Plato’s Philosophical Significance

Philosophy spans the reaches of the human mind in countless topics, but is often divided into three main branches: metaphysics, the study of the nature of existence; epistemology, the study of knowledge and truth; and ethics, the study of morals. One of the first philosophers to look at these fields is Plato (427BCE-347BCE), whose writings are incredibly influential. Plato’s work lays the fundament for philosophy because of his cohesive contributions to the fields of metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics.Firstly, Plato’s work with Forms greatly influences metaphysics. He contributes the idea of the Forms which exist as â€Å"eternal and perfect ideals that exist in an unchanging, perfect heaven† (via Velasquez, 2002, p. 84). [2] The Forms contrast with worldly matter; this contrast leads to Plato’s next contribution to metaphysics, his concept of â€Å"Two Worlds. † Plato divides reality into the worlds of senses and forms, the latter of which he co nsiders to be true reality and where the soul resides.Finally, Plato’s description of the tripartite human soul greatly influences St. Augustine’s religious work on Christianity 800 years later. Therefore, Plato’s Forms helped shape metaphysics. Secondly, Plato’s Forms and myths built the foundation for epistemology. Plato argues that due to the soul's unchanging nature, the process of â€Å"learning† is the soul’s recollection of knowledge. He also provides two myths, both closely related to his metaphysical works.In the first, the Chariot Allegory, Plato describes a charioteer en route to heaven, in which there exists â€Å"true reality [the forms] with which real knowledge is concerned † (as cited by Velasquez, p. 84). The journey is impeded by an unruly horse that represents ignobility. The concept of the journey’s difficulty is mirrored, finally, in the Allegory of the Cave, which discusses ignorance and the escape thereof . Thus, Plato’s myths form the basis of epistemology. Finally, Plato’s work in ethics regarding justice is among the first and most influential.Firstly, he defines justice as the balance between the three parts of the tripartite soul. Thus, his justice theory states that justice in both the state and the individual is defined by â€Å"harmony between the various parts for the good of the whole† (Velasquez, 2002, p. 630). This justice theory shows cohesiveness with Plato’s tripartite theory of the soul. Finally, Plato associates justice with merit: individuals are treated proportionally to their talents and accomplishments. Hence, Plato's philosophies regarding justice form the starting point for the field of ethics.In conclusion, Plato’s writings act as a basis and connection for the three main branches of philosophy: metaphysics, through his Forms; epistemology, through his myths; and ethics, through his justice theory. His influence on philosophy and society is expansive and, as such, Plato is one of the most significant philosophers. That his ideas are still being taught to modern day shows the true nature of philosophy: to pose questions so profound that they cannot be answered 2500 years later.

Knights Apparel Essay

1. The philosophy at Alta Gracia can lower costs in the long run. They target their brand to colleges due to the fact that they are all about fair labor and there are many organizations within colleges that support this. Also colleges often have disputes with other companies such as Reebok and Nike. If Alta Gracia continues to thrive their popularity will increase and they will sell more of their items. If they get popular enough in the long run more individuals will support and buy theirs products and the demand will become higher. If the demand increases then they will be able to increase their prices and lower their cost in the long run. 2. I do not believe Joseph Bozich would be able to attempt the Alta Gracia Experiment if they were a publicly traded enterprise. Mainly because Joseph had his own personal reasons for wanting to do this experiment. If the company were publicly traded I do not believe the majority of the holders would share Josephs views and I strongly believe that they would not want to increase the costs of making their products. 3. I think that there are a few items that can stand in the way of the succession of Alta Gracia. One being the high costs, if they do not maintain their popularity amongst colleges the company could potentially suffer. Which leads me to the next impediment, which is competition. If there another company is established which has the same values but somehow manages to have lower prices then Alta Gracia could suffer losses. I think the best thing Alta Gracia can do to minimize risk of failure is to keep satisfying their customers by keeping them informed of how they treat their workers. This idea is the main driving force of this brand and the main reason why so many college students chose to buy their product. Then could also increase their advertising or attempt to find an additional focus group other than colleges as their main means of profit. 4. If the company tried to sell to the mass market through retailers such as Walmart I do not think he would be successful. The main reason of his success are the colleges and the only reason they want to pay more fore these products is because of the ethical values they represent, and college students are usually more aware of these issues than compared to others. Individuals shop at Walmart because they cheaper products and the customers only concern is low price. They do not really care where the product came from or how it was made, they are just interested in the low price. So Josephs products would be too expensive to sell at Walmart. 5. I feel that  it is somewhat ethical because if there are areas in the world where there are people willing to work for less than living wages that means that really have no choice. So ultimately it comes down to them making a small amount of money or no money at all. I think this is how big companies justify their low labor costs. If the alternative was to not produce at all then this would push companies to find these low cost labor areas because no products equals no profits. 6. The Alta Gracia experiment suggests that good ethics are also good practices to the extent of a selective market and the company has to have a history of success as well. The only reason he was able to conduct this experiment was because he was already successful and had the money to do it. Also it was privately owned so he made all the decisions and if it were not for this I do not believe there would have been a consensus of employees of a public enterprise that would vote for such action. There are hundreds of businesses who to not practice good ethics yet they are still very successful.

Advantage of Social Networks in Business-Free-Samples for Students

Social network sites have become popular marketing tools for the marketers towards promoting the brand value of an organization to the customers (Leonardi, Huysman and Steinfield 2013). This study will discuss the existing literature regarding the impact of social media sites on the business performance. Moreover, this literature review will specifically use food and beverage industry for demonstrating the impact of social network sites on business performance. The study will focus on both the advantage and disadvantage of social network sites on the food and beverage industry. The scope of the literature review is to explore the business opportunities through the usage of social network sites. The literature review can also provide ample information regarding the advantage and disadvantage of social network sites on business performance. Moreover, from this literature review, it is also possible to know the better way of using social network sites in business. Social networking is an online platform, which people mostly use for building social relation or social network with other people. Most of these people use similar career interest, personal interest, backgrounds, activities and real-life connection. According to Luo and Zhong (2015), social networking is the usage of internet-based social media program for making connection with family, friends, classmates, clients and customers. Moreover, social networks are used both for social purpose and business purpose through the sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, YouTube and Pinterest. As per Okazaki and Taylor (2013), marketers use social networking sites towards enhancing brand recognition and brand loyalty. Such networking sites make an organization more accessible to the new customers and more recognizable to the existing customers. On the other hand, Laroche, Habibi and Richard (2013) opined that social networking sites assist in promoting brand’s content and voice. Therefore, it helps in better communication of brand value from one customer to other through social networking sites. According to Gensler et al. (2013), customers may compliment the company offerings and encourage the other customers towards purchasing the products or service. Furthermore, markers can get wide customer base to reach at through the social networking sites, which can in turn enhance the customer base. Apart from that, customers can also get proper customer feedback of any particular product through these social networking sites. Such feedback leads an organization towards mo difying the products as per customer preferences, which can lead to high level of competitive advantage and increasing sales. Food and Beverage industry is Australia is facing tough competition in today’s competitive business environment. In such situation, organizations need increasing business communication with the customers for promoting the brand value. According to Nielsen and Schrà ¸der (2014), customers, who are in the same social network, are more likely to share important organizational offerings, product image and features among their friend groups. In this way, the food and beverage sectors communicate their brand value through the customers. On the other hand, Hajli (2014) opined that customers can also share their opinion regarding a particular product through social media networks. Moreover, they can also share their objections regarding any particular products and suggest any recommendation over the products as per their preferences. Such options enhance customer value through gaining valuable customer insights and considering their suggestion over product improvement. In this way, s ocial networks can be used for building warm and long lasting relationship with the customers. As per Maier et al. (2015), organizations can also use social media monitoring for gaining key information regarding the competitors. It can help organizations to add unique features to their products or services for gaining competitive edge and enhanced customer loyalty. While considering the example of Dick Smith Foods, it can be seen that the organization perfectly uses social networking sites for adding competitive edge in their business model. Moreover, they check the information of their competitors through social networking sites and incorporates unique blend of ingredients to their foods for gaining competitive advantage (Lin, Fan and Chau 2014). On the other hand, Park and Kim (2014) opined that the food and service sectors significantly use social networking sites for reaching the business content to the customers within shortest possible time. Considering all these positive impacts, all types of businesses in Australia ranging from small to medium sized organizations have started extensive usage of these sites to their business.   Figure 1: Proportion of Social Media Usage in Australian Businesses Over the past few decades, the way of shopping of the people has been changed and improved considerably. They are now more inclined to search for product or service information through social media sites before initiating purchasing action. Social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram enable the users towards maintaining great connection among themselves and others. According to Leftheriotis and Giannakos (2014), such customers are more likely to share attractive information regarding their favourite products with the customers through these social network sites. Customers are more likely to trust on such information shared by their closed friends. Therefore, such shared information encourages the customers towards purchasing the products. Recently, most of the people are inclined towards online shopping. They usually do have much time to physically present in the shop and search for information towards purchasing the products. Leonardi (2014) pointed out that social networking sites provide them the opportunities to search for product information by sitting at their home.   In this way, they can take immediate purchasing decisions by searching online information about the products. Furthermore, the positive product comments on the social networking sites create good impression about a particular product on consumer mind. Therefore, such positive product comments immediately encourage and motivate the customers towards purchasing a particular product. Social networking sites expose an organization to the new customers and enhance the recognition of brand value to the existing customers. Such sites enhance the effectiveness of word of mouth for the products through one customer recommending their favourite product to others. In this way, social networking sites increase the brand exposure of an organization to wide customer base. According to Ashley and Tuten (2015), high quality contents of the advertisement posted on social networking sites integrate the targeted keywords of the organization. Social networking sites direct people to the company website and enhance the search ranking. Moreover, such sites also enhance the customer referrals, which actually increase the total volume of customer base. Social networking sites can generate huge amount of data regarding the customers in real time. Moreover, Habibi, Laroche and Richard (2014) stated that organizations can gather huge customer information regarding their brand preference, dislikes and suggestion. In this daily active engagement and social listening effectively gather relevant customer data and use that information in making smarter business decisions.   Social networking sites allow the customers sharing their feedbacks over a particular product or service. Moreover, Kim and Park (2013) opined that customers can even share their objections regarding the products and service experience and get better modified product or service for better customer service. In this way, better customer service leads to successful business through having long term satisfied customers. Apart from getting feedback over a particular product or service, organizations can also get effective suggestions from the customers through social networking sites for the betterment of the products. In this way, organizations can get new business opportunities through the suggestions provided by the customers on the social network sites. Social networking sites can help in better analysis of competitive edge of the competitors. In this way, the organization can target the customers of the competitor companies through adding some unique features to the products (Nielsen and Schrà ¸der 2014). It helps organizations in gaining competitive advantage over the rivals and increasing overall sales volume. It takes only 30 minutes to build any social media account. However, managing social media account on day-to-day basis is an extremely time consuming activity. Moreover, Okazaki and Taylor (2013) opined that organization has to set aside time and resources for posting product information, interacting with customers and giving them right feedback. All these things need adequate amount of valuable time of the organization, which could have been used by other means towards enhancing organizational productivity. Positive experience shared by the customers on social network sites can encourage other customers to purchase a particular product. However, if a customer faces any bad experience with a particular product, he/she may be compelled to share his/her bad experience over social network sites. As per Luo and Zhong (2015), the business owners are to properly handle such negative comments on the social network sites or otherwise, it can ruin the reputation of an organization in the market. Social network sites can also open an organization towards legal risks. Moreover, legal obligations can be raised for false advertising or potential leaking of confidential information on the networks. In the year 2011, Australian court had fines an organization for their comments on Facebook page, which was considered as misleading (Hajli 2014).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The use of social media platforms can be free, but it has some hidden cost associated with it. Effective social media usage requires posting regular updates on the selected platforms. It requires employing effective personnel having comprehensive knowledge about the medium, ability to write attractive and high quality content for the page and adequate time to research, planning and publishing the post on the networks (Ashley and Tuten 2015). Therefore, social networking sites add some hidden cost to the business, which enhances the overall business expenditure. Organizations need not to use each and every social media platform for promoting their brand value. Moreover, they should choose specific social media platform, which can add to the growth of the business. Moreover, the organizations can also set specific key performance indicators for the growth of business through a specific social media platform. Moreover, the organizations should use highly attractive product information in the content of the social media platform. It will attract both new and existing customers towards the products and services. Furthermore, organizations should effectively and promptly handle the negative comment on the social network sites (Maier et al. 2015). The customer should positively answer the customers and try to resolve their issues immediately before it leads to customer dissatisfaction. In this way, the organizations can protect their business reputation from getting hampered by negative comments. This literature review has some literature gaps associated with it. It was not possible to apply accurate theories and models due to time and budget constraints. Moreover, the literature review has lack of critical analysis and penetration, which can negatively affect the summary of the literature review. Moreover, it was also quite difficult to gather adequate information regarding the topic of the research, which can hamper the quality of the final research outcome. Furthermore, the information collected from the secondary sources can also be manipulative in nature, which can reduce the accuracy level of the research outcome. In this way, the lack of authenticity of the literature review can hamper the ultimate quality of the research outcome. While concluding the study, it can be said that social networking sites enhances the brand promotion of an organization. Over the years, several small, middle and large scale food and beverage organizations have started to use social median platform for getting high level of business growth. Such networks enhance business communication through positive word-of-mouth advertisement. On the other hand, social networks get better customer insights and opinions, which can be aligned with the business model for gaining high level of business competiveness over the rivals. On the hand, social network sites can also have some disadvantages on the business. Moreover, negative comment on the social network sites can ruin the business reputation of organizations. Ashley, C. and Tuten, T., 2015. Creative strategies in social media marketing: An exploratory study of branded social content and consumer engagement.  Psychology & Marketing,  32(1), pp.15-27. Gensler, S., Và ¶lckner, F., Liu-Thompkins, Y. and Wiertz, C., 2013. Managing brands in the social media environment.  Journal of Interactive Marketing,  27(4), pp.242-256. Habibi, M.R., Laroche, M. and Richard, M.O., 2014. The roles of brand community and community engagement in building brand trust on social media.  Computers in Human Behavior,  37, pp.152-161. Hajli, M.N., 2014. A study of the impact of social media on consumers.  International Journal of Market Research,  56(3), pp.387-404. Hajli, M.N., 2014. The role of social support on relationship quality and social commerce.  Technological Forecasting and Social Change,  87, pp.17-27. Kim, S. and Park, H., 2013. Effects of various characteristics of social commerce (s-commerce) on consumers’ trust and trust performance.  International Journal of Information Management ,  33(2), pp.318-332. Laroche, M., Habibi, M.R. and Richard, M.O., 2013. To be or not to be in social media: How brand loyalty is affected by social media?.  International Journal of Information Management,  33(1), pp.76-82. Leftheriotis, I. and Giannakos, M.N., 2014. Using social media for work: Losing your time or improving your work?.  Computers in Human Behavior,  31, pp.134-142. Leonardi, P.M., 2014. Social media, knowledge sharing, and innovation: Toward a theory of communication visibility.  Information systems research,  25(4), pp.796-816. Leonardi, P.M., Huysman, M. and Steinfield, C., 2013. Enterprise social media: Definition, history, and prospects for the study of social technologies in organizations.  Journal of Computer?Mediated Communication,  19(1), pp.1-19. Lin, H., Fan, W. and Chau, P.Y., 2014. Determinants of users’ continuance of social networking sites: A self-regulation perspective.  Information & Management ,  51(5), pp.595-603. Luo, Q. and Zhong, D., 2015. Using social network analysis to explain communication characteristics of travel-related electronic word-of-mouth on social networking sites.  Tourism Management ,  46, pp.274-282. Maier, C., Laumer, S., Eckhardt, A. and Weitzel, T., 2015. Giving too much social support: social overload on social networking sites.  European Journal of Information Systems,  24(5), pp.447-464. Nielsen, R.K. and Schrà ¸der, K.C., 2014. The relative importance of social media for accessing, finding, and engaging with news: an eight-country cross-media comparison.  Digital journalism,  2(4), pp.472-489. Okazaki, S. and Taylor, C.R., 2013. Social media and international advertising: theoretical challenges and future directions.  International marketing review,  30(1), pp.56-71. Park, H. and Kim, Y.K., 2014. The role of social network websites in the consumer–brand relationship.  Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services,  21(4), pp.460-467.

Employment Law Issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Employment Law Issues - Essay Example Despite hospitality industry best efforts to minimize the incidents of employment-related discrimination charges in the workplace, the number of discrimination charges lodged against the industry in on the increase. Majority of the EEOC cases revolve around not just grievances of harassment but also relating to retaliation where the complaining employee was forced to quit or fired due to hostile work atmosphere. In the majority of the cases, there are harassment charges mingled together with retaliation charges. In such cases, employees can seek both compensatory and punitive charges as this will increase the not only the amount of payoff but also employer’s liability. Denny’s Inc is a famous food chain restaurant in the U.S.A. However, in 1994 and recently also, it witnessed a host of racial discrimination cases and it settled these issues by paying whooping compensation amount to claimants. This research essay analyses how Denny’s Inc, is a famous restaurant chain witnessed a host of discrimination in employment litigations including racial, sexual and disability discrimination litigations and what are lessons learned by it in detail. â€Å"The Civil Rights Act of 1964† deals with numerous disciplines of discrimination from education to voting. The coverage of employment aspects falls under Title VII which prohibits discrimination in all features of employment footed on â€Å"religious faith, gender, race, nationality, and color,† The discrimination in the workplace was present widely and hence Congress took the unprecedented decision not to permit jury trial in Title VII cases. Hence, enforcement of Title VII was assigned to federal judges. It is really shocking to note that in the early years, some of the judges who heard indiscrimination cases were murdered due to their efforts o transform the world.

New ways of communication Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

New ways of communication - Coursework Example Moreover, unconventional leadership styles and functions have also been witnessed to play an imperative role for the organizations to obtain competitive success, making greater use of advanced technology and the available resources. One such example can be observed in the dimension of internet communication processes. Emphasizing the aforesaid aspect, this paper aimed at empirically identifying the benefits and drawbacks of communicating with co-workers over internet medium in the 1st assignment. 1st Assignment The method of face-to-face communication has been providing adequate support to the business since the ancient trade periods. Eventually, the integration of advanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT), in the modern day communication process, has been viewed to play a major role for the co-workers in terms of sharing different ideas, thoughts and business information using the internet facilities. However, the process can also impose negative impacts upon the organ izations while the co-workers seek to communicate through internet medium. It is in this context that Patterson (2011) emphasizes various dynamic features concerning the importance of developing face-to-face communication amid the co-workers.

Engineering Ethics Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Engineering Ethics - Assignment Example To understand about engineering ethics, it is important to analyze a recent case which involved the breach of these ethics. For instance, the latest engineering ethical issue that occurred on the 17th of October 2011 involved the Cardino Entrix Review Contract which raised sticky engineering issues. Despite meeting the relevant ethical engineering code of standards, the environmental consultants for the Keystone XL Pipeline project of the state department should have rejected the offer to take up the job as it depicted a conflict of interest. The conflict of interest in this case was as a result of suspicions of some sneaky actions. The avoidance of a conflict of interest is vital in the engineering ethical codes as Caredino Entrix had to disclose all the activities of the prior work in relation to Trans Canada who is the pipeline developer. This is vital as the absence of the application of the regulation, federal law and has to be done in a manner that will not create a conflict. This will only be possible if there is full transparent disclosure of the firm’s activities in the prior work. The engineers’ ethics codes require professional engineers to pay special consideration to the safety, health and the welfare of the community (Richard). After working as a team during the semester, there are several professionalism and ethical characteristics that have learned to practice in my engineering job. It is evident that within the engineering profession teamwork is an important aspect. Therefore, it is very important that I become accountable for my actions. It is also important to work in relation to moral ethics as well as set professional standard within my job

The effect of Sildenafil (viagra) on antral follicle development in Literature review

The effect of Sildenafil (viagra) on antral follicle development in sheep - Literature review Example The endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine factors regulate the proliferation of granulosa cells, in which case the follicles then become gonadotrophin dependent, and their granulosa and theca cells will continue to proliferate and differentiate until ovulation. The formation of the fluid-filled antrum acts as the selective barrier, which enables the accumulation of substance within the follicular fluid and then envelops the oocyte and surrounding granulosa cells within some specialized microenvironment. The changes in the vascular permeability mediate some processes in the follicle development, in which case it includes the antrum formation and oocyte maturation (Hunter 2003). Folliculogenesis, characterized by remarkable proliferation and differentiation of follicles somatic cells has the gonadotrophins controlling the dynamic process, in which case it also regulates the development of the ovarian follicle through the endocrine mechanism. In addition, other intraovarian mechanisms inv olves in the controlling of the folliculogenesis by modulating the response of follicles to circulating gonadotrophins. Various researchers have had to classify the folliculogenesis into stages such as the recruitments stage, in which case it is the beginning of gonadotrophin-dependent folliculogenesis by the pool of healthy growing follicles. In sheep, the relations existing between the size at the recruitment stage (2mm) and size at which follicles becomes gonadotrophin dependent (2mm) is quite clear. Then there is the selection stage, and this is where there is a selection of follicles for further development. There is the selection of the dominant follicle and suppression of remaining follicles and undergoes atresia. In sheep, there is the development of LH receptors on follicles where the diameter reaches four, 5 to 6, 8 and 25mm. At dominance process, there is rapid development and the maturation occurs. The size gap between the dominant follicle and the subordinate one in she ep may reach 2 to 3 mm (Temel Et al 2000). Sildenafil, or rather Viagra, contains nitric oxide, in which case it plays a pivotal role in platelet aggregation, disaggregation and neurotransmission (Dunzendorfer 2004). Nitric oxide acts as the signaling agent in the NO/cGMP pathway due to the properties of Nitric Oxide. Therefore, the sildenafil or rather the Viagra use will result in some influence of antral follicle development in sheep. First, to begin with, the nitric oxide plays a role in the ovarian function. It plays the key role of controlling the ovarian vessels relaxation to accommodate the required changes in blood flow, blood volume and plasma exudation associated with follicle rapture during ovulation. Therefore, using the Viagra will increase the relaxation of vessels, and hence there will be more blood flowing and volume including the plasma exudation (Dunzendorfer 2004). In addition, the nitric oxide influences the extent of damage after interruption in the supply of b lood. Nitric oxide, which Viagra supplies, increases the blood flow to the hypoxic issues. Therefore, using the Viagra will raise the blood flow to the hypoxic tissue, hence, triggering the increased blood perfusion to match the delivery of oxygen with need. Moreover, the use of Viagra will improve the regulation of angiogenesis, apoptosis and luteolysis. Furthermore, the uses of Viagra will incre

'Britain can be proud of its legacy of military intervention Essay

'Britain can be proud of its legacy of military intervention since the end of the Second World War.' Do you agree - Essay Example The two world wars made the situation even worse because it ensured the formal decline of Britain as the world’s preeminent power and this was in favour of the United States and the Soviet Union. After the Second World War, Britain has intervened militarily in various conflicts across the world and this has created a situation where there have been questions concerning its legacy. This paper seeks to show that while for the most part Britain’s military interventions after the Second World War are a legacy to be proud of, there are instances where some interventions have been misguided and have not been in the interests of the British people. One of the most important military interventions made by the British military after the Second World War was in the Greek Civil War where it helped in the stabilising the country after the Nazi German withdrawal. The political turmoil that followed this withdrawal made Greece to become a nation divided, where some groups supported the government and monarchy while others supported communist groups that wished to take over the government of the country (Goulter, 2014). Greece had for many years faced a lot of turmoil, first under Ottoman rule and later after independence where it had a lot of uncertainty concerning the type of government that they would have liked. However, while this was the case, the Nazi occupation of the country had made it possible for those groups disillusioned with the monarchy to achieve prominence and once the Germans withdrew, these groups often opted for the ending of the monarchy and the acceptance of communist rule. The ability of these rebels to take ov er the government through force was quite real because they received support, albeit secretly, from communist countries in Europe, such as the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia. Under these circumstances,

Privatization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Privatization - Essay Example Private individuals who buy these public shares will be able to participate in the decision-making process of these organizations and will be able to change their policies. On the other hand, some people argue that private sector organizations will emphasize more on their profits and not on the protection of public rights. They will keep increasing prices in order to earn greater profits. Opponents also argue that the ownership of some goods should remain in the hands of the government to ensure equality. These goods and services include healthcare and education facilities. These public goods should be facilitated by the government just as the private goods should be provided by the private sector. Through privatization, governments try to improve the performance of their duties like infrastructure etc. In the past, privatization has occurred in many different countries. In the Great Britain, privatization started with partial privatization of British Petroleum in 1979. A large numbe r of industries were privatized after this like British ports, British Telecom etc. In 1987, one of the largest airlines in Europe, British Airways was also privatized. Along with these, many other assets such as buildings, roads, and buildings were also privatized. In U.S. many services have been privatized including hospitals, parking lots, water utilities etc. One of the most significant examples of privatization was that of Chicago Skyway and Indiana Toll Road in the U.S (Government Privatization, Web).

Comprehensive Australian Programme of Law Reform Essay

Comprehensive Australian Programme of Law Reform - Essay Example This move has been geared towards ensuring that the scope of potential liability is narrowed, for example through the limiting of personal liability borne by medical practitioners who give assistance to those people at a higher risk of injury or who need emergency medical help; and reducing the damages that may be awarded in such cases so as to confine the exposure of underwriters so that they could be able to give better and more affordable cover to those who need it. One important element to point out at this stage is the fact that most of these reforms actually did contrast with the recommendations put forward by the IPP Committee Report, which was in favour of national and uniform law response to the jurisdiction crisis on cases of liability, negligence and award of damages (Ellison, 2005). Indeed various governments that have come up since 2002 have tried to enact and implement law reforms that addressed liability, negligence, and damages. ... 2.0 The law reforms 2.1 Establishing liability The liability laws take into consideration the common law and statutes of federal and states governments. In these provisions, a person who is injured or has suffered a loss or otherwise incurred damage may institute an action aimed at compensation on the basis of the tort of common law of negligence that is based on fault; breach of contract; and breach of the provisions stipulated in the Australian Consumer Law that was effected in 2011 that replaced provisions of the Federal Trade Practices Act 1974 relating to product liability and safety of produce. In establishing the liability of a person in tort, the issue of foreseeability comes into play. A person has a duty of care to another person as per the law of tort. The defendant had a case to answer if he was in a position to see in advance reasonably, that the injured person would suffer loss or was at risk of doing so but the defendant failed to take necessary preventive action (Aust ralian Government Treasury; 2002; 2004; Harlow, 2005). This component of contributory negligence is comprised of two components namely the foreseeability of risk relating to harm and a calculation of the level of negligence also called the ‘negligence calculus’. Based on the above provisions, a person is free from liability for failing to take precautions if the risk in question is unforeseeable and can be established as being so. To know whether a risk is foreseeable or not, it is provided that such a risk should not be so probable to an extent that any reasonable person or someone in his or her common senses would ignore it (Trowbridge & Deloitte, 2002). Having already established the aspect of

Soda is bad for you Essay Example for Free

Soda is bad for you Essay Dr. Sara Po trom Family Cosmetic Dentistry, but shes not the only one that thinks that! Almost all pop has some sort ot sugar or high tructose corn syrup in it: this is known to damage teeth. The sugar in carbonated sott drinks is a primary source tor cavities. Bacteria in your mouth teed on sugar and ake an acid that dissolves tooth enamel says Dentist Howard S. Glazer. Howard Glazer is the president of the Academy of General Dentistry and has been a dentist for over 15 years. Faber 2 Not only do regular sodas affect a persons teeth negatively, diet soda does also, According to the Colgate Dental Resource Center, Soft drinks and diet soft drinks have emerged as one of the most significant dietary sources of tooth decay, affecting people of all ages. Acids and acidic sugar byproducts in soft drinks soften tooth enamel, contributing to the formation of cavities _ Acid and acidic sugar byproducts re both found In many different types of soda Sodas contain a high amount of Acidity, and when you get a lot of acidity In your mouth that can cause the formation of cavities to speed Your chances of getting cavities are much greater when the acid level In your saliva goes under a certain point. Drinking soda frequently causes the acid level In your saliva to go under that point, and when that happens your teeth start to lose natural minerals that protect your teeth from getung cavities. According to an unknown author at Fltsugar. com, The phosphoric acid In soda, which Is what eeps It nice and bubbly, dissolves the calcium out of your teeths enamel, leaving them soft and unprotected causing cavities. The phosphoric acid In soda not only affects the enamel on your teeth but It also affects your bones. The American Journal ot cllnlcal Nutrition published a study that showed evidence that supports the Idea that drinking more soda lowers bone density. The lower the density ot a bone, the more likely it is to break. James A Howenstine the authorot, A Physicians Guide to leading to lower calcium levels and higher phosphate levels in the blood. When hosphate levels are high and calcium levels are low, Faber 3 calcium is pulled out of the bones phosphate content of soft drinks it is very high, and they contain virtually no calcium. That can cause bones to weaken. A recent study at Harvard shows that people who drink soda are three times as likely to get bone fractures compared to those who dont drink soda. Men and women that drank three or more sodas a day had 2. 3 to 5. percent less bone mass compared to those who didnt drink any pop at all. This is because excess phosphorus in your diet binds with calcium in your digestive tract, which keeps it rom reaching your bones says Dr. Tucker from Tufts University. Any kind of pop regular, caffeine free, or diet contains phosphorus. Phosphorus is an ingredient that increases the acidity of your blood. Your body takes calcium from your bones, in an effort to try and get rid of some of the acidity in your blood which leads to bone loss over a sort period of time. Just three colas per week may be enough to create significant bone loss says Dr. Tucker. In a 120z can of regular soda, on average there is 160 calories. In one can of soda contains anywhere from 10-12 teaspoons of sugar hich is your recommended intake for one entire day. 62% of Americans drink at least one soda per day. Soda contains virtually no nutritional value, these added empty calories can add up to 65,700 extra calories a year if a person drinks Just one soda a day. These statistics are according to California Center for Public Health. Drinking an excessive amount of soda can lead to a person to be overweight or even lead to obesity. Soda pop is a quintessential Junk food, Its Just pure calories, and no nutrients. Its like a bomb in our diet. The CSPI is pushing to require obesity warning abels on the sides of soda Faber 4 cans, like the surgeon generals warning on cigarettes said Michael Jacobson, who heads the Center for Science in the Public Interest. In a study done at Harvard scientists gave 100 people regular soda to drink for a week. Then gave anot her 100 people other drinks such as milk, water, and orange Juice to drink for a week. In the end the people who drank the regular soda gained as much as 81bs. Dr. Louis Aronne of Weill-Cornell Medical College says Its because soda pop of any kind is a waste of calories. It gives you more sugar then your body needs which means more calories, nd in the end doesnt fill you up at all. Most people that drink soda and go on diets usually think that switching over to diet soda will be better for them because it contains no calories. Researchers at the University Of Texas Health Sciences Center found there is a 41% increased of being overweight for every can of diet soda you drink each day. The study found that people who drank diet soda gained more weight than those who drank regular soda. A reason for this is that diet soda fools your body into thinking its getting calories.

Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Manager Performance

Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Manager Performance The impact of emotional intelligence on managers’ performance: Evidence from hospitals located in Tehran ABSTRACT Context: Most of the studies show that emotional intelligence (EI) is an important factor for effective leadership and team performance in organizations. Aims: This research paper aims to provide an exploratory analysis of EI in the hospitals managers located in Tehran, and examine its relation to their performance. Settings and Design: The present research was an analytical and cross-sectional study. Setting of the study was hospitals located in Tehran, Iran. Subjects and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study from a matched sample of 120 managers and 360 subordinates in hospitals located in Tehran. Cyberia shrink EI measure was used for assessing the EI of the participants. Moreover, a management performance Questionnaire is specifically developed for the present study. The total of 480 questionnaires analyzed throughout Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Mann–Whitney, and Kruskal–Wallis tests in SPSS. Results: The findings suggested a poor EI among hospital managers. As for EI subscales, social skills and self-motivation were in the highest and lowest levels respectively. Moreover, the results indicated that EI increases with experience. The results also showed there is no significant relationship between the components of EI and the performance of hospital managers. Conclusions: Present research indicated that higher levels of EI did not necessarily lead to better performance in hospital managers. Key words: Emotional intelligence, hospital managers, performance INTRODUCTION Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to identify, appraise, and handle one’s emotions.[1] Goleman and Sutherland[2] define EI as the ability to motivate oneself and persist in the face of frustration; to control impulses and delay gratification; to regulate one’s moods and keep distress from swapping the ability to think; to emphasize and to hope. As such Bar On,[3] defines EI as being concerned with understanding oneself and others, in relation with people and coping with the immediate surroundings in order to be more successful in dealing with environmental demands. Weisinger[4] sees EI as the intelligent use of feelings or making one’s emotions work to one’s advantage by using them to help guide behavior and thinking in beneficial ways. In this study, EI were defined as set of skills that contribute to the accurate appraisal and expression of emotion in oneself and in others, the impressive regulation of emotion, and the utilization of feelings to plan, persuade, and achieve in life.[5] Many studies have been conducted about EI that addressed both its concept and its measurement.[6] Some researchers believe in an ability model of EI,[5] while others claim that EI consists of both cognitive ability and personality aspects.[2,3] The ability model perceives EI as a form of pure intelligence, that is, EI is a cognitive ability. Salovey and Mayer’s model of EI is measured using the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso EI test, a performance measure which requires the participant to complete tasks associated with EI.[7] In contrast, the mix models of EI either emphasize how cognitive and personality factors influence general well-being[3] or focus on how cognitive and personality factors determine workplace success.[2] Bar On’s model is measured by using the emotion quotient inventory and Goleman’s model is measured by using the emotional competency inventory, the EI appraisal,[8] and the Work Profile Questionnaire.[9] Put it in perspective, research has shown that EI is an important factor in the workplace.[10-14] Researchers argue that EI is a critically important competency for effective leadership and team performance in organizations.[14-16] Some theorists claim that EI of managers can affect work output,[10,11] although evidence for this is not sufficient more.[17,18] EI has been reported to be positively associated with job satisfaction.[14] EI employees will be more capable of controlling their perception of the environment in which they work.[14] Leaders who are high on EI will be better able to take advantage of and use their positive moods and emotions to envision major improvements in their organizations’ functioning. They are also likely to have knowledge about the fact that their positive moods may cause them to be overly optimistic. Moreover, job performance is the aggregated value to the organization of the behavioral episodes performed by individuals over time that have posi tive or negative consequences for the organization.[19] Managers high on EI can foster their employees’ creativity through interaction with them and via the creation of a work climate supportive of creativity.[20,21] In addition, managers high on EI can create positive interactions between employees that leads to better cooperation,[22] coordination[23] and organizational behavior.[8,14] Furthermore managers high on EI help their employees in creating a good working climate and also reliable relationship with the customers.[24] Given the discussion above, EI plays a significant role in the manager-employee relationship and their performance. Though, the effects of EI on managers’ performance have not been assessed more in healthcare context. Considering the differences of the hospital environment in compare with other organizations, this study provides good evidence, with assessing the effect of EI on managers’ performance in hospitals environment for decision makers in health sector. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The present research was an analytical and cross-sectional study which were done in hospitals affiliated to three medical universities in Tehran (Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences and Shahid Behshti University of Medical Sciences). For selecting the samples in this study, only managers who had a minimum of three subordinates were included. Finally 120 top, middle, and lower level managers of the hospitals were selected. Moreover, 360 individuals participated in this study to appraise performance of the managers; in that each three individuals evaluated the performance of their direct manager. Overall, 480 questionnaires were completed by the participants and data were analyzed by Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Mann–Whitney, and Kruskal–Wallis tests in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), version 16. This study was approved by Iran University of Medical Sciences Ethics Committee. Participants in this study were informed that participating in this study is voluntary; which means if they don’t like to answer some questions they are free not to answer them and their biography will be treated as confidential and will not be disclosed. Furthermore participants provided informed consent for publication of this work. In this study, we followed Goleman’s model and examines five aspects of EI: self-awareness (the ability to recognize and understand personal moods and emotions, and their influence on postpone judgment and to think before acting), self-motivation (a passion to work for internal reasons that go beyond money and status), social awareness (the ability to understand the emotional makeup of other people), and social skills (the ability to manage relationships and build networks, and to find common ground and build rapport).[2] For this, Cyberia shrink EI questionnaire was used for assessing the EI of the participants. This questionnaire measures five subscales, namely self-awareness (seven items), self-regulation (four items), self-motivation (four items), empathy or social awareness (five items), and social skills (five items). [2] Moreover a management performance (MP) Questionnaire was specifically developed for the present study, which measures four major subscales: planning (8 items), organization (12 items), leadership (18 items), and control (12 items). Reliability and validity tests were conducted on Farsi version of the EI questionnaire and MP questionnaire with multivariate measure. To assess the acceptance of the questionnaires, 10 people involved at least 10 years in the field of academic managerial practice were invited to participate I order to revising parts of the questionnaires. At the end, all participants expressed high agreement to the appropriateness of the questionnaires. The questionnaires finalized after modifying some questions accordingly. Furthermore Cronbach’s alpha measured for the tools. The results showed that Cronbach’s alpha of Farsi version of EI questionnaire for all dimensions was as 0.89, and for MP questionnaire was as 0.88, which indicates strong reliability for our survey instruments. RESULTS Data showed 92 (76.6%) of samples were male and 28 (23.4%) were female. Participants’ age ranged from 23 to 57 (the majority of the managers belonged to the 40–50 years group) and the average age was 43.45 (standard deviation [SD] = 7.51). 45% of the managers had been >10 years of experience (mean = 14.24, SD = 7.14). The results show performance of male managers in public hospitals (mean 36 Â ± 13) was better that those in private hospitals (mean 35 Â ± 23). On the other hand, the performance of female managers in private hospitals (mean 38 Â ± 16) was significantly better that those in public hospitals (mean 36 Â ± 17). Emotional intelligence subscales scores of managers show that social skills have the highest rank and self-motivation has the lowest rank. In general, the EI score of hospital managers in this study was 56% [Table 1]. Moreover, there is no significant difference between the EI of men and women. Based on the result of this research, hospital managers in higher levels have a higher level of EI. Tough in some subscales of EI such as social awareness and social skills, middle managers have the highest score [Table 2]. The results of this study also showed, there is no significant relationship between education and the level of EI. However, this relationship is significant in social awareness. Moreover, the EI of the managers increased with experience, but this did not apply to all subscales of EI; as such in social awareness. Based on the results, a correlation was observed between the EI of hospital managers and their performance, although this correlation was not significant in any subscale of EI [Table 3]. DISCUSSION This study tried to assess the level EI of managers in hospitals located in Tehran and examine the relationship between the EI of hospital managers and the level of their performances. The result of this research shows there is a relation between EI of managers and their performances. However this relationship is not statistically significant. Most researches has shown that EI is positively associated with interview outcomes,[25] management analytical,[26] issues,[27] team working,[28] conceptual tasks[27] and (behavioral, job and employees) performance.[29-31] Studies have also depicted that emotional perception facilitates performance. Day and Carroll[17] showed that emotional perception was correlated with performance on a cognitive decision-making task. Newcombe and Ashkanasy[32] also showed evocation of positive expressed emotion through facial display has a significant and strong impact on follower and affect, the quality of the perceived leader-member relationship, which in turn with the result of present study. Langhorn[33] determined key areas of profit performance were correlated with the EI pattern of the general manager. Lyons and Schneider[34] examined the relationship of ability-based EI facets with performance under stress. They found that certain dimensions of EI were related to more challenge and enhanced performance. Hayashi and Ewert[35] reported a positive relationship between EI and successful leadership. Furthermore, Eicher[36] describe EI as a suitable basis in developing the staff’s executive programs. Offermann et al.[37] determined although both cognitive ability and emotional competence (intelligence) predict performance, cognitive ability accounts for more variance on individual tasks, whereas emotional competence accounts for more variance in team performance and attitudes. As such our study shows, performance of managers is multi-dimensional variable which can be affected by other factors like organizational factors, level of employees’ motivation than EI. Moreover the results of this study shows, there are no significant differences between EI of men and women. Although in those subscales associated with the social behavior (social awareness and social skills) women had higher scores than men. Generally, women are more aware of emotions, show more empathy, and have higher interpersonal communication skills.[3] As were discussed, in many of the previous studies, EI has been reported to be positively associated with performance. However, the results of the present research indicated that there is no significant relationship between the components of EI the performance of hospital managers. In other words, higher levels of EI did not lead to better performance in the hospital managers. CONCLUSIONS The current study shows managers in hospitals located in Tehran, had weak performance from their subordinates’ perspectives, and EI scores of managers were not in good condition. Moreover this research shows, unlike other related studies, there is no significant relationship between performance and EI of hospital managers. The effects of factors on the hospital managers’ performances should be assessed in more holistic point of view than considering EI as a determined factor on it.

Analysis Of Basf Chemical Company Commerce Essay

Analysis Of Basf Chemical Company Commerce Essay Here is background of BASF Company. BASF is leading chemical company on the world market. It has four production market departments: Europe, North America, South America and Asia. Moreover, the production of the company is separate in sex different segments: Chemicals, Plastics, Performance Products, Functional Solution, Agricultural Solution and Oil Gas. The department located in Germany is oriented in production of personal care products, so called Performance Products. BASF does not sell product to the final customer. Its products are intermediates like catalysts, molecules and raw materials, which are used from other manufacture companies. The main mission of the company is to produce products for sustainable future. The report objective is to analyzing the external and internal environment of BASF Company. This is useful for understanding the company`s current situation. Based on these analysis, this report gives recommendations to the company, how to keep its position on the market and to use on the best way its opportunities. Research information was collected in the fallowing way. Firstly, was done the secondary research. For it the main source was internet. Secondly, the primary research was done by conducting an interview with Mrs. Sengel, who is member of Executive Board of the company. Finally, based on collected information the company`s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats was analyzed with used of SWOT analysis. Based on the analyzed information, research results are as fallow. BASF is leading company on chemicals market. One of the company`s strength are so called Verbund sides perfect conglomerates between different departments of the company. Every product produced in the company is used in the most efficient way. BASF has opportunity to rising commodity chemicals market in regions like Africa, Asia Pacific and Middle East. The company is negative influenced by some economical factors like increasing energy prices and current credit crisis. Moreover, the negative political factors which influence the company are different laws and regulars in European Union about Genno modified products and some kind of molecules. The threat for the company is raising competition. In conclusion, BASF is leading company with a lot of strengths and opportunities. There are some external threats, which influence the company. Nevertheless, if the company use its own potentialities and hold on external negative factors, it can develop its market positions and to expect its great future. Recommendations are as fallow. Firstly, the most important thing for the company is to make innovations. This gives opportunity to BASF to be better than competitors. The company can develop the business if it is oriented to the market place in new development countries like Asia and Middle East. Secondly, internal environment of BASF will be better if there are more common and strictly rules for the employees of every department. Moreover, the company has to hold the good communication within the different departments. Finally, if company makes more researches it will know better the customers needs and demands. To close, BASF has to do everything possible to create products for sustainable future. III. Preface Here is the framework within which this report has been written. This report functions as a final output of PLA1-Project Organisation of Business. During this project, we worked in a group of students. Our purpose was to analyze a chemistry company BASF located in Dusseldorf, Germany. This is how we made our purpose, reality. During lectures, we studied theories of primary and secondary research, useful for analysis of a company. After that, we did secondary research into BASF`s internal organization. Furthermore, we did interview with Mrs. Sengel, who is member of Executive Board of the company. All of this data, our group prepared a group file. Finally, the collected information was analyzed. Based on this analysis, the individual report was written, that now lies before you. In this report, I address the fallowing audience. My primary audience is my lecture M.Sc. M.Hajjoubi, who will graduate my report. My secondary audience is every person who works in BASF Company and who is interested in read it. I would like to express my gratitude to the fallowing people. First, I would like to thank to my group members Simon Braun, Muzzeyen Gundoghu, Anna Wolter, Ivet Mladenova, Mo Vania and Radu. It was pleasure and really useful experience to work together with you as a team. Secondly, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for our PLA1`s lecture M.Sc. M. Hajjoubi, whose consultations, guidance, understanding and patience support us from our fist week till the end of this project. Thirdly, special thanks are due to Miss. C. Jacobs, for her efforts and guidance to improve our language skills. Last but not least, I proffer my heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Sengel with who we made our interview. Without contribution of these people, this analysis would not have been possible. Place: Venlo, the Netherlands 11th November, 2012 Eleonora Georgieva Table of contents PLA1 report Title page à Ã¢â‚¬   Summary à Ã¢â‚¬  Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬   Preface à Ã¢â‚¬  Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬  Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬   Table of contents à Ã¢â‚¬  V Glossary V 1. Introduction 1 2. Company description 2 2.1 General company description 2 2.2 Product description 2 3. Project description 3 3.1 Project description 3 3.2 Project aim 3 3.3 Research approach 3 4. Theoretical framework 4 4.1 External analysis 4 4.2 Internal analysis 5 4.3 SWOT overview 6 5. External analysis 7 5.1 Political factors 7 5.2 Economic factors 7 5.3 Social factors 7 5.4 Technological factors 7 6. Internal analysis 8 6.1 McKinsey 7S framework 8 6.2 Interconnection of the 7s 9 7. SWOT overview 11 8. Conclusion 12 9. Recommendation 13 10. Critical appraisal 14 Reference list Appendix 1 15 V. Glossary PEST Analysis Political, Economical, Social and Technological factors which are analyzed SWOT Analysis Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats analysis R D Research and Development department 1. Introduction To start, here is the macro perspective on BASF Chemical Company. BASF is one of the leading chemical companies in the world, like this BASF is influenced by many political and economical factors. Different laws and regulations determine the production of the company. Moreover, the technological factor has hardly influence in this area of chemical production, where the innovations are leading force. In addition, the main mission of the company is to create chemistry for the sustainable future. Consequently, BASF Company has a lot of strategic methods to achieve its goals. This report has some objectives. To start, one of the main objectives of the report is to analyze BASF Company. To show the strengths and opportunities of the company`s future development. On the other hand, this report presents the weaknesses and threats of the company, for which it gives advice to make BASF more successful. In other words, this report aims to gives advice to BASF Company how to improve its internal and external situation. The following information was collected for this report. For collecting of information were used two main research methodologies. First, secondary research was done on micro and macro environment of BASF Company, for which the main source was used internet. Second, the primary research was done by conducting an interview with Mrs. Sengel, who is member of Executive Board of the company. The report has the fallowing structure. In chapter two, BASF Company and its product line are shown. In chapter three, the project`s description and aim are explained. Chapter four of the report is the Theoretical Framework of the report, in which the McKinsey`s seven S model, PEST analysis and SWOT analysis are theoretically described. In chapter five and six, PEST analysis and McKinsey`s seven S model are attached to collected information. PEST analysis is used to analyze BASF`s eternal environment, while the McKinsey`s model is used to analyze BASF`s internal organization. In chapter seven, is shown SWOT analysis based on the collected information. In chapter eight the conclusions based on the analyses are drawn. In chapter nine, recommendations for company improvement are given. In chapter ten, this report is critically appraised. 2. Company description 2.1 General Company Information Here is general information about BASF Company. BASF is the leading chemical company, which chemicals are used in almost all industries. The production of the company is separate in six different segments: Chemicals, Plastics, Performance Products, Functional Solution, Agricultural Solution and Oil Gas. BASF like an International company has 70 global and regional business units around the world. The department in Germany is thoroughly oriented in produce of Performance Products. BASF combine economic success, social responsibility and environment protection. The main mission of the company is to create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASFs 111, 141 employees, located all over the world, help the company to achieve its goals. BASF is market oriented in four main areas: Europe, North America, South America and Asia. In 2011, the most sales are made in Europe and company`s annual turnover amounted to 73, 5 billion Euros. 2.2 Product Description Germany`s department of BSAF has a broad range of products. The main segment is called Performance Products, which includes the fallowing product lines: Dispersions and Pigments, Care Chemicals, Nutrition and Health, Paper Chemicals and Performance Chemicals. The product portfolio of the company in this segment includes vitamins and foods additives, ingredients for pharmaceuticals and for hygiene, home and personal care items. Examples are products for hair care, sun and decorative care, body care, facial and oral care. The company does not offer products to the final client. BASF develop and sale molecules, catalysts and ingredients to the other companies which use this things for manufactures of products for final client. These things are not end- product; they are intermediate products which go to other steps of the production process. 3. Project description This chapter will give project description. The chapter will be separate in tree sub chapters, which will describe project description, project aim and research approach. 3.1 Project description This sub chapter will show the project description. To start, BASF is one of the leading chemical companies on the world market. In this market there is a big competition. Firstly, the future opportunity for the company is to create new products. Secondly, to find new market`s possibilities. Thirdly, one of the most important things in this branch is innovation. On the whole, to achieve its goals, BASF have to understand its own strengths and weaknesses. 3.2. Project aim The purpose of this sub chapter is to explain the project aim. For this project was collected information about external and internal environment of BASF Company. The aim of this project is to understand the company`s situation based on McKinsey 7S analysis, PEST and SWOT analysis and based on it to give recommendations about BASF`s future development. Furthermore, to show BASF`s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. In other words, these are most important factors which describe present situation and future possibilities for one organization. 3.3 Research approach To start, for analysis of BASF Company`s present situation are used two research methods. First, the primary research was done by conducting an interview with Mrs. Sengel, who is member of Executive Board of the company. This information is used for internal analysis of the company. Second, the external environment is analyzed by secondary research method. This includes McKinsey 7S analysis and PEST analysis. Thirdly, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats are described with use of SWOT analysis. In conclusion, all of collected information is used to give recommendations of the company, about its future development. *The world can be seen in the Glossary 4. Theoretical framework The purpose of chapter four is to show the theoretical framework of internal and external analysis. Hence, the real companys situation will be shown. First, in sub-chapter 4.1 will be shown the internal analysis- McKinsey 7S model. The model include seven elements, which are separated in so called hard S`s Strategy, Structure and Systems and four so called soft S`s Shared Values, Skills, Staff and Style. Second, in 4.2 will be discusse the external PEST analysis. In other words, Political, Economic, Socio-cultural and Technological factors that influence the company will be include. Finally, in 4.3 SWOT- overview of the company will be given. 4.1 Internal analysis Figure 1: McKinsey 7S model 7S.gif Source: 7S strategy software In this paragraph will be shown the so called hard S`s of McKinsey 7S model. Firstly, Strategy describes actions and plans of an organization to achieve specific goals. The external environment influences the company and its strategy. Thus the enterprise prepares to adapt on changes and to determine the right place among customer and competitors. Secondly, Structure describes the hierarchy of the company. It shows the relationships between the people which work in the organization. It can be seen on the organization chart. It always depends from the business strategy, form the business internationalization, size and diversity. The third S from so called hard Ss is Systems. Systems are all procedures which company uses to operate every day. This includes internal and external procedures. Systems are directly related to the Structure and Strategy of the company, because they describe the main practices of the organization to achieve its goals (Cuypers 2010, 3-9). The soft S from McKinsey 7S model, which will be given in this paragraph includes Shared Values, Skills, Staff and Style. Peters and Watermans (1984) argued that shared Values in 7S analysis determine the core guiding principles of the company. Moreover, it refers to what an organization stands for and believes in. Understanding the Shared Values of the company is the easiest way to find the main ideas and goals of the enterprise. To achieve these goals helps Skills. Skills are the unique abilities of the company. Skills describe the capacity and quality of the company in contrast with the competitors. It refers to the learned capability of staff within the company. Very important here is quality of the products and services within the organization. These things are related with the Staff and Style of the company. Staff refers to the number and type of people employed by the company. However, staff describes the processes used to manage the careers of employees. It is related to the Style, because it is directly dependent on the human resources system that manage the way staff is encourage, reward and motivate. Style is the work culture. It is describe the main way in which senior managers run the organization. It is related to the system that influences the procedures in the company. The most important things that style describes are how managers allocated their time, beliefs and their leadership skills. The main factors are the size and the structure of the organization which determines how different departments inside of the company are managed (Spencer, 2011). 4.2 External analysis In the first place, every organization depends on the political factors. Political factors include government regulations and legal issues. The political factors define the structure of the company and the rules under which the company must operated. It depends on the structure, because in the different countries the trade restrictions, tariffs, tax policy and employment laws are not the same (Oxford University Press, 2004). The second factor which directly influences every kind of company or organisation is the economic factor. The economic environment consist different factors, for example income and income distribution, current and project economic growth, inflation and interest rate. This environment can offer to the company both opportunities and threats. Understanding of economic environment determined the company development (Oxford University Press, 2004). Thirdly, the company is influenced by social factors. This lifestyle trends and demographic changes determined the consumer behavior. The main purpose of every company is to understand which exactly are the consumers wants and needs. If social-cultural changes are clear, it is easier for the company to developing strategies and practices to achieve its goals (Oxford University Press, 2004). Finally, in these days, one of most important factors which influence the company is technological environment. This is the most dramatic and the fastest development factor. These are forces that create new technologies, products and market opportunities. In the world of technology, the company has to be open and prepare for new opportunities (Oxford University Press, 2004). 4.3 SWOT According to Berry, the SWOT analysis is an extremely useful tool for understanding and decision-making for all sorts of situations in business and organizations. SWOT is an acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (Berry, 2012). Strengths are internal capabilities that may help the company to reach its objectives; in contrast weaknesses may interfere for that. This includes understanding of the internal environment or the situation inside of the company or organisation. The factors which determined the straightness and weaknesses of the company are tend to be in the present. Factors are relating to products, pricing, quality, staff and processes within the company. With understanding of these factors the company may understand the unique selling proposition and how to improve it (Berry, 2012). Opportunities and threats are related with the external environment which shows the situation outside of the company or organisation. Here, the factors tend have to be in future. Factors here are relating with markets opportunities fashions, trends, seasonability, politics, society, competitors and every other external factor which influence the company. With understanding of opportunities company is able to exploit the external factors to its advantage. Threats are negative factors that may challenge the company`s performance (Berry, 2012). 5. External analysis This chapter explains the external environment analysis PEST. The chapter is divided into four sub charters. Firstly, sub chapter 5.1 will give the Political factors, which influence the BASF Company. Secondly, 5.2 illustrate Economic factors. Thirdly, 5.3 show Social factors. Finally, sub chapter 5.4 analyzes Technological factors which influence the company. 5.1 Political factors There are some political factors, which influence BASF Chemical Company. One of these factors is a common initiative for a sustainable chemicals industry has launched by European Union in 2005 year. This factor has a positive effect on BASF, because the mission of the company is to create chemicals for sustainable future. This political factor gives opportunity to the company to make more innovations with collaboration on European Union. The negative political factor for the company is unfavorable political environment. In European Union there are different laws and regulations about Genno- modified products and some molecule products. For these reason USA is more favorable market for these kinds of products (Thomas, 2005). 5.2 Economical factors One of the results from present credit crisis is reduced consumption of customers. This is strong factor, which influence BASF Company. It makes the future more unstable and precariously. Only the best companies with the best products could keep their market`s place. The second economic factor which influences BASF is increasing energy prices. It is negative because it could damage chemicals industry competitiveness further. On the other hand, there is increasing competition from new economic powers, such as China. To avoid these negative factors, BASF Company could orientate to different markets, such as Africa and Middle East (Thomas, 2005). 5.3 Social factors In chemical`s industry is very complicated to find new well educated faces. The reason is the fact that young people choose other careers in different branch. Young talents in chemical`s branch, which are well educated require very high remuneration and good working conditions. BASF Company is working to improve matters. Flexible working time is one of decisions of the problem. On this way could be attached qualified labour (Thomas, 2005). 5.4 Technological factors For BASF Company the technological innovations are very important. The main reason is that technological innovations gives opportunity to the company to make products better, and to add new products in company`s portfolio. The company is focus of solutions for sustainable future, and definitely innovations are the key point for it. At all, the global technology platforms act as partners in product development (Thomas, 2005). 6. Internal analysis 6.1 McKinsey seven S framework To start, for BASF like as world`s leading chemistry company is very important to strengthen its position on the market. To achieve this goal, company has to focus their business on customer`s needs and demands. In chemistry market, and for company, which do not produce product for the final consumer is required to focus on innovation, to create new products and functionalized materials, and to find new solutions for more sustainable future. These things are very important too, for the other aim of the company, which is to increase year`s profit with average four percent per year, and to grow two percentage points faster than global chemical production (Interview, Appendix 1) (BASF, 2012). The structure of BASF Company is a Matrix structure. The Matrix organizational structure divides authority both by functional area and project area. In BASF there is Board of Executive Directors which consist eight members. They are responsible for the management of the company. The Board of Executive Directors regularly reports to The Supervisory Board. Supervisory Board consist 12 members, six shareholders representative elected by the Annual meeting and six members appointed by the representative body of the employees. Every country and every different department in BASF Company has a chief, who are supervise from the Chairman of the management board Kurt Bock (Interview, Appendix 1) (BASF, 2012). The company systems are very important for the business and for good done work. BASF has an own marketing department in every country where the company is located. In addition, they have supporting marketing agency outside the company, which helps them to develop the motives and the way BASF wants to present itself to the customers. Like a chemicals company, BASF use only trait media for advertising home personal care magazines or euro- cosmetic magazine, which are special magazines for cosmetic market. To exist and to be successful a big company like BASF is necessary to have fixed rules and good communication between different departments. Primary method within the company to discuss the problems and development in the market are manager`s meetings. The complicated structure of the company determined the need from daily meetings of the leader figures in the organization, much that the other companies (Interview, Appendix 1) (BASF, 2012). One of BASF`s goals is to make rules and system more common in the different countries. The leader style in the company allows to employees to share their ideas about innovations. Every idea on issue placed by some of employees is consider, but the main decision is always taken by The Supervisory Board. In the same time, the management style is people oriented, one of the most important things for the company is to understand consumer needs, and to create values for them (Interview, Appendix 1) (BASF, 2012). BASF is company with almost 200  000 employees. Every day in Germany for BASF works 54  000 employees. They work in different departments but the responsibility for their work is taken by managers of every department. There are a lot of frameworks and guides which are coming from the central department, and which are common for every employee. The employees have to respect the rules and framework given by the main department. Rewards and warnings in the company depend from Human Resource Department. There is not something special within the company, they fallow the legal system. Every employee has a set of target which is called employee dialogue. This makes management style in the company open for ideas from employees. Employee dialogue gives opportunity to employees to talk about the goals which they are achieving in the year and to share new ideas. The incentive system in the company is connected with reward as money bonuses for well done job (Interview, Appendix 1) (BASF, 201 2). BASF Company, as company which do not produce product for the final customers, it is very important to makes products better, healthier and safer than competitors. The reason is that the end consumer never seen and could not understand that BASF Company is better than competitors, and cannot contrast them. The most important thing for the company are innovations, this is the only way that company can be unique and distinctive from competitors. The Company spending a lot of money every year to make research, which helps to find new opportunities for development. In the same time, the company makes everything possible to have products which are already developed and to make them successful on the market. The main question for BASF is to understand better than competitors what are exactly consumer`s needs and to be ready to satisfy these needs on time (Interview, Appendix 1) (BASF, 2012). The core value of BASF is to create chemistry for sustainable future. To achieve its goals BASF tries to be a company with innovative products, intelligent solution of problems and good service departments. The company strives to be the world most widespread supplier in the chemical industry and to generate high return of its assets. It wants to reach these intentions without harming the environment and nature (Interview, Appendix 1) (BASF, 2012). 6.2 Interconnection of the seven S To start, for BASF like as world`s leading chemistry company is very important to strengthen its position on the market. For achieve its goal for the Company is necessary to make its products better than competition and to has high quality of its services. For this helps The Matrix organisational structure and the management style of BASF, which is people oriented oriented to understand customers needs. The company is focus on innovations and every decision for a new idea is taken by The Supervisory Board. For the company`s success is important to have good communication between the different departments and to have fixed rules. In BASF this is achieve with regular meetings of The Board of Executive Directors. The company strives to be the world most widespread supplier in the chemical industry and to generate high return of its assets. For these goals, company has to employ highly qualified staff. Moreover, the leader system of the company is focuses to encourage the employees to share their new ideas. For this, the company use so called Employee dialogue. On the other hand, the company has to invest in researches. The RD department is responsible to find new market opportunities for BASF. The main mission of BASF is to create chemicals for sustainable future. For this goal helps the good organisation structure, cooperation between departments. On the other hand, very important are employees and the way they are managed. Very important are innovations and the style of the company. All of these things determined the current situation of the company and its future position and development of the market. 7. SWOT overview First, BASF Company is one of the leading chemicals company in the world. This factor gives chance to the company, to manage the big part of the market and to have hard influence on smaller chemicals companies. Moreover, as so international and big company BASF has a lot of production sides around the world. One of the company`s strengths are production sides, so called Verbund sides. These sides have really good conglomerates of the production. This conglomeration allows, every kind of product produced within the company, to be used in the most efficient way. Different materials produced in one department of the company, can be used in another one, which means that the BASF Company produce raw materials which use in its own production. Besides, this allows to the company, to produce a lot of different materials and products, to make innovations in this sector and to create more value for the customers than competitors (YouSigma 2011). Second, BASF Company has a huge profit in the last year. Nevertheless, in the last few years is observed declining earnings in several business segments, which is one of the company`s weakness. There are several reasons about this fact. The firs reason, is one of the company threats, is the Economic slowdown in the European Union Region, which is due of the present credit crisis. The credit crisis in these days covers and influence, both small and in the same way huge companies like BASF. The other reason is that people in European Union have possibility to choose between hundred different products. Here the competition is really strong and the market in Europe is developed till maximum. One of company opportunities is to rising commodity chemicals market in regions like Africa, Asia Pacific and Middle East. These are the growth regions of the future, for almost every kind of industry, because the growth rate of profit in future in European countries would not be so high. The other o pportunity for the company is always to develop new products and new ideas (YouSigma 2011). Figure 2: SWOT analysis table Location of factor Favorable Unfavorable Internal Strengths Leading chemical company Concept of Verbund Variety of products Weaknesses Decrease earning in some countries Less expenditure for RD External Opportunities Product innovations Expand the business in Africa, Asia and Middle East Threats Laws and regulations Economic slowdown in European Union 8. Conclusion BASF is international company, which is leader in chemical market. The company production is separated in six different departments and its market is oriented in f

Death Of A Salesman ~ Arthur Miller Act One 1. How does Arthur Miller :: English Literature

Death Of A Salesman ~ Arthur Miller Act One 1. How does Arthur Miller first present Willy Loman to the audience? Willy is first presented to the audience as an olden and exhausted man; this is portrayed through the 'word sigh' described in the scene description as he places his two large suitcases down. The audience then hears of his traumatic and slow drive home as he realises his daydreams are affecting his driving. Miller presents him here as not only an olden and exhausted man but also a confused man as well: Willy: "I'm tired to the death I could not make it. I just could not make it, Linda." Willy immediately prompts our compassion as the audience see him as both mentally and physically exhausted. 2. How does Miller begin to present the relationship between Willy and Biff? The first indication, which the audience hear of Biff, is by one of Willy's first lines: Willy: "Did Biff say anything after I went this morning?" This portrays his unease with the situation, which he left the house in. We then discover the reason for this argument as Linda pronounces: Linda: "You should not have criticized him, Willy, especially after her just got off the train." This criticism is further explained, as it appears that Willy is somewhat disappointed in Biff and wants better for him. The audience however soon become perplexed as Willy calls biff "a lazy bum" however very soon after he changes his opinion totally by contradicting himself as he says: Willy: "There's one thing about Biff - he's not lazy." Later Willy even says (about Biff) Willy: "He could be big in no time." It appears that the more Linda attempts to excuse Biff the angrier Willy gets. It also is apparent that on reminiscing about a bad point Willy switches his thoughts to his happier and relaxed past, this is only however as he sees it and the audience get many impressions on whether it is the entire truth or not. Miller is here presenting the relationship between Biff and Willy to be a complex relationship, which it appears, not even Willy himself understands. 3. How does Miller present Willy's two sons, Biff and Happy? What contradictions and questions are raised in the minds of the audience by this scene? The first presentation made of Biff and Happy is their reaction regarding their father's premature homecoming and strange behaviour as Happy soon worries: Biff: "Jesus, maybe he's smashed up the car again! Throughout this scene in Biff and Happy's bedroom many contradictions and questions are raised in the minds of the audience, the main question asked refers back to the previous scene as the audience

Search for Self-fulfillment by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and Kate Chopin :: Biography Biographies Essays

Search for Self-fulfillment by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and Kate Chopin      Ã‚  Ã‚   In the last half of the nineteenth century, Victorian ideals still held sway in American society, at least among members of the middle and upper classes. Thus the cult of True Womanhood was still promoted which preached four cardinal virtues for women: piety, purity, submissiveness, and domesticity. Women were considered far more religious than men and, therefore, they had to be pure in heart, mind, and, of course, body, not engaging in sex until marriage, and even then not finding any pleasure in it. They were also supposed to be passive responders to men's decisions, actions, and needs. The true woman's place was her home; "females were uniquely suited to raise children, care for the needs of their menfolk, and devote their lives to creating a nurturing home environment." (Norton, 108). However, the tensions between old and new, traditional and untraditional, were great during the last years of nineteenth century and there was a debate among male and female writers and social thinkers as to what the role of women should be. Among the female writers who devoted their work to defying their views about the woman's place in society were Charlotte Perkins Gilman and Kate Chopin.    Charlotte Perkins Gilman (1860-1935) was a social activist and theorist of the women's movement at the turn of the twentieth century. She developed her feminist ideals in her novels, short stories and nonfiction books such as Women and Economics. Charlotte Perkins Gilman is best known for her short story The Yellow Wallpaper, (1892) which is based on her own experience.    As the story begins, the woman-whose name we never learn- tells of her depression and how it is being treated by her husband and brother who are both doctors. These two men are unable to see that there is more to her condition than just a stress and depression and prescribe for her rest as a cure. The narrator is taken to a summer house to recover form her condition where she is not allowed to do anything but rest and sleep. Furthermore, she cannot do one thing that she loves the most: writing. " I must put this away, -he hates to have me write a word." She spends most of her time in a room with yellow wallpaper and very little to occupy her mind with.

Orientalism: Defined and Shown Through The Work of Henry Kissinger :: Orientalism Said Kissinger Essays

Orientalism: Defined and Shown Through The Work of Henry Kissinger Edward Said first published Orientalism in 1978 and the book has continued to open readers' eyes to the true effects of biased thought. Said carefully examines what he calls 'Orientalism' in an attempt to show how different cultures view each other and depend upon other cultures to define their own. This essay will include a brief definition of Orientalism as well as how Henry Kissinger has an Orientalist view upon developing countries, shown through numerous examples from Said's book. Given on the first few pages of his book, Edward Said allows his readers to absorb the concept of Orientalism early on in his book, adding to the definition throughout. Said presents his definition of Orientalism in three "interdependent" fashions, the first shown through the Orient's place among Western European culture: The Orient is not only adjacent to Europe; it is also the place of Europe's greatest and richest and oldest colonies, the source of its civilizations and languages, its cultural contestant, and one of its deepest and most recurring images of the Other. In addition, the Orient has helped to define Europe (or the West) as its contrasting image, idea, personality, experience. [pp. 1-2] Simply put, Said claims that Orientalism represents how Europe has defined themselves against Oriental characteristics. A second form of Orientalism comes from the academic world and is still prevalent in today's society. Said states that "anyone who teaches, writes about, or researches the Orient [regardless of field of study] is an Orientalist, and what he or she does is Orientalism. In a more general sense, this can be seen when academics make the "ontological and epistemological distinction made between 'the Orient' and (most of the time) 'the Occident'" (p 2). Said states that while this form is not as common as in years past, Orientalism will exist so long as these ideas are taught. As the first of the two definitions deal with the "academic and imaginative meanings of Orientalism," the third meaning is derived from the combination of the first two. Said believes that Orientalism can also be thought of as "the corporate institution for dealing with the Orient- dealing with it by making statements about it, authorizing views of it, describing it, by teaching it, settling it, ruling over it: in short, Orientalism as a Western style, for dominating, restructuring, and having authority over the Orient" (p 3). Orientalism: Defined and Shown Through The Work of Henry Kissinger :: Orientalism Said Kissinger Essays Orientalism: Defined and Shown Through The Work of Henry Kissinger Edward Said first published Orientalism in 1978 and the book has continued to open readers' eyes to the true effects of biased thought. Said carefully examines what he calls 'Orientalism' in an attempt to show how different cultures view each other and depend upon other cultures to define their own. This essay will include a brief definition of Orientalism as well as how Henry Kissinger has an Orientalist view upon developing countries, shown through numerous examples from Said's book. Given on the first few pages of his book, Edward Said allows his readers to absorb the concept of Orientalism early on in his book, adding to the definition throughout. Said presents his definition of Orientalism in three "interdependent" fashions, the first shown through the Orient's place among Western European culture: The Orient is not only adjacent to Europe; it is also the place of Europe's greatest and richest and oldest colonies, the source of its civilizations and languages, its cultural contestant, and one of its deepest and most recurring images of the Other. In addition, the Orient has helped to define Europe (or the West) as its contrasting image, idea, personality, experience. [pp. 1-2] Simply put, Said claims that Orientalism represents how Europe has defined themselves against Oriental characteristics. A second form of Orientalism comes from the academic world and is still prevalent in today's society. Said states that "anyone who teaches, writes about, or researches the Orient [regardless of field of study] is an Orientalist, and what he or she does is Orientalism. In a more general sense, this can be seen when academics make the "ontological and epistemological distinction made between 'the Orient' and (most of the time) 'the Occident'" (p 2). Said states that while this form is not as common as in years past, Orientalism will exist so long as these ideas are taught. As the first of the two definitions deal with the "academic and imaginative meanings of Orientalism," the third meaning is derived from the combination of the first two. Said believes that Orientalism can also be thought of as "the corporate institution for dealing with the Orient- dealing with it by making statements about it, authorizing views of it, describing it, by teaching it, settling it, ruling over it: in short, Orientalism as a Western style, for dominating, restructuring, and having authority over the Orient" (p 3).

Effects of Autism

AUTISM ESSAY Name:Cloleisha Ottey Group:M1 Date:April 11, 2013 Lecturer:Miss. M. East Assignment:Three Autism and its Effects Autism is a syndrome characterized by issues in communication and social interaction and is diagnosed at the latest three years in a child’s life. Autism is also called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and includes a broad range of disabilities such as Asperger Syndrome, Rett’s Syndrome (almost exclusively affects females) and Pervasive Development Disorder.There are varying degrees of the disorder from low-functioning (no communication) to high-functioning (some communication and inappropriate but existent social skills). The characteristics also vary and present themselves socially (resistance to being held or touched), linguistically (makes verbal sounds while listening-echolalia), behaviorally (obsessions with objects, ideas or desires. ), emotionally (resists change in the environment (people, places, objects). ) and physically (unusual gait. ) in the child’s life. With an individual dealing with so much, how does it affect the family structure?I will be exploring the implications of the effects of Autism for the individual, parents and siblings. The life of an Autistic child is overwhelming. Carly a fourteen year old, when she was finally able to communicate in a way the world could understand expressed what it feels like being Autistic. After eleven years of silence she ran up to a computer and entered her first word â€Å"hurt†, her second word was â€Å"help†. She expressed how much she would love to be like other children but she can’t help but be herself. She explained the reason for her constant rocking, not wanting to be touched and banging her head.She said it felt like a thousand ants were crawling over her body, her feet felt like they were on fire and if she didn’t bang her head she felt like she would explode. For years she understood what was being said around/about her bu t had no way of expressing herself. Autistic children, who are not able to communicate like Carly, go through this overload of sensory input that drives them nuts. Not being able to communicate to their parents that the sound is too loud, or the light is too bright becomes frustrating. They are treated as if they are dumb and do not understand what is being said when that is far from the truth.Many children who have been diagnosed as being Autistic have been found to be dual exceptional, which means having a disability but are also being a gifted child. One of the most difficult things a parent can experience is not being able to understand what their child needs. Raising a child who does not speak or express themselves in a way you can understand is heart wrenching, especially when they are experiencing pain and you do not know where it hurts or what the symptoms are-helplessness is painful. Not knowing why they hurt themselves, scream, pull away when you touch them or say the thin gs they say.However, parents must remember that, despite the diagnosis their child is the same person that they have always  been. The only difference is that they know now what condition they have and can begin to help them to maximize their potential and to live life to the fullest. Parents often feel like failures and blame themselves for the diagnosis. It is reported that 80% of marriages end in divorce when a child is diagnosed with Autism, leaving the mothers to deal with the day to day stresses of raising a child with a disability. They constantly ask â€Å"Was it that one drink? or â€Å"Was it that fall I didn’t tell anyone about? † Another implication for parents of Autistic children is the cost of care which does not come cheap. In a country like Jamaica where health care for disability cases is not predominant – it costs an arm and a leg, approximately US$40,000-$70,000 per year (as per the Autism Center of Montego Bay). Parents have to ensure tha t their Autistic child gets physical, occupational and speech therapies as early intervention and lifelong therapies to improve the skills they already possess and to not lose what they have gained.Parents may feel that their child with autism takes a lot of their time and attention – siblings feel this way too. Parents often think that because their other child/children are not suffering from this diagnosis or any other major ailment and are for want of a better word â€Å"normal†- they do not need time with them. Siblings will go out of their way to be noticed by their parents by getting in trouble at school, rebelling and some are left to raise themselves. Siblings like for parents to make time for them when possible to listen to the things that are important to them.It may help to do some activities separately in the family, if you can. Parents need to find out what the child would like them to do together, make a date and keep it. While they are out let it be abou t the child, do not bring up the Autistic sibling. However, siblings may benefit from having time to themselves, for example occasional breaks like  sleepovers at friends’ homes. They also need to be able to bring their own friends home and enjoy themselves without interruption, where possible. Try to listen to siblings' worries and concerns – but also their ideas.Older children may have good ideas about how best to manage certain situations. If they have a good relationship with their brother or sister, they may be able to ask them to do things that the parent can’t. The future is a concern for siblings. At some point,  it may help to talk  with them about who is expected to care for their brother or sister when they are older. There has been an increase in Autism cases, according to the Director of the Montego Bay Autism Center on April 2, 2013. To combat the rise each supporting entity (parents and siblings) must have an air of patience.The Autistic chi ld cannot help but be who they are, so parents and siblings have to rise to the occasion and be advocates. Understanding, supporting and educating are a few of the ways to show that Autistic life – is still a life. Autism has a wide effect and often has negative implications, however, the positive implications outweigh them. Reference 1. Stanley, G. I and Tippy G. November 2, 2011. Respecting Autism: The Rebecca School DIR Casebook for Parents and Professionals. Vantage Press. 2. http://readingroom. mindspec. org/? page_id=6203;gclid=CPjI2ub0wrYCFRMKnAodylsABQ. Autism Profile. March 15, 2013. Autism Reading Room.