Bus 303 Practice Midterm Essay

Characters: Cathy and Dave, a well-to-do professional couple Al, a real estate salesman Cathy and Dave are young, upwardly mobile. They hold good professional jobs in downtown Chicago. One day Cathy received an invitation in-the mail, from a resort called Green Acres (GA), which was located near the mountains, about eight hour driving time from Chicago. The mailer invited the young couple to spend two nights free of cost and receive $50 for expenses. All they had to do in return was to listen to a presentation, see a video, and take a tour of the resort for about two hours. Additional conditions included 24 hour advance booking of the room with 24 hour notice for cancellations, and a valid credit card. Green Acres would charge $50 for a no show. Although the letter made no mention of it, Cathy and Dave knew the invitation was a real estate promotion and guessed that the two hours with the GA staff meant a hard sell for a condo or a timeshare near a lake or a golf course, something they did not want. They decided to take the offer anyway in order to get a free vacation and arranged to visit GA the following weekend. Cathy and Dave had a good time at GA. The only sour point of the trip was the last exchange they had with Al the salesman. At the end of the two hour presentation when Cathy and Dave had refused to buy any GA properties, Al looked at Dave in frustration and said, â€Å"If you knew you weren’t going to buy any property here, why did you come? Our company spent $300 to get you down here, and you have taken food off my family’s table. What you did is immoral. Please don’t do it again.† At this Dave retorted, â€Å"Your letter was clear, there was nothing in it that said a purchase of real estate was involved, and we had no obligation to buy anything from you. Your invitation was unconditional, I don’t owe you or your family anything and I resent what you just said.† At the end of this uncomfortable exchange, Cathy and Dave left the room with an unpleasant feeling. But the unpleasant feelings did not last long because the drive back through the m ountains was truly spectacular. After a few days Cathy said to Dave, â€Å"You know, I’m still mad about what Al said to us at Green Acres. Should we write to his boss, or to the real estate board or to some government agency? You know, if we don’t do something, some poor unsuspecting people might fall for their gimmicks!† Dave replied, â€Å"No, I don’t think we should waste any time on this. Most people know, or should know what they are getting into-there are no free lunches! Besides if we complain, Al may lose his job and when we’ll be really taking the food from his family’s table!† What Are the Relevant Facts? 1. Cathy and Dave are educated and well paid. 2. They received an unsolicited invitation from Green Acres (GA). 3. The invitation had nothing in it that said they had to buy anything from GA. 4. They correctly guessed that the GA sales staff would put pressure on them to buy real estate. 5. GA was eight hours driving time from Chicago. 6. Al made a sales presentation. 7. Cathy and Dave listened to the presentation. 8. Al said Cathy and Dave had acted immorally and had deprived him of a chance of earning a sales commission. 9. Dave said that they had fulfilled their obligation, as outlined in the invitation, and had not acted incorrectly. What Are the Ethical Issues? 1. What is the role of inducements in marketing? 2. What is the responsibility of individuals who accept inducements? Do they have any moral obligations to purchase goods if they accept free gifts from merchants? 3. Is giving attractive gifts to potential buyers an ethical practice? Does the size of the gift or the inducement matter? 4. Cathy and Dave were sophisticated, educated city folk and did not feel pressured to buy from GA. Do less educated or less sophisticated consumers feel pressured to buy merchandise under enticements of gifts? Would such business practice be considered ethical? 5. Should Cathy and Dave complain so that other vulnerable people may not be pressured into buying expensive property they do not want? Who Are the Primary Stakeholders? †¢ Cathy and Dave †¢ Al †¢ GA †¢ GA’s stockholders †¢ Other potential consumers, especially the vulnerable ones What Are the Possible Alternatives? 1. Cathy and Dave can forget the incident and do nothing. 2. They can file a complaint with GA. 3. They can file a complaint with the appropriate authorities. 4. They can write to Al. What Are the Ethics of the Alternatives? 1. What is the best course of action for Cathy and Dave from the moral standpoint? What is the best course of action that Cathy and Dave take that will provide the greatest benefit to the greatest number? 2. Do Cathy and Dave and other potential customers have rights not to be pressured or induced into actions they may not wish to take? Do GA and Al have rights to pursue their business and personal interests? Were any rights violated? 3. What is the just thing to do in this case? Which alternative distributes the burdens and responsibilities fairly? If Cathy and Dave act and if GA improves its practices everyone except Al may benefit. Not complaining may mean Al will continue his tactics and undermine GA’s goals assuming that word would get around and additional customers will be offended. What Are the Practical Constraints? None. What Actions Should Be Taken? 1. What should Cathy and Dave do? 2. Which alternative would you choose? 3. Which approach (utilitarian, rights, or justice) makes the most sense to you in this situation? Clearly, no action could mean unsuspecting people may be lured into buying expensive real estate with potentially severe consequences. Complaints could lead to improved practice and better performance but could lead to the loss of Al’s job. 4. What is the right thing to do?

An Old Man’s Winter Night Analysis

An Old Man’s Winter Night This is a very haunting poem about an old man who stands alone dying in a dark house in winter. His memory is failing him and because of that he doesn’t know who he is or why he is in the house but he stays there inside the house because of the gruelling winter weather outside. There is no sense that the old man is existing for anyone or anything, he is purely alone. He is alone not only because no one is with him, but also because there will be no one to remember him after he dies.He develops a fear of the cellar beneath him and the darkness that lies outside so he strikes the ground in an attempt to frighten the unknown rather than confronting his fears. Finally, he falls asleep in front of the fire only to be disturbed by a log that has shifted in the fire but in due course, falls into a deep sleep. Frost uses the dying fire as a symbol to his fading life. As the night goes on, the fire dims and the old man grows closer to death. He knows th at eventually the darkness will consume him.The piece does not stray from the subject matter from the beginning to the end, continuously conveying the extent of how scared and lonely he is. Frost’s intention is clearly to portray the depth of loneliness that the old man is feeling in his old age and the emotions that accompany this. In terms of form, the poem does not have a traditional rhyme scheme and the lines vary in length. Frost uses many different literary devices throughout the poem such as imagery which appeals to our sight, touch and hearing senses.Frost has used Imagery such as â€Å"In clomping there, he scared it once again† which appeals to our touch because you can almost feel how he has stomped the floor to try and frighten off the unknown. He has appealed to our hearing senses by using personification, â€Å"like the roar of trees† lets you almost hear how the trees were thrashing around on the cold winter night. â€Å"That brought him to that creaking room was age. He stood with barrels round him – at a loss† appeals to our sight and paints a vivid eerie image of him standing alone in the dark house.Frost’s use of personification, â€Å"like the roar of trees† is used to give a more humanistic quality to the trees to create a more eerie surrounding. Onomatopoeia is used â€Å"crack of branches† to make you think about the sound and to give a realistic feel to the poem, but more significantly alliteration is used, â€Å"doors darkly†, â€Å"beating box† and â€Å"separate stars†, this makes the poem sound more pleasant to the readers. There is also evidence of internal rhyme on the tenth line â€Å"In clomping there, he scared it once again† An internal rhyme puts emphasis on the two words that rhyme and quickens the pace of the line.On the twenty third line, he used caesura to form important thoughts rather than breaking it â€Å"And slept. The log that shift ed with a jolt†. There are eight strong enjambments throughout the poem helping it to run on and flow into the next line and continue momentum instead of the usual rhythm a poem would have. The mood of the poem is sad and disheartening. Frost’s use of imagery creates a sad setting. â€Å"All out of doors looked darkly in at him† could almost mean that people know and see that he is alone in the house but yet they choose to ignore it.The tone of the poem is candid, almost as if Frost is just telling a story without any feeling or emotion being put into it. From reading the poem, we realise that the old man is alone but the writer never clarifies the reason why, he only repeats that he is completely isolated and beyond the comfort of another human being. The most poignant aspect of this poem is the old man’s loss of memory and the frost forming on the windows because it’s so cold, â€Å"Through the thin frost, almost in separate stars, that gathers o n the pane in empty rooms. He has no recollection of his purpose or identity and simply finds himself standing â€Å"with barrels round him — at a loss. † Not only is the old man isolated in body, he is isolated in mind. His memories of his past happiness cannot comfort him now. Although the old man is in a state of utter isolation, he still has the bravery to fight for his existence and attempt to scare away his fears that creep through the night. Although the old man is unaware of what exactly he is afraid of in the cellar or the dark of night, he clutches to the act of â€Å"clomping† as a familiar and unfamiliar comfort.The devastating sense of loneliness and fear is accentuated by the noises all around the old man, the cracking of branches, the roar of the trees – this use of personification is used to make the scene more disturbing. However, the old man himself remains silent throughout the poem. When he does make sounds, he resorts to the more anim alistic action of stomping his feet rather than trusting his voice. In reading the title of the poem it suggests there should be a pleasant setting of an old man inside house beside a fire on a cold winter’s night but instead the writer has denied the readers any comforting expectations. Instead the writer conveys that he is slowly dying alone in the house on a devastatingly cold frosty night but he wants to live and fight death until the end even though he is losing his mind he still knows he doesn’t want to die. The old man’s isolation keeps the reader at a distance so they are not able to feel a sense of empathy with the old man.If Frost divulged the old man’s thoughts it would be easier for the readers to form some kind of connection with him but Frost wants the readers to feel the same lonely, isolated feeling that the old man has and does this by rendering the old man mute. The reader is forced to remain a silent onlooker who cannot connect to the i nner workings of the old man’s mind. This poem could be interpreted as how Frost feels about his life at this point in time. â€Å"All out of doors looked darkly in at him through the thin frost almost in separate stars† This could be Frost’s way of expressing his feelings that he thinks nobody cares about him anymore.The poem does not end on a completely desperate note. Although the man is frightened of what he does not know, he still succeeded in â€Å"scaring† off the unknown when he was alone and frightened. Frost suggests that even a person in the depths of isolation and loneliness is still capable of maintaining a presence and â€Å"keeping† a house. The old man’s behavior in the house is not ideal or necessarily human, and he is still destined to face death and constant loneliness, and yet his house is still his own because of his insistent grasp on it and his refusal to abandon himself completely.

Self Career Planning Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words - 1

Self Career Planning Report - Essay Example As a graduate student, I believe that in today’s competitive world, it is very imperative for individuals to understand and evaluate themselves personally, as one cannot survive in this globalized world by applying ostrich’s approach that results in career plateau (Allen, Russell, Poteet, & Dobbins, 1999). Thus, this paper will focus on my explorations about my own self and aspects of my personality that will play a considerable role in decision-making process during my life. The following section of this paper will include results of Myers’ Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test (Bayne, 1997) and analysis on its different indications about my personality. I will put efforts in presenting the results of the test in such a manner that the reader will be able to create a general picture of my personality. Furthermore, it will be my aim to relate results of MBTI test with different aspects of my life that have already happened in the past. The next section of the paper will focus more on identification of my career goal on the basis of analysis of the test results, as well as my personal observations. This section will include brief description and discussion about the field in which I intend to have my career and its correlation with the results. The following section will shed light on requirements, information, specifications of the particular job, as well as its field and/or industry that will be helpful in understanding the probability of my highest achievement in that specific career. The fifth section will include discussion on challenges or barriers related to the identified job and field/industry, and the gaps that exist between my current profile and the identified job. More importantly, it will include the steps that will help me in reaching closer to my vision and target achievement in life. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test is an outcome of efforts of Isabel Myers

Ottoman Empire and the Turkish Republic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Ottoman Empire and the Turkish Republic - Essay Example Prior to the transition to the Turkish Republic, the old Ottoman Empire embarked on a series of reforms to â€Å"save† the old Ottoman Empire through the efforts of Selim III, Mahmud II, Abdulaziz and Abdulhamit II that hoped to reverse its decline. These men were called the Men of Tanzimat or men of reform in their effort to reverse the decline of the old Ottoman Empire. The efforts to reform the old Ottoman Empire that hoped to reverse its decline included military reform during the time of Selim to improving the educational system and bureaucratic reform in the hope of restoring the glory of the empire. When these reform efforts still failed, the last Ottoman caliph Abdulhammit II resorted to an autocratic rule and adopted religious ideology in his hope to unify and reverse the decline of the old Ottoman Empire. But instead of reversing the decline, Abdulhammit II instead set the conditions for the inevitable fall of the old Ottoman Empire with his lavish lifestyle that dra gged the empire into bankruptcy and was eventually deposed in 1909. The final nail on the coffin of the old empire’s demise was when the old Ottoman Empire sided with Germany in the First World War where the country was divided into pieces to become Turkey that it is today. This change to a Republic political life was not a conscious choice of the old Ottoman Empire as it always struggles to maintain the caliphate political system embarking on a series of reform from rehabilitating its military to improving its educational system and bureaucracy but it was already too late. Not even the adoption of a western concept of a Constitution saved the empire from disintegration. In sum, the old Ottoman Empire was forced by both by internal (bankruptcy, ineffective bureaucracy) and external (siding with Germany who lost in the First World War I) circumstances to change and adapt with the modern world.   The strong western ideology had also influenced the old empire to adapt to moder nity and along with it, is the abandonment of caliphate political system and autocratic form of government to constitution based republic form of government.   Despite these changes in Turkey’s political life and structure, the old traces of the former Ottoman ideology can still be found in modern Turkey.   Among this Ottoman ideology that remained in Turkey and in the Middle East is the strong sense of Islamic nationalism which used to bind and unify Turkey before.   Its sense of the greatness of being a great empire did not diminish with present Turkey as it is considered as one of the progressive countries in the Middle East and in the world albeit it is only a fraction of its former might when the former Ottoman Empire was at its height.      

Social penetration theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Social penetration theory - Essay Example For purposes of this analysis, cognitive dissonance will be understood as a process whereby the advertiser is able to evoke a key level of differential, as well as direct and indirect appreciation for this, within the mind of the individual who is impacted by such advertising. Although seeking to measure such a dynamic and marketing and psychological advertising would necessarily require a dissertation length response, this brief analysis will seek to engage the reader with an understanding of how celebrity within advertising works to create a more favorable impression with regards to the imagery and understanding of the product itself. Furthermore, as a means of performing such an analysis, it will be necessary to engage the reader with a discussion and appreciation of the means by which consciousness, social psychology, and motivation (as well as many subcategories of each of these) all work together to affect such an end in the minds of the potential consumer. Moreover, three spec ific academic studies will be utilized as a means of drawing inference upon the hypothesis of this research which regards the understanding that celebrity influences a great deal upon the level in which a potential consumer has to interact with the given good/service/product. Likewise, the first of these studies which will be engaged is with respect to the level to which consciousness factors into the way in which the potential consumer engages with celebrity endorsement and/or celebrity suggestion. This helps to focus a level of analysis upon the ultimate degree to which cognitive dissonance can be affected within a celebrity endorsement. Ultimately, the way in which the marketer seeks to portray overall consciousness within a product offering is almost invariably linked to an identification of self awareness. For instance, the article in question â€Å"Celebrity Selection & Role of Celebrities in creating Brand Awareness and Brand Preference† elaborates upon the way in which a

Im not sure about the topic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 4

Im not sure about the topic - Essay Example Cardio-respiratory exercise engages and relies on the type of exercise, period, concentration and the speed. Examples of aerobic training activities are swimming, basketball, running among others while weightlifting is an example of anaerobic exercise. Preventable diseases that result from lack of exercises include obesity, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular ailments. Body composition is the bodily fitness aspect that is determined from the relative quantities of body organs, body fat content, muscle, and skeleton. Determining body composition is crucial in the establishment of the baseline measurement, conducted prior to the launch of the exercise program. The analysis of body composition is also vital in evaluation of the progress in the course of the fitness program. Several methods of establishing body composition exist. A simplified method relies on the use of the thickness in skin folds to establish subcutaneous fat. This method is however less accurate when compared with the hydrostatic testing which involves underwater weighing. Hydrostatic testing is nonetheless expensive and as such is not easily available and certain individuals do not tolerate this

Review 5_2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Review 5_2 - Essay Example Semi-automated handling systems involves the utilization of typical equipment such as automated guided vehicles, computerizes sortation, robotics, and live tracks. Semi-automated systems are often used to supplement the mechanized handling systems. The general working principle of the system is that it contains a mechanical system, whose operations are automated by either programming or applying other formats (Codourey, Zesch, Buchi & Siegwart, 1995). Automated handling systems are integrated system involving such activities as handling, and controlling of materials by use of fully computerized equipment, in which, their entire operation is fully dependent on the computer instructions directed to them. The system includes digital conveyors; Automated guided vehicle and automated storage and retrieval systems. In these systems, computers direct automatic loaders to pick and place items where they are required. Automatic guided vehicles are driverless vehicles, in which their control unit is connected to a computer interface to manage their function. Automated material handling systems improve efficiency of transportation, storage and retrieval of materials (Viswanadham & Narahari, 1992). Information directed systems combines the control typical of automated handling with the flexibility of mechanized systems. Informational directed systems use mechanized processing controlled by information technology. The most common examples of information directed systems are the RF controlled equipment and the light detected operations. Consumer packaging is a package that is customarily produced or distributed for sale through retail sales agencies for consumption or use by individuals for the purposes of personal care. Industrial packaging is particularly a package intended solely for industrial or institutional use or wholesale distribution (Chandra & Kamrani, 2003). Consumer packaging is an essential in the contemporary society.

Internet Protocol V.6 (IPv6) Deployment and Security Concerns Essay

Internet Protocol V.6 (IPv6) Deployment and Security Concerns - Essay Example This paper will present a detailed analysis of the new version of the internet protocol (IPV6) and security issues and deployment concerns of the newest version of this Internet Protocol (IPv6). This paper will also follow the current problems with current Internet Protocol (IPv4) and related security issues. Hasenstein (1997) states that the the research and develoment on the internet protocol was started in the 1960s, the computing environment was not the like as it is nowadays. In addition, there was less number of consumers of internet as compared to today. At that time the telecommunications lines used to support the high-speed networks were not so powerful, quick, and error-free as they are today. Also, the appli ­cations transmitted over the internet involved smaller data packets, and there was not such a demand to transmit them in real time. As these demands on the internet began to grow, the designers and developers decided to create a modern and up-to-date internet protocol by taking the advantage of the current technology. Consequently, IPv4 was created (Hasenstein; Blumenthal and Clark; R. M. Hinden). According to Hinden (2003), the internet protocol version 6 is the advanced generation Internet Protocol version 4 that was intended to improve the features of IPv4. In addition, internet protocol version 4 was widespread in use that is still in dominant utilization. This IP4 version is the internet layer protocol intended for internetworks of packet-switched method. The fundamental driving force for the renovation of the internet protocol was the anticipated internet protocol version 4 addresses exhaustion that are reduced by increased number of users and machines connected to the internet. The newer version IPv-6 was initially released in December 1998 by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). The IETF has published an internet standard specification

The Marketing Macroenvironment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Marketing Macroenvironment - Essay Example This is defined as one of the central ideas and concepts of marketing (Moore and Pareek 2006). But what is marketing exactly? Well, for one, marketing as a word has many definitions. For the common and layman’s terms, it is associated with selling or advertising. However, it has more meanings to it than that. For one, it is the process of creating, distributing, promoting and pricing goods, services or ideas in order to foster a satisfying relationship between manufacturers or other sources of goods, and the customers (Pride and Ferrell 2012). Also, one of its goals is to maintain this relationship as favorable as possible in order to facilitate more exchanges, not just with the buying customers but also other stakeholders as well, This would include other people that may not be necessarily buying the goods or services, but have financial input in the product or firm. This may also include people that do not have any direct interaction with the company itself, but may have pot ential as customers or stakeholders in the future. Another definition of marketing is defined by the American Marketing Association in 2005 as: â€Å"an organizational function and a set of processes for creating, communicating, and delivering value to customers and for managing customer relationships in ways that benefit the organization and its stakeholders† (Ries and Trout 2006). Also, in the realm of marketing, it is said that the customer holds the key as to whether the company or firm would be able to thrive or even become successful in terms of profits and development. Therefore, in order to become successful, a firm or company must be able to give satisfaction to their customers, and this lasting positive relationship between them would define the company as a whole (Silk 2006). The whole concept of marketing has many aspects as well as other deciding factors in the course of action of a firm or company. These would very well depend on the marketing environment. It is defined as the environment surrounding a company and its organization which can have an effect on its profits or even its reputation (Petzer, et al. 2006). For example, in the law of supply and demand, if there is low supply and a large demand, all competing companies would have a chance to create relationships to all customers, and by creating better services than the competition would make the company successful. However, if there is a large supply coming in from different competing groups of companies, the competition would be tougher since there would be more opponents to face, as well as the large market being divided among the competitors. Thus, being able to stand out among the rest would really make or break the company as a whole, as compared to only having a few competitors at hand (Petzer, et al. 2006). The marketing environment also has different factors that can affect it. These can be either be the microenviroment or the macroenvironment. The microenvironment is found in the company organization itself. The influence of the organization

John Snow Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

John Snow - Assignment Example John Snow, also known as the father of epidemiology, is a renowned British physician who played a major role in discovering the real cause of cholera. He propounded that cholera was a water-borne disease which is caused by the oral ingestion of the disease-causing germs. Following this theory, he also succeeded in tracing the source of the spread of cholera during an outbreak of the epidemic in Soho. (Vinten-Johansen et. al., 2004). Snow was born and brought up in York region of England. After completing his preliminary education till the age of 14, he began working as an apprentice to a surgeon. During his tenure as a surgical apprentice, Snow gathered valuable knowledge about the fundamental concepts of medical science and learnt multiple skills that are essential for a physician. This period in his life was extremely influential in the growth and development of Snow in the domain of medicine and surgery. He understood the mechanism of spread of diseases, learnt ways to restrict the spread of diseases, observed many surgeries taking place and came to know the ways to ensure the welfare of patients. This period not only marked a learning phase in the life of Snow but also saw his emergence as a skilled physician. He developed a scientific approach for administering pharmaceuticals to the patient with respect to their dosage and personal identifiers. (Piarroux and Faucher, 2012). For instance, he showed how the human body responded to different doses of anesthetic drugs. (Ball, 2008). Though the approach was formulated several decades back by Snow, the intervention still continues to be followed worldwide in the practice of medical science today. In the late 1840s, a widespread outbreak of cholera was witnessed in London. During this period Snow, using his scientific methodology, was able to discover the nature of a dangerous strain of cholera. By the use of

Compensation Management Essay Example for Free

Compensation Management Essay Compensation does not refer, however, to other kinds of eployee rewards such as recognition ceremonies and achievement parties. The ultimate objectives of compensation administration are: efficient maintenance of a productive  workforce,  equitable pay, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations based on what companies can afford. The basic concept of compensation administration—compensation management—is rather simple: employees perform tasks for employers and so companies pay employees wages for the jobs they do. Consequently, compensation is an exchange or a transaction, from which both parties—employers and employees—benefit: both parties receive something for giving something. Compensation, however, involves much more than this simple transaction. From the employers perspective, compensation is an issue of both affordability and  employee motivation. Companies must consider what they can reasonably afford to pay their employees and the ramifications of their decisions: will they affect  employee turnover  and productivity? In addition, some employers and managers believe pay can influence employee work ethic and behaviour and hence link compensation to performance. Moreover social, economic, legal, and political forces also exert influence on compensation management, making it a complicated yet important part of managing a business. Compensation and Reward system plays vital role in a business organization. Since, among four Ms, i. e Men, Material, Machine and Money, Men has been most important factor, it is impossible to imagine a business process without Men. Advantages of Fair Compensation System: Therefore a fair compensation system is a must for every business organization. The fair compensation system will help in the following: 1. If an ideal compensation system is designed, it will have positive impact on the efficiency and results produced by workmen. 2. Such system will encourage the normal worker to perform better and achieve the standards fixed. 3. This system will encourage the process of job evaluation. It will also help in setting up an ideal job evaluation, which will have transparency, and the standards fixing would be more realistic and achievable. . Such a system would be well defined and uniform. It will be apply to all the levels of the organization as a general system. 5. The system would be simple and flexible so that every worker/recipient would be able to compute his own compensation receivable. 6. Such system would be easy to implement, so that it would not penalize the workers for the reasons beyond their control and would not result in exploitation of workers. 7. It will raise the morale, efficiency and cooperation among the workers. It, being just and fair would provide satisfaction to the workers. 8. Such system would help management in complying with the various labor acts. 9. Such system would also bring about amicable settlement of disputes between the workmen union and management. 10. The system would embody itself the principle of equal work equal wages. Encouragement for those who perform better and opportunities for those who wish to excel. Need for designing of compensation Policy: After going through the role and essentials of a sound compensation system, it becomes imperative that every business organization should be set up for itself a proper Compensation Policy. The Management of the organization must have well-designed Compensation Policy. The policy calls for deciding the criteria for promotions, up-gradations etc. It would also be necessary to fix up the standard expectations from each and every workmen/employee. The policy should determine the norms to be followed for Performance Appraisal or Job Evaluation. It should also chalk out the need for training, provisions for fringe benefits, welfare schemes etc. It must prescribe the manner in which such benefits would be extended and levels within the organization to which such benefits are extendable. The incentive schemes and its details, Pay package structure, Tax implications etc. are matters of concern while designing the compensation Policy. Importance of Compensation System: Money makes the mare go is the proverb. It holds good for all the factors participating in the business process expects its fair share of prosperity of the business. Compensation/ Reward System play a vital role in the business organization. And its importance can be very well ascertained as follows: 1. Sound Compensation/Reward System brings amicability and peace in the relationship of employer and employees. . The system brings out the best out of every employee in the organization. It aims at creating a healthy competition among them. And as such, encourages them to work hard and efficiently. 3. The system provides adequate opportunities to those who wish to perform better. The system provides growth and advancement opportunities to the deserving employees. 4. The system upholds the principle of equal wages. It provides transparency and parity too. 5. The perfect Compensation system provides platform for happy and satisfied workforce, this minimizes the labour turnover. The organization enjoys the stability. 6. The organization is able to retain the best talent by providing them adequate compensation thereby stopping them from switching over to another job. 7. The business organization can think of expansion and growth if it has the support of skillful, talented and happy workforce. 8. The sound Compensation system is hallmark of Organization’s success and prosperity. The success and stability of organization is measured with pay-package it provides to its employees. 9. Both employer and employees get benefited because of the sound Compensation System. 0. A sound Compensation System helps the organization keep pace with changing environment. It helps the organization to cope up with the wage levels in neighboring industries. 11. Sound Compensation System minimizes the complaints from the employees, provides them the congenial work environment to perform better and sets up for them the targets to be achieved. Definite targets help employees kn ow their role in the organization, which minimize wastage, and enhance overall efficiency. It also helps organization to reduce the cost of production and maximize profits The Compensation System Time RatePiece rate BonusProfit sharingIndirect Monetary Incentive Time Rate System: This system is divided into three categories. Time Rates Ordinary level High Wage LevelGraduated Time Rates Ordinary Level: It is calculated on time (daily, monthly, weekly etc. )The formula for calculation of salary is Rate per hour X Hours worked = Earnings (RPH X HW=E). High Wage Level: It is calculated on hourly basis put over time is not paid. The formula for calculation of salary is RPH X HW = E Graduate System: Payment: the basic is linked with dearness cost of living. The index of cost of living is varying and that is considered for calculating the remuneration. Formula: Basic Salary is Rs. 2,000/- and Cost of living Index (D. A) is 100% then, Rs 2000+100% of Rs 2000 as cost of living is added, thus total remuneration is Rs. 4000/-. It is after 6 months, cost of living index change 150%. Then basic salary + 150 % of basic salary si. e Rs 3,000/- will make it Rs, 5000. Piece Rate/ Payment Rate (Payment by Results) System of Piece Rate (Payment by Results) Straight Piece RatePiece ;amp; Time Combination Differential Piece Rate Taylor System Merrick System Gantt Task System Straight Piece Rate: Payment: Flat rate is applicable per unit, which is predetermined. The time spent is not considered. Formula: PPR X O = Earnings. Piece Rate and Time Rate Combinations: Payment: It is a dual rate system, designed to perfect inefficient workers. The worker is ensured to get the minimum payment. If the payment is calculated on the basis of piece rate guarantees and number of pieces fall below the minimum wages guaranteed, he is paid by time Rate. Differential Piece rate: Payment: In favour of piece rate system, minimum wages were assured. However, under this system, instead of combining time-rate and piece-rate, there are dual rates for different efficiency level. The purpose behind keeping high piece rate for higher efficiency is as the level of production increases, the cost per unit falls. Bonus: Bonus is given by the company to their employees as a reward. It is been fixed by the government i. e 8. 33%. Bonus encourages the employees to work hard. It is a motivating factor for the employees to improve their efficiency. Profit Sharing: Profit Sharing is the most motivating factor. When the company makes profit it gives some kind of share to their employees as an Annual increment. This helps to motive employees to work hard and get more increment. Indirect Monetary Incentive: Indirect Monetary Incentives like traveling allowance, HRA, Dearness allowance, medical facility etc. are very motivating for the employees. Elements or ingredients of a good wage plan: Before we discuss these two plans, it would be fruitful to know the ingredients of a good wage plan. These are:- 1. It should be easily understandable i. e all the employees should easily understand what they are to get for their work. They should be instructed in how the wage plan works. 2. It should be capable of easy computation i. e. it should be sufficiently simple to permit quick calculation. Mathematical tables may be supplied, by reference to which calculations can be quickly made. 3. It should be capable of effectively motivating the employees, i. e it should provide an incentive for work. If both the quality and quantity of work are to be stressed at the same time, a plan should be selected that will not unduly influence the worker to work too fast or to become careless about quality. . It should provide for remuneration to employees as soon as possible after the effort has been made. Daily or weekly payment of wage would be preferable to induce employees to work. 5. It should be relatively stable rather than frequently varying so that employees are assured of a stable amount of money. Reasons or factors affecting wage differentials: Wages differ in different employments or occupations, industries and loc alities, and also between persons in the same employment or grade. One therefore comes across such terms as occupational wage differentials. Wage differentials have been classified into three categories: First, the differentials that can be attributed to imperfections in the employment markets, such as the limited knowledge of workers in regard to alternative job opportunities available elsewhere, obstacles to geographical, occupational or inter-firm mobility of workers, or time lags in the adjustments of resource distribution and changes in the scope and structure of economic activities. Examples of such wage differentials are inter-industry; inter firm and geographical or inter-area wage differentials. Second, the wage differentials which originate in social values and prejudices and which are deeper and more persistent than economic factors. Wage differentials by sex, age, status or ethnic origin belong to this category. Third, occupational wage differentials, which would exist even if employment markets were perfect and social prejudices, were absent. Wage differential arises because of the following factors:- a. Difference in the efficiency of the labour, which may be due to inborn quality, education and conditions under which work may be done. . The existence of non-competing group due to difficulties in the way of the mobility of labour from low paid to high paid employments. c. Difference in the agreeableness or social esteem of employment. d. Differences in the nature of employment and occupations. Norms for Fixation of Wages in Industry: 1. While computing the minimum wages, the standard working class family should be considered as consisting of four consumption units and t he earnings of women, children and adolescents should be excluded. . The minimum food requirements should be determined on the grounds of a net intake of 2700 calories as laid down by Akroyd for a normal adult in India. 3. Clothing needs should be established on the basis of a per capita consumption of 16. 62 meters per year. 4. As regards housing, the minimum wages should be determined from the standpoint of the rent corresponding to the minimum area specified under the government Industrial Housing Scheme. 5. Miscellaneous expenditure on items such fuel, lighting etc. hould from 20 per cent of the total minimum wage. The resolution further prescribes that the authorities involved in the issue should justify any deviation from these norms. Retirement benefits related enactments in India: Employees’ Provident Fund Act The Act was passed with a view to making some provision for the future of the industrial worker after his retirement or for his dependents in case of his early death and inculcating the habit of saving among the workers. The object of the Act is to provide substantial security and timely monetary assistance to industrial employees and their families when they are in distress and or unable to meet family and social obligations and to protect them in old age, disablement, early death of the bread winner and in some other contingencies. The act provides for a scheme for the institution of Provident Fund for specified classes of employees. Accordingly, the Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme was framed under Section 5 of the Act, which came into force on 1st November, 1952. Main features of the Act The Act is applicable to factorize and other establishments engaged in specified industries classes of establishment, which have completed three years of their existence and employing 20 or more persons. The Act, however, does not apply to co-operative societies employing less than 50 persons and working without the aid of power. An establishment, which is not otherwise coverable under the Act, can be covered voluntarily with the mutual consent of the employer and the majority of the employees. Employees drawing a pay not exceeding Rs. 5000 per month (And now it is amended to Rs. 6500/- ecently) are eligible for membership of the fund. Every employee employed in or in connection with the fund from the date of joining the factory or establishment. The normal rate of contribution to the provident fund by the employees and the employers as prescribed in the Act is 10 percent of the pay of the employees. The term â€Å"wages† includes basic wage. Dearness allowance including cash value of food concession and retaining allowance, if any. Employees’ State Insurance Scheme The Employees’ State Insurance Scheme Act, 1948 is a pioneering measure in the field of social insurance in our country. This act came into force from 19th April, 1948. The Scheme under the Act aims at providing for certain cash benefits to employees in the case of sickness, maternity, employment injury and medical facilities in kind, and to make provisions for certain other matters in relations thereto. The term â€Å"employee† has wide connotation and would include within its scope functions of clerical, manual, technical and supervisory. Persons whose remuneration (excluding remuneration for overtime work) does not exceed Rs. 6500 a month are covered under the Act. The Act does not make any distinction between causal or temporary employees or between technical or non-technical employees. Employees employed directly by the principal employer and those employed by or through contractor. However, the definition of â€Å"employee† does not include any member of the Indian naval, military or air force. Compensation Structure and its components: One of the most vital factors the motivation, retention and the morale amongst the employees is the compensation system, policies and review philosophies of any organization. While the bargain able employees generally have their unions to negotiate or review terms with the Management-which are governed by the Long Term Settlements- the terms of the managerial employees are mostly seen to be at the mercy or the goodwill of the organization, reviews of which may or may not be regular or timely, or often do not seem to meet the expectations or logic of such employees. Management Compensation therefore, now plays a very significant part along with the working style and environment, empowerment etc. in the organization’s success strategy. While individual organizations may have differences in their methodologies based on factors best suited their perceived needs, some general directions are evident, and are discussed below. 1. Salary, Basic Salary or Consolidated Salary continues to remain as the major component of compensation, though Salary Scales are often discarded these days, or used only as guides. Individual Salary is generally decided initially using the Scale, but thereafter performance, contribution to targets or results generated determine the revisions periodically, which may vary widely from individual to individual. Salary broad handling is therefore, getting recognition and acceptance. 2. Grade wise flat Allowance is being considered generally, except where tax exemption benefits are still available, when they continue as separate components. Allowances may be linked to the Salary as a percentage or by slabs, but preference is for flat amounts, which do not increase automatically, and therefore increase could be discretionary, and therefore controllable. 3. Reimbursements of expenses incurred on Company work has become limited, and in line to conform to the tax laws. Being actual in most cases, they are not considered as a part of the compensation, unless it is provided towards personal benefits. 4. Annual payments: Bonus or Commission, and Leave travel are common features some tax reliefs apply for the latter. 5. Benefits generally comprise of mostly unfurnished company owned or leased accommodation, use of company or leased vehicles, medical coverage, retrial benefits covering Provident Fund, Pension or Superannuation and Gratuity, post-retrial medical assistance, easy loan schemes at low or zero interest rates for house building, cars or vehicles, furniture or utility items etc. enting employees owned housing, club entrance free reimbursement etc. Minor benefits could be provision of security, driver or gardening assistance, else of products or assets at a concessional rate, relocation and transfer expenses including admission etc. fees for children, credit card fees, phones etc. 6. Employee stock option schemes which has been popular in IT in dustry-,is not extensively used yet, not being tax advantageous to other industries, nor seen as being very attractive with lesser growth trends for their share values especially in the well-established older companies. 7. Most companies, as against earlier visible costs, use the â€Å"Total cost to the Company† concept as basis. Cost of the most benefits are averaged or computed on actual basis, and within the system of the overall cost, but with greater compliance to tax laws, this basket concept is on the wane. 8. Retiral benefits: Some in recognition of the past contribution of pensioners, and to partly offset the inflation post retirement practices periodic improvement in pensions, or a guaranteed grade minimum pension. 9. Performance Bonus that does not increase future liability is being given more as recognition of results generated. It requires transparent, balanced and fair systems and benchmarks, and also agrees targets by the managers in advance during planning and review discussions. 10. From the earlier grade oriented compensation system within reasonable boundaries, compensation often has to be somewhat tailor made for specialist or key contributors to retain them in the very volatile job market. 11. Compensation review periods have become annual generally and sometimes oftener, as compared to every three to five years earlier, in the fast changing market situation. Conclusion To summarize, the need to regularly carry out detailed compensation reviews both within and out of the organisation with full support and commitment from the top is essential. Openness and transparency are important to the managers in the very sensitive and personal issues of management i. e. remuneration, and therefore policies and practices should match. The remuneration and the system have to be fair and dynamic Dealing with human feelings still remains a competitively attractive feature.

Middle Childhood: Evaluation of Development and Milestones

Middle Childhood: Evaluation of Development and Milestones These dimensions are not separate, they overlap consistently, for instance, can strongly influence another. Writing words, for an example, requires physical development (sub-category: fine motor skills) but it also requires language which falls under a part of the cognitive development. This essay discusses the developmental period of middle childhood (usually defined as ages 6 to about 12), addresses the milestones faced for this age group. It considers the theorists that have contributed frameworks and a deeper understanding in regards to human development and aging. Furthermore, an analysis of the environmental influences that foster typical middle childhood development shall be provided using the Bronfenbrenners model and then examines how conditions such as Auditory Processing Difficulties, might impact the development for an individual. Humans experience numerous periods of development throughout their lifecycle. Due to this, developmental stages are commonly defined as milestones. These are acknowledged as skills gained or age-specific tasks that are achieved within a stage identified usually by an age range, although these age specifications are generally used as guidelines to assist in identification of potential developmental delays as well. In modern western cultures, these identified stages in life are typically categorised into eight periods consisting of the following titles: Prenatal period, infancy, preschool period, middle childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, middle adulthood and late adulthood. Middle childhood, however, is around the identified age where children obtain an access to new settings, they witness pressures that present them with distinctive developmental encounters. Having achieved prior life milestones, the child is now moving into expanding roles and environments. Milestones typically associated with this stage is the development of foundational skills for building social relations and the preparation for adolescence beginning with entry into a school system and is denotes growing intellectual skills as well as the physical ability (Berk, 2014). For example, in the physical domain (domain interest lays in body size/systems, physical health, and brain development) the developmental growth continues at a firm rate but characteristics for this age group consist of youths mastering physical skills and exhibiting better command of large muscles (gross motor than fine motor) in addition to exhibiting better balance and coordination. Psychosocial development (pers onal and interpersonal aspects) would be an increased interaction with that of same-sex peers (Burton, 2015). Developmental Theorists and their Outlined Milestones Throughout history, theories have developed a model for understanding a persons thoughts, emotions, and general behavior. However, four major theoretical viewpoints are considered when developing an understanding of human development: The psychoanalytical viewpoint (established by Sigmund Freud and reviewed by Erik Erikson), the learning perspective (developed by Pavlov, Watson, Skinner and Bandura), the cognitive viewpoint (advanced by Piaget, Vygotsky) and the systems theory approach (exemplified by Bronfenbrenner and Gottlieb). Each theory produced emphases on a particular facet within development. When Sigmund Freud devised a psycho-sexual theory of development the domain of interest was in regards to how the mind works and what causes particular behaviors in individuals.This model proposed a sequence of psychosexual points, highlighting the possibility of problematic experiences leading to fixations or regressions (Burton et al., 2015). The characterization for middle childhood was known as the latency stage, it places importance on privacy and understanding their body.This stage is considered the time where sexual energy is at rest (quiet libido) between the early childhood and adolescence; the youths psychic energy began to narrow its focus primarily on social and cognitive growth (Sigelman Rider, 2009). This aspect of Freuds design is also captured by Eriksons emphasis on the development of a childs sense of industry. Erik Erikson established a social-developmental theory emphasising the social and emotional facets of human development (Sigelman Rider, 2009). For each of the eight stages developed, there was an identified milestone that exists for healthy personality development to occur. Industry versus inferiority stage (6 to 12 years) was considered the point where a child obtained a sense of self-worth from involvement.Children must master significant social and academic skills while matching their peers efforts otherwise, risk feeling inferior (Burton et al., 2015). It was the point where either the child established a sense of industry (providing a sense of purpose and confidence in their ability to be successful) or a sense of inferiority (cannot accomplish what is expected). Burton, Westen, and Kowalski (2015) outlines Ivan Pavlovs published work; his learning research regarding the salivation response in dogs began known as classical conditioning. Although bothJ.Watson and B.F.Skinner followed on from the work of Pavlov they rejected the psycho-analytical theory expressed by Freuds and explained his theory through the usage of learning principles establishing a learning perspective (behaviourism). This emphasised that behaviour is influenced by environmental stimuli and highlights a childs experiences. Furthermore, it suggests a mind is originally a blank slate gradually being moulded, while development is considered a response to positive and negative reinforcement. While Watson placed focused on the role of classical conditioning (the understanding of emotional responses) in his work, Skinner highlighted operant conditioning involving reinforcement and punishment (Sigelman Rider, 2009). The behavioural child development theory differs to the other th ree major viewpoints as it does not consider internal thoughts or feelings. Jean Piagets developmental theory focused on predictable cognitive (thinking) stages, particularly in regards to children. He described how they think and learn about the world they are currently observing; their mental operations. This was done through the usage of terms to describe processes (schemata, adaptation, assimilation, and accommodation) (Sigelman Rider, 2009). These processes occur during each stage of development and characteristics of thought among children were used to form various stages to identify milestones. The school-age (6-12 years) were identified as the concrete operational stage: the child is capable of mature thought when allowed to manipulate and see objects (Burton et al., 2015). The capability to solve practical, real-world problems is present. In addition, school-age children tend to be able to classify objects per several features, ordering in an arrangement of a single dimension (e.g. size) though egocentric thought tends to decline during this stage (Shaffer Kepp, 2009). Thus, when considering Piagets view, the significant psychological accomplishments in regards to middle childhood underlines in the intellectual competence field. The role of social interaction in learning was emphasised in a sociocultural theory of cognitive development, developed by Lev Vygotsky. His model proposes children collaborate and strive together on tasks to enhance their levels of understanding and development (Sigelman Rider, 2009; Shaffer Kepp, 2009). Humans are described as social creatures and being social beings childrens minds are developed through guided participation. Thus, Vygotskys zone of proximal development is a framework that stretches from sole performance to collaborative cooperation (Burton et al., 2015). Environmental factors directly impact development in ones lifespan. Unhygienic living situations (home environment) can harm health and developmental growth for children, while isolation can hinder social development.When little mental or sensory stimulation is provided within a childs environment, cognitive development can delay. The contribution between the innateness of genes based behaviours and the environmental factors areoften discussed in developmental psychology and referred to as the nature vs. nurture debate (Burton et al., 2015). Urie Bronfenbrenners model, The Ecological Systems Theory, suggests that there are different environments encountered across ones lifespan that may influence behaviour.This theory focuses on the interactions and influences of the outside environment on human development (Ben Price, 2011). It differs from the previous theories discussed prior in this essay due to the emphasis on outer world (community, school, and political systems) influence. Bronfenbrenner (1979) suggests that all surroundings need to be measured when identifying a childs development defining environment as a set of nested structures each inside the next like a set of Russian dolls. Therefore, the developing person is said to be at the centre of (embedded) in a system of five socially organised subsystems, all contained within the next. This theory outlines impacts on a childs cognitive, social and emotional development. The microsystem (first layer) represents the most influence on a childs development. Consisting of all experiences and impacts directly affecting the immediate environment of a child including family, school, peers (Berk, 2007). The interactions at this level are considered bidirectional relationships (an impact in two directions).For example, while children are being impacted by the people in their microsystems, their biologically and socially influenced traits (habits, capabilities, temperaments) effect behaviour of the company (Bronfenbrenner, 1979). Of the entire ecological systems theory, this is the most influential layer in regards to directly impacting a childs life development. The mesosystem (second layer) consists of the exchanges between different parts of a childs microsystem, it depicts the interrelations among such microsystems as peer groups or schools (Berk, 2015).Bronfenbrenner (1979) argues that when a childs environment contains supportive links between microsystems that development is optimized. For example, a childs ability to learn with an educational institution would depend on the quality of instruction that the teachers provide.Therefore, this is the layer where a childs independent microsystems do not necessarily function independently, but instead, asserting an impact upon another one. If there is trouble with interactions in one microsystem this will potentially affect others (butterfly effect). Although the prior layers are the most direct and influential in regards to a developing child, the following still impact development; the exosystem refers to settings in which the person is affected but not an active contributor. It indirectly influences experiences and is the third level of Bronfenbrenners ecological systems theory. In addition, the level, macrosystem, focuses on cultural values, laws, health ways that are affected by interactions with another. The final layer (chronosystem) reflects the dimension of time regarding the childs environment and can be external or internal factors as it consists of the experiences that have been undertaken during ones lifetime (Berk, 2007). This theory emphases influences (social, political and economic contexts) in which development occurs and been considered culturally sensitive. It acknowledges the presence of mutual interactions between, for example, a child and its various settings (Berk, 2007).To summarise and illustrate this theory, a child is placed in a centre of concentric circles representing a variety of different factors which all influence. Each of these layers of circles inexorably interacts with and influences each other including, every aspect of the individuals life.How each aspect interacts with the child will influence growth; the more nurturing these relationships founded, the better the child will be able to grow (Bronfenbrenner, 1979).However, a childs biology (genetic and influenced personality traits), plays part in affecting how others treat them; when a change/conflict occurs in one of the systems, it can produce changes in the other systems too. Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is identified as a neurological defect that impacts how the brain processes spoken language. It is an inability to process sound meanings from surrounding environments (Lucker, n.d.).The central nervous system (CNS) is a vast system, known to be responsible for various functions (memory, attention, language etc.) APD in the broadest sense refers to how the CNS uses auditory information although APD individuals typically have regular hearing, it is the struggle to process and make meaning of sounds/verbal information, particularly when in presence of background noises (Bidwell, 2016). Poor expressive and receptive communication can arise due to this and generally leads to the deterioration of behaviour. Other behavioural indicators found to occur with APD children include mishearing/discrimination of sound difficulties, problematic direction following (predominantly multi-step), slow responsiveness to questions/instructions and short-term memory issues (Lucker, n.d.). In addition, an insensitivity to subtle properties of sound (pitch, volume, rhythm and stress) are all considered symptoms of APD. Formal diagnoses of auditory processing difficulties cannot be made by an audiologist until the age of 7 years when the system has maturated (Auditory Processing Disorder, 2015). Although, by 5 years speech-language pathologists, audiologists and/or psychologists are able to administer a sound based screening test in addition to auditory based language tests to determine if a child is at risk or showing signs of APD. A 3-5% estimation was apparent for children to be affected, worldwide (Mountjoy, 2002). Misdiagnosis/Testing: APD is often confused with other disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, social delays, impairments in language or cognitive deficits etc. Multidisciplinary approaches are considered an accurate means for diagnosing this disorder due to the similarity in symptoms of other disorders (Bellis, 1997). This approach generally involves a child being assessed by an audiologist in addition to an educational psychologist and a Speech and Language Pathologist. Commonly misidentified most as an attention deficit due to similar types of behavioural problems consists with disorders such as ADHD or attention deficit disorder (ADD). Although coping mechanisms used for a child with attention deficit will not be effective for a child suffering from auditory processing difficulties (Musiek, Frank E., et al., 2010). Most APD children have a difficult time staying focused due to the inability to understand what is being communicated to them or they are bothered by the environmental background that most can block out. Possible Impacts and Long-Term Consequences: As discussed previously the concept of individuality is developing during middle childhood. Children can develop skills that enable them to work around challenges presented with APD, if left undiagnosed or unmanaged, however, lifelong difficulties become apparent. Effects of this disorder are individualised and the severity varies, as there are several categorises in regards to auditory processing issues: Auditory discrimination, auditory figure-ground discrimination, auditory memory and auditory sequencing; precise auditory skills may be needing to be developed for a child to progress (Bellis, 1997). Although, APD does impact all aspects of someones lifespan development: physical, cognitive and socioemotional. Language and communication are vital for a childs development and for life in general, competence in these areas enable bridges to be formed for engaging in social relationships, behaviour and emotion regulation.Language development is interrelated with social development when a child experiences difficulties with language (whether due to APD or otherwise) it can cause problematic relationships (with peers or parents for example) (Musiek, Frank E., et al., 2010).Adequate communicate is a necessity for children as expression of their feelings, thoughts and needs are vital in establishing, forming deep connections and preserving friendships, especially at this stage of development. Other areas of impact include academics, often children with APD experience complications developing reading and writing (language) skills. Developing phonemic awareness and vowel knowledge is a milestone often encountered with children associated with this disorder. Syllables that are not emphasised or contain similar sounds (e.g. free instead of three) may continue to cause complications long after other classmates have learned to correct themselves (Lucker, n.d. Auditory Processing Australia, 2016). This can invoke lowering self-esteem and a sense of inferiority among peers. Support for APD Children Direct intervention for APD (e.g. auditory training) combined with improved environmental settings and enhanced communication techniques in order to support and assist children can compensate for the difficulties experienced. Compensatory strategies, for example, would enable a child to recognise circumstances where their listening will be challenged and counter-tactics that could be used in such circumstances (Bidwell, 2016 Bellis, 1997). Bidwell (2016) proposes changes in ones environment can provide support to individuals with APD enabling more effective listening and learning. For example, eliminating environmental disruptions, say in an educational atmosphere (classroom) provides support because anything that captures the childs focus would minimised/decreased. Other probable distractions with classroom situations include background noise and visual clutter. In addition, there are general strategies that can be supportive for a child experiencing auditory processing difficulties: educating speakers on effective methods for communicating with the child (e.g. minimal language complexity and clear talking), or direct therapy for a type of impaired auditory functions are two. Recommendations, however, should be customised for each child, taking into consideration their personal and environmental factors (Bellis, 1997). In conclusion, the lifespan is across the age range, topics of importance vary among the periods of development (e.g. middle childhood) and the milestones faced are dependent on these stages. Major developmental theorists and theories were developed to establish an understanding of how we as humans change over time. In addition, this essay outlined the environmental influences that foster for typical development within the stage of middle childhood and examined how the condition of auditory processing difficulties might impact development for an individual.      Ã‚   References Auditory Processing Australia. (2016). Auditory Processing In the classroom. Retrieved January 2, 2017, from Auditory Processing, http://www.auditoryprocessing.com.au/computer-tablet-based-interventions-2/ Auditory Processing Disorder. (2015). CAPD central Auditory processing disorder. Retrieved January 2, 2017, from APD -Auditory Processing Disorder, http://auditoryprocessingdisorder.com.au/capd/ Ben Price (2011, October 27). Bronfenbrenners ecological systems. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjhDYR1NbZYfeature=youtu.be Bellis, T. (1997). Understanding Auditory Processing Disorders in Children. Retrieved December 29, 2016, from American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/disorders/understand-apd-child.htm Berk, L.E. (2014). Development through the lifespan, (6th ed), Pearson, Boston, MA. Berk, L. E. (2007). Infants, children, and adolescents (6th ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon. Bidwell, V. (2016). The parents guide to specific learning difficulties: Information, advice and practical tips. United Kingdom: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Burton, LJ, Westen, D, Kowalski, R 2015, Psychology: 4th Australian and New Zealand edition, John Wiley Sons, Brisbane, Australia Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The ecology of human development: Experiments by nature and design (3rd ed.). Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Lucker, J. What is APD? Retrieved December 27, 2016, from National Coalition of Auditory Processing Disorders, http://www.ncapd.org/What_is_APD_.html Mountjoy, A. (2002). What is APD? Retrieved January 3, 2017, from APD support UK, http://apdsupportuk.yolasite.com/ Musiek, Frank E., et al. American Academy of Audiology Clinical Practice Guidelines: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Children and Adults with Central Auditory Processing Disorder. 2010. Web. http://audiology-web.s3.amazonaws.com/migrated/CAPD%20Guidelines%208-2010.pdf_539952af956c79.73897613.pdf Shaffer, D. R., Kipp, K. (2009). Developmental psychology: Childhood and adolescence (9th ed.). Boston, MA, United States: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. Sigelman, C.K., Rider, E.A. (2009). Lifespan human development (6th ed.). Wadsworth: Belmont, CA. EDC1100 Written Assignment Marking Criteria and Feedback Sheet Student Name: _Teianee-Kai Breznikar________________________________Marker Name: __________________________________________________ CRITERIA HD Outstanding A Advanced B Well developed C Satisfactory F Poor to Very Poor 1. Description of typical physical, cognitive, and psycho-social developmental milestones for identified developmental period. Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the physical, cognitive, and psycho-social of the identified developmental period. There are no gaps or misunderstandings. Demonstrates a very good understanding of the physical, cognitive, and psycho-social of the identified developmental period. There are a few minor gaps only. Demonstrates a well-developed understanding of the physical, cognitive, and psycho-social of the identified developmental period. There are some gaps and/or minor misunderstandings. Demonstrates developing understanding of the physical, cognitive, and psycho-social of the identified developmental period. There are many gaps and/or minor misunderstandings. Demonstrates limited to no understanding of the physical, cognitive, and psycho-social of the identified developmental period. There are many gaps and/or minor misunderstandings. Lacks satisfactory breadth and/or many fundamental misunderstandings. The work does not meet the standard for a pass. No work submitted/ no response/ irrelevant response. 10-9 8 7 6-5 4-1 0 2. Analysis of the environmental interactions that shape physical, cognitive, and psycho-social development for the identified developmental period. Presents a balanced and exhaustive analysis of the environmental systems that shape physical, cognitive, and psycho-social development for the identified developmental period. Presents a mostly balanced and thorough analysis of most of the environmental systems that shape physical, cognitive, and psycho-social development for the identified developmental period. There are a few minor gaps in the analysis. Discusses many of the environmental systems that shape physical, cognitive, and psycho-social development for the identified developmental period. There is some balance to the analysis, but further analysis of some environmental systems was required. Discusses some of the environmental systems that shape physical, cognitive, and psycho-social development for the identified developmental period. There are many gaps in the analysis. The analysis lacks satisfactory breadth in terms of the environmental systems that shape physical, cognitive, and psycho-social development for the identified developmental period. The work does not meet the standard for a pass. No work submitted/ no response/ irrelevant response. 10-9 8 7 6-5 4-1 3. Analysis of an atypical developmental condition, and its influence on the physical, cognitive and psycho-social development for the identified developmental period. Presents an exhaustive analysis of how the atypical condition affects physical, cognitive, and psycho-social development. Provides a comprehensive set of recommendations to support an individual with the condition for the specified developmental period. Provides a thorough analysis of how the atypical condition affects physical, cognitive, and psycho-social development. Provides a practical set of recommendations to support an individual with the condition for the specified developmental period. There are a few minor gaps in the analysis and/or recommendations. Provides a good analysis of how the atypical condition affects physical, cognitive, and psycho-social development. Provides some recommendations to support an individual with the condition for the specified developmental period. There are several gaps and/or misunderstandings. Provides some analysis of how the atypical condition affects physical, cognitive, and psycho-social development. Provides few recommendations to support an individual with the condition for the specified developmental period. There are many gaps and/or misunderstandings. The analysis lacks satisfactory breadth in terms of how the atypical condition affects physical, cognitive, and psycho-social development. Recommendations to support an individual with the condition are limited or irrelevant. No work submitted/ no response/ irrelevant response. 10-9 8 7 6-5 4-1 0 4. Use of credible and relevant literature (all sections) Exhaustively supports all of the main points/arguments with relevant and credible literature/evidence. All main points/arguments are supported with relevant and credible literature/evidence. Supports most of the main points/arguments with relevant and credible literature/evidence but lacking in some places. Supports some of the main points/arguments with relevant and credible literature/evidence but lacking in many places. Provides little, if any, relevant or credible support for points/ arguments. The work does not meet the standard for a pass. No work submitted/ no response/ irrelevant response. 5 4 3 2.5 2-1 0 5. Literacy and written communication skills (all sections) Superb writing. Purposeful, well integrated and succinct academic writing which clearly conveys key points. No errors in vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, word choice, spelling, or organization. Very good writing. Purposeful, well integrated and succinct academic writing which clearly conveys key points. Very minor errors in vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, word choice, spelling, and/or organization which do not affect comprehension and readability. Good writing. Writing is generally academic in tone but may occasionally lack some focus, integration and/or succinctness and may be minor errors or instances of ineffective use of vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, word choice, spelling, and/or organization. Overall comprehension and readability is good. Adequate writing. May be several errors and instances of ineffective use of vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, word choice, spelling, academic tone, and/or organization which obscure meaning some of the time. Poor to very poor writing. The degree of errors in vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, word choice, academic tone, spelling, and/or organization is such that it is difficult to know what the writer is trying to express. The work does not meet the standard for a pass. No work submitted/ no response/ irrelevant response. 10-9 8 7 6-5 4-1 0 6. Application of referencing presentation style protocols (all sections) Referencing (in text and reference list) and presentation conforms to APA style and is error free. Referencing (in text and reference list) and presentation conforms to APA style but may be occasional minor formatting errors. Referencing (in text and reference list) and presentation mostly conforms to APA style but may be some errors or inconsistencies. Referencing (in text and reference list) and presentation is recognizable as APA sty

Effects of Exercise as a Treatment for Depression

Effects of Exercise as a Treatment for Depression The objective of the literature review is, to examine research to find if using exercise as a treatment for depression has an effect. Depression affects a lot of people and is commonly treated with medicines and therapy (DeRubies, Siegle, Hollon, 2008) but exercise is rarely used as treatment. The aim of this review is to explore the efficiency of exercise being used as a treatment. Only literature written in English, and published no longer than 10 years ago, (2007) will be used to remain up-to-date. A minimum of 8 main pieces of literature will be used to make the review detailed enough. The main way that articles and journals will be found is from using PubMed. Other sources will also be used including SHU library gateway, Sheffield Hallam Library and ProQuest. The method of this study is to explore different types of study, and explore how they are carried out, and what their results are. These will be concluded in a table and discussed in more detail below. Search used on PubMed Amount of results Effect of exercise as treatment for depression 2664 Effect of exercise as treatment for depression (filtered to the last 5 years) 887 It has been known for a long time that exercise has a benefit for physical health (DoH, 2011) but not must is know about defined mental disabilities. They state that exercise helps to control stress levels but dont state whether it can help with depression and other mental disabilities such as anxiety. Depression can be explained as People with depression may experience a lack of interest and pleasure in daily activities, significant weight loss or gain, insomnia or excessive sleeping, lack of energy, inability to concentrate, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. (APA, 2017). With one in 6 adults in the UK having a mental health problem such as depression and anxiety (Mental Health Foundation (MHF), 2016) it is very prevalent and a lot must be done to try and reduce peoples symptoms. Whilst the MHF state that the prevalence is one in 6, Evans, Macrory and Randall (2016) believe that prevalence is closer to 20% so a more detailed review will be needed to conclude this. 22.5% were reported as women and 16.8% were reported as men, detailed research is needed to be try and work out why this is the case (Evans, Macrory, Randall, 2016). Depression is the most common mental health problem around the globe, closely followed by anxiety (W HO, 2016) showing that is isnt just a problem in the UK. NICE (2016) recommend that exercise could potentially be used as a helpful activity for reducing levels of depression considered mild to moderate, but seem to have limited data to back that up so further analyzing will be needed to be able to conclude this. Main Studies used Study Limitations Conclusion (Silveira et al., 2013) Various age groups were used result in in-conclusive data. Exercise seemed to influence levels of depression but more examining needed to conclude the result. (Kvam, Kleppe, Nordhus Hovland, 2016) Some articles used were likely to accidently exaggerate the effects of the exercise. Exercise can be used as an effective intervention within clinical conditions. (Jaffery, Edwards Loprinzi, 2017) Number of candidates used was limited. As little as 10 minutes of exercise may influence mood levels. (Danielsson, Papoulias, Petersson, Carlsson Waern, 2014) Small sample size. Exercise can have a positive influence. (Carvalho et al., 2011) Very small size. Only 33 used. Moderate exercise may contribute but it isnt statistically significant. (Chandler et al., 2012) The trial took part in one place in the country. Exercise did not seem to have a large effect at all. Silveria et al, (2013) carried out a systematic review exploring the effects of activity on clinically depressed patients. Initially their searches came up with 1288 results, this was reduced to 10. They could conclude, from looking at these 10 studies that exercise has a moderate effect on depression levels. Within these studies, all participants were at least 18 years old. Their results showed a 0.61 reduction in the standard deviation of the 10 studies after initial exercise was carried out. Limitations of this study are that due to the fact the participants had all been diagnosed with clinical depression, it limited the number of participants. Of the studies that were used, 7 studies used only aerobic exercise, 1 used just resistant exercises and 2 used both aerobic and resistance exercises. When the data was analyzed, they concluded there was a 0.61 change in the standard deviation. There was no statistical significance between the aerobic and resistance groups so this data was merged together. This review concluded that exercise could potentially be a good addition to anti-depressants. Kvam, Kleppe, Lykkedrang, Hilde and Hovland, (2016) carried out a similar systematic review exploring randomized controlled trials. The aim was to explore exercise as a treatment for depression. They researched for databases for relevant scientific trials and 23 trials were used. They had a combined total of 977 participants. From these 23 trials, they could conclude that exercise can have a moderate to large effect on depression when compared to control conditions giving a g-value of -0.68. Whilst this is good, upon a follow-up, this had gone down to -0.22 making it largely insignificant. A g value is a way of measuring the differences in standard deviations (McDonald, 2014). Some of the limitations of this could be that some trials may have overexaggerates the results unintentionally. All patients used were clinically depressed so this may not give an accurate representation for most of the population. This shows that exercise may influence depression levels but increase is limited . Cooney et al. (2013) agree that exercise may have an affect but this may be very minimal. They add that there is no evidence to decide if exercise has more of an effect than conventional medicines. Jaffery, Edwards and Loprinzi (2017) carried out a randomized control intervention and the aim was to evaluate the effect of exercise on depression. The way they carried this out was to split the group of 88 participants into 4 groups of 22. Their mood scores and levels of depression were taken before and after exercise had been done using the POMS questionnaire (Mackenzie, 2001). This is a very good questionnaire that helps to work out the levels of certain moods in someone. Jaffery, et al. (2017) state in the table included in the report that report overall mood was increased, lowering the scores on the tables. It was also reported that depression levels were decreased as well. They found that by doing a small amount of exercise (5/ 10 minutes) it is possible to vastly increase mood levels. Dusseldorp et al., (2010) agree with the fact a small amount of exercise could help improve the levels of depression. The main limitation of this study is that it does not have many participants leading to a risk of over concluding that the results are relevant for the population. Danielsson, Papoulias, Petersson, Carlsson and Waern (2014) created a three-armed randomized control trial of evaluating the effect of 2 add-on treatments, exercise and basic body awareness therapy (BBAT) (Skjà ¦rven Sunda, 2015). This trial has 62 participants that were all on anti-depressants (Danielsson et al., 2014). These were then split into 3 groups, 2 intervention groups and 1 control group. The groups had 10 weeks of aerobic exercise or BBAT. The main assessment figures were levels of depression in the candidates. This was measured using the MADRS scale (Williams Kobak, 2008). The results were taken by a blinded assessor so that they could be impartial. The results after the intervention group partook in exercise was a reduction in MADRS score by -10.3. With the highest score being 60 (FDA, 2007), a reduction by 10 is very good. Some limitations of this could be the fact there was a relatively small size of sample and people may have been overly optimistic with how their depression levels had changed. This agrees with the results about that exercise can have a positive effect on severe depression but a lot of persuasion would potentially be needed to motivate somebody to do this. Carvalho et al., (2011) looked at the impact of moderate exercise on depression. This article was a two-armed study. Initially 150 people were interviewed for the trial but this was cut down by random selection to 33 participants. These participants were then put into 2 groups, 11 used just antidepressants and 22 people participated in exercise. The 22 participants taking up the exercise took part in daily walks for 30-45 minutes for 12 weeks. One of these was assisted with a research fellow. The exercise group had an average reduction of 6 .84 on the hamd17 scale (GlaxoWelcome, 1997) This is not very high but it still implies that there is a benefit of using exercise as a treatment for depression. Of the exercise group 25% of the group had remission but there was no way to conclude that this was due to the exercise. There was a very limited amount of people used, with only 33 it is hard to made statistically significant results. Carvalho et al., (2011) concluded that if people stuck to the strict 12-week exercise program it may lead to a lower level of depression alongside with anti-depression tablets. Chandler et al., (2012) explored the effects of forced exercise as a treatment alongside anti-depressants. They used 361 people who had all visited their GP with self-diagnosed symptoms of depression who were then assessed by the GP. All candidates were required to have a score of 14 on the Beck scale (APA, 2016). It was a 2-arm parallel intervention. The main measurement was self-measured depression levels using the beck scale. This was followed up after 4, 8 and 12 months as well as this their depression symptoms were checked 8 and 12 months after. After collating, all of the data and summarizing it, there was no statistically significant change. There was a mean beck score reduction of 0.54. The people within the intervention group reported an increase in physical activity. It was also noted that the exercises had not reduced the number of anti-depressants people were taking. For this information, they were able to conclude that there was no real benefit of partaking in this form of exercise for depression levels. Due to the trial using 361 people it is fair to say this could e an accurate representation of population on a local level. The vast majority of literature found had a limited amount of people being used in the trials. (Danielsson et al., 2014), (Carvalho et al., 2011) and (Jaffery et al., 2017) all used less than 100 participants in their studies. This makes it very difficult to use the data for creating a definitive conclusion. Some of the data that was used was very specific, Silveria et al, (2013) used only research projects that had severe depression and not low to medium depression. This would make the results less relevant for the rest of people with depression but not classed as severe. The purpose of this literature review was to examine if exercise can be used as an effect treatment for depression. From looking at the evidence, over the last 5 years more and more research has been done around this field and this will continue to keep going. The clear majority of the articles that have been viewed above have concluded that along anti-depressant drugs, exercise can have a positive effect on depression. In most cases this just reduced it but in one, some of the candidates lots their depression symptoms all together (Carvalho et al., 2011). Whilst this was the case, many reports very limited improvements in depression levels that were difficult to conclude were solely down to the exercise. References   APA (American Psychological Association). (2017). Depression. Retrieved from: http://www.apa.org/topics/Depression/ Carvalho, Serafim; Fonte, Daniela; Mota-Pereira, Jorge; Ramos, Joaquim; Ribeiro, Jose Carlos; Silverio, Jorge. (2011) Moderate exercise improves depression parameters in treatment-resistant patients with major depressive disorder. Journal of psychiatric research. Vol 45 Is 8. Pgs 1005-1011. Chalder Melanie, Wiles Nicola J, Campbell John, Hollinghurst Sandra P, Haase Anne M, TaylorAdrian H. (2012). Facilitated physical activity as a treatment for depressed adults: randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2012; 344 :e2758 Cooney, Gary M; Dwan, Kerry; Greig, Carolyn A; Lawlor, Debbie A; Rimer; Jane; Waugh, Fiona R; McMurdo, Marion; Mead, Gillian E. (2013). Exercise for Depression. Cochrane Common Mental Disorders Group. Doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004366.pub6 Danielsson, Louise; Papoulias, Illas; Petersson, Eva-Lisa; Carlsson, Jane; Waern, Margda. (2014) Exercise or basic body awareness therapy as add-on treatment for major depression: A controlled study. Journal of Affective Disorders. Vol 168. Pgs 98-106 DoH (Department of Health). (2011). Physical activity benefits for adults and older adults. Retrieved from: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/541233/Physical_activity_infographic.PDF DeRubies, Robert J; Siegle, Greg J; Hollon, Steven D. (2008). Cognitive therapy vs. medications for depression: Treatment outcomes and neural mechanisms. Nature Reviews Neuroscience. Vol 10. Pgs 788-796 Evans, J.; Macrory, I.; Randall, C. (2016). Measuring national wellbeing; Life in the UK. Retrieved from: www.ons.gov.uk/peopelpopulationandcommunity/wellbeing/articles/measuringnationalwellbeing/2016#how-good-is-our-health FDA (Food and Drug Administration). (2007) Description of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Retrieved from: https://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/07/briefing/2007-4273b1_04-descriptionofmadrshamddepressionr(1).pdf GlaxoWelcome (1997) The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. Retrieved from: http://healthnet.umassmed.edu/mhealth/HAMD.pdf Jaffery, Annese; Edwards, Meghan; Loprinzi, Paul. (2017). Mayo Clinic Proceedings, Rochester. Vol.92.3, pgs 480-481 Kvam, Siri ; Kleppe, Catrine Lykkedrang ; Nordhus, Inger Hilde ; Hovland, Anders. Journal of Affective Disorders, 15 September 2016, Vol.202, pp.67-86      Ã‚   Mackenzie, B. (2001) Profile of Mood States (POMS) Retrieved from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/poms.htm [Accessed 22/3/2017] McDonald, John. 2014. Handbook of Biological Statistics. Sparky House Publishing, Maryland. Retrieved from: http://www.biostathandbook.com/gtestgof.html# Mental Health Foundation. (2016). Fundamental Facts About Mental Health. Retrieved from: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publication-download/fundamental-facts-about-mental-health-2016 Nice (2016) Treatments for mild to moderate depression. Retrieved from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg90/ifp/chapter/treatments-for-mild-to-moderate-depression Salehi, Iraj ; Hosseini, Seyed Mohammad ; Haghighi, Mohammad ; Jahangard, Leila ; Bajoghli, Hafez ; Gerber, Markus ; Pà ¼hse, Uwe ; Kirov, Roumen ; Holsboer-Trachsler, Edith ; Brand, Serge. (2014) Journal of Psychiatric Research, Vol.57, pp.117-124 Silveira, H ; Moraes, H ; Oliveira, N ; Coutinho, ESF ; Laks, J ; Deslandes, A. (2013). Neuropsychobiology. Vol.67(2). pp.61-68 Skjà ¦rven, Liv Helvik; Sunda, Mary Anne. (2015) Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT) Movement Awareness, Everyday Movements and Health Promotion in Physiotherapy. Retrieved from: http://fysioterapeuten.no/Fag-og-vitenskap/Fagartikler/Basic-Body-Awareness-Therapy-BBAT-Movement-Awareness-Everyday-Movements-and-Health-Promotion-in-Physiotherapy Williams, Janet B W; Kobak, Kenneth A. (2008) Development and reliability of a structured interview guide for the Montgomery-Ã…sberg Depression Rating Scale. The British Journal of Psychiatry. Vol 193. Pgs 52-58 World Health Organisation (WHO). (2016). Mental health: A state of well-being. Retrieved from: www.who.int/features/factfiles/mental_health/en/

student :: essays research papers

The earliest known measurement from the earth to sun was in 200 B.C. Aristarchus of Samos, a man of astronomy and Mathematics, made this discovery. He believed the Earth revolved around the Sun. Aristarchus of Samos used what is known today as right-angle trigonometry. By connecting Earth to Moon, Moon to Sun, and Sun to Earth, one forms a right triangle as shown below. The measure of angle â€Å"a† is 90 °; an observer on Earth can then measure the angle measure of â€Å"b†. Then for one to find the distance between Earth and Sun simply find the sine of angle â€Å"c.† Aritarchus of Samos would have expressed this a little differently for the sole fact of modern Trigonometry had not yet been discovered. Although this is strong in theory, it had its downfalls. This method in was proven to be very inaccurate. The Earth to Moon ratio is very small compared to the Earth to Sun ratio, which leads one to infer that angle â€Å"a† would measure close to 90 °. With the measure of angle â€Å"b† is close to 90 °; which would leave angle â€Å"c† very small. If a small human error occurs in measuring angle â€Å"b,† one is left with an emasculate error in the ratio of Earth to Moon over Earth to Sun. In modern trigonometry, it is describe as 1/(sin c)2 , which is very large when â€Å"c† is small. Aristarchus measured angle â€Å"b† as 87 °, but in fact was 89 ° 50 minutes. Although this error seems small, it leads to a 95% error. Aristarchus believes the Earth to Moon over Earth to Sun measured 19, but in all reality is measured as 397. But all in all Aristarchus of Samos was the first to mathematically set the spatial scale of cosmos. During the time of Kepler, most people still believed the Earth was the center of the Universe. Copernicus, in 1543, published his book, De Revolutionibus, states the Sun is the center of the Universe, and the planets orbit around, yet he didn’t know how the planets did so. In 1601, Kepler became the proud owner of Tycho Brache’s, an astronomer whom Kepler was an assistant for, meticulous measurements of planets, stars and sun that Brache had gathered in his last 38 years.

Structure and Policy of the European Union Essay example -- European U

Structure and Policy of the European Union The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), is the most complex example of common policy in the European Union. Introduced from 1958 to 1968 and still in existence today, it has brought controversy, dispute and political tension within the EU and with the rest of the world. It is also a remarkable example of the movement toward the unknown realm of integration in Europe. However, subsequent reforms have been slow in arrival and have not always achieved the success expected of them. With the new difficulty of enlargement, challenges will require yet more reform of the CAP. The changing situations and context of the policy will be considered in terms of its effectiveness, as will the reforms of the 1980s and 1990s. It will be seen that there is still much in need of discussion for this enormous common policy. There were many motivations for the original formation of the CAP. Europe in 1958 was quite different to the Europe we know today. With the end of WW2 still in recent memory, there were still many effects being felt. In terms of agriculture, this was seen in the protection of farmers and nation specific rules and regulations as to production, imports and exports etc. There also remained some political mistrust between the central European countries, namely France and Germany . It was a combination of these factors that led to the incarnation of the CAP . In 1958, a large proportion of the population of Europe was employed in agriculture, and the industry accounted for a significant percentage of GDP, indeed as high as 27% of the population of France and 5% of total GDP amongst the original members (Belgium, Luxemburg, Holland, France, Germany and Italy) . The agricul... ...of the CAP and shown that in many ways it was flawed from the beginning and is only now starting to become effective. It is important that the momentum of the reforms is carried into this next chapter of the Union and is allowed to be introduced to the new members with freedom and fairness. Obviously some small adjustments will have to be made, just as they were for previous accessions , but the new nations must essentially be treated as equals. The prospects for the CAP will also improve as the sector becomes more efficient and smaller, with more land being reclaimed from farming and the increases in efficiency. The CAP was unprecedented in 1958, and will not lose its position of importance so long as the members and new candidates are willing to embrace the integration for which the CAP has always stood and move forward, without prejudice, into the 21st Century.