Justification for funding researches on Biotechnology and genetic engineering Essay

Biotechnology and genetic engineering are technologies that employ biological materials to generate or construct enhanced products. The technologies are extensively used in the field of agriculture for the generation of new plant hybrids which present commercially important traits such as size and sweetness and remove the commercially risky features including drought- and insecticide-resistance. In the field of biomedicine, microbial species are modified through genetic engineering and used as basis for the design and creation of new vaccines which will help the public from acquiring specific infectious diseases. It is of my opinion that these sciences be funded for purposes of food enhancements and vaccine improvements because these provide us with new methods of using modified versions of the basic biological materials. The modification of particular plant species may be helpful to us in terms of food and our daily consumption, and maintaining good health in the society. For example, rice may be genetically modified to grow to maturity in half the time the wild rice grows. This means that we will always have ample supply of rice because we do not have to wait for such a very long time. In term of vaccines, it is important the biotechnology and genetic engineering improve vaccines because the bacterial and viral pathogens that cause diseases are also constantly evolving. Viruses are continuously changing the proteins on their cell membrane so that the cells of their host will not recognize and destroy them based on the host’s current immunity. If we do not improve our vaccines, we will not be able to control emerging infections around the world, and this may result in multiple global outbreaks. Hence, it is important that these technological innovations be used to their maximum potential. References Patel R, Torres RJ and Rosset P (2005): Genetic engineering in agriculture and corporate engineering in public debate: Risk, public relations, and public debate over genetically modified crops. Int. J. Occup. Environ. Health 11:428-436.

Mediterranean

The Mediterranean empires have been influential powers for most of the recorded history of humanity. They have inspired awe, fear and wonder, they were the first targets of Orientalism as a cultural phenomenon. The East was a constant threat and a constant lure to European civilization, capturing both lands and minds until the beginning of the 20th century. However, all things must come to an end, and so, too, did the rule of the East, when the Ottoman Empire disbanded. Empires rose and fell before, however, each previous time, a new conglomerate of nations took the place of the demised one. After the Ottoman Empire, no Mediterranean successor rose to power; instead, Europe took the empire’s place as hegemon, both in political power and in the power of ideas – in quite the logical succession. To understand why this is logical, we must examine the reasons for which imperialism had been so strong in the Mediterranean and why it finally fell. It is certainly more than mere political reasons, since there has been a succession of various empires. This is obviously a tendency that runs deeper, within the various Mediterranean cultures themselves. Empires fall when they grow too large, become too hard to control from one administrative center, become stagnant. What forces a culture or a number of cultures to spawn empires again and again? The Mediterranean, despite all of its regional conflicts among itself, has always been a very united region. This unity is based upon an equality of the people – however, this equality was the equality of units, not of people. An individual in the Mediterranean has always been nothing next to the greater cause, subject to exploitation to the point of destruction. Life was always nothing much important in the Mediterranean – much more important was the concept prevailing at the time and service to it. We can already see this concept in Rome, where a man was only as valuable as he was to civil society.   Indeed, even religion was in service of the state, as Seneca noted: â€Å"Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful.† The situation, however, reached its apogee after the emergence of Islam in the region, and the uniting of all consecutive empires under its banner. Islam – which means â€Å"submission† – is perhaps the most deterministic religion in existence. Its dogma is that a human is less than nothing before the glory of Allah, limited by the very fact of being a mere creation, absolutely powerless. Allah is a god that promises heaven for the Muslims, however, the Qur’an explicitly states, that Allah doesn’t care how many humans are Muslim. If the people submit to His rule, they will live, if they do not – they will perish.   Islamic theology is, naturally, much more complex and interesting, yet subordination lies at its core, with a lack of it punishable by death. This concept of an uncaring ruler with an iron first is absolutely amazing for the building of a despotic empire, where humans are resources to be harvested at best and obstacles to be removed at worst. The later politics, based on religion, thus used this concept extensively. A human of the region was totally powerless before the government, a piece of material and statistics at once. A particularly demonstrative example of this policy is Mehmed II Fatih’s decree to officially kill all the brothers of a sultan who has just ascended to the throne. The treatment of humans as resources allowed for the character of all Eastern empires: with the bureaucratic class and the military being the most important classes, and the approach to power and life being purely utilitarian and power-oriented. Thus the question is: why did the people of the region comply with this for so long? Why did they tolerate such an approach? First of all, living as a tool of an Empire is not quite so bad as it may sound. A prospering empire takes care of its people, though in a strange fashion and to a limited extent. One does not destroy one’s resources – one cultivates them. In an empire where everything is based on power and strength, the proper management of resources can be crucial to success, and thus, to survival. Also, such an empire is quite comfortable to live in for a certain kind of people. Those of the region have always been warriors: and for a soldier of fortune, no better form of organization can exist. There are always plenty of opportunists in every region, enough people who are willing to advance their own perspectives at the expense of other’s lives. However, if in Europe there is often reason for misunderstanding: the cultural differences between countries are great, and the linguistic barrier, too, plays a role. In the Islamic world, there is one culture and one set of customs, which allows for operation within a single paradigm, giving greater room for both cooperation and treason. This united culture did much for the predatory nature of these great empires. The people who stimulated this culture ultimately regarded everyone who was not a participant in it as a weakling. However, after the twentieth century, the disposition changed. The Europeans proved their strength, and proved that a union of independent nations is quite capable of not only effective warfare, but of political control. This approach, considered previously weaker, had defeated the eastern empires approach, and defeated it with such flair that the people of the Mediterranean doubted for the first time that their way was the more effective one. Power is proved in the consequences, and the consequences showed that Europe was stronger by far, not only in the military sense, but in the spirit as well. Not the Europe which had to buy its way to freedom, but the Europe which was able to aid or destroy the current empire, and after destruction, capture it quickly enough in all senses, impose its culture and way of life. Europe proved that cooperation of individuals can do more than a mass of underlings, and that the cultivation of allies can do more than the growing of resources. Always ready to employ an effective tactic and learn from their enemies, the people which were once under the empires now attempt to work the way Europe has shown, as it seems more promising. However, between wars, Europe seems all too polite and complacent. Its culture is not one to cater to the heart of a warrior. It seems only a matter of time before someone in the East decides that Europe’s approach is ineffective and reverts to the traditional ways of doing politics in the Mediterranean. It is my opinion that what we are seeing is not a true transformation, but rather, a transitional moment between empires. Granted, it has lasted almost a hundred years. Nonetheless, the situation even now seems to point to the possibility of the renewal of a new, improved by Western techniques, empire. It is not the end of Mediterranean history, but the beginning of a new era in it. References 1. All Empires – An   Online Community for World History, viewed Friday, May 06, 2005 at http://www.allempires.com/ 2.Islam Online, viewed Friday, May 06, 2005 at http://www.islamonline.net/english/index.shtml   

Successful Student

The enrolled in college The Developmental Writing class refreshed some of the skills I had learned in English class such as Journal writing, vocabulary enrichment, critical thinking, paragraph patterns, and short essays. The course also proved useful in improving my sentence composition and study habits The Learning Strategies course dealt with several aspects of improving my skills as a student. The first thing the course taught was that Success does not happen by luck or chance, it is the result of hard work, honest self-assessment, setting goals, and planning for the future.Interpersonal skills must be developed by learning to cooperate with teachers, and students through understanding and acceptance. I must try to be an active learner who takes initiative to seek help, be involved by asking questions when I am unsure f the answers. The best students are self-motivated, and know what their goals are, and the surest way to reach them Discovering your learning style and putting it t o use is very important, we all learn in different ways if you take the time to figure out which way works best for you your retention will be much better.After finding my particular style I am able know how to get the most from learning in a way that is the easiest and most comfortable for me. There may not be a single best way to learn, sometimes it takes a combination of different ways to allow me learn best. The class also taught me the meaning of the term Locus of Control which refers to the source of motivation. It can be either internal or external. Internal is taking responsibility for my actions, and results external means others control my motivations, and I see little connection between my actions, and their results.I found out how important the ability to use critical and creative thinking is in order to be successful in my studies. Critical thinking is the ability to use logical, conscious, and purposeful reasoning. It includes the process of self-reflection where I can examine my actions, and there uniqueness. Creative thinking has some of the same qualities, but also adds inventive and original thoughts as well. It helps me apply what I have learned in new ways.My definition of a successful student is a student who continues to do the best that he can, and always tries to improve as much as he can. I will endeavor to put all of the skills I have learned, and continue to learn here at Roan State to the best use that my ability allows. If I can manage to do so I will be more successful both as a student and later on as a graduate of Roan State So much has changed in the past months being here it is sometimes very difficult to keep it in prospective.My classes and the instructors I have been exposed to continue to reshape my way of thinking. The more I attend College the more I realize how much I had, and still have to learn. As I continue my education my ability as a student continues to improve while learning to tie the information presented to m e together. I can see now why I was always told that an education is such a valuable thing to have, and not to be taken for granted. My only regret at this point of my experience is that I did not have this opportunity sooner in life.

Company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Company - Essay Example ) brand positioning is vital for any company as it helps visualize the services offered by the brand and how the company may accrue the maximal benefits from the existing opportunities. In line with this argument, it is evident that brand positioning is crucial for the marketing strategies of companies (Grams, 2011; Schmid, 2013). For the case of AsiaTravel.com, the company needed to design marketing programs that may help it attract different types of clients to its business. In terms of competitive advantage, evidently AsiaTravel.com needs to make clear identification of its major competitors. Through this aspect, AsiaTravel can tell its positioning in the market, and then take the best decision that would allow it pose the strongest competition (AirTravel.com, n.d). Notably, AsiaTravel may look for similar companies that offer the same or alternative services and products in an attempt to design its competition strategy. Through this approach, the company may provide quicker, discounted and a wide array of services as opposed to its competitors. In this quest, Roll (2005) indicates that a SWOT analysis will be of use to assess the place of the company in the general market. The brand AsiaTravel.com is proud of its single product that offers three services to its clients (AirTravel.com, n.d). This is an added advantage to this company as this service provides an exceptional to other services offered by other brands. In the course of competition, AsiaTravel.com will stand out from other companies as its services are of a better quality, favorable price and flexible to its clients. McGhie (2012) is of the opinion that in the event that a company determines its brand’s strong points, the company will be on the frontline to deal with its competitors. This fact places AsiaTravel.com at a better stance over other competitors. However, AsiaTravel.com has a lot to do in its brand positioning as rebranding is only way to competitiveness and equity in the company.

Ernest Ludwig Kirchner Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Ernest Ludwig Kirchner - Essay Example Their personal styles of work with the great variety of plots and directions were partly a result of their vital activity, including great number of their drawings, lithographs and woodcuts. Kirchner as well as his colleagues was under influence by the African and Oceanic art that is reflected in unusual manner of his works. In 1912, Kirchner became the leader of the group "The Bridge. He and the other artists sought to build a "bridge" between Germany's past and future. "They felt that the art of the current establishment was too academic and refined to retain any degree of expression, so they instead found inspiration in medieval German art and primitive African sculpture. Additionally, they would find inspiration in the emotionally expressive works of Vincent Van Gogh and Edward Munch. Since their primary concern was the expression of deeply felt emotions, they would also transform their negative feelings about the war onto canvas."(3) Kirchner achieved some fame during his lifeti me, and he had a number of collectors for his paintings and wood-cuts. His intense work on paintings, woodcuts, and sculpture expanded to include designs for the weaver Lise Guyer and, more importantly, for the decoration of the great hall of the Museum Folkwang in Essen: work never to be completed, since the Nazis seized the museum in 1933. During the Nazi dictatorship, however, his work was denounced (as well as his compatriots) as "degenerate art", and confiscated from museums. He became increasingly depressed by the war and committed suicide on June 15, 1938 after destroying much of his artwork - he was very despondent over the Nazism and its displays. All his life Kirchner was in search for an increasingly simplified form of expression. When the group relocated to Berlin in 1910-11, Kirchner's response to the confrontation with the metropolis resulted in the bold works that epitomize the hectic life in Berlin. In 1917 Kirchner moved to Switzerland, where he was supported by the collector Dr. Carl Hagemann, the architect Henri van de Velde, and the family of his physician, Dr. Spengler. He slowly recovered, while continuing to work on paintings and woodcuts. His works were exhibited in Switzerland and Germany. In 1921 he had fifty works on view at the Kronprinzenpalais (Nationalgalerie) in Berlin, which were praised by critics and established his reputation as the leading expressionist. In 1925-26 he made his first long trip back to Germany. He stayed for a while in Dresden with his biographer, Will Grohmann, and visited the dancer Mary Wigman. In this period of his life he painted one of his significant colour-woodcuts, "Head of Albert Muller". It was signed, annotated and dedicated in black ink and pencil. It is a splendid proof impression printed from two blocks on a yellowish, thick Japan-paper. The work is in excellent and fresh condition. Although it is a second state key-stone, Kirchner annotated it as ,,1ster Handdruck", which probably meant the fi rst impression of this state. The represented painter from Basle, Albert Mller, was a very close friend and pupil of Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. He and his family spent several months in the summer of 1925 with Kirchner and worked with him in Frauenkirch. The portrait was probably executed during that time. Albert Mller died of typhus - only 29 years old - in December 1926. Kirchner, who

Choose 2 questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Choose 2 questions - Essay Example This owes to the fact that once such multinational companies are established, they assist in alleviating the living standards of the local people. Some of the multinationals, which have transformed the lives of the people according to the proponents of globalization, include the Apple Inc. and the Coca Cola Company. For instance, the former company has majority of its operations in China. This is owing to the fact that this country offers experienced and cheap labor for such multinational companies. The proponents of multinationals also believe that this is the only way to promote the spirit of globalization. With the market being free, every individual has the right to conduct his business in any country, provided all conditions are right. In short, therefore, the proponents of the multinational corporations focus on the macro level (systemic) analysis of this situation. On the other hand, though, the critics of multinational corporations have a different view on this issue. This is because they focus on it from a sub systemic level of analysis. For instance, the multinationals have been criticized for being the main cause of unemployment in some developing countries. This is despite the fact that the proponents indicate otherwise. For instance, once a multinational corporation is established in a developing country, it threatens the infant industries. The latter may not be in a position to cope with the completion of such large multinational corporations. For that reason, some of the local industries are forced to shut down mostly due to reduced sales. This results to an increased unemployment as people loss jobs. The critics indicate that one of the main advantages of the multinational companies is that they are able to operate on a large scale than the local industries. They have capital and therefore have the ability to ensure that there is the right kind of technology and qualified working force to provide quality goods and services. According to the crit ics, the multinational companies are out to perpetuate their monopolistic powers. Some of these multinational companies come from the developed nations. It is indicated that there is a correlation between the military power and the economic power of any given country. It is for these reasons that majority of critics indicating that the multinationals are out to give more political and military power to some of these countries. Such critics also question the need for globalization. They indicate that globalization has led to many negative effects than it was earlier thought. For instance, it has been challenged for increased unemployment and effect on the local businesses. According to Marxist view, the main beneficiaries of globalization have been the developed countries. They indicate that the main reason why it exists is to enable the developed nations accumulate more wealth especially from the developing nations. For instance, the developed nations have been able to take advantag e of the cheap labor provided by the developing nations. While such corporations make a lot of profits, the employees are not rewarded according to the services that are provided. According to my analysis of the situation, I believe that the sub systemic view (critics), best explains the situation in hand. Most of the developing countries still grapple with the issues

Debate Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 5

Debate - Essay Example One of the hardest parts is to give the bad news to an employee who is not receiving an increment. In order to effectively deal with these managers should be taken through train by undertaking role-playing exercises to boost their communication skills. However, this can be dealt with by ensuring that the news does not surprise anyone in the company. This can only be achieved by making sure that that organization continually reminds the employees the rise will only be given based on performance and that it is not automatic to all employees. The managers should also frequently communicate the performance of the employees though out the year. In addition, employees need to understand the consequences if they do not perform as expected. This can be included in the employees’ handbook that they are not entitled to a merit increment if they do not meet the expectations. This sends a message that the organization is taking seriously everyone’s performance. Managers should be equipped with adequate skills to communicate to the employees the definition of what good performance is and what unacceptable performance is. They should be able to show the connection that exist between pay increment, performance, and how to deal with the tough questions that may arise from employees who do not receive salary increment. A manager can explore other alternatives in giving the increment. Some employees are promising. Instead of totally denying them the merit increment a manager may consider delaying it to give them a chance to turn around their performance. Another option is to offer lump sum payments in place of a base salary increment. This makes it appear like a bonus instead of a salary rise. it does not affect salary increment or hourly wages. It also stretch merit budgets while at the same time slowing salary growth this should however not be misused. Whether merits has lost its

Interservice Cpabilities for Crisis Response Essay

Interservice Cpabilities for Crisis Response - Essay Example lly, in shall explicit various ways through, which the United States’ Inter-Service Capabilities can be improved in order to ensure that their efforts directed towards eliminating or reducing the crises in the region is improved. It is apparent that there are various issues that triggered the military conflicts in Algeria and Morocco. However, taking a closer analysis of the issues provided in the case study it is apparent that trigger of conflict in Algeria and Morocco are quite different, but the concerned individuals are majorly driven by personal interests. The effective capabilities that can be used by the United States’ Service include: Facilitating Negotiations between the Concerned Parties: It is important that the United States engage create a platform between the concerned parties in Algeria and Morocco in order to determine the root causes of the conflict thereby formulating appropriate solutions. In Algeria, there is a major problem between the Military and the central Government, the United States, through its envoys can facilitate for negotiations between the military and the government in order to create peace between the two groups through reconciliation. Peaceful negotiations are evidently more important as compared to the application of military interventions that basically involve utilization of tremendous use of resources as well as the loss of lives. Peaceful negotiations can also be extended towards countries that support violence conflicts through provision of weapons and funds i.e. in the case of Iran and Sudan. Intensive Awareness Creation among the Groups on the Importance of Peace: In as much as many countries are aware of the importance of peace in social and economic development, it seems that in many cases this information is usually overlooked. It is therefore important that the United States, through its envoys i.e. the US Naval Service or a panel of Diplomats engage in a program that would basically focus not only on military

International Relations Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

International Relations Paper - Essay Example It has been one of the most researched topics by professionals and academics alike. The field has made more development over the last decade than it ever made in the past. Many scholars suggest different reasons for the implementation of good international relations. They cite different benefits of international relations accruing to the implementing countries and to the entire world as a whole. One scholar suggests that international relations are dominated by two poles. At one end, the sphere of International Relations should be the policies of the United States with the rest of the world, and on the other, it is the EU controlling the flow of policies in the international relations. International Relations gained more prominence after the USSR-USA Cold War in the 1990s. Both of these nations tried to win allies and hence it started a cycle of every country trying to find a partner in the sphere of politics, trade, security and power. International Relations have become an importan t aspect in international relations because every country days is trying to show the strength in number after the US-Iran tensions. There are a lot of advantages of developing a sound policy of international relations, not just by the super powers of the world, but for every nation of the world. (Krotz & Maher, 2005) Many social scientists have argued that International Relations are totally driven by Trade Policies. In fact the economies of the world have become so interlinked that is unimaginable to separate them with the politics and other important facets of the international political environment. Therefore an important part of foreign or international relation is the economic and business development part. No two countries can have stable relations unless they are involved in the international trade. Many social scientists believe that it is the bilateral trade that drives the foreign policy of all countries. The breakdown in the relationship between Iraq and the United States of America happened when Saddam Hussein threatened that Iraqi would not sell oil to American companies. This caused the international crude oil prices to soar and resulted in uncertainty and economic instability around the world. There were question marks regarding what the future holds for Iraq and how will the United States of America going to change its foreign policy in response to Saddam’s threat? It led the two countries to war. It can be said that International Relations policies are a function of trade and economic policies. Not a long ago, there was a tension between the United States of America and Republic of China. But over the years two countries have patched up their difference. Many economists believe that two nations have covertly decided that their economies are too big to go to war. In case, there is a war between the United States of America and Republic of China no one nation could emerge as a winner, but instead it would create economic instability in bo th countries, more so in the United States of America. International Relation hence cannot work alone without the economic policies. Both economic policies and International Relations work together to shape a foreign policy and hence no nation in the world cannot succeed without having sound economic and international relations policies. Another important role that good international relations play is the stable global environment. Without having stable global env

Should the Government Intervene in the labour market Essay

Should the Government Intervene in the labour market - Essay Example Various critics argue that the government involvement in the labor markets is significant since it promotes free and fair employment while other argue the exact opposite, citing that in hinders the willing employer, willing employee relationships, owing to the various policies implemented (Tisdell and Hartley, 2008 p.269). Government involvement in the labor market is critical since it acts in response to various challenges that emerge in employment. For instance, employers may opt to hire employees at extremely reduced rates, owing to their intended purpose of maximizing their profits. At such instances, some employees may be willing to work with such wages, owing to the unemployment rates resulting from economic recession globally while other suitable employees may be unwilling to work under such rates. This creates a challenge since the unemployed individuals may act in their fight for increased pay, which may lead to property and life destruction, and this call for government involvement, in a bid to provide a solution to such a predicament through the introduction of the minimum wage policies. In other instances, some unscrupulous employers may overwork their employees without increasing their minimum salaries, and even subject them to working under harsh and dangerous conditions without the implementation of the necessary safety measure policies, in their bid to reduce costs(Neugart, 2002, p.69). This places the employees’ welfare at risk, and cases of employee opposition have been rampant across the globe. As such, government intervention is critical in such institutions since the government is tasked with the provision of apt safety policies that safeguard the welfare of such employees. This serves to reduce the employer-employee conflicts hence promoting production and profit maximization of such firms. Additionally, cases of employment of minors are still in practice,

MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH PROGRAMS (Module 1 SLP) Essay

MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH PROGRAMS (Module 1 SLP) - Essay Example The manager of our interest was appointed as head of a health service and research institute in 1993, that time it was on the verge of closure due to mismanagement and inefficiency. The head excelled in planning, organizing, communicating, leading, controlling and monitoring. As showed by Koontz and O'Donnel (1959) the head had proficiency in all the major functions of a manager (Koontz & O'Donnel 1959). No doubt the head was an active leader. As showed by Bateman and Zeithaml (1993) the head used vision and judgement to create opportunities and did the right things (Bateman& Zeithaml, 1993). The head gave opportunity for high performance. Incentive was given for excellent performers. The head always ensured success and used to project ones own success as institutes success. Finally the head made everybody to believe that head is the personification of institute. The institute started progressing and at the end of a decade it became one of the internationally renowned institutes. Lot of laurels and praise came to the head of the institute. People started praising the head as one of the successful managers. the head got retired, the employees of the institute were divided in to two groups, one the so called high performers patronised by the head and two, the worthless low performers! Institute fell into internal squabbles and was in great trouble. Nobody had direction as everybody was accustomed to orders. Analysis of Strengths and Weaknesses In spite of being an active leader and visionary the head failed to develop positive work environment because the head gave orders rather than directions. Though the head gave opportunity and incentive for high performance in the process the head formed a group of henchmen. As depicted by Agars and Wilson (2005) the head applied the principles of classical conditioning in its crude form (Agars & Wilson, 2005). Person and group of persons took precedence over activity. Bateman and Zeithaml (1993) outlined effective manager as an active leader who creates a positive work environment in which the organization and its employees have the opportunity and the incentive to achieve high performance (Bateman & Zeithaml, 1993). Though successful the head failed to become an effective manager. References Agars, W.S., & Wilson, G.T. (2005). Learning theory. In B.J. Sadock & V.A.Sadock

Mintzberg’s 10 Managerial Roles Essay Example for Free

Mintzberg’s 10 Managerial Roles Essay This chart summarizes a manager’s ten roles: | | |Mintzberg’s Managerial Roles | | | | | | |Category |Role |Activity |Examples | | | | | | |Informational |Monitor |Seek and acquire work-related |Scan/read trade press,   periodicals, | | | |information |reports; attend seminars and | | | | |training; maintain personal contacts | |   | | | | | |Disseminator |Communicate/ disseminate information |Send memos and reports; inform staffers and | | | |to others within the organization |subordinates of decisions | |   | | | | | |Spokesperson |Communicate/transmit information to |Pass on memos, reports and informational | | | |outsiders |materials; participate in | | | | |conferences/meetings and report progress | |   |   |   |   | | | | | | |Interpersonal |Figurehead |Perform social and legal duties, act |Greet visitors, sign legal documents, attend| | | |as symbolic leader |ribbon cutting ceremonies, | | | | |host receptions, etc. | |   | | | | | |Leader |Direct and motivate subordinates, |Includes almost all interactions with | | | |select and train employees |subordinates | |   | | | | | |Liaison |Establish and maintain contacts within|Business correspondence, participation in | | | |and outside the organization |meetings with representatives | | | | |of other divisions or organizations.   | |   |   |   |   | | | | | | |Decisional |Entrepreneur |Identify new ideas and initiate |Implement innovations; Plan for the future | | | |improvement projects | | |   | | | | | |Disturbance Handler |Deals with disputes or problems and |Settle conflicts between subordinates; | | | |takes corrective action |Choose strategic alternatives; | | | | |  Overcome crisis situations | |   | | | | | |Resource Allocator |Decide where to apply resources |Draft and approve of plans, schedules, | | | | |budgets; Set priorities | |   | | | | | |Negotiator |Defends business interests |Participates in and directs negotiations | | | | |within team, department, and organization | In the real world, these roles overlap and a manager must learn to balance them in order to manage effectively. While a manager’s work can be analyzed by these individual roles, in practice they are intermixed and interdependent. According to Mintzberg: â€Å"The manager who only communicates or only conceives never gets anything done, while the manager who only ‘does’ ends up doing it all alone.†

Competitive Strategies in UK Fast Food Industry

Competitive Strategies in UK Fast Food Industry In last decade much has been discussed about the customer orientation, customer value management (CVM), customer relationship management (CRM), Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) metrics, Customer Centric organization models, customer retention, customer care many more with a new theory added each time with word customer preceding to it. But to the fact how many companies incorporate these concepts, how far theyve been successful, if so why do we still see a major shift in the needs and wants of the customers is puzzling many researchers today. What a company thinks as a market or value proposition is often misunderstood by customer and responds in completely different fashion. What is the reason for this? When a company looks at various products and values derived from it whereas customer is looking at satisfaction. The basic question is does all the strategy, innovative product features, add ons and value creation lead to ultimate customer satisfaction? All of this may seem a little contradictory. For better understanding lets take an example of fast food company, these Companies are roll out a new product every now then offering more value, in their perspective. The key point is why the customer switches over to different fast food company products or packages so often, if the products are offering value. The point to be noted is that more value propositions are being rolled out without looking at the very basic concept i.e. whether the value proposed gives satisfaction to the customers. If it is not, then it is not at all valuable. The customer is buying satisfaction. Highest value is derived when the customer is fully satisfied with his purchase. This highlights the importance of value creation for customers termed as customer value. The main purpose of this research is to understand how this customer value forms the basis in formulating the competitive strategies across various industries. Some common myths in Value Creation More is often considered value Buy one get one free schemes are rolled out. There is of course an instant sales push. However at the end of the scheme the customer feels that he had all along been paying 100% more for the products and perceives that very product as costly once the scheme is withdrawn. May switch to another product at the same price. Conclusion: Dissatisfaction leads to value erosion Myth # 2 Price is value Many business considers lower price as offering more value. More often than not lowest price products end up as the second best with a higher priced product with similar product attributes leading the market. The simple reason is the higher price product may be offering a higher satisfaction due to perceived values and imagery. Car markets are a prime example of this syndrome. Myth # 3 More Features or add ons are value Businesses load a product or service with more features thus offering a higher value. While this may be attractive if the features are not backed by adequate supports the satisfaction may be less and value is reduced. We encounter this everyday. A customer buys a product with many features but not demonstrated properly or may not be serviced properly. Enquiries may not be handled effectively. Airlines offereing add ons like free overnite accomodation are still not favored if the services, like enquiry handling, reservations, and time schedules are poor. Cell phones companies may be offering plenty of add ons like national roaming or free incoming calls etc. However if the billing is poor and billing enquiries are not addressed properly the customer is dissatisfied and leaves the service for another provider. 1.1 Aims and Objectives of the project. In this research study, the aim is to identify and describe the attributes of superior customer value how its form an important basis in building competitive strategies in UK Fast food industry. Usually these attributes of superior customer value are a complete combination of Product quality, service quality, and price (PQ,SQ,PR). From the view of consumers perspective, PQ,SQ,PR is better understood as superior customer value with the resulting experiences about the various goods or services provided by the UK fast food companies. These values of PQ,SQ,PR have been embedded in the brand image, which has the potential to affect the buying decision of the customer. It is often said that consumers are always looking for satisfaction in the form of PQ,SQ,PR attributes and brand image that drives them in their purchase making-decision. In UK, most of the fast food companies have their priority over their customers satisfaction in their organisations guidelines and having their success vi sion behind the concept of marketing. There are always implications that these UK fast food companies have to try to adopt the concept of marketing via these PQ,SQ,PR attributes, to formulate successful business strategies in order to outperform their competitors in this competent world of fast food industry in UK. 1.2 Research Methodology In this era of competitive world, creating a profitable value in the minds of the customers is tedious task and requires a lot of information. Among the wide variety of goods and services the customers perception of values can be quite subjective varying with the brand equity. Common knowledge of attributes and how these contribute values is not sufficient, rather important data must be gathered and analysed so as to provide enough information for the managers to make important marketing decisions. This research provides the required skill and knowledge for the managers helping them in solving various problems and facing various challenges in this competitive era of the fast food industry. This knowledge may also be used in formulating new business strategies. Literature will be collected from selected areas of research for the purpose of evaluation. The research must be able to evaluate and clarify this literature to provide a theoretical and methodological base for the research. Information is gathered from the two separate groups of respondent in order to analyse the respondents attitude from consumers and companys perspective respectively. The PQ,SQ,PR is analysed in the context of resulting experience and branding from consumers perspective that fast food companies must design in order to formulate competitive strategies in the era of challenging landscape of fast food in UK. The objectives of the study shall also assist the fast food companies to understand better the branding, consumers experiences and preferences towards their products and services. The purpose of the research projects will have the following area of interests. a) To determine what are the important attributes of superior customer values that the fast food company must develop to meet the customers expectation. b) To describe how these customer values designed by the companies influence the customer buying decision in the context of customers resulting experience and the branding. c) To analyse if the UK fast food companies understand the importance of building strategic customer values through marketing concept i.e. understand marketing orientation approach of building strategies and practice them. The research design will be carefully planned and structured for easy understanding, care will be taken to ensure the accuracy of the findings since, the basic purpose is to provide information regarding specific hypothesis. Firstly, research will collect various data about the customer expectations, opinions and attitudes. Precautionary measures will be taken on the all the weak points in the method of approach. In the first step of analysis, a detailed summary of the various characteristics of the respondent will be observed and analysed carefully. Later, this statistical data will be used for the reasoning of the proposed hypothesis using the evidence found sample of population studied. This is mainly to ensure the accuracy of the proposed hypothesis. Specifically, the purpose of this research is not guarantee the success of Strategies formulated by UK fast-food companies using the gathered knowledge, but only to decrease the uncertainty in decision making process and increase the probability of success. However this research will be carried in a organised analytical manner to achieve the above certainty. For this KFC is a selected organisation considered for this research. The findings of this research shall then lead to a better understanding of superior consumer value that act as a base in formulating competitive strategies in UK fast food industry 1.3 UK fast food Industry A brief Outlook There are varieties of elements in the UKs retail catering industry but fast food is perhaps the most prominent, most dynamic and the most rapidly growing industry. Though there are number of variations in the specific methods adopted by various fast food operators a number of general defining characteristics can be identified in common like drive thru service, meal deal packages, etc. Fast food restaurants offer a simple and fairly restricted menu within a carefully controlled operating system. Usually burgers, fried chicken, fries serve the main course. Typically ice creams and the drinks like milk shakes, fizzy drinks and tea and coffee are also included in the menu. Customers queue up to be served at a counter, the aim being to serve a large number of people with the minimum of waiting time and most operators look to serve customers within three minutes of their entry onto the premises. The food is sold in disposable packaging without cutlery. Some operators offer facilities for customers to consume their food on the premises while others tend to cater more for the take-away trade. The fast food revolution essentially began in the US during the 1950s and this style of catering grew immensely and spread to rest of the world in the decades since then. US companies played major role in the development of fast food operations in the UK. Though McDonalds are now the market leaders and major player in this sector it was KFC (formerly Kentucky Fried Chicken) who were the pioneers in the field. KFCs first fast foodoutlet was launched in 1965 at Preston. Following KFCs introduction of the fast food concept into the UK in the mid 1960s it was well over a decade later before the fast food revolution began to take off. The first McDonalds restaurant in the UK was opened in Woolwich in South London in 1974 and a decade later the company were trading from over 120 franchised restaurants and they had spread out from their initial base in and around Greater London to the Midlands and the North West of England. A number of other, then US based, companies including Burger King, Wendys and Pizza Hut followed McDonalds into the UK market in the late 1970s but none were initially able to keep pace with McDonalds rapid expansion. During this period a number of UK based companies including Wimpy, Casey Jones, Mr. Big, Spud-U-Like and Olivers also entered this growing new sector of the retail catering trade. During the 1980s and 1990s the larger more successful chains like McDonalds, Burger King and KFC continued to grow rapidly and to expand their geographical coverage to, and within, all urban and some rural districts while some smaller operators disappeared from the map. 1.4 KFC organisational background KFC is a division of Tricon Global Restaurants, which was later taken up by Yum brands Inc. This company has around 11,000 outlets in 80 different countries with over 290,000 employees selling around 2 billion meals annually to generate sales of $9 billion worldwide. Within the United Kingdom, KFC has around 500 outlets and among these 80% of them are being franchised. The KFC brand is lifetime achievement of a great personality of now deceased founder Colonel Sanders who promoted the companys wide variety of chicken products via a range of advertising methods like media, store advertising, etc. KFC claims to use only whole chicken other than the reformed or processed products. The chicken is cooked using the Colonel Sanders secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices and is prepared freshly in the store. The specific nature of the chicken product range has varied over time but the companys menu currently includes Original Recipe Chicken, Extra Tasty Crispy Chicken, Chicken Burgers, Crispy Strips and Chicken Wraps. These products can be ordered with fries and drinks as part of a standard or bucket meal. 2.0 literature review As suggested by Alan et al (2003), this literature review shall help me in the following manners: 1 To find what is already a known literature in connection to the research areas so as not to re-discover everything. 2 Moreover existing literature researchers important findings can be crucially observed and analysed and if any mistakes are to be found can be easily discarded. 3 To gain insight into the various theoretical and methodological approaches to my research. 4 To find various possible variables that might not otherwise have a possible application 5 The detailed analysis my findings will be further supported with wide reading of literature review. 2. Superior Customer value The history of the customer value dates back to ancient times under the practices of trade and commerce known as barter system. wherein the buyers agrees to trade in , only if the sellers offer i.e. goods to be exchanged are of fair or better value and equal to the trading goods or services. Thereby we can define value as satisfaction of the customer needs and requirements at lowest total cost of acquisition, ownership, and use. Value is the consumers overall assessment of the utility of a product based on perceptions of what is received and what is given. (Zeithaml 1988, p. 14) Value in business markets is the perceived worth in monetary units of the set of economic, technical, service and social benefits received by a customer firm in exchange for the price paid for a product, taking into consideration the available suppliers offerings and prices. (Anderson et al 1993, p. 5) Buyers perceptions of value represent a trade-off between the quality or benefits they perceive in the produ ct relative to the sacrifice they perceive by pay- ing the price. (Monroe I990, p. 46) Customer value is market perceived quality adjusted for the relative price of your product. (Gale 1994, p. xiv) .customer value means the emotional bond established between a customer and a producer after the customer has used a salient product or service produced by that supplier and found the product to provide an added value. (Butz and Goodstein 1996, p. 63) Superior customer value can be better understood as means of creating business experiences which exceed customer expectations'(Art William, 2004). According to him superior customer value means continually creating business experiences that exceed customer expectations designing and delivering this value is the key to successful business strategy in 21st century. As quoted by Philip Kotler (2000), total customer value is the package of benefits customers expect from a given product or services. Therefore, to understand the true meaning of superior customer values, the concentration must be on the various customer experiences over attributes of the product or services provided by the company. Colin John (2002) explained customer experience as If you take all of the different aspects of a commoditised world then everything is pretty similar: similar products, similar people, similar technology, and similar pricing. The differences are in the brand, the perception, and the feel of a company, all of which are delivered through the customer experience. Its the customer experience that will differentiate a company. According to R.R. Woodruff (1997) delivering this customer value raises many difficult questions such as (1) What exactly do customers value? (2) Of all the things customers value, on which ones should we focus to achieve advantage? (3) How well do customers think we deliver that value? (4) How will what customers value change in the future? Here comes the task of managers as how they deliver this value, using what processes and methods can this customer value be efficiently delivered. 2.1 The Importance of Customer Value According to art william (2004) Customer value is combination of four core components namely service, quality, image and price altogether an approach known as the S-Q-I-P approach. These are also known as customer value triads which provide a basis for competitive business strategies. Huber et al (2001) states that many marketing strategists and economists emphasize that creation of superior customer value plays an important role in ensuring company are success. A clear understanding of the concept of value becomes essential for the success of value-based strategies (Woodruff, 1997). Indeed, superior value of products/services delivered to customers leads to customer loyalty, the real driver of financial performance ( Reichheld et al., 2000) According to Azaddin (2004) loyalty and profits are strongly linked to value created for customers. Customers are loyal to a company as long as it offers them superior value compared to its competitors. According to Art William (2004) most of the firms today have positioned themselves under the S-Q-I-P approach with an objective of differentiating themselves from their competitors also have given importance in meeting acceptable threshold levels with respect to the products quality, services quality and pricing attribute. A said by him designing and delivering superior customer value propels organisations to market leadership positions in highly competitive global field. Philip Kotler (2000) expressed that the firms that won the customer loyalty are perceived to offer highest customer delivered value. In this context, total customer value is a combination of benefits customers expect from a given products or services. According, Robert and Sue (2003) customer values are categorized in two ways i.e. effectiveness and efficiency. When the products services offered satisfy the needs of the customers then the value are said to be effectively delivered. The less is the cost more is the satisfaction of the customer that can be achieved efficiently. 2.2 Customer value a source of competitive advantage According to woodruff (1997) in todays competitive era, quality may no longer offer competitive advantage. It is customer value that gives a competitive advantage how this customer value can be delivered efficiently forms the crucial part. He stated that adopting a customer value delivery orientation requires organizations to learn extensively about their markets and target customers. Deciding how to compete on superior customer value delivery raises difficult questions, such as the following: (1) What exactly do customers value? (2) Of all the things customers value, on which ones should we focus to achieve advantage? (3) How well do customers think we deliver that value? (4) How will what customers value change in the future? According to sharma (1994) many researchers have argued on fact that there are differences in what managers think customers value and what customers say they value these gaps can form the potential sources of mistakes for the organisations in delivering customer value. Customers tend to think differently when buying a product and using it which is well explained by Woodruff (1997) that Customers learn to think concretely about value in the form of preferred attributes, attribute performances, and conse- quences from using a product in a use situation. A customer forms a evaluative or predictive opinion during the value experience of a product i.e. customers may predict a received value, but during use they actually experience received value. 2.3 Defining Value Proposition from Firm Perspective Michael J. Lanning, the chairman, the DPV Group, LLC stated that value proposition is a decision and commitment of resulting experiences, including price, to a group of target customers, profitably and better than competitors. Frederick Webster (1994) explained that value proposition is a verbal statement that matches up the firms distinctive competencies with the needs and preferences of a carefully designed set of potential customers. He also explained that the description of value proposition created by the firms needs to be clear, concise, and credible and consistence over time and has to be communicated and shared between the firm and its customers. Since the customers have a better say on the true value criteria, every firm must ensure that the value proposition is positioned effectively as the value proposition takes into consideration the interpretation of value of customers. Art William (2004) explained that this S-Q-I-P approach not only provides the basis of an organisations value proposition but also establishes a solid business philosophy for the organisation. It guides all strategic decisions, and ultimately affects business performance. The uniqueness of articulation of core and augmented value proposition gives a memorable message to be successful. As most of the firms compete based on their own identities and their potentials, value proposition ingredients needs to be carefully analysed Dave Brock, the President of Partners In EXCELLENCE relates superior customer value with value proposition. To define and communicate value proposition, the firms must focus on the following issues. The customer must have a need and without any needs to buy a product or services, the customer values can never exist. Value is described as the difference between the perceived benefits and consequences of selecting a solution or needs. To differentiate, your value proposition must be perceived by the customer as superior to every alternative available in the market. Thus, it is imperative to understand that the value proposition is in the eyes of the customers not the product. It has to be customised to the specific needs of each customer. 2.4 Quality Attributes Quality has been recognised by companies as a major ingredient in a customers choice of products and service and hence it is important to have a working definition of quality if the customer has to enjoy a consistent high standard of goods and services. The official definition of quality by American National Standards Institute and the American Society for quality Control is the totality of features and characteristics of a product or services that bears on its ability to satisfy given needs. 2.41 Consumers Perspective about quality. It is important to understand how the customer defines quality that delivers the best values as customer has the perceptions of which firms are producing better quality than others, and they choose to purchase accordingly. According to W.Edwards Deming, the customer is the most important part of the production line. Quality should always be aimed at the present and the Future needs of the customer. Since the customers possess different quality level of product or service with different quality expectation, a commonly definition of quality can be drawn. In other words quality is determined by what the customer wants and is willing to pay for. A desire to purchase an attractive product would disappear by poor service and support (Colin and Graham, 1993). He also emphasised the importance of the need for decent combination of product and service quality. Sparks Legault (1993) incorporated Garvins eight dimension of quality and applied them to the firm business cycle. 2.42 Dimension of Service Quality In this competitive environment, the pursuit of service quality is considered by many organizations to be an essential element of their corporate strategy (Paradize-Tornow 1991). Service organizations are constantly searching for sources of competitive advantage, but as product quality rises and products become less distinguishable from one another, companies are seeking competitive advantage through the service elements of their product (Buttle 1999). Roberta Bernard (2003) stated that the proportion of service quality differs from product quality. Colin Graham (1993) mentioned that the definition of service quality is needed in managing of quality as quality would not sufficiently built superior customer values. In addition he also redefined that the Garvin eight dimension of product quality would not sufficiently built superior customer values. . Art William (1999) cited that a user of services has a set of attributes or characteristics in mind when determining service quality. Service attributes are more directly related to time, and the interaction between employees and the customer. Evans Lindsay (1996) identify the following dimensions of service quality. 1. Time and Timeliness: It is related to promptness of service. It is the time the customer is expected to wait for his turn to receive the service. To ensure customers needs are responded in time every firm must possesses dedicated employees to work extra mile. 2. Completeness: The service provider firm has to distinguish and understand the customers true needs rather than what is stated and constrained by the system and has to ensure that everything the customer requested is provided. 3. Courtesy: This refers to the kindness of service personnel and how employees treat customers. 4. Consistency: Expectation of services has to be consistent. There must be a certain level of consistency in the services provided to each customer each time. 5. Accessibility and convenience: The service must be easily accessed and conveniently located. The conventional convenient time to receive service and location of operation has becoming increasing important. 6. Accuracy and reliability: It involves consistency of performance and dependability. Each firm must perform the service right the first time and keeping to their promises. Any rescheduling of meetings with customers must be made only when absolute necessary. Neil Botten John (1999) have listed the following service elements in additional to the above service attributes 1. Competence: It means the knowledge of the Product and necessary skill to perform service and support tasks. In this way, customer confidence is enhanced by experienced and knowledgeable staff especially the operational supported personnel. 2. Credibility: It involves in believability, trustworthiness and honesty of customer contact personnel that work towards the customers best interests. It contributes to credibility of company name and reputation. 3. Understanding the Customer: It means attempting to know the customers need and making the customers feel in control. In this aspect, the firm must recognise the regular customer understand the customers specific requirements, rendering individualised attraction. 4. Tangibles: It includes physical evidence of the services. This includes the appearance and quality of facilities provided. For example, a conformable car showroom with friendly sales executives ready to serve the waiting customers. 2.43 Managing Service Quality It is a common assertion among management and marketing theorists that customer service quality is essential to business success (Kristensen et al., 1992). Firms providing this superior service quality, measured by customer satisfaction also experience higher economic returns than those of competitors, even though they are not so service oriented (Aaker and Jacobson, 1994; Bolton, 1998). Satis?ed customers are center to the longterm success of business, and the bondage between customer satisfaction and customer behaviour has been well documented in marketing literature.. In this study, there has been a broadened definition of service quality to derive the superior customer value that customers seek for. It is more complex to define quality for services than for products in view of its intangible and variable nature of service characteristics. Parasuraman (1990) and his colleagues explained that service quality is a comparison of what a consumer feels a service provider should offer against their perception of what the service provider actually can offer. They related service quality as a measure between service perceptions as well as expectations. Therefore, to provide superior customer service, the firm must ensure that the service offered meets or exceed customers expectation. 2.44 Strategic Implications of Quality We have emphasized previously on the entire product and service characteristics that are considered to be an important customer value trait to built and deliver a superior customer value. These attributes of quality must be incorporated into the design of the product that results in the products and service consumers want and having quality they expect. Why is then so significant of quality in the formulation of strategy? John Beckford (1988, p.11) has highlighted from the citation of Jiang Zemin, President, Peoples Republic of China, 1996 focus on quality, not quantity. He further pointed that China is treating quality not just as an organisational issue but also as a national one though they are the worlds largest emerging economy consisting of 1.2 billion potential consumers. Such a position supplements a message that all organisations, which want to survive and succeed, must take quality seriously. Pursuit of quality must be considered as a winning strategy dimension tool. In the context of strategic management, firstly, the process for formulating strategy must display quality characteristics in that the business strategic planning itself must be correctly designed and implemented. Secondly, the impact of the choice to pursue quality fits with the generic strategy of differentiation. Thirdly, the pursuit of quality has an impact on strategic decisions because it may generate changes in consumer b ehaviour. This in turn may fulfil the changing expectations of customers by eliminating the need to establish additional facilities or new distribution channels. Roberta Bernard (2003) cited that firms in which quality drives their competitive strategy have certain common characteristics. They concentrate on customer satisfaction through quality by following a clear strategic goal, vision, or mission. For example, Motorolas company objective of Total Customer Satisfaction reflects their commitment to customer satisfaction and quality as par of their overall strategy and vision. On the other hand, quality must be inherent throughout the organisation in order for it to survive and Commitment of employees and strong leadership are also the key to successfully integrating quality into a companys strategic plan. 2.5 Price Attribute Art William (1999) quoted Price is what you pay. Value is what you get. (Warren Buffett, CEO, Berkshire Hathaway). 2.51 Communicating Value through Price Price varies substantially according to whose perspective we are taking from. To the firm, price is used to signal value for their products or services, to differentiate their offer from those of the competitors, and also shift consumer demand. To consumers, price generally reflecting how much they have to give up taking possession of the product or service. Price influences the perceived value. From the competitors point of view, price is used as benchmark to compete (e.g. as entry barrier in price war). Philip Klotler (2000) pointed out that many firms see buyers perception of value, not the sell

Funding Accommodation for NHS Service Users

Funding Accommodation for NHS Service Users The implications of providing and/or funding accommodation for service users under the NHS and Community Care Act 1990 and Mental Health Act 1983: Community care is wrought with conflicting duties, in the first instance carers in the community must preserve life and dignity but also fulfill the wishes of the client.[1] In respect to health and care management in the mentally ill there is various legal, moral and social implications for carers and the local authorities. The main question is whether the client should be moved from hospital to community care, because of their inability to care for themselves and the lack of services and accommodation.[2] In addition the reduction of costs on the state to have a fleet of 24/7 on calls aftercare services and the cost of providing individual housing[3]. Detention within a hospital unit is the biggest breach of human integrity, because the freedom of the individual has been taken away. In addition this may be the only avenue when the mentally infirm client refuses to take their medications and are unable to care for themselves and need 24/7 care, especially when there are no family me mbers able to care for them therefore leaving them as the responsibility of the state. It is a difficult position that carers are in, but extra resources and education sufficient care in the community is possible.[4] The following discussion is going to explore the duty that the local authorities hold to provide sufficient aftercare service, carers and housing to vulnerable persons once they have left the hospital scene. It will focus on the mentally ill, because there is a higher likelihood that housing and aftercare is needed for service users under section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA). Prior to this a discussion of detention and sectioning under the MHA will be discussed to illustrate that their human rights may easily be breached in the Local Authorities to provide sufficient aftercare, so that the individual may be further detained in the hospital facility. Under section 2 of the MHA an individual can be sectioned, which is detained for medical treatment on the grounds of mental illness, by an approved social worker or close family relative who is over 18. This means that the individual’s human right to liberty may be breached, therefore the law has to be certain that this right can be derogated in the circumstances. Under the 1983 Act the law requires that person sectioning the individual must have seen him in the last 14 days and this allows the individual to be detained for up to 28 days and the following admission procedure is adhered to: Two doctors must confirm that: (a) the patient is suffering from a mental disorder of a nature or degree that warrants detention in hospital for assessment (or assessment followed by medical treatment) for at least a limited period; and (b) she or he ought to be detained in the interests of her or his own health or safety, or with a view to the protection of others.[5] As a fail safe to incorrect detentions under section 2 of the MHA the individual can be released by the following individuals; RMO; hospital managers; the nearest relative, who must give 72 hours notice. The RMO can prevent her or him discharging a patient by making a report to the hospital managers. [Finally the] MHRT. [In addition] The patient can apply to a tribunal within the first 14 days of detention. [6] Therefore the law allows for the individual to be detained, but only if the person is honestly a threat to themselves and society, with mental illness it is highly that the person will be treated efficiently, but will need sufficient aftercare as mental health issues are usually long term. Under section 3 of the MHA it sets out the situation that the individual can be detained for; otherwise the individual should be given their liberty and given sufficient outpatient or aftercare service. Section 3(2) sets up three grounds that the individual can be detained for hospital treatment, which are: (a) he is suffering from mental illness, severe mental impairment, psychopathic disorder or mental impairment and his mental disorder is of a nature or degree which makes it appropriate for him to receive medical treatment in a hospital; and (b) in the case of psychopathic disorder or mental impairment, such treatment is likely to alleviate or prevent a deterioration of his condition; and (c) it is necessary for the health or safety of the patient or for the protection of other persons that he should receive such treatment and it cannot be provided unless he is detained under this section. All three grounds must be satisfied to detain the individual in hospital, otherwise there will be a breach of the individual’s right to liberty under the Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA). If hospital treatment is not warranted an application for guardianship for over 16’s can be made either by the Local Authority or the person seeking guardianship; again as this threatens the integrity and the right to make one’s own decisions that section 7(2) of the MHA states that the following two grounds must be complied with: (a) he is suffering from mental disorder, being mental illness, severe mental impairment, psychopathic disorder or mental impairment and his mental disorder is of a nature or degree which warrants his reception into guardianship under this section; and (b) it is necessary in the interests of the welfare of the patient or for the protection of, other persons that the patient should be so received. Therefore because the integrity of the individual is at threat and guardianship can include admission into hospital that the individual must be deemed as incapable for caring for themselves. The strict grounds stops the use of detention as a cheap option for Local Authorities over sufficient aftercare services; however an individual can get themselves admitted if they feel the need to be hospitalized for mental illness under section 131 of the MHA. In addition this act allows the individual to stop being discharged from the hospital, because the individual feels safe in the environment. As this is voluntary and the patient can decide to leave at any time this is not a breach of Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) as enacted through the HRA. Prior to moving on the provisions of Article 5 will be discussed as this is important to ensuring that the patient is discharged from forced detainment at the soonest possible moment and sufficient aftercare provided; other wise detainment could seen by the NHS and Local Authorities as a cost cutting measure to providing housing and aftercare services. Under Article 5(1)(e) it allows the detention of persons of unsound mind on the basis of lawful detention and procedure is prescribed under domestic law. The definition of unsound mind was left to an evolving definition in Winterwerp v Netherlands[7]; however detention can not be made merely on the basis that the individual’s belief system and behaviour are deviate from the norm. The use of detention under 5(1)(e) can only be for self-protection or the protection of the public, whereby the detention should only occur when; a medical disorder by an objective medical personnel; the nature and degree of the disorder is significantly extreme; and the detention is only as long as the medical disorder. In Ashingdane v UK[8] it was added that detention can only occur in a hospital or appropriate medical institution. The only circumstances that these requirements are weakened are with respect to emergency admissions but the detention should be properly assessed and continued detention should cease if the person is not of unsound mind[9]. Detention is an important part of mental health treatment and it is in these cases that treatment against one’s wishes will occur. The state is required to provide an adequate level of medical treatment, including psychiatric care.[10] However, the patient should be released from detainment as soon as these grounds are no longer met as per section 16 of the MHA and sufficient aftercare service provided. This is an area of great concern when providing care in the area of the mentally infirm has always posed a difficult area for carers, doctors, nurses and human rights and consent is the key problem, because where does the law draw the line for treatment and incarceration into supervised care against or without the patient’s will? In most normal circumstances no treatment can be performed without the patient’s consent; however how does this work if the patient has been determined mentally incapable of making r ational decisions and therefore unable or unwilling to give consent. If a doctor has ordered that treatment should be made the question arises whether the nurse should still proceed, as it is in the best welfare of the patient or withhold treatment because the patient is unable or unwilling to give consent? Prior to the enactment of the HRA the problem of consent was a lot less murky as rights were given on the basis that there was no law restricting them, i.e. civil liberties. Therefore if parliament deemed that that rights such as consent for medical treatment should be restricted because of one’s mental health this was justification enough, as parliament is supreme. The HRA changed this because a set of inherent rights were introduced which conflicted in cases with the will and supremacy of parliament, of which the right to a private life and the liberty and security of the person came to the forefront of the debate of consent and mental health, i.e. the person has the con trol to determine what happens to their body and freedom and this is not determined by the wishes, albeit good of parliament and using detainment as a cost effective measure and not providing a sufficient aftercare service is a breach of Article 5. In addition it breaches the statutory duty owed by the Local Authorities and the NHS under section 117 of the MHA and section 42 of the NHS and Community Care Act 1990 (NHSCCA). The following discussion is going to explore the duty to provide aftercare and consider whether it is being met, especially in the light of R v Ealing District Health Authority, ex parte Fox[11] where it was held under section 117 of the MHA: (1) that the authority has erred in law in not attempting with all reasonable expedition and diligence to make arrangements so as to enable the applicant to comply with the conditions imposed by the mental health review tribunal; (2) that a district health authority is under a duty under section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983 to provide aftercare services when patient leaves hospital, and acts unlawfully in failing to seek to make practical arrangements for after-care prior to that patients discharge from hospital where such arrangements are required by mental health review tribunal in order to enable the patient to be conditionally discharged from hospital. Therefore the following discussion will explore these duties to provide sufficient aftercare services. In the case of the NHSCCA the case law and provisions are an amalgamation of a series of previous community care provisions, therefore these will be discussed and indicated to their standing within this act. Community care law and the provision of accommodation and after care services were provided as a statutory duty National Assistance Act 1948 (NAA). The NAA abolished the Poor Laws and imposed a duty on Local Authorities under section 21 to provide housing on those who by reason, illness, disability or any other circumstances are in need of care and attention which was not otherwise available to them. The NHSCCA amends section 21 to include nursing mother but upholds this duty to provide accommodation to the ill. This accommodation must be given to the individual free of charge or the Local Authority must pay for it, as they are unable to work under section 44-45 of the NHSCCA and section 117 of the MHA. As the cases of R v Manchester CC ex parte Stennet[12]; R v Redcar and Cleveland BC ex parte Armstrong[13]; and R v Harrow LBC ex parte Cobham[14] revealed that individuals that had been detained under section 3 and no longer fulfill these grounds must be provided sufficient aftercare services under section 117 of the MHA, sections 42-50 of the NHSCCA and the Health Act 1999 (HlthA) section 5 this soon not be provided at a cost to the individual. Under the NAA section 22 this charging regime did exist however this was repealed in the NHSCCA. In addition the Local Authority and Primary Care Trust it is also under a duty to provide services that are essential to the aftercare of the individual. Under section 29 of the NAA it was limited to only promoting other welfare arrangements, which included information, instruction and recreation in and outside their homes. The wording to promote welfare services was the downfall of the NAA because there was no obligation for the LA to provide these services, i.e. the LA has a discretion rather than a duty to provide such services.[15] However the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 (CSDPA) where the Local Authority were obliged to provide services, including education and recreation; as well as sufficient adaptations to the home, access to holidays and meal provisions under section 2 of the CSPDA. This was confirmed in the case of R v Gloucestershire CC ex parte Barry[16]. Section 2 of the CSPDA has been called the finest community care statute[17] the disabled or chronic ally ill person under the act has a right to these resources regardless of whether the Local Authority has the availability of them, they must be provided upon request. This supports and strengthens the section 21 of the NAA, now section 42 of the NHSCCA[18] and section 2 of the CSPDA. However, the NHSCCA sections 46-50 and section 117 of the MHA have enforced the obligation to provide aftercare services after being released from hospital without charge[19]. This was confirmed in the case of Clunis v Camden and Islington HA[20]. In addition the Local Authority must provide payments or grants to ensure that the individual can live comfortably once released from the hospital, this is more applicable to physically disabled individuals and is confirmed under section 46-50 of the NHSCCA, for example section 47 determines the extent of aftercare services that the individual requires: (1)Â  Subject to subsections (5) and (6) below, where it appears to a local authority that any person for whom they may provide or arrange for the provision of community care services may be in need of any such services, the authority— (a)Â  shall carry out an assessment of his needs for those services; and (b)Â  having regard to the results of that assessment, shall then decide whether his needs call for the provision by them of any such services. These services and the extent that they are provided are contained in a variety of acts, for example if the person requires adaptations to their home the Local Authority is under a duty to provide a grant if the individual cannot afford it. This right is protected under section 23 and 24 of the Housing Grants, Construction Regeneration Act 1996 (HGCRA). Section 23 and 24 imposes an obligation in the LA to make grants to make the necessary adaptations to their home, which is confirmed in the case of R v Birmingham CC ex parte Taj Mohammed[21]. If the individual needs to be housed in a special nursing home then the Local Authority is either entitled to provide the service or pay the registered nursing home for their services. This is protected under section 46 of the NHSCCA. This service should be provided efficiently and immediately and as with the Fox Case this should not be prolonged detention within a hospital. Section 50 of the NHSCCA provides the duty and guidelines for these pr ovisions and failure to do so will result in the investigation of the Local Authority. Section 50 of the NHSCCA has tried to deal with the problems with the current care framework, which is that although healthcare is free community care and carers provisions cost the individual who needs the aid. The individual has a right for community care to be provided, but in a lot of circumstances the receipt of funds to pay or the provision of the service can be delayed due to the Local Authorities and Primary Care Trusts fighting over who should foot the bill. This controversy has been risen in R (T) v Hackney[22] but has not been sufficiently resolved; rather the most appropriate authority must provide the care. Therefore section 50 (7)(e) states that: The Secretary of State may, with the approval of the Treasury, make grants out of money provided by Parliament towards any expenses of local authorities incurred in connection with the exercise of their social services functions in relation to persons suffering from mental illness. The problem with this is that it does not provide grants for the physically disabled, which means for these individual’s aftercare services will continue to be delayed to arguments over who will be paying the bill for the cost. In respect to housing this is the duty of the Local Authority and either housing should be directly provided or payment to a housing association or private landlord should be made. The other avenue that the Local Authority has is that the individual can receive direct payments for aftercare under the Community Care (Direct Payments) Act 1998 (CCDPA) renamed the Health and Social Care Act 2001 (HSCA). The individual with this money can pay their housing and choose an pay an appropriate carer and aftercare services. To be eligible the carer and aftercare service must be sufficiently educated to deal with the individual’s needs. In limited and exceptional circumstances a family member can be paid carers allowance, but it must be sufficiently illustr ated that this individual can meet the individual’s needs as per the Direct Payments Regulations 2003 Regulation 6. If the individual is unable to deal with their own care payments then the Local Authority must provide an agency that can deal with the aid of community care payments to be made to the carer. Under English law these agencies are called Independent User Trusts that provide the payments services for either the Local Authority or the Primary Care Trust, as supported by the cases of A v B v East Sussex.[23] This system means that the aftercare services and payments are NOT being directly paid therefore this leaves the possibility that the individual will use the money for other purposes and therefore the aftercare has to be provided at extra cost to the Local Authority, because there is a duty to provide under section 117 of the MHA sections 42-50 of the NHSCCA and section 5 of the HlthA. On the whole Local Authorities do not promote the use of Direct Payments becau se of the limitations of not aiding mental health service users and the extra expense of the Independent User Trusts. The Local Authority is under no duty to provide Direct Payments or information about then, just the services and care that are a duty; therefore the Local Authority is more likely to provide direct care services rather than payment. This is why in respect to housing the Local Authority is more likely to provide housing in housing trusts and make the payments directly to these entities, as council owned properties are less available. The duty to provide accommodation is also cemented in the Housing Act 1996 (HA), which has obligated special duties for Local Authority to provide housing in the rental sector for vulnerable adults, which includes those that come under section 117 of the MHA and sections 42-45 of the NHSCCA. There are still problems with effective community care, because as the Fox Case and the Stennet, Armstrong and Cobham Cases illustrated is that Local Authorities and Primary Care Trusts do not want to foot the bill for aftercare services. In the Fox Case continued hospitalization was argued for because it was cost effective, but as section 117 of the MHA states that if the individual is no longer detainable under section 3 and does not voluntarily remain under section 131 then release must occur. This duty to release and provision of sufficient community care is argued the best method for the mentally infirm and disabled.[24] Gitlin Cocoran[25] argue that the main health concerns are that of safety when dealing with dementia (as with other mental illnesses and the physically disabled) living at home alone or with family members and all that is needed are specific modifications to the physical environment to address these issues, and guiding principles for implementing environmental changes. This is provided under the NHSCCA, MHA and grants are available under the HGCRA, therefore there is no excuse that the individual cannot receive community care when hospitalization is not necessary. This has extra costs to the state, as the Fox Case illsustrates, in re-education and in cases of non-affordability of the adaptations; however it is usually easier and more cost-efficient to hospitalize the client but it is necessary so a breach of the client’s human rights. Finally, studies such as Richards et al[26] and Schneider et al[27] argue that care of dementia is a much higher standard when within the community, because it reduces depression and gives a higher quality of life. As Barnett argues the individual should have a say in the caring strategy and forced hospitalization should only occur if section 3 of the MHA is fulfilled.[28] The law under the MHA, HlthA, NHSCCA and the HGCRA has made it a duty to the Local Authority that community resources should be ma de available therefore making hospitalization unreasonable and a breach of human rights[29]; however as the Fox Case has illustrated the Local Authorities will still attempt to dismiss this duty under the guise of necessary detention under the MHA or as with the Stennet, Armstrong and Cobham Cases charge the individual for their provision.[30] However, as these cases have enforced there is no charge and their provision is a duty at no charge and better cohesion between Primary Care Trusts and Local Authorities needs to occur to stop the passing of the bill from one agency to another, whilst the individual is either unfairly detained or without these essential services: Joint policies between PCTs/health authorities and social services are to be agreed to ensure the duty is met (HSC 2000/003). Where funding issues arise, and the health agencies are considering their obligation only to fund health costs under S.3 of the NHS Act 1977, regard may be had to the pooling arrangements for health and social care budgets under the Health Act 1999.[31] Bibliography: Alzheimers Disease Society, 1992, Safe as Houses Living alone with Dementia (A resource booklet to aid risk management) Alzheimer’s Disease Society London The Alzheimers Association, 2000, Guidelines for Dignity: Goals of Specialized Alzheimer/Dementia Care in Residential Settings, Alzheimer’s Association Chicago Antonangeli, 1995, Of Two Minds: A Guide to the Care of People with the Dual Diagnosis of Alzheimers Disease and Mental Retardation, Malden Barnett, 2000, Including the person with dementia in designing and delivering care: I need to be me! Jessica Kingsley Publishers Bowen, 2006, Human Rights Transforming Services, Social Care Institute for Excellence Brayne Carr, 2005, Law for Social Workers Oxford University Clements, 2004, Community Care and the Law London Legal Action Group (LAG) Cox, 1998, Home Solutions: Housing Support for People with Dementia, The Housing Associations Charitable Trust Day et al. 2000, The Therapeutic Design of Environments for People with Dementia: A Review of the Empirical Research, The Gerontologist 2000 (40) Day, 2002, The management of acute and chronic pain the community. Professional Nurse papers. 17(6) , Feb. 02. Department of Health, 2001, NHS Identity Guideline The Stationery Office Department of Health, 2004 Research Governance Framework Implementation Plan for Social Care DH ref 3402 Gitlin Cocoran, 2000, Making Homes Safer: Environmental Adaptations for People with Dementia Alzheimers Care Quarterly 1(1) Hoggett, 2002, The Family, Law and Society, LexisNexis UK Grubb, 2004, Principles of Medical Law 2nd Edition, Oxford University Press Hewitt, 2004, Between Necessity and Chance, NLJ 154(7124) Mahendra, 1998, Unto the Breach, The Practioner, in the NLJ 148(6857) Mind, Outline of the Mental Health Act 1983 http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Legal/OGMHA.htm#s2 Mandelstan,1997, Equipment for Older or Disabled People and the Law Jessica Kingsley Mandelstan, 2005, Community Care Practice and the Law Jessica Kingsley McDonald, 1999, Understanding Community Care: A Guide for Social Workers Macmillan Meredith, 1995, The Community Care Handbook: The Reformed System Explained Age Concern NHS, Section 12(2) of MHA 1983 Website, can be found at: http://www.guideweb.org.uk/section12/section121.html Parsons, 2003, United Kingdom: Charging for Aftercare Services under s117 Mental Health Act 1983 – The Final Story, RadcliffesLeBrasseur can be found at: http://www.mondaq.com/article.asp?articleid=22439print=1 Percy Commission, 1957 Report of the Royal Commission on the Law Relating to Mental Illness and Mental Deficiency Cmnd 169 1954-1957 Richards et al, 2000, Cognitive function in UK community dwelling African Caribbean and white elders: a pilot study International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry 15 (7) Sandland Bartlett, 2003, Mental Health Law: Policy and Practice, Oxford Schneider et al,1997, Residential care for elderly people: an exploratory study of quality measurement Mental Health Research Review 4 WHO, 2003, Mental Health Legislation and Human Rights, WHO Footnotes [1] Keady, 2003 [2] Alzheimer’s Association Chicago, 2000 [3] Alzheimer’s Disease Association London, 1992 [4] Antonangeli, 1995 [5] Mind, Outline of the Mental Health Act 1983 http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Legal/OGMHA.htm#s2 [6] Mind, Outline of the Mental Health Act 1983 http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Legal/OGMHA.htm#s2 [7] (1979-80) 2 EHRR 387 [8] (1985) 7 EHRR 528 [9] Article 5(4) and Megyeri v Germany (1993) 15 EHRR 584 [10] The Greek Case [1969] 12 Yearbook 1 ; Cyprus v Turkey (1982) 4 EHRR 482; Keenan v UK [2001] The Times April 18th 2001 [11] [1993] 1 WLR 373 [12] [2002] 2 AC 1127 [13] [2002] 2 AC 1127 [14] [2002] 2 AC 1127 [15] Bowen, 2006 [16] [1997] AC 584 [17] Clements, 2005 [18] R v Kensington Chelsea RLBC ex parte Kujtim [1999] 2 CCLR 340 [19] R v Manchester CC ex parte Stennett [2002] unreported [20] [1998] 3 AER 180 [21] [1999] 1 WLR 33 [22] [2006] 9 CCLR 58 [23] [2003] CCLR 177 [24] Day et al, 2000 [25] Gitlin Cocoran, 2000, pgs. 50-58 [26] Richards et al, 2000 [27] Schneider et al, 1997 [28] Barnett, 2000 [29] Cox, 1998 [30] Parsons, 2003 [31] Parsons, 2003

Cuneiform :: Egyptian Writing Essays

Cuneiform The earliest writing in Mesopotamia was a picture writing invented by the Sumerians who wrote on clay tablets using long reeds. The script the Sumerians invented and handed down to the Semitic peoples who conquered Mesopotamia in later centuries, is called cuneiform, which is derived from two Latin words: cuneus , which means "wedge," and forma , which means "shape." This picture language, similar to but more abstract than Egyptian hieroglyphics, eventually developed into a syllabic alphabet under the Semites (Assyrians and Babylonians) who eventually came to dominate the area. In Sumer, the original writing was pictographic ("picture writing"); individual words were represented by crude pictorial symbols that resembled in some way the object being represented, as in the Sumerian word for king. The first symbol pictures "gal," or "great," and the second pictures "lu," or "man." Eventually, this pictorial writing developed into a more abstract series of wedges and hooks. These wedges and hooks are the original cuneiform and represented in Sumerian entire words (this is called ideographic and the word symbols are called ideograms, which means "concept writing"); the Semites who adopted this writing, however, spoke an entirely different language, in fact, a language as different from Sumerian as English is different from Japanese. In order to adapt this foreign writing to a Semitic language, the Akkadians converted it in part to a syllabic writing system; individual signs represent entire syllables. However, in addition to syllable symbols, some cuneiform symbols are ideograms ("picture words") representing an entire word; these ideograms might also, in other contexts, be simply syllables. For instance, in Assyrian, the cuneiform for the syllable "ki" is written. However, as an ideogram, this cuneiform also stands for the Assyrian word irsitu , or "earth." So reading cuneiform involves mastering a large syllabic alphabet as well as a large number of ideograms, many of them identical to syllable symbols. This complicated writing system dominated Mesopotamia until the century before the birth of Christ; the Persians greatly simplified cuneiform until it represented something closer to an alphabet.

The Real Crux of Sino-Tibetan Relations :: Essays Papers

The Real Crux of Sino-Tibetan Relations Scope For more than fifty years after the formal forcible annexation of Tibet to the People’s Republic of China, Tibetan leaders in exile operating in neighboring India have fought for the rights of Tibetans against a Chinese central government that has stubbornly resisted prodding and pressure from any and all advocates for a free Tibet; however, after a prolonged stalemate, change seems imminent and an ultimate resolution appears to lie not too far on the horizon. In September of 2004, an envoy of Tibetan leaders visited Beijing to discuss potential solutions that would grant Tibet special autonomy while remaining a part of China, marking the third visit by Tibetan officials to Beijing in the past two years (â€Å"Tibet’s Government†). With the Dalai Lama declaring publicly in recent years that he does not seek full independence for Tibet – he is instead calling for a Middle Way approach, which would give China control of Tibet’s military and foreign policy sphere and leave the other issues to be decided by Tibetans themselves – it seems a settlement is truly likely to take place. Nevertheless, some Tibetan activists continue to protest the Chinese eradication of Tibetan culture since the forced takeover of 1951. These activists accuse China of invading Tibet and thereafter trying to mute the rich traditions of Tibetan culture through the destruction of monasteries, the planned migration of tens of thousands of ethnically Han Chinese to the region, restrictive birth policies, and etcetera. The Beijing government has fiercely rejected those charges, claiming that it helped to liberate Tibet from an impoverished era of political and economic backwardness by pouring in much needed financial investment into the region. In addition, the CCP has tried to portray Tibet as a historically integral part of China to convince the world of its rightful sovereignty over the region. The liberal media in the west has documented well the claims of Tibetan exiles and advocacy groups for a free and independent Tibet, but it has focused its coverage on the cultural genocide of Tibet, while the more prominent issue that is raised in Tibetan exile literature is the economic marginalization of the Tibetan economy. This paper seeks to give a brief overview of the history of the Sino-Tibetan relationship, discuss the exaggerated charges of cultural genocide against Tibetan culture, highlight the more pressing issue of the deplorable economic and social conditions of Tibet, and explore what has been done on the part of the Chinese