For-Profit Colleges

â€Å"The Booming Business of For-profit Colleges† Higher education is a very profitable field, and because of that, for-profit schools have been placed under scrutiny. In the documentary College Inc. , Michael Smith, the correspondent, investigates the promise and tremendous growth of for-profit colleges in the higher education industry. With the student's best interests in mind, many people have begun to question the integrity of these schools.However, they do not take into account the benefits that these for-profit colleges can offer to non- traditional students, giving them the opportunity to obtain a quality education, and arketable Job skills. For-profit colleges are continuously accepting the abundance of students who have realized that they need to go back to school because Jobs are scarce, and education is needed. Advertising plays a huge part in the large number of students enrolled in for-profit colleges.Successful colleges typically spend twenty to twenty five perc ent of their total revenue on advertising. This marketing encourages students to take the next step and enroll themselves in a college that they may not be academically or financially ready for. Because College Inc. presents he audience with interviews from multiple sources including former students, school executives, government officials, and enrollment advisors, it effectively portrays the many different perspectives of the industry, and the tension within it.Michael Clifford, a former musician who never went to college, purchases struggling traditional colleges, and turns them into for-profit companies. He believes that it takes the three M's to turn a college around: Money, management, and marketing. To fund these turnaround projects, Clifford presents to his investors the benefits of putting money into fixing these colleges. From an investor's point of view, for-profit colleges can be a huge source of income. Jeffery Silber, a senior analyst at BMO Capital Markets, says  "From a business perspective, it's a great story. miou're serving a market that's been traditionally underserved. And it's a very profitable business it generates a lot of free cash flow. † But from a student's perspective, it is not fair for their education to be turned into a business. Enrollment advisors play a huge role in the success of for-profit colleges. They are required to recruit a large number of students. The pressure to grow has presented questions about nrollment techniques. Some colleges have been accused of using high pressure sales tactics to get students to fill out application papers.Many of these colleges say they do not have quotas, but Tami Barker, a former enrollment advisor at Ashford University, says she was instructed to make 1 50 calls a day, and close on at least twelve students a month. â€Å"l didn't realize Just how many students we were expected to recruit. † says the former enrollment counselor. â€Å"They used to tell us, you know, â €˜Dig deep. Get to their pain. Get to what's bothering them. So, that way, you can convince hem that a college degree is going to solve all their problems. † Enrollment advisors convince students that attending college will be easy and affordable even when they are not academically, or financially capable. Dan Golden says â€Å"The concern is that they're bringing in students who can't succeed or graduate, loading them with debt. † The documentary College Inc. presents its audience witn a great deal ot students who felt that they were mislead by these enrollment advisors. The debt load of for- profit students is more than twice the amount of students at traditional schools.Anne Cobb, a former student at The University of Phoenix, says an enrollment advisor at the university helped her get a student loan even though she was swimming in bills. Sherry Haferkamp, a graduate from Argosy University-Dallas says she believed a lot of lies that were told to her, and it was no t until after the fact that she realized they were anything but the truth. When she talked to an enrollment counselor at Argosy, he said â€Å"You know, instead of applying for the master's program, go ahead and apply for the doctorate program. They've got two spots available, so you better apply right now.After obtaining her degree, and accumulating over 100,000 dollars in federal student loans, Sherry finds out that her degree is not even accredited by the American Psychological Association. She feels that she is at a dead end, and filed a lawsuit claiming that she was defrauded. The documentary College Inc. , was effective in its purpose of showing the importance of for-profit schools. A large number of students who would never have been accepted into a traditional college, have now been given the opportunity to obtain a degree. Investors who have put money into these failing colleges have profited a great deal.Michael Clifford turned traditional colleges that were in a downward spiral, and close to shutting down into successful for-profit schools. Even though the documentary shows a few students who are unhappy with their experiences, it seems that more people have benefited from these colleges than those who have not.

Research Paper about Premarital Sex Essay

This chapter contains the significance of the study, the statement of the problem, the group hypothesis, the scope & limitation, the theoretical framework and definition of terms. The Problem and Its Background Introduction Pre-marital sex is a sexual intercourse engaged by persons who are not married. It is a mortal sin in Christianity for the reason it is against the Law of Moses: Thou shall not commit adultery. In some countries (particularly in Asian countries that practice Christianity), they banned pre-marital sex in order to prevent unwanted pregnancy, prostitution and abortion. The importance of this study is to let the people know the following problems and their answers/reasons behind pre-marital sex. Significance of the Study The research aims to know the causes and effects of pre-marital sex for teens and adults ages 13 to 25 within Paco Area. This study will systematically investigate the nature behind pre-marital sex and the reasons behind it. Read more:  Essay About Causes of Premarital Sex Statement of the Problem The study seeks to answer the following questions: †¢What are the factors that cause pre-marital sex? †¢What are the possible and actual results of pre-marital sex? †¢What influences adults and teens to engage in pre-marital sex? †¢Who influences adults and teens to engage in pre-marital sex? †¢Why do they continuously engage in pre-marital sex with many different partners? †¢What reasonable advice can you give to the people who engage in pre-marital sex? Hypothesis We think that media exposure such as pornography is one of the factors why adults and teens are engaging into these kinds of unhealthy habits. Another factor is alcoholism, the more alcohol involved the higher the  possibility to engage in pre-marital sex because alcohol has often been considered to be a powerful facilitator. Parent’s lack of guidance for their children and bad influence from friends are also one of the main reasons why they engage into pre-marital sex. The usual results in engaging to it includes AIDS, HIVS, unwanted pregnancy, prostitution and repeat of sexual intercourse with others or â€Å"sex addict†. Scope and Limitation This study limits only the ages 13-25 within Paco Area. Theoretical Framework In order for the researchers to fully understand this case study, they adopted the Social Learning Theory proposed by Albert Bandura. Social Learning Theory The Social Learning Theory proposed by Albert Bandura becomes perhaps the most influential theory of learning and development. While rooted in many of the basic concepts of traditional learning theory, Bandura believed that direct reinforcement could not account for all types of learning. (Cherry, 2010) Social Learning Theory explains about how environmental and cognitive factors interact to influence human learning and behavior. It focuses on the learning that occurs within a â€Å"social context†. It considers that people learn from one another, including such concepts as observational learning, imitation, and modeling. (Abbott, 2007) This theory added a social element, arguing that people can learn new information and behaviors by watching other people. Known as observational learning (or modeling), this type of learning can be used to explain a wide variety of behaviors. (Cherry, 2010) In exploring the greater depth of this theory there are four types of concepts. First, i s people can learn through observations, second is mental states are important to learning, lastly, learning does not necessarily lead to change in behavior. (Bandura, 2007) Behavior can also influence both the environment and the person, this is called reciprocal causation. Each of the three variables: environment, person, behavior influence each other. (Bandura, 2007) This model shows an individual learner is affected by observing the environment, directly or indirectly. According to Bandura, people can learn and imitate behaviors they have observed in other people. But Bandura noted that external, environmental reinforcement was not the only factor to influence learning and behavior. He described intrinsic reinforcement as a form of internal reward, such as pride, satisfaction and sense of accomplishment. This emphasis on internal thoughts and cognitions helps connect learning theories to cognitive developmental theories. Moreover, while behaviorists believed that learning led to a permanent change in behavior, observational learning demonstrates that people can learn new information without demonstrating new behaviors. (Cherry, 2010) Self-efficiency means learners self-confidence towards learning. People are more likely to engage in certain behaviors when they believe they are capable of implementing those behaviors successfully, this mean that they have high self-efficacy. (Bandura, 2007) Self-regulation is when the individual has his own ideas about what is appropriate or inappropriate behavior and chooses action accordingly. There are several aspects of self-regulation. (Bandura, 2007) Modeling means doing what others do. There are different types of models. †¢Live model: and actual person demonstrating the behavior. †¢Symbolic model: a person or character portrayed in a medium such as television, videotape, computer programs, or a book. †¢Imitation: An individual uses another person’s behavior as a discriminative stimulus for an imitative response. The observer is then reinforced in some way for display imitation. An individual uses another person’s behavior as a discriminative stimulus for an imitative response. The observer is then reinforced in some way for display imitation. (Bandura, 2007) When your behavior is acceptable it is considered as â€Å"vicarious reinforcement†. When your behavior is unacceptable it is considered as â€Å"vicarious punishment†. (Bandura, 2007) Definition of Terms In order for the researchers to fully understand their study, they have used different terms and definition to be easily understood by the readers. These terms are established while doing the research and some are shared meanings by the participants and from other sources of the study. Abstinence the fact or practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something, typically alcohol. Abortion is the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo before viability. Adultery voluntary sexual relations between an individual who is married and someone who is not the individual’s spouse. Aids a disease in which there is a severe loss of the body’s cellular immunity, greatly lowering the resistance to infection and malignancy. Alcoholism an addiction to the consumption of alcoholic liquor or the mental illness and compulsive behavior resulting from alcohol dependency. Casual Sex/Premarital Sex is a sexual activity between two people who are not yet married. Chastity the practice of refraining from extramarital, or especially from all, sexual intercourse. Facilitator one that helps to bring about an outcome by providing indirect or unobtrusive assistance. HIV a condition in humans in which progressive failure of t he immune system allows life- threatening opportunistic infections and cancers to thrive. Intimacy an intimate act, especially sexual intercourse. Lust very strong sexual desire. Oral Sex sexual activity in which the genitals of one partner are stimulated by the mouth of the other. Pleasure give sexual enjoyment or satisfaction to. Pornography is the portrayal of sexual subject matter for the purpose of sexual arousal. Prostitution the practice or occupation of engaging in sexual activity with someone for payment. Reproduction the production of offspring by a sexual or asexual process. Sex is the act of having sexual intercourse. Sex Addict is best described as a progressive intimacy disorder characterized by compulsive sexual thoughts and acts. Sexual Intercourse is chiefly the insertion and thrusting of a male’s penis, into a female’s vagina for the purposes of sexual pleasure or reproduction. Taboo is a vehement prohibition of an action based on the belief that such behavior is too sacred for ordinary individuals to undertake, under threat of supernatural punishment.

Chemalit Chemicals

Less: Amortization expense (1041. 67)123,958. 33 Total assets $491,197. 91 Liabilities 0 Stockholders Equity Contributed Capital 500,000. 00 Retained Earnings (8,802. 09) Total Stockholders equity 491,197. 91 Total Liabilities and Stockholders equity $491,197. 91 CHEMALITE, INC Cash Flow Statement For the period ended June 30, 2003 Cash flows for operating activities Cash paid to suppliers $ (75,000. 00) Cash paid for legal fees, charter printing costs (7,500. 00) Net cash flow from operating activities (82,500. 00) Cash flows for investing activities Cash paid to purchase machinery (62,500. 00) Cash flows from financial activities Cash received from shareholders 375,000. 00 Cash at end of year $230,000. 00 4. Financial Statements for stockholder’s for year 2003 CHEMALITE, INC Balance Sheet At December 31, 2003 Assets Cash $ 113,000. 00 Accounts Receivable 69,500. 00 Inventory 55,000. 00 Property, Plant and Equipment$ 212,500. 00 Less: Accumulated Depreciation10,885. 42 201,614. 58 Patent 125,000. 00 Less: Amortisation 25,000. 00 100,000. 00 Total Assets $ 539,114. 58 Liabilities 0 Stockholders Equity Contributed Capital 500,000. 00 Retained Earnings 39,114. 58 Total Stockholders equity 539,114. 58 Total Liabilities and Stockholders equity $ 539,114. 58 Income Statement For the period ended December 31, 2003 Revenue $ 754,500. 00 Expenses Cost of Goods Sold $ 545,000. 00 General and administrative expense 87,500. 00 Research and development expense 23,750. 00 Advertisement expense 22,500. 00 Interest expense 750. 00 Amortisation expense 25,000. 00 Depreciation expense 10,885. 42 Cash Flow Statement For the period ended December 31, 2003 Cash flows for operating activities Cash received from customers $ 685,000. 00 Cash paid to suppliers and employees(600,000. 00) Cash paid for administrative expenses(87,500. 00) Cash paid for research and development(23,750. 00) Cash paid for Advertising(22,500. 00) Net cash flow from operating activities $ (48,750. 00) Cash flows for investing activities Cash paid to purchase machinery(212,500. 00) Net cash flow from investing activities (212,500. 0) Cash flows from financing activities Cash received from shareholders 375,000. 00 Cash paid for interest on loan (750. 00) Net cash from financing activities 374,250. 00 Cash at end of year $ 113,000. 00 5. Report to Shareholders:- To Our Shareholders The year 2003 has been a very significant year for Chemalite, Inc with a successful commercial launch of its product and revenue earnings of over $700,000. The initial profits made in the first year are moderate due to the high ini tial expenses made on setting up the business and advertising. The financial health of the company is healthy with zero liabilities and a positive cash balance throughout the year despite the huge cash outflow from initial investment behind machinery and installation. The new invention of Chemalite has been patented by the company and is showing good value for business use. In addition to our current revenue sources we are expecting a great deal in the coming year which will be prestigious for the company as well as profitable. The committee for the Olympic Games, Athens 2004 has placed a firm order with us for 60,000 Chemalites which will generate $90,000 in revenue. The Olympics committee wants to give a Chemalite to each person in the opening ceremony. The athletes and fans will light their Chemalites which will be symbolic of the Olympic flame. This will bring us publicity and will improve our future marketable value. Going forward, we will have guaranteed sales from any demands for fireless ignition as Chemalite does not expect any competitors to come up with a similar product before five years. Lastly, we thank the shareholders for their continuous support and belief in the company.

Discussion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Discussion - Essay Example To restore what had been lost Mr. Schultz brought back the original logo of the brown mermaid rather than the green mermaid. The purpose was to focus back on the nostalgia of the past and celebrate the long term successes of the coffee company. Remind the customer of the good times and tell them they will have more. Link to full article: http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/apr2008/id20080411_065581.htm Quote #1 The image of the twin-tailed mermaid inside the brown medallion harkens back to the chain's 1971 beginnings. The logo has evolved over the years, going from brown to green in 1987. This is the second time in three years Starbucks has trotted out the brown mermaid, inspired by a Norse woodcut. Back in 2006, she was resurrected to mark the chain's 35th anniversary. This time, she is a messenger for Chairman Howard Schultz, who is trying to restore some of the goodwill and warm feelings for the brand that have gone by the wayside because of increasing coffee prices, mach ine-made lattes, and bad press. Symbolic tenet shown in not what is shown or done, but what it means (Bolman & Deal, 2008). In an effort to generate the positive emotions of the past, Schultz is bringing out the logo (a symbol) of the past to try to regenerate those positive feelings.

THE GOVERNING OF THE EMPLOYMENT STATUS BY ORTHODOX LAW PRINCIPLES Essay

THE GOVERNING OF THE EMPLOYMENT STATUS BY ORTHODOX LAW PRINCIPLES - Essay Example The importance of sham self-employment is to disguise a person that he or she is self-employed while in essence they are actually not. This could be the case for a number of reasons which could be known to the employee and the company or the employee could be uncharacteristically oblivious of the on goings. The employers could at times stand to gain and so would the employees from time to time. Plans are underway to engage workers as independent contractors wherever the parties intend to create working relationships with adaptations that do not reflect their genuine intentions. It is common knowledge that disguising the employment status is possible through various ways. This could also happen under written contracts to both the employee and the employer as well as when an employee is hired on an informal basis to offer labour and is at times told that they are a contractor just like any other. Some businesses often do not register their workers as employees since it is a benefit to the business and the employees because they are treated as self-employed in regard to insurance remittals and income tax. This is a tricky situation in which the employees would find themselves in since there is no basis for protection of rights. Most of the companies will be of the view that their employees are not contracted for employment but rather for provision of services and consultancy. These, quite simply put, define sham contracts. Such contracts are mostly entered into by immigrant workers who are in desperate need for jobs and also lack the necessary immigration papers. Thus it is easier for them to try and avoid the authorities. Diplock LJ in Snook v London and West Riding Investments Ltd (1967) gives adequate consideration of what would be considered a ‘sham’. In his judgment, he said: "As regards the contention of the plaintiff that the transactions between himself, A uto Finance and the defendants were a ‘sham’, it is, I think, necessary to consider what, if any, legal concept is involved in the use of this popular and pejorative word. I apprehend that, if it has any meaning in law, it means acts done or documents executed by the parties to the ‘sham’ which are intended by them to give to third parties or to the court the appearance of creating between the parties legal rights and obligations different from the actual legal rights and obligations (if any) which the parties intend to create. The one thing, I think, is clear in legal principle, morality and the authorities (see Yorkshire Railway Wagon Co v Maclure and Stoneleigh Finance Ltd v Phillips), is that for acts or documents to be a ‘sham’, with whatever legal consequences follow from this, all the parties thereto must have a common intention that the acts or documents are not to create the legal rights and obligations which they give the appearance o f creating. No unexpressed intentions of a ‘

Business in Context LOLO Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Business in Context LOLO - Essay Example In the future also, this media is expected to play a vital role in its operation. The present business tactic adopted by them is the business to business model. E-business in Qatar Airways has improved gradually and has enhanced their marketing strategies, the marketing mix and also the investment opportunities. The suppliers’ power can also be further improved using the E-business. Besides, it will also help them to evolve better strategies to counter the threat from competitors as well as new entrants in the field. Oracle is the business suite adopted by Qatar Airways to improve its business. During the early years, business operations in Qatar Airways were done manually and there was no role for internet in its business. They have considered E-business as a very risky venture that was difficult and thus avoided its use in business. However, in the recent years they have changed their policy and adopted E-business strategies. Oracle business suite is the platform Qatar Airways adopted as a part of its expansion programme. Supplier power: Presently the supplier power is enhanced in Qatar Airways by the use of internet. In the future Internet will also make it possible for them to produces new and alternative suppliers using search engine technology. â€Å"The internet is also producing new and alternative suppliers of search engine technology.† (Doganis 2001, p.177). Threat of new entrants: Using the internet applications in its business Qatar Airways can through the web itself understand the business of its competitors and analyze which of the market players are likely to pos a threat to their operations. They have been doing this research in detecting their competitors. This internet application is of high utility both in the present and the future days to Qatar Airways. New entrants can be identified through the advertising. Internet has enhanced the advertising capabilities of Qatar Airways and,

Case study on a restaurant operations management (Ks Biryani) Essay

Case study on a restaurant operations management (Ks Biryani) - Essay Example The restaurant currently has 35 working-individuals to meet the appetite of the customers with their delicious variety of food. With the help of these employees, the restaurant serves almost 250 individuals every day. The chain of restaurant comprises of 2 takeaways and a restaurant. Each takeaway counter interacts nearly with 50 individuals each day while the restaurant has the capacity to serve 120 people during its operational time. The company was established in 2006 with an aim to provide its customers with high quality food to satisfy their appetite. Even though the company started with just a takeaway store, it expanded in terms of location and size in its forthcoming years. The company was just in its introductory stage when it opened its second takeaway outlet in 2008 and its third outlet; a restaurant, in the following year. With promising growth and opportunity ahead, the company is planning to inaugurate its third takeaway store in Jeddah; the heart of Saudi Arabia, in the second quarter of 2013. To provide the customers with high quality and delicious food, the company has several expansion plans for the upcoming years. These plans include expansion and opening the company’s takeaway and restaurants at Jeddah Airport to attract as many customers as possible. Another plan of the company is to open their restaurant in the heart of Mecca and Medina; the two most holy places as it promise great business potential. The management of the company is based on hierarchical structure; the employees report to the manager, who then reports to the top management. The hierarchical structure could also be observed in the takeaway stores; two chefs, two cashiers, one cleaner and a delivery boy. The hierarchical structure eventually helps the company to earn 22,500 pounds on monthly basis. The company started its operation in June 2006 and during the next six months the company had to face lots of setbacks. The store was not even able to reach its break-even point due to which the com pany had to re-introduce its takeaway store with completely different marketing strategies. The re-launching decision was taken after critical analysis of the business with consistent feedback from the employees. After changing the marketing strategies, the company’s sales boosted rapidly due to which another location was added within a year. To eliminate any mistake from the senior management, the launching of second takeaway store was done under the guidance of external consultancy which was hired to set the basic operational policies and processes. The hiring of external consultancy was aimed to assure the senior management regarding the structured and transparent work culture in the company. With continuous improvement in terms of sales and stability, the company launched its first restaurant based on the management techniques; risk management, quality management, capacity planning etc. This report would provide extensive knowledge regarding the different operational mana gement concepts applied by the company and the challenges

E Human Resource Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

E Human Resource - Essay Example E Human Resource is referred to the management, regulation and use of electronic processes and information relating to human resource and the employment laws. It is an extremely broad term and has been continuously evolving in its field. With the emerging trends like globalization, customer orientation, and specialization, companies have been especially emphasising on recruitments, evolution and sustainment of qualified employees. Companies have gained extensive awareness about the fact that human resources have been gradually transforming from being a cost factor to a success factor. They have also realized that a shrinking population and a shrinking workforce would be the most crucial crisis in the years to come. Many of the activities of the human resource departments can be delegated to the employees using the modern system f information and technology. Electronic Human Resource Management (e-HRM) is a tool which is web based and which helps in automating and supporting the human resource processes. Implementing e-HRM would provide the opportunity to delegate the process of data entry to employees themselves. Moreover it facilitates the use of human resource marketplaces (e-Recruitment) and allows greater amount of self service to employees (Biesalski, n.d., p.1). It is the outcome of the combination of various technologies. Firstly the growing importance of the knowledge factor in organizations has been the driving force behind the evolution of IT. Information systems like e-HRM that provides information allows companies to gain comprehensive and consistent concept for knowledge management. It is important to explain the concept of knowledge management in this regard. Knowledge management is considered to be a collection of various techniques. Using this large variety of techniques, organizations are able to acquire knowledge, organize the knowledge and finally make the knowledge transparent. Intelligent data analysis and e-HRM combined helps to disburden the employees of the human resource

Rewrite article from a quantitative to a qualitative study Essay

Rewrite article from a quantitative to a qualitative study - Essay Example Compounded with the aging population of registered nurse, the problem is yet to be solved. The author identifies high turnover and increased cost of replacement as a major research problem. Current literature contains numerous research articles on job satisfaction. However, most of these literature materials analyze the problem from a business perspective. Although health organizations operate under fundamental business principles, job satisfaction issues require professional analysis. Ideally, the article intends to express severity of the looming nurse’s shortages, determine the leading factors, and hypothesize possible solutions to the nurses’ recruitment and retention question. The author intended to develop sufficient solution to fundamental research questions. Firstly, the author wanted to establish the role of job satisfaction in employee retention. Additionally the article explores the role of workload and incentives on recruitment and retention of specialized n urse. Issues of remuneration and the need to harmonize the salary of nurses with those of other civil servant also featured in the article. The researcher utilized quantitative techniques for (n=62). Questionnaires were the main research tools applied in the research. Samples were drawn from qualified nurse in critical and surgical care units of five Southern States Hospitals that were identified for the study. The researchers distributed 201 questionnaires, of which 121 were considered valid. The nursing job satisfaction scale NJSS was used alongside the questionnaires to gauge the level of satisfaction among nurse (Davis, Ward, Woodall, Shultz, & Davis, 2007). Additionally, other researchers relied on demographic materials to collect essential information. Critical information acquired from demographic materials included level of education, experience, and age and employment status of nurses. Participation in the research was on voluntary basis. This element was essential in ensur ing equal participation of nurses from different specializations. Although the research did not consolidate all possible cases, it achieved a fair coverage. Independent variables in the study included new recruitments, highest attained qualification for nurse, age, and level of incentives. Independent variables included rate of employee’s turnover, new applications and rate of employee retention. The choice of independent and dependent variables favored the research questions. Arguably, the research design allowed the researcher to respond to the initial research questions. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS (Version 14.0). This analysis was conducted using an independent t test to differentiate between surgical and critical unit nurse. The quantitative research did not establish significant differences between critical unit nurses and surgical nurses in terms of job satisfaction. Additionally, the study established that both units experienced equivalent rate of employee turnover. Ideally, job satisfaction among health workers is independent of salary scale and professional level of individual employee. Being a quantitative study the research intended to measure response of independent variable from subsequent changes in independent variables. Alternatively, if the study were qualitative, the researcher would be concerned with change of human behavior from change in each of the

Choice of Production Methods Essay Example for Free

Choice of Production Methods Essay The following factors will influence whether a business adopts one of the four methods of production considered that is job, batch, flow or flow production with the development to mass customization. †¢ If the market is very small, such as for designer clothes, then job production is likely to be used. Flow production is most efficiently adopted when the market for similar or identical products is very large and consistent throughout the year. If mass production is used in this way, then mass marketing methods will also have to be adopted to sell the high output levels that can be manufactured. Even in a market for mass produced items, such as cars, there may be market niches that will allow smaller manufacturers to survive by making one-off products or batches of identical goods before changing the design or style for another model. If the market demands a large number of units, but at different times of the year, for example textbooks at the start of the academic year, then batch production might be most appropriate. †¢ A purpose-built flow production line is difficult and expensive to construct. Small firms are unlikely to be able to afford this type of investment and are more likely to use job or batch production. †¢ Large-scale flow production often requires a supply of relatively unskilled workers and a large, flat land area. Job production needs skilled crafts people. If any of these resources are unavailable, or very limited in supply, then the production method may have to be adapted to suit available resources, given the market constraint referred to above. †¢ If firms want the cost advantages of high volumes combined with the ability to make slightly different products for different markets, then mass customization would be most appropriate. As was seen above, technology is giving firms the flexibility to produce a variety of models from the one basic design and production process. Most firms do not just use one production method. It is quite common for many businesses to use all three production methods to gain the benefits that they offer. A French restaurant might have a continuous supply of staple items on the menu such as frites but make batches of a dish that can be kept hot for a long time (or even frozen and reheated easily) such as boeuf bourguignon. Specialist dishes that have to be cooked at the table, such as flambà ©s, will use job production. Standard Land Rover models are made on a line production system of mass production. Orders for military versions with special features in common will be made together in one batch. One-off orders, such as a bullet-proof, gold-plated model for an oil prince would be hand assembled and finished.

Java Coffee Shop Business Plan Marketing Essay

Java Coffee Shop Business Plan Marketing Essay Java Culture coffee bar is determined to become a daily necessity for local coffee addicts, a place to dream of as you try to escape the daily stresses of life and  just a  comfortable place to meet your friends or to read a book, all in one. With the growing demand for high-quality gourmet coffee and great service, Java Culture will capitalize on its proximity to the University of Oregon campus to build a core group of repeat customers. The company will operate a 2,300 square foot coffee bar within a walking distance from the University of Oregon campus. The owners have secured this location through a three-year lease with an option for extending. The have also provided $140,000 of the required $170,000 start-up funds. The remaining capital will be obtained through  Bank of America commercial loans. The company is expected to grow sales revenue from $584,000 in FY2001 to $706,000 in year three. As Java Culture will strive to maintain a 65% gross profit margin and reasonable operating expenses,  it will see  net profits grow from $100,000 to$125,000 during the same period. Java Culture coffee bar will be located on the ground floor of the commercial building at the corner of West 13th Avenue and Patterson Street in Eugene, OR. The company has secured a one-year lease of the vacant 2,500 square feet premises previously occupied by a hair salon. The lease contract has an option of renewal for three years at a fixed rate that Java Culture will execute depending on the financial strength of its business. The floor plan will include a 200 square feet back office and a 2,300 square feet coffee bar, which will include a seating area with 15 tables, a kitchen, storage area and two bathrooms. The space in the coffee bar will be approximately distributed the following way1,260 square feet (i.e., 55% of the total) for the seating area, 600 square feet (26%) for the production area, and the remaining 440 square feet (19%) for the customer service area. This property is located in a commercial area within a walking distance from the University of Oregon campus on the corner of a major thoroughfare connecting affluent South Eugene neighborhood with the busy downtown commercial area. The commercially zoned premises have the necessary water and electricity hookups and will require only minor remodeling to accommodate the espresso bar,  kitchen and storage area. The coffee bars open and clean interior design with modern wooden decor will convey the quality of the served beverages and snacks, and will be in-line with the establishments positioning as an eclectic place where people can relax and enjoy their cup of coffee. The clear window displays, through which passerby will be able to see customers enjoying their beverages, and outside electric signs will be aimed to grab the attention of the customer traffic. Java Culture will offer its customers the best tasting coffee beverages in the area. This will be achieved by using high-quality ingredients and strictly following preparation guidelines. The store layout, menu listings and marketing activities will be focused on maximizing the sales of higher margin espresso drinks. Along with the espresso drinks, brewed coffee and teas, as well as some refreshment beverages, will be sold in the coffee bar. Java Culture will also offer its clients pastries, small salads and sandwiches. For the gourmet clientele that prefers to prepare its coffee at home, Java Culture will also be selling coffee beans. The menu of the Java Culture coffee bar will be built around espresso-based coffee drinks such as lattes, mochas, cappuccinos, etc. Each of the espresso-based drinks will be offered with whole, skimmed, or soy milk. Each of these coffee beverages is based on a shot of espresso, which is prepared in the espresso machine by forcing heated water through ground coffee at high pressure. Such espresso shots are combined with steamed milk and/or other additives like cocoa, caramel, etc., to prepare the espresso-based beverages. Proper preparation techniques are of paramount importance for such drinks. A minor deviation from the amount of coffee in the shot, the size of the coffee particles, the temperature of milk, etc., can negatively affect the quality of the prepared drink. U.S. coffee consumption has shown steady growth, with gourmet coffee having the strongest growth. Coffee drinkers in the Pacific Northwest are among the most demanding ones. They favor well-brewed gourmet coffee drinks and demand great service. Eugene, OR, with its liberal and outgoing populace and long rainy winter, has traditionally been a great place for coffee establishments. Java Culture will strive to build a loyal customer base by offering a great tasting coffee in a   relaxing environment of its coffee bar located close to the bustling University of Oregon campus. Java Culture will focus its marketing activities on reaching the University students and faculty, people working in offices located close to the coffee bar and on sophisticated teenagers. Our market research shows that these are the customer groups that are most likely to buy gourmet coffee products. Since gourmet coffee consumption is universal across different income categories and mostly depends on the level of higher education, proximity to the University of Oregon campus will provide access to the targeted customer audience. Java Culture will cater to people who want to get their daily cup of great-tasting coffee in a relaxing atmosphere. Such customers vary in age, although our location close to the University campus means that most of our clientele will be college students and faculty. Our market research shows that these  are discerning customers that gravitate towards better tasting coffee. Furthermore, a lot of college students consider coffee bars to be a convenient studying or meeting location, where they can read or meet with peers without the necessity to pay cover charges. For us, this will provide a unique possibility for building a loyal client base. Coffee consumption has shown a steady 2.5% growth rate in the United States over the last decade. In 1994, total sales of coffee were approximately $7.5 billion with gourmet coffee representing 33% (or $2.5 billion) of that. The retail coffee industry is flourishing in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. The local climate, with a long rainy season, is very conducive for the consumption of hot non-alcoholic beverages. At the same time, hot dry summers drive people into cafes to order iced drinks. Further, coffee has really become a part of the lifestyle in the Pacific Northwest. Its discerning coffee drinkers are in favor of well-prepared, strong coffee-based beverages, which they can consume in a  relaxing environment. According to the 1997 Oregon Food service Statistics (NAICS 72), Eugene had 45 established snack non-alcoholic beverage bars (NAICS 722213) with total sales of $14.2 million. Among other establishments that offer coffee drinks to their customers are most of Eugenes limited- and full-service restaurants. Java Cultures direct competitors will be other coffee bars located near the University of Oregon campus. These include Starbucks, Cafe Roma, The UO Bookstore, and other Food service establishments that offer coffee. Starbucks will definitely be one of the major competitors because of its strong financial position and established marketing and operational practices. However, despite of Starbucks entrenched market position, many customers favor smaller, independent establishments that offer cozy atmosphere and good coffee at affordable prices. Cafe Roma is a good example of such competition. Despite the owners and managers experience in the definitely industry, the company will retain the consulting services of ABC Espresso Services, the consultants who have helped to develop the business idea for Java Culture. This company has over twenty years of experience in the retail coffee industry and has successfully opened dozens of coffee bars across the U.S. Consultants will be primarily used for market research, customer satisfaction surveys and to provide additional input into the evaluation of the new business opportunities. Java Culture will capitalize on the strong demand for high-quality gourmet coffee. The owners have provided the company with sufficient start-up capital. With successful management aimed at establishing and growing a loyal customer base, the company will see its net worth doubling in two years. Java Culture will maintain a healthy 65% gross margin, which combined with reasonable operating expenses, will provide enough cash to finance further growth.

Symbols in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge E

In this essay, I will be examining some of the symbols in Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem, 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.'; Symbols were very important in this poem. Without the symbols, 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner'; would be simply a poem about an old mariner who is telling a story about killing a bird to a guest at a wedding. Of course, anyone who reads the poem can see that there is more to it than just a simple telling of a story.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first symbol in the poem is the wedding that the guest and the Mariner are at. This is a highly significant detail, because Coleridge could have made the story telling take place at any setting, but he chose a wedding. Why? A wedding is a very religious, very happy occasion. Weddings in and of themselves symbolize new beginnings and happiness. The reason that Coleridge decided to have this horrid tale told at a wedding could be for any number of reasons. I feel that the setting was chosen because of the new beginnings implied. As the Mariner tells his tale, the guest is held captive and when the story is done, the guest becomes essentially a new man and goes off to live the rest of his life. Had the tale taken place at a funeral, the heavy feeling of ending would have destroyed the symbolism of new beginnings. Ending of life, of happiness, of everything. If this had happened, then the fact that he rose the next day would not have been as significant. Therefore , the wedding is a very important symbol throughout the poem.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The albatross is another significant symbol throughout the poem. It first appears in the first section of the poem, and it is a symbol of good omen for the sailors. The albatross is a white bird, which is probably the reason why many Christians of the time saw it as a holy symbol, which made it a good omen. In this poem, the albatross symbolizes good fortune. When the Mariner kills the albatross, for absolutely no reason, the good fortune that has come upon the ship leaves. Symbolically, the Mariner did not kill a simple seabird, but an omen of good fortune and luck, which is why all of the bad things happen to the sailors and the Mariner. The albatross goes from being a symbol of god fortune to one of guilt when it is hung around the Mariner's neck as a sign of what he has done. 'Instead of the cross, the Albatross About my neck was hung.';   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  (ln. 142-43) This macabr... ... albatross, the blood that the Mariner sucks in order to announce the ship, the game between Death and Life-In-Death, the penance that the Mariner serves, and the cyclic nature of the poem are only a few of the symbols that add meaning and depth to the poem. If it were not for the symbols, the poem would simply be the story of a Mariner telling his tale to a hypnotized wedding guest, and then the poem would have no meaning to anyone. As it is, 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner'; is a poem with great depth and meaning, with a lesson that can apply to everyone. When reading this poem, the reader can feel much like the wedding guest, entranced and hypnotized. This is because of the symbols. Even if the reader of the poem does not consciously perceive the symbols in the verse, the subconscious mind will catch them and understand the intrinsic meaning. The symbols in 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner are therefore the part of the poem that makes it so intense. Works Cited Coleridge, Samuel Taylor. "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. In Seven Parts" (1817 text) in Samuel Taylor Coleridge: A Critical Edition of the Major Works. Ed. H J. Jackson. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1985.

Mother Daughter Relationships - Understanding Mothers and Daughters in Amy Tans Joy Luck Club :: Joy Luck Club Essays

Understanding the Mothers and Daughters of The Joy Luck Club  Ã‚   Amy Tan's novel, The Joy Luck Club explores a variety of mother-daughter relationships between the characters, and at some level, relationships between friends, lovers, and even enemies.   The mother-daughter relationships are most likely the different aspects of Amy Tan's relationship with her mother, and perhaps, some parts are entirely figments of her imagination.   Therefore, Amy Tan believes that ramification of cultures and tradition between a family can be burdensome and cause the family tree to fall apart.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   From the beginning of the novel, we hear Suyuan Woo tell the story of "The Joy Luck Club," a group started by some Chinese women during World War II.   June explains while remembering the memories of her mother, " 'We feasted, we laughed, we played games, lost and won, we told the best stories...we could hope to be lucky.   That hope was our only joy,' " (12).   The mothers grew up during perilous times in China.   They were raised to never forget an important outlook of their life, which was, "to desire nothing, to swallow other people's misery, to eat [their] own bitterness" (241).   For many years, the mother did not tell their daughters their stories until they were sure that their fractious offspring would listen.   By then, it is almost too late to make them understand their heritage that their mother left behind in China.   It seems that their family's legacy cannot seize their imaginations after years, decades, and ce nturies of blissfulness and sorrow.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Through the eyes of the daughters, we can also see the continuation of the mother's stories, how they learned to cope in America.   With this, Amy Tan touches on an obscure, little discussed issue, which is the divergence of Chinese culture through American children born of Chinese immigrant parents.   The Chinese-American daughters try their best to become "Americanized," at the same time, casting off their heritage while their mothers watch in dismay.   For example, after the piano talent show fiasco, a quarrel breaks out between June and Suyuan.   June does not have the blind obedience "to desire nothing...to eat [her] own bitterness."   She says to herself, " 'I didn't have to do what my mother said anymore.   I wasn't her slave.   This wasn't China' " (152).   Unbeknownst to June, Suyuan only hopes and wants the best for her daughter.   She explains, " 'Only one kind of daughter can live in this house.

Diet for a Capitalist America :: Health Eating Food essays

"Diet for a Capitalist America" In the book "Diet for a New America" John Robbins, stresses the importance of a healthier, more environmentally conscious diet. "A revolutionary document of truth and exposure. John Robbins, in a selfless quest to discover the extensive reprocussions of our eating habits and choices, exposes and tenaciously documents hidden facts, this work single handedly convince even the most stubborn anti-vegetarians to take a serious look at the effects of their choices. A must have for anyone who seeks lasting commitment to a more kinder and healthier life." Lance Zimmer This book creates an utopian vision of how the people of the world could soundly sustain themselves by eating grains and vegetables and conscientiously drifting away from our more consumptive and carnivorous ways. The book provides us with a possible and tangible solution to the problems of hunger, diseases and environmental destruction. The "Diet for a New America" is a tool at work to fight against the realities of the modern world, a world that lives on a 'Diet for a Capitalist America'. The reality of the mocking 'Diet for a Capitalist America' is an industrial diet created by our industrial world. The diet that most Americans subsist on today is one that has been created out of capitalism. If we look at a society built by capitalism and industrialism than we will see a diet, which is clearly representative of these ways. Our diet, the food we consume is clearly a product of our lifestyles. In looking at who we are and what we eat, we can see a reflection of the world in which we live. Looking back in time at human civilization prior to urbanization the human animal lived off of the land eating small animals, seeds, roots, seafood and wild fruit. This natural diet the diet that we evolved eating, is the healthiest diet for the human animal and one that we have been eating for the two million years before urbanization. Since than in the last 100 years, 50 years, even in the last 20 years our diet has changed tremendously as has the world. Society has moved from a feudal agrarian regionally oriented society to an industrial technical world encompassing society. At the time of the industrial revolution in England, people were recognizing fried potato, fried fish, white bread, hamburgers, chicken, crisps and other stabilized and processed plant and animal products as being what food is.

Our Toughest Struggles in Life Can Be with Ourselves Essay

In our life, struggles are everywhere. If we want to be successful, we will have to strive hard. Just as an old Chinese saying goes, â€Å"There won’t be the fragrance of calyx canthus if the flower doesn’t go through the chilly winter.† Only after we undergo different kinds of hardships, can we achieve what we aim at. Therefore, we must get ready to face the toughest struggles and try to deal with any ups and downs calmly and bravely. When I was a little boy, I always dreamed of getting a nice toy like the one my friend Henry had. One day, I told my mother about that, hoping she would buy me one. However, she just ignored my idea, encouraging me to save money and buy one for myself. At first, I was so disappointed and frustrated that I got very angry with her. Later, I calmed down and thought what she suggested might as well be a good way to accomplish my wish. So I spared every cent I could in my daily life until finally one year later I accumulated enough coins and got that fancy stuff. During that year, I overcame numerous difficulties like killing the desires of buying candies, pulling myself back from snack bars, restraining myself from watching too many movies, etc. It was really too much for a ten-year boy. Nevertheless, my mother was right – I achieved what I had always wished for and trained myself the ability to handle any tough struggles in my later life. Two years ago when I first came here, I encountered another unimaginable problem in my life – I understood little in class just because of my poor English. I was depressed and sighed in despair all the time. It was my mother and teachers who inspired me and gave me a lot of encouragement. They told me that difficulty was everywhere and it could accompany anybody anytime. As long as we got ready and took actions, nothing was impossible. From then on, I got up early every day to practice speaking English, listening to English and reading English. Besides, whenever I was free, I went to various markets to practice speaking English with native speakers. Success always shows appreciation for those who make great efforts. Nowadays, I am able to understand most of the lessons in class and express myself in English most of the time in my daily life. What I get from my own experience is that life is not always filled with  flowers and easiness. The road of our life is made up of struggles and success. How successful we are depends on how much endeavor we are willing to undertake. Accordingly, we need to prepare for any toughest struggles in life as they can come up anytime.

Evidence Based Practice Essay

This question reminded me about the famous and probably one of the most important inventors in the world, Thomas Edison. When he was trying to create his filament for his light bulb, it took him more than a thousand tries to do so. Likewise in a hospital, all the procedures and treatments that nurses do while on the job has been practiced and experimented on so the patient can receive first-class quality care from the nurses. Evidence-based nursing is a process founded on the collection, interpretation, and integration of valid, important, and applicable research. An example of this can be when a new technique or procedure has been discovered to help cure new diseases. After extensive amounts of research, the technique will be experimented on. They will perform the new technique on patients to see if the patients feel better, and like the procedure done to them. Evidence-based practice will help you explore the process of making solid clinical decisions that you must make in the hospital. New problems will arise daily, and with evidence-based practice, you are able to solve those problems in a systematic way. I believe that to do evidence-based practice needs to be done with a group or a team. Efficiency and accuracy is needed when doing evidence-based practice because in the end, the patients are the ones that need to be satisfied with the care that they are receiving. An example of the evidence based practice is as a chemo nurse, patients admitted for chemotherapy are offered pre-treatment assessment and physical and emotional support. Also, we provide a low-stress setting that helps patients and families to receive fully absorb the information and educate themselves about their disease and its treatments. As an effect to evidence-based nursing, we can now be more confident about the procedures that we do on our patients, because they have been thoroughly checked over.

The defining feature of Modern culture

Modern culture is a direct derivative of and at the same time antithesis of co-existence with nature. The defining feature of Modern culture (adopting the Herder’s definition as â€Å"the practices and beliefs which form the self-identity of a tribe† and not the Humboldt’s version of distinguishing common and high cultures)(Scruton 2) is its increasing distance from the nature and its attempts to understand and divulge the secrets or facets of nature, hither to left unappreciated or not understood.In the history of human civilization (ironically, Civilization means the history of city dwelling population) the pace at which technology improved has grown exponentially since the late 19th century. This growth in technology has spurred the redefining of central values attached to human life. The beneficiaries of the technological advances, the huge sections of societies, seldom bother themselves with the philosophical depths of questions that the increasing use of te chnology and the alienation form nature poses to their central core.However, the tension that resonates between nature and technology is a legacy of inherited historical human values pitted against the negation of the basis of these values in technology. Technology seeks to explore and lay bare while a co-existence with nature demands a certain amount of surrender. Since these two approaches have to be combined in the modern life, there is ambivalence in the approach people are forced to take to their existence.As George Simmel mentions in his work â€Å"The Metropolis and Mental Life†, the deepest problems of modern life are because of the attempts of man to maintain his individuality in the face of changing historic and technological perspectives. (Simmel 11) One basic shift in the modern life to the other forms of society which had a greater correlation with nature is the change in approach to Life in general. Modern life, with it increasing use of technology aims to quant ify everything while co-existence with nature left a lot of qualitative and subjective parameters in place.The resultant void is generally seen as the force that generates the tension between nature and technology. (The dismantling of the religious structure by socialist countries without placing an alternate belief system in place, which saw a huge spurt in religious activity once the socialist structures themselves, crumbled, is an example of a void based on qualitative beliefs and necessity of such beliefs).Modern culture instills a sense of measurement to everything involved in daily life, while co-existence with nature demands suspension of reason to a certain extent. There is an Indian Proverb which roughly translates to â€Å"Plucking the petals of the Rose will not reveal where its beauty lies†. Same is the case with the stimuli caused by nature where suspension of reason is a primary requisite to respond to them. A magnificient sunset is a visual pleasure accorded by nature which cannot be deciphered by any technological quantification measures.â€Å"Whilst Man involuntarily moulds his Life according to the notions he has gathered from his arbitrary views of Nature, and embalms their intuitive expression in Religion: these notions become for him in Science the subject of conscious, intentional review and scrutiny. † (Richard Wagner, 73). In trying to explain the basic differences between Nature and technology Wagner also indicates almost accurately at the reasons for conflict. When viewed in the light of Simmel’s description of man’s emotional responses as he says â€Å"Man is a creature whose existence is dependent on differences, i.e. his mind is stimulated by the difference between present impressions and those that have preceded. † (Simmel 325). But the rapidity with which a person part of the modern culture is accosted by such stimuli is what differentiates his responses. The increasing proximity to his species and in a way that would not have been possible to any of his preceding generations creates a sense of detachment from most stimuli and prevents him from reacting with the same intensity compared to only a few generations earlier. In short, modern culture forces man to react with his head than his heart.This, Simmel argues creates a blase attitude – a defining characteristic of modern culture. â€Å"†¦incapacity to react to new stimulations with the required amount of energy constitutes in fact that blase attitude which every child of a large city evinces hen compared with the products of the more peaceful and more stable milieu† Simmel 14 Advancement in technology creates increased urbanization where people are removed from nature and so closely compressed with one another that their nervous stimulation is hyper excited to become blase.This leads to a state of denial to all other impulses accorded by nature, which are inherently non-quantifiable. Wagner articulate s this alienation of Science and nature in more vocal and less scientific terms. Technology, as mentioned earlier is a result of efforts to understand and harness the energies available in nature, acquires arrogance through its practitioners that it tries to rob the soul of all human interactions with nature. â€Å"And truly Science, in her overweening arrogance, has dreamed of such a triumph; as witness our tight-reined State and modern Art, the sexless, barren children of this dream.† This tension between nature and its instincts as expressed in human emotions and the increasing needs of rational responses conditioned by a technology-driven society are reflected in the probing questions of the late nineteenth and the early twentieth century literature and art forms. Kafkaesque depictions of society not recognizing its traditional pains and bonds due to the demands of the modern culture are common in most art forms. To drive the point home, in his novella â€Å"Metamorphosi s† Kafka paints a picture of the emptiness of modern existence.Seen by many as the gateway to modern literature, it justifies Simmel’s views that the values of modern culture create certain bluntness to responses to stimuli. While it is important to acknowledge the tension between technology (or the changes in life due to technology) and nature as an essential part of the modern cultural set up, it is a learning to understand how this disparity or tension is dealt with. The creation of the modern idiom is largely an effect of the interplay between nature and technology. Additionally, the increased integration of technology has made people more used to viewing their renewed values in a different light.In fact most surviving sensibilities are modern in nature and the exotic feel accorded to romantic art of the previous generations is precisely the result of the contrast. Besides, modern art does adopt the modern life and especially urban living aspect of modern life more readily than was anticipated by the early proponents of modernism. As Wagner argues, Art as an expression of man’s interaction with nature and the resultant emotions – awe or aversion, hope or despair, love or revulsion, harmony or agitation- has in fact been aided by the modern culture. In his typically poetic prose Wagner describes,â€Å" This did the life-force, the life-need, of telluric Nature nurture once those baleful forces – or rather the potentiality of those alliances and, offspring of the elements – which blocked her way in giving true and fitting utterance to the fullness of her vital energy†(Wagner 9) He also seems to say that the potential for abundance brought on by the revolutionary availability of technology affords the luxury of pursuing art for art’s sake for people pf the modern era – all the while remembering that art is the truest form of depicting or connecting with Nature, both internal and external.Besides, a fuller and more complete appreciation of Nature as a separate entity and an ally has blossomed after the initial years of tension with Technology. Though initial years of modern culture and civilization were alarming in the fact that the alienation with nature was at once complete and seemingly irreparable, yet the situation has changed. As with everything and as Darwin would have proudly pointed out, mankind has adapted quite well to this dichotomy of Nature and Technology and has realized the necessity to keep both these aspects of his existence in good humor – all the time.Though it can be argued that most ailments of modern society, like the environmental degradation, lack of trust in human interactions, increasing and pointless violence, or the break down of civilized society in some pockets are essentially the manifestations of the tension between a nature-embracing living and Technology dependent living, it is the way forward. As Man has learnt continuously from all h is endeavors both successful and perilously unsuccessful, modern culture has given a unique perspective to watch Nature in all its glory and make it an ally in pursuing higher spiritual goals.Works Cited Wagner, Richard. The Art Work of the Future. Montana: Kessinger Publishing, 2004. Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis. Montana: Kessinger Publishing, 2004 Simmel, Georg & Kurt Wolff. The sociology of Georg Simmel. Translated by kurt Wolff Washington DC: Free Press, 1950 Scruton, Roger. Modern Culture. NewYork: Continuum International Publishing Group, 2007

Sniffy Report

The amounts of bar presses for the different training schedules were compared. It was found that non-target behaviors were frequent during the first observation session, but as an association with bar pressing was formed, an increase In target behavior was observed. The IVR schedule produced more target behaviors, and when the reinforce was removed, target behavior decreased. The CRY rat appeared to learn the target behavior more quickly, and the target behavior became extinct more gradually. However, when the reward (virtual pellet) was taken away or decreased, the rats' target behavior decreased.Comparison of CRY and IVR After Shaping 3 Method Participants The sample included fifteen students who shaped virtual rats named â€Å"Sniffs. † These students were In a Psychology 310 class at Clemson University. The class was made up of juniors and seniors In college. Two virtual rats were observed In this experiment using the â€Å"Sniffs† program. These rats were considere d to be representative of the population because they were programmed to behave the way a â€Å"normal,† â€Å"average† rat would. Materials or Apparatus A virtual Skinner Box was used in this procedure. In this box. Ere was a bar for the rat to press and a food dispenser ending at a hopper. Virtual pellets of food were also used In this experiment. Procedure This procedure was conducted In a laboratory setting as an observational study. The experiment consisted of two rats and was between-subject. Observations began with the fifteen students simply observing a virtual rat and recording behaviors that they could possibly study. These behaviors were: sniffing, walking, circling, cleaning, crouching, lying flat, and standing on hind legs. However, the definitions of these behaviors were arbitrary.Three behaviors (bar pressing, rearing, and grooming) were then operationally defined and became the focus of the virtual rats' behaviors. Bar pressing was operationally defined to be when Sniffs pressed the bar that would give him a virtual pellet. Rearing was operationally defined as Sniffs standing on his hind legs against a wall, but not his standing on his hind legs in the middle of the cage. Grooming was operationally defined as Sniffs cleaning his face with his front paws, but not any other type of cleaning behavior. One of the virtual rats Comparison exhibition of these three behaviors was taken from the fifteen students.This was done to define a baseline for â€Å"normal† behavior in these virtual rats. Upon devising this baseline, the students shaped â€Å"Sniffs† for 45 minutes on a continuous reinforcement schedule. The object of training the virtual rat was to teach him how to press the bar and, thus, receive a food pellet. To train him, the students pressed the bar every time Sniffs got close to the food hopper. This caused familiarity with the sound of a bar press, a connection of the sound and the food pellet, and eventually, the connection of the bar press and the food pellet.Thus, Sniffs was trained to press the bar to get food. Because of time constraints, no one in either group completely trained the virtual rats, but for ease of understanding, fully trained rats were used after this part of the procedure. This experiment was done with simulated hungry rats. The students then split up into groups of seven and eight to observe two different virtual rats. The group of seven observed a rat trained on a continuous reinforcement (CRY) schedule, and the group of eight observed a rat trained on a variable ratio-5 (IVR) schedule.The groups observed the virtual rats at different times, but each group observed for 30 minutes. The group observing the rat on a CRY schedule observed and recorded the number of bar presses their Sniffs displayed. The group observing the rat on a IVR schedule recorded the number of bar presses, rearing, and grooming behaviors exhibited by Sniffs. After the virtual rats were trained and observed, the students attempted to extinguish the behavior they trained Sniffs to perform. Both virtual rats were considered to be fully shaped at the beginning of this section of the study.The settings were changed on the Sniffs program so that there was no sound when the bar was pressed. The rats also did not receive any food pellets when they pressed he bar. The rats were observed for ten minutes each at different times. Bar pressing, rearing, Comparison of CRY and IVR After Shaping 5 and grooming behaviors were recorded. Again, because of time constraints, neither rat became completely extinct in the ten minutes of observation, but completely extinct rats were used for the next section of the experiment. Extinction was defined as less than one bar press per minute for the rats.After behaviors for both rats were extinguished, they were placed on their previous schedules of reinforcement to measure recovery behavior. The rats ere observed for twelve minutes in attempt to retr ain them to press the bar for food. Once more, because of time constraints, the virtual rats were set back to full association of bar pressing with food for the remainder of the experiment. Finally, punishment took place. A fully trained CRY virtual rat and a fully trained IVR virtual rat were used in this section. High punishment was implemented for every time the rats pressed the bar.This punishment was a shock from the floor of the Skinner Box. Both rats received this treatment. Each of the rats was observed for five minutes. Bar reusing, rearing, and grooming behaviors were recorded during this time. It is believed that the rat may have thought it was still in extinction, and it is possible that the rat never actually gained the habit back. There were several confound that could have affected the results of this experiment. The lab assistant kept time by incorrect recording of data could have resulted from human error.At times, the virtual rats pressed the bar many times sequent ially, making it difficult to accurately record the data. In this study, the independent variable was the level of reinforcement the rats got when they pressed the bar; these levels were: no enforcement, CRY, IVR, and positive punishment. No reinforcement was used during baseline observations. CRY and IVR were used in training the rats to press the bar and again in recovery. Positive punishment was used in attempt to extinguish the learned behavior of bar pressing in the rats.The dependent variable was the virtual rats' pressing of the bar, Comparison of CRY and IVR After Shaping 6 and data was collected. It is arguable that rearing and grooming behaviors were additional dependent variables, but the one being studied and compared was the bar pressing behavior. There were no ethical problems in this procedure. Virtual rats were used, so no live animals were in danger. These were the only participants in the experiment. The experimenters were also not in danger. The only possible issu e would be stress.The experimenters had a slight amount of stress on them to keep up with the bar presses of these rats. Other than this minor possible dilemma, the experiment was ethically sound. There was no compensation offered in this procedure, and very little bias was likely to play a role in the collection of data. Results Frequency behavior was observed and recorded during this experiment. The IVR rat's training included 118 bar presses for 45 minutes. A noticeable difference was found in the frequency of bar presses for the rat trained on a CRY schedule and the rat trained on a IVR schedule.Figure 1 shows the differences in baseline, CRY, and IVR rat observations of behaviors. Figure 2 gives a comparison of the extinction of the CRY and IVR trained rats. In the twelve minutes the students observed the IVR rat after extinction, no recovery was made. A slight recovery was made in the CRY rat. In the recovery after punishment, the IVR rat pressed the bar four times and did not receive a pellet. The data for all of the observations made can be found in Figure 3. Over all, the differing training techniques appeared to have affects on the response of virtual rats to the independent variable.Comparison of CRY and IVR After Shaping 7 Discussion Hypothesis 1 Hypothesis 1 focused on the observation section of the experiment to define a baseline. It was predicted that more non-target behaviors (rearing and grooming) would occur more often than the target behavior (bar pressing). As seen in Figure 1, the hypothesis was supported. The baseline included almost no bar presses and larger amounts of rearing and grooming. Hypothesis 2 Hypothesis 2 suggested that during shaping, there would be an increase in target behavior and a decrease in non-target behavior as an association was formed.This hypothesis was supported for the rat trained on a IVR schedule, but was not recorded for the rat trained on a CRY. These figures are recorded in Figure 1 . The fact that non-targ et behaviors were not recorded for the CRY rat Hypothesis 3 Hypothesis 3 stated that the rat trained on the IVR schedule would result in more bar presses per minute than the rat trained on the CRY scale. Again, Figure 1 shows this hypothesis to be true. There was a large difference in the amount of bar presses each of the rats exhibited. This is likely because the IVR rats had to press the bar for an unknown number of times in order to receive a food pellet.Comparison of CRY and IVR After Shaping 8 Hypothesis 4 Hypothesis 4 stated that during extinction, the target behavior would increase with the removal of the reinforce. Figure 2 shows this to be true for both rats. When the rats had no motivation to press the bar, they lost interest. There were several extinction bursts, but after the tine often minutes ended, the rats had lost a considerable amount of interest in the target behavior. Implementation This project is applicable to humans in that it demonstrates support for the Beha vioral approach to psychology.A traditional Skinner Box was used, and the traditional ideas of providing reinforcement and punishment as a means of controlling behavior were applied. The ability to compare rat behavior to human behavior is questionable, but a widely- accepted theory was supported in this study. Strengths and Weaknesses This study was done in a small laboratory setting with only two rats. The small number of participants in this study ay be a hindrance in the application of the results to multiple facets. To generalize the study, more rats should be used to test the various shaping methods.Another weakness of this study is that the time measurement was imprecise. The time was kept by the lab assistant, and she occasionally forgot to call the time. Human error plays a part in this as well. Another factor human error likely played a part in is the collection of the data. Although the students were all specifically trying to be accurate in their recordings, it is not li kely that even a single person recorded all of the data refectory. One more weakness includes the fact that the non-target behaviors were not recorded during training of the CRY rat.The data would have been more easily compared if they were consistent across the experiment. Comparison of CRY and IVR After Shaping 9 A major strength in this procedure was the accuracy of averages across the data. Though there were slight differences in the reports of collected data, much of the numbers were close in range. Another strength in this experiment was that the rats being observed were modeled after live rats in a laboratory. Therefore, he experiment was able to be conducted without the use of live animals, and the reported data were likely similar to that from a study on live rats.Further Research This study would be interesting to implement in the lives of humans. Many would argue that rats are different from humans, and therefore, this behavior does not apply to humans. Shaping human beha vior would be difficult to test in a laboratory setting, but if possible, it would be interesting. Parallelism in the observation groups is a good idea to add to further studies. Because this study was missing a few observations, the data collected was less useful to those analyzing it.

Web 2.0 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Web 2.0 - Essay Example Another advantage is low cost of communication across the world. A major disadvantage is over dependence on the internet which is not available all the time. It can also lead to loss of crucial data incase the computer crashes (University of Phoenix, 2011). Key impact of web 2.0 on business is that it is a marketing tool that is cheaper compared to convectional ways of marketing thus low operational cost and increase in revenue. It provides a platform where the organization interacts with their clients, prospects, service providers and suppliers. Based on the increased use of web 2.0, firms are able to create strong connection with various stakeholders regardless of their destinations. In this way, companies can regularly update all the parties concerned on the progress of their investment. As a result, the technology has led to expansion of companies globally as well as enhancement of stakeholders trust and loyalty towards their companies. University of Phoenix. (2011). Wireless infrastructure: Can our current system handle bandwidth demands? Retrieved from

Organizations Mission, Vision, and Core Values Research Paper

Organizations Mission, Vision, and Core Values - Research Paper Example According to Martires & Fule (2000), the concept of organizational culture encompass the atmosphere that the personnel is accustomed to practice as a result of adherence to the policies, rules, mission and vision statement, as well as the existing protocols that are being applied in the conduct of offering the products or services to their clientele. From continued patronage and established bond with the organization due to being one of its identified stakeholders as a loyal customer, one has observed that the culture of the organization is known from observation that they abide by the requisite to doing the right thing (McDonald's: Getting to Know Us, 2012). There is also the conformity to the identified McDonald’s System, which, upon further research indicated that commitment to high quality, innovation, and techniques that achieve sustainability embody the organization’s culture (McDonald's: McDonald’s System, 2012). It has been observed that encompassing the organization’s culture is the fast way of ensuring that their food products are served wtihin a stipulated time frame and meeting the highest standards of sourcing raw materials from their best suppliers. Each aspect of the organization’s operations are evaluated to conform to concepts of social responsibility, conformity to environmental protection and conservation, addressing nutritional components of the ingredients that they use in their products, and in educating their varied personnel to emphasize that other aspects deemed crucial in the organization’s thrust to achieve their goals include the participation and collaborative contribution of a diverse pool of human resources (McDonald's: Inclusion & Diversity, 2012). However, when one visited McDonald’s restaurants, it could be observed that there is inconsistencies in applying customer service protocols, in conformity to the highest standards of ingredients or raw materials used for their food products, and in their supposed commitment for social responsibility. Section 3: Recommendations In linking the organization’s mission and value statements to the perceived organizational culture, it could be deduced that all crucial components to ensure leadership and success have already been set in place. However, as organizations continue to evolve, like McDonald’s, the organization acknowledges the need for continued growth through thinking outside the box and by soliciting customers’ feedback and responses with the aim for further improvement and development in customer service, in conformity to social responsibility and environmental protection, and in consistency of practicing or applying the theories learned in operating and managing a global organization. In this regard, the four recommendations proposed regarding the application of theories to actual experiences, as manifested and exemplified through their various personnel’

Should American Football be banned from Highschool Research Paper

Should American Football be banned from Highschool - Research Paper Example The issue has been met with opposing opinions from those who support the sport and want such an activity to continue, while there are those that strongly oppose the same. In this section, I shall discuss why school administration boards across the country have been considering the prohibition of the sport on their grounds. Unsurprisingly, supporters of the stand that American football should be banned come from adults who are mostly parents of the students. American Football as a Discriminating Sport According to David (105), American football is a gender discriminating sport. The parties particularly interested in playing the sport and those who enjoy the same the most are the males. The sport has been described as a â€Å"masculine† activity and female students are not likely to benefit from the sport in the same way that their male counterparts can. It is also thought that female students are not likely to benefit from the sport. They are not likely to hone any beneficial s kills from playing the game, at least not physically. The Injuries Suffered by Football Players One of the obvious injuries that may be suffered by American footballers would be head injuries. The seriousness of the risk faced by these players has lead the District of Columbia to ban sports that result in concussions, or at the very least, expose the youth to such threats (between 2009 and 2011). While suffering concussions may not seem to be that serious to some, because head bumps can be helped with a pack of ice, the threat of head injuries can definitely lead to really serious health conditions that can affect a player for life. The trauma however, can manifest later on in the life of the injured player and can be the explanation of â€Å"neurodegenerative disease similar to Alzheimer’s† (Trotta and Ingles). Health conditions related to head injuries include dementia and Alzheimer’s itself. Problems such as fractures to the skull are also highly likely and t he presence of the skull itself and its ability to cushion the brain from injury is not enough. Serious brain damage is possible (Reed). There has also been research to suggest that the more concussions a player suffers, the more likely would depression kick in. Other injuries to be suffered by such football players include â€Å"cervical spinal cord injuries.† It has been known that in the United States, players from Louisiana suffer mainly from this kind of injury (Lawrence et al) Because of the alarming health risks that football may bring, fifteen states have issued laws banning such dangerous sports (Trotta and Ingles). It has been suggested that the best way to deal with preventing such serious injuries would be to invest in the sports equipment. Supporters of the sport should look into providing improved designs of head and mouth gear for the players, to ensure that the players’ gear could withstand injuries to be encountered on the field (Trotta and Ingles). An other solution to the problem would be to educate the players themselves on â€Å"safe tackling† methods in order to prevent injury and how these players can best use their head gear in the safest way possible. Unfortunately, according to a study by Lawrence et al., a significant number of players use the top of their helmets in tackling their opponents. This is one of the most dangerous tackling methods, and is actually illegal. However, an alarming majority of player participants in the

Everything is Miscellaneous Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Everything is Miscellaneous - Essay Example One thing that has gone at stake is the reliability of information. Wikipedia happens to be one of the most frequently and commonly consulted website for gathering information about any kind of subject. However, Wikipedia offers all its users to contribute to the knowledge it stores in its database because of which, it is not believed to be a credible source of information in the academic world. â€Å"Philip Bradley, a librarian and Internet consultant, said in the Guardian that Wikipedia is theoretically â€Å"a lovely idea,† but â€Å"I wouldn’t use it, and I’m not aware of a single librarian who would†Ã¢â‚¬  (Weinberger 132). Wikipedia rests on a miscellaneous system of spread of information. This paper critically analyzes a documentary that can be defined in similar terms. In this documentary (â€Å"Obsession: Radical Islam’s†), Islam is described as a threat to the Western culture. The documentary holds one of the most fundamental tene ts of Islam, called as â€Å"Jihad† as the root cause of terrorism in the world. Jihad is one of the most commonly misunderstood and misinterpreted tenets of Islam in the West. Because of the way it has been portrayed in the media, many people particularly non-Muslims think of Jihad as terrorism. Western media defines Jihad as radical Muslims’ declaration of war over the innocent non-Muslims. To give weight to image it wants to construct of Jihad, the documentary asserts that not only non-Muslims, but also many Muslims are also put to risk as a result of the spread of terrorism with Jihad because they are held accountable by the non-Muslims for the acts of the terrorist agencies. The documentary shows various scenes telecast on the TV channels mostly in Arabia in which Jihad has been defined as integrally associated with the spread of terrorism in the world (Munoz). For instance, a scholar in one of the clips shown in the documentary says that it is not a sin for a Mus lim to assassinate a non-Muslim because the latter is not more important than a cow. It is important to note that to understand Jihad in its true spirit, it is imperative that the history of Islam is read and Jihad is understood in context in which it has been made obligatory upon the followers of Islam. In order to understand the real meaning of Jihad, it must be noticed that most clips included in the documentary show misleading scholars that either are misinformed about the significance of Jihad in Islam or intentionally describe it wrongly so as to create confusions and controversies about Islam. Such scholars are funded by anti-Islamic agencies that want to deter non-Muslims from embracing Islam, considering the fact that Islam is the fastest spreading religion in the world today. The documentary also shares some right concepts about Jihad. This makes it a mix of correct and incorrect descriptions of Jihad. For instance, the documentary tells that Jihad’s literal meaning is â€Å"struggle† which is correct (Fatoohi). â€Å"In Qur'an it is not jihad but values like justice, compassion and forgiveness are more prominent. While these values are permanent and transcendent, war (for which Qur'an uses the word qital, not jihad) is contextual and defensive only when such situation arises† (Ali). Every year, millions of non-Muslims embrace Islam by their own choice rather than by

An examination of forced marriages and its implications within the UK Dissertation

An examination of forced marriages and its implications within the UK - Dissertation Example Accordingly, no marriage could be solemnized of those persons who are under the age of 21 years. Disobedience of laws will be a punishable offence and will result in punishment of 14 years in jail. However, the Jews and Quakers were exempted from this law. Jews and Quakers were not restricted according to the Marriage Act of 1753 to obey the law of appearing in churches for marriage purpose. Anglican churches were also specified for nonconformists and Catholics. The condition of marrying in a specific church was removed by the Parliament through Marriage Act of 1936. The Act in question made it possible for non-religious people to marry in the registrar office in their respective towns and cities (Barlow 2005). In response to a move for equal citizenship, the Parliament in the year 1929 cut down the age limit to 16 years for either sex. This limit is still in vogue. The Civil Partnership Act, which was passed by the Parliament in the year 2004, allowed the young couple to follow the same legal rights and obligations as allowed to the couple of elderly ages (Barlow 2005). This paper analyzes the issue of forced marriages in UK and their implications within UK by evaluating some available literature and by scrutinising some law case examples. In the end, Supreme’s court’s stance related to forced marriages will be given along with a conclusion. We all know that there is a clear distinction between the Forced marriage and the arranged marriage. The forced marriage by way of coercive methods whereas the arranged marriage with the consent of all matrimonial stakeholders. Both sorts of marriages come to limelight in the domestic and the international print and electronic media. Because of inherent domestic violence inflicted upon women in any location or in any country of the world. Forced marriages are characterized by domestic violence in whatever form it is, abuses, and coercive methods and last but not least the threats. (Wilson, 2007). Overview A t horough review of the currently published survey report indicates approximately ten million girls below the age of eighteen years get married every year. As per the calculation it comes to one girl every three seconds. The statistics of such marriages are a) 833,333 girls in a month b) 192,307 in a week c) 27, 397 in a day and d) 19 in every minute. If we look at the picture of developing world, we find one out of five girls married by the age of eighteen years. One out of seven married before attaining the age of fifteen. The situation in African and the Asian countries is other way round. In the mentioned regions, the statistic of early and forced marriage is around sixty percent. What to talk about Child brides in South Asia and Saharan country of Africa where the percentage of early forced marriages went up to 46 and 38 percent respectively. In Europe including Georgia, Turkey and Ukraine, the highest rate of early and forced marriages are 17 percent, 14 percent and 10 percent r espectively. The situation of early and forced marriages in England and France is not quite different of the mentioned countries where 10 percent of the adolescent’s marriage happened at the mere age of 18 years. However, in many countries of the world where the legal marriage is not determined, marriages are being happened at a very lower age of 18 years. Take the example of Central African and the Republic of Congo where the legal age of An examination of forced marriages and its implications within the UK Dissertation - 2 An examination of forced marriages and its implications within the UK - Dissertation Example Accordingly, no marriage could be solemnized of those persons who are under the age of 21 years. Disobedience of laws will be a punishable offence and will result in punishment of 14 years in jail. However, the Jews and Quakers were exempted from this law. Jews and Quakers were not restricted according to the Marriage Act of 1753 to obey the law of appearing in churches for marriage purpose. Anglican churches were also specified for nonconformists and Catholics. The condition of marrying in a specific church was removed by the Parliament through Marriage Act of 1936. The Act in question made it possible for non-religious people to marry in the registrar office in their respective towns and cities (Barlow 2005). In response to a move for equal citizenship, the Parliament in the year 1929 cut down the age limit to 16 years for either sex. This limit is still in vogue. The Civil Partnership Act, which was passed by the Parliament in the year 2004, allowed the young couple to follow the same legal rights and obligations as allowed to the couple of elderly ages (Barlow 2005). This paper analyzes the issue of forced marriages in UK and their implications within UK by evaluating some available literature and by scrutinising some law case examples. In the end, Supreme’s court’s stance related to forced marriages will be given along with a conclusion. Argument Forced marriages are threatening for UK because according to thinkers and researchers, they come under the category of abuse and violence, therefore, suitable legal steps should be taken to stop this form of abuse. This paper scrutinizes the history of forced marriages and analyzes the issue and its implications within the UK. Research Methodology The research methodology suitable for completing this paper is qualitative method in which, an in depth literature review is conducted to analyze the issue of forced marriages in UK and the processes involved. Along with a literature review, case law exampl es are also incorporated to gain an overview of the problem and possible solutions. Therefore, as a research methodology, qualitative form of researching is used and a literature review and case law analysis is conducted to find answers to the research problem. Literature Review Marriages can be performed before authorized registrar. Priests of churches in England and Wales are authorized to conduct marriages in the local parish. Study of marriage history of England, reveals that since inception of Marriage Act 1753Â  till 1837, it was the prerogative of Church of England to conduct marriages except the marriages of the Jews and Quakers. The marriages of other faiths can be held by the Registrars. Marriage Act 1949 overtook previously passed acts of marriage. The 1753 Act required presence of two witnesses at the marriage ceremony coupled with minimum marriageable age (Dnes & Rowthorn 2002). The marriages of royal family are conducted under Royal Marriages Act of 1772. According to the mentioned act, the British Royal family were required to take the permission of the ruler if anyone of them wants to get married under twenty five years of age. Marriage Act 1836 eliminated the royal family in passing the act as a separate act was passed for them in terms of marriage (Dnes & Rowthorn 2002). Forced Marriage in the United Kingdom Forced marriages

Nursing Portfolio Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Nursing Portfolio - Essay Example Usually if a Pedro rating is not incorporated in the article, then a low score will be provided on the scale. I will make exceptions on some of the articles below. Article 1: The Efficacy of Nutrition and Lifestyle Approaches in the Treatment of Depression This article's treatment plan is somewhat believable. The criteria and eligibility of who is in this study is clear to some extent but not clear enough. This study uses random allocation to measure its results. There is no mention that it is a random study nor any indication is given of whether the participants are from different backgrounds or not (1 point). This study conceals allocation by not providing any detailed information on the participants (1 + 1 = 2 points). There is a comparability of the groups at baseline and the study is blind because we have an age range and a control vs noncontrol group (1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 4 points). The therapists and assessors component is not fully satisfied because there is no mention of therapis t and their techniques included along with no indication of a well established person in charge of administering the treatment. It is a random list of items to deal with finding an alternative to medication for depression. The only followup here is that the participants have no way of curing depression. That would be considered enough of a followup because participants of the study are aware that this is not a cure but rather a possible solution to depression (5 points). In other words, little mention as to a followup study has been recorded. This study does not use enough statistical analysis to provide evidence of achieving its results. Three confident interval scores were used and that is not enough to prove that nutrition and lifestyle changes help. There is mention of point estimates on the mean however this does not provide enough evidence that the items they suggest help to benefit depression. This article is granted a Pedro rating of 5 which means it is fair. I could have go ne to 4 or 6 but I think 5 is more of a proper score. Any article with a score of 6 or above would be considered a worthy study. Overall this article gets a 2b rating. Article 2: Aspirin Use and Lung, Colon, and Breast Cancer: Incidence in a prospective study Random allocation and the concealment of this allocation is clear. We know who is in the study and we also know that it remains confidential. The study is believable and states clear demographics. Also the identities of the participants is secure (1 + 1 + 1 = 3 points). The comparision of groups at baseline is illustrated throughout the research because we are comparing those who take aspirin and get various types of cancer and those who do not. There is a follow up of results with a 12.4 year period (2 + 3 = 5 points). This article provides several charts and provides a lot of analysis on those who use aspirin and whether they are less likely to get cancer. They provide a lot of substantial evidence and use appropriate measure s to establish a list of results. The background on how they use these measures is also quite thoroughly investigated (5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 8 points). Overall, this article has a Pedro rating of 8 which means that it is good in the presentation of experimental methods and it has a clear demonstration of its demographics. It is also easily conceivable that this research would have these results judging only on the presentation and the