Linking pay to employee performance ( related pay performance ) Assignment

Linking pay to employee performance ( related pay performance ) - Assignment Example For the government, pay levels have an impact on macro-economic factors, such as employment, inflation, purchasing power and socio-economic development.   Even though basic pay makes up a significant portion of the total compensation, the employer is also affected by the benefits offered to the employees, such as fringe benefits, cash and non- cash benefits. In the majority of developed countries and countries with high personal tax rates, the benefits component of executive compensation has been consistently increasing over the past few years (Silva, 1998).   Performance related pay (PRP) â€Å"links reward or salary progression to some form of performance rating. This could be part of a performance management or appraisal system, or it could be based on a separate appraisal of performance exclusively for pay purposes.† (Armstrong, 2001). PRP has assumed growing significance in the present times with more and more organisations adopting measures to motivate their workforce. The objective is to drive performance levels by linking employee rewards with organisational goals and objectives (CIPD, 2011).   Pay can have one or more objectives that can be categorised under four heads. The first objective is equity. This can be achieved through various means, such as adjusting income distribution in such a way to reduce the disparity in income levels; bringing the pay levels of the lowest paid employees on par with the rest of the organisation; safeguarding real wages, and ensuring uniform pay for work of equal value. Even differences in pay is made on the basis of skills or performance levels, it is connected to equity (Silva, 1998). The second objective of efficiency has a relationship with the first objective of equity. Efficiency objective comes into play when a part of the pay is linked to employee performance and contribution to the organisation. Macro-economic stability is the third

Does fair play have an important role in competitive sport Essay Example for Free

Does fair play have an important role in competitive sport Essay From the time of gods and goddesses, they have been competing in friendly sports and throughout time, it evolved into sports and even Olympics. From the time that sports were invented, the concept of fair play or sportsmanship was not yet apparent. But when sports were finally considered of great importance, the concept of fair play became universally understood. Basically, fair play is sportsmanship. For some, both players and audiences alike, consider it as the â€Å"golden rule† in sports. In fair play, you treat your team mates and opponents as someone you would like to be treated as. You show respect for yourself, your team mates, and your rivals. You should also demonstrate respect for both coaches of the opposing teams and other important figures in the field like the umpires, judges and other officials. (Sanders, 2005) But in modern times, it does not only apply to the players; consequently, it now also applied to the people watching the game. It now developed into an attitude that may influence the players, audiences and the game. (Sanders, 2005) In every sport, there is always a loser and a winner. But, the greatness of the game relies on how the players played the sport. And consequently, their sportsmanship should also be apparent in their game. It is undeniable that winning feels great but being a sport has a great role in a winner’s game. It can make or break a game. Today, when sports become an alley for talented players to become superstars, the spirit of sports become plagued. In retrospect, we have to keep in mind that being a sport has its advantages—and winning the game is one of it. While playing, playing fair not only helps to win a game but it also builds character. With the help of the coach, the athletes can reach their highest potential and so, they become better players and human beings. (Fakehany) Since sportsmanship is an attitude, it also teaches valuable lessons and builds character to a person. It has become a way of life both in and out of the field. And these very same attitudes help a person to be ready not just in the court but also outside (i. e. corporate life). How we play a game makes us introspective in a sense that it assists us to re-evaluate ourselves and reflect on our behaviors. www. yogiberramuseum. org, 2005) Sportsmanship is also vital so as not have massive brawls and misunderstanding in a competition. Fair play creates a friendly atmosphere wherein athletes can really enjoy the game from the beginning until the end. Unconsciously, it creates the mood of the entire game and it lessens the tendency of the players to have arguments. It makes both the opposing teams feel as if that they are not competing at all but more of a friendly competition. Peak) Research analysts have also done studies wherein it supports that indeed, fair play is a factor to win or how the team approaches the game. Apologists of sports say reiterate that fair play is a great way to avoid addiction and violence. For them, it is a mere socialization of the players with one another. And thus, it implies that because of fair play, players have more blissful and energetic strategy as compared with players who does not have a sense of sportsmanship. (GA. , 2005) Earlier, we have said that winning is a big part of a game. But definitely, there are always two sides in a story. Generally, competitors view winning as unimportant but the more aggressive view is that, it is the only thing. And, the main reason why we compete in a sport is to ultimately win the game. We usually strive to win. This very same reason makes us ponder why fair play plays an important role in a competitive sport. Firstly, when we want to compete, we assume that our competitor will also give his/her one hundred percent and they will also strive to win. And to eventually win the game, both of you will give your best. When we give your best, alongside with it comes all your athletic ability and might hoping that in the end, you will be successful. This is the mere essence of competition and sports—to win—but more importantly, to play the game fair. (Feigley, 2007) This philosophy is vice versa—for the player to win, he must give his best so that his best will let him win. Additionally, when both players give their best efforts, there will always be another chance where the two of you will meet again. This will be an advantage on both parts because through this, you now both know the strengths and weaknesses of each other. And because of this, both of the players can now plan their strategies so that they can beat the opponent next time they meet. And in so doing, they can also improve their skills and sports. In conjunction with such, the player must play fair so that both can give their best efforts that will eventually give them a sense of satisfaction. Also, as mentioned above, playing fair is also a form of socialization. When we enter into a competition, we should also bear in mind that after every after game, there will always be another chance wherein the two of you will meet again. It will also be an advantage to know your opponent not just on the court but more so, personally. You cannot just discuss your strategies but also, you can also create camaraderie, connections and friendships. This is an advantage for both players because you not only gave the audience what they are craving for; but also, it also shows that you can be defeated gracefully, which is commendable in the audiences point of view. Being a sport also gives the player a sense of â€Å"self-improvement†. Further elaborated, when the player becomes the loser, this gives him a lesson that he should constantly improve his sport or craft so that next time, he will win. Now, in view point of the winner, this does not mean that he should always be confident in his abilities. He should also be constantly honing his talent because there will always be someone out there that is better than him that might outshine him one day. Fair play serves as a constant reminder for both the player to always sharpen their respective craft to improve themselves and consequently, achieve their primary goal—which is, to win. Now, like mentioned from above, fair play does not only apply to the player. It should also apply to the other people that are prominent in a game like the coaches and other officials. There is no denying that coaches are a huge factor to develop a character and sense of sportsmanship of a player. They serve as the primary teacher which teaches us to be not just great players but also, as the ones that we take our basic course in sports. Now, since they are considered as the first teachers, it is inevitable that they should also serve as role models for players. Players should not be treated as the only stars in the game. The coaches and officials should also be a sport. This does not only break the rule of being a â€Å"teacher’ but also, it conforms to the notion of fair play. Coaches should also be able to accept winning and defeat gracefully. This does not only generate respect from the audience but more importantly, they also earn the respect of their fellow coaches and officials. And when they have already earned that respect, they should also learn to repay it to their players. With every lesson or new technique or strategy that they teach their players, it should also be accompanied with the constant lesson that the players should also learn how to be humble, or, in other words, be a sport. The whole concept of fair play will not be complete without being empathetic with the audiences. We have seen in televisions how the audiences react whenever their favorite soccer team makes a goal. The audiences should also have a proper etiquette whenever they watch their favorite team play. More often than not, audiences get too excited for their teams and eventually, it causes chaos in more ways than one. The audience should also have a concept of fair play so that there will be no casualties (both physical and egoistical) in the end. Just like their idols, they should also learn to accept defeat gracefully and understandingly. The concept of fair play or sportsmanship has been a â€Å"golden rule† in the world of sports ever since time in memoriam. Basically, it only states that players should show respect and should be fair in following the rules of the game. Not only should it apply for the players but also, for the coaches, officials and the audiences as well. Practicing fair play plays a great role in winning a game because it becomes a part of the whole game itself. Being fair implies a big responsibility not just for the players but also for the coaches, officials and the audiences as well. In playing fair, the player can re-evaluate his abilities and the strategies that he is employing if ever he losses a game. But this does not mean that the winner should now be always confident; he should rather practice more so as to hone his skills and so that, he can maintain his winning streak. Also, being fair builds camaraderie amongst players. For some, it is a form of socialization. Not only does it create friendships but also, it can also be a foundation of connections and a little bit of fame. Still, in a player’s point of point of view, it builds character. Generally, in sports, the coaches are considered as the first teachers of the athletes. They are the ones that should be responsible for how players behave and carry out the game. More importantly, they are the ones that sportsmanship should be highly visible because after all, they are the ones that created great, responsible and humble players. They should also know how to accept defeat gracefully because after all, in every game, there is always a winner and a loser. This should also be true for the officials because it is in their hands that the whole flow of the game lies. Also, they are considered as the â€Å"big boss† in a game and consequently, they can serve as a door for opportunities and a great entertainment for the audience. Lastly, to make this whole philosophy be holistic, it should also apply with the audiences. Around the world, there have been hundred reports that a simple game between two rival soccer teams causes many casualties and even suspensions for both teams. Audiences should know how to act properly in a game and should not be over excited regarding their respective teams. They should practice the concept of sportsmanship so that everything will be fair. In conclusion, the concept of sportsmanship has long been around and it is practiced since time in memoriam. It is an unwritten wherein it can save or break a game (or in some cases, even players and managers). Since it is a rule, it should be respected; but there are also situations where it has been violated and the violators have paid their price. To break it down, it is just a simple rule but pertains a heavy load of responsibility and consequences. And these consequences are downright heavy so it is will be much better for the players to just practice this philosophy so as not to get their selves into a big trouble and maybe one day, save their lives.

Visions and Dreams in James Welch’s Fools Crow :: James Welch Fools Crow Essays

Visions and Dreams in James Welch’s Fools Crow In the novel Fools Crow, by James Welch, several characters have visions and dreams. The dreams are so realistic that they are a vision of what's to come in the future. A lot of the visions and dreams become a message or some type of warning to the people so that they are aware of thing that are going to happen. Many of these dreams that the characters have affect them positively or in a disastrous way leading to misfortune. The first dream is a dream that White-Man's Dog known as "Fools Crow," has while he is on the first raid against the Crows. He dreamt of a lodge within an enemy camp containing young naked girls. As one of the girls approached him, he began to awake. After his awaking, he felt that in his dream he wanted to approach the girl but knew that there was danger in her direction. He kept thinking that he should tell Yellow Kidney, their leader, of this dream but his father had told him that it was not wise to speak of your dreams to others. After the raid, Yellow Kidney did not return with the others. Several months later he returned to their homestead and began to tell of what had happened to him. He had entered the enemy camp and discovered the lodge of young naked girls. The girls were infected with the white scabs disease; he had sexual contact with one of them and almost died. White Man's Dog felt horrible and blamed himself for what happened to Yellow Kidney. He thought to himself "Wh y hadn't he told Yellow Kidney of his dream? Such a dream would have been a sign of bad medicine and they might have turned back" (76). The second dream is a dream that Mik-api, the medicine man, has about the raven. The raven was a bird that had heard a cry of a four-legged creature named the wolverine. The wolverine had crossed through one of the Crow's caged traps and could not escape. When the raven tried to free the wolverine, he was not of strength to succeed. He told Mik-api in his dream that he knew of White Man's Dog and the strength he pertained. "It will take such a man to release our four-legged brother" (52). Mik-api told White Man's Dog of this dream and he agreed to find the wolverine and set him free.

The Hobbit Hero’s Journey

â€Å"A hero ventures forth from the world of the common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from the mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man† (Campbell, The Hero with a Thousand Faces). Joseph Campbell, an expert on mythology has outlined a standard form for heroic stories. He identifies ten stages in a hero’s journey, noting that all of the stages have to occur in every heroic story. In the novel, The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkien, Bilbo Baggins is described as an unlikely hero. According to Campbell, heroes are often the most unlikely person that anyone would expect to be chosen for an adventure. Bilbo goes through many of the stages identified by Campbell for a hero’s journey such as: being called to an adventure, attempting to reject the opportunity, encouraging Gandalf, a helper whoguides  and protects him, and leaving the safe haven of his hobbit home to cross the threshold venturing into the unknown. Bilbo Baggins is described as a respectable hobbit who comes from a rich family that never did anything unexpected, and never took adventures. His peaceful life was interrupted one day by a visit from a wizard named Gandalf. Gandalf had decided that Bilbo would make an excellent burglar on an adventure he was planning, because he could move quickly and very quietly. To this request Bilbo promptly replied â€Å"We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner! I can’t see what anybody sees in them†¦Good morning!†¦ we don’t want any adventures here, thank you! (6). Gandalf does not really give the hobbit a choice about going on the adventure. He marks the hobbit’s door with his staff indicating that he is interested in an adventure, and soon after, dwarves start appearing at his doorstep. Bilbo had been called to an adventure by an outside force, attempted to refuse the call, and ended up accept ing the adventure. This is the first stage in a hero’s journey. Another component of a hero’s journey includes a  guide. Gandalf, a wizard capable of performing  magic spells  accompanies Bilbo and the dwarves on part of their quest. Like many supernatural aids, he is called upon at different points in the journey to save the others. Bilbo discovers three trolls sitting around a fire. The trolls catch Bilbo when he tries to steal a purse from William, one of the trolls. The dwarves are also caught. Then, the trolls begin to argue about whether or not they should eat the dwarves and Bilbo. Gandalf returns just in time, and saves Bilbo and the dwarves. According to Campbell, the hero must fulfill the quest using his own strengths alone, so he can learn what his strengths are. Where was Gandalf† (56). After Gandalf and  the company  are saved by the eagles from the Goblins and the Wargs, they are taken to safety to eat and rest. The next  day, Gandalf tells them that he must leave for a while. The guide  often disappears at some point along the journey to allow this to happen, which Gandalf does. With the help of  the guide, Bilbo evolves as a leader and a hero of the group by showing his strengths. Bilbo was very brave when he got was separated from the rest of the group, and had to find his way out of the evil mountain. He also thought of a clever plan to put all of the dwarves in barrels and sail them down the river to escape. These strengths  show  how Bilbo started out extremely cautious, and became a great leader. Bilbo eventually accepts the idea that he is leaving his safe haven in the shire and accepting the call and risks the adventure brings. â€Å"†¦. Bilbo could never remember how he found himself outside, without a  walking  stick or any money†¦running as fast as his feet could carry him down the lane† (28). He was on his way with Gandalf to meet the others at the Inn to begin the journey. He and the others mounted the ponies and headed into the Lone-lands. He even thought to himself early in the trip that adventures were not so bad after all. He had taken a big  step  as he crossed the first threshold leaving his home behind to enter a world unknown. This is a critical stage in a hero’s journey. Bilbo Baggins clearly emerges as a heroic figure as he progresses through the stages of a hero’s journey as outlined by Campbell. He was called to an adventure by an outside force, Gandalf. As with many heroes he attempted to refuse the offer, but was unsuccessful. Gandalf the wizard acts as hisguide  and protector along the journey, while still allowing him to reveal his own strengths. Bilbo takes a critical  step  in the  process  as he crosses the threshold from his safe environment into one  filled with  danger. He was transformed from a cautious, home loving hobbit at the beginning of  the story  into a brave confident hero by the end. According to Thorin, Bilbo had become†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦a good companion on our long road and a hobbit full of courage and resource far exceeding his size†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (191).

Basic Ecological Concept

Basic Ecological Concept Levels of Organization Cells- are composed of Cell Membrane, Nucleus and Protoplasm. Tissue-is an aggregation of cells performing a common function or functions. Organs- is the aggregation of tissues usually forming a definite shapes, and performing a definite function within an organ system. Organ System-is a group of organs that perform coordinated functions together to keep the organism alive and functioning well. The scope of the biology includes the study of all these and may extend to the level of the organism such as behavior, and the organism mechanism for interacting with its environment.Ecology started from the study of the organism-a group of organisms that is similar in appearance, behavior and genetic make up belong to the same species. The biological species concept state that members of a species are those individual that are genetically related enough to be able to interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Population The group of the individua ls belonging to one species and is found together in a define area at a certain time.A population possesses characteristics that more empirically describe the group such as: population Density, Dispersion, Natality, Mortality, Growth, Age Distribution, and Reproductive potential. Population Density Describe the degree of crowdedness of a population in a given area. Crude Density may be computed from the number of individuals or the total population biomass per unit space. Ecological or specific Density describes the number or biomass per unit of space that is actually available to the population. Dispersion The distribution of organisms over the space where they are found.Three pattern have been observed: clumped, random, and uniform. The clumped Distribution is the most common type of pattern since the soil or medium on which organisms are found in nature are not uniform. Random Distribution is rare in nature, occurring only where the soil is generally rich so that the plants can g row and thrive anywhere. Uniform Distribution is found in artificial cultivated areas. Natality/Morality Natality corresponds to what is termed in humans as birth rate or the number of new individuals produced in the pupolation for a period of time.Morality is known as death rate in human demographics, or the number of deaths in a given time period. Growth Is an important feature of a population since the increases or decreases of population size determines its interaction with other populations in the community and its impact on the environment. Age Distribution Is classifies the population according to age brackets or to general age groups such as prereproductive, reproductive and postreproductive. Reproductive PotentialThe Reproductive potential of a population is its theoretical capacity to produce the maximum number of offspring in ideal conditions. Community The community has properties that may be used to further clarify its composition and its interaction with the environmen t. Like species dominance, diversity, relative abundance, species richness and evenness. Dominance Is attained by a species in a community by virtue of a greater number of individuals, or by size such as the overwhelming sizes of sequoia trees, or any other attribute that enables the species to control the community. DiversityDiversity is the opposite of dominance, a case where no single species has greater number or biomass or other relative importance than other species in the community. Ecosystem The basic unit of ecology because it includes the living and nonliving components. The setting includes necessary nonliving components such as soil, water, air, and the cycles that keep and renew them, which are collectively called the biogeochemical cycles. Bioenergetics Energy is necessary for maintaining the life processes of organisms. The sun is the source of all the energy that goes into the ecosystem. The solar ystem is radiated on to the earth where a tiny fraction of it is tappe d by plants and used in photosynthesis. Solar energy released in the form of light waves called photons. Herbivores are organism that feed on plants. Carnivores are organism that feed on other organism. Omnivores are organism that consume both plants and animals. Food Chain The sequence of eating and being eaten may be described by food chain. It also indicates the role, the feeding mode and rank of each organism. Food Web A food web shows the various possibilities of the sequence of eating and being eaten in the ecosystem.There are two major types of food webs in the ecosystem: the grazing food web is the more conspicuous type because it is usually composed of large plants and animals that are familiar. Law of Energy First law of thermodynamics stated that energy is never created nor destroyed but is transformed from one form to another. Second law of thermodynamics states that as energy is transformed it degrades or diminishes. Biogeochemical Cycles Substances that organisms need to survive are called nutrients such as water, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur.Nutrients move through the ecosystem in cycles called biogeochemical cycles where bio refers to the living organism, geo refers to the inorganic molecules such as those found in rocks, air, and water, and chemical refers to the interactions of the elements between them. Water cycle Evaporation-the heat of the sun, or solar energy makes water vapor, which is water in gaseous form, continually rising from water bodies and from the land. Condensation-it brings water into the atmosphere where the water molecules clump together. Precipitation-the clumps get too big and too heavy, they fall back down to the earth.In the form of rain, snow, hail or sleet. Water cycle is the movements of several chemical substances through the ecosystem. Carbon cycle-During photosynthesis plants use up carbon dioxide, combining it with water to form sugars particularly glucose. Consumption of these sugars breaks them down re leasing CO2. Nitrogen Cycle-Nitrogen is an important component of proteins, the building block of all living matter. Fixation- the process of converting nitrogen from the gaseous state, N2 to the usable ammonia, NH3, and nitrate NO3.Mineralization or ammonification-involve the breakdown of dead organisms and their proteins and nucleic acids are further broken down into amino acids. Nitrification-where the bacteria such as the nitosomonas use ammonia to produce their energy needs by converting it. Denitrification- is the process by which nitrogen is returned to the atmosphere. Phosphorus cycle-the sedimentary rocks which contain phosphorus in the form of the mineral apatite comprise a pool phosphorus. Phosphorus is released when these rocks weather naturally, which takes along time, or when human mines these rocks to release phosphorus which is used to fertilizers soap.Sulfur cycle- a basically sedimentary nutrients cycles through air, soil and water. The sulfur cycle involves the th ree spheres as it cycle through the soil, waterway, and atmosphere. It originates from the crust and mantle of the earth and is spewed out during volcanic eruptions. It is found in the volcanic rocks and many minerals. Limiting Factors and the Law of Tolerance Law of the Minimum- states that when there is not enough of a certain nutrient in the environment, the growth of organism that needs that nutrient will be severely limited.Studies also show that too much of any nutrient will likewise limit growth, giving rise to the Law of limiting Factors. Sunlight and Temperature are two important physical factors that limit the distribution and abundance of organism. Species Interactions The population of two species may positively or negatively affect the existence of one another in the community. Mutualism- refers to the interaction between two species where both are benefited. Competition- is an example of a positive negative interaction when two species of the same species strive to obt ain the same limited resource.Predation- is an example of a positive negative interaction wherein the predator eats the prey. Parasitism- is another type of positive negative interaction wherein the hosts provide nourishment to the parasite. Commensalism- is a form of positive zero interaction wherein in the commensal also referred to as hitchhiker attaches itself to the host while the host is neither help nor harmed by the interaction. Amensalism- is an example of a negative zero interaction wherein one organism is inhibited while the other is not affected.

Simeon the Righteous and Unit Number Essay

Simeon the Righteous and Unit Number Essay Simeon the Righteous and Unit Number Essay |Assignment front sheet | |Learner name | Assessor name | | |Mr A Rafiq | |Date issued |Completion date |Submitted on | | | | | |Qualification |Unit number and title | |BTEC 2010 Level 2 IT |Unit 1 – Communicating in the IT industry | | | | |Assignment title |Assignment 1 – Presenting information to various audiences | |In this assessment you will have opportunities to provide evidence against the following criteria. | |Indicate the page numbers where the evidence can be found. | |Criteria |To achieve the criteria the evidence must show that | |Task no. | |Evidence | |reference |the student is able to: | | | | | |P1 |Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills in face to face communication | |1 | | | |P2 |Communicate IT-related information to a technical audience | |2 | | | |P3 |Communicate IT-related information to a nontechnical audience | |1 | | | |P4 |Use ICT tools safely to effectively communicate and exchange information | |1,2,3 | | | |Learner declaration | |I certify that the work submitted for this assignment is my own and research sources are fully acknowledged. | | | |Learner signature: Date: | |Assignment brief | |Qualification |BTEC 2010 Level 2 IT | |Unit number and title |Unit 1 – Communicating in the IT industry | |Start date

Research Paper on Quality Management

Research Paper on Quality Management In a prior career, I used to be the director of Systems Engineering for a major telecommunications manufacturer. The role of systems engineering is to provide technical support for sales. The duties include such tasks as technical presentations, gathering customer requirements, designing networks and project managing the testing and implementation of our products. One of the major aspects of the job was coordinating feature sets and timeframes between the customer and our engineering. Large customers are always looking for additional features that can set them apart from their competition. They always leverage the vendor into producing new product enhancements and try to accelerate the delivery. This phenomenon creates a dichotomy and trade-off between quality and costs. The relationships between cost management and quality management are an interesting one. Everyone in this world is a consumer of some sort. We all buy things and we all want only the best products for the best price. But, where is the line to be drawn for how much do we pay for quality? Most competitive companies have goals to put out the best product for the best price. They have many different slogans such as quality is #1 or customer service is #1. Nevertheless, how much should a company spend on quality before it starts to cut into profit? What are effects of rushing a product to market in respect to quality and costs? First, let me define a few terms: Quality Management Quality management is one of the hardest jobs of a manager to control. The goal behind good quality management is improving business processes, optimizing the performance of your business, and maximizing profitability. By definition, quality is a degree of excellence, superiority in kind. (Mish p. 963) Management is defined as the conducting or supervising of something. (Mish p. 722) This leads us to the definition of quality management being the supervising of a degree of excellence. Most companies aim to achieve a certain degree of excellence without exceeding budget. Cost Management Cost management is what drives companies to the top or sends them crashing and burning to the bottom of the business food chain. Cost management is defined as the conducting or supervising of (Mish p. 963) the amount or equivalent paid or charged for something. (Mish p. 295) When a business purchases a product or service, just like a consumer, there is a responsibility for the purchaser to find the best price available. This will keep the costs down for the purchasers company and will keep the company competitive with prices. Large customers hope to influence their vendors to provide specific product differences that would make them unique in the marketplace, thus giving them a competitive advantage. The proliferation of microcomputer technology has made it possible to change functionality of a product by introducing new software programming. Most customers are unaware of the intricacies of software programming, testing and controls. Their perception is that software development is quick and easy, with little costs as compared to hardware development. My company on the other hand has multiple large customers, each hoping to influence our product development and time to market. Each of these customers wants different product features that will make them unique in the marketplace. Our engineers are detailed oriented and prefer to layout a program of design and delivery based on the goals of senior management and marketing direction. Introducing new requirements in the middle of product development disrupts their orderly processes, increases cost, and causes tension internally between sales, marketing, and engineering. The type of company culture influences the outcome of the customers’ requests. If the company is primarily sales driven, the likelihood that engineering will have to adjust their plans is high. Engineering driven companies on the other hand, many be more staunch in their stance and maintain the existing development schedule. Management must decide whether the proposed changes to the product adds value long term, and is the customer willing to pay for the additional feature development short term. Managers from some cultures are less flexible because it is a sign of weakness. A company never wants to discourage customer feedback on features because it helps to set practical implementations of the product that design engineers may never think of. In addition, if the product diverges to far from what the majority of customers need the product will no longer be viable in the market. Let us assume that the customer requests for product changes have received approval. We now look at cost versus quality trade-offs that will ultimately influence the final product. Adding features to the product development requires additional resources. In software development, additional employees with specific programming language expertise may be required. It will also influence how the software is tested. Testing the software will require additional time and possibly additional automated test equipment. Additional lines of code may require more memory in the hardware to store the increased code. Each of these factors adds cost to the product and needs carefully evaluation prior to development. The addition of new features adds additional work, which effects time to market. Management will need to evaluate the trade-offs of missing the original schedule versus added costs. Missing the original schedule will influence other customers who are counting on our company to help them meet their goals. These are difficult decisions because they affect more than the requesting customer and our company. This decision will affect several more companies that do business with us. Meeting the original schedule means that we must compress the additional work. Management can address this issue by employing more people or demanding longer work hours from existing employees. This aspect is where most of the quality issues will show up. New employees are unknown commodities that require training and additional supervision. Until they are up to speed with our companies’ specific products, techniques, policies, etc, they are bound to make mistakes. Longer work hours for current employees create additional emotional stress, lack of focus, and possibly company resentment. All these factors add up to poorer quality The potential for added revenues versus the assured increase in development cost requires careful analysis by management. Typically, management will require sales to gather additional, specific information about the customer requirements so we are not developing the wrong feature. Sales must try to negotiate further commitments from the customer to purchase our products and possibly help fund some of the development. Sales will also need to assess whether other customers might have the same needs. Do the needs exactly line up or are there variances. Can engineering design the features to accommodate the variances? Marketing is tasked to evaluate how these new features might set us apart from our competitors. Do the new features add enough value to allow us to increase price? Can we make greater advertising claims and get our companies name better known in the industry? Politics and personal feelings always play into these decisions. Engineers who design products have an emotional attachment to their work. When asked to change the design, a natural resistance occurs. The owner of the company may be friends with a VP of our customer. A biased decision to add features based on friendships versus logical business decisions. Sales representatives are looking for attention on their clients and themselves. Sometimes there is a tendency to mislead our company about the potential for future business Relating Cost Management to Quality Management Changes in product design influences cost and quality. Many factors go into a decision to change design and implement new features. All these factors affect cost and quality requiring carefully management and planning. Quality management can become very expensive, so there comes a point in a business where a manager must recognize the issue of cost over sacrifices for quality. Your market will also dictate the extent of quality implementation. Auto manufacturer Ferrari knows if they produce a quality product, there are enough consumers out there who will spend the money to own the name and quality vehicles they produce. The other extreme has manufacturers such as the Yugo Car Company producing very cost effective vehicles that anyone could afford; however, quality levels are reported to be low. Other companies like Honda, Ford, and GM created a balance between cost and quality. This balance between cost and quality allowed them to become some of the most successful companies in the w orld today. Conclusion Quality management is essential for a business to survive and keep consumers happy. In addition, cost is always an issue no matter how much money one has. In order for a company to become as successful as they can be, there must be a balance of the two. Having the right management staff and experience in quality management and cost management can make a business very successful or can cause it to fail miserably. Change decisions cannot be made lightly and hundreds of factors influence the outcome. Good management is the ability to balance these factors using proven processes and sound logic. Systems engineering is the catalyst and moderator between the company and the customer. We influence through various forms of logic, economics and human relations factors.

USS Idaho BB-42 World War II Battleships

USS Idaho BB-42 World War II Battleships USS Idaho  (BB-42)   Overview Nation:  United StatesType:  BattleshipShipyard:  New York  ShipbuildingLaid Down:  January 20, 1915Launched:  June 30, 1917Commissioned:  March 24, 1919Fate:  Sold for scrap Specifications (as built) Displacement:  32,000 tonsLength:  624  ft.Beam:  97.4 ft.Draft:  30 ft.Propulsion:  Geared  turbines turning 4 propellersSpeed:  21  knotsComplement:  1,081  men Armament 12  Ãƒâ€" 14 in. gun (4  Ãƒâ€" 3)14 Ãâ€" 5 in. guns2 Ãâ€" 21 in. torpedo tubes Design Construction Having conceived and moved forward with five classes of dreadnought battleships (,  ,  ,  Wyoming, and  New York), the US Navy concluded that future designs should utilize of a set of common tactical and operational traits.   This would allow these vessels to operate together in combat and would simplify logistics.   Designated the Standard-type, the next five classes were propelled by  oil-fired boilers instead of coal, did away with amidships turrets, and carried an â€Å"all or nothing† armor scheme.   Among these alterations, the change to oil was made with the goal of increasing the vessel’s range as the US Navy believed that this would be critical in any future naval war with Japan.   The new all or nothing armor approach called for key  areas of the battleship, such as magazines and engineering, to be heavily protected while less important spaces were left unarmored.   Also, Standard-type battleships were to be capable of a  minimum top sp eed of 21 knots and have a tactical turn radius of 700 yards or less.    The characteristics of the Standard-type were first employed in the  Nevada-  and  Pennsylvania-classes.   As a successor to the latter, the  New Mexico-class at first was envisioned as the US Navys first dreadnought design to mount 16 guns.   Due to extended arguments over designs and rising costs, the Secretary of the Navy elected to forgo using the new guns and ordered that the new type to replicate the  Pennsylvania-class with only minor changes.   As a result, the three vessels  of the  New Mexico-class, USS  New Mexico  (BB-40), USS  Mississippi  (BB-41), and USS  Idaho  (BB-42), each carried a main battery of twelve 14 guns mounted in four triple turrets.   These were supported by a secondary armament of fourteen 5 guns.   While  New Mexico  received an experimental turbo-electric transmission as part of its power plant,  the other two battleships carried more traditional geared turbines.      Ã‚        Ã‚   The contract for construction of Idaho went to the New York Shipbuilding Company  in Camden, NJ and work commenced on January 20, 1915.   This proceeded over the next thirty months and on June 30, 1917, the new battleship slid down the ways with Henrietta Simons, granddaughter of Idaho Governor Moses Alexander, serving as sponsor.   As the United States had become engaged in World War I in April, workers pressed to complete the vessel.   Completed too late for the conflict, it entered commission on March 24, 1919, with Captain Carl T. Vogelgesang in command. Early Career Departing Philadelphia,  Idaho  steamed south and conducted a shakedown cruise off Cuba.   Returning north, it embarked Brazilian President Epitacio Pessoa at New York and carried him back to Rio de Janeiro.   Completing this voyage,  Idaho  shaped a course for the Panama Canal and proceeded on to Monterey, CA where it joined the Pacific Fleet.   Reviewed by President Woodrow Wilson in September, the battleship carried Secretary of the Interior John B. Payne and  Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels on an inspection tour of Alaska the following year.   Over the next five years,  Idaho  moved through routine training cycles and maneuvers with the Pacific Fleet.   In April 1925, it sailed for Hawaii where the battleship took part in war games before proceeding on to make goodwill visits to Samoa and New Zealand. Resuming training activities,  Idaho  operated from San Pedro, CA until 1931 when it received orders to proceed to Norfolk for a major modernization.   Arriving on September 30, the battleship entered the yard and had its secondary armament expanded, anti-torpedo bulges added, its superstructure altered, and new machinery installed.   Completed in October 1934,  Idaho  conducted a shakedown cruise in the Caribbean before proceeding back to San Pedro the following spring.   Conducting fleet maneuvers and war games over the next few years, it shifted to Pearl Harbor on July 1, 1940.   The following June, Idaho sailed for Hampton Roads to prepare for an assignment with the Neutrality Patrol.   Tasked with protecting the sea lanes in the western Atlantic from German submarines, it operated from Iceland.   It was there on December 7, 1941, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and the United States entered World War II. World War II      Immediately dispatched with Mississippi to reinforce the shattered Pacific Fleet, Idaho reached Pearl Harbor on January 31, 1942.   For much of the year, it conducted exercises around Hawaii and the West Coast until entering Puget Sound Navy Yard in October.   While there the battleship received new guns and had its anti-aircraft armament enhanced.   Ordered to the Aleutians in April 1943, it provided naval gunfire support for American forces when they landed on Attu the following month.   After the island was recaptured, ​Idaho shifted to Kiska and aided in operations there until August.   Following  a stop in San Francisco in September, the battleship moved to the Gilbert Islands in November to aid in the landings on Makin Atoll.   Bombarding the atoll, it remained in the area until American forces eliminated Japanese resistance.    On January 31, Idaho supported the invasion of Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands.   Aiding the Marines ashore until February 5, it then departed to strike other nearby islands before steaming south to bombard Kavieng, New Ireland.   Pressing on to Australia, the battleship made a brief visit before returning north as an escort for a group of escort carriers.   Reaching Kwajalein, Idaho  steamed on to the Marianas where it commenced a pre-invasion bombardment of Saipan on June 14.   Shortly thereafter, it moved on Guam where it struck targets around the island.   As the Battle of the Philippine Sea raged on June 19-20,  Idaho  protected the American transports and reserve forces.   Replenishing at Eniwetok, it returned to the Marianas in July to support the landings on Guam.    Moving to Espiritu Santo, Idaho underwent repairs in a floating dry dock in mid-August before joining American forces for the invasion of Peleliu in September.   Beginning  a bombardment of the island on September 12, it continued firing until September 24.   In need of an overhaul,  Idaho  left Peleliu and touched at Manus before proceeding on Puget Sound Navy Yard.   There it underwent repairs and had its anti-aircraft armament altered.   Following refresher training off California, the battleship sailed for Pearl Harbor before ultimately moving on to Iwo Jima.   Reaching the island in February, it joined in the pre-invasion bombardment and supported the landings on the 19th.   On March 7, Idaho  departed to prepare for the invasion of  Okinawa.    Final Actions Serving as the flagship of Bombardment Unit 4 in the Gunfire and Covering Group,  Idaho  reached Okinawa on March 25 and began attacking Japanese positions on the island.   Covering the landings on April 1, it endured numerous kamikaze attacks in the following days.   After downing five on April 12, the battleship sustained hull damage from a near miss.   Making temporary repairs, Idaho  was withdrawn and ordered to Guam.   Further repaired, it returned to Okinawa on May 22 and provided naval gunfire support to the troops ashore.   Departing on June 20, it shifted the Philippines where it was engaged in maneuvers in Leyte Gulf when the war ended on August 15.   Present in Tokyo Bay on September 2 when the Japanese surrendered aboard USS  Missouri  (BB-63),  Idaho  then sailed for the Norfolk.   Reaching that port on October 16, it remained idle for the next several months until being decommissioned on July 3, 1946.   Initially placed in reserve, Idaho  was sold for scrap on November 24, 1947.    Selected Sources: DANFS: USS  Idaho  (BB-42)NHHC: USS  Idaho  (BB-42)USS  Idaho  Pride

Hospitality industry Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Hospitality industry - Assignment Example Visitors exports generated 1, 295.9 billion dollars in 2013 which is equivalent to 5.4% of total investment. Lastly, the tourism investment was at 754.6 billion dollars as of 2014, which represent 4.4% of total investment (WTTC 2014). For more information, see appendix 2-4. Although the world is gaining from tourism, its development has a long history. The WW II proved to be a challenge to many people across the world since it made it difficult to walk and reach new destinations. There were no developed means of transport to aid movement from each point without spending much time. As the WW II ended, it relieved many people and wanted to explore the world and have some rest following the war. This acted as a turning point for many nations. People started to travel to new places since the world had become peaceful. One of the factors or issues that contributed to the growth of tourism was the establishment of the transport system. The development of roads, railway, and airplanes facilitated movements and opened some places. Similarly, the development of cheap airlines and package tours facilitated the movements since it saved time and was very fast. Bournemouth is one of the tourist destination in the UK. It has benefited from tourism activities in many ways ranging from the provision of employment opportunities for improvements in infrastructures. There is a circulation of foreign exchange, which helps in improving peoples lives. More so, the government earns from tourism and the locals also sales products to visitors hence earning money. Tourism has also placed Bournemouth on the international map as a travel destination hence improving its image. The demand for tourism is on the steady growth, and this is characterized by the current developments in the area. Many things act as indicators of tourism developments in the way they change as discussed in subsequent paragraphs. Business growth is an indicator that there is demand for tourism. Increase

Java Programming Math Problem Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Java Programming - Math Problem Example import java.awt.BorderLayout; import java.awt.Color; import java.awt.Container; import java.awt.FlowLayout; import java.awt.Font; import java.awt.GridLayout; import java.awt.Window; import java.awt.event.ActionEvent; import java.awt.event.ActionListener; import java.awt.event.WindowAdapter; import java.awt.event.WindowEvent; import javax.swing.JButton; import javax.swing.JDialog; import javax.swing.JFrame; import javax.swing.JLabel; import javax.swing.JMenu; import javax.swing.JMenuBar; import javax.swing.JMenuItem; import javax.swing.JPanel; import javax.swing.JTextArea; import javax.swing.JOptionPane; public class Calculator extends JFrame implements ActionListener { // Variables final int MAX_INPUT_LENGTH = 20; final int INPUT_MODE = 0; final int RESULT_MODE = 1; final int ERROR_MODE = 2; int displayMode; boolean clearOnNextDigit, percent; double lastNumber; String lastOperator; private JMenu jmenuFile, jmenuEdit, jmenuView, jmenuHelp; private JMenuItem jmenuitemExit, jmenuitemCopy, jmenuitemPaste, jmenuitemStd, jmenuitemSci, jmenuitemDigitGrp, jmenuitemAbout; private JDialog dialog; private JLabel display; private JButton button[]; private JPanel masterPanel; private JTextArea textarea; Font f12 = new Font("Times New Roman", 0, 12); Font f121 = new Font("Times New Roman", 1, 12); ... jmenuitemSci = new JMenuItem("Scientific"); jmenuitemSci.setFont(f12); jmenuitemDigitGrp = new JMenuItem("Digit Grouping"); jmenuitemDigitGrp.setFont(f12); jmenuView.add(jmenuitemStd);jmenuView.add(jmenuitemSci);jmenuView.addSeparator();jmenuView.add(jmenuitemDigitGrp); jmenuHelp = new JMenu("Help"); jmenuHelp.setFont(f121); jmenuitemAbout = new JMenuItem("About Calculator"); jmenuitemAbout.setFont(f12); jmenuHelp.add(jmenuitemAbout); JMenuBar mb = new JMenuBar(); // mb.add(jmenuFile); mb.add(jmenuEdit); mb.add(jmenuView); mb.add(jmenuHelp); setJMenuBar(mb); //Set frame layout manager setBackground(Color.gray); //adds menubar to frame (end) masterPanel = new JPanel(); display = new JLabel("0"); display.setAlignmentX(JLabel.RIGHT); display.setBackground(Color.gray); Container contentPane = getContentPane(); // Add components to frame contentPane.add(display, BorderLayout.NORTH); button = new JButton[23]; JPanel backSpace = new JPanel(); backSpace.setLayout(new GridLayout(1, 1, 2, 2)); button[20] = new JButton("Backspace"); backSpace.add(button[20]); JPanel control = new JPanel(); control.setLayout(new GridLayout(1, 2, 2 ,2)); button[21] = new JButton(" CE "); button[22] = new JButton("C"); control.add(button[21]); control.add(button[22]);

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 Assignment

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 - Assignment Example that led to escalating cost of health insurance, insufficient stress on disease prevention and lack of accessibility of medical services many Americans remained without any health insurance cover. The Medicare and Medicaid introduced in 1965 have been particular on those fitting for the medical cover and had no regard for quality or cost control (Shaw et al., 2014). The medical underwriting practices such as the use of experience rate to determine the premiums based on customer’s health and the exclusion wavers that disqualify certain common health conditions from insurance coverage put limits on accessibility of health insurance by the small business and individuals (Furchtgott-Roth & Banerjee, 2011). Furthermore, the preexisting condition clause empowered insurers’ to fails covering persons with certain medical conditions. Also, the huge service charge of administering insurance cover to individual resulted in higher premium charges than a single policy cover for a large business (Furchtgott-Roth & Banerjee, 2011). Therefore, the introduction of P.P.A.C.A. focused on reducing cost, extending insurance coverage to the uninsured Americans and controlling the gro wth of cost (Shaw et al., 2014). The main goal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) of 2010 is to increase the accessibility of health insurance for individuals and small businesses by making it more affordable (Furchtgott-Roth & Banerjee, 2011). The affordable care act has various features that have led to increasing in expansion of insurance coverage to the citizens, limit cost growth and quality improvement of the health services. The Act has eliminated the barriers prohibiting persons with preexisting health conditions from paying higher insurance premiums or denial of access to health insurance cover and lifetime limits on coverage (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2013). The Act also limits the factors insurers can consider to determine premiums into four namely

Visual Rhetoric of 'One Water Film Documentary' Essay

Visual Rhetoric of 'One Water Film Documentary' - Essay Example While the visual scenes and the verbal accompaniments present water as physiologically and spiritually significant, the depletion, improper use, and poor development of the commodity spells a crisis that needs urgent attention. On the whole, the documentary employs one of the most innovative cinematic--visual and verbal--strategies to reach a wider view and attract an appeal to its thematic significance. It opens with the scenes of several people coming together in front of screens to watch awareness-raising movie on the importance of water conservation and how safe-drinking water is crucial (Travis 2). In this Scenario, the cinematic visual expression sets the psychological stage for the viewer to significantly open up to the following scenes. It captures and captivates the audience attention (Dwyer 1).In other scenarios filmed in different countries, the scenes indicating the differences of clear crystal clean water to dripping in some taps in a country and showing over-exploited d irty water in other countries show the differences in how water is a commodity in some regions and a human right in others (Dwyer 1). This is further compounded by the narrator’s exposition that while water is misused in affluent quarters, it is struggled for in other places (Travis 2) Moreover, there are scenes where images on how people use or misuse water which further deals with the dilemma of water in development as well as disease acquisition. Some scenes show human populations using various public water points for bathing, going for calls, as well as drinking. Besides, there are scenes where various other pollutants and thrown into water bodies, all which shocks the audience (Travis 2).Over-exploitation of water is additionally portrayed in other scenes showing the dried out lands bordering the over-exploited Colorado River, which has changed the water movement path (Dwyer 2). The statistical figures showing the urgency with which the death tendency of children in rela tion to the availability of water in the developing world vis-a-vis the developed nations shows that water crises need to be addressed urgently. It reveals a lack of understanding that many people across the world need to know that usage of polluted water should not be the rule, but the exception (Garcia 1). In an Indian Desert, Rajasthan, a woman and her child are shown carrying water pots crossing a seemingly dry lake, and a picture of winds transmitting salt onto some agricultural land. This ushers the notions of the extent to which agricultural productivity is enormously affected by lack of water. In Kenya and indeed the entire Sub-Saharan Africa, the picture of how unsafe water causes Malaria, diarrhea and other water born diseases introduces the viewer on the relationship of severity between water and disease micro-bills (Garcia 2). Indeed, the visual images that illustrate poverty and diseases unfold in various countries as the movie progresses (Dwyer 3). The picture of India n women carrying pots and fetching water from hand pumps is one such. Then there a scenes indicating that the use of under ground water, leads to sickness, as ground water deficits are characterized with ‘arsenic seepage into wells.’’ What is more, there are scenes showing women walking and crossing through and muddy and sewage-full streams while struggling to protect that precious commodity that

Marketing Strategy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Marketing Strategy - Research Paper Example   There are numerous companies providing logistical services within the region providing intense competition. Within the African region, many logistics companies are local and have limited exposure to international logistics business. The company intends to utilize the business experience gained in offering logistical services within different states. This will become essential in ensuring the quality of services offered, displayed through the quick and timely delivery of services. Many of the companies operating within the industry offer logistical services in the transportation of manufactured goods. As a company operating a farm, the company will offer logistical services for agricultural products. This will become a relatively new aspect which could be essential in achieving sustainable competitive advantage   (Fleisher & Bensoussan, 2003). The company will maximise on the weaknesses of existing competitors in gaining a competitive advantage, ultimately achieving sustainabili ty in the business.   The company will effectively utilize this weakness to ensure the provision of cross-border logistics and increase its market share. The international experience and presence will enable the company to offer logistics services to increased numbers of clients. Differentiation remains an essential business strategy utilized in gaining a competitive advantage within a highly competitive business environment. Differentiation includes making a company services unique and creating an identity within a crowded business environment. The company intends to begin offering trucking services for agricultural non-perishable products within the African market. With numerous African regions facing the continuous shortage of food, offering transportation services for agricultural products will attract surmountable customers within the organizations providing relief food. With many organizations covering several countries, the global aspect of the company will become a fundamental element in undertak ing these business ventures. Having been involved in growing of barley, the company already has the capacity to transport similar agricultural products like dry maize and beans. Market leadership The company will undertake a market leadership approach in performing the various business operations within the regions covered. The company will focus on offering services across the borders as many of the competitor companies have continued to offer services with limited coverage. The increased coverage of the services will ensure the company becomes a market leader in a wide region.

Write an essay that identifies and discusses the many selective

Write an that identifies and discusses the many selective pressures leading to bipedalism in our ancestors and us - Essay Example While habitual bipedalism does not seem like the most effective and fastest form of walking and running, it portends various advantages for hominids over specific specialized quadrupedal forms. Although the reason why early hominins took a bipedal stance is not entirely clear, majority of these hypotheses propose the importance of selection pressures based on the environment in driving bipedal evolution (Sarmiento 62). As climatic conditions resulted in the recession of forests, hominins started to move out of the forests into the grassland savannas where it was essential to assume bipedalism to aid in survival. The postural feeding hypothesis seeks to assert the fact that a shared postural specialization and adaptation of apes, as well as the arboreal postures of food gathering involving vertical climbing and arm-hanging, are adequate enough to have been a selective pressure encouraging bipedalism in hominids (Sarmiento 63). The anatomy of both the australopithecine and the behavior of chimpanzees are the major points that inform this model of selective pressures towards bipedalism. For instance, at least 80% of the time that chimpanzees spend in a bipedal stance is when they are feeding, of which they use arm hanging to stabilize their posture at least 90% of the time in terminal branches of the trees, while 52% of arm-hanging occurs in the trees’ central parts (Sarmiento 63). For australopithecines, their torso form has adaptations to arm-hanging, which may infer that australopithecines adapted to selective pressures requiring arboreal fruit gathering. This specialized and early m ode of bipedalism evolved to become habitually bipedal much later. On the other hand, the behavioral model as an explanation for selection pressures resulting in hominid bipedalism concentrates on mechanisms of social behavior that influenced birthrate and survivorship. Human

Marketing Strategy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Marketing Strategy - Research Paper Example   There are numerous companies providing logistical services within the region providing intense competition. Within the African region, many logistics companies are local and have limited exposure to international logistics business. The company intends to utilize the business experience gained in offering logistical services within different states. This will become essential in ensuring the quality of services offered, displayed through the quick and timely delivery of services. Many of the companies operating within the industry offer logistical services in the transportation of manufactured goods. As a company operating a farm, the company will offer logistical services for agricultural products. This will become a relatively new aspect which could be essential in achieving sustainable competitive advantage   (Fleisher & Bensoussan, 2003). The company will maximise on the weaknesses of existing competitors in gaining a competitive advantage, ultimately achieving sustainabili ty in the business.   The company will effectively utilize this weakness to ensure the provision of cross-border logistics and increase its market share. The international experience and presence will enable the company to offer logistics services to increased numbers of clients. Differentiation remains an essential business strategy utilized in gaining a competitive advantage within a highly competitive business environment. Differentiation includes making a company services unique and creating an identity within a crowded business environment. The company intends to begin offering trucking services for agricultural non-perishable products within the African market. With numerous African regions facing the continuous shortage of food, offering transportation services for agricultural products will attract surmountable customers within the organizations providing relief food. With many organizations covering several countries, the global aspect of the company will become a fundamental element in undertak ing these business ventures. Having been involved in growing of barley, the company already has the capacity to transport similar agricultural products like dry maize and beans. Market leadership The company will undertake a market leadership approach in performing the various business operations within the regions covered. The company will focus on offering services across the borders as many of the competitor companies have continued to offer services with limited coverage. The increased coverage of the services will ensure the company becomes a market leader in a wide region.

Advocacy activity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Advocacy activity - Essay Example In order to succeed in this task, documenting the changes taking place in terms of legislations and policies, as a tool of social change is hence inevitable. Policy change is one of the greatest foundations, and a highly recommended approach to address the unique challenges faced by the society. The rapidly changing dynamics of the political environment around us clearly highlight the significance of the administration as a professionalizing agent in the field of political science (Furner, 2010). This paper aims to outline an approach to evaluate policy change by highlighting key priorities beginning from a brief overview of the chosen legislation, the significance and scope of the issue, the broad implications of the legislation, as well as an in-depth account of the elected official followed by an explanation of the entire process starting from the basic reasons behind the choice of the elected official an overview of the key points of discussion, to be carried out during the perso nal interview. Summary of the legislation: The key to addressing and resolving various social issues faced by the society lies in the determination of the social reformers and their relentless pursuit to create a more humane society by engaging in policy advocacy (Jansson, 2010). HIV AIDS is one such critical problem faced by the United States. With a total of 1.2 million Americans living with HIV (CDC, 2012), and one in five people are unaware of their infection (Aids.gov, 2012) it is identified as a serious public health concern thus indicating an urgent need to eradicate it through effective policy changes. This section discusses the Cure for AIDS Act 2012, introduced by Representative James Himes in the House, and is aimed at finding an effective cure for the epidemic and makes it accessible in the United States as well as globally. It proposes to establish a research program under the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program of the Department of Defense to accomplish i ts goal (Govtrack.us). The program is proposed to be headed by the Secretary of Defense in collaboration with the Director of National Institutes of Health; the Director of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; and any head of a Federal agency as deemed appropriate by the Secretary. The program aims to develop a cure for HIV/AIDS through extensive research programs, aimed at addressing the fundamental issues such as the key causes behind the persistence of the disease despite the use of various therapies; and developing and identifying various testing interventions to control the spread of any further spread of the disease, among others. The program also seeks to gain assistance from Non-profit entities in terms of co-ordination and sharing of responsibilities through partnership and provision of peer-reviewed funded research. The key objective of this bill is to ensure an effective cure for HIV/AIDS by supporting and encouraging innovative research. The conviction to find a cure has been strengthened further after the recent case of Timothy Brown, the first person ever to be cured of the 'incurable' disease (CBS News, 2012), thus providing a renewed hope to the medical practitioners, researchers and policy makers to revive and accelerate their efforts towards working and campaigning for the just cause. Significance and scope of the issue: HIV/ AIDS is a global epidemic affecting 34 million people worldwide, and claiming 1.8 million lives as of 2010 (WHO, 2012). According to available statistics the situation is equally grave for high-income developed countries as well including the United States. Over 1.2 million people in the United S

Research on Malaria in Moyale District Essay Example for Free

Research on Malaria in Moyale District Essay Malaria originates from Medieval Italian Mala aria which mean â€Å"bad air†; and the disease was formerly called Ague or Marsh fever due to its association with swamps and marshland, (Watkins, 2001). Scientific studies on Malaria made their first significant advance in 1880, when Charles Louis Alphonse Laveran a French army doctor working in the military hospital of Constantine in Algeria observed malaria plasmodium parasites inside the red blood cell of people suffering from Malaria. Documentation of report on discovery of origin of Malaria, one of the deadliest diseases of humanity shows that Chimpanzees, native to equatorial Africa have been identified as the original source of the parasite that likely moved from them to humans via mosquitoes. Wolfe, (2009) identified several parasites from Chimpanzee that show Malarial jumped from animal to human. Malaria is transmitted by Anopheline mosquitoes the number and type of which determine the extent of transmission in a given area. The plasmodium falciparum accounts for the majority of infections and is most lethal. Transmission is affected by climate and geography and often coincides with the rainy season. In WHO/UNICEF, (2005) report malaria is one of the most devastating global public health problems with more than one million deaths and approximately 300-500 million cases of malaria annually. WHO, (2010) report, Malaria is by far the world’s worse tropical parasitic disease, and kills more people than any other communicable disease. Several studies observed that malaria kills more than 3,000 children daily and is the single most important factor for mortality among children under the age of five. Additionally, an estimated 25 million pregnant women are at risk of malaria. Malaria is endemic in a total of 101 countries and territories 45 countries in WHO’s African region, 21 in WHO’s American region, 4 in WHO’s European region, 14 in WHO’s Eastern Mediterrarian Region, 8 In WHO’s South – East Asia region, and 9 in WHO’s Western Pacific region, (report from global health council on impact of infectious diseases. ) WHO, (2007) report has shown that malaria has reached epidemic proportions in many regions of the world and continues to spread unchecked. In many regions of developing countries malaria exacts an enormous toll in lives, medical costs, and in days of labor lost. According to Roll-Back Malaria (RBM), over 40 per cent of the World’s children live in malaria-endemic countries and 107 countries and territories are at risk of malaria transmission. Malaria causes 24 percent of under-five deaths in Equatorial Guinea (UNICEF 2008). Malaria is preventable, if adequate resources are invested in prevention. About 98 percent of Equatorial Guineans live in areas with endemic risk of malaria but only one percent of children under five sleeps under insecticide-treated nets. This is far fewer than in other Countries with similar malaria risk. This suggests inadequate efforts to prevent malaria that would contribute to the realization of the right to health of both children and adults. Children under the age of five, pregnant women, and people living with HIV and AIDS are at highest risk for developing clinical malaria. More than 80 per cent of these cases occur in sub-Saharan Africa. WHO/RBM, (2004). Malaria is a primary cause of poverty, putting additional burdens on health systems and costing Africa an estimated 12 billion USDs in lost production every year. The spread of the disease is fuelled by several factors: climate change, increasing population mobility, more frequent international transport, emergence of multi drug-resistant strains, and military and economic deterioration. Abuja summit in Nigeria in the year 2000, 44 African leaders reaffirmed their commitment to roll back malaria and set interim target for Africa. They challenged other world leaders to join them in recognizing the importance of tackling malaria as a disease of poverty. Following the Abuja summit, Africa Malaria Day was declared as a day to celebrate on malaria and a subsequent UN resolution declared 2001-2010. Roll Back Malaria, especially in Africa, giving prominence to Malaria in United Nations Millennium Development Goals. The Africa Malaria report, released in the year 2003/Nairobi/Geneva/New York by the World Health Organization (WHO 2005), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), said the death toll from malaria remains outrageously high-with a child dying in every 30 seconds. The report gives an African situation for the struggle against the diseases and highlights the urgent need to make effective anti-malarial treatment available to most at risk. â€Å"The roll back Malaria initiatives has made considerable progress since it was launched in 1998, but we need to increase to combat a devastating disease which is holding back the development of many African countries,† states Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland, Director-General of WHO. Nationally Malaria has been a serious public health problem in most Districts of Kenya and the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Kenya. With more than 70% of the Kenya’s population living in areas where malaria is transmitted, Malaria is responsible for approximately 30% of out-patient visits (requiring more than eight million out-patient treatments each year), and 19% of all hospital admissions. At least 14,000 children are hospitalized annually for malaria, and there are an estimated 34,000 deaths among children under-five each year. Annually, an estimated six thousand pregnant women suffer from malaria-associated anemia, and four thousand babies are born with low birth weight as a result of maternal anemia, report from government health facility in 2007. Economically, it is estimated that 170 million working days are lost each year because of malaria illness. Culture and poor access to health facilities lead to increase in cases of malaria. The main thing peculiar with children under 5 years is that many cannot sleep under net due to incapability of their parent especially in rural areas, because of the few wages they hardly get from their casual work. Most children again play outside in the grasses or near drainage where mosquito’s breeds thus are exposed to mosquito bites. In local situation Malaria is the highest causes death of many people in the region of Moyale and districts of North Eastern province bordering Moyale district from east. Malaria claims the life of 1,500 in the year 1998 and out of that 45 death in Wajir district (Daily Nation, Thursday, February 1998). Sololo Mission Hospital reported the admission of 67 people. Out of 67people, 25 children of less than five years were reported cases of malaria (SMH/1999). 1. 2 problem articulation/ statement: Malaria is World’s most important parasite infectious disease. Over 2 billion people are at risk between 300 and 500 million episodes and over 1 million deaths annually, WHO, (2005). Over 90% of malaria burden are in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria is one of the planets deadliest diseases and one of the leading causes of sickness and death in the developing world. Documentation also show that Malaria affect child cognitive, physical development and leads to poor school attendance. Malaria also leads to malnutrition and anemic condition in children. More so it also affects adult’s ability to make a living and care for their families. At country level malaria affects trade, tourism and foreign direct investment and there is significant correlation between malaria and poverty. An average GDP in malaria’s countries is five times lower than in non-malaria’s countries 1. 3 Objectives of the study To establish factors that lead to high prevalence of Malaria in children under five years in Obbu Division, Moyale District. 1. 4 Specific objectives: 1. To determine socio-demographic factors contributing to Malaria prevalence among the under five children in Obbu division. 2. To establish the level of knowledge on Malaria, among caregivers of children under five in Obbu Division. . Research questions 1. What are the main factors contributing to high prevalence of Malaria among the under five children in Obbu division? 2. What is the knowledge level of care givers of children under five years about the risk factors of late treatment and prevention of Malaria? 3. To what extent the level of knowledge on Malaria, among caregivers of children under five in Obbu Division? 1. 6. Hypothesis/assumption There were no factors that contribute to prevalence of malaria in children less than five years in Obbu Division of Solol District 1. 7 Justification of the study. Malaria outbreak in mid July 2012, number of cases diagnosed were 82, and 8 out of 10 reported death were children under five (Malaria/SMH/ 20012/3). The prevalence was precipitated by illiteracy, migration lifestyle of pastoralists’ community and uncontrolled border intermingling and refugees from neighboring countries like Ethiopia and Somali as revealed by the study of Diseases Outbreak Management Unit-DOMU (2002). Socio demographic factors and knowledge about the diseases control and prevention attracted a lot of concern that call for research in these factors. Obbu division has few documentation of the study, so this will be helpful to academia as it will be used as document of references for a researcher in the same area of study. The government or other stakeholders will benefit from the findings and may take intervention measures for instance the Ministry of public health to educate people on the better prevention methods. The findings of the study will be used by people of the study area to plan for the prevention of the malaria, since it is preventable at every household. 1. 8 Scope of the study To investigate main factors contributing to high prevalence of Malaria among children less than five years of age in Obbu division of Moyale district. . 1. 9 Limitations 1. Data collection during interview was difficult due to migration of the population but the settlement around the centre of each four location was targeted. 2. Cost of getting trained research assistant was challenging. 3. The study was limited to factors contributing to prevalence of malaria in children less than five years of age. 2. 0 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW 2. 1. 0 Origin of malaria. The history of malaria replete with a number of theories about its aetiology, the earliest theory was the Miasmatic. This theory postulated that swamp air contained chemicals which had been freed from rotting wood. This air was what was responsible for causing malaria (Ransford 1983). It was because of this theory that double storey buildings were preferred during the early days of the colonial period as it was believed that miasma did not rise above ground level (Ransford 1983) and that the miasma was thought to spread horizontally (King and King 1992). Ransford and Friedson claim that Africans were the ones who first recognized the link between mosquitoes and malaria (Ransford 1983; Friedson 1996) and in the West it was only known later through the pioneering works of Patrick Mason, Ronald Ross, Grassi and others around the 1890s. 2. 1. 1 Prevalence of Malaria. There are 300-500 million clinical cases of Malaria each year resulting in 1. 5 to 2. 7 million deaths (WHO, 2005). Global viral forecasting initiative and standard university, made the discovery published in the Aug. 2009 proceedings of the National academy of sciences Wolfe, (2009). Malaria in most countries of Western Pacific and Regional Organizations has significantly declined in the period 1992 to 2000. There is widespread consensus that the change to Artemisinin Based Combination (ACT) in Vietnam was a significant factor in the 98% drop in malaria mortality between 1992 and 2002. The geographical area affected by malaria has shrunk considerably over the past 50 years, but control is becoming more difficult and gains are being eroded. Increased risk of the disease is linked with changes in land use linked to activities like road building, mining, logging and Agricultural and irrigation projects, particularly in â€Å"frontier† areas like the rain forests. Other causes of its spread include global climatic change, disintegration of health services, armed conflicts and mass movements of refugees. According to citation from the August 97 issue of the American magazine the Atlantic Monthly entitled â€Å"Resurgence of a Deadly Disease† by Ellen Rippel Shell. Early success in controlling infectious diseases has bred arrogance and a belief in whopping big solutions. The emergence of multi-drug resistant strains of parasite is also exacerbating the situation. Via the explosion of easy international travel, imported cases of malaria are now more frequently registered in developed countries. Malaria is now re-emerging in areas where it was previously under control or eradicated for instance, in the central Asian and in Korea. Late 1980s, it was noted at several international meetings that the malaria situation getting worse. Figure1. PHOTO OF MOSQUITO THAT TRASMIT MALARIA. Malaria impacts globally. Malaria characteristic varies with geographical location. Malaria is endemic in a total of 101 countries and territories 45 countries in WHO’s African region, 21 in WHO’s American region, 4 in WHO’s European region, 14 in WHO’s Eastern Mediterrarian Region, 8 In WHO’s South – East Asia region, and 9 in WHO’s Western Pacific region (Noor et al. ,2002). Environmental factors such as temperature, influences Malaria prevalence in endemic areas and the disease is more frequent in rural areas than in urban areas (Noor et al. 2010). In malaria endemic parts of the world, a change in risk of malaria can be the unintended result of economic activity or Agricultural policy that changes the use of land for example creation of dams, irrigation schemes, commercial tree cropping and deforestation. In today’s international world, the phenomenon of â€Å"airport malaria†, or the importing of malaria by internati onal travelers, is becoming common place. The United Kingdom for example registered 2364 cases of malaria in 1997 and among them are 1134 children, all of them imported by travelers (UNICEF,2009). Documentation of Malaria situation analysis for Zambia (May 2000), show that malaria, particularly that caused by plasmodium falciparum, is an important public health problem in the country. Incidence of the disease has steadily rise from 1976 through 1999, to the point where it is now estimated that the incidence rate, from facility-based data, stands at 331 per 1000 population (Munthali,A. 2001). This is obviously an underestimate as many malaria cases occur at community levels which do not get reported to the formal health system. As expected, those most affected by the disease in Zambia include children under the age of five years. The clinical management of malaria in Zambia was complicated in recent years by a growing resistance to the first line treatment. The clinical failure rate ranges between 24% and 52%, levels beyond which an examination of formal change in drug policy is recommended by international health bodies such as the WHO. Studies on Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) find that, although malaria is widely recognized, there remain many misconceptions about the disease. In Ethiopia a total of 6,214,132 malaria case were diagnosed, treated microscopically or clinically during the year 1995-2000 with an annual average of 1,242,826. The number of malaria cases showed steepy increases from 816,114 in 1995/6 to 2,020,308 in 1998/9. Much of sub-Saharan Africa is exposed to stable, endemic P. falciparum transmission leading to high burdens of morbidity and mortality among children (Murray Lopez 1997; Snow et al, 1999). In addition the continent has witnessed several devastating malaria epidemic during the early 1930s in South Africa (Le Sueur et al. 1993) 1958 in Ethiopia (Fontaine et al,1961), and 1986 in Madagascar (Mouchet,1998). These outbreaks in transmission followed clearly identifiable changes in climate favoring vector and parasite proliferation and were among non-immune populations. Various estimates from these epidemics indicate that between 1% and 14% of the respective populations died. Many factors can influence the ability of parasites and vectors to coexist long enough to result in continued transmission. Several reviews have described the effects on transmission of environmental change, changes in Agriculture and forestry practices and an-made construction (Hackett, 1949; Lindsay ; Birley, 1996; Lindsay ; Martens, 1998; Mouchet et al 1998). Global warming and other climatic events such as â€Å"El – Nino† also play their role in increasing risk of diseases. The diseases has now spread to highlands areas of Africa for instance, while El – Nino events have an impact on Malaria because the associated weather disturbances influence vector breeding sites, and hence transmission of the disease. African children remained unprotected by an insecticide treated mosquito net in 2007 (Noor et al. , 2010). Documentation of Randomized control trials conducted in Kenya, Gambia and Ghana (UNICEF 2001) show about 30 percent of child death could be avoided if children sleep under bed nets regularly treated with recommended insecticide such as pyrethroids which will remain effective for 6 to 12 months. Malaria kills an African child every 30 seconds, and remains one of the most important threats to the health of pregnant woman and their newborns,† Bellamy, (1998). Anderson, (1943) reported that other soldiers contacted the disease in Sudan, Ethiopia and Somali due to high way which connect Nairobi to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. Weekend Malaria, which happens when city dwellers in Africa return to their rural settings, is becoming an increasing problem. Africa child under five years of age are chronic victims, suffering an average of six bouts a year. Fatally afflicted children often die less than 72 hours after developing symptoms. In those children who survive, Malaria also drains vital nutrients from them, impairing their physical and intellectual development. Malaria sickness is also one of the principal reasons for poor school attendance in Kenya. UNICEF recognizes that malaria is one of the five major causes of mortality in children less than five years. 2. 1. 3 Malaria in Kenya. Malaria in Kenya has reached endemic in arid and semi arid region of North Eastern, Rift Valley and Eastern province. In Rift Valley it’s common in Baringo, Pokot and Laikipia. In Wajir one of the neighboring district in North Eastern province, Medicine Sans Frontiere, MSF (1998) reported that between January and March 1998 the mobile clinics in the town of Wajir treated over 20,000 cases of malaria among an estimated population of 60,00. This represents an absolute minimum attack rate of 33 per 1,000 populations for three months. Consultation data from Merlin (1998), suggest equal attack rates between children less than 5 and the population aged greater than five years. In Eastern Province high Malaria cases have been documented in Kitui, Machakos, Tharaka, Isiolo and Moyale district. Moyale district is a potential focus for diseases because of presence of vector habitats and intermingling of people due to border movements. All the key clinical features of Malaria including; intermittent fever and weight loss in the background of malnutrition was evidenced. Since the area borders the town of the neighboring countries which often experience outbreak, there has been need of capacity building of care givers and mothers through campaign on behavior and attitudinal changes. Figure 1. 2: MAP OF KENYA SHOWING MALARIA ENDEMIC AREA [pic] 2. 1. 4 Moyale district- Obbu division In mid July 2012 a suspected outbreak of Malaria was reported in Obbu division of Moyale district. The report by investigation team comprising of clinicians, Epidemiologist and Parasitologists established a total of 82 suspected cases.

Death of a child and the impact to parental grief

Death of a child and the impact to parental grief Adulthood is the stage in  the human lifespan that captures the stages of acquiring independence from the family of origin, establishing loving relationships and having and raising children.   When adults transition into the role of spouse and parent they are not likely to attribute this meaningful time of life to crisis.   The death of a child disrupts the biological order of the lifespan and challenges a parents understanding of their world (Rogers, Floyd, Seltzer, Greenberg and Hong, 2008). Researchers have labelled the death of a child as one of the most tragic events a parent must endure.   In a study by Sanders (1980) comparing bereavement in individuals who experienced the death of a parent, spouse and child, Sanders identified more intense grief reactions among those who survived the death of a child (as cited by Arnold and Buschman Gemma, 2008).   A childs death impacts the parent on multiple levels; as an individual, as a partner and as a contributing member of society.   Grief is often complicated by the addition of anxiety and fatigue which impedes communication in relationships and with other members of a family (Toller and Braithwaite, 2009).  Ã‚   According to Emmons, Colby and Kaiser (1998) grief is often equated to the destruction of the persons assumptive world (as cited by Rogers, Floyd, Seltzer, Greenberg and Hong, 2008, p. 204).   Additionally, Colin Murray Parkes (1970) defines the assumptive world as represent[ing] the totality of what the individual knows or thinks he knows. It includesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ our plans and our prejudices (as cited by Tedeschi and Calhoun, 2004, p. 21).   The length of parental grief has been estimated by some to last upwards of a decade following the childs death while other researchers acknowledge parental grief as lasting indefinitely (Rogers, Floyd, Seltzer, Greenberg and Hong, 2008).   The negative effects of prolonged grief have implications on bereaved parents mental and physical health well into midlife (Rogers, Floyd, Seltzer, Greenberg and Hong, 2008).    This paper will explore the impact that the death of a child has on the mother and father as individuals and together as a couple.   It will examine how individuals use coping mechanisms and a quest for meaning to transform this crisis in adulthood into the potential for personal growth and a renewed sense of purpose for life.   For the purposes of this paper bereavement and grief will be defined.   According to Parkes and Weiss (1983) bereavement is à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦encompassing the entire experience of anticipating a death, death itself and the subsequent adjustment to living (as cited by Meert et al., 2009).   In addition, Therese Rando (1993) defines grief as the process of experiencing the psychological, behavioural, social and physical reactions to the perception of loss (p. 22). Although crisis in adulthood is inclusive of both men and women, research shows gender specific styles of grieving and coping with the death of a child.   In a study conducted with bereaved parents by Toller and Braithwaite (2009), mothers identified the need to express their grief through discussing the death and the shedding of tears.   In her book When the Bough Breaks: Forever after the Death of a Son or Daughter, author Judith Bernstein (1998) discusses womens grief response as frequently revealing and more likely desolate.   Bernstein (1998) explains that mothers expressive grief may be the result of the degree mothers are invested in their parental role.   Ã‚  Expression of emotions can be significantly difficult in a mothers grief experience of a stillborn baby when societal support may be absent or limited due to the inability of society to recognize the birth and death as a meaningful event (Cacciatore, 2010).   Cacciatore (2010) identifies that parents presumptio n of support from family, friends and medical staff may be based in their own value and understanding of the loss which contradicts the support actually afforded them.   Additionally, Shainess (1963) challenged that childbirth that ends with the death of a baby not only has the potential to devastate a womens self-image but also may alter how she relates herself to others (as cited by Cacciatore, 2010).   Stillbirth has been coined as the invisible death because very few people knew or met the child, the mother has very few keepsakes to memorialize their child and inevitably the mother may feel pressure to forget the child by their social network (Cacciatore, 2010).   Li, Laursen, Precht, Olsen and Mortensen (2005) found that bereaved mothers, compared with nonbereaved mothers, were at much higher risk for first time inpatient psychiatric care.   The risks remained notably higher for more than five years following the death of a child (as cited by Rogers, Floyd, Seltzer, Greenberg and Hong, 2008).   In addition, Radestad et al. (1996) identified bereaved mothers of stillborn babies experience higher rates of anxiety up to three years following the death as compared to mothers who had live born children (as cited by Cacciatore, 2010). Bereaved mothers often question their ability to be successful at motherhood following the death of a child (Cacciatore, 2010).   Children within the family unit are often impacted by the death of a baby when their parents grief makes them unavailable to their emotional demands (Cacciatore, 2010).   Interestingly, a study by Peterson (1994) found that the death of a baby continues to affect future generations.   In the study, adult daughters of mothers who experienced a stillbirth, reported fear during their own pregnancy, in addition to guilt, anxiety and grief in adulthood that impacted attachment with their own children (as cited by Cacciatore, 2010). Mothers may illicit varied strategies to cope with the death of their child.   In a study of 47 bereaved mothers, Cacciatore (2010) found that 21% acknowledged using alcohol and illegal drugs as a form of coping, while 45% of respondents reported contemplating self-harm.   All of the respondents indicated that the death of their child had considerably altered their identity (Cacciatore, 2010).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Men and women do not always experience grief following the death of a child in the same way.   It is not uncommon for fathers to experience societal messages that encourage a traditional male role of strength that bravely supports the mother following the childs death (Aho, Tarkka, Astedt-Kurki and Kaunonen, 2006).   Not surprisingly, these messages may explain why research has found men are more likely to deny grief or grieve in private while suppressing reactions or hiding feelings (Aho, Tarkka, Astedt-Kurki and Kaunonen, 2006). In a study of fathers reactions to infant loss, Colsen (2001) examined conscious and unconscious responses to grief.   The study showed that some fathers had pronounced grief reactions in the unconscious while denying the presence of grief consciously (as cited by Aho, Tarkka, Astedt-Kurki and Kaunonen, 2006).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In analysis of the research, several studies have indicated that fathers use physical activity as a means to cope with grief as well as to assimilate control over their emotions (Aho, Tarkka, Astedt-Kurki and Kaunonen, 2006; Toller and Braithwaite, 2009).   In addition to feelings of physical pain, often attributed to the physicality of mens grief, fathers identify strong and prolonged feelings of guilt, anger and bitterness after the death of a child directed at themselves, God and caregiving personnel (Aho, Tarkka, Astedt-Kurki and Kaunonen, 2006).   Interestingly, in a study by Barrera et al. (2009) concerning parent adjustment following the death of a child, researchers found that the fathers interviews were significantly longer than those of the mothers.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As indicated in the discussion surrounding maternal grief, several studies have concluded that increased alcohol consumption also contributes to the fathers grief experience (Aho, Tarkka, Astedt-Kurki and Kaunonen, 2006).   In fact, in a study by Vance et al. (1995), concerning gender differences and psychological grief reactions for bereaved parents, research found that alcohol use in parents directly after the death and up to three years following, was significantly higher than the control group who had not experienced a death (as cited by Aho, Tarkka, Astedt-Kurki and Kaunonen, 2006).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Parents may also share common experiences of grief following the death of a child. In a study of parental adjustment six months after the death of their child, participants identified that they mourned a future without their children and that they would never see the child meet milestones such as their graduation or wedding (Barrera et al., 2009).   In addition to missing milestones these same participants reported a significant need to physically touch their children again (Barrera et al., 2009).   Some parents of children who died in the pediatric intensive care unit indicated that they needed mementos to assist them in feeling connected to their child.   Mementos ranged from a stuffed animal to a locket of the childs hair (Meert et al, 2008).   In fact, researchers argue that the ability of the parents to establish a continued connection with the deceased child through the use of memories is integral to the parental experience o f bereavement and coping (Barrera et al., 2009).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In addition to continuing the bond with their deceased child, parents have additional stress in establishing commonalities and differences in grief within the marital relationship.   Meaning is derived from telling the story of the childs death and this can be particularly difficult for bereaved parents who often feel that their social network is not receptive to talk of the death experience (Toller and Braithwaite, 2009).   Alternatively, parents may turn to one another as a means of support but this can also prove difficult since both partners are experiencing the death simultaneously (Toller and Braithwaite, 2009).   In a study by Toller and Braithwaite (2009) of bereaved parents they found that parents wanted to grieve with their spouse while concurrently indicating that they also needed space to grieve separately from their partner.   The parents in this study reported that grieving together was difficult due to the differing ways in which they and their partners approached and even expressed grief (Toller and Braithwaite, 2009). A fear for many bereaved spouses is the statistical relevance of divorce among bereaved parents.   Although some research indicates a higher occurrence of divorce following the death of a child, other research challenges the methodology and difficulties in tracking divorced couples in order to make concise conclusions (Rogers, Floyd, Seltzer, Greenberg and Hong, 2008).   Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚   A more alarming finding is the evidence of depression and long term health concerns among bereaved parents.   In their study, Rogers, Floyd, Seltzer, Greenberg and Hong (2008) analyzed data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS) and found that bereaved parents, in midlife and on average 18 years following the death of their child, reported more symptoms of depression   and cardiovascular problems than their nonbereaved cohort.   In fact, 83% of bereaved parents in the WLS reported depression within three years of their childs death (Rogers, Floyd, Seltzer, Greenberg and Hong, 2008).   The researchers of this study concluded that the return to employment, social and family roles may indicate full recovery following the death of a child but persistent episodes of depression and health related issues suggest internal turmoil that may not be recognized and acknowledged by friends and family (Rogers, Floyd, Seltzer, Greenberg and Hong, 2 008).   Furthermore, this study showed that the ability to function was not greater with the passing of time since the death and suggested that the bereavement following the death of a child may lead to continued health concerns for decades (Rogers, Floyd, Seltzer, Greenberg and Hong, 2008). Bereaved parents do find ways to cope and manage the grief both individually and as a couple.   Many parents indicate that surviving children provide them with a sense of purpose and parents reinvest energy into ensuring these children are learning how to cope with the death of their sibling (Barrera et al., 2009).   Barrera et al. (2009) identified the presence of surviving children at the time of death to be linked with lower instance of marital discord.     Researchers in multiple studies found that bereaved parents who did not have surviving children reported a strong desire to have another child through pregnancy, adoption or fostering (Barrera et al., 2009; Arnold and Buschman Gemma, 2008). Interestingly Videka-Sherman (1982) found evidence that parents who had a subsequent child following death were more likely to have better psychological adjustment to grief (as cited by   (Rogers, Floyd, Seltzer, Greenberg and Hong, 2008). In the study conducted by Toller and Braithwaite (2009) the majority of bereaved parents indicated that although they experienced grief differently than their partner, they were eventually able to identify and empathize, even accept the differences.   Bereaved parents who recognized that grieving is unique to each individual and in turn gave their spouse room to grieve or engaged with others for support found that they were able to navigate the differences and maintain a healthy relationship (Toller and Braithwaite, 2009).   Although therapeutic models encourage an ability to be open and heal, Toller and Braithwaite (2009) suggest that selective closedness has shown evidence of health in grieving (p. 273).   In fact, nonverbal communication between spouses is possible to create connection in grieving through hand holding, physical closeness and expression through letter writing (Toller and Braithwaite, 2009). Many parents have identified the need to redefine themselves integrating the experience of being a parent to a child who has died (Barrera et al., 2009).   Parents have described the need for their child to be validated and recognized in a societal context, given worth in order to aid them in their ability to grieve that child (Meert et al, 2009).   Of additional importance is the acceptance from family, friends and parents social network to allow bereaved parents to grieve in a way that is meaningful to them at their own speed and without judgement (Meert et al., 2009). Ultimately, bereaved parents incorporate a variety of support strategies to assist them in coping with the death of their child (Barrera et al., 2009).   Many bereaved parents identified an eventual revitalized purpose to life, commonly associated with a desire to give back to the community and support other bereaved parents (Barrera et al., 2009).   Following the death of a child, Calhoun and Tedeschi (2001) theorise that individuals undergo a reorganization of beliefs surrounding significance of the world and oneself. According to Calhoun and Tedeschi (2001) posttraumatic growth is the positive changes in relationship to others, spirituality or philosophy of life, and sense of self that follows bereavement (p. 344).   A study by Engelkemeyer and Marwit (2008) of bereaved parents found that parents who reported growth were also the parents who identified having a positive outlook regarding self-worth and characterised themselves as being lucky.   The death of a child has a profound effect on the parents as individuals and as a couple that creates a crisis in their transition through adulthood.   Bereaved parents may experience negative or positive consequences of the grief experienced following their childs death and these effects will be felt throughout the remainder of their lifespan. A quote from one bereaved mother eloquently sums up the enormity of death on the life experience: Death being such a major part of life is something that only those who experience it firsthand can truly attest to being at the very core of our existence.   Death changes who we are and what we feel about life entirely.   Death even steals our perception of time and how a month ending, or a year ending or the celebration of new life affects us.   Death comes in and manipulates everyone we come in contact with, while making us an alien to everyone (Ruffin, 2010, p.9).