Flexibility of Adapting Essay

Task 5 Given:â€Å"Curriculum guides allow you the flexibility of adapting your instruction to the individual learning needs of your students. . . . You will also want to remain flexible in choosing the level of behavioral complexity of your unit and lesson outcomes. For these decisions, the information you will need to match the complexity of your objectives to the needs of your learners will come from their in-class oral responses, practice exercises, performance assessments, homework, and tests. You will want to use these often to adjust the level of your instruction to your learners† (Borich, 2004, p. 130). View the video clip appropriate to your area of emphasis (see web links below).Elementary: â€Å"Content Area Reading† Secondary: â€Å"Memory† Note: Do not respond to any prompts or questions included in the video clips. If the video stops when a question appears, press the play symbol to resume the video. Task: A. After viewing the video, write responses to the prompts (1–2 paragraphs per prompt) using the Guided Reflection Protocol Form. To access the form, follow these instructions: †¢ Click on the Add/Edit Work button. †¢ Click on the Form tab. †¢ Answer the questions in the form. If you need additional space, include a Word attachment with your response. B. Review your state standards and select a lesson or lesson plan that includes a skill or concept appropriate to your area of emphasis. Write an essay (suggested length of 2–3 pages) in which you: 1. Describe how to adjust guided and independent practice for the skill or concept you selected in part B that is appropriate for: a. students experiencing difficulty understanding the skill or concept b. students progressing at a faster rate than average 2. Include five techniques appropriate for monitoring student performance in order to adjust interactive instruction. Note: These techniques should be based on an analysis of student performance during different phases of direct instruction (e.g., daily review and prerequisite checks, presentation of new concepts, guided practice, independent practice, periodic reviews). a. Identify which phase/stage of direct instruction matches each of your chosen monitoring techniques from part B2. i. Justify each of the pairings from part B2a. 3. Describe how you might adjust instruction using information gained from two of the monitoring techniques from part B2 to reteach, remediate, and/or accelerate student performance as feedback data directs. Note: Be sure your instructional adjustments address the needs of students experiencing difficulty as well as students progressing at a faster rate than average. Task 6 Introduction:Psychologists have long known that our interpretation, assimilation, and mastery of new learning is influenced by our existing mental sets, which are formed by our past and current experiences, learning, and interests. The current brain research on memory and learning is helping us to understand exactly how the brain works and how educators can best tap into the brain’s natural learning potential. Slavin (2006) writes: The human mind is a meaning maker. From the first microsecond you see, hear, taste, or feel something, you start a process of deciding what it is, how it relates to what you alre ady know, and whether it is important to keep in your mind or should be discarded. (p. 166) We not only assimilate new learning with our former understandings, but our very perception of what we consider reality is influenced by our learning, preconceived notions, and mental integrations of the past. While the notion of prerequisite skills in learning is a recognition that prior learning and experience can affect the current learning of new skills or concepts, the effect of the past often extends beyond classroom skills and concepts into a student’s total life.Review chapter 6 of Educational Psychology: Theory Into Practice to get a better understanding of what current brain research tells us about the importance of linking instruction to prior experiences or interests. Another resource that you will find useful as you work on this task is â€Å"Connecting Brain Research with Dimensions of Learning† (see web link below). Requirements:Write a brief essay (suggested length of 2 pages) in which you do the following: A. Explain how students’ past experiences, interests, and thought processes can influence the learning of current content area concepts. 1. Illustrate the link between past experiences, student interest, and present learning. 2. Discuss each of the following key principles of brain-based learning: †¢ importance of meaningful learning †¢ knowledge background †¢ levels of processing †¢ development of neural connections †¢ relevance†¢ activating prior knowledge (schema theory) B. Explain why consideration of past experiences, learning, and student interests should be an important part of lesson planning for the teacher. 1. Include specific examples from brain-based research to support your explanation. Task 7 Introduction: In this task, you will assess the adequacy of the lessons in terms of the attributes of curricular design. View the following videos. Teachscape Directions: 1. Select the title or topic of the video to be viewed from the list of web links provided at the bottom of this task. 2. Scroll down the left side bar to find the Topic of the video specified below. Click to open the folders and locate the tab labeled video. You may need to open various folders to identify the correct video folder located on the left side bar. 3. Click the triangle to begin the video.Note: Do not respond to any prompts or questions included in the video clips. Elementary and secondary program students should access the following video clips: Topic: Pre-Algebra: Pan Balance Equations Requirements: A. Write an essay in which you evaluate the lesson in terms of the following attributes of curricular design (1–2 paragraphs per attribute): 1. The lesson has a clear purpose that is transmitted during the lesson presentation. 2. The lesson refers to background knowledge and information from previous lessons. 3. The lesson has a clear delivery method(s) (e.g., direct instruction, indirect instruction, cooperative learning, inquiry, self-directed learning). 4. The lesson addresses a variety of learning styles and intelligences. 5. The lesson provides for assessment of student understanding. Task 8 Introduction:According to Alan Hofmeister and Margaret Lubke, â€Å"Pacing has two dimensions.† They say, One dimension, curriculum pacing, is concerned with the rate at which progress is made through the curriculum. The second dimension, lesson pacing, is concerned with the pace at which a teacher conducts individual lessons. One team of researchers summed up the importance of pacing as follows:Researchers have shown that most students, including low-achieving students, learn more when their lessons are conducted at a brisk pace, because more content gets covered by students. This assumes, of course, that the lesson is at a level of difficulty that permits a high rate of student success; material that is too difficult or presented poorly cannot be learned at any instructional pace [Wyne, Stuck, White, & Coop, 1986, p. 20]. (Hofmeister & Lubke, 1999, p. 19) Requirements: If you are enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program, focus your discussion on grades 1–3. If you are pursuing a K–8 teaching certification, focus your discussion on grades 5–8. If you plan to teach science, math, or social science at the secondary level, focus your discussion on grades 9–12. Write a brief essay (suggested length of 2–3 pages) in which you do the following: A. Explain the need for lesson pacing in a classroom. B. Explain how pacing differs for a class that includes English language learner (ELL) students from a class that does not include ELL students. C. Explain how the complexity of lesson content can influence lesson pacing with a class that includes ELL students. D. When you use sources, include all in-text citations and references in APA format. Task 9 Inrtroduction:The analysis and evaluation of student work is an important component of your skills as a teacher. The development and use of tools to aid in your analysis and evaluation are tasks that should be applied in all areas of the curriculum.Find one of your state objectives that could be appropriately assessed by having students give oral and written presentations. For example, the objective â€Å"Compare cultures from different parts of the Eastern Hemisphere in terms of each of the following components: politics, society, the arts, nutrition, economics, and ethnicity† could be measured by having students give oral presentations and write reports on what they have learned about Eastern Hemisphere cultures.Requirements: A. Identify a state objective from one of the core content academic areas that can be measured through oral presentations and written reports. Note: Clearly identify the state from which the objective was taken, the grade level, and the subject. The obj ective must be focused on the core content area (i.e., science, math, social studies, history, geography, or another core content area) and not on an oral presentation or written report skill. B. Develop a rubric that could be used to assess the students’ oral presentations. Your rubric should include the following: 1. a scoring component that indicates at least three levels of performance (e.g., the student met expectations, exceeded expectations, or was below expectations) 2. a scoring component that addresses at least three aspects of the students’ presentation (e.g., length of presentation, ability to answer questions, content level) C. Develop a rubric that could be used to assess the students’ written reports. Your rubric should include the following: 1. a scoring component  that indicates at least three levels of performance (e.g., the student met expectations, exceeded expectations, or was below expectations) 2. a scoring component that addresses at least three aspects of the student’s report (e.g., grammar and mechanics, inclusion of all required components, accuracy of content, length of report) Task 10 Introduction: The sample worksheet (see attachment below) was given to students in a math class to complete independently. The rubric used to assess the responses and a sampling of student answers and scores are also included. Requirements: A. Identify which students will need to be retaught the math content. B. Describe (suggested length of 2–3 paragraphs) two mathematical strengths for each student whose response indicates the need to reteach the math content. C. Briefly describe (suggested length of 2–3 paragraphs) two mathematical weaknesses for each student whose response indicates the need to reteach the math content.

How Does the Framed Narrative Have an Effect in Ethan Frome? Essay

In the prologue, Wharton sets the frame for the main story. The prologue (and epilogue) take place some twenty years after the events of the main story and are written in the first person. The anonymous Narrator describes his first impressions of Ethan Frome and about how he pieced together the story of Ethan Frome from personal observation and from fragments of the story told to him by townspeople. The prologue not only introduces The Narrator, but also describes Starkfield and the winter setting, inhabitants of Starkfield, and provokes curiosity about the tragedy experienced by Ethan Frome. Frome is a badly crippled but striking older man whom the Narrator has seen at the post office in Starkfield. Harmon Gow, a former stagecoach driver who knows the histories of all the Starkfield families, responds to the Narrator’s questions about Frome by telling him that Frome was disfigured in a â€Å"smash-up,† an accident that occurred 24 years ago. But Gow provides few details. The framed narrative told in the first-person by the Narrator builds suspense around Ethan Frome and the events leading to the â€Å"smash-up† that disfigured him. By telling the story through the device of the frame, the Narrator is trying to learn a story that has already happened; Wharton gives Ethan’s story a sense of inevitability. By introducing his story as a flashback, the Narrator makes very clear the fact that what we are about to read is not a factual record of the occurrences leading up to Ethan’s accident, but his own impressions of what those occurrences may have been. According to The Narrator, Ethan has the remains of a once powerful and sensitive man, whom is now bound and frustrated by the crippling effects of a sledding accident. Even though Ethan is only fifty-two years old, he looks as though he is â€Å"dead and in hell.† Wharton builds suspense when she reveals that the Narrator is also intrigued by the look of incredible suffering and despair that he sees in an unguarded moment on Ethan’s face; Wharton provokes curiosity about the tragedy that has robbed Ethan of his life. Wharton provides minimal information about Ethan. Harmon Gow shares the sad history of the deaths of Ethan’s parents and of Zeena’s sicknesses, and he adds the comment that â€Å"most of the smart ones get away,† implying that Ethan was smart, but unfortunately was unable to leave Starkfield. The themes of silence and isolation are introduced by the author. The Narrator is impressed with Ethan’s solitude and apparent withdrawal into a protective shell. Ethan gives the postman a â€Å"silent nod† and would â€Å"listen quietly.† He responds briefly, in a low tone, when spoken to by one of the townspeople. Gradually, more of Ethan’s character emerges, especially after The Narrator has talked with Ethan during the trips to Corbury Flats. Ethan’s intelligence is revealed The Narrator through Ethan’s interest in a book of popular science, and a parallel between Ethan and The Narrator is established when they reveal that they have both been on engineering trips to Florida. Wharton suggests that The Narrator is the kind of man Ethan might have become if he had not become trapped in his marriage. Ethan did the right thing according to the accepted rules of society by caring for his wife; however, it wasn’t the right thing for him. Ethan pays the price by never achieving his potential. According to The Narrator, Ethan lives in a â€Å"depth of moral isolation.† Wharton uses battle imagery to describe the way winter conquers Starkfield. The Narrator mentions â€Å"the wild cavalry of March winds† and he understood â€Å"why Starkfield emerged from its six months’ siege like a starved garrison capitulating without quarter.† The winter season is predominant: Ethan’s memory of his trip to Florida seems to be covered with snow. Even the name of the town, â€Å"Starkfield,† is significant is symbolic of the moral landscape of the novel. It implies the devastating and isolating effects of the harsh winters on the land and the men who work the land. The conclusion is that the ravages of winter destroy both man’s will to survive and the buildings he constructs to shield him from his environment. The â€Å"exanimate,† or lifeless, remains of Ethan’s sawmill are an example. The Narrator comments on the landscape that also suggests the debilitating effects of winter: the â€Å"starved apple-trees writhing over a hillside† suggests the barren land that starves men rather than feeds them. The dead vine on the front porch of Fromes’ farmhouse is symbolic of the dead and dying spirits that inhabit the house and its graveyard. And as The Narrator observes, Fromes’ farmhouse â€Å"shivers† in the cold and looks â€Å"forlorn.† After his important description of the â€Å"L† shape of the house — â€Å"the long deep-roofed adjunct usually built at right angles to the main house, and connecting it, by way of storerooms and tool-house, with the wood-shed and cow-barn† — The Narrator perceives that the farmhouse is symbolic of Ethan himself. The house’s function appears to be a place of confinement and isolation for its inhabitants. Wharton easily changes the focus from The Narrator’s first impressions to the dramatic action of the journey taken by Ethan and The Narrator in the snowstorm. It is ironic that a blinding snowstorm forces The Narrator to take shelter in the Frome farmhouse — it opens his eyes to Ethan’s story. As a result of that, the breaking off of the narration just before the door opens increases the suspense and prepares the reader for The Narrator entering the farmhouse in the culmination of the tragedy in the epilogue.

Rehabilitation in Prison Essay

Prison rehabilitation programs are the methods stated by criminal justice authorities to keep prisoners away from committing further crimes. Previously, the purpose of such programs was to improve the character of prisoners but now it has been directed towards complete avoidance of crimes. These programs assist criminals to start new life free from criminal activities. There are several methods or disciplines of prisoner rehabilitation (Cartmell, 2011). Some prisons are into the faith-based prisoner rehabilitation wherein religion is used to encourage inmates to adapt some moral values. There are also prisons, which practice the nonreligious and nonmedical approach to prisoner rehabilitation. Some of their programs last for about six to eight months. This program does not use alternative drugs for its drug rehabilitation module, and the costs are extremely low compared to the other prisoner rehabilitation programs that use drugs and acquire the services of third party counselors (Cartmell, 2011). Although prisoner rehabilitation does not guarantee that a prisoner is release on the due date, if he or she will then follow a life of crime any longer, at least it will give him or her new perspective on life. It will ensure that prisoners do not go out with the same attitude they had when they came in (Cartmell, 2011). It will change their lives and give his or her hope that there is life waiting for them outside the prison walls. Parole is the discharge of an inmate, previous to the expiration of the inmate’s court-imposed sentence with a period of supervision to be successfully completed by observance with the conditions and terms of the release agreement ordered by the Commission (Christensen, 2003-2011) . The decision of the commission to parole an inmate shall represent an act of grace of the state and should not be considered a right.  There are several differences between parole and probation. Most of the misunderstanding regarding the words is that probation officers may also be called parole officers. Probation is part of a sentence for committing a crime. The judge decides how much time a person must serve in jail guided by the laws of the state and how much time after incarceration is spent on probation. Sometimes a judge will only sentence a person convicted of a minor crime to one to several years of probation (Christensen, 2003-2011). Although on probation, a condition of the sentence may be to have weekly or monthly meetings with a probation officer. The other conditions may be applied to probation (Christensen, 2003-2011). A person may not be able to drive, or might have a curfew. He or she must also not commit further crimes whereas on probation, or the probation may be violated. This empowers the courts to send the person to jail to serve the length of the original sentence, and to serve any additional time for new crimes. Parole, on the other hand, is granted to the individual placed in jail. With many crimes sentencing has a maximum amount of years imposed. These years in jail however can be shortened if the person convicted of a crime behaves well in prison. After a time, a person in prison â€Å"comes up† for parole. The decision to grant a person parole is made by a parole board. If the person has done well in prison, and early release is not contested, the parole board can shorten prison time. There is superior motivation to parole nonviolent offenders because many jails are overcrowded. When a person receives parole, he or she is often bound by many conditions. The violation of parole means going back to prison to serve out the rest of one’s sentence. When someone is on parole is quite similar to experiencing probation. One expects a greater degree of supervision and is bound by the parole board or the court to behave in an exemplary fashion (Christensen, 2003-2011). Probation is given as part of judge’s sentence during a trial. Both impose conditions on the person’s continued behavior. Violation of these conditions can result in serving some or serving more jail time. The Community Corrections Division supervises offenders who either been confined in a county jail or prison for felonies, convictions of more than a year, or sentenced to direct supervision in the community (Mangino, 2006) . Most offenders have conditions of supervision.  These conditions guides by public-safety considerations and engage each offender in programs to reduce their likelihood of re-offense. Offenders report to Community Corrections Officers and depending upon the offender’s history or crime is prohibited from acquiring contact with minors or victims. They’re also required to submit to urinalysis testing and to participate in substance abuse treatment programs. A range of sanctions imposed for noncompliance, up to and including jail time. The purpose of community corrections has many good reasons, overcrowding in jails and prisons can be greatly reduced, a person can remain a productive member of society and still serve his or her sentence. The risks involves with anything, the court must take those into consideration before placing someone in a diversion program, minor drug offenses are being dealt with in this fashion and in a number of cases proving to be successful in doing so (Mangino, 2006) . In deciding on the release from prison of a life sentenced prisoner, the Minister will always consider the advice and recommendations of the Parole Board of Ireland (Mangino, 2006) .The Board, at present, initially reviews prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment after seven years served. Prisoners serving very long sentences, including life sentences, are normally reviewed on a number of occasions over a number of years before any substantial concessions recommended by the Board (Mangino, 2006) . The final decision as to about a life sentenced prisoner is release solely with the Minister. The length of time spent in custody by offenders serving life sentences can vary substantially. Of those prisoners serving life sentences released, the average sentence served in prison is approximately 12 years. However, this is only an average, and there are prisoners serving life sentences in Ireland who have spent in excess of 30 years in custody. In conclusion, criminal experts believe the need for prisoner rehabilitation programs so that cases of prisoners won’t continue. Although prisoner rehabilitation does not guarantee that a prisoner, or that he or she will not follow a life of crime any longer, at least it will give him or her new perspective on life. Prisoners serving very long sentences,  including life sentences, are normally reviewed on a number of occasions over a number of years before any substantial concessions recommended by the Board. The final decision as to about a life sentenced prisoner is rests solely with the Minister. Criminal experts believe the need for prisoner rehabilitation programs so that cases of prisoners re-offending will be pointed. The length of time spent in custody by offenders serving life sentences to a large extent. References Christensen, T. (2003-2011). Conjecture Corporation. : Mangino, Mathew ProQuest Newspaper Database. , p. (2006, December 6 Cartmell, P. (2011). Rehabilitation

Civil Liberties, Habeas Corpus, and the War on Terror Essay - 12

Civil Liberties, Habeas Corpus, and the War on Terror - Essay Example The effect of Habeas Corpus was first felt when the law of Anglo-Saxon was in existence. In 1215, Habeas Corpus followed the Magna Carta before it was experienced and used by the king and the court that was under him. During the era of King Edward, Habeas Corpus was published in the form of Blackstone by a judge in England. It fought against the imprisonment of people or any one being sent to exile without the law being followed. At the time, Magna Carta was a law that was very common in England. This condition played a vital part in the making of Habeas Carter a law in the English constitution. It is not long ago since Habeas Corpus was incorporated into the system of the United States of America. This was in the year 1801 when the then president of the United States mentioned it in his speech. The president said that the people of the United States of America would be protected by Habeas Corpus so that they could continue enjoying their freedom. It was then put in the constitution of the country where it is still being used in the present day in the United States of America. Habeas Corpus has adapted the same tradition as that of the England whereby it ensures that people are imprisoned legally and for a legal reason (Gregory, 2013). The first time it was suspended in the United States of America was by the then president Abraham Lincoln. The president did this after he heard that the officials of Maryland who dealt with anti-war issues were planning to destroy the railway that was connecting the United States of America to Annapolis and Philadelphia. This rail was very important in the supplying the needs to the soldiers who were getting ready to attack and fight the south (Gregory, 2013) Lincoln only suspended it in Maryland route and was mainly influenced by the requests that the generals of the army proposed. The generals wanted military courts to be set up so that he could rein over his opponents politically. Abraham

Supply Chain Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 2

Supply Chain Management - Essay Example Retail supply chains in the fashion industry are networks distributions options which performers the roles of procurement of, conversion of the materials into intermediary and finished goods, and the distributing of these end products to customers. Supply chains exist in both service and manufacturing organizations, although the complexity of the chain may vary greatly from industry to industry and firm to firm. (Rhys, 2005) Codes of conduct of an organization or a company, define the ethical standards that are developed by the Organization or Company. Therefore, the two go together. There has to be a document that describes the responsibilities of the company towards the people that it regularly gets in contact with. For accompany to ensure that the codes of conduct are complied with its employees, it sets up programs to ensure that the employees are made aware of the existing codes of conduct put in place by the company. This is also to carry out audit compliance. It is the process of measuring, evaluating, reporting, and adapting a company's social impact and ethical behaviour in light o fits values and expectations of the people it gets in contact with. This is often difficult for most companies to undertake alone. Therefore a more practical approach is them using existing certifications like ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. The latter is concerned with safety issues while the former dictates the aspects inv olving the environment. The two issues are the ones that are responsible for continued innovation. There are other certifications which protect Companies from various problems in their day to day operations. Example, there is one that protects suppliers from customers' unethical behaviors. Labour conditions are also set by some of the certifications. In general, the is-certifications and codes of conduct improve on the accountability of a company to its stakeholders and employees. (Sternberg, et al.2000). This paper will try and examine the ethical social responsibility and environmental considerations of a fashion company operating in the UK. The Gap In the last ten years or so, The Gap Company has underwent a course of vibrant growth through its diverse trademarks (Gap, Gap Kids, Banana Republic, Baby Gap Store, Gap Shoe Stores,) which the company markets and have a direct control all through the world. Following this success, Gap Company since 1999, became the second largest apparel retailer stores. The company, which usually subcontracts every one of its production, has since formulated a code of conduct that creates company selection criterion and the particular ways of submission. The company in emphasizing the way it values it code of conduct has undertaken services of an external monitoring company to monitor how its ethical code of conducts is followed. (Gap, 2008) Ethics Companies view The ethical standing of products is has of late become a main concern of many consumers. Presently the fashion industry is undertaking ethical fashion as championed by fashion designer Hamnett Katherine, at the present moment GAP as a company view with a lot of seriousness and it has undertaken strategies to ensure that

Health Promotion Practice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Health Promotion Practice - Essay Example From the overweight children, 25% had been classed as obese and prone to chronic disease and disabilities. The likelihood of obesity having multiple predictors for illness is high. The escalation of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and a variety of other co-morbidities before or during early adulthood is expected to interfere with the normal life of the obese child. Sleep apnoea, arthritis and other disorders of bones, joint disorders and cancer have also been associated with obesity. Low self-esteem is another significant problem and may require appropriate psychological approach. A shorter life expectancy is inevitable in addition. The issue having become a global one, it is really urgent that measures are taken to prevent overweight and obesity. A collaborative effort on a war footing needs to be undertaken to find a rational solution. Where previously the issue was descriptive of children from wealthy families, recent discovery has been made that economy and geography have little t o do with the obesity. With all this in mind, I opted to join MEND, a program working for reversing the child obesity issue on an international basis. Epidemiology The problem is caused by a â€Å"mathematical† difference in the intake of energy as calories and expenditure of energy. Increased intake could be more than the needed requirement for the bodily functions. This could cause obesity. Similarly if the expenditure of energy in the form of exercise is not possible, an accumulation of fat again occurs in the body. This accumulating fat causes obesity and overweight. Either the intake has to be reduced or the expenditure increased to balance the calories being utilized in the body. The obesity is measured as the BMI or body mass index in the project. This is the ratio of the weight in kilograms to the square of the height in metres. Overweight and obesity have been defined as leading health indicators by the Healthy People 2010. This programme intended to reduce the child hood obesity incidence by 5% in the US. The significance of the issue in Wales Wales has had its fair share of the problem following the recession. The Welsh Health Survey had indicated that 3% in children under 16 were classified as obese. (Brindley, 2010). Wales held a high position in the childhood obesity league, with nearly one in five children being classed as obese. As a possible result of the recession, more families were looking or switching to cheaper foods which tended to be more processed and contained high levels of salt, fat and sugar (Brindley). The number of adults classed as overweight or obese had been increasing gradually over the last ten years. These results were from the annual survey. Health experts in Wales were raising concerns over children’s long-term health should obesity continue to rise unchecked (Brindley). The significance of the issue in Wales had motivated the government to plan strategies for containing the problem. For all of these reasons, the UK government set up the MEND program to decrease the incidence of these problems and protect the children’s health so that they live a healthy life. Furthermore, it was in the financial interest of the government to fund these health promotion programs as preventive work with childhood obesity was far cheaper in the long run. Dealing with the costs of health care of obesity-related health conditions could be expected to show shocking skyrocketing figures. Health promotion included activities which were

Question 'Identify the main varieties and applications of the Essay

Question 'Identify the main varieties and applications of the 'standard model' of human behaviour in economics (as identi - Essay Example The main goal of these economic theories is to describe and give explanation to relations between economic phenomena. In order to achieve this, the theories are based on a number of assumptions (Baddeley, 2013:56). This explains why the concept of behavioural economics is important as it gives more explanatory power to the economic theory by giving it realistic psychological basis (Wilkinson and Klaes, 2012:1). This goes ahead to prove that behavioural economics seeks to augment the standard model of analysis, not to replace it. The standard model discussed in this paper is used to critique and understand behavioural economics. Outline of the standard model of individual economic behaviour The standard model in economic behaviour is also commonly referred to as the neo- classical model. It is a well established model in the subject of consumer choice and consumer welfare. The standard framework in behavioural economics is basically a decision making model that is normative and descri ptive in nature. Additionally, it associates the concept of self interest with maximising utility. This is owing to the fact that the model accurately defines how people behave and gives advice on how they should behave to attain specific goals and objectives. Assumptions Economic Rationality This assumption is based on the fact that acts rational so as to maximise utility. Economic actors face complex situations and a rational decision model describes how most people would act in such situations (Kahneman, 2011:86). The simple model of economic rationality is only applicable to uncertain decisions hence the outcomes are unambiguously related to the actions (Wilkinson and Klaes, 2012:5). This is the most important assumption in the model in fact, the model is referred to as the economic model of rationality. Rationality is a broad term that refers to the everyday reasoning. This interpretation is too complex in the economics context. To explain this assumption further, consumers der ive satisfaction or benefits from a particular activity. This is what is commonly referred to as utility in the field of economics. The standard model explains the benefits associated with consuming a good based on monetary value and other benefits including satisfaction. People have known Preferences This explains why the concept of consumer preferences was introduced the simple model of economic rationality is only applicable to uncertain decisions hence the outcomes are unambiguously related to the actions (Wilkinson and Klaes, 2012:6). In this context, individuals are assumed to weigh between different preferences and choose one that gives the preferred outcome (Thaler and Sunstein, 2008:379). There are two assumptions concerning the nature of consumer preferences. First, there is completeness that states that consumers consider an ordering across all the alternatives. Secondly, individuals are assumed to make rational choices. People Make Decisions Based on Full Information The standard model assumes that individuals are able to perfectly evaluate their own

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

Micrometerology - Essay Example If the south faces slop to its north hemisphere or north faces slope to its south hemisphere then the temperature in such areas is likely to be higher than the opposing slopes because sunlight stays longer on such surfaces causing longer warmth. In this regard a practical exercise was conducted to evaluate variations along the university. There were two group who spotted variations at 8 different locations from 1200 hours to 1230 hours. Whereas the factors used for the study were Soil temperature, Air temperature (at shoulder height), Relative Humidity, Wind speed (at shoulder height). According to the findings of first location, the maximum air temperature was recorded at 12.3 which was 5.6 0C while minimum temperature was at 12.15pm. In second location, the maximum temperature was 6.8 0C. In third location the highest recorded air temperature was 110C which is the highest all variations recorded so far. In fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth location the air temperature was noted highest at 8.60C, 3.00C, 4.30C and 5.2 respectively. Soil temperature along the university surrounding revealed some sort of consistency except the seventh location where the average variations were no doubt consistent over time but the temperature of soil at seventh location was the maximum given all the locations and time frame for temperature analysis. Besides these recorded soil temperatures, the lowest temperature documented was at 3.40C around 12.05pm. The graphical pattern of findings also reflected an inconsistent soil temperature across university. Third factor reported in the study was relative humidity. The highest percentage of relative humidity came to light at 12.30 pm in the fourth location whereas the lowest percentage was in the first location at 12.05 hours. The percentage of humidity would also refer to the moister around the university The statistical findings of micro climate

Discussion paper Statistical Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Discussion paper Statistical Analysis - Essay Example (Gibson, W., 1997). There are several data collection techniques, and the most commonly used data collection techniques are use of available information, observation, interviews, use of written questionnaires, and focus group discussions. There is a large amount of useful data that has already been collected by others, and this makes a useful starting point in the collection of data. It requires locating where the data is available, and identifying data that is useful and relevant to the current exercise, and retrieving it. Using such available data is an inexpensive means to collection of data, and still it may be difficult to get access to the relevant record and reports, and there is the added disadvantage that the data may not be accurate, and complete. Observation calls for the systematic selection, watching, and recording of the behavior and characteristics of living beings, objects or phenomena. It is a commonly used data collection technique in the study of human behavior. There are two ways in which observation can be done. In the first called participant observation, the observer is involved in the situation that is being observed. In the second called non-participant observation, the observer watches the situation either in an open manner, or in a concealed manner, and is not a participant in the situation. The advantage with observation is that it provides more accurate and substantial information, especially where studies of human behavior is concerned. This data collection technique makes use of oral interviews either with a target group or individuals. The responses to the questions posed are recorded in writing, or by recording on a machine, or a combination of both methods may be used. Flexibility is a determining factor in interviews. High flexibility is used, when the researcher is unsure of the subject, or if the subject is sensitive. Low flexibility is used, when the researcher is well informed on the subject, or if the sample group is

Japanese contemporary art and Korean contemporary art Coursework

Japanese contemporary art and Korean contemporary art - Coursework Example The essay "Japanese contemporary art and Korean contemporary art" presents contemporary art practice in Japan and Korean, comparing and contrasting their different attributes. The paper also attempts to highlight the diverse effects that art have on the respective communities. The introduction of religion had a great significance to the Korean artistic images, and artistic styles were manifest in the temple developments, bronze statues, portraits and exemplified manuscripts. Also, Korea’s physical position at the crossroad of East Asia- between its two larger neighbors, Japan, and China – added an enormous influence on its history and culture and its artistic fundamentals. Korea functioned as an outlet between China and Japan for philosophies and theories and technologies that enriched Koreans artistic innovation and skills. Moreover, scholars have established non-passive role of Korea of spreading artistic ideas across to Japan or China, and recognized it not only diff used culture but also integrated it resulting to unique Korean art and culture of its own. Japanese art covers broad assortments of art styles and media that include ancient poetry, wood and bronze sculptures, silk and paper ink paintings, and other type artwork. Japanese painting has a rich history of synthesis and rivalry between natural Japanese aesthetics and utilization smuggled ideas. Further Japanese sculptures mainly originated from the idol reverence in Buddhism or animistic rites of Shinto deity. Particularly.

Management Theories and Philosophies Assignment

Management Theories and Philosophies - Assignment Example This research will begin with the statement that the Management Theory and Philosophy is referred to an independent forum that pays attention to the essential philosophical matters of management in terms of both theories as well as practice. Management includes planning, organizing, commanding, coordinating and controlling. The fundamental theories which are used in today’s management are the Classical theory and the Human Relation theory. The Classical Approach acknowledges the main part of management thought, which depends on the principle that employees do only have physical and economic needs; and the requirement for the satisfaction of job and social needs either is unimportant or does not subsist. It defines the homogenous facts on the administration of organizations. This approach supports decision making, high interest of labor and profit maximization. The analysis will focus on the contribution of various authors such as Frederick Winslow Taylor, Henri Fayol and Max W eber who have applied these theories in various disciplines. The classical approach includes Scientific Management, Administrative Management, and the Bureaucratic management. On the other hand, the Human Relation Approach focuses on the people and human being’s behavior. It refers to an organizational tool that assists in efficiency thinking and rationalization. It goes further than physical contributions in order to include cognitive, emotional, and creative aspects of workers. Employees communicate opinions, suggestions, feelings, and complaints to boost production and satisfaction.

Headphones vs Speakers Essay Example for Free

Headphones vs Speakers Essay A man was shot and killed for having his music too loud. This would not have been a problem had the teenager been listening to his audio with headphones rather than some ill-fated speakers. Speakers and headphones’ main use is to transmit sound produced by a certain source. They both have the same fundamental purpose but man’s erroneous actions lead us to believe one is better, or often more preferred, than the other. Headphones are better than speakers because they are cheaper, portable, undisruptive, and personal. For the same overall performance, headphones are much cheaper than speakers. One thing you can rarely battle against is a good product at a low price. When thinking in economic terms of the price-performance ratio (the performance value is divided by the price value), headphones come out with a higher ratio. A good surround sound system will disperse the sound through a room to try and deliver it to the listener’s ears. The listener will be receiving the sound from multiple angles producing an effect that makes up for a good experience. Take for example; watching a war movie in surround sound will make one feel like he really is part of the action in the film. All the sound is traveling in form of waves and is being picked up by your pinna which is the outer part of the ear whose function is to collect sound and also to reveal the location the sound is coming from. All the speakers stay in the same place which can cause minor disruptions when moving your head. Headphones on the other hand will always stay on your head. One would think that headphones can’t possibly produce the same sound as the speaker set but after all you only have two ears. One thing that headphones have is 3D audio effects. These effects manipulate the pinna and give the human ear the impression that so und is not coming from two sources but is being received from all 360 degrees around a man. When listening to the audio, the sound can be heard coming from the front as well as from the rear. So if headphones can easily be manipulated to have the same performance as speakers, then the quality of sound is not something that will influence the decision of which one, either headphone or speaker, to pick. The big difference and the thing that will make a person in today’s economy decide which one to purchase lies ultimately in the price of the product. A good and reasonable pair of headphones can go for around $100. A speaker system that will play at same quality will cost you about three or four times as much. The most expensive headphones cost around $2000 $5000 dollars. The most expensive speakers go for up to fifty times that amount. Over all it’s clearly seen that the price-performance ratio for headphones is higher. Headphones have the same performance as speakers and cost a lot less. So you love listening to Frederic Chopin’s Nocturne in E Flat Major on your speakers but figure out that when travelling on a cross continental trip to Japan it is very difficult to bring your speaker system into the plane and more difficult to set it up once inside. Fearing you might end up being shot like the teenager from Florida you are immobilized because of the problem. The solution to this most troubling issue, having once found out that headphones can play at the same if not better quality than speakers, is to have a pair of headphones. One thing speakers cannot do is be portable. They are just not meant for travel. Headphones on the other end can easily and comfortably be placed on your head and carried to and fro Los Angeles and Japan. Headphones are highly portable to the point where they even make them to be waterproof; resisting the craziest weather on any given rainy day. They are also very stylish so that you can buy a pair or two that fit your style and character. They can also be wireless for any people that might be offset by any cables You’re caught in an intensely long firefight in Halo 4 but your roommates were being so loud that you could not hear the footsteps of the enemy that crept up to assassinate you from behind; or you finished finals early and decided to play Halo 4 but with the crossfire, showering grenades, and speeding vehicles your roommates complained they could not concentrate for their study for the Electronic Music final. Sadly, due to signed dorm room policies you are left immobilized and find yourself in another problem. The solution would of course be headphones or in this case headphones with an attached microphone. Speakers can sometimes be too loud and disruptive for other people that headphones are more reliable in these cases. With a pair of headphones there is no one that can tell you to lower your volume because you are too disruptive. Headphones also have the ability to cancel out ambient sounds that can negatively affect what should be a good sounding experience. Having to watch a movie or listen to music with an extra contribution of chatter and yelling from friends or neighbors is not pleasant. Neither is it pleasant to be disruptive to other people in the household by blasting your sound through the roof. These are problems that people which own speaker encounter. Speakers are disruptive, inconsiderate of others, and have a low ability to block outside noises a person does not want to hear. When using headphones there is a personal feeling of intimacy one can feel. Speakers might be able to play sound from many places and into your ears but when you put headphones on it feels like the music is travelling within your skull. When speakers play their sound it takes time for the sound to travel to a person’s ears. During the time it takes to travel, some of the high frequencies of the sound waves have been absorbed into the air and not all the sound is perceived in your ears. When using headphones you can hear all the frequencies clearer because the strength of the sound is not reduced over time. Headphones give you a greater and richer sound experience than what speaker can produce. When comparing headphones to speakers, speakers are surpassed in many aspects. For one headphones are cheaper which make it more accessible for people who have trouble coming up with income. Headphones are sleek, stylish and can be included in just about any activity you do. They are also very discreet and unobtrusive which is something speakers can never be; neither can speakers be as easily portable as headphones. Above all headphones give the listener the full spectrum sound and produce a listening experience unsurpassed by that of speakers. Works Cited Best Headphones. ! Recommendations Grouped by Price Range. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2012. Guttenberg, Steve. Headphones vs. Speakers: Which Is Better? CNET News. CBS Interactive, 10 Mar. 2012. Web. 13 Dec. 2012. Head to Head Headphones versus Speakers. Head to Head Headphones versus Speakers. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2012. HeadWize Article: Preventing Hearing Damage When Listening With Headphones (A HeadWize Headphone Guide). HeadWize Article: Preventing Hearing Damage When Listening With Headphones (A HeadWize Headphone Guide). N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2012. Man Who Killed Florida Teen Over Loud Music Alters His Story to Fit Stand Your Ground. PoliticusUSA. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2012. The Soundry: The Outer Ear. ThinkQuest. Oracle Foundation, n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2012. ROBERT A. BUTLER and RICHARD A. HUMANSKI. Localization of sound in the vertical plane with and without high-frequency spectral cues. Perception Psychophysics 1992,51(2), 182-186

Bateel Marketing Analysis

Bateel Marketing Analysis I. Current Marketing Situation Company Background Now a world-class brand in the premium confectionery industry, Bateel started with a simple concept, offering a unique range of high quality products to a well-defined market segment in an upscale and elegant retail environment. The concept was also unique, offering a selection of products not available from any other source. Bateels strong appeal to consumers in various target market segments is based on our strategy and ability to consistently develop and produce the highest quality products and maintain an innovative merchandising and distribution system. Bateels success is anchored on a strong production and marketing organization, which is vertically integrated and includes farming, processing, manufacturing, and premium retailing functions. Bateel now specializes in the production and distribution of a complete range of dates, and date and non-date gourmet confectioneries. The company is headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with a regional office in Dubai, UAE and employs over three hundred people.[1] Company Products There are mainly four 4 product lines that are produced by the company, and they are: 1. Dates Bateel offers more than 20 varieties of high quality dates including famed Naboot Seif, Sokari, Kholas, Sekki and Khidri. Most of these date varieties are available in fresh, Rhutab and the traditional Maknooz recipe. 2. Chocolates That includes, Date Chocolates, Pralines Truffles, Bateel Wrapped Chocolates, Sugar Free, Figure Chocolates. 3. Pastries That is pastries and biscuits, Each is made with high quality Bateel dates, in addition to other ingredients, pastries are made from fresh natural ingredients and do not contain preservatives or artificial dough conditioners. All pastry items are baked by Bateel under strict, quality controlled conditions and are kept refrigerated until they are sold. 4. Other gourmet products Bateel dates and chocolates are complemented by an exclusive selection of date and non-date specialties, such as date bars, sparkling date juice drink, Turkish delight and other delicacies. These delicacies are made from the finest natural ingredients, free of preservatives, with recipes designed to satisfy the most demanding connoisseurs. Other products are: Date Jam, Sparkling Date Drink, Fruit Cake, Date Bar, Turkish Delight, Marrons Glaces, Date Dhibs, Date Dhibs Syrup, Honey, Apricot, Fig, Date Honey Fig Roll, Date Cantucci, Date Panforte, Date and Walnut Cake, Fig and Walnut Nougat, Nougat Bar, Clementine au Chocolate, Bonbons, Date Calisson, Pate de Fruit, Premium Italian Coffees Condiments, Olive Oil, Date Balsamic Vinegar and Nuts. 5. Pre-packed specialties Those are the Bateel selective product packed as gifts. Company Branches The company has many branches in different countries as follows: Africa with one branch: Sudan with one branch. Asia with eight branches: India with two branches. Indonesia with one branch. Malaysia with two branches Pakistan with three branches. Europe with total of two branches: Azerbaijan with one branch United Kingdom with one branch. Middle East with twenty two branches as follows: UAE with eight branches in Dubai and 3 branches in Abu Dhabi. Jordan with one branch Qatar with one branch Oman with one branch Bahrain with two branches Kuwait with two branches Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with 4 branches. Product lines allocation as per the BCG matrix: Product lines BCG allocation analysis: Dates: Allocating Dates between Star and Cash cow is due to that Bateel is well known for dates, as they are as well high in demand comparing to other product at Bateel and due to the business is typically specialized in producing dates with different flavors and fillings, moreover, the product is not new in market and the people are already aware of it and demand it, therefore it has a high market share and growth. Chocolates: In Bateel chocolates have low market share besides that they have well known competitors in this product line who are much specialized in chocolate products therefore they tend to be in low demand at Bateel. On the other hand chocolate is considered to be a growing market as reported by [3]AC Nielsons Retail Audit estimate the UAE chocolate market at AED 546 million with a growth of 27% by value and 14% by volume MENAFN Press-08/10/2008. In addition to some companies are being keen to produce chocolate out of camel milk with high quality after a recent study the reveals that the chocolate market in the UAE is strong with 98% of respondents claiming to consume chocolate at least once a week [4]29 October 2008. Pastries: Dates Pastries at Bateel are not much known and people are not much aware of it unlike other well known non dates pastries producers, hence, they are to be in low demand at Beteel and low market share due to that they are not given enough attention by Bateel in terms of marketing and advertisement. On the other hand On average, daily consumption of dates per capita was 114.3 g, equivalent to 10 date fruits. However, it was noted that the younger population does not consume dates as much as the older population does. Nevertheless, surveys showed the significance of dates in the UAE nations diet considering the relatively high average consumption of dates per capita. Copyright  © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry[5]. And due to that reason Dates in Bateel is ranked as first product chosen by consumers furthermore that can be used as strong impulse to enhance the production of Dates pastries. Other gourmet products: Basically recently there are many specialties stores specialized in gourmet products such as [6]â€Å"Gourmet Station† that is considered to be the largest store in UAE in producing unique unlimited gourmet products unlike other small specialty stores that have limited Dates gourmet products like Bateel which in contrast can be an advantage as its considered to be healthier in ingredients. Product line chosen: Our product line chosen is Pastries, which includes Date â€Å"biscuits† and Date â€Å"cookies†. Why pastries? The reason behind selecting this product line is that dates are healthy in the first place especially for kids, low in cost, high in nutrition, available most of the years, would be preferred for parents and adults to serve it to kids instead of other type of sweets, freshly and creative baked dates pastries are always preferred particularly for banquets and weddings mainly for adults and old aged consumers though it was noted that the younger population does not consume dates as much as the older population does[7]. On the hand, there arent any competitors who are â€Å"specialized† in producing â€Å"Dates Pastries† unlike Bateel, as there isnt much who is creative and innovative in dates pastries. Moreover, it requires little investment due to the main raw material â€Å"Dates† apart from other ingredients is low in cost and available most of the year. Target Market: The target market are adults, males and females aged 18 and above, all social statuses, all nationalities and religion, residents and visitors from all over the UAE those of income AED 3000-AED 6000 annually and who are able to pay for high quality dates products, assorted and professionally and elegantly packed and arranged for purchase and sell to targeted customers for their special occasions and events. II. Macro Environmental Factors and Opportunity and Issue Analysis Macro environment comprises of a number of forces that an organization cannot control. These factors affect the efficiency of an organization, its decision making process and its performance. These are considered to be external forces such as economy (GDP per capita, inventory levels, economic growth, inflation rate, unemployment rate etc.), social cultural factors (demographic factors religion, age, income level, and attitude of consumers and cultural structures), natural factors (hurricanes, flood etc.) and competitive factor. The macro environmental factors are of grave importance to the UAE market as confectionary market adds maximum to the food exports of UAE. Since the market is considered to be among the top 10 largest markets in the world, environmental changes need to be studied so as to predict future changes in the environment as the analysis of the threats and opportunities helps the organization to be at par with the changing scenario. The main factors affecting the org anization at macro level are Economic Factors There are a number of scenarios which are observed in an economy such as prosperity, depression, recession and recovery. In an era of prosperity, the GDP of a country increases making its standard of living high pushing it on the road to success. The economy of the UAE is very strong mainly because of its oil reserves but it has over the years added to its agriculture which adds about 3 % to the GDP of the nation. It has become self sufficient in matters of food. The sweet and confectionary markets are expanding at a larger pace. The inflow of large number of tourists has also added to the economy and has supported sweet producing corporations. The governmental policies regarding emiratisation have supported local citizens in getting jobs. The higher education undertaken by young lads has added to the economy of the nation. (Economy) Social Cultural Factors Society acts as an important factor to the success of an organization. It is vital for the organizations to figure out the needs of the customers, their attitude towards the product produced by the organization. A strong ethnic behavior prevails in UAE symbolizing its tradition which does not provide freedom to the various sectors of society as might be in other European or American nations. Thus, an organization working in such a scenario needs to keep in mind the ideals of its fellow citizens as any act which discriminates or humiliates their feelings could lead to an outrage in the people. UAE has one of the largest immigration rates in the world because of the incapability of its local people to work with modern ware fares which are carried out by expatriates mainly from the subcontinents. The fast growing population does act as driving force for the industries as it adds to the strength of the man power of the region. Natural Factor A company is posed by natural forces depending on the locations it operates. Such a situation if experienced does lead to loss of life and property and loss from such a calamity is an inevitable experience. The two most common ways to react to a change in environment are reactive and proactive response. The optimization of the Marketing Mix helps in the reactive response. One of the 4 Ps i.e., places where the product is sold by an organization also called distribution channel both physical and virtual could be optimized to prevent the extent of loss. Most of the companies promote the go-green concept to attract consumers as the urge to make Dubai green had been the top priority in 2008. Since then UAE has always advocated to promote sustainable development. Competitive Factor It forms the basis of survival of an organization and fall of another in a market. An organization that understands the needs of its customers more precisely and changes in accordance to the dynamic change in the scenario overpowers and outshines in the market. The analysis of competition is an important strategic tool which helps an organization aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the other companies in its market. Since, the home confectionary market is showing a high growth rate, it attracts various companies into the market to sell their product. Thus, it becomes very important for the various companies in the field to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of other companies to remain at par with them. The greater the competition, the more alternatives it provides to the customers. Thus, it becomes main priority of the companies to hold their customers by providing them special offers and something extra from others in the same business. (Chapter 3 class notes) SWOT Analysis It has four tools to strategically plan a business venture. The four tools are to examine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunity and threat in any business to make it a success. Every SWOT analysis has an end result or objective such as in this case it is to help the premium confectionery industry, Bateel become global leaders. Strengths The company specializes in the production and distribution of complete range of dates and it has a high market share and growth in dates as per the BCG matrix in UAE. It produces 20 different varieties of dates which are exported to US adding to their strong market position. The presence of stores in various countries, majority of 22 in UAE adds to its distinctive growth in the confectionary market. The own a lot of farms which use extensive high quality machinery to grow and furnish dates. Such a vast capital and being the oldest of its kind creates a strong public image which is a boon for the organization. (UAE Confectionery) Weaknesses The chocolates, pastries and non date products are growing fast in market i.e., they have a fast growth rate in comparison to the date products but these products add to less that 20% of the share in the markets. The chocolates and pastries are neither much known nor are preferred. The company has large number of stores in UAE but lacks to provide the same performance when compared with the world. On exceeding the boundaries of Arab countries and some of the sub continents, no one seems to recognize the company. It has only 2 branches in Europe and none in American continent. The further growth of company will restricted if it fails to explore the rest of Europe and America. Opportunities The company can advance in the chocolate and pastries selling by increasing their market share and by using better promotional strategies. Since, Bateel strives to provide pastries with date; the pastries offer better nutritional value at reduced prices than contemporary chocolates, yet delicious adding to the benefit it provides and its good image in the markets. Company can take appropriate action according to its state in BCG matrix. The date products can be sold to all people in various ages from children to old. The date products are popular in children because of their sweetness but it needs to take into account the people above 18 yrs. The dates being the most natural of all products increase its demand and hence provide opportunity to explore. Threats The small market share of the company in the chocolate, pastries and non date products seems to threaten its position in the market. To sustain in the market, it needs to explore a way to exceed its boundaries and shell of date products. The presence of better companies in these products also does not complement its growth. Since the growth rate of pastries is higher than date products, it poses a serious concern in front of the company to take serious actions. Considering the environmental factors, pest infestation is the greatest threat to the date industries in UAE which is rising by 2 percent consistently. Such a plague could cripple the strong hold of the industry. (Date Palm Research and Development Program) References Economy (n.d.) Retrieved on March 15, 2010 from http://looklex.com/e.o/uae.economy.htm Date Palm Research and Development program (n.d.) Retrieved on March 15, 2010 from http://datepalm.uaeu.ac.ae/subpages/datepalmcultural.html Chapter 3 Class notes (n.d.) Retrieved on March 15, 2010 from http://www.udel.edu/alex/chapt3.html UAE Confectionery (n.d.) Retrieved on March 15, 2010 from http://gulfnews.com/mobile/business/features/uae-confectionery-is-the-icing-on-food-export-cake-1.524603 http://www.bateel.ae/about-thecompany.html http://www.bateel.ae/main.html http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093215036 http://www.thedubailife.com/home/news/news-sports/worlds-first-camel-milk-chocolate http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/112597329/abstract?CRETRY=1SRETRY=0 http://www.arabianbusiness.com/545998?tmpl=printpage= http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/112597329/abstract?CRETRY=1SRETRY=0

Seed Germination of Orchid | Research

Seed Germination of Orchid | Research There are a lot of orchid species being listed as endangered species due to over-collection and lack of conservation. The survival rate of orchid in the nature is relatively low. This research is aimed to investigate the effect of organic additives on in vitro seed germination of Vanda hastfera, an endemic species of orchid to Borneo. By the end of this investigation, we expect to determine the medium composition and germinating conditions that are favourable for in vitro seed germination of Vanda hastifera. Various organic additives such as potato extract, peptone, coconut water, tomato juice and banana pulp will be added into the medium to examine their effects on the seed germination. The physical conditions such as light intensity, temperature, pH and relative humidity will be adjusted to the most suitable condition in compliance with the percentage of seed germination. The culture room will be maintained at a 16 light/8 dark photoperiod with environmental temperature of 25 ±2à ‚ °C. Also, the protocol will be designed by taking into account of the cost-effectiveness of the project. Keywords: Vanda hastifera, in vitro seed germination, protocorm,  ½ MS medium 1.0 Introduction The family Orchidaceae is considered as one of the largest flowering plant families which comprised of over 880 genera and approximately 25,000 to 30,000 species worldwide (Paek, Hahn Park, 2011; Bektas, Cà ¼ce Sà ¶kmen, 2013). Paek et al. (2011) indicated that the high degree of compatibility among genera and species allowed the registration of bi- and plurigeneric hybrids to reach over the number of 100,000. Lamb (as cited in Chan, Lamb, Shim Wood, 1994, p. 5) claimed that approximately 10% of orchids in the world were found in Borneo, which is around 2500-3000 species. Among these about 30-40% are said to be endemic species. Borneo is whereby denoted as â€Å"Orchid Island† (Chan et al., 1994). As discussed by Beaman, Wood, Beaman and Beaman (2001), Vanda is a monopodial genus of orchids that produce attractive flowers which are generally found at hill-forests or tropical lowlands. Vanda hastifera Rchb.f. (Orchidaceae) is endemic to Borneo in which this epiphytic species inhabits at hill forest, lowland or coasted area (Chan et al., 1994). Vanda hastifera can be found at Kinabatang district in Sabah, Pontianak area in Kalimantan Barat, and Kuching area in Sarawak. Vanda hastifera is scented flower that can blooms for around 10 days in which it produces reflexed petals and sepals (Chan et al., 1994). The sepals of Vanda hastifera are marked by a few reddish brown spots. The uniqueness of this species is that it is very hairy at the margin of its lip as well as the auricles (Beaman et al., 2001). Over-collection of orchids has endangered some of the species which have high commercial value in a variety of industries like the medical industry, horticultural, ornamental so on. The survival of orchid in wild habitat is very low which also press the need to perform in vitro germination of the seeds. Vanda is one of the commonly cultivated genera that have high commercial value (Uchida, 1994). Based on the study that is fulfilled by Beaman et al. (2001), poorly preserved herbarium collections and insufficient information about the flower species for genus Vanda have made it substantial to practise cultivation upon the species. The significance in performing in vitro seed germination of Vanda hastifera is to optimize the seed germination process under in vitro condition in which the conditions and requirements of seed germination can be well-controlled. This can prevent the waste of resources and conserve the process of seed germination in making sure of the efficacy of the process . Furthermore, the addition of organic additives in appropriate concentration under proper circumstances can also enhance the effectiveness of seed germination carried out in vitro with relatively low expenses. The objectives of the study are: To investigate the effect of organic additives on in vitro seed germination of Vanda hastifera. To optimize the in vitro seed germination process of Vanda hastifera. To develop an appropriate and cost-effective protocol for in vitro seed germination of Vanda hastifera. 2.0 Literature Review 2.1 Vanda hastifera (Orchidaceae) According to Metusala and O’Byrne (2012), there are around ten taxa comprised in the genus Vanda section Hastifera which are distributed in the area of Borneo, Philippines, Lesser Sunda Island, Maluku, Sulawesi and New Guinea. The typical characteristics of section Hastifera are like complex lip with its apex divided into two buttock-like lobules and two dagger-like lobules bulging sideways from the base of the thickened mid-lobe (Metusala O’Byrne, 2012). Among the species of orchids in genus Vanda, Vanda scandens and Vanda hastifera have exhibiting all of the characteristics of section Hastifera. The name of Vanda hastifera is derived from Latin hastifer. Vanda hastifera is a fascinating species of orchid that has outstanding appearance which the fragrant flower for about 4.5 cm to 5 cm is fleshy and marked unevenly with brownish red blotches (Chan et al., 1994). Beautiful pale cream or pale yellow sepals and petals are reflexed. As revealed by Chan et al. (1994), the both the dorsal sepals and lateral sepals are spathulate with undulant margin. The white side lobes of the lip has shiny mid-lode at the top and side of the apex which joined to a short column-foot. The lower surface of the apex is purple to brownish purple with two reddish lines near the base. There is found to be a very hairy auricle at the base of the lip (Chan et al., 1994). Likewise, the edge of the mid-lobe is also hairy. The ligulate leaves of Vanda hastifera is about 15-20 Ãâ€" 2-2.5 cm which is dense and linked to a sheathing base. The embryo of Vanda differentiates into three sections in its early development, which are parenchymatous, meristematic and suspensor (Arditti, 1967). Based on the research done by Alvarez (as cited in Arditti, 1967, p. 4), the parenchymatous tissue is acting on supplying nutrition to meristem after the early degeneration of suspensor. 2.2 Orchid seed germination The orchid seed is very fine and delicate. The weight of the seed is varied from 0.3  µg to 14  µg; the length is to be at a range of 0.25 mm to 1.2 mm; and the width is around that of 0.09 mm to 0.27 mm (Arditti, 1967). The seed of orchid is normally produced in a large quantity in which Arditti (1967) indicated that a capsule may contains about 1,300 to 4,000,000 seeds. The orchid embryo usually maintains its globular or spherical shape in contrast to the great variety of the shape of the seed coat which may be in globular, elliptical, rounded, butterfly shaped or fusiform (Arditti, 1967). The swelling of embryo during germination will rupture the seed coat. This will lead to the formation of spherical or cone-shaped seedling which is the protocorm stage for orchid seed germination (Arditti, 1967). The protocorm is an undifferentiated mass of cells (McKendrick, 2000). Subsequently the first leaf primordium will project out of the upper flat surface. The protocorm then starts growing and the absorbing hairs starts to emerge at the periphery of the lower surface. Next, the first minute leaf is produced (Arditti, 1967). Soon after this, the first root will be formed. The development continues until a small plant takes it shape. In relation to orchid seed germination and development in nature, fungus infection is seemed to be a substantial factor for certain tropical epiphytic orchids (Arditti, 1967). This is because as the seeds are insufficient with the carbohydrate reserves, the young plant requires the supply of nutrients, sugar and organic material from the mycorrhizal fungus until the plant is capable of producing its own food (McKendrick, 2000). Once the fungus is penetrated into the seed, it is to be as an exogenous carbohydrate for the growing embryo upon the digestion of the fungal hyphae (Kauth, 2005). Moreover, fungi may be treated as a water supply as germination is started by imbibition (Yoder et al. as cited in Kauth, 2005, p. 2). 2.3 Research history of In vitro seed germination of orchid In vitro methods are used to improve and assist the development of plants that are vulnerable to grow in the nature (Fay, 1992). The use of symbiotic and asymbiotic in vitro germination techniques have been used for the seed germination of some orchid species (Fay, 1992). For the seeds that are to be germinated symbiotically, sowing is performed with a piece of mycorrhizal fungus. Symbiotic relationship is established when the fungus propagates and colonized the seed germination media (Mckendrick, 2000). Before the plant capable of making its own food, the fungus is thought to be sustaining the protocorm. Nonetheless, the proper strain of mycorrhizal fungus is required or else it might lead to seedling death as the fungus strain becomes parasitic. Proliferation of temperate terrestrial orchids is suitable to apply with this technique. On the other hand, tropical orchids are easier to grow as compared to temperate terrestrial orchids. Thus, asymbiotic germination method is normally us ed for the in vitro germination of tropical orchids. The media used appeared to be more intricate than that used in symbiotic germination (McKendrick, 2000). Without the mycorrhizal fungus, the nutrients required for proper germination have to be supplied fully. There are examples of simple media which are used for the seed germination of orchid which include Vacin and Went (VW), Hyponex and Knudson C medium (Paek et al., 2011). Without using the mycorrhizal fungus as a symbiotic element, Knudson (as cited in Kauth, 200, p. 3) has achieved successful seed germination for several epiphytic orchid genera which lead to the development of Knudson Solution B. After that, Knudson substituted ferric phosphate with ferrous sulphate and supplemented manganese into the medium in order to develop a more complex Knudson C medium that enable the in vitro seed germination and plant tissue culture suitable for more species (Kauth, 2005). Table 1: Media composition of  ½ MS, VW and Knudson media (Paek et al., 2011). Component  ½ MS (mg/L) VW (mg/L) Knudson (mg/L) Macronutrients NH4NO3 825 (NH4)2SO4 500 500 Ca3(PO4)2 200 Ca(NO3)2. 4H2O 1000 CaCl2.H2O 220 MgSO47H2O 185 250 250 KNO3 950 525 KH2PO4 85 250 250 Micronutrients Na2EDTA 18.65 FeSO4.7H2O 13.9 25 Fe2(C4H4O4).2H2O 28 H3BO3 3.1 CoCl2.6H2O 0.0125 CuSO4.5H2O 0.0125 MnSO4.4H2O 11.15 7.5 KI 0.415 Na2MoO4.2H2O 0.125 ZnSO4.4H2O 4.3 Organics Glycine 2 Myo-inositol 100 100 Nicotinic acid 0.5 1 Pyridoxine 0.5 Thiamine HCl 0.1 1 Adenine sulphate 10 The media composition is an important factor that will affect the efficiency of seed germination in vitro. MS medium added with 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was reported to be favourable for the formation of protocorm-like-bodies (PLBs) and regeneration of plantlet for Dendrobium orchid (Nasiruddin et al. as cited in Aktar, Nasiruddin Hossain, 2008, p. 69). According to Mishra, Rawat, Nema and Shirin (2013), who have done an investigation on the effect of medium strength on in vitro germination of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. stated that by using different strength of MS basal medium, there is no significant difference on the rate of germination. Therefore, the concentration of MS medium used can be diluted to half so as to reduce the cost without affecting the efficacy of seed germination. Table 2: Modified Hyponex media composition (Paek et al., 2011). Component Seed germination Protocorm multiplication First transplanting Second transplanting Hyponex (g/L) N:P:K= 6.5:6:19 3.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 N:P:K= 20:20:20 1.0 1.0 1.0 Adenine Sulfate (g/L) 5.0 Peptone (g/L) 2.0 2.0 3.0 Coconut water (%) 20 10 10 Potato or banana homogenate (g/L) 30-100 30-100 Activated charcoal (%) 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 Germination of seed can be affected by seed maturity. By using asymbiotic in vitro seed germination technique, immature seed has found to be more effective than mature seed to germinate. Claiming that the embryos have developed completely but not yet dedicated to enter the dormant stage, Light and MacConaill (as cited in Fay, 1992, p. 2) suggested that seeds harvested at 43 to 58 days after pollination has found to be ideal for in vitro seed germination of orchid. 2.4 Effects of organic additives on in vitro seed germination Natural complex additives are added into the simple media lack amino acids or vitamins. Examples of organic additives are like potato extracts, coconut water, banana pulp, peptone, and tomato juice. Activated charcoal is believed to have ameliorated the aeration as well as absorbs ethylene and phenolic inhibitors which are the growth inhibitors. Nevertheless, Paek et al. (2011) suggested that the use of charcoal has to be careful as it also absorbs vitamins and plant growth regulators in the culture medium. Occasionally, low concentration of auxin and cytokinin are needed and supplemented into the media in the early stage of protocorm proliferation for certain species of orchids (Paek et al., 2011). Besides, sucrose is also being added into the media in the early stage of tissue culture. However, Paek et al. (2011) claimed that the plantlet differentiation of some genera of orchids may be improved in a medium which has low concentration of sugar. A research done by Islam, Akter and Prodhan (2011) which used Vanda roxburgii orchid as model has proven that by adding potato extract into the medium of seed germination in vitro, the percentage of seed germination and seedling growth can be increased substantially. From their study, they have found that by supplementing potato extract at the concentration of 200 ml/L showed the best percentage of seed germination for Vanda roxburgii which is 78.24% as compared to the 17.2% of control (Islam et al., 2011). Therefore, it is proposed by Islam et al. (2011) that seed germination of Vanda orchids can be boosted by adding appropriate concentration of potato extract into the medium. It is testified that in 100 g of raw materials of potato extract, there is 1.0 mg of niacin which is believed to be accountable for the orchids’ development. Recent study accomplished by Tharapan, Thepsithar and Obsuwan (2014) has observed the effect of potato extract (PE), soy milk, cow milk and peptone on the development of Dendrobium discolor’s protocorms and seedlings growth of Dendrobium Judy Rutz by using Hyponex medium. After two months, protocorms were found developed in all culture vessels with different combinations of organic supplements in Hyponex medium. For the seedling growth of Dendrobium Judy Rutz, Hyponex medium with supplementation of 100 mL/L of potato extract and 2.0 g/L of peptone has achieved with the maximum fresh and dry weight (Tharapan et al., 2014). Conversely, the dry weights obtained from Hyponex medium supplemented with peptone, organic soy powder and milk powder for Dendrobium Judy Rutz’ seedling growth have no significant difference in comparison to the control. On the other hand, the maximum fresh and dried weight as well as shoot height of Dendrobium discolor’s protocorms were obtain ed in Hyponex medium containing potato extract with 2.0 g/L peptone (Tharapan et al., 2014). 3.0 Materials and Methods 3.1 List of Materials Seeds of Vanda hastifera, 0.2% (w/v) HgCl2, 70% ethanol, 1% 2,3,5-tripheny tetrazolium chloride (TTC), MS medium, KC medium, Hyponex medium, coconut water, potato extract, banana homogenate, peptone, yeast extract, tomato juice, 0.9% (w/v) agar, sucrose, activated charcoal, NaOH and HCl. 3.2 Sterilization of the seeds Immature seeds of Vanda hastifera is surface sterilize by submerging in 0.2% (w/v) HgCl2 for 10 minutes. After this, the seeds will be dipping in 70% ethanol for 15 seconds for further sterilization. Sterilized seeds are then washed with sterile distilled water for 5 to 6 times. These procedures are operated in a laminar flow hood. The viability of the seeds is examined by staining the seed with 1% 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) solution (pH 7). The staining is carried out in darkness. Observation is performed by using stereoscopic microscope (Yamazaki Miyoshi, 2006). Viable embryos are those shows orange to red colour under the stereoscopic microscope observation (Lauzer, Renaut, St-Arnaud Barabà ©, 2007). This procedure has proven effective for testing the viability of epiphytic tropical orchid’s seeds (Singh as cited in Vujanovic, St-Arnaud, Barabà © Thibeault, 2000, p.79). 3.3 Media preparation Half and full strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium (Murashige and Skoog, 1967), KC medium (Knudson, 1946) and Hyponex medium (Kano, 1965) are supplemented with various organic additives in different concentration to examine their effects on in vitro seed germination of Vanda hastifera. Coconut water (5, 10, 15, 20% v/v), peptone (0.2% w/v), yeast extract (0.2% w/v), potato extract (1, 2, 4, 6 g/L) (w/v), banana homogenate (2.5-12.5% w/v), tomato juice (10-20% v/v) are added into the medium. 30 g/L of sucrose and 2 g/L or activated charcoal are also supplemented into the medium. The medium is solidified with 0.9% (w/v) agar. The pH of the medium is adjusted by using NaOH or HCl to between 5.4 to 5.8 prior to autoclave at 121 under 15 p.s.i. for 20 minutes. (Jawan, Gansau Abdullah, 2010; Ali, Murdad Latip, 2011) 3.4 Inoculation The sterilized seeds are then inoculated on to the medium prepared. The spreading of the seeds is to be even over the entire surface of the medium. The Petri dishes with media inoculated with seeds are kept in the culture room provided with 16 light /8 dark hours of photoperiod at 25 ±2. The light intensity is to be at 20-50  µmolm-2s-1 provided by cool white fluorescent tubes (Jawan et al., 2010; Ali et al., 2011). The relative humidity is adjusted at 70-80%. 3.5 Observation and analytical technique Seed germination is indicated by the development of protocorms. According to Ali et al. (2011), it can be seen by the appearance of protocorm from the testa. Observation is carried out at a 20 days interval for up to 60-70 days by using a dissecting light microscope. The number of germinating seed is recorded and tabulated in a table as the percentage of the total number of seeds inoculated (Ali et al., 2011). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used to analyse the data. The significant difference or treatment means is subjected to Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of probability (Aktar et al., 2008; Ali et al., 2011). 4.0 Expected outcome The seed germination of Vanda hastifera that is conducted in vitro will be very effective. It is greatly affected by the medium composition, concentration of organic additives supplemented and the light intensity. It is expected that the  ½ MS will be the best medium for in vitro germination of Vanda hastifera. Organic additives like potato extract, peptone and coconut water are expected to give better results in the experiment as compare to other organic additives.

Urban Homelessness in Canada Essay -- Urban Homeless

Definition of Homelessness Homelessness can simply be defined as the lack of house or shelter. Hulchanski (n.d.) believes that homelessness is â€Å"a great unresolved political and social problem of our time.† He defines homelessness as: The absence of a place to live (a house or apartment or room - the physical structure) - which includes the absence of belonging to a place and the people living there (a home, in the social/psychological sense). [It refers to] situations in which people lack regular and customary access to adequate and appropriate conventional housing (the physical structures that are designed and intended to be permanent residential accommodation). A person who has no regular place to live stays in an overnight emergency shelter, an abandoned building, an all-night coffee shop or theatre, a car, outdoors, or other such places not meant to be living spaces† (Hulchanski, n.d.). On the other hand, Springer (2000) views homelessness as term encompassing many possible meanings. Springer suggests using the "houselessness" instead of homelessness. She also identifies Categories of Houselessness/Homelessness. According to Springer (2000), there are three categories of houselessness: Absolute houselessness refers to people who use public or private housing. â€Å"People sleeping rough, which means in the street, in public places or in any other place not meant for human habitation are those forming the core population of the "homeless"[as well as] those sleeping in shelters provided by welfare or other institutions† (Springer, 2000). Concealed houselessness refers to people who are houseless but temporarily housed with friends or family. â€Å"†¦all people living wit... ...trieved March 30, 2007, from http://www.parkdalelegal.org/Homeless.htm Pollack, G. (2001). "Who are Canada’s homeless?'. Reader's Digest (2001). Available at http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/44/244.html Raising the Roof. â€Å"Case Study: Homeless Initiatives Fund.† Retrieved March 30, 2007, from http://www.raisingtheroof.org/ss-case-dsp.cfm?casefile=Homeless_Initiatives_Fund Raising the Roof. â€Å"Case Study: Literacy and Homelessness Project.† Retrieved March 30, 2007, from http://www.raisingtheroof.org/ss-case dsp.cfm?casefile=Literacy_and_Homelessness_Project Springer, S. (2000). "Homelessness: A proposal for a Global Definition and Classification." Habitat International, Vol. 24,Urban Homelessness in 11 Toronto Report Card on Housing and Homelessness. (2003). Retrieved March 30, 2007, from http://www.toronto.ca/homelessness/pdf/reportcard2003.pdf

The Controversy Surrounding Computer Cryptography :: Technology

The Controversy Surrounding Computer Cryptography The topic of cryptography is being debated in the computer lately, especially since September 11, 2001. To begin with, though cryptography is secret writing or the enciphering and deciphering of messages in secret code or cipher. Cryptography has become very popular in all aspects of life that deal with computers, which is almost every aspect of our daily lives. Ever since the mid-seventies, cryptography is the new way of keeping information secret or private. However, just how good and safe is cryptography? There have been many forms of codes that were used to send messages from group to group or person to person. One of the first know type of secret messaging was done by the Spartans of Ancient Greece around 484 to 425 BC. Secret messages were written on wooden tablets and covered with wax to make the tablet look like wood again. The message could then be read after the wax was removed. The slaves trying to escape used another type of secret messaging. Some messages that they would use to signal each other were quilts. Certain patterns on some quilts gave directions to these slaves in how to escape into Canada. In addition, they used secret words to help guide their fellow slaves to freedom. One such code phrase was "Follow the drinking gourd." This referred to the Big Dipper in the night sky. Because most slaves traveled at night because it was safer, that phrase gave them directions to their freedom. Those were just a sample of early types of secret codes. Modern cryptography is far more complicated. It consists of long mathematical formulas that to most people looks like total gibberish. However, these formulas turn a normal sentence into undecipherable code. Modern encryption codes are used daily throughout our daily lives For example they are used widely throughout he Internet for security purposes.

Racial discrimination in the Workplace Essay

Racial discrimination has long been a problem in social history. The discrimination of ethnic minorities has been a controversial issue, existent in society, and workplaces for many years. The implementation of ethnic monitoring and positive discrimination in employment has increased the number of ethnic employees and gone a long way to mend the bridge of inequality which has burdened society for a long time. Another method introduced to try and counter the racial inequality in employment is that of Affirmative Action. Affirmative action calls for minorities and women to be given special consideration in employment, education and contracting decisions, to increase their number in the workplace. Affirmative action is a controversial issue which has been debated by many. In this essay I am going to look at the advantages and disadvantages of affirmative action and what affect it has on society. I will also debate whether I think affirmative action is a fair method to implement in organisations, and also whether it can be considered to be fair from a philosophical perspective. Affirmative action was defined as an attempt to enlarge opportunity for everyone, it was designed to redress the imbalances caused by long-standing discrimination. Defenders of affirmative action argue that granting modest advantages to minorities and women is more than fair, given hundreds of years of discrimination that benefited whites and men. This implies that as blacks have previously suffered from detrimental racist discrimination and wrongdoings, including slavery and not having the right to vote, they now deserve extra benefits to compensate. This is known as â€Å"reverse racism†. It argues that as whites once set themselves apart from blacks and claimed privileges for themselves while denying them to others, now, on the basis of race, blacks are able to claim special status and reserving for themselves privileges they deny to others. The question then arises: Do two wrongs make a right? This is what affirmative action is condoning. It says that we are allowed to overlook  suitable white candidates if a black candidate is available. This means that even if the white candidate were a better choice and more qualified for the job, the black person would be hired because of the past injustices his race has suffered. People say affirmative action is acceptable because it cures past discrimination (Keyes 1996). However, discrimination was not acceptable when blacks were the ones discriminated against, therefore it’s not ok when whites are discriminated against (DeWit 1996). The answer is that two wrongs do not make a right – affirmative action does not make discrimination acceptable, just because it is now against whites instead of blacks. It has been said that job discrimination is grounded in prejudice and exclusion, whereas affirmative action is an effort to overcome prejudicial treatment through inclusion. The most effective way to cure society of exclusionary practices is to make special efforts at inclusion, this is what affirmative action does. We can explain the theory behind affirmative action with this example; the logic of affirmative action is no different than the logic of treating a nutritional deficiency with vitamin supplements. For a healthy person, high doses of vitamin supplements may be unnecessary or even harmful, but for a person whose system is out of balance, supplements are an efficient way to restore the body’s balance. The equal opportunities law was introduced into society due to the discrimination ethnic minorities had received in history. The policies were implemented to counter racial discrimination and bias. Thus, the equal opportunities law was not created to treat different races differently, its purpose was to treat all people as equals. Affirmative action, however, does not adhere to this principal as by dismissing perfectly capable white candidates for a role in order to employ a less qualified black person, we are not treating everyone as equals. (Hacker 1990). A major disadvantage of affirmative action in the workplace is the affect it has on the organisation and its employees. Affirmative action can be very detrimental to the organisation as hiring an under qualified worker puts  others at risk if he or she doesn’t have enough experience. It is also financially dangerous and a company should not pay inexperienced people to do work they’re not qualified for. Affirmative action will only work short term because if you hire a minority who is under qualified they will eventually lose their job. Another problem arises as organisations can only hire so many people, and this may result in too many under qualified people working for you and will eventually have to abandon affirmative action all together. Affirmative action means that employees who benefit from it bear the mark of not being the best pick, but only the best pick from a limited group (DeWit 1996) It would be better for an employees self-esteem if they knew they got a job because they were the best person for the job, not because they were black and under-represented. It is also possible that because of affirmative action, racism within an organisation will increase. If a company hires a black person who is not as good as another white candidate, employees will begin to resent him/her. If they gained their job based on their skin colour, rather than because they were the most qualified, they may become disliked and resented because of their skin colour. This could also lead to lack of respect for a black boss which would be detrimental to the organisation and the happiness of employees. One of the arguments for affirmative action is that blacks should be compensated for injustices done to their ancestors by white people. This idea contradicts the human right of individuality. It implies that if a white persons ancestor showed racist behaviour, they will be discriminated against because of this. The reality of this is completely unfair, why should one person be punished for something they had no control over, and similarly why should black people receive preferential treatment for behaviour they have not suffered from. That is to say, a black man will be treated in a better way than a white man, as his grandfather was the victim of slavery. The implementation of this is unrealistic and immoral,  especially as we should aim to promote equality among all. As discussed above this kind of preferential treatment will only cause resentment and ultimately the resentment of the black man, purely for being black. The real factor in affirmative action, is that are blacks getting their jobs because they are qualified and able, or because they are black? If the decisive factor is their skin colour and not their ability to work, then affirmative action is a flawed method. Businesses will only ever survive and be profitable if they employ the most suitable and qualified candidate for the job. For this to happen and for the organisation to ensure they have hired the best person for the job, recruitment methods must be colour-blind. This means the people in charge of recruitment should assess each application based on its merits and qualifications, not on the ethnic background of the applicant. Discrimination can only be rooted out by enforcing strictly anti-discrimination rules, without engaging in reverse discrimination which would alienate good white male candidates for employment and promotion who, after all, are not to be blamed by past injustices. From a philosophical point of view affirmative action does not comply with deontological theory, which states that it is our duty to do what is right whatever its consequences, and what is right consists in treating all human beings with respect and due consideration for their rights and liberties. This shows us that racial discrimination goes against these deontological beliefs. However, as deontology shows us that racism is wrong, as it does not treat all human beings with respect, does this mean affirmative action is the right way to go? In my opinion, affirmative action is not a solution to the deontological problem of racism. That is because affirmative action does not treat all human beings with respect and due consideration. Affirmative action disregards the consideration of the white men applying for the jobs, as its aim is to employ black people. From a utilitarian point of view, affirmative action has some key flaws. Utilitarianism says in effect that the rightness of an action (or practical  policy) consists in its tendency to produce the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people than any alternative. Affirmative action would therefore only work if the people within a company were for the idea. Taking a more likely situation, based on historical facts, there are more likely to be a greater number of white males in an organisation. If this is the case and one of them is overlooked for promotion because of a less qualified black man, as the company is employing affirmative action, this goes against utilitarianism ideologies of promoting the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. In conclusion, I do not agree with affirmative action, the unfair treatment of ethnic minorities has been a harsh reality on society for a long time and it needs to be addressed. However, the method of affirmative action, which goes out of its way to hire a black man, purely because he is black, leads us to the same racial inequality that was a problem when blacks were not hired, for being black. Although the idea of affirmative action was implemented to give black people better opportunities it is still a form of discrimination. When an employer hires someone because he or she is a minority, even if someone else if more qualified to do the job, it is discrimination. Just because it is reverse discrimination, when whites are discriminated against and minorities are being discriminated for, doesn’t make it right. â€Å"Affirmative action legalizes discrimination†. (Steele 1990) The efforts of affirmative action are no different from the policies that created the disadvantages in the first place, although the idea is trying to redress the balance of inequality, I feel it is causing more harm than good in the work place. It is undemocratic to give one class of citizen’s advantages at the expense of other citizens; the truly democratic way is to have a level playing field to which everyone has access and where everyone has a fair and equal chance to succeed purely on the basis of his or her merit. Hard work and merit, not race or religion or gender or birthright, should determine who prospers and who does not.