Monday, September 30, 2019

Ban the bags before its too late Essay

BAN THE BAG BEFORE ITS TOO LATE† is an article that was published in the Daily Chronicle on the 27th of May 2008. The article stresses the negative impact that plastic bags are having on the Australian Environment and that the Government needs to make an immediate change. The article is targeted towards the general public, particularly those who have an interest in the environment, animals and battling pollution. The heading of the article is in large, bold and in capital letters. This grabs the reader’s attention and before they have read through the article feel that the information they are about to read will be important. The words â€Å"before it’s too late† gives the reader a sense of urgency to read on and leaves them feeling that the topic may have an effect on their lives and makes them more susceptible to information provided. In an attempt to appeal to the reader’s sense of safety and health the writer mentions that this pollution is â€Å"clogging our landfills to the tune of 20,700 tonnes a year. Due to these confronting statistics fear is stuck into the reader and encourages them to agree with writer making the article more influential. Read more:  Heavy School Bags The statistics that the writer provides may manipulate readers into feeling as though the writer is superior. The knowledge that the writer is presenting in their expertise could then potentially intimidate and make the reader respect the writer. To enhance the emotional responses and have the audience in total agreement the writer also uses the expert opinion of the Chairman of Clean up Australia Ian Kiernan. According to the article, Kiernan stated a, along the lines of; â€Å"only a total ban on plastic bags would be effective in reducing the numbers being discarded and causing environmental damage. â€Å"Being exposed to the words of someone who had a lot of understanding on the subject makes it even harder to deny the message of the article. In conclusion the authors use of statistics, expert opinion and emotive language the writer persuades the reader into banning plastic bags and that it is the correct path to take in order to preserve our environment and to ban plastic bags.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Langston Hughes “Salvation” Essay

In this essay I will not only â€Å"inventory† my college readiness experience but I will also attempt to critique my own life skills as to assess my ability to excel in the college experience. Looking into the â€Å"Habits of Mind†, I understand you asked me to elaborate on one however two stand out. I would like to take the opportunity to expound on two. The first being metacognition, I am a conscious thinker. I consciously reflect on my past experiences personal and professional to determine my future endeavors. I believe success is a building block process. I have gained knowledge cognitively and intellectually by engaging in life as a whole. Past educational as well as life experiences have created a knowledge base that was honed by maturation. My personal life choices as well as a varied career in the military have given me insight into a knowledge base that has equipped me to with life skills that continue to go hand and hand with my professional goals. Most importantly completing a college degree. My second â€Å"Habits of Mind† skill I readily use is persistence; I can be dogmatic in my approach to success. This skill comes from a successful military career. I do not use the word can’t it is not in my vocabulary. I spent thirty years in the military all over the world because of this I was unable to complete my college degree. However it was always a goal I knew I would accomplish. I am now here to complete my goal. Now in all honesty I must expound on what I need to develop out of the eight habits I think I need to explore â€Å"Creativity† not that I am not creative but my military experience molded my state of mind for many years. I am still adjusting to civilian life and the freedom that it brings. This is a work in progress and knowing a weakness gives you the knowledge base to change and diversify my skills in the needed areas. In conclusion I am enjoying my college years and I am able to focus on the experience in its entireity because I am an older student. I don’t know if after high school I would have valued it as much as I do now. I make every day a learning day and I value the importance placed on my personal growth thru my educational experience.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Australia’s Recent Economic Performance

The macroeconomic policies of a country are the most important policies and these policies play significant role in the economic growth of the company. These also decide the economic position of the country as well as decide the direction of the economy of the country. There are several different types of the macroeconomic policies and among them most important policies are fiscal policy, monetary policy as well as exchange rate policy (Barbieri and Pezzini, 2001). The fiscal policy of a country helps to allocate the budget of the country’s necessary development and other requisites. The monetary policies of the government help in allocating the fund in correct investment option so that the country can able to achieve the desirable economic growth. In addition to that the exchange rate policy helps the government to maintain the rate of domestic currency as compared to the standard international currency. In Australia the government put great emphasis on developing effective m acroeconomic policies in order to ensure the desirable high growth rate for the country (Brittle, 2010). This report is an attempt to analysis the macroeconomic policies of Australia, which help in improving the growth of the country.  Ã‚   The Australian Government has taken significant economic policies, which help the country to establish substantial growth for the country. The government of Australia has been at the front position for utilizing the fiscal policies in order to minimizing the macroeconomics effects of the financial crisis, which influence the global economy (De Menil, Portes and Sinn, 2008). The Australian Government can do so as the debt of the country is minute compared to the international standard. Even after many years of fiscal deficits, the net government debt is remaining lower than 10% of the GDP of the country. This compares positively with the debt ratio of the United Nations Government of around 70%. The country has implemented sustainable fiscal policies, that needs the debt of public does not enhance connecting to the GDP in long term. The gross domestic product of Australia has expanded up to 0.7% in December 2015, in comparison to upward revised 1.2% growth in previous quarter and the market consequences (Fender, 2012). The expenditure on consumption is positively contributed to the expansion, net exports and investment also contributed to the growth of GDP.   The growth of economy is around 3% by accelerating from the upward revised 2.8% in September quarter and thus beating the expectation. Therefore, it is considered to be the fastest growth since the third quarter of the year 2012. The growth rate of GDP in the country is around 0.88% from the year 1959 to 2015. The growth rate reached to 4.50% in the first quarter of the year 1976 and recorded low at the rate -2% in second quarter of the year 1974. The current economic performance of the country is good and is supported by high production level (Freebairn, 2003). It is also a significant contributor of the five sectors that is expected to drive the future global development: education, agribusiness, mining, wealth management, and tourism. The structural reforms of the government of Australia can face decade of deficits due to the increase in the spending on the older households. The repaying costs will fall on the younger households. The Australian GDP is seemed to be expanded for the last quarter of the year 2015 and it also seems to be upward rising in with the growth percentage of the 2.7 percent and thus the expectations are seemed to be fastening the expansions that are required for the proper enhancement of the resources for the utilisation of the resources in the Australia. The growth rate of the country Australia is enhanced at the third quarter of the 2012 whose GDP annual growth is seemed to be fastening the expansion of at the rate of the 9 percent. Thus the bureau of the statistics also shows the growth of the economy in the country of the Australia also helps in the development of the economy of the country of the Australia. Thus the country Australia’s national GDP seems to be increasing at the next year of second year of at the low interest rate of the GDP and thus it also shows the growth of the -3.50 percent which also helps in the creation of the statistics of the Australian Bureau of the statistics (Abs.gov.au, 2016). The structural ref orms of the government of Australia can face decade of deficits due to the increase in the spending on the older households. The repaying costs will fall on the younger households. Hence,   the Australian economic centre seems to be dominated by the services sectors and thus it also helps in the increment of the success of the of the other sectors including the mining sectors that are require for the proper enhancement of the percentage at the rate of 13.5 % and thus it also helps in showing the key developments in the commodity of the exports and the imports and thus it also helps in the proper increment   of the investments in   the infrastructural services for the proper enhancement of the sectors data. Thus the Australian GDP also shows the actual values of the Australian GDP shows the historical and the forecasting of the economic calendars that are related to the new releases of the year.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Therefore, it would be difficult for the government of Australia for next ten years (Tawadros, 2016). Therefore, the commonwealth government is funding to adopt and implement new policies. Apart from this, government of Australia is still to respond the scale of the budget challenges. These challenges are difficult to overcome as the government does not have enough funds to purchase the reform. The sustainability of economy depends on the government policies (Friedman, 2000). The policies implemented by the government are reducing the superannuation tax, changing the capital gain tax and the negative gearings,   introducing broad property levy and broadening the goods and service tax.   The country has significant economic policies, which help substantial economic growth of the country. The GDP of the country is stable from the last several years as well as improved substantially in last few years.   a). The companies providing incentive for work to the employees and innovation via reduction in organization and income tax might constrain the desired policy setting and outcomes. The strategies can affect the policy setting of the country (Relative fiscal capacities of the States 2006, 2006). The government can have a significance influence on incentives that affects investment, innovation and taking decisions whether the workforce should participate or not and all the drivers for development. The incentives are influenced by disciplines imposed by the competitive markets. The reduction in the income tax can affect the income source of government (Gruen, 2005). The approach of the government to the fiscal policy is significant to imparting credibility and certainty to the market through application of the macroeconomic policies. The creditability policy contributes to the reduced uncertainty and thus creating more attractive business environment. The disciplined fiscal policy with credibility over medium terms allows the business to make decision regarding investment with greater confidence. The rates of payments which include their adequacy should be balanced against the impacts on the incentives for the employees to get off the welfare (Gruen, 2005). Therefore, the economic policy settings through the welfare and tax system impact on the work incentives and it should be frame in such a way that avoids the discouragement of employees.  Ã‚   When the government of the country reduced the income tax rate along with the tax for the companies, the government do so for promoting the business activities of the countries. When the income tax reduced for the individuals of the country the citizens have more money and they can expense more thus, the cash flow in the market is increasing and there is more liquid money in the market so the growth of the market is increasingly increased and from the growth rate of the market the economy of the country use to be booste d significantly. In case of reducing tax for the companies the companies have more liquid money, which the companies can invest in the future development of the companies and it help in prospectus growth and development of the country and its economy. The economy is boosted by these particular novel policies, which is different from the traditional economic policies. By these economic policies the government of country use to take substantial risk as by this policy the taxation income of the country will be reduced and the wealth of the country will be reduced initially but at the same time it open huge potentiality of growth and economic development of the country. The policy of reducing income tax and the company tax is innovative taxation policy of the government of the country that substantially help the country to improve its economic growth and development. At the time when the countries, in order to encourage the investment and growth of the companies of the country reduce the income tax rate as well as company taxes, which lead to deficit in the budget as the tax collection from the income tax Act of the countries as well as from the others taxes which are levied to the companies performing their business activities within the constituency of the country. By reducing the taxes the wealth collecting from the taxation will be reduced initially, however, it encourage the companies within the country to do more investment as well as this policies encourage the companies to do expansion for the growth and development of the company (Gumus, 2011). Therefore, in order to proceeding expansion the companies have to use several government facilities and have to provide taxes for availing the facilities and so that the taxation wealth of the country will be increased. Besides this, it helps in the growth of the market as due to this policy of go vernment to reduce company and income tax the market use to be growing substantially (Nagel, 2000). Moreover, in this way the economy of the country will be growing. In case of reducing the income tax, the taxpayer citizens of the country will get more money in their hand so they incline to buy more or they use to expense more in this case the market use to grow substantially (ItoÃÅ'„ and Rose, 2008). Therefore, by the help of this policy the government can be able to improve the economy of the country.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   b). When the central bank of the country takes initiatives for lowering the interest rate, it plays significant role stimulating the economic activities within the country as several organizations use to take finance from the banks in order to improve their business activities so that the companies can be able to establish desirable growth and development (Kincaid and Shah, 2007). The decrease in the interest will help in the development of the economic activity of Australia. The price growth can also be controlled of the houses so that the middle and low income group family can afford for the houses. Therefore, the affordability of the houses can be improved with the lower rate of interest and decreasing the rate of price of the houses. It has been concluded that the housing policy in the country is inappropriate that affected the housing affordability of lower income and middle income group of the people. It has been forecasted that the rise in the price of the houses imposes negat ive impact on the people of the country. The decrease in the rate of interest of the houses will encourage the lower and middle income group of the people. The increase in the rate of interest and decrease in the   price of the houses will enable to afford houses. The tax amount should be reduced and the combination of the Negative gearing and capital gain tax has contributed problems to the affordability of the houses all across the country. The decrease in the interest rates and price of the houses will help to increase in the investment in houses and attracts more number of investors towards purchasing of houses in the country. The complexities in the changes in the price of the houses have created difficulties in front of the government of the country. However, decrease in the rate of interest and decrease in the principle price will increase the affordability of the houses among the investors and other people. In the following policy banks play an important role as they provi de loan to the people for different purposes as well as for the housing in the country.   The policies and factors should help in the growth and appropriate development of the country.                Therefore, in case of lowering interest rate by the central bank of the country a boom in the market can be evident as the economic activities by the companies use to be improved substantially by the governmental policy of the country. At the time, when the price of the housing is growing the lowering in the interest rate help in improving the affordability of the housing as the customers of the housing can obtain the house in lower rate of interest and thus the tendency of buying a new house will be increased and maximum number of people incline to buy new house thus, a boom can be evident in the real estate industry (Monacelli and Perotti, 2010).   The government of Australia should undertake reforms on the spending and revenue side. The government is focusing on cutting down the spending. The government has reduced the budget for the foreign aid and the savings have been proposed for primary care, welfare through the changes in arrangement in the benefits and eligibility threshold and primary care. The revenue measures can help the government to improve the budget deficit and other policies.      Ã‚  Ã‚   Barbieri, S. and Pezzini, M. (2001).  OECD territorial reviews. Paris: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Brittle, S. (2010). Ricardian Equivalence and the Efficacy of Fiscal Policy in Australia.Australian Economic Review, 43(3), pp.254-269. De Menil, G., Portes, R. and Sinn, H. (2008).  Economic policy. [Oxford]: [Blackwell]. Fender, J. (2012).  Monetary policy. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley. Freebairn, J. (2003). Economic policy for rural and regional Australia.  Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, 47(3), pp.389-414. Friedman, B. (2000).  Monetary policy. Cambridge, MA.: National Bureau of Economic Research. Gruen, D. (2005). The Evolution of Fiscal Policy in Australia.  Oxford Review of Economic Policy, 21(4), pp.618-635. Gruen, D. (2005). The Evolution of Fiscal Policy in Australia.  Oxford Review of Economic Policy, 21(4), pp.618-635. Gumus, I. (2011). Exchange Rate Policy and Sovereign Spreads in Emerging Market Economies.  Review of International Economics, 19(4), pp.649-663. ItoÃÅ'„, T. and Rose, A. (2008).  International financial issues in the Pacific Rim. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Kincaid, J. and Shah, A. (2007).  The practice of fiscal federalism. MontreÃÅ' al: Published for Forum of Federations = Forum des feÃÅ' deÃÅ' rations and iacfs by McGill-Queen's University Press. Monacelli, T. and Perotti, R. (2010). Fiscal Policy, the Real Exchange Rate and Traded Goods*.  The Economic Journal, 120(544), pp.437-461. Nagel, S. (2000).  Handbook of global economic policy. New York: Marcel Dekker. Relative fiscal capacities of the States 2006. (2006). Canberra, A.C.T.: Commonwealth Grants Commission. Tawadros, G. (2016). Asymmetric monetary policy rules in Australia.  Applied Economics, pp.1-15.9-24-14 [Accessed 29 May 2016].

Friday, September 27, 2019

Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 5

Law - Essay Example In the first case, business partnerships are relatively cheaper and easier to establish. This is because, the Partnership Act 1890 (c. 39) allows two or more people to come together to form a business partnership in their own volition. In this case, all that is needed is the will of these consenting parties. The validity of the will is predicated upon: soundness of mind; the attainment of legal age; knowledge of the nature of the business partnership and the business establishment that the parties are to engage in; and conformance to the law (for instance, a business partnership cannot be formed to sell cocaine since UK law proscribes the trafficking and non-medical possession of psychoactive drugs such as cocaine). Just as Siems (2009, pp- 767-802) points out, partnerships definitely involve multiple ownership and this means that the owners can easily raise more capital. This is because the two or more business partners are able to contribute more funds. Again, it is also true that multiple owners have a higher borrowing capacity. This means that business partnerships have a higher ability to gather credit to serve as start-up or operational capital compared to other forms of business ownerships such as sole-proprietorships. Again, it is easier for business partnerships to benefit from an array of complimentary skills that the multiple proprietors are bringing. The crux of the matter herein is that the two or more owners bring with themselves, a wider pool of knowledge, contacts and skills. These are values that easily propel the organisation into greater stability, faster and more consistent growth and success. It is also worth noting that partnerships can be more cost-effective compared to other forms of business ownerships. This is because, with partnerships, every partner assumes a specific specialty in certain aspects of business operations and management. It is also true

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Marketing and globalisation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Marketing and globalisation - Essay Example However, such of re-appropriation mainly came into lime-light in case of Yoga. As a result, blending of the cultural practices of yoga of one place with another presented an inventive look to it, which is highly preferred and accepted by the citizens of modern age. However, by doing so, the cultural traditions and behaviours or attitudes of the individual of diverse culture might also be realised that may prove effective in reducing the rate of conflicts and clashes (Ritzer, 2007, pp. 912-923). Hence, such type of cultural acculturation or re-appropriation helps in enhancement of interpersonal relationships among the citizens of diverse culture and countries thereby improving the intensity of tolerance and frankness among the citizens. According to Howes (2007), values and ideas of consumer culture is extremely difficult to measure or determine. This is because these are hypothetical in nature and may be analysed or evaluated only by their acceptable nature. This means, if the norms or ideas or traditions of any culture is preferred or liked by any immigrant or individual of diverse culture, then it may be calculated by his or her behaviours or attitudes as stated by the theory of consumer acculturation (Howes, 2007, pp. 178-190). As a result of a theory of consumer acculturation, most of the citizens are accepting or preferring the blended forms of technology, cultural practices, products, manufacturing techniques, (Klien, 2000, pp. 223-234) marketing or promotional ideas and many others (Brenkert, 2008, pp. 123-134). For example: Yoga is considered as a rational set of practices develop in order to enhance religious or holy enlightenments. Yoga is performance in order to reduce the idea of ignorance thereby enha ncing the inner confidence and trust. By doing so, the impact of spiritualism enhances that improves the inner morale and buoyancy of the individual. However, in modern age, the concept or

Merck Pharmaceutical Company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Merck Pharmaceutical Company - Essay Example Merck Pharmaceutical products are mainly therapeutic agents, for the treatment of various human and animal disorders. In fact the basic source of income for the company comes from the revenues derived from the filling and management of prescriptions and health management programs (Banks, 2001). Merck & Co., Inc. is also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme or MSD outside the USA and Canada, with the headquarters of the company located in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey and was established as the United States subsidiary of the German company which is currently known as Merck KGaA. Similar to the German assets in the United States, Merck & Co. was expropriated in 1917 during the First World War and set up as an independent company. In fact statistics and data suggest that this company is presently one of the seven largest pharmaceutical companies in the world both by market capitalization and revenue. Merck & Co. or MSD is also known as a global research-driven pharmaceutical company. It discovers, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of unique products to improve human and animal health. Each and every organization requires leadership because all of them are affected by their contexts, philosophies, governance structures, value systems, and the legal ground rules under which they operate. These are the forces and factors that control their leadership needs. When it comes to community or social responsibility, it is said that the Merck Company Foundation has distributed over $480 million to educational and non-profit organizations since it was founded in 1957. This company is also today involved in bringing out various medical publications as it publishes the "Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy" that is considered as the world's best-selling medical textbook, and the "Merck Index" which is a collection of information about chemical compounds. Over the years there are several challenges that the company has faced. For instance, Attorney General Coakley's Office filed a settlement with drug manufacturer Merck and Company, Inc. (Merck) resolving concerns about the company's misleading advertising and promotion of the "Cox-2" inhibitor drug Vioxx. This drug is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat arthritis. The complaint, filed in Suffolk Superior Court, claims that Merck failed to reveal to consumers that Vioxx posed an increased risk of heart attack. The consent judgment, also filed in Suffolk Superior Court prohibited Merck from further mislead consumers in advertising for any Merck product and requires full disclosure of all known risks of Merck drugs. The complaint asserts that Merck began marketing Vioxx in May 1999 with an aggressive and deceptive promotional campaign directed at both consumers and at health care professionals. However, they hide the fact of high risks of heart problems. When promoting Vioxx directly to patients of arthritis as well as the health care professionals, Merck allegedly misrepresented the cardiovascular side effect. As a result the company's ethics were questioned and subsequently the drug was taken off from the market. In September 2004, Merck admitted that Vioxx caused serious cardiovascular events and withdrew the drug from the market. Further, when the multistate group investigated this case in December 2005, it exposed that in addition to the deceptive and misleading adverti

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Federal Reserve Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Federal Reserve - Essay Example The article argues that even as the Federal Reserve has been in existence since 1913, it wasnt until the 1970s that it assumed as great a control of the American financial system as it has today. The Federal Reserve was created in 1913 by Woodrow Wilson. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries credit was controlled entirely by private banks. Farmers in the mid-western regions grew increasingly upset by this fact, as they complained that oftentimes the banks would alter their credit options at times when the farmers were vulnerable. The Federal Reserve was created as a compromise, with the banks still controlling credit, but the government determining the supply of funds. While the intervening years have seen significant reforms in the way the Federal Reserve operates, its underlining function has remained the same. Private banks are able to borrow from the reserve at a discounted rate, they then loan this money to borrowers at the federal funds rate, or interest rate. As the Federal Reserve raises rates, so must the banks raise the rates of loans. This system is designed to ensure fair and equitable lending throughout the country. The current chairman of the Federal Reserv e, who was recently reappointed in January of 2010, and Alan Greenspan and Paul Volcker preceded him.(Johnson, Web) When the recession hit the Federal Reserve began the process of lowering interests rates to increase consumer spending. At this point, the Fed has virtually lowered the interest rate to 0%. In addition to lowering the interest rate the Fed has engaged in a number of unorthodox methods in an effort to revive the sputtering economy. â€Å"Those techniques include buying vast amounts of longer-term Treasury bonds, mortgage-backed securities issued by government-sponsored companies like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and commercial debt issued by private companies and consumer lenders.† (NY Times, Web) In addition to these techniques, the reserve helped in JPMorgans merger with Bear

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Risks in Project Management Practice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Risks in Project Management Practice - Essay Example In reference to the given case study, this paper will dwell on the risks that the Emperor Phone Company stands a chance of facing during its product launch. Emperor is a renowned mobile handset manufacturing company, which competes on the global markets with key players like Samsung, Nokia among many others. It will also give a detailed approach to the necessary steps that it will need to undertake to ensure that the launch of its ‘myphone’ smart phone is a success. Lastly, it will highlight the impacts of its taken risks to ensure that it beats its bitter rival Apple in capturing the phones market before its rivals launch their ‘iPhone’. Risk identifier register As per the case study provided, the Company’s CEO acquired information that Emperor’s bitter rivals, Apple, were set to release a new phone product. With this kind of information at hand, Emperor decided that it was going to utilize it by developing a product that would correspond to w hat their rivals intend to roll out. The launch date of its products is set for February 1, 2013 just a month before Apple’s ‘iphone’ hits the market. Risk description In the project mandate issued, the first risk involved would be legal due the fact that the two products would seem as though one imitated the other. This is because ‘I’ and ‘my’ have almost the same meaning. ... Secondly, the Emperor ‘myPhone’ prior launch might also incur the threat risk of its secret leaking to its rivals. The management’s idea of having keynote addresses by relevant stakeholders is also a risky move. This would be because they do not know where their guest speaker’s loyalties lie. There in, the information at the speakers’ disposal might find its way to their rivals. In this regard, Apple might use the information acquired to their advantage by making final detail improvement on the ‘iPhone’ before its launch. which may overshadow the ‘myPhone’. Thirdly, the marketing department will be in charge of the complete marketing campaign process including the venue. The opportunistic risk here would involve the location of the conference set to engage the ‘myPhone’ target market. Probable date registered These risks were most probably likely to occur in the following sequence. The first and second risks wer e likely to occur after the ‘myPhone had been launched in to market. Their impact was to affect heavily their anticipated sales, as they will not be able to restore the image of their product in the event that its reputation is at stake. The third and most important risk that needed evaluation would be on the day of the product release. Therefore, its occurrence on the material day would translate to poor initial sale of the ‘myPhone’. This would set the bar in which the sales level would not be able to cross, as it the impact will be less. Probability, impact and expected value In trying to manage the risks above, the applications elaborated in Prince2 (OCG, 2009) would prove beneficial in eliminating the risks involved. This will involve critical understanding

Monday, September 23, 2019

Strategic Audit of Mohawk Industries Assignment

Strategic Audit of Mohawk Industries - Assignment Example According to SEC Form 10-K of the company, the Mohawk segment or subsidiary â€Å"designs, manufactures, sources distributes, and markets its floor covering product lines, which include carpets, ceramic tile, laminate, rugs, carpet pad, hardwood and resilient.† Brands under the segment include Mohawk, Aladdin, MohawColorCenter, Floorscapes, Portico, Mohawk Home, Bigelow, Durkan, Horizon, Karastan, Lee and Merit. The Dal-Tile segment â€Å"designs, manufactures, sources, distributes and markets a broad line of ceramic tile, porcelain tile products.† Primary brands under the Dal-Tile segment include Dal-Tile and American Olean. According to the SEC Form 10-K, the Dal-Tile segment is vertically integrated from the production of raw materials for body and glaze preparation to the manufacturing and distribution of ceramic and porcelain tile.† Based on Form 10-K, the Unilin segment â€Å"designs, manufactures, sources, licenses and markets a broad line of ceramic tile, porcelain tile, natural stone and other products.† The Unilin segment is â€Å"one of the largest vertically-integrated laminate flooring manufacturing in the U.S. producing laminate flooring and related high-density fiberboard† and â€Å"also produces roofing systems, insulation panels and other wood products.† Thus, the Mohawk segment concentrates on carpets, rugs, and floor covers in general, the Dal-Tile segment focuses on the ceramic and porcelain floor covers and tiles business, and the Unilin segment focuses on laminate covering and expansion of the company to other types of house or building-related businesses but usually wood or wood-related or fiberboards. Mohawk Industries describes herself to be in the leading market positions in carpets, ceramic, laminate, rugs and mats, stone flooring and countertops, and wood products. Data available appear to support her claims. As the leading firm in the market, Mohawk’s financial data (shown in Annexes 1 to 9 of this work) is indicative of the industry’s long-term profitability.     

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Kudler Fine Foods IT Security Presentation Essay Example for Free

Kudler Fine Foods IT Security Presentation Essay General Questions General Academic Questions CMGT/400 Week 5 Learning Team Kudler Fine Foods IT Security Report and Presentation Develop a 3,000- to 3,500-word report for the CIO of Kudler Fine Foods.  · This report should cover the material from the previous weeks, providing a comprehensive look at the key safeguards needed for the project at each stage of the systems development processes.  · The report should have clear recommendations to ensure that the final frequent shopper program system is properly secured against likely threats. Include the requirements for future audit provisions the internal staff may use to validate the security measures in the system. Prepare a presentation to executive management at Kudler Fine Foods of the need to make the changes recommended in the paper.  · The presentation should be 8 – 10 slides in length.  · The presentation must include appropriate graphics, and may be in a Microsoft ® PowerPoint ®presentation format.  · Online students will submit a presentation that must include detailed speaker notes.   It is important that you map out your first day at school before your actual first day. Plan out the best strategy for navigating the campus, learning the amount of time it will take to get from class to class. In addition, find the other places that you plan to visit frequently, and note their  location on your map. This document of CMGT 400 Week 5 Presentation includes: Kudler Fine Foods IT Security Presentation General Questions General Academic Questions CMGT/400 Week 5 Learning Team Kudler Fine Foods IT Security Report and Presentation Develop a 3,000- to 3,500-word report for the CIO of Kudler Fine Foods. For downloading more tutorials visit https://bitly.com/1rubupQ It is important that you map out your first day at school before your actual first day. Plan out the best strategy for navigating the campus, learning the amount of time it will take to get from class to class. In addition, find the other places that you plan to visit frequently, and note their location on your map. General Questions General Academic Questions CMGT/400 Week 5 Learning Team Kudler Fine Foods IT Security Report and Presentation Develop a 3,000- to 3,500-word report for the CIO of Kudler Fine Foods.  · This report should cover the material from the previous weeks, providing a comprehensive look at the key safeguards needed for the project at each stage of the systems development processes.  · The report should have clear recommendations to ensure that the final frequent shopper program system is properly secured against likely threats. Include the requirements for future audit provisions the internal staff may  use to validate the security measures in the system. Prepare a presentation to executive management at Kudler Fine Foods of the need to make the changes recommended in the paper.  · The presentation should be 8 – 10 slides in length.  · The presentation must include appropriate graphics, and may be in a Microsoft ® PowerPoint ®presentation format.  · Online students will submit a presentation that must include detailed speaker notes.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Effectiveness Of Non Medical Nurse Prescribing Primary Care

Effectiveness Of Non Medical Nurse Prescribing Primary Care Nurse-led clinics have been increasing for some time and Marsden (1992) identified the benefits of using specialist nurses to compliment services already offered by doctors. Read (1999) defined nurse-led care as being the interface between nursing and medicine. Miles (2003) cited ten individual authors as saying that research shows that nurses are capable of carrying out procedures usually in the domain of doctors, often resulting in greater patient satisfaction. Patient satisfaction is an important quality indicator. Yellen (2002) felt that the measurement of patient satisfaction with nursing care was particularly important as it provided a good measure of overall satisfaction with services. Ford (1997) agreed with this principle but concentrated more on the competitive edge and financial survival being reflected in patient satisfaction. Cohen (1994) advocated the use of satisfaction questionnaires, but both Avis (1997) and Westbrook (1993) doubted their efficacy, questioning the validity of questionnaires and the way in which they are measured. Westbrook (1993) felt that questionnaires may be limiting and poorly evaluated, giving rise to a poor reputation for satisfaction questionnaires. Duffin (2002) commented that questionnaires with tick boxes appear to have limited use and may include leading questions where there is no scope for the patient to enlarge upon their answers. Both Robson (1993) and Wiles (1996) warned that the results of surveys can sometimes paint a falsely positive picture and may be difficult to translate into a course of action. However, Backhouse (2000) says that the power of a successful nurse-led user satisfaction survey lies in the immediacy and relevance of the results. This may have enormous potential to transform practice, especially if the staff are able to remain positive about any possible negative feedback. Backhouse (2000) commented that nurses may tend to take praise for granted, as a regular stream of cards and thanks is often the only feedback they receive. This may produce the belief that the service is satisfactory, but it has been found that although there is a great deal of satisfaction, there is also some dissatisfaction, particularly with respect to information (McColl (1996), Backhouse (2000), Byrne (2000), Duffin (2002)). As a Business Manager in General Practice in an affluent rural environment, the author has found that there are increasing frustrations and limitations with time and resources where a competent healthcare professional could manage a patients care more than adequately during one appointment. Additionally, continuity of care and health care management in a more patient centred, balanced way could benefit the patient. Discussion around the management of their medicines and general health education could aid to the patient taking responsibility for their own health care management. The Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) (WAG 2001, WAG 2005) has prioritised patient access to primary care services for the last few years which has impacted on patient expectation around the need for an urgent appointment. This has caused pressure on appointment systems, and subsequently changes have been made to deal with the demand. One way in which the practice would like to cope with these demands is by enabling the Senior Practice Nurse to give more holistic care, making the consultation seamless for the patient, thus reducing the need for additional appointments, having already consulted with an appropriate healthcare professional (WAG 2001, WAG 2005). This practice nurse is currently undertaking the Independent Nurse Prescribing (non-medical). When qualified, this will tie in with the nurse-led diabetes clinic and Minor Illness clinics for which she is qualified. The natural progression would be for her to prescribe appropriate medicine or dressings in relation to the competencies she has accumulated following evidence based practice in these disciplines. A nurse may spend a considerable amount of time dealing with the assessment and management of a patient, then waiting outside a GPs door for a prescription to be signed. This situation is far from ideal, and with the enhancement of the prescribing qualification, this could be done in a more appropriate way. This literature review looks at aspects of nurse prescribing in primary care, and how this can lead to patient satisfaction, autonomy and job satisfaction for nurse prescribers. Literature Search Strategy (Method: 10% c350 words) 582 LoBiondo-Wood (2002) describes a literature search as an efficient retrieval of scholarly literature related to the topic of interest, while Cormack (2000) describes a literature search as a review of previously written literature on a related topic in order to provide the researcher and the reader with knowledge of the field being researched. Research literature can originate from many sources. The volume of literature would be unmanageable if careful selection was not carried out (Cormack 2000, LoBiondo 2002). Polit (2004) recommends using electronic databases to locate relevant research information and points out the limitations of manual and internet sources as being time consuming and inconvenient, internet searching possibly not providing required results and bibliographic information. Polit (2004) likens locating all relevant information on the chosen subject to being like detective work. Primary research only was sought. CINAHL Plus (Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature) with Full Text and MEDLINE were used to search for key words non-medical AND nurse prescib AND primary care with published dates between January 2004 to present, resulting in 209 hits. These were restricted to research, years 2004-2010 and English-only articles in order to reduce the number of articles to 29. Playle (2000) suggests that the title of a research article is extremely important and should cover focus as well as identifying the research approach used (McCaughan, 1999 Stevens et al, 1993). In the authors case, an informative abstract facilitates the choice of research article. The abstract or introduction, as Bailey (1991) suggests it should prepare the stage for the problem to be investigated, as well as being brief. As suggested by Playle (2000) a well written abstract identifies the main points of the study, although the main weakness can be the word restriction as suggested by Burns and Grove (2001). It should represent an accurate picture (Reid, 1993) of the study with concise methodology, sample subject, reported findings and conclusion. This would enable any reader to base a decision to read the article (Reid, 1993). The rationale for choosing the critique guidelines from Benton Cormack (2000) is based on the convenience and manageability of a well structured process that enables to author to appraise with ease. A literature review is an important element of a research question. Rees (2003 p. 17) indicates that a thorough review of the literature is essential to provide the theoretical and conceptual context for the study. Parahoo (1997) supports this stating a literature search provides the identification and locating up to date material, relevant to the topic under review. It involves the scanning along with critical reading of the literature chosen to assess usefulness to the question under discussion. The authors knowledge and prior reading of literature directed at change management in primary care dictated the final choice of research articles to Richards, L.A; Richards, A; Gilead, L; Stessman, J; blab la bla and Raz, I (1999) title of an article International Journal of Dermatology 38, 623-627 (appendix 1). Those chosen for review were three qualitiative and one quantitative research articles relating to the question under evaluation. AUTHORS All eleven authors have either the appropriate professional qualifications or academic qualifications, for example MD or PhDs. A further research on the authors names and using databases CINAHL and Medline xx to present showed that between them they have published xxx articles in various medical journals with different topics. Most have no bearing on the subject of maggots and wounds blab la bla, while most of them have some bearingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. The review (50% c1750 words) 2168 THE REVIEW (PAULAs) LITERATURE REVIEW A good literature review draws on a wide range of sources (McCaughan, 1999) and will identify the need for research. Nevertheless, A poor literature does not invalidate the findings but a good one does enhance the status of the research (Stevens et al, 1993:135). HYPOTHESIS A hypothesis is not included and an explanation could be that the aim of this study is to provide new information by utilising a descriptive research method. Burns and Grove (2001) suggested that if there is very little or no research being conducted on a particular question, then researchers state objectives or questions and there is an objectiveà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS Quantitative research should have all terms explained or defined. Stevens et al (1993) refer to common error by researchers in the assumption that readers are knowledgeable about the jargon and terminologies employed. METHODOLOGY The research approach is not acknowledged within the article. Howedver, it can be assumed that the approach is quantitative, in that it involves manipulation of the independent variable.. On the other hand, to provide the strongest evidence with a greater degree of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. Also included are certain qualitative components such as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. that would indicated possible combination of the two approaches, qualitative and quantitative. Using this combination in approach to research may not appear to be very scientific, however Docherty (2000) suggests that this method may produce a more meaningful and richer data. Even so, there is strength and weakness to both approaches and neither have been stated within this study. On the other handà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ but backed up with à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. And the author agreed with this type of approach as it enables a reader to scrutinise the data, without having to be familiar with research methodology, data statistics or the terminology. SUBJECTS The subjects are identified as 43xx in five depts. Of xx hospital à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Nevertheless, many potential or suitable candidates for this type of research may be unwilling to participate (burns Grove, 2001 and Reid Boore, 1987) due to the xxxx. SAMPLE SELECTION The approach to the sample selection is not clearly stated and a good research study should explain the sample selection method as suggested by Baxter (2001b). Howeverà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ On the other hand, all the subjects are typically,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. DATA COLLECTION Data collection procedures areà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. not acknowledgedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. The validity and reliability are undefined within this study and McCaughan (1999) suggests that if the researcher has not mentioned testing for reliability and validity then it is unlikely that it has been done. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS Xxxxx ethical committee à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. In the authors opinion, ethical consideration should have been an important part of this articleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. Nonetheless Appendix 3 shows/à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. As suggested by Matthews Venables (1998) every published research report should include a description on how the informed consent is given. On the other hand, lack of acknowledgement of anonymity, confidentiality as well as the description of informed consent does not necessarily mean they have not been considered (Firby, 1995 McCaughan, 1999), merely that the researchers assumed that the results and method were more interesting to the reader. RESULTS The results are presented as xxxxx and backed up by xxx, which showed that xxx. However, quantitative data is limited wtug xxxx. In spite of this, there is sufficient detail that would enable a reader without any research experience to look at the results and understand what they signify and to judge with confidence the findings. DATA ANALYSIS The data analysis is appropriate to the type of data collected that is percentages and for the type of read that xxx was aiming for. In some ways the method employed is simple and easy to replicate. However, thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Clarke (1999c) suggests that the data analysis relies heacily on the researchers skill and judgement to see that it is accurately exeuted, also not reported are values such as test values df and p. In addition, poor quality analysis will render the data anecdotal and unfocused, yet the analysis is focused, credible and to improve upon this, the author would suggest the inclusion of statistical tables. DISCUSSION The discussion is not really balanced, as it only mentions and draws upon xxxx However, what is discussed is very concise and knowledgeable. There is also no acknowledgement of the limitations or weakness of this particular stify and there is only one reference to disadvantages, THAT IS à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. (Teresas) LITERATURE REVIEW The aim of the literature review was to find out what the nurses role is in primary care, in relation to providing xxxxx. To assist in the critiquing process, quantitative and qualitative papers were reviewed using the Benton and Cormack (2000) framework. Although the author finds this framework comprehensive and simplistic, it is noted Rees (2003) states qualitative and quantitative research are extremely different, and same method of critiquing cannot be used. This opinion is not upheld by Benton and Cormack (2000) as they promote the use of one framework for both. Within the articles reviewed the evident themes that emerged are xxx and xxxx. In order to guide the reader to continue reading a paper, the abstract should set the scene for the rest of the report. Playle (2000) states an abstract that is soundly written will list the main points of a study. It is noted three out of the four articles reviewed have concise detailed abstracts. Although, that by xxx (2006) lacked depth, understanding and did note cite up to date government papers to support the topic of xxxx. Burns and Grove (2001) highlight that a potential weakness noted wihin Gibbs et al (2004b) paper was the difficulty the reader encountered at determining whether the paper was quantitative or qualitative. Parahoo (1997) concedes this should have been obtained within the abstract, as this should briefly summarise the method, sampling and main findings within a study. Within the abstracts of the articles reviewed, the researchers have clearly portrayed and accurate image of all study methodologies, reported findings, sample subjects and conclusions. EDUCATION Gibbs et al (2004a) initial quantitative research paper tested one hundred and forty-one general practitioners and sixty-six practice nurse opinions relating to xxxx. Results favourably showed that ninety-seven percent of practice nurses raised xxxx but the article concluded xxxx within primary care and mainly relied upon xxxx. Leading on from this study, Gibbs et al (2004b) carried out a quantitative study involving eight general practices and one thousand five hundred and forty-nine kxdffdsdf. The article reports on xxxx. This quantitative paper involved structured interviews where questions were asked in a planned format. A structured interview involves set questions with no deviation from these (Parahoo 1997). A limitation of the study was the elevated drop-out rate but positively forty percent achieved a five percent or more weight loss at twelve months. It highlights whether the researcher has performed the study in a logical, systematic method, having paid attention to pointers that may influence the accuracy of the results (Rees 2003). Although Burns and Grove (2001) argue that a rigorous study should have exact measurement tools, a representative sample and a tightly controlled design. Audit was conducted in all practices prior to the study, where measurement tools such as weighing scales, height measure and large blood pressure cuffs were assessed. The provided consistency of the tools used at each centre along with evidence of their validity. Validity refers to whether an instrument measures what it stated to be measuring whilst reliability relies upon individuals using the tools and reporting accurate measurments obtained (Carter and Porter 2000). It was noted those practices participating in this study were self-selected, already having an interest in obesity management, thus possibly weakening representations. It was encouraging that a cross-section of those involved included large practices, rural, urban, single handed and those fro low deprivation areas. This appeared to provide a representative population with no evidence of bias selection. The xxxx project was ethically approved by xxxx. In contrast Moore et al (2003) in a cluster randomised control studyxxxxxxxx Cluster randomised trual means the sampling frame are geographically spread or the individual elements of the population are not know (Rees 2003). The advantage of this process is achievement of an accessible sample from an almost impossible total population (Rees 2003). Donnan (2000) states experimental research is the gold standard way of representing in a rigorous style that a treatment or intervention is effective. It concludes it si an essential tool for qualitative evaluation of a studys worth. Greenhalgh (2006) draws attention to the fact that publication of an article does not mean the evidence is robust. In conclusion as found in xxxx. Rees (2003) states bias is anything that distorts or affects a study, potentially altering or influencing the accuracy of the findings. Results noted that xxxx. They conclude more in=depth training of health professionals is needed xxxx. This would involve further implementation of training progrmmes and additional research. Ethical approval was granted by the xxxx ethics committee. The research paper by XX (2007) mixes quantitative and qualitative approaches and is known as triangulation,. Docherty (2000) suggests use of triangulation provides richer, more meaningful data. Holloway and Wheeler (2002) support this method stating it to be a way of obtaining rigour in qualitative research. Rees (2003 p. 235) lists this as being the use of more than one method of data collection within the same study in an attempt to produce more accurate information and understanding. This was a cross-sectional study with questionnaires being completed by forty General Practitioners and forty-seven practice nurses. A limitation to this study was no indication was made of the total number of initial questionnaires sent out in comparison to the response rate. A cross-sectional study is a survey that gazes at a situation at one point in time (Rees 2003). The qualitative results by xx (2005) were not shown within the report and rigour was disputed on reading the research paper as a full conclusion of the findings could not be made. It is realised word restriction could be the main reason for the results being omitted, but unfortunately it leaves the reading having to guess what they might have concluded. Ethical approval was supported by xxxx. In comparison with Gibbs et al (2004b) article the outcomes indicated mirror one another, with both papers coming to the conclusion that opportunties for xxxxxx in primary care are often missed or inadequate time given to education and support. Although the report by xx(2-3) shows xxxx, it was indicated this was in accordance with increasing responsibilities in implementation of chronic disease management. It is highlighted in the report that caution regarding results needs to take place. Also this article, although mainly quantitative, has a small sample size. Parahoo (1997) states quantitative research usually involves large numbers in probability samples. The importance of large numbers aims to lessen the chance of bias and correctly achieve statistical procedures (Rees 2003). A pilot study was not carried out prior to this research. Piloting of a questionnaire increases research validity and reliability as it highlights any anticipated problems accessing data, and ensures the method used to gather data works (Parahoo 1997). Research should be instigated because the researcher wants to extend knowledge base and understanding through rigorous collection of information, answering a question objectively and with accuracy (Rees 2003). SUPPORT Soanso (2009) article is a qualitative study and deals with support and perceptions of the patient who is obese. This is a primary study that reports research findings first hand (Greenhalgh 2006). Rees (2003) states to have involvement in qualitative research and understand a topic, individuals first have to see it through the eyes of those who experience it. This method aims to summarise perceptions, experiences, behaviour or interpretations. This process included a qualitative study with semi-structured interviews drawing on grounded theory methodology. Grounded theory aims to produce a concept or explanation that is grounded in the results and arises inductively by researchers understanding and analysis (Rees 2003). Polit et al (2001) strongly supports interviews stating they by far outweigh questionnaires. The response rate is higher, reaching a wider population than questionnaires, are less likely to mislead those reading the questions and provide wealthier data. Rees (2003) ag rees with the above adding, those involved can experience the belief of being in control and positively feeling more valued. It is noted there are disadvantages such as high cost, participants providing socially acceptable answers, affect of interviewer status and difficultly in expressing feelings (Rees 2003). Five general practices from differing socioeconomic backgrounds in Sheffield were involved with interviews conducted at their homes. This provided a varied population adding rigour to the study, and it could be generally assumed an individual would feel more comfortable being interviewed within their own surroundings. Although, it can be argued that interviewers have less power to control the interview within this environment as there is no assurance that the interviewee will maintain a safe place with no interruption, disturbance or being overheard (Pontin Webb 1995, Webb Pontin 1996). Kdfsdfsfhskdfhsd. Ethical approval was sought prior to this study from xxx Ethics Committee. Application to clinical practice (30% c 1050 words) 1086 APPLICATION TO PRACTICE At present within the authors practice setting issues of xxxx are raised xxxx. Since April 2006 the General Medical Service Contract (National Health Service 2006) awarded points for the xxxx. This critical review of the literature has aimed to answer the question: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx? It is well documented that xxxx. Research that has been carried out in an ethical manner and is of robust design can benefit all involved and improve practice (Royal College of Nursing 2004). The document Best Research for Best Health (Department of Health 2006a) states research provides the support and evidence to tackle increasing challenges that disease and ill health have placed on society. This document supports a pilot study within primary care in England to improve evidence based practice of care by facilitating the conduct of clinical trial and other well designed studies. It would hardly be an exaggeration to say, pending successful results in 2014, the use of this structure within primary care in Wales could potentially benefit application of much needed research findings into practice. Findings of this review showed the counterweight project by Gibbs et al (2004a, 2004b) provided the best evidence of implementation within practice, showing xxxx. The Cochrane Library for Sytematic Reviews (2004) supports the Counterweight Project (2004b) stating The Counterweight Programme is an evidence-based weight managmentxxxx Brown Psarou (2007) in their literature review also supported this project stating it was rigorously conducted and soundly funded. Presentation of these research findings were undertaking xxxx. Banning (2005) suggests the management of obesity should focus on xxxx. The National Institue for Clinical Excellence (2001) states that primary care nurses are ideally placed to manage and assess obese individuals. This comprehensive package addresses issues and management of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. The material is simplistic with the alforithm providing an easy guide for the primary care nurse to follow, The à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ pathway opportunistically at routine appointments or reviews. To implement this in the clinical setting, xxxx. Successful implementation of this pathway into the practice setting would require change management issues to be addressed. Implementation of change following research can be a difficult process. Resistance, resentment and jealousy can all impede implementation of the change process (Cormack 2000). To overcome resistance to change the key factor is leadership, along with effective communication and a sound understanding of what motivates people (LaMonica 1994). Those involved in the change process must be kept informed and involved at each stage of change. Individuals like equilibrium and are keen to be involved once they know the process will not cause problems or a change of workload (Broome 1998). (Paulas) CONCLUSION A conclusion was included within the abstract, xxxx As suggested by McCaughan (1999) and Playle (2000), there is a restriction placed on researchers and authors by publications to condense from a much larger and more detailed research report. It can be assumed that this is the case with this research article. However, as suggested by Baxter (2001c) that in qualitative research to aid the flow and understandings, discussion and conclusion are kept together under one heading. In the authors opinion, the conclusion should have à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ RECOMMENDATIONS Stevens et al (1993) suggests the realistic researcher would draw conclusion from the data presented and then make further recommendations on what other research is required. However, there is no heading of recommendation or any indication that one was included. Alternatively, suggestions for further research studies and in the authors opinion threr should have been a recommendation for future randomised control trial. There is a possibility as suggested by Playle (2000) that the actual research report is more detailed with recommendations, but this may have been lost when condensed for publication. Teresas conclusion In conclusion, this literature review has shown xxxx. To achieve this, implementation of findings along with ongoing research is necessary to sustain the evolving needs of xxxx. It should be noted that a limited number of research articles were used for this review, providing partial evidence. Thus, it is suggested more concrete evidence is needed requiring a further search and review of the literature on xxxx. It would hardly be an exaggeration to say that this review has highlighted the need for further research on the topic of xxxx relating to support and education. It can be said this would potentially emphasise additional studies, which in turn could be applied to practice improving nurse education and support to the obese patient. APPLICATION TO CLINICAL PRACTICE AUTHORS CONCLUSIONS The article on à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Appeared to be a concise, informative and innovative piece of research on first perusal. However, what appeared at first glance to be justà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. turned out to be more complicated upon closer iinvestigation and mmmmmm. The reader begins to questionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ It has a focus and direction, which is to assess the efficacy of maggot therapy and a very concise and informative methodology, which would enable anyone to reproduce a similar type of research. The data collection procedures are not clearly identified, although the simple representation allows it to be easily followed and replicated. This is further confounded by the entwined discussion and conclusion and as suggested by Baxter (2001c) this often occurs with qualitative research. Nevertheless, the reader must balance the evidence presented and sometimes more than one type of evidence (Roberts, 1999) is needed to determine if the interventions is practicable or efficient, as well as ethical and morally sound (Freak, 1995). Another point is the ethical considerations à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Ethical significance à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. An assumption is the researcher focus on the results or alternative the method, as being more interesting or important (Firby, 1995) to the reader. As suggested by various authors including Polit Hungler (1991) all research has limitation and can be imperfect and if this research article has been condensed from a much larger research report, then this critique has been conducted on a published condensed research article and not the actual research report. Therefore, what imperfections or liitations that are identified within this critique, is the ability of the researchers to actually condense their work and the readers have to assume that the researchers have honestly presented their fndings (Firby, 1995). For all the points highlighted like ethical, operational definitions, qualitative/quantitative approach, this is a very good informative research article that allows anyone to replicate the study. AUTHORS RECOMMENDATION The author would like to recommend thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Furthermore, it à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. However, as reported by XX, the main disadvantage is,,,, nevertheless, A readonable recommendation in the authors opinion would beà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦, In addition, if there isà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ INTEGRATING RESEARCH INTO PRACTICE Sdfhsdkfhshdfhdfh to advocate and support the patient. References Avis, M. Bond, M. Arthur, A. (1997). Questioning patient satisfaction: an empirical investigation in two outpatient clinics. Social Science Medicine. 44,1:85-92 Backhouse, S. Brown, Y. (2000). Using a patient satisfaction survey to close the theory-practice gap. Nursing Standard. 14,38:32-35 Byrne, G. Richardson, J. Patel, A. (2000). Patient satisfaction with emergency nurse practitioners in AE. Journal of Clinical Nursing. 9,1:83-93 Cohen, L. Delaney, P. Boston, P. (1994). Listening to the customer: implementing a patient satisfaction measurement system. Gastroenterology Nursing. 17,3:110-115 Cormack, D. (editor) (2000). The Research Process in Nursing. (4th ed). Blackwell Science Ltd. Oxford. Duffin, C. (2002). If youre happy and you know it. Nursing Standard. 16,32:12-13 Ford, R. Bach, S. Fottler, M. (1997). Methods of measuring patient satisfaction in health care organizations. Health Care Management Review. 22,2:74-79 LoBiondo-Wood, G. Haber, J. (2002). Nursing Research, Methods, Critical Appraisal and Utilization. Mosby. Missouri. Marsden, E. (1992). Outpatient nurses must adapt to survive. British Journal of Nursing. 1(7) 356-357 McColl, E. Thomas, L. Bond, S. (1996). A study to determine patient satisfaction with nursing care. Nursing Standard. 10,52:34-38 Miles, K. Penny, N. Power, R. Mercey, D. (2003). Comparing doctor and nurse-led care in a sexual health clinic: patient satisfaction questionnaire. Journal of Advanced Nursing.42 (1), 64-72 Polit, D. Beck, C. Hungler, B. (2004). Essentials of Nursing Research, Methods, Appraisal a

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Write on Topics You are Passionate About :: Teaching Writing Education Essays

Write on Topics You are Passionate About How do I become a better writer? Is it by proofreading and listening to my teachers? Does it come in time? Or should the question be what do I write better about? Do I write better about scientific garbage or idea and topics I can actually relate to. I will go with the latter. I write better about topics I am passionate about. For example, I can write more vividly about cheerleading and soccer than I ever could about evolution. Let us focus on becoming a better writer again. I watch television and go to movies frequently. I occasionally read books. Reasonably, engaging in visual entertainment and reading other authors’ work aid in my writing style. The shows I watch and the books I read are usually about topics I am interested in or passionate about. Specifically, the movie Pleasanteville, the television show Felicity, and two books A Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger and A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean help me to become a better writer. To begin with, Pleasanteville is an interesting movie that can easily be paralleled to the first book of the Bible, Genesis and to the civil rights movement of the 1960’s in the United States. The movie depicts two people bringing "color" to the lives of many. The "color", however, must come from sin. Therefore, the new "coloreds" are banned from the Garden of Eden so to speak. This is also very similar to the colored people being banned from public buildings and events for being different. These two topics, the Bible and civil rights of humans in general are of great interest to me. Hence, I paid attention to detail on how the director presented his ideas to the audience. By learning his techniques and agreeing or disagreeing with them can help me write better by simply applying his work to mine. Additionally, the television show Felicity is a show about college freshman students straight out of high school. The show focuses on relationships and hardships that a college freshman will encounter. Considering the fact that I am technically a college freshman myself, it is only natural that I allow this show to intrigue me. In particular, one episode caught my attention. This episode dealt with the issues of boundaries in a friendship and lightly touched on the issue of date rape.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Industrial Hemp Essay -- essays research papers

Hemp is the longest, strongest most durable natural fiber known to mankind and has been used for over twelve thousand years. Hemp can be grown in four months, is drought resistant and does not require herbicides or pesticides. The hemp plant is harvested for its fibers, seed, seed-meal and seed oil. Hemp is a distinct variety of the plant species cannabis sativa L. Due to the similar leaf shape; hemp is frequently confused with marijuana. Although both plants are from the species cannabis, hemp contains virtually no THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the active ingredient in marijuana. Hemp cannot be used as a drug because it produces virtually no THC (less than one percent), where marijuana produces between five to twenty percent THC. Hemp is among the earth's primary renewable resources. Trees cut down to make paper take fifty to five-hundred years to grow back while hemp can be cultivated in as little as one-hundred days, and can yield four times more paper over a twenty year period. Hemp also does not require pesticides, while half the pollutants in the U.S. today are sprayed on cotton plants, hemp is naturally mildew resistant, requires no pesticides, and maintains a healthy environment for the surrounding streams, air, flora and fauna. Hemp slows ozone depletion: the industrial use of fossil fuels, like petroleum, contributes to global warming by rapidly increasing the amount of CO2 in our atmosphere; however, hemp fuels, derived from the plant itself, maintain the e...

Apollonius Of Perga :: essays research papers fc

Apollonius of Perga Apollonius was a great mathematician, known by his contempories as " The Great Geometer, " whose treatise Conics is one of the greatest scientific works from the ancient world. Most of his other treatise were lost, although their titles and a general indication of their contents were passed on by later writers, especially Pappus of Alexandria. As a youth Apollonius studied in Alexandria ( under the pupils of Euclid, according to Pappus ) and subsequently taught at the university there. He visited Pergamum, capital of a Hellenistic kingdom in western Anatolia, where a university and library similar to those in Alexandria had recently been built. While at Pergamum he met Eudemus and Attaluus, and he wrote the first edition of Conics. He addressed the prefaces of the first three books of the final edition to Eudemus and the remaining volumes to Attalus, whom some scholars identify as King Attalus I of Pergamum. It is clear from Apollonius' allusion to Euclid, Conon of Samos, and Nicoteles of Cyrene that he made the fullest use of his predecessors' works. Book 1-4 contain a systematic account of the essential principles of conics, which for the most part had been previously set forth by Euclid, Aristaeus and Menaechmus. A number of theorems in Book 3 and the greater part of Book 4 are new, however, and he introduced the terms parabola, eelipse, and hyperbola. Books 5-7 are clearly original. His genius takes its highest flight in Book 5, in which he considers normals as minimum and maximum straight lines drawn from given points to the curve ( independently of tangent properties ), discusses how many normals can be drawn from particular points, finds their feet by construction, and gives propositions determining the center of curvature at any points and leading at once to the Cartesian equation of the evolute of any conic. The first four books of the Conics survive in the original Grrek and the next three in Arabic translation. Book 8 is lost. The only other extant work of Apollonius is Cutting Off of a Ratio ( or On Proportional Section ), in an Arabic translation. Pappus mentions five additional works, Cutting off an Area ( or On Spatial Section ) , On Determinate Section, Tangencies, and Plane Loci. Tangencies embraced the following general problem : given three things, each of which may be a point, straight line, or circle, construct a circle tangent to the three. Sometimes known as the problem of Apollonius, the most difficult case arises when the three given things are circles. Of the other works of Apollonius referred to by ancient writers, one, On

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Manipulations of Memory Used by Orwell and Williams

The steady development of â€Å"Big Brother† as the all-controlling entity in George Orwell’s 1984 is the premise for the role truth plays throughout the novel. Truth is functioned against society for the benefit of the government. Similarly, Tennessee Williams creates a uniquely different environment for his characters in The Glass Menagerie while maintaining the same function of truth as a source of distortion and control. Collectively, the themes of dehumanization in 1984 and distortion of memory in The Glass Menagerie relate to one another regarding the function of truth in each work to substantiate a sense of authority and deception. Oppression in 1984 as a direct instrument of dehumanization is made quite evident within the text. The inner-party uses several brainwashing and torture tactics to rid society of past memories and experiences. The effects these tactics have upon truth are substantial in their regard. The intent of â€Å"Big Brother† is to reduce human beings understanding to a more basic, easily manipulated and empty slate where the agendas of the inner-party can be executed with ease. We see the extent to which understanding of the past affects one’s attitude about the present when Winston states, â€Å"And when memory failed and written records were falsified—when that happened, the claim of the Party to have improved the conditions of human life had got to be accepted, because there did not exist, and never again could exist, any standard against which it could be tested† (Orwell 93). This quote is said following Winston’s frustrating conversation with the old man about life prior to the Revolution. Winston is coming to terms that the party has deliberately set out to weaken people’s memories in order to render them unable to challenge what the Party claims about the present. If no one remembers life before the Revolution, then no one can say that the Party has failed humanity by forcing people to live in conditions of scarcity, filth, ignorance, and famine. Rather, the party uses rewritten history books and falsified records to prove its good deeds. This proves the theory that truth is dependent of memory and without memory truth is subject to manipulation and in this case dehumanization. Orwell not only suggests this theory through the events observed in Winston but also through Winston’s own surrender to â€Å"Big Brother† and its definition of truth at the end of the novel. After the inner-party’s relentless attempt to purge Winston of any prohibited thoughts, they achieve their goal of dehumanizing him. The narrator brings closure to the novel as he describes Winston’s â€Å"new† character. â€Å"He gazed up at the enormous face. Forty years it had taken him to learn what kind of smile was hidden beneath the dark moustache. O cruel, needless misunderstanding! O stubborn, self-willed exile from the loving breast! Two gin-scented tears trickled down the sides of his nose. But it was all right, everything was all right, the struggle was finished. He had won the victory over himself. He loved Big Brother†, said the narrator (Orwell 297). Winston’s curiosity towards â€Å"Big Brother† was prevailing during the earlier parts of the novel. This curiosity soon transforms into animosity urging him to join a rebel group to overthrow â€Å"Big Brother†. Despite these negative feelings, the power of dehumanization works against what years of curiosity have said to Winston to be true. His memory of â€Å"Big Brother† as being counterproductive to society is no longer existent because his present situation says that â€Å"Big Brother† should be loved unconditionally. The fact that Winston’s conversion was successful should focus the reader on truth and memory and how they are comparable. The dehumanization of memory stands as a principle theme in 1984 and it is through this theme that Orwell functions truth to reveal the desire of deception. Tennessee Williams takes a corresponding approach to truth and its function in his play, The Glass Menagerie. The characters, Amanda, Tom, and Laura all face the similar dilemma of a falsified perception of reality. The mother, Amanda, is the most blatant character in denial. Her situation as a single mother raising two children has subliminally deceived what she sees as factual. In a conversation with Laura Amanda is quoted â€Å"Why you're not crippled, you just have a little defect — hardly noticeable, even! When people have some slight disadvantage like that, they cultivate other things to make up for it — develop charm — and vivacity — and — charm† (Orwell 18)! Seemingly everyone is quite aware that Laura is crippled however, Amanda will not come to terms with this occurrence. She deals with this unfortunate fact by lying to herself that her daughter is not crippled thus proving there to be little veracity to any memories she has. Throughout the play Amanda is full of deceptions. Amanda changes her style of speech to a southern accent when Laura’s gentleman caller arrives. Amanda states â€Å"â€Å"light food an’ light clothes are what warm weather calls fo†Ã¢â‚¬  (Orwell 63). The reader is told that Amanda was born in the south. In spite of that, this is the first time she speaks with a southern accent. Amanda explains her newly discovered accent as her â€Å"rejuvenated† personality but the reader can assume this is her attempt to mislead the people around her to believe she is something that she is not further revealing her deceitful memory. Consequently, Tom and Laura are trapped by this illusion Amanda creates. Laura is highly dependent upon her mother therefore she is influenced by Amanda’s views. Tom carries the burden of providing for his family and cannot leave from this world of lies and untruths. Amanda’s present state has distorted her memory and essentially distorted her sense of self and reality. Her ability to do this has given her control of what she can feel and therefore how she can live her life despite not being able to escape from the poverty stricken life. Despite having contrasting influences behind their respected themes, 1984 and The Glass Menagerie share a common purpose to gain control over reality through the manipulation of truth. In 1984 Winston observed and experienced the tactics that â€Å"Big Brother† used to give the public a misleading view of truth. Through dehumanization, â€Å"Big Brother† achieved full authority over its citizens by erasing all memories of life before the revolution. With no memories to go by society was at the mercy of â€Å"Big Brother† and what the inner-party considered acceptable. People could not judge right from wrong because â€Å"Big Brother† was all they ever knew. The Glass Menagerie is comparable is the sense that Amanda needed to gain control over her life which seemed to be spinning into the ground. She was helpless and this feeling led her to shape her own reality in order to regain this sense of control. People are typically fearful of things they cannot conquer. Amanda could not achieve freedom from her environment therefore she created her own path through a deceptive memory. Her children were trapped in this life of lies just as Winston was in 1984. In both works we see a desire of power to control their respected situations. 1984 sought for the control of society whereas The Glass Menagerie sought for the control of the Wingfield future. The power of memory is existential to the human ability of perceiving the present. George Orwell’s 1984 and Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie manipulate memory in such a similar fashion that their functions of truth are nearly identical concerning their purpose. In 1984 truth is functioned against society for the sake of â€Å"Big Brother† and the inner-parties agenda through dehumanization. Similarly, Orwell uses Amanda’s character in The Glass Menagerie to demonstrate the importance of memory and how one’s own deception of truth can distort their reality dramatically. Both pieces of work complement one another and solidify the case that memory or a deceitful memory for that matter is vulnerable to exploitation and the effects can be substantial in regard to one’s sense of actuality.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Temple Grandin

Gleidys Reyes ENGL 1010-307 Professor Mowry Research Essay 4/9/11 Temple Granding Topic Sentence: Temple Grandin is an autistic scientist, inventor and writer who was born to revolutionize the handling of livestock and the understanding of autism. I. Three different stages in her life A. Childhood B. College Education C. Professional career II. Difficulties with autism during childhood D. Symptoms of autism E. Her mother’s efforts to help her F. Creation of squeeze machine III. College education and exposure to farm animals G. Universities she went to H. Interest for farm animalsI. Creation of curve chute IV. Achievements throughout her career and contributions to livestock industry and to autism V. Conclusion Gleidys Reyes ENGL 1010-307 Professor Mowry Research Essay 4/9/11 Temple Grandin Since the begging of time, the humane kinds have witnessed the existence of genius minds. Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, Galileo Galilee and many others are all examples of geniuses that w ere born to revolutionize their area of expertise. Fortunately, in today’s days these kinds of geniuses continue to exist, and among these contemporaneous geniuses there is a pecial woman disserving mentioning. Her name is Temple Grandin, an autistic scientist, inventor and writer that was born to revolutionize the handling of livestock and the understanding of autism. Since about six month old temple grandin displayed the typical symptoms of autism: a neurological disorder that affects the brains’ normal development causing lack of language, lack of sensory/motor processing, noise sensitivity, fixation on rotating objects, and sensitivity to physical touch. Since her diagnosis temple’s mother directed all her effort to improving her daughter’s life.She took the time to search for schools where the staff was capacitated to deal with her daughter special needs; she hired a special care giver to play with temple to prevent her from immerging into the autist ic world; and she enrolled her in speech therapy. Thanks to all these efforts and to her constant dedication and tutoring, temple learned to speak and read. As temple entered puberty, she was frequently found on a state of constant panic and stress triggered by her oversensitivity to sounds, to images and to touch.Looking for some release to her symptoms, grandin parted to her aunt’s cattle ranch in Arizona. In the ranch, while looking at cows entering a squeeze chute, temple realized that cattle’s anxiety went way once they entered the chute. Intrigued by this fact, she decided to enter the chute and tried it out onto herself. While she was being hugged by the mechanical devise, she found herself on a state of relaxation she had never been before.Since she was unable to tolerate touch and having found something that attained to release her symptoms, temple immediately built her own chute, which she later called ‘the squeeze machine. ’ Temple has said that the squeeze machine gave her physical comfort and helped her to connect with her mother and to feel sympathy toward others. Today, a more advance version of the squeeze machine is used to treat autistic and developmentally disable children in many centers along the United States (Grandin, Temple).When she finished high school, Grandin entered Franklin Pierce College where she graduated with honors and earned a B. A. in psychology. Then, she enrolled at Arizona State University to continue her career as a psychologist. Nevertheless, during academic years 1970-72 she worked at different livestock facilities where she began to notice certain similarities between cows and her autistic condition: cows just like her, thought in pictures and experienced moments of intense anxiety and stress. Fascinated by this iscovery, she resolved to switch her master’s to animal science. In 1975 she finished her master’s degree, which she followed by a Ph. D. in animal science from the Un iversity of Illinois in 1989, and in 1980 she opened her own company, Grandin livestock handling system incorporated. Because during her previous jobs temple saw firsthand the methods used to kill livestock and understood cattle’s fears and anxieties at slaughterhouses, she dedicated her genius to designing what she calls â€Å"humane slaughter systems. This is temple’s term to refer to livestock handling systems that reduce livestock pain, discomforts and fears along their lives in farms and meat plants as well as during their execution in slaughter houses. One of her most significant contributions to livestock has been the curve chute she designed in 1986. The chute, among other things, prevents cattle from seeing people, shadows, trucks and other factors that scare them and increase the animals stress during their last minutes. With the curve chute, therefore, cattle remain calm and die peacefully.Since the curve chute came out, it’s advantages and benefits were recognized, and quickly became the only handling system at meat processing plants in the United States and in countries such as Canada, Mexico, England, and Australia (â€Å"Grandin, Temple†). Temple success with livestock is in part accredited to her autism, which allows her to see in pictures. â€Å"My mind Works just like Google for images. I don’t think in the abstract at all, everything in my life is organized visually† (Qtd. in Vansickle).This ability enables her to connect to farm animals and visualize major problems, which she then improves in her creations. In addition, Temple believes that because animals give humans so much they should be treated with respect up until their death. Among her most weighty achievements on this matter figure: an objective scoring system to ensure humane handling of cattle and pigs at meat processing facilities, procedures to reduce animals’ sickness and death, hundreds of articles and training videos that expl ain and demonstrate proper livestock handling, and several books on the same subject.She also developed the American Meat Instituted animal welfare auditing program, which is the first program in the United States to monitor and supervise proper slaughtering processes and the total number of incorrectly stunned animals. Although grandin’s work focuses more on livestock behavior, she is also well-known for her contributions to autism. She has written many articles and lectured endlessly about her experience with autism, and based on her experience scientists have developed new treatments and procedures for autistic children.Besides, she wrote her story about her live with autism in her autobiographic books, Emergence: Labeled Autistic as well as in Thinking in Pictures and Other Reports from My Life with Autism (Vansickle). Temple Grandin besides being the most known autistic adult in the world, is one of the most influential and respected names in her field. Time Magazine acc redited this by including her among the 100 most influential people in the world. Her work has been awarded with numerous honors such as â€Å"Who's Who of American Women in 1990, Humane Award from the American Veterinary Medical Association, and Richard L.Knowlton Innovation Award from Meat Marketing and Technology Magazine† (Vansickle). Currently, Doctor Grandin spends her days teaching at Colorado State University and consulting with the livestock industry on facility designs, livestock handling, and animal welfare. Works Cited â€Å"Grandin, Temple. † Current Biografy 1994: n. pag. Biographies Plus Illustrated. . Web. 9 Apr. 2011. Vansickle, Joe. â€Å"Temple Grandin. † National Hog Farmer 15 May 2007: 28-30. Academic Rearch Premier. Web. 9 Apr. 2011.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Agriculture of the Mayas and the Ancient Egyptians Essay

Agriculture is in the heart of any great civilization, which in turn, erects great empires. The origins of empires all stem down to smaller pieces of civilizations. It is responsible for feeding and sustaining the vastness of great empires. Of course, one has to find a suitable place to harvest or hunt for food. Agriculture differs from one civilization to the next but it is all essentially important. Egyptians were actually a population consisting mainly of farmers. Mayans were no exception – they focused on agricultural needs and therefore developed advanced technology in that area. Agriculture is made up of many factors like water, soil, or landscape. A civilization needs to know how to cultivate crops first off because there are many ways in which one can take a plant. Different tools can be used for different crops and that highlights the start of a civilization. Then comes hunting, which is unique to each culture since the land provides certain animals for food and it is up to the population to decide which animal is most preferred and should be hunted for the most. After farming and hunting animals, the civilization decides what foods are more preferable and next time they would go for those crops or animals. This brings the civilization to domesticate preferable animals and grow preferable crops. It is a mix of mother nature and the preference of the civilization. The Egypt civilization developed in one of the largest dry desert areas in the world – larger than the whole of Europe. It would have been a miracle if people could settle there. People were able to inhabit it only possible because of the Nile River which crosses an almost rainless desert from south to north carrying the waters of Lake Victoria more than 3000 miles to the Mediterranean Sea. In ancient times, Egypt settled in the last 700 miles of this waterway. The land of Egypt had a poor variety of plants – there were very few trees. The wild fig and the acacia was the only common forest trees and they grow in a isolated fashion. There are also fruit trees such as the date and dom palms and the fig tree. Less trees meant that wood was scarce as well. It was less convenient for Egypt. In the dry conditions of the desert, there was a barely any plants, herbs or vegetables. It is miraculous how the Egyptians formed a culture with this poor agriculture. On the other hand, Mayans lived in the land of Mesoamerica, which had plentiful trees and resources. In their land, the animals were abundant and the climate was favorable. However, the Mayans had a great population of people and this meant that they would need a lot of food. Sustaining this large population meant that good farming methods would be necessary. Farming methods play an important part in agriculture. Some civilizations are more complex than others. However, advanced technology does not always win in agriculture. Sometimes, the good old common sense method will bring more to the table than intense and vicious cultivation. The way people cultivate crops will also reflect in their tools and becomes part of their culture. Agricultural technology depends on the land. The civilization can choose to be hostile or gentle depending on how much resources is available. The Mayans had a enormous amount of resources, therefore, Mayan farmers were aggressive on the land. They took on a method of swiden (shifting cultivation), which means they took what they needed and left the land to nature. However, this abandonment of corrupted land was not productive because they would run out of resources. The Mayans probably sensed this because they later evolved into a intensive multi-crop cultivation. They started to take care of the land. In this effort, much labor was needed to sustain the massive cultivation of crops. This concludes that most Mayans were farmers and were in the workforce of mass cultivation. Egyptian farming methods were not very advanced. The Egyptians favored simplicity. The farmers would supply water to their crops by first making trenches on the Nile River, bringing it as close as possible to the fields and then establishing a draw-well. In the case of a perennial garden, water would be carried to the square growing-beds in pairs of pottery jars suspended on long wooden poles on the shoulders of men. Where there was fertile land, they grew cash-crops to be sold for profit abroad. Egyptian farmers also utilized animals in their farming. For example, farmers would use sheep to help them grow corn. Farmers would start by filling a small bag with seed and scattering it across the field. After it is scattered, sheep would be driven over the freshly sowed fields. This helps pack the seeds in the soil. Using this method, farmers were able to handle large fields. This method saved the farmers a lot of time. The Mayans and the Egyptians both had different farming method. Both methods were molded to provide goods to their civilizations. Neither method was more superior. Even though Mayans had more advanced methods, Egyptians had to use very primitive tools because of the land they lived in. This restriction probably caused Egyptians to go for more simple methods. However, one thing is clear – Mayans had a much more developed farming technology than the Egyptians. A civilization will show its true colors when it comes to the hunting of animals. After an animal is captured, the people can choose to kill it or breed it. If a civilization is violent, they will hunt and kill animals to handle their hunger. However, a civilization which chooses to domesticate animals have a greater sense of respect and patience towards the animals. This will prove that the treatment of animals will reflect on the civilization. Farming was not the only important factor in Mayan agriculture. In fact, Mayan agriculture started with the hunting of wild animals and the cultivation of wild crops. Hunting animals is important to agriculture because different tools were made to hunt different animals. The Mayans loved hunting. In a study, researchers found that over 8 months, peasant- hunters carried out a total of 175 hunting trips. Most hunting was done during the dry season (January-April). Mayans really depended on wild animals for food. Therefore, the violence was necessary for their survival. Egyptians domesticated more animals than they hunted. They held animals as sacred and saw them as companions. Upon all animals, the Egyptians respected the ox the most. The Egyptians dressed them up and talked to them like humans. They even gave cattle as sacrifices to the gods. This meant that the Egyptians did not depend on the animals for food. This is a good example of how domestication of animals reflects the attitude of the civilization towards animals. In comparison, Mayans were much more violent towards animals than the Egyptians were. The Mayans saw the animals as food while the Egyptians saw them as something holy. However, animals were more abundant in the Mayan world when compared to Egypt. It could very well be that since Egyptians realized that there was a scarce amount of animals, they should be held sacred. In the Mayan culture, since they saw so much animals and they were more violent than the Egyptians, they probably decided that it was a better idea to eat these animals than to take time domesticating them. Therefore, the Mayans incorporated more meat in their diet than the Egyptians. The average diet of different civilizations will decide which foods were more popular in the culture and in turn what foods would be grown or hunted. This makes a difference in agriculture because not all foods are taken from the wild. If a certain food is liked more, the civilization will work to preserve it through farming or domestication. This is only in the case when that food is less abundant in the land and the civilization truly cannot live without the specific food. The food that was gathered from farming and hunting made up the diet of the Mayans. The everyday diet of this civilization also resembled the type of agriculture they had. For Mayans, they were lovers of corn. Their diets consisted of mostly corn. This reflected in their agriculture because they cultivated mostly corn. On the other hand, Mayans ate other crops too but their diet remained intensively to corn, beans and squash. When it came to meat, Mayans favored turkey over everything else. Turkey was prized in the Mayan culture – they hunted wild turkey most of the time. Mayans also knew about spices because they used chili peppers to spice up their food. Chili peppers was prized almost as much as corn since it was the main spice the Mayan used. Chili peppers were mass cultivated just like corn. The Mayan diet would seem very close to a vegetarian diet. However, they were also intensive hunters and that meant their diets contained meat as well. All in all, the Mayans had a he althy and simple diet consisting mostly of vegetables. The Egyptians held animals sacred and therefore, most Egyptians were vegetarians. In fact, the ox was seen as such a sacred animal that the Egyptians allowed the oxen to have meals with them. They fed the ox like how modern people would feed their dogs. They had a diet of mostly barley and wheat. The dependence on these foods meant that barley and wheat were extensively cultivated. There were also other foods such as corn and date fruits, but barley and wheat were favored among all else. Mayans and Egyptians were very different when it came down to diets. They did not have much in common. However, their diets showed how it could change agriculture. The more they loved a certain food and depend on it, the more it was seen in the fields of the farmers. For Mayans it was corn and for Egyptians, it was wheat and barley. Because they favored it, it was grown more. The farming of certain plants were questionable because it was not seen in the Mayan or Egyptian diet. However, further research shows that some plants were only cultivated for their medicinal purposes. Medicine plays an important part in agriculture because it comes from the land. As people learn to use the plant more for medical use, they are contributing to the growing agriculture. Civilizations usually made medicine from their surroundings. It is interesting to discover how the surrounding land was used to provide medicine for the civilization. The useage of medicine has a large effect on what herbs or plants were grown because if it was essential to the civilization, there was a higher production of these plants. Mayan medicine contained food. Some were from odd sources. For example, chili peppers was not only a condiment for their food. It was actually used as one of the medicine. As mentioned before, chili peppers were one of the most cultivated plants along with corn. This is a perfect example of how medicine played a role in agriculture. The Egyptians did not have much knowledge for medicine. They were naive enough to believe that the cure for all illnesses could be found on a particular plant they called Dgam, or the olive tree. The greater number of medicine were of vegetable origin. They depended very much on the land for medicine. However, in some cases, there were rare instances when animals were used for medicine – for example, pig teeth, lizard blood and putrid meat were among the favorites of the Egyptians for medicine use. The Mayans and Egyptians needed medicine to take care of their inhabitants. However, the methods they used were both very simple. The Mayans and Egyptians used different plants since they had different needs. The Mayans relied on food sources like the chili for cures. The Egyptians relied on plants like the olive tree, which did not do much for medicine. The olive tree was more spiritually healing rather than physically helpful. In the scope of medicine, Mayans win over the Egyptians because their medicine was more powerful and scientific. Egyptians only based their medicine on spiritual beliefs of another power living inside their medicine. Agriculture consists of many different factors but it has essentially the same idea – the gathering of people working together to keep each other alive. This collectiveness is the beginning of a civilization. The mass cultivation of crops needs storage places and tools for efficiency. People need to build homes to accommodate the storage of food. Settling down means relying on a certain area for food. Agriculture is always going to lead to the start of a civilization. Mayan built their civilization somewhere where the food is accessible. The surplus of food happened to be corn – that became their main diet. Hunting turkeys was a preference because the agriculture of the land called for turkeys. They developed complex systems to tend to their farms. The Mayans were famous for their stone pyramids. They used the most abundant source of material they could find in the land and that is part of agriculture. The food, the land and the lifestyle that the Mayans had depended largely in part to their agriculture. Egyptians built their civilization on the harshest of environments. However, they were able to use the Nile River to their advantage. The abundant amount of water in the Nile made it possible for Egyptians to build a truly exotic empire. The Egyptians were famous for their sandstone pyramids. Their pyramids consisted of the desert sand and it was made possible only because the abundance of agriculture was there. The Egyptians used the land to their advantage by incorporating the Nile River in their farming systems. They favored wheat and barley because there was a lot of it. The land gave them what they needed and they built upon that foundation. The Mayans and the Egyptians were both very different in agriculture. The Mayans had the luxury of abundant food. Nature provided Mayans with trees, animals, crops and water. Nature was not so generous with the Egyptians. Their land is probably the direct opposite of the Mayan land. They did not have abundant food and they did not have much animals either. The climate zones were also completely different. The Mayans had warm temperatures and moist environments. The Egyptians had to go through harsh, hot sun and sand storms. Although the Mayans and the Egyptians seemed like they had nothing in common, there was a few things that were similar in both civilizations. First off, the Mayans and the Egyptians both had pyramids. They built it with the most abundant source they could find. Another thing they had in common was the workforce. They both had farmers who worked together to mass cultivate crops. The Egyptian workforce and the Mayan workforce was pretty impressive due to the fact that it was all focused on farming. In both cases, they believed that agriculture was important to a civilization. Agriculture can be many things. It can be the way people hunt for resources, grow resources and use resources. Agriculture can be summed down to the abundance of resources. Once a civilization has settled down, the most abundant resource will begin to show in their culture. The heart of civilization is agriculture and it is as important because it will build up a civilization.