or capitalistic economy, all the properties and means of production belong to the private individuals. The enterprises execute complete freedom and, as a result, the system is often called private enterprise economy. The land, building, machine and other articles of wealth in the country are owned by private firms. This is termed as system of ‘private property’. Social ownership of property is practically non-existent. But, the situation is completely different in case of a socialist economy. The basic feature of such an economic system is the social or government ownership of means of production such as, land, machine, mineral resources, capital etc. The government allocates the resources according to the requirements and necessity of the nation as a whole, and not on individual preferences. Hence, property ceases to be a source of individual income. Privatization vs. Socialization: Capitalism preaches the freedom of enterprise which means that one is free to engage oneself in whatever economic activity according to one’s own will. Almost all the economic activities, except some limited number of services rendered by the government (like railways, defense etc. ), are left in the hands of private enterprise. Trade, business and commence are absolutely free from state intervention and control. Business decisions, made by private owners, are ultimate. This is regarded as ‘freedom of enterprise’. In a centrally planned economy, the vital sectors of economy (like agriculture, industries, trade, commerce etc. ) are owned and governed by the government ownership and management respectively. Almost all the production processes are controlled either directly or indirectly by the government.

Poetry Lesson Essay

2. In â€Å"The Winter Evening Settles Down,† T.S. Eliot described the end of a day during winter in a city.   But in his description, the poet did not simply portray how winter evenings dawn.   Instead, he uses the words to express how he saw his environment during the time and what he feels about the era.   The lines of the poem speak of modern decay as characterized, for example, by the words â€Å"grimy scraps.†Ã‚   His view of the world at that point are summarized the few lines of his poem.   The withered leaves dropping to the ground, the loneliness of the streets and the cold gust of winds relate to how the world was fading into decline from the author’s eyes. 3. In Kelly Cherry’s poem â€Å"Advice to a Friend Who Paints,† he alluded to Cezanne, who was a French painter during the post-impressionist era.   Knowing who Cezanne was gives clarity to the poem’s main theme — that of giving pointers to an artist, as the title implies.   The poet is giving advice to her friend for trying so hard to obtain perfection in his art.   Using Cezanne as an example, it would be easy to interpret that the author asks her friend not to seek too much perfection in his craft for man and nature were born and made imperfect.   Kelly Cherry recalls to her friend’s mind how the French artist struggled and failed to perfectly capture on easel the nature and man he loved.   By doing so, the poet hopes to make her friend become more satisfied with his work. 4. In the poem, â€Å"This is Just to Say,† the lack of punctuation provides uncertainly in the tone.   The second and the succeeding lines become part of the first line in the stanza by taking away commas and other punctuations.  Ã‚   Even the second stanza is connected to the first stanza because the first did not end with a period, while the second stanza begins with a small letter. The lines become connected and turn into one message that suggests that even one as simply written as this one could be considered beautiful.

Demarcation of Science and Non

Demarcation of Science and Non Introduction Demarcation of science and non-science is exceedingly complex because both are integral in generation of scientific knowledge. General definition of science is the study of the physical world using systemic observation and experimentation skills. Thus, key to science is observation and experimentation of infinite manifestations of the physical world to generate scientific knowledge. In contrast, non-science is a field of knowledge that deals with abstract manifestations of the world that science can neither observe nor experiment.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Demarcation of Science and Non-Science specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, these two fields of knowledge seem to be downright separable yet empirically impossible since, one field must exist for the other to exist. In essence, there can be no science if non-science does not exist, and vice versa. According to Callender (2005), science and n on-science are inseparable components of knowledge as they depict empirical and rational aspects of knowledge respectively (1). Science derives its observations and experiments on the non-science world by making hypotheses that are non-science, and eventually, through the process of testing and experimentation, hypotheses become theories that explain scientific facts. Ironically, scientific facts tested using non-science hypotheses seek to differentiate science and non-science, yet they are interdependent. Hence, it is impossible to demarcate science from non-science on a case-by-case basis. Impossible Demarcation As aforementioned, it is impossible to demarcate science from non-science because they are integrated fields of knowledge in that; one cannot exist without the other. For instance, untested knowledge is non-science while tested knowledge is science. This means that, for science to exist there must be some untested knowledge that needs testing through observation and experi mentation. Scientific knowledge originated from the non-scientific world that is full of facts awaiting experimentation to qualify as scientific facts. Shermer (2001) argues that, scientific study entails the interplay of inductive and deductive reasoning (22). Inductive reasoning involves the use of observations, experiments, hypotheses, and theories in making general inferences of a certain phenomenon, while deductive reasoning is the application of theories in analysis and extrapolation of a given phenomena. Critically, both inductive and deductive reasoning have non-scientific elements for they both rely on hypotheses and generalization of findings with certain assumptions. Hence, it is impossible to demarcate science and non-science explicitly. Demarcation of science and non-science is quite impractical because science originates from non-science. Formulation of theories begins from formulation of hypotheses, then experimentation to test and provide evidence of assertions in hy potheses, and ultimately validation of the hypotheses as theories.Advertising Looking for essay on philosophy? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More If demarcation of science and non-science existed in scientific experiments, then there would be no false hypotheses because they are unscientific. List (1992) argues that, it is ambiguous to consider a given hypothesis unscientific yet it is scientific to falsify it (50). In other words, demarcation of science and non-science will create ambiguities in science. Hypotheses and theories are indispensable elements of science because they act as a bridge between scientific and non-scientific worlds. Both science and non-science theories have helped human beings to explain the origin of life in the universe. Creation and evolution theories are the leading schools of thoughts that hold plausible explanations about the origin of life. Although both theories seem to be plausible, bot h have not proved, beyond a reasonable doubt, how their assertions are true in modern society. Creationists believe that life originated from a creator of which science cannot test whether it is true or false. On the contrary, evolutions infer that life originated from basic molecules that evolved throughout the history of the universe and led to the emergence of diverse creatures. Creation theory is unscientific for its basis is on the belief, while evolution theory is scientific because of its empirical inferences. Forster (2004) argues that, commonality of creation and evolution theory is that they have assumptions and seek to explain the same phenomena (28). Thus, demarcation of science and non-science can severely affect scientific claims of evolution theory for it has failed to prove the occurrence of evolution, even though it is scientific. Moreover, non-science is an indispensable part of science because people use non-scientific principles of reasoning in ascertaining wheth er a given assertion or hypothesis is valid and sound. Although mere reasoning is unscientific because no one can test and prove its validity, it is part of the scientific process. Kabay (2005) asserts that, according to descriptive criteria, assertion should be testable in principle, logic or otherwise, for its hypothesis or theory to be scientific (7). Despite the fact that scientific evidences emanate from observation and experimentation, they must fulfil the principle of testability and logic for them to support a hypothesis or a theory. Since, design of experiments and logic are inseparable in scientific studies, then science and non-science are also inseparable. Conclusion Therefore, it is impossible to demarcate science from non-science on a case-by-case basis because they are integrated fields of study and knowledge that are interdependent. Science consists of tested field of knowledge while non-science consists of untested field of knowledge; thus, science relies on non-sci ence to expand its discoveries and increase the tested form of knowledge.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Demarcation of Science and Non-Science specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More For scientific field to expand, it must delve into the field of non-science to falsify numerous hypotheses, theories, and assertions. In addition, since science differentiates science from non-science, demarcation of the two will limit the integration of science into other fields of knowledge such as psychology, philosophy, and sociology, which do not need laboratory testing or experimentation, for they are abstract constructs that are impossible to measure experimentally. Bibliography Callender, Craig. 2005. Philosophy of Science and Metaphysics. Continuum Companion  to the Philosophy of Science, 1-24. Forster, Malcolm. 2004. An Introduction to Philosophy of Science. Philosophy, 1-28. Kabay, Martin. 2005. Science and Non-Science: An Epist emological Conflict.  Philosophy of Science, 1-24. List, Charles. 1992. Science and Pseudoscience; Criteria of Demarcation. Reason  Papers 8, 49-58. Shermer, Michael. 2001. The Borderlands of Science: Where Sense Meets Nonsense. New York: Oxford University Press.

Geography of the Ganges River

Geography of the Ganges River The Ganges River, also called Ganga, is a river located in northern India that flows toward the border with Bangladesh (map). It is the longest river in India and flows for around 1,569 miles (2,525 km) from the Himalayan Mountains to the Bay of Bengal. The river has the second greatest water discharge in the world, and its basin is the most heavily populated in the world with over 400 million people living in the basin. The Ganges River is extremely important to the people of India as most of the people living on its banks use it for daily needs such as bathing and fishing. It is also significant to Hindus as they consider it their most sacred river. The Course of the Ganges River The headwaters of the Ganges River begin high in the Himalayan Mountains where the Bhagirathi River flows out of the Gangotri Glacier in Indias Uttarakhand state. The glacier sits at an elevation of 12,769 feet (3,892 m). The Ganges River proper begins farther downstream where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers join. As the Ganges flows out of the Himalayas, it creates a narrow, rugged canyon. The Ganges River emerges from the Himalayas at the town of Rishikesh where it begins to flow onto the Indo-Gangetic Plain. This area, also called the North Indian River Plain, is a very large, relatively flat, fertile plain that makes up most of the northern and eastern parts of India as well as parts of Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. In addition to entering the Indo-Gangetic Plain in this area, part of the Ganges River is also diverted toward the Ganges Canal for irrigation in the Uttar Pradesh state. As the Ganges River then flows farther downstream, it changes its direction several times and is joined by many other tributary rivers such as the Ramganga, Tamsa, and Gandaki rivers to name a few. There are also several cities and towns that the Ganges River passes through on its way downstream. Some of these include Chunar, Kolkata, Mirzapur, and Varanasi. Many Hindus visit the Ganges River in Varanasi as that city is considered the holiest of cities. As such, the citys culture is also closely tied into the river as it is the most sacred river in Hinduism. Once the Ganges River flows out of India and into Bangladesh, its main branch is known as the Padma River. The Padma River is joined downstream by large rivers like the Jamuna and Meghna rivers. After joining the Meghna, it takes on that name before flowing into the Bay of Bengal. Before entering the Bay of Bengal however, the river creates the worlds largest delta, Ganges Delta. This region is a highly fertile sediment-laden area that covers 23,000 square miles (59,000 sq km). It should be noted that the course of the Ganges River described in the above paragraphs is a general description of the rivers route from its source where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers join to its outlet at the Bay of Bengal. The Ganges has very complicated hydrology, and there are several different descriptions of its overall length and the size of its drainage basin based on what tributary rivers are included. The most widely accepted length of the Ganges River is 1,569 miles (2,525 km), and its drainage basin is estimated to be about 416,990 square miles (1,080,000 sq km). The Population of the Ganges River The Ganges River basin has been inhabited by humans since ancient times. The first people in the region were of the Harappan civilization. They moved into the Ganges River basin from the Indus River basin around the 2nd millennium B.C.E. Later the Gangetic Plain became the center of the Maurya Empire and then the Mughal Empire. The first European to discuss the Ganges River was Megasthenes in his work Indica. In modern times the Ganges River has become a source of life for the nearly 400 million people living in its basin. They rely on the river for their daily needs such as drinking water supplies and food and for irrigation and manufacturing. Today the Ganges River basin is the most populated river basin in the world. It has a population density of about 1,000 people per square mile (390 per sq km). The Significance of the Ganges River Aside from providing drinking water and irrigating fields, the Ganges River is extremely important to Indias Hindu population for religious reasons as well. The Ganges River is considered their most sacred river, and it is worshiped as the goddess Ganga Ma or Mother Ganges.   According to the Myth of the Ganges, the goddess Ganga descended from heaven to dwell in the waters of the Ganges River to protect, purify and bring to heaven those who touch it. Devout Hindus visit the river daily to offer flowers and food to Ganga. They also drink the water and bathe in the river to cleanse and purify their sins. Also, Hindus believe that upon death the waters of the Ganges River are needed to reach the World of the Ancestors, Pitriloka. As a result, Hindus bring their dead to the river for cremation along its banks and afterward their ashes are spread in the river. In some cases, corpses are also thrown into the river. The city of Varanasi is the holiest of cities along the Ganges River and many Hindus travel there place ashes of their dead in the river. Along with daily baths in the Ganges River and offerings to the goddess Ganga there are large religious festivals that occur in the river throughout the year where millions of people travel to the river to bathe so that they can be purified of their sins. Pollution of the Ganges River Despite the religious significance and daily importance of the Ganges River for the people of India, it is one of the most polluted rivers in the world. Pollution of the Ganges is caused by both human and industrial waste due to Indias rapid growth as well as religious events. India currently has a population of over one billion people, and 400 million of them live in the Ganges River basin. As a result, much of their waste, including raw sewage is dumped into the river. Also, many people bathe and use the river to clean their laundry. Fecal coliform bacteria levels near Varanasi are at least 3,000 times higher than the what is established by the World Health Organization as safe (Hammer, 2007). Industrial practices in India also have little regulation and as the population grows these industries do as well. There are many tanneries, chemical plants, textile mills, distilleries and slaughterhouses along the river and many of them dump their untreated and often toxic waste into the river. The water of the Ganges has been tested to contain high levels of things like chromium sulfate, arsenic, cadmium, mercury and sulfuric acid (Hammer, 2007). In addition to human and industrial waste, some religious activities also increase the pollution of the Ganges. For example, Hindus believe that they must take offerings of food and other items to Ganga and as a result, these items are thrown into the river on a regular basis and more so during religious events. Human remains are also often placed into the river. In the late 1980s Indias prime minister, Rajiv Gandhi began the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) to clean up the Ganges River. The plan shut down many highly polluting industrial plants along the river, and allotted funding for the construction of wastewater treatment facilities but its efforts have fallen short as the plants are not large enough to handle the waste coming from such a large population (Hammer, 2007). Many of the polluting industrial plants are also continuing to dump their hazardous waste into the river. Despite this pollution, however, the Ganges River remains important to the Indian people as well as different species of plants and animals such as the Ganges River dolphin, a very rare species of freshwater dolphin that is native only to that area. To learn more about the Ganges River, read A Prayer for the Ganges from Smithsonian.com.