Becoming who we are Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Becoming who we are - Essay Example For instance, my mother constantly updates the photos of herself in face-book platforms, so that her friends and peers may comment on them. This has an impact of shaping her identity and values, specifically because the comments normally determine the manner in which people are able to view her. For instance, I remember that one time, she was able to post a photo on her face-book platform, and she had put on some weights. This was able to attract a lot of comments from her friends, who suggested to her on the various methods that can be used for purposes of cutting on her weight. This was one of the values that was being decimated ton her, that weight increase is not desirable. Telephones, specifically smart phones and mobile telephones play a role in shaping our values and attitudes. As a young person, I am interested in the sending of short messages, to my friends, as a mode of communication. We normally communicate on a variety of issues, ranging from sports, relationships, and po litics. This has an impact of shaping my values and attitudes, mostly because I am able to know on the values and perceptions of others regarding a topic, and reflect on it, if, they are able to reconcile with my values and perceptions. This is because every human being has some elements of beliefs and values (Steinem, 3). The personality of an individual can also be influenced through the methods used in communication. For example, mobile phone texting enables younger people to chat with each other, and these results to the passage of some information that may not be conducive. This would in turn lead to changes in the personalities of an individual, mainly because of the kind of information passed, during the process of chatting. Explanation 2: Because of the emergence of the new methods of communication, many people have replaced the traditional methods of communication with these new forms of communication. This has made it difficult for an

Review of communication skills Essay Example for Free

Review of communication skills Essay In the group interactions, I was a class room assistant who was meeting the parents of a young child with behavioural problems.  When Mr and Mrs Shaw arrived I called them in to the office using a soft tone and with a hand gesture I offered them a seat in front of my desk. They seemed pleased to be meeting me and were very concerned about their son Matthew. They were both talking in a calm slow voice with varying tone.   I started by asking how Matthews behaviour was at home. Mr Shaw was relaxed and sitting in an open posture. He said Matthewss behaviour was fine and there was nothing wrong with him. Mrs Shaw became tensed and looked away from her husband and said she had experienced problems at home when Matthew was around other children, as he would become angry and frustrated over simple things. Mr Shaw sat upright and told his wife there was nothing wrong with Matthews behaviour and that this was normal. I reassured them both that this could be understandable as he is an only child and may not be use to sharing with other children. Maintaining good eye contact I said I was experiencing the same problems in the class as Matthew is becoming very disruptive and a lot of parents are complain that their children are frightened of Matthew. Mrs Shaw became very upset and did not keep eye contact with me, and Mr Shaw was now in a closed posture. In a strong tone Mr Shaw demanded what was doing to help Matthew. I leaned forward and using a soft tone I told them the school could offer support for Matthew as long as the parents were willing to help, I then showed them some of Matthews class work and the areas he was doing good in. His mother seemed pleased and became less tensed. I offered a special needs program pointing out the benefits where Matthew could be taken out of the class room for a few hours a week. Mr Shaw became very tensed and leaned back in his chair as his face muscles became tight. He said his son did not need a special needs program and this was a waste of time, I went over the benefits o the program again, speaking clearly as I read the most important points. Mrs Shaw was unsure and wanted to agree only if her husband would support the program, but she agreed to look at the leaflet and consider it with her husband. I explained how one to one help for Matthew would benefit him in his school work and also the other children, I then said they could discuss the program at home and decide, and then they could arrange another interview if they were happy with the program. Mr Shaw stood up and I handed Mrs Shaw the leaflets. I thanked them for their time and shock their hands, I said using a polite tone they could come see me any time if they were unhappy about any thing. I showed them to the door and Mrs Shaw was very thankful for my advice and agreed to come back and discuss the program for Matthew. Mr Shaw thanked me but did not shake my hand and made no eye contact with me as he left and I said he was very welcome to come back any time.

Overview and Analysis of the PAPA Model

Overview and Analysis of the PAPA Model PAPA Model: Today, the massive use of computer science information technology in the business world and other intuitions has brought many ethical issues and concern. Mason introduced four most crucial ethical issues of the information era on 1986: which are Privacy, accuracy, property and accessibility abbreviated to PAPA. Mason’s PAPA model focused on the individual impairment which could arise from the unethical or misuse of information and information technology. Based on the Framework developed by Mason we can analyse and reach the conclusion on ethical issues emerged by the unethical use of information technology. PAPA model enlightens depth knowledge on what the Privacy, accuracy, property and accuracy means, how they are interrelated, what are their differences and how they help us to reach the conclusion on ethical issues. Privacy: In general understanding, privacy means the right to be free from secret scrutiny and to determine whether, when, how and to whom, one’s personal or organisational information is to be revealed. The privacy Act 1988 regulates how personal information is handled. The Privacy Act defines personal information as †¦information or an opinion, whether true or not, and whether recorded in a material form or not, about an identified individual, or an individual who us reasonably identifiable. There are two main factors which threaten our privacy today, firstly growth of information technology with its capacity of scrutiny, communication, computing, retrieval and storage, and secondly the increased value of information in decision making. Accuracy: It is the condition or quality of being true, correct or exact; free from error or defect. Inaccuracy may cause detracting situation on person’s life, organisations and business values. Here arises some question: who should be responsible for accuracy and authenticity of collected information? How can one believe that the data will be correctly inputted, processed properly and presented to users? On what basis should we believe bugs in database or system and processing are not done with intention and occurred accidently. Who takes the responsibility for glitch in information and how the victim will be reimbursed. Property: Property issues are concentrated on ownership and value of information. It also seeks the answer of few questions like, who is the owner of the information. What is the value of the exchange, and in which way the access to information or the recourses should be allocated? Here property means the intellectual property and its right. Once the intellectual property is provided somewhere or transmitted, it is complicated to keep the person as it becomes communicable and more difficult to be reimbursed. Accessibility: its issues are concerned on who has the permission to access the information, who holds the rights or keys to access it, what data an individual or organisations are privileged to acquire with which safeguards and under what terms and conditions? After going through the scenario provided and from my own research I consider, all four areas have given rise to ethical issues for Joseph where some have higher level of the issue whereas other has a low level effect. Most importantly it gives rise to privacy issues followed by others. Privacy issues: Joseph’s personal or we can say the very confidential information was compromised which could lead to very disastrous consequences, identity theft makes life miserable. If Joseph had given attention on lecture’s warning to them to be careful and vigilant while providing personal information to companies over the internet, he might be on safe side but rather he thought him old-fashioned and never thought some issues may arise while providing information to a company like Sony. How can one decide on whom to trust? How much information can one give to others? Accuracy Issues: Being the customer of Sony Joseph had right to get accurate and timely information, to whom he had provided his personal information to credit card details with trust. Accurate information of personal information and credit card details being hacked was provided only after a whole week of the incident following by other misleading and fake information. Though, the hackers couldn’t do any misuse of data they might have destroyed everything in a week time customers could take precaution to Property Issues: When Joseph could not restore the backup file it gives rise to property issues. He bought games from Sony he collected trophies but did he really own that? Did Sony own the data that customers provided? Sony’s data breach is one of the biggest data breach to date which has given rise to various concerns in the Sony’s privacy policy and security measures. Though, other issues also marked a question to Sony’s management especially it has fueled to Privacy concern. When an organisation gathers personal information of its customers, employees and other stakeholders they must assure the safety and security of those. Breach of personal information can be proved very dangerous and it has been proved in many cases, for example, Jessica’s Story of the mail scam. The main issue and the question arise to Sony is where they really serious on Privacy issues, had they meet all the privacy measures and followed the protocol. If they had done so how someone could hack and enter into their system. Breach of over 77million accounts including all the personal details and credit card of the customer was not a small issue. This issue gave a big question mark to Sony. The mana gement took a whole week to inform its customer of the actual reason for shutdown of its network, which is questionable. If a breach does occur, effective handling of the response is a key. This means planning and preparing for such an event in advance. A policy should be drawn up, under which it is suggested that prompt notification is made to both the customers and the regulators. All staff should have data protection training appropriate to their role, and appropriate compensation, support and remedial plans should be prepared. Though it was Sony violated the privacy of its customer Appropriate technical and organisational measures shall be taken against unauthorised or unlawful processing of personal data and against accidental loss or destruction of, or damage to, personal data. I find some statements made by Privacy commissioner Timothy Pilgrim questionable. He stated that Sony did have a case to answer as they did not intentionally disclose any confidential information is not surprising, simply put Australia has no real commercial Privacy or security legislation for Sony to breach. The fact that Sony did not show a duty of care and/or displayed a complete lack regard for the personal information entrusted to them by their clients is completely ignored by the commissioner. Sonys duty of care is to maintain appropriate IT security systems, policies and procedures to maintain client data confidential, private and available whether at rest, in transit or in a process. It is obvious that they did not take these duties of care obligations seriously until that proverbial substance hit the fan. Statement by Pilgrim â€Å"Sony has now extra security measures to strengthen protection around the network platforms† highlights its historical disregard for client confidentiality in their corporate culture and I do not think that any Australian Government officials should comment and try to forgive such obvious laissez-faire behaviour. Can he answer us, what reasonable steps Sony took to protect individual’s credentials? Now, they actually created a CSO role. They didnt have this before? What fines were handed down for this breach? How can he show that legislation protects individual’s information to overseas organisations? I opened this investigation because I was concerned that Australians personal information may have been compromised, Pilgrim said. However, his concerns were unfounded, with Pilgrim finding that the company hadnt breached the Act. Seriously, just why does Sony Corporation require our full date of birth? Year only should be adequate to verify a customer is over 18 probe further only if the year reveals someone turning 18 that year. As such, Sony should be 100% liable for any loss plus damages for emotional distress to any customer, their spouse and immediate family, in respect of any customer who has their identity was stolen and fraud committed. And also it has to be made clear that whether it identified a culprit in the intrusion. Guilty must be punished.

Taxes on Cigarettes :: Essays Papers

Taxes on Cigarettes The article â€Å"Smoke Signals†, by the New York Times and the New Jersey Sunday edition, presented an overview of for the state of New Jersey’s recent decline in cigarettes bought in the last year. The article starts off by explaining to the reader how smokers took a financial beating at the cash register every time they went to a convenience store to buy cigarettes. In a smokers reduction movement the state of New Jersey doubled the sales tax on cigarettes forcing smokers to spend an extra forty cents on every pack they bought. Len Fishman, the state commissioner of Health and Senior services, stated that the tax increase was meant to drive down the consumption entirely. As Mr. Fishman traveled around the state he discovered that many people were already trying to quite smoking, they just never had the right physical motivation to pursue their goal. These people explained that the dramatic increase on tax was the finale straw that broke the camels back, and provided the right motivation for them to quite smoking. The tax increase put New Jersey behind only Hawaii and Alaska at $1 a pack, and Washington state at 82.5 cents a pack. Over a six month period the revenue collected from cigarette sales had dropped by 12 percent. For 1998 the revenue earned by cigarette sales should have been roughly 54.2 million cartons, but with the tax increase that number had been dropped to 47.4 million cartons. This gap represents a 6.8 million carton difference, an outstanding decrease in cigarette sales. To all smokers the tax increase means a substantial amount of money will be necessary to maintain their habits. Some smokers will go through great lengths to save as much money as possible, even if it means traveling to other states to buy their smokes. Both Pennsylvania and Delaware reported a significant increase in cigarette sales over the next six months after the tax took affect. Over a one year period Delaware even had a ten percent increase, manly due to the tax increase in New Jersey. The state of Massachusetts raised their tax 25 cents a pack in 1992 and reported a 12.5 percent decrease in sales the following year. Certainly a more alarming statistic is not necessarily how much the tax has decreased the sales of cigarettes, although very impressive and healthy, but rather the percent of under aged children and high school students who already smoke and who are beginning to smoke.

Animal Farm: Snowball Essay

He was a great leader, a devious leader, but caring at the same time. You may have thought I was talking about a man, but I was talking about a very powerful pig on a farm. I read a book called Animal Farm by George Orwell. The animals in this story represented humans in the Russian revolution. It was a very interesting book and I related most to a character named Snowball. The character that I feel represented me the most is an eloquent, passionate, and intelligent pig named Snowball. In the beginning of the novel, Snowball was the leader of Animal Farm. He and Napoleon often competed against each other. Even though Snowball believed in Animalism and felt that pigs were more superior to the other animals on the farm everyone still agreed with everything that he said. He created the slogan â€Å"Four legs good, two legs bad.† Snowball had always won the animal’s side against Napoleon. Later on, Snowball led a battle against Mr. Jones and the other farmers. The crusade was called the Battle of the Cowshed. After the animals won, Snowball had even more power than he had ever had before. He had an idea that they should build a windmill to power the farm and provide better service for the animals. Napoleon realized that Snowball had to leave the farm. He got Snowball to leave the farm by having dogs chase him away and he never came back after that. The author of Animal Farm named George Orwell, represented Snowball as Leon Trotsky. I think that Orwell did a very good job comparing a pig to a tremendous war leader from the Russian revolution. Snowball and Trotsky shared many characteristics. Some of them are that they were both clever leaders, they both wanted to make life better for their comrades and that they were both admirable, good speakers. In my opinion, it seems like it would be very difficult to represent important, influential people from the Russian revolution to animals. Orwell did a very nice job of comparing the two. Not only does Snowball compare to Trotsky, he also can represent me too. The competent pig, Snowball can represent me in some ways too. We are both smart, nice, caring, and responsible. Another way that we are alike is that we both compete against people. Snowball competes against Napoleon, and I compete against other girls at dance competitions. As you know, Snowball was a devious but caring leader. He led the Battle of the Cowshed, had conflicts with Napoleon, and got chased out of the farm by vicious dogs that Napoleon sent to attack him. I believe that Snowball was a better leader than Napoleon because he cared more about the animals, but at the same time Snowball treated the pigs better than the rest of the animals on the farm. Snowball may have gotten chased out of the manor farm, but he will always be my favorite and most representable leader from the book. Works Cited: http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/animalfarm/characters.html. n.d. Orwell, George. Animal Farm. Harcourt Brace & Company, 1946.

Shakespeares Sonnet 116 Study Guide

Shakespeare's Sonnet 116 Study Guide What is Shakespeare saying in Sonnet 116? Study this poem and you will discover that 116 is one of the best-loved sonnets in the folio because it can be read as a wonderfully celebratory nod to love and marriage. Indeed it continues to feature in wedding ceremonies worldwide. Expressing Love The poem expresses love in the ideal; never ending, fading, or faltering. The final couplet of the poem has the poet willing this perception of love to be true and professes that if it is not and if he is mistaken, then all of his writing has been for nothing–and no man, including himself, has ever truly loved. It is perhaps this sentiment that ensures Sonnet 116s continuing popularity in being read weddings. The idea that love is pure and eternal is as heart-warming today as it was in Shakespeares time. It is an example of that special skill that Shakespeare had, namely the ability to tap into timeless themes that relate to everyone, no matter which century they were born in. The Facts Sequence: Sonnet 116 forms part of the Fair Youth Sonnets  in the folio.Key Themes: Constant love, Ideal love, enduring love, marriage, fixed points, and wandering.Style:  Like Shakespeares other sonnets, Sonnet 116 is written in iambic pentameter  using the traditional sonnet form. A Translation Marriage has no impediment. Love is not real if it alters when circumstances change or if one of the couple has to leave or be elsewhere. Love is constant. Even if the lovers face difficult or trying times, their love is not shaken if it is true love. In the poem, love is described as star guiding a lost boat: â€Å"It is the star to every wandering bark.† The star’s worth cannot be calculated even though we can measure its height. Love does not change over time, but physical beauty will fade. (Comparison to the grim reaper’s scythe should be noted here–even death should not alter love.) Love is unchanging through hours and weeks but lasts until the edge of doom. If I am wrong about this and it is proved then all my writing and loving is for nothing and no man has ever really loved: â€Å"If this be error and upon me proved, I never writ, nor no man ever loved.† Analysis The poem does refer to marriage, but to the marriage of minds rather than the actual ceremony. Let us also remember that the poem is describing love for a young man and this love would not be sanctioned in Shakespeare’s time by an actual marriage service. However, the poem uses words and phrases evocative of the marriage ceremony including â€Å"impediments† and â€Å"alters†Ã¢â‚¬â€œalthough both used in a different context. The promises a couple make in marriage are also echoed in the poem: Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,But bears it out ev’n to the edge of doom. This is reminiscent of the â€Å"till death do us part† vow in a wedding. The poem is referring to ideal love which does not falter and lasts until the end, which also reminds the reader of the wedding vow, â€Å"in sickness and in health†. Therefore, it is little surprise that this sonnet remains a steadfast favorite in wedding ceremonies today. The text conveys how powerful love is. It cannot die and is everlasting.   The poet then questions himself in the final couplet, praying that his perception of love is real and true, because if it is not then he may as well not be a writer or a lover and that would surely be a tragedy.

Giant Water Bugs, Family Belostomatidae

Giant Water Bugs, Family Belostomatidae Theres a reason members of the family Belostomatidae are called giants. The giant water bugs include the biggest insects in their entire order. North American species can reach 2.5 inches long, but the size record for this family belongs to a South American species that measures a full 4 inches in length at maturity. These hulking Hemipterans lurk below the surface of ponds and lakes, where theyre known to nip at the toes of unsuspecting waders. What Do Giant Water Bugs Look Like? Giant water bugs go by a number of different nicknames. Theyre called toe biters for their habit of sampling peoples feet (which, as you might imagine, is a startling and painful experience). Some call them electric light bugs, because as adults these winged behemoths can and do fly, and will show up around porch lights during mating season. Others call them fish killers. In Florida, people sometimes call them alligator ticks. No matter the nickname, theyre big and they bite. Members of the family of giant water bugs shares certain morphological traits. Their bodies are oval and elongate in shape, and appear flattened. They have raptorial front legs, made for grasping prey, with thick femora. Giant water bugs have short heads, and even shorter antennae, which are tucked beneath the eyes. A beak, or rostrum, folds under the head, just as in terrestrial true bugs, like assassin bugs. They breathe by means of two small appendages at the end of the abdomen, which function like siphons. How Are Giant Water Bugs Classified? Kingdom – AnimaliaPhylum – ArthropodaClass – InsectaOrder – HemipteraFamily - Belostomatidae What Do Giant Water Bugs Eat? A giant water bug eats just what you would expect a large, predaceous, aquatic insect to eat: other insects, tadpoles, small fish, and snails. Theyll eat whatever they can catch, and they dont concern themselves with finding small prey.  Giant water bugs can overpower critters several times their size with their strong, grasping forelegs. According to some sources, giant water bugs have even been known to capture and consume small birds. Like all true bugs, giant water bugs have piercing, sucking mouthparts. They pierce their prey, inject them with strong digestive enzymes, and then suck up the pre-digested bits. The Life Cycle of Giant Water Bugs Giant water bugs undergo incomplete metamorphosis, just as all true bugs do. The young eclose (emerge from their eggs) looking much like miniature versions of their parents. The nymphs are entirely aquatic. They  molt and grow several times until they reach adulthood and sexual maturity. Interesting Behaviors of Giant Water Bugs Perhaps the most fascinating thing about giant water bugs is the way they care for their offspring. In some genera (Belostoma and Abedus), the female deposits her eggs on her mates back. The male giant water bug is tasked with caring for the eggs until they hatch in 1-2 weeks. During this time, he protects them from predators, and regularly brings them to the surface for oxygen. He will also move to stir up the water around his body, keeping it oxygenated. In other species (genus Lethocerus), the mated female deposits her eggs on aquatic vegetation, above the water line. But males still play a role in their care. The male will usually stay submerged near the plants stem, and will periodically climb out of the water and wet the eggs with water from his body. Giant water bugs are also known to play dead when threatened, a behavior is known as thanatosis. If you happen to scoop up a giant water bug in a dip net while exploring your local pond, dont be fooled! That dead water bug might just wake up and bite you. Where Do Giant Water Bugs Live? Giant water bugs number about 160 species worldwide, but only 19 species inhabit the U.S. and Canada. Throughout their range, giant water bugs live in ponds, lakes, and even drainage ditches. Sources: Borror and DeLongs Introduction to the Study of Insects, 7th edition, by Charles A. Triplehorn and Norman F. Johnson.Guide to Aquatic Insects and Crustaceans, Izaak Walton League of America.Belostomatidae, University of California-Riverside. Accessed February 21, 2013.Giant Water Bugs, Electric Light Bugs, Lethocerus, Abedus, Belostoma (Insecta: Hemiptera: Belostomatidae), by Paul M. Choate, University of Florida Extension. Accessed online February 21, 2013.Giant Water Bugs, Electric Light Bugs, University of Florida. Accessed February 21, 2013.Family Belostomatidae - Giant Water Bugs, BugGuide.Net. Accessed February 21, 2013.Giant Water Bug Parents, The Dragonfly Woman. Accessed February 21, 2013.

Free Essays on Modified Grading Scale

Modified Grading Scale Policy Description As the University of Idaho Education Board, appointed by the University and State Board of Education we feel that changing the grading scale will help push the University of Idaho to a higher level of academia. We represent the administration and the State Board’s interest in the operation of the University. We are the governing body authorized by the State and the administration. The policy will appear as follows in the 2004 spring semester faculty-staff handbook: Grading Policy: The grading scale of the University of Idaho is as follows for all non pass/fail classes. 95% and above is an A. 85-94% is a B. 75-84% is a C. 65-74% is a D. Failing grades will be given to students with a grade of 64% and below. We feel that this grading scale is a beneficial tool for setting a higher academic standard for our students. This will also help promote the University of Idaho and its faculty as an institution of higher learning. The administration working with the faculty will oversee the implementation of the new policy. The three audiences most affected by this plan will be the current students, faculty and the prospective students of this university. Current Students A) Practical and Informational Concerns The current students of this university will have to make some changes to meet this new policy. They may need to change their study habits if they would like to maintain their current grades. This may mean; studying more and taking advantage of their professor’s office hours. They may also have to cut back on extracurricular activities. For those students who already have 95% and above in their classes, no change will be necessary, they merely need to continue their study habits. For all other students this policy will be demanding but well within their abilities. Current students will need to know that the grading scale has been raised by 5% across t... Free Essays on Modified Grading Scale Free Essays on Modified Grading Scale Modified Grading Scale Policy Description As the University of Idaho Education Board, appointed by the University and State Board of Education we feel that changing the grading scale will help push the University of Idaho to a higher level of academia. We represent the administration and the State Board’s interest in the operation of the University. We are the governing body authorized by the State and the administration. The policy will appear as follows in the 2004 spring semester faculty-staff handbook: Grading Policy: The grading scale of the University of Idaho is as follows for all non pass/fail classes. 95% and above is an A. 85-94% is a B. 75-84% is a C. 65-74% is a D. Failing grades will be given to students with a grade of 64% and below. We feel that this grading scale is a beneficial tool for setting a higher academic standard for our students. This will also help promote the University of Idaho and its faculty as an institution of higher learning. The administration working with the faculty will oversee the implementation of the new policy. The three audiences most affected by this plan will be the current students, faculty and the prospective students of this university. Current Students A) Practical and Informational Concerns The current students of this university will have to make some changes to meet this new policy. They may need to change their study habits if they would like to maintain their current grades. This may mean; studying more and taking advantage of their professor’s office hours. They may also have to cut back on extracurricular activities. For those students who already have 95% and above in their classes, no change will be necessary, they merely need to continue their study habits. For all other students this policy will be demanding but well within their abilities. Current students will need to know that the grading scale has been raised by 5% across t...

ICT Mathematics Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

ICT Mathematics Project - Essay Example Averages The mean, median and mode are the measures to determine the central tendency of test data. As the data sets are not grouped the mean is achieved through summing all values (x) of the test data and dividing by the total number of values (n) i.e. 500. Similarly the median for ungrouped data is estimated by finding the middle value of the test data when arranged in ascending order. Mode for ungrouped data is found by spotting out the most occurring value of the data set. In this case, mode for house is 146, while that for car is 0. Table 1 Mean, Median and Mode of Raw Datasets House Car Mean 354.174 276481.878 Median 359 217174 Mode 146 0 Using mode we can know which value mostly contributes in the mean value estimated. Standard Deviation and Variation Mean, median and mode give limited information about the data. E.g. two data sets having the same mean may be broadly apart in their value from one another. So, the measures of Standard Deviation (s) and Variation (v) were used t o estimate how far each value of the dataset is from the mean of the dataset. The high standard deviation and variance values of the car data indicates the wide spread of data from the mean. The relatively smaller standard deviation and variance value of the house indicates that the data lies relatively close on either sides of the mean as compared to the car. As the data sets are ungrouped, the formula used for estimating standard deviation was: Squaring the value of standard deviation gives us the Variation. Table 2 Variance and Standard Deviation of Raw Datasets House (in 10,000rmb) Car Variance 39872.45172 69623323280 Standard Deviation 199.6808747 263862.3188 Standard Deviation and Variance is used to understand what a normal value is for a data set. For example, using the mean value of House from Table 1 (i.e. 354) and considering the above table, the value of 199 indicates that all data values that generate SD value as 199 are normal values. Any value outside this range is co nsidered as an outlier i.e. House value is either too low or too high. Range and IQR The mean, median, mode, standard deviation and variance are not able to indicate the spread of the data. So, Range and IQR are two measures of spread. Through range of house and car, we would know the difference of the lowest and highest values. In case we wish to know the median of the middle 50% of data, we would use the Interquartile Range. This specialized version of range would tell us the difference of the middle values of the first and third halves (25th and 75th percentile) of the data that is arranged in ascending order. Table 3 gives the range and IQR of the datasets. Table 3 Range and IQR of Raw Datasets    House Car Range 689 998897 Q1 180 72017.5 Q3 515 339674.75 IQR 335 267657.25 The value of Range of car tells us the difference of the lowest and highest value of the entire data set. IQR, on the other hand, provides us with the range of only the middle 50% subset of the dataset. Diff erence of the two measures from Standard Deviation is that as SD considers all data points, so the effect of any outlier data points is accounted for as well while estimating the mean which is undesirable. With range the spread estimated is intended to include the outlier data points. With IQR, as only the middle points of data portions are considered, the extreme or outlier data points are ignored, unlike the standard deviation. Scatter Plot of Raw

Evidence on learning contract Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words - 1

Evidence on learning contract - Essay Example Whether it had been a school project or a week of volunteer service at the hospital, I have always strived to improve my technical expertise rather than pay attention on the purpose for such things. This has resulted in a downside for me. I may have performed well in the start but over time I lost the zeal to be on the top. I did not perform as well as I had used to. For a person who used to graduate amongst the top ten in the class, I was suddenly facing falling grades. I could not understand my problem in the start. I used to ponder if it was the increasing difficulty of the course that I studied that was pulling me down. My falling grades discouraged me. I started to lose interest in studies. I did not have the same passion for improving my technical knowledge as I did so in the past. I also started to pay less attention to my studies. I would delay working on my assignments in contrast to the responsible behaviour I had shown in the past in submitting my assignments on time. Also , I became less attentive in my classes. This attitude continued for months and eventually years. It became an ingrained habit- one that I could not get rid of despite the negative impact that it had on me. It was not until I attended a class on self-motivation some time back that I came face-to-face with my demon. The class was an eye-opener for me. In the recent years, I had always struggled with deadlines and being punctual in my class work. Home assignments, for which we were given several days, and sometimes weeks, were done by me a day or so before their deadline. Whenever I set deadlines for the submission of my work, I defaulted them, mostly because I gave my social and family life priority over them. When I did not have a pressing deadline to meet, I used to slacken off and spend most of my time going to the cinema, hanging out with my friends, going out to eat and playing football. Studies were not my first

Writting health care paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Writting health care paper - Essay Example Looking at the financial statement and the type of assets the MCMPC owns gives an impression is MCMPC is in need of further strengthening its finances in order to take on the competitors. The key features are; Strengths †¢ No long-term debt, that implies company can better exercise its options in expansion and diversification. †¢ MCMPC used its financial resources to open a new department, used one million to set up the cardiology department †¢ Over the last 20 years MCMPC has seen consistent growth and its revenues reached $22 million in 2007 with good profit margins. Weaknesses †¢ Despite operating for the last 20 years, the organization is not yet large enough, and has its presence at limited locations only. †¢ Company scores poorly on the management of HR. For quite some time, company is not able to recruit specialists and subspecialist because while some are associated with competitor company Innovative hospital or there are some who are not impressed by the leadership skills of Dr. Balko. †¢ Since the year 2008, the balance sheet of the company is in red, with projections for 2010 also pointing towards a loss. †¢ MCMPC had to use cash to setup cardiology department, which in turn resulted in poor showing on financial figures and ratios. The current ratio was the only part of the statement that was above standard Not having enough cash for short term debts or emergencies is a gross management shortcoming 2. Competencies: It indicates the skills that the employees or physicians of MCMPC offer. Strengths The healthcare company is able to provide urgent primary and specialty services in areas of its presence. Caring and accommodating staff An excellent physician in the form of Dr Balko Weaknesses Company lacks specialists and subspecialist necessary to ensure uninterrupted services to its customers. Company not having strategic tie ups with other companies like its competitor/s Lack of discipline amongst staff. For example, no prescribed uniform for the staff, no regular staff meetings, lack of any formal management structure for decision taking, questionable decisions being taken by the Director of Operations who happened to be Dr. Balko's secretary in the past Office premises appears sloppy at times 3. Capabilities: Having the resources and the competencies to create a strategic plan that can allow the organization to see what they are able to do with what they have. Strengths Open long hours and keeping good relationship with patients. Dr. Balko stays late to care for his patients. Staff attitude quite accommodative, caring and responsive towards

Written Assignment Questions about Orgamisation Management Essay

Written Assignment Questions about Orgamisation Management - Essay Example He implies that there should not only be one beneficiary of an organization saying that both the employer and the employee must gain a certain level of benefits that would be commensurate to the effort that both employee and employer has put in. His main objective was to increase productivity of the workers. He noticed that workers had their own way of doing their work even without any specific instructions on how it should be done. This discovery led to the conclusion that if the employees are left to their devises it made them lose efficiency and that they were not maximizing their abilities. He then introduced a solution of having supervisors to teach and help the workers do their work the right way. He further analyzed the actions and responsibilities that are essential in any job within the organization and developed processes for the jobs could be done in the most efficient ways possible. With the improved processes, the job requirements were coupled with the training of the workers and the support of the supervisors. They come in the type of right direction, assistance and incentives. With this, he included four principles guiding actions. First of the four principles is develop for every job a â€Å"science† that includes rules of motion, standardized work implements and proper working conditions. The second principle is to select worker with the right abilities for the job. The third is to carefully train workers to do the job and give them the proper incentives in cooperate with the job â€Å"science†. And the last principle is to support workers by carefully planning their work and by smoothing the way as they go about their jobs (Schermerhorn, 2007). The first principle says that any job should have guidelines of how to do implement the job. An example of this is in a fast food establishment, each of their burgers have a different way of cooking but a method was introduced to

Distillation- Gas Chromatography Investigations Lab Report

Distillation- Gas Chromatography Investigations - Lab Report Example In the case where there are two compounds with a vast different vapor and pressures, then the two compounds can be separating through the technique referred to as simple distillation. In this case, simple distillation involves warming a mixture so that the liquid with higher volatility vaporizes first. The vapor of this liquid substance is then collected in a separate flask for purposes of being condensed back into liquid. However, for mixtures of compounds having same boiling points, a simple distillation would be performed multiple times or a fractional distillation would be applied over its length. In essence, fractional distillation is often used in separating mixtures of liquids that have a boiling point that are quite close to each other. Fractional distillation constitutes a long glass tube often packed with either ceramic or glass material allowing the vapor to vaporize and condense a number of times in the course of traveling up the column. Moreover, the condenser (fractiona ting column) is packed with these materials purposely to help increase its surface area. This is based on the principle that whenever a solution gets distilled in fractions, it goes through various re-distillations that help increase the purity of the product at the end of the tunnel. As liquid gets heated, vapor starts rising. These vapors condense when they come into contact with the fractioning column cooler surfaces. Continued heating of the distillation liquid leads to the increase in the rise of the vapors. The condensed vapors within the fractioning column re-vaporize hence moving up the column. Repeating this process several times causes components with the lowest boiling point to reach the top of the fractionating column first, which is the collected in the collection vial. Other components are collected following their ascending order of their boiling points. This process is applicable in the fractional separation of mixtures having multiple liquids. For instance, crude oi l is often separated in towers which are one hundred and fifty feet high. In this respect, more than 100 different components get separated from two thousand barrels of crude oil each day. Equipment or Materials In this experiment, the set of apparatus included 3 glass vials, Crystallizing Dish, Ice Steel wool, Microscale kit, Boiling chips, Hot plate, 100-mL beaker, Mixture of organic liquids, and Digital thermometer. Procedure In this experimental the set up was carried out in a hood. To start with the distillation, apparatus for this experiment was set up. Using scintillation vials or a 10 mL graduated cylinder, the distillates were collected. 10ml of ethyl acetate, and 10mL isoamyl acetate were obtained and transferred to the 50 mL round-bottom flask. Then the stirring bar was added to the flask with the stirring function being activated during the process of distillation. The stirring bar acted as a boiling stone and was added to help prevent bumping. The warming of the flask w as done making sure the distillate starts being collected in the graduated cylinder. At this instance, the temperature of the vapor when the first drop of the distillate started being collected in the cylinder was recorded. This was done making sure the thermometer was well positioned. The plate was adjusted in making sure the collection rate of the distillate was approximately 1 drop per second. The temperature was recorded after each mL of the distillate

Lab report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Lab report - Essay Example The method of tensile testing is conducted by a ‘tensile testor’ in which the test specimen is clamped and loaded and subjected to a tensile force until the point of failure. ‘Stress-strain curves are an extremely important graphical measure of a material’s mechanical properties’ (Roylance, 2001). Stress is defined as the force of resistance offered against the deformation and Strain is defined as the ratio of the change in length to the original length of the member (Ramamrutham, 2003). The stress-strain curve for the specimen is an important method of characterizing the behavior of the material and adjudging its suitability as a material for any function. Almost all the materials, obey Hooke’s law in the early portion of the curve i.e. at low strain which states that stress is proportional to strain with the constant of proportionality being the Young’s modulus, E: Stress = Strain ? Young’s Modulus. As the strain increases, the linear proportionality comes to an end at a point termed as the proportional limit and marks the beginning of the plastic phase rearrangement of the specimen. Plasticity requires molecular mobility and materials lacking this mobility are usually brittle rather than ductile. â€Å"Polymeric materials behave both as viscous fluids as well as elastic solids. They are viscoelastic materials† (Koustos, 2002). The stress-strain curve of a polymer is different from those of other materials. The critical point in the stress-strain curve is the yield point beyond which the material enters the plastic deformation state. Experimentation The experiment was conducted to obtain the stress-strain curve of polymer samples and study their behavior under the application of tensile force. For this test, polymer samples were loaded and clamped in the tensile testing machine. The tensile testing machine that was used was Instron 1026. The tensile testing machine pulls the sample from both ends an d measures the force required to pull the specimen apart and how much the sample stretches before breaking. The testing was done on four different specimens: PE (polyethylene – from a shopping bag), PP (polypropylene – from plastic folder), Rubber (natural rubber – from a rubber band) and Acetate (cellulose acetate – from an overhead transparency). The specimens were obtained by cutting the polymer samples into appropriate lengths. The thickness and width of the samples were measured before stretching each one of them and putting them in the tensile tester. The dimensions of the specimens are taken with the aid of calipers for precision. Results and Discussion The stress-strain curves for the various test specimens are as follows: Figure 1: Stress-Strain Curve of Rubber (Poly-Isoprene) Figure 2: Stress-Strain Curve of Acetate (Cellulose Acetate) Figure 3: Stress-Strain Curve of PE (Polyethylene) Figure 4: Stress-Strain Curve of PP (Polypropylene) S. no. T est name Tensile Strength (MPa) Elongation at failure 1 PE 11.1 26% 2 PP 23.5 738% 3 Rubber 4.1 575% 4 Acetate 1 181.9 131% 5 Acetate 2 297.3 114% 6 Acetate 3 166.9 93% It can be observed from the graphs that the stress-strain curve of acetate was obtained thrice. The possible explanation for this can be that cellulose acetate exhibits different tensile strengths at different states – dry, wet & after being boiled (Stadlinger). The difference in

Written Assignment Questions about Orgamisation Management Essay

Written Assignment Questions about Orgamisation Management - Essay Example He implies that there should not only be one beneficiary of an organization saying that both the employer and the employee must gain a certain level of benefits that would be commensurate to the effort that both employee and employer has put in. His main objective was to increase productivity of the workers. He noticed that workers had their own way of doing their work even without any specific instructions on how it should be done. This discovery led to the conclusion that if the employees are left to their devises it made them lose efficiency and that they were not maximizing their abilities. He then introduced a solution of having supervisors to teach and help the workers do their work the right way. He further analyzed the actions and responsibilities that are essential in any job within the organization and developed processes for the jobs could be done in the most efficient ways possible. With the improved processes, the job requirements were coupled with the training of the workers and the support of the supervisors. They come in the type of right direction, assistance and incentives. With this, he included four principles guiding actions. First of the four principles is develop for every job a â€Å"science† that includes rules of motion, standardized work implements and proper working conditions. The second principle is to select worker with the right abilities for the job. The third is to carefully train workers to do the job and give them the proper incentives in cooperate with the job â€Å"science†. And the last principle is to support workers by carefully planning their work and by smoothing the way as they go about their jobs (Schermerhorn, 2007). The first principle says that any job should have guidelines of how to do implement the job. An example of this is in a fast food establishment, each of their burgers have a different way of cooking but a method was introduced to

Lab report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Lab report - Essay Example The method of tensile testing is conducted by a ‘tensile testor’ in which the test specimen is clamped and loaded and subjected to a tensile force until the point of failure. ‘Stress-strain curves are an extremely important graphical measure of a material’s mechanical properties’ (Roylance, 2001). Stress is defined as the force of resistance offered against the deformation and Strain is defined as the ratio of the change in length to the original length of the member (Ramamrutham, 2003). The stress-strain curve for the specimen is an important method of characterizing the behavior of the material and adjudging its suitability as a material for any function. Almost all the materials, obey Hooke’s law in the early portion of the curve i.e. at low strain which states that stress is proportional to strain with the constant of proportionality being the Young’s modulus, E: Stress = Strain ? Young’s Modulus. As the strain increases, the linear proportionality comes to an end at a point termed as the proportional limit and marks the beginning of the plastic phase rearrangement of the specimen. Plasticity requires molecular mobility and materials lacking this mobility are usually brittle rather than ductile. â€Å"Polymeric materials behave both as viscous fluids as well as elastic solids. They are viscoelastic materials† (Koustos, 2002). The stress-strain curve of a polymer is different from those of other materials. The critical point in the stress-strain curve is the yield point beyond which the material enters the plastic deformation state. Experimentation The experiment was conducted to obtain the stress-strain curve of polymer samples and study their behavior under the application of tensile force. For this test, polymer samples were loaded and clamped in the tensile testing machine. The tensile testing machine that was used was Instron 1026. The tensile testing machine pulls the sample from both ends an d measures the force required to pull the specimen apart and how much the sample stretches before breaking. The testing was done on four different specimens: PE (polyethylene – from a shopping bag), PP (polypropylene – from plastic folder), Rubber (natural rubber – from a rubber band) and Acetate (cellulose acetate – from an overhead transparency). The specimens were obtained by cutting the polymer samples into appropriate lengths. The thickness and width of the samples were measured before stretching each one of them and putting them in the tensile tester. The dimensions of the specimens are taken with the aid of calipers for precision. Results and Discussion The stress-strain curves for the various test specimens are as follows: Figure 1: Stress-Strain Curve of Rubber (Poly-Isoprene) Figure 2: Stress-Strain Curve of Acetate (Cellulose Acetate) Figure 3: Stress-Strain Curve of PE (Polyethylene) Figure 4: Stress-Strain Curve of PP (Polypropylene) S. no. T est name Tensile Strength (MPa) Elongation at failure 1 PE 11.1 26% 2 PP 23.5 738% 3 Rubber 4.1 575% 4 Acetate 1 181.9 131% 5 Acetate 2 297.3 114% 6 Acetate 3 166.9 93% It can be observed from the graphs that the stress-strain curve of acetate was obtained thrice. The possible explanation for this can be that cellulose acetate exhibits different tensile strengths at different states – dry, wet & after being boiled (Stadlinger). The difference in

Video games affecting children Essay Example for Free

Video games affecting children Essay Video games around the world have become immensely popular, a multi-billion dollar industry. An industry which revolves around the wants and desires of children and teens. An industry with a creation of unique entertainment like no other. An industry that continues to grow rapidly. Hours and hours are spent each day by youths playing these games, but are they really good for them? Are they educational? Games which educate a child’s mind exist but they wouldn’t be as popular as your top seller shooting game. Nowhere even close. Here I am today to tell, to inform, and to enlighten parents on the dangers of letting your child play these violent games. As a child, I found that my parents seemed to push away all sorts of violent games, no matter how badly I wanted them. It didn’t seem to make sense at first but as I grew older, I saw the younger generation getting addicted to games like these and without doubt, showed a different behaviour and attitude. In this modern age, a child or teen is quite likely to have a gaming console or access to the internet or a friend who does. With these, they can play or access games which may contain violent content. As youths play these games in excess, they tend to act out what they may see or hear in front of their friends and family. It gives them a tendency to act aggressive and violent. They learn new things, like bad language. They may use foul language against their friends and possibly repeat violent stunts at home. These games are full of foul language, bloody scenes and criminal behaviour. It gives them a prospect for confrontation with peers, with siblings, with parents and even with their teachers. They engage in fights which in turn could cause possible decline in their studies. They could even brush aside their school work to sit in front of a television because it’s like an addiction to them. The question is: should parents be encouraged to disallow their son or daughter to be entertained by these types of video games? The answer is up to you, as parents. It is up to you to observe whether you see a change in attitude among your kids and if in a negative way, then you should take action in order for your child to behave in an appropriate manner among people. Games like these are everywhere, so your child will grow up in an environment where they will play them. Although, it is always recommended to look at the age rating of the game before you buy it, to see whether or not your son or daughter fits into the category of restriction. You can even set limits on how long they should be allowed to play games, just so they don’t get too involved with the theme of the game. It’s absolutely paramount for a child to grow up in a positive environment. In my opinion, games that involve the likes of drugs, bloodshed, criminal behaviour, foul language and violence should not be banned, but put into higher restriction everywhere. There should be more age limitations and games that involve hostility at a lower level. So parents, do you know what games your children are playing? Have a look.

Multiple Questions On Issues Of Sustainability Environmental Sciences Essay

Multiple Questions On Issues Of Sustainability Environmental Sciences Essay Suppose you are taking a course in Strategic Sustainable Development. One of your colleagues, who works for a company as a Director of Sustainable Development, calls you up and asks what you are learning about. Please list five (5) broad/overarching concepts that you could use to describe the core of Strategic Sustainable Development. (5 points) Note: it is not necessary to describe them, only list them. The FSSD is a generic framework for planning and decision-making for achieving success in a system of socio-ecological sustainability. Based on scientifically-based principles (discussed below) and systems thinking, the FSSD supports decision-making in conditions of high complexity, recognizing the interdependence of the natural world and society. It can serve as compass to guide society towards a sustainable future; a strategy for sustainability can be developed which links scientific knowledge to decision-making. The FSSD has five distinct, non-overlapping levels: system, success, strategic guidelines, actions and tools. By using the FSSD together with a principles-based definition of sustainability, it becomes possible to judge how actions can be strategically planned and prioritized to move an organization and society towards sustainability. Based on a common language and understanding in order to facilitate cooperation, to  communicate effectively, build consensus and ultimate ly move toward a vision, the FSSD provides a shared mental model of sustainability. Because it uses an upstream approach, the FSSD anticipates and avoids problems before they occur, rather than reacting to their downstream effects. B Scientific foundations of FSSD The FSSD is a scientifi ­cally rigorous Framework; scientific foundations (e.g. laws of thermodynamics, energy, entropy, photosynthesis, biogeochemical cycles, interdependency of species, system dynamics, cyclic principle and biogeochemical cycles) are used to derive the basic principles of ecological and social sustainability. C Metaphor of the Cylinder and the Funnel In its whole-systems view, the FSSD uses the metaphor of the Cylinder and the Funnel to illustrate the flawed interpretations and trends about current reality, problems with our current industrial system and the challenges of sustainability. The funnel helps to visualize the economic, social and environmental pressures that impinge on society as natural resources and ecosystem services are depleted and decline while global population grows in number and there is an ever increasing consumption of those resources and heightened demand for those services. D Four Sustainability Principles (SP) and the Model of Nine Universal Human Needs The four, first-order Sustainability Principles (SP) of the FSSD clearly spell out what ecological and social conditions must exist in order for a society and therefore, for development, to be sustainable now and in the future. Understood within SP 4 is a model of the nine universal human needs as defined by the Chilean economist Manfred Max-Neef, as well as the interrelationships between human needs, wants, satisfiers, and pathologies/poverties. E Backcasting and the ABCD Methodology Backcasting from sustainability principles (planning from success) is a tool used in the FSSD. First a vision of success is defined and then a gap analysis, using the lens of sustainability is performed, which then helps define strategies and prioritized actions that work toward closing the gap. In the ABCD Methodology First step (A) understanding how to apply Backcasting from Principles to the system for analyses of step (B) current practices and step (C) solutions/visions and (D) prioritized actions to create a strategy to achieve success. In step (D), actions are prioritized to ensure that all selected actions are  (1) moving in the right direction (towards sustainability), (2)  flexible platforms that avoid dead-end investments, and (3) good business decisions (i.e. offer an  adequate return on investment). In  Chapter 1 of  Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability, the author makes frequent mention use of the words systematic and systematically to describe difference between the cylinder paradigm and the funnel paradigm.   For example: In the cylinder paradigm: it is believed that socio / ecological impacts come and go. In the funnel paradigm: in reality society is on a downhill course the very conditions of social / ecological welfare are being systematically undermined. In the cylinder paradigm: it is believed that social / ecological impacts are isolated events. In the funnel paradigm: in reality social / ecological impacts are interconnected through systematic errors of societal design. Why are the words systematically and systematic important to make the distinction between the two paradigms? (4 points) The problem of unsustainability (as represented by the funnel metaphor) is that the negative impacts we see from our unsustainable way of living are due to an underlying systemic error of societal design that will continue to worsen. In the current model of industrial organization and neoclassical economics, society at large is organized in such a way that the environmental impacts pollution, loss of biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions etc. will continue to increase as long as society continues on the same paradigm of development. As long as the systemic errors continue, the conditions for ecological and social survival and prosperity will continue to decline systematically. The funnel metaphor represents a systems theory way of thinking, which understands the principle functioning of the ecological and social systems, recognizing the interdependence of the natural world and society. Why were the System Conditions developed according to the criteria of (i) necessary, (ii) sufficient, (iii) distinct, (iv) general, (v) concrete and (vi) science-based? (2 points) In order to be successful and widely accepted as legitimate and valid, the system conditions must be necessary (required in order to achieve the planning objective, i.e., sustainability) and sufficient (to cover all aspects of the objective), distinct (to enable comprehension and facilitate development of indicators for monitoring and assessment) general (to structure all societal activities relevant to sustainability and make sense for all stakeholders),concrete (to guide problem solving and actions, serve as a guide in problem analysis and solutions ), and science-based. (proven, scientifically robust model, based on systems thinking and scientific foundations (e.g. laws of thermodynamics, energy, entropy, photosynthesis, biogeochemical cycles, interdependency of species, system dynamics, cyclic principle and biogeochemical cycles) from which are derived the basic principles of ecological and social sustainability). What does it mean to be strategic? (1 point) Part of a decision-making process in which choices are made, a strategy is a plan of prioritizing actions in order to achieve a particular goal. Once an organization has established its purpose/mission/vision of an idealized future, it can select policies and actions within that strategy to move an organization towards achieving that goal. If we have a clearly principled view of a future sustainable society, then we have a perspective on which we can strategize base our decisions on strategic guidelines which direct us on the best way to proceed in order to achieve success in the system, i.e. sustainability. In the FSSD, together with a principles-based definition of sustainability, it becomes possible to judge how actions can be strategically planned and prioritized to move an organization and society towards sustainability. If each of the actions below were done in an ongoing manner, which Sustainability Principle would be affected? Please fill in the blank with the primary Sustainability Principle that the action contributes to, i.e. 1, 2, 3, or 4 (Write one SP only for each answer). (0.5 point each, 5 points total) ___3___ overharvesting of fish ___3___ development of fertile land into urban infrastructure ___2___ release of antibiotics into rivers ___1___ leaching of mined cadmium from batteries ___2___ release of methane from cows (if one considers that a concentration of methane occurs because of a human activity herding cattle to support a meat based diet in excess of the natural ecosystems capacity to absorb the excessive waste this produces) ___2___ fertilizer run-off that leads to the overproduction of algae in nearby lakes ___4 __ lack of development of a healthcare system ___1___ leaking of uranium from mining operations ___3___ extraction of groundwater at rates that exceed natural replenishment ___4___ unsafe working conditions The Brundtland definition of sustainable development is to meet the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs (Brundtland, 1987). Explain how this includes the concept of ecological sustainability. (2 points) Though it is not explicitly stated, ecological sustainability is a key component of the Brundtland definition; all aspects of human existence and survival the ability to meet human needs are integrated with the sustainability of viable ecological systems. In a systems model of thinking, what happens in one part of a system affects every other part. The Brundtland definition is adequate in some ways, but does not give guidance as to the design of such a society or how to achieve this sustainability. It is not specific enough nor does it have the simplicity of the FSSD with the four, first-order Sustainability Principles (SP) which clearly spell out what ecological and social conditions must exist in order for a society and therefore, for development, to be sustainable now and in the future. In the sustainable society, nature is not subject to systematically increasing: concentrations of substances extracted from the Earths crust (such as fossil fuels or metals), concentrations of substances produced by society (such as chemical compounds, CFCs, insecticides, and endocrine disrupters), degradation by physical means (such as clear-cutting of forests and over-fishing) Moreover, in such a (sustainable) society, people are not subject to conditions that systematically: 4. undermine their capacity to meet their needs (such as from the abuse of political and economic power). The FSSD asks upstream at the first approximation in the chain of cause-and-effect, what are the primary mechanisms of human activities which set off unsustainable impacts downstream? The FSSD recognizes that downstream impacts are rooted in upstream errors of societal design and operation. All ecological and social sustainability problems which society faces today can be attributed to violations of one or more of these four mechanisms, expressed by the 4 SP. If the society seeks to meet its needs now and in the future, it must conform to the ecological constraints of the first three Sustainability principles, and conform to the societal constraints of the fourth Sustainability Principle, then the resources must be enough to succeed, in meeting those needs. Please describe the concepts of a tool and a framework, what they are useful for and the difference between them (3 points) A tool is a device that is necessary to, or expedites, a task; it can also be a procedure or process used for a specific purpose. A framework is a basic conceptual structure, a shared mental model, for moving an organization towards achieving a goal that it has established. A framework should inform the selection and use of tools to support the framework; tools should be selected and used as needed at each stage. Within the structure established by a framework, tools are often used to facilitate actions, gain necessary information, monitor actions and measure progress. The purpose is to ensure that actions are chosen strategically, so that the goal (success) in the system is achieved. In the FSSD, tools is the fifth level of the framework. When backcasting from principles of success, a tool of the FSSD, is combined with another FSD tool, the ABCD methodology, together they can be used as facilitation tool for analysis, brainstorming sessions, learning, vision development, program design, leadership and change. In planning for sustainable development, examples of other useful tools include indicators, management systems, and life cycle assessments. If your colleague asks you whether this Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development (FSSD) is better than other tools or concepts in sustainable development, how would you respond? (2 points) With a science-based definition of socio-ecological sustainability, based on systems thinking with four basic first-order Sustainability Principles the FSSD is a very effective planning methodology; it can be used for assessing current conditions, visioning an ideal future, and developing effective strategies and prioritized actions to achieve that vision. FSSD is perhaps a unique framework in that it is, almost by definition, a simple (understandable) yet comprehensive approach that encourages dialogue, consensus-building and systems-thinking, all of which create the conditions which can facilitate profound change. The FSSD provides a process of continual learning that incorporates other methods, tools, and concepts into a shared, structured overview. By its upstream approach understanding the broader system within which problems occur as well as define the principles which govern success in that system it becomes an invaluable mental model. It can address those problems at the source and turn those problems into opportunities for innovation, organizational change and success. When a practitioner understands the 5 level FSSD, the 4 Sustainability Principles, Back-casting and the ABCD methodology, and knows how to apply them, that practitioner has a very powerful guide to navigate the many complexities of living sustainably in a comp lex system. a) Please discuss the difference between a fundamental human need, and satisfiers for those needs. Give 2 examples of each. (4 points) The Chilean economist Manfred Max-Neef presents a different framework for New Human Development. He stresses that it is important that human needs are understood as a system i.e. they are interrelated and interactive. Max-Neef considers that human needs are finite, few and classifiable (as distinct from the conventional notion that wants are infinite and insatiable). He defines these fundamental human needs: subsistence, protection, affection, understanding, participation, recreation (in the sense of leisure, time to reflect, or idleness), creation, identity and freedom. Max-Neef considers that these needs are constant through all human cultures and across historical time periods, but what does change over time and between cultures are the satisfiers the way these needs are satisfied. In this model, any unmet human need generates pathology poverty. In his view, society today is experiencing collective pathologies because of the scale and dimension of unsatisfied, unmet human needs . Need: Satisfier: Subsistence Healthy balanced diet versus one of high fat, high calorie, no nutrients which negatively impacts ecosystems Leisure Time to reflect/dream versus watching violent television passively for long hours b) Explain how this concept is helpful for sustainable development. (2 points) Max-Neefs definition of what human beings need, and what motivates them, is fundamentally different from the currently held notion. If decision-makers operated according to his assumptions rather than those of most economists, then the choices they would make would be radically different. Instead of using GNP which only quantifies the economic growth of things and an ever-growing demand for finite natural resources, development must be about people and meeting their fundamental human needs, not about material objects or money. For the purpose of sustainable development, this presents a radically different way of thinking: a new indicator which quantifies the improvement in peoples lives is required and the best development process is the one that will ensure the maximum increase in this indicator of improvement of peoples lives. With the Max-Neef model, sustainable development becomes fully human-centric. In the past, the fourth system condition for sustainability was worded: In a sustainable society, resources are used fairly and efficiently in order to meet basic human needs worldwide. Currently, it reads: In a sustainable society, people are not subject to conditions that systematically undermine their ability to meet their needs. What is the significance of the change in wording and what does this mean for planning? (2 points) The second wording is less ambiguous and focuses more on the human versus resource component of the principle. As previously stated in the first wording, it is not clear how one quantifies what is a fair and efficient  use  of resources as well as what exactly are the basic needs worldwide. Who decides? How is this defined? Also, the phrase is passive, it is not clear who meets the needs of humans worldwide? In contrast, in the second wording, people themselves decide what they need in order to meet their needs. In this second wording, conditions are ensured so that each person meets the needs that he/she defines. Another key point is the inclusion of the word systematically which emphasizes the larger, holistic view a systems thinking theory of the condition of sustainability, and how conditions are created or are undermined. Since the focus is now on how humans define and meet their own needs, planning must focus on the users, not the resources, as well as  utilize a systems approach  to analyzing, creating and maintaining sustainable conditions. Consider the following 2 sentences: Organization XYZ contributes to the violation of System Condition One byà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Organization XYZ violates System Condition One byà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Which wording would you use in a sustainability analysis of an organization? Why? (2 points) The wording of a) is more appropriate to be used in an organizations sustainability analysis since it is understood that contributing implies that other organizations are also capable of contributing, and that the behavior of any one organizations is part of a larger system of behavior which can have an impact on the 4SP. Wording a) recognizes that Organization XYZ is not a sole actor in violating the SP, there are others who also contribute. Wording b) is too all-inclusive no single organization can violate the 4SP by itself. The first step an organization must make in order to perform a sustainability analysis of itself is to translate the sustainability principles into their own organizational context. With an understanding that the 4SP are minimal requirements for sustainability, it is necessary to evaluate how it is already violating these 4SP and act first to be restorative, and then act to comply with the 4SP. If an organization does not want to cause more problems into the system, then a logical and ethically relevant rewording of the 4SP would be to add not contribute in to the phrasing of the 4SP, which then gives guidance on how to proceed towards achieving sustainability in compliance with the 4SP. Module 2: Applications of Strategic Sustainable Development 35 points Organizational Learning and Change a) Please describe the concept of Creative Tension and how it can be useful within Organizational Learning and Change towards sustainability. (2points) According to Peter Senge, creative tension is the central principle of personal mastery and a key component in personal as well as organizational learning and change. Creative tension comes from a gap analysis rather like the one in backcasting from principles of success, but on personal (or can be, on an organizational) scale. Creative tension comes from our clearly having a vision of where we want to be in contrast to an accurate assessment of our current reality which does not reach that vision. Awareness of that gap between the vision and the existing reality causes that creative tension, which is the source of all creative energy. In a situation of Organizational Learning and Change towards sustainability, leadership to achieve success in the system starts with a vision of ecological and social sustainability in contrast to current unsustainable reality; this gap causes the creative tension, which can motivate personal and organizational change in order to alter that unacceptable reality. b) Briefly describe the personal-organizational dynamic and give two reasons why it is important to consider when you are planning to move strategically towards sustainability. (3 points) There are two ways to resolve creative tension, either by raising current reality toward the vision, which requires change, or by lowering the vision toward current reality. Individuals, groups, and organizations that learn how to work with creative tension are better able to use this energy to move reality more reliably toward their visions. Leading through creative tension is different than solving problems. In problem solving, the energy for change comes from attempting to get away from an aspect of current reality that is undesirable; the motivation for change is extrinsic. With creative tension, the energy for change comes from the vision, from what we want to create, juxtaposed with current reality. With creative tension, the motivation is intrinsic and therefore, more powerful and transformative. c) What are some of the organizational and perceptual challenges that organizations need to overcome when transitioning towards sustainability? (4 points) Some of the organizational and perceptual challenges that organizations would need to overcome when transitioning towards sustainability include: A failure to grasp the fundamental paradigm shift that sustainable development requires. By maintaining long-held mental models, organizations fail to fundamentally alter the ways in which they produce goods and services. Such organizations believe that sustainability simply involves better controls, marginal improvements, or other efficiencies within their existing, linear business model, strictly following government mandates. Such patriarchal thinking leads to a false sense of security and personal responsibility for sustainable behavior is reduced. Many individuals have the sense that the challenge of sustainability is not something that they can resolve that someone else is taking care of it (or not). Unfortunately, it can be a belief that having a special Green committee or a particular person who is indicated as being responsible for recycling, advertising Earth Day events, etc. absolves each individual from actively engaging in addressing sustainability.  Ã‚  Therefore th ere is lacking both a  sense of  personal concern and responsibility as well as a lack of perceiving that we each have the ability to make a difference, to bring about these necessary changes Organizations do not incorporate sustainability in their core policies and procedures. When an organization maintains a Silo approach to addressing issues related to environmental and social concerns, sustainability is not integrated into all aspects of the organizations activities. Lack of a clear vision about sustainability which is limited to only complying with required governmental mandates, perpetuating the status quo, i.e., business as usual. Lacking a systems theory understanding of what causes unsustainability; there is a focus on symptoms and not the root causes of the problems. Lack of sufficient information that is clear and can easily be understood which explains the negative aspects of the current linear production paradigm and the neoclassical economic model which have brought us to the current unsustainable conditions. Lack of adequate mechanisms for the personal/organizational learning and change which are necessary in order to alter current held, engrained notions. 13. Urban Planning and Land Use a) Suppose you had the opportunity to talk to a member of the American Institution of Architects. She knows you are taking the SL1401 distance course and would like to know your overarching opinion on the 10 principles of Living Communities that the Institution has developed. What would you say to her? (3 points) Architecture, landscape architecture and urban design certainly can influence and improve the quality of life in our nations communities, and while the AIAs 10 Principles of Living Communities (AIA 10 Pr.) are commendable, they are not as inclusive as the FSSD and the four Sustainability Principles. Although the AIA 10 Pr. can reduce a communitys contribution to the violation of the four SP to a certain degree, it does not provide a consistent, organized structure for the achievement of societal and ecological sustainability, in contrast to the FSSD which does. As a tool, the AIA 10 Pr. mainly focuses on reducing contributions to violations of the first three SP through the utilization of alternative energy, reuse and recycling of materials, implementation of energy and water efficiency programs, etc. AIA 10 Pr. partially tackles the SP4, but it does not explicitly address economic or social issues, nor does it address human fundamental needs (such as protection, participation, understanding, etc.). In the FSSD, the AIA 10 Pr. can be used as one of several tools which can be used to complement each other. When such complementary tools are used together, they are more comprehensive and powerful, allowing an organization to continuously improve towards achieving a principled definition of sustainability. b) Explain how the aspects of Urban Planning and Land Use covered in Module 2 can be used to help society move towards sustainability. (4 points) Based on the analysis we derive from the FSSD, 4 SP and systems thinking, supported by the work of ecological economists, we now understand that decision-making for Urban Planning and Land Use how we plan our physical occupation of space by humans must focus on the integration of humans within the ecosphere, an integrated urban planning strategy. As Bill Reed eloquently describe in his model of the Living Systems Approach to Design, the design process must first begin by understanding the life processes in each unique place in which we are building and then we must design that engagement in order to sustain and restore the health and wealth of the place. In this new way of operating, the objective toward which the citys government and institutions work must be to improve the life of citizens and regenerate the health of the natural space which is occupied. The city plan, developed within a process of dialog and with the full participation/representation of the stakeholders, must clearly articulate these core values. Integrated urban planning actions, based on valuing the individual putting people first within the ecosphere, conserving and restoring natural resources, will result in an ecological, people-centered city. Commitment to values such as accessibility, transparency, social justice and poverty reduction and efficient resource management will result sustainable urban development. This overarching strategy would inform all aspects of urban planning, including social, economic and environmental programs. This ecological city-strategy, with strong, coherent governing/design values and a focus on integrated systems, combined with strong, informed leadership, can be used successfully to align the actions of planning departments to meet these strategic objectives, resulting in successful, long-term implementation of strategy. Integrated transportation and land-use should be a key component in the citys development, controlling growth, cutting pollution and enhancing the life of residents. The environmental quality and economic efficiency of a city are highly dependent on transportation systems; it is important that these are well-integrated with urban form in order to avoid weak transportation systems and unsustainable dependencies on private cars. A close relationship between public transportation and land-use legislation can be established as a guidance and development tool. Integrated planning processes structured to assure that planners in all areas know the strategy and are working with a shared vision and are developing their plans together, would avoid the many problems of unlinked development (e.g., not enough provision for green space). The integration of different elements of urban development would also avoid problems associated with piecemeal development such as pollution, traffic congestion and unsustainable fuel consumption rates. The creation of an independent Institute of Planning can be an effective mechanism for ensuring planning continuity and success regardless of political, economic and social challenges; this forum can serve as a laboratory for finding creative, integrated solutions to urban planning problems, a focal point for learning and ever-evolving organizational growth and change. Developing new models that provide inexpensive, creative urban solutions and reflect local values are an alternative to standard, often-higher-cost approaches. This Institute could also be the channel through which planners and stakeholders could learn about best practices in sustainable urban design which is being implemented successfully in other locations and nations. 14. Economics a) Environmental economists and ecological economists have different worldviews explaining the relationship between the economy and the ecosphere. Describe the environmental and ecological economists worldviews (4 points). In the 20th century, environmental economics was developed with the intent of internalizing the external effects of our current mode of economic production, such as pollution, social problems, loss of biodiversity, etc., into the economic system. Environmental economics modified the neoclassical economic system by using taxes and subsidies to raise prices on scarce resources while promoting the use of abundant ones. In the model of environmental economics, it is recognized that society and the economy are dependent upon the ecosphere. Their intent is to solve the problem by putting a price on natural resource supply, emissions and other externalities and bringing them into the economic analyses, by pricing mechanism which include: 1.Willingness to pay, 2. Cost to restore, and 3.New universal currencies. Through taxes, resources become more expensive, reflecting the societal and environmental costs of using them and thereby attempting to indirectly reduce their use to sustainable leve ls. In their model, market participants will behave in the accordance to the enlightened invisible hand of the neo-classists, which will result in a society which meets human needs, with acceptable levels of pollution and sustainable use of resources. Ecological economics is an interdisciplinary field of study that addresses relationships between ecosystems and economic systems in order to develop a deep understanding of society and nature as a basis for effective policies strategies for sustainability. Ecological economics utilizes a holistic, systems approach which views that socioeconom

Evolution of Land Mammals :: essays research papers

Evolution of land animals THE LARGEST genetic study ever performed to learn when land plants and fungi first appeared on the Earth has revealed a plausible biological cause for two major climate events: the Snowball Earth eras, when ice periodically covered the globe, and the era called the Cambrian Explosion, which produced the first fossils of almost all major categories of animals living today. According to the authors of the study, Science, plants paved the way for the evolution of land animals by simultaneously increasing the percentage of oxygen in the Earth's atmosphere and decreasing the percentage of carbon dioxide, a powerful greenhouse gas. "Our research shows that land plants and fungi evolved much earlier than previously thought--before the Snowball Earth and Cambrian Explosion events--suggesting their presence could have had a profound effect on the climate and the evolution of life on Earth," says Blair Hedges, an evolutionary biologist and leader of the Penn State research team that performed the study. The researchers found that land plants had evolved on Earth by about 700 million years ago and land fungi by about 1,300 million years ago--much earlier than previous estimates of around 480 million years ago, which were based on the earliest fossils of those organisms. Prior to this study, it was believed that Earth's landscape at that time was covered with barren rocks harboring nothing more than some bacteria and possibly some algae. No undisputed fossils of the earliest land plants and fungi have been found in rocks formed during the Precambrian period, says Hedges, possibly because their primitive bodies were too soft to turn into fossils.The early appearance on the land of fungi and plants suggests their plausible role in both the mysterious lowering of the Earth's surface temperature during the series of Snowball Earth events roughly 750 million to 580 million years ago and the sudden appearance of many new species of fossil animals during the Cambrian Explosion era roughly 530 million years ago. "Both the lowering of the Earth's surface temperature and the evolution of many new types of animals could result from a decrease in atmospheric carbon dioxide and a rise in oxygen caused by presence on land of lichen fungi and plants at this time, which our research suggests," Hedges says. "An increase in land plant abundance may have occurred at the time just before the period known as the Cambrian Explosion, when the next Snowball Earth period failed to occur because temperatures did not get quite cold enough," Hedges says.

How does Steinbeck in Of Mice and Men portray the position of women Ess

How does Steinbeck in Of Mice and Men portray the position of women in 1930's America? 'Of Mice & Men' by John Steinbeck is set during the depression and highlights the extreme economical and social problems through each character. We see them all aspire to live the 'American Dream', while in pursuit for this life disregard one another and do not acknowledge the importance of friendship, in the world of isolation. Loneliness and dreams are recurring themes through out the novel. Curley' s wife is a key figure with in the novel. On a social level she embodies the position of women during the depression and the way in which their emotions had been ignored. George and Lennie are warned of her by candy when they first reach the ranch. He describes her as ' tart' because she's only been ' Married two weeks and got the eye?', we already have am instant dislike about her and we still haven't met her. Steinbeck has purposely not given Curley's wife a name, which highlights the concept of women's social position during the depression and how they seemed to be viewed as nothing more than a mans possession. In this case she is nothing more than Curley's possession We first meet Curley's wife in the barn house; her presence is almost striking. Her appearance seems to embody the image we had constructed from candy's description; provocative and very suggesting. "She had full, rouged lips and wide spaced eyes, heavily made-up. Her fingernails were red" The use of the colour red puts emphasis on the idea of her being a seductress and like a scarlet woman. However it also represents danger; and we are already aware of Lennie's attraction to red. The description of her movements is a projection of her sensuo... ...r she dreams more of being recognised by the masses, she craves the attention that she lacks in the farm. She seemed to view Curley's proposal as a chance for an escape to a better life. We begin to feel sympathy for her, she is trapped in a marriage were she doesn't like her husband, and can't make friends due to his tight rein. Although her fate is tragic, the way in which Steinbeck describes her in the moments after her death is as though she is the opposite person we met in the beginning of the novel. This is significant description in the play; it helps define what Curley's wife and many other woman of that time were, beneath the clothes and make-up. Beneath the actress and the role she played into, was nothing more than a young girl; "The ache and attention were gone form her face. She was very pretty and simple, and her face was sweet and young".

Current Pharma Scenario in India Essay

The Indian Pharmaceutical industry has been witnessing phenomenal growth in recent years, driven by rising consumption levels in the country and strong demand from export markets. The pharmaceutical industry in India is estimated to be worth about US$ 8 bn, growing at an annual rate of 12-15%. In world rankings, the domestic industry stands 3rd in terms of volume and 12th in value growth terms. The ranking in value terms may also be a reflection of the low prices at which medicines are sold in the country. The industry has seen tremendous progress in terms of infrastructure development, technology base and the wide range of products manufactured. Demand from the exports market has been growing rapidly due to the capability of Indian players to produce cost-effective drugs with world class manufacturing facilities. Bulk drugs of all major therapeutic groups, requiring complicated manufacturing processes are now being produced in India. Pharma companies have developed Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliant facilities for the production of different dosage forms. In addition, India’s long-established position as a preferred manufacturing location for multinational drug manufacturers is quickly spreading into other areas of outsourcing activities. Soaring costs of R&D and administration are persuading drug manufacturers to move more and more of their discovery research and clinical trials activities to the subcontinent or to establish administrative centres there, capitalizing on India’s high levels of scientific expertise as well as low wages A highly fragmented industry, the Indian pharmaceutical industry is estimated to have over 30,000 manufacturing and marketing units. Indian pharmaceutical industry will be the 4th largest industry of the country in 2013 turnover wise. The organized sector accounts for just 5% of the industry, while a huge 95% is in the unorganized sector. A large number of players in the unorganized segment are small and medium enterprises and this segment contributes 35% of the industry’s turnover. Why medicines are essential? * Increased health consciousness * Increased life span * Changed lifestyle, increased stress * Junk food consumption * Recurring problems of senior citizens (Kidney problems, cardiovascular problems etc.) * Increasing frequency of accidents. (Above figures are taken from –MAT07 July 2012 IMS ORG data) (ORG IMS Research Pvt. Ltd. is the one global source for leading-edge, customized business intelligence about the pharmaceutical market, providing clients with critical information, analyses and answers that drive superior business decisions and strategies.) Along with the manufacturing of the dosage forms raw material manufacturers, diagnostic products, surgical product manufacturers and packaging element manufacturer forms an integral part of the industry. OPPURTUNITIES: a) Generic Market: India has a significant share in the global generics market and is ranked third. In recent years, this segment has been facing stiff competition which makes the scale of production important to improve profitability. India has pre-dominantly been a generic player and has the potential to gain a global presence for the following key developments: * Multiple branded drug patent expirations in the short term of span. According to IMS Health, after 2006-2007 many top selling product patents expired .E.g. In Nov 2011 patent of brand Lipitor expired. Such expiration carries tremendous impact on the generic market. * Increasing confidence of consumers in generics in the developed markets * A pro-generic sentiment from healthcare authorities driven by the pressure of containing rising healthcare costs * An aging population across the world, leading to increasing demand for low cost therapies * Global healthcare crisis like AIDS in the developing world, necessitating affordable medication for the masses Generic companies in India are recognizing the importance of patent expiries and are making significant incremental investments in research and drug development. b) Outsourcing: India’s status as an information technology superpower, with access to specialist skills and 24/7 work hours, is a huge advantage as it strengthens its position as the destination of choice for contract research, including drug discovery. Eighty-two percent of U.S companies overall rank India as their first-choice IT outsourcing destination, says leading international clinical research organization Chiltern International, adding that IT and ITenabled services (ITES) companies have been expanding their activities in India to new business segments such as bioinformatics and life sciences; those doing so or planning to include Accenture, Intel, Satyam, Cognizant, IBM, Oracle and TCS. Wipro Spectramind, India’s largest third-party offshore business process outsourcing provider, is conducting bioinformatics work for global pharmaceutical companies MNCs that have already entered into off shoring contracts include Pfizer India, which has signed a preferred provider contract for its biometrics division with Cognizant Technologies India and is also working with SIRO Clinpharm; Wyeth, working with Accenture in clinical trial data management; GSK, whose biomedical data sciences and clinical data management centre in Bangalore supports studies for the group worldwide; and Novartis, which has a software development centre for specialized drug development programs India’s Other Advantages for Off shoring * Low-cost skill base * Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) and U.S. FDA compliance levels * High visibility in generics * High-quality, compliant manufacturing * Strong financial position with ability to scale up * Manufacturing capacity * Access to new technologies * Cost efficiency and track record * Industry position * Recognition of product patents c) Contract Manufacturing: Manufacturing outsourcing-supply of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and intermediates * Development outsourcing-conducting preclinical and clinical trials * Customized chemistry services-contract research services for compounds pre-launch. CHALLENGES: Even after the increased investment, market leaders such as Ranbaxy and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories spent only 5-10% of their revenues on R&D, lagging behind Western pharmaceuticals like Pfizer, whose research budget last year was greater than the combined revenues of the entire Indian pharmaceutical industry. This disparity is too great to be explained by cost differentials, and it comes when advances in genomics have made research equipment more expensive than ever. The drug discovery process is further hindered by a dearth of qualified molecular biologists. Due to the disconnect between curriculum and industry, pharmas in India also lack the academic collaboration that is crucial to drug development in the West and so far. It can be defined as planning and executing various concepts of price, promotion, distribution and services offered to potential buyers. 1. Challenges Shift from acute to chronic With the disease burden shifting from acute to chronic and lifestyle changing, product portfolios of companies are also changing rapidly to include long-term therapies. That brings in greater challenges of ‘adherence’ to therapy for better patient outcomes. In the case of infectious diseases, the problem of drug resistance is looming large too. Consumer mind-set towards health Proactively attending to health seems to be the last thing on the Indian consumer’s mind. Unless one falls sick, he does not seek medical attention. And even after he falls sick, the inclination is towards a quick recovery so that he can get back to work. Only recently, this is beginning to change amongst a certain section who have begun to take preventive health check up seriously, and pay attention to nutrition and lifestyle for better health. Doctor mind-set With the ratio of doctor: people being very low, doctors are extremely busy treating patients. With less time on hand, they cannot pay attention to patient education or counselling. Nor are they able to give enough time to update their knowledge, even if they wish to. Thus with newer therapies being made available, continuing medical education programs for doctors are becoming increasingly important. Such seminars, conferences and the internet meet this need. Multiple brands, reduced differentiation With hundreds of companies marketing the same molecules with different brand names, no differentiation between brands, doctors giving just a minute or so to detail, the challenges for today’s pharma marketer are immense. 2. Opportunities Improving healthcare infrastructure With more and more private hospitals being constructed, government spending on healthcare increasing and more number of people accessing health insurance; the domestic market does provide greater opportunities. However, the mind-set and skill-set needs to be tuned for this. Access to information on health People are increasingly accessing information on health, some of which is correct, but most other being confusing and inaccurate. Doctors are facing questions from patients too. This offers a great opportunity for the pharma marketers to provide cutting edge tools to the doctor to help him stay updated, and to reach patients with educational and accurate information. This also opens doors to marketers of OTC and nutraceutical products to reach consumers. Penetrating rural markets Some companies have already taken steps to reach rural markets. More innovative strategies to reach these markets are needed for growth. Here again, using technology could be the key. Penetration of the mobile being large in India, this medium offers great opportunity. Institutes offering pharmaceutical marketing courses: 1. NIPER 2. Narsee Monjee Institute of Mgt Studies, Mumbai 3. Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing,Lucknow 4. SIES, Navi Mumbai CONCLUSION There has never been a more important time for India’s government and its drug producers, both multinational and domestic, to work together in partnership for the good of the industry and the nation. With its enormous advantages, including a large, well-educated, skilled and English-speaking workforce, low operational costs and improving regulatory infrastructure, India has the potential to become the region’s hub for pharmaceutical and biotechnology discovery research, manufacturing, exporting and health care services within the next decade. For foreign investors, collaborations with India present a huge opportunity both in terms of joint production for the global market and supply of the growing domestic market. There is a need for regulatory reform in India to encourage leading global players to continue and accelerate the outsourcing of their R&D activities-beginning with discovery research-to the subcontinent.