International Market Expansion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

International Market Expansion - Essay Example per prevailing accounting standards, all firms must translate their foreign currency exposures in local currency in order to represent them on their balance sheets. This exposure normally arises when a parent company needs to convert the liabilities/assets of its subsidiary in its balance sheet. The risk arising as a result of this translation is termed as translation exposure. (Wang, 2009) It actually measures the sensitivity when the assets or liabilities of Citibank are actually liquidated due to fluctuations in currency exchange rate. Transaction risk and exposure arises when they are liquidated and hence may gain or lose value in the process of conversion. It is critical to note that transaction exposure do not create any impact on the cash flows of the firm whereas transaction exposure does have an impact on the cash flows of the firm. International firms therefore have to consider this aspect into account also. Translation exposure often arises due to recording of items on the balance sheet therefore Citibank can engage into standards balance sheet hedge in order to safeguard themselves against any changes in the values. Transaction exposure can also be managed by entering into foreign exchange derivatives. Citibank can actually manage its transaction exposure by entering into forward and future exchange rates with counterparties. Foreign currency swaps as well as other more sophisticated instruments may also be used to manage transaction risk. More specifically, Citibank however, need to define risk limits against each currency besides forming policy regarding counterparties. This will actually allow Citi Group to manage counterparty risk associated with the parties with whom it actually enters into foreign currency transactions. (Riad A. Ajami & Goddard, 2006) 1. International banks tend to facilitate international trade and to ensure the movement of goods and services across political borders. International banks though not deal in goods but provide

The Benefits and Downsides of Intermingling Languages Essay Example for Free

The Benefits and Downsides of Intermingling Languages Essay While bilingualism has always been an object of interest and thorough research for scientists of various fields, mixing languages had been, until the last few decades, cast aside as its defective by-product. However, recent linguistic studies show that intermingling languages should not be considered an ill-conceived overlapping tendency that implies carelessness and a improper use of language, but a linguistic phenomenon with its own intricate rules and purposes. The addition of objectivity towards this subject has enabled linguists to describe in length the downsides and benefits of intermingling languages. None of the pros and cons can be treated with absolute certainty as language mixing itself is often subject to different interpretations. The term ‘intermingling languages’ is sometimes replaced with ‘code switching’ or ‘code mixing’, and the latter two treated as synonyms, although their meaning differs in multiple aspects. Code switching implies that the alternation between languages takes place after longer periods of time. Since code-switch mostly occurs at a clause or sentence boundary, it is referred to as intersential switching. According to the Sridhar brothers (1980) code mixing comprises of changing languages after shorter utterances within a single sentence, and can therefore be considered intrasential. Unlike code switching, it is not accompanied by a shift in speech situation. Code mixing also differs from borrowing, which is a less comprehensive form of using multiple languages in a short period of time. Code mixing, unlike borrowing, is not necessarily caused by a lexical gap in the host language. Neither are the mixed elements limited to a collection of terms accepted by the speech community. The mixed sequences are longer than single words (as is immanent to borrowing), but they are not always assimilated into the base language according to usual grammatical rules. The greatest difference of the two linguistic devices is probably the fact that code mixing is inevitably the result of bilingualism, however, borrowing can also occur in monolingual speech. (Sridhar Sridhar 1980) Despite the availabilty of aforementioned precise definitions numerous studies use code/language switching, mixing and intermingling synonymously without notable deficiency in the results, since these definitions tend to not hold a high level of importance when it comes to analysing the reasons, benefits and downsides of mixing languages. Contrary to popular belief, code mixing is not necessarily a sign of improperly acquired languages or inability to switch from bilingual to monolingual mode. Instead, the contradicticting mixing occurs when the usage of a single language no longer efficiently conveys meaning that is appropriate to a certain situation. According to Crystal (1987 cited in Rezaei Gheitanchian 2008) the benefits of code-switch become apparent when solving co mmunication problems in three types of situations. The most obvious reason for a switch in languages being the difficulty in expressing oneself due to a deficiency in the base language. This shortage of a lexical item may come about because the expressed concept has no equivalent in the culture of the other language, or simply because of a momentary inability to remember said term in the host language. This type of code switching is especially prone to happen when the speaker is upset, tired or distracted in some manner. Work related mixing also falls into the ‘lexical gap’ category. For example, code switching becomes a useful tool when individuals lack the appropriate jargon while speaking about a particular topic. One may mix languages when talking about work because the technical terms associated with work are only known in one language. The second important cause in switching is the wish to ensure social belonging. An individual my want to express solidarity with a particular social group. In this case rapport is established between the speaker and the listener if the latter responds with a similar switch. Code mixing may also be used to exclude people from a conversation: for example, when travelling companions switch to their native language when mentioning things they do not wish to convey to the surrounding people; or when bilingual parents mix languages to keep their monolingual children from understanding private conversations. Thirdly, the reason for switching may be result of the wishing to convey one’s attitude towards the listener. Whereas monolinguals can express attitudes by means of variation in the level of formality in their speech, bilinguals have an extra device in this situation – code switching. When two bilinguals are accustomed to communicating in a fixed language, switching to the other is thought to create a special effect. This idea suggests that code switching can be used as a socio-linguistic tool, that aids bilinguals to emphasi se a particular point in a sentence. While these benefits have been pointed out only during the last few decades of language studies, the downsides of code switching have always been an emphasised parallel to bilingualism research. The most common allegations have been the inability to fully comprehend either language; delays in thinking, speaking and understanding; language pollution and deterioration. The notion that intermingling languages is a results of insufficient knowledge of either of the languages, their grammatical structures and syntax, can be dismissed with the aid of the Equivalence Constraint by Poplack: â€Å"Codeswitches will tend to occur at points in discourse where juxtaposition of L1, and L2 elements does not violate a syntactic rule of either language, i.e., at points around which the surface structures of the two languages map onto each other.† (1979 cited in Sridhar Sridhar 1980). This means that when the two languages have very different syntactical rules, the mixing is done in a way tha t switches occur in those parts of the sentence that allow the presence of a foreign word without causing grammatical discrepancies. However, when this is not possible the following principle of linguistics minimises the incongruity of the situation: â€Å"Dual Structure Principle: the internal structure of the guest constituent need not conform to the constituent structure rules of the host language, so long as its placement in the host sentence obeys the rules of the host language. † (Sridhar Sridhar 1980) Another problem associated with intermingling is the claimed time delay that occurs in switching. However, Gollan and Ferreira (2009) suggest that bilinguals switch languages only when non-dominant language responses are easily accesible and the switching does not occur with the price of accuracy, or if the switches improve accuracy. Furthermore, if the switches are not forced, bilinguals can actually make up for some of the costs linked with language mixing, including the small costs in time. The uncertainties that bilinguals experience when expressing emotions can also be considered a problematic asp ect of language mixing. The common belief that emotions conveyd in the mother tongue have the most strength and sincereness, implies that code switching somehow lessens the truthfulness of one’s emotions. In contrast, Grosjean (2008) points out that the notion of bilinguals always expressing their emotions in their first language is a myth. The opposite can be true when a childhood in one language lacked affection or had an abundance of distressing events – in that case, the second language may be used more often as it has stronger reaffirming emotional tones. Despite the emergence of the previous pattern, there are instances where a person might benefit more from using an emotionally less-dominating language. For example, code switching is sometimes strategically used in psychological counseling. This can be accounted to the usefulness of speaking in a second language when trying to distance oneself from emotional events. Language switching becomes a defence mechanism because of usaging a language that is not associated with such a broad range of emotions (often L2). (Altarriba Santiago Riviera 1994 as cited in Altarriba, Heredia 2001). Language mixing is an important aspect of bilingualism, and a natural occurence the conversations of bilinguals. Some linguists see it as a polluting factor which indicates the lack of language proficiency. This notion is supported by findings alike the apparent delays that switching has shown to occasionally cause in speech formation and comprehension. The claim of language mixing resulting in improper use of syntax has been counteracted with proving the well-formed and grammatically correct unwritten rules of code switching. Therefore, most of the downsides of code mixing have either not found enough proof or are minimised by counteractive processes. Analysing the reasons for language mixing has enabled us to point out its benefits. Intermingling may be induced by a simple lack of a lexical term, the need to build rapport with a fellow bilingual, a wish to restrict the conversation from surrounding monolinguals or the necessity to convey a different tone or opinion towards what is being expressed. When the problemic conditions that triggered code switching are solved this linguistic devices proves its usefulness. Keeping these notions in mind, it is easy to agree with practitioners, who despite some downsides, see language mixing as an inevitable linguistic occurance that enhances communication rather than decreasing its quality. Intermingling strengthens the content and the essence of the message, thus becoming an important social funtion of communicating. References Altarriba, J. and Santiago-Rivera, A.L. 1994. Current perspectives on using linguistic and cultural factors in counseling the Hispanic client. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 25, 388–397. Altarriba, Jeanette and Heredia, Roberto R. 2001. Bilingual Language Mixing: Why Do Bilinguals Code-Switch? Current Directions in Psychological Science, 10: 15, 164-168. Crystal, D. 1987. The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge. Gollan, Tamara H. and Ferreira, Victor S. 2008. Should I stay or should I switch? A cost-benefit analysis of voluntary language switshing in young and aging bilinguals. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 35: 3, 640-665. Grosjean, Francois. 2008. Studying Bilinguals. Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press. Poplack, S. 1979. Sometimes I’ll start a sentence in Spanish y termino en Espanol: Toward a typology of codeswitching. Linguistics, 18: 7-8, 581-618. Rezaei, Seyyed Hassan Seyyed and Gheitanchian, Mehrnaz. 2008. E-proceedings of the International Online Language Conference (IOLC), 61-67. Sridhar, S.N. and Sridhar, Kamal K. 1980. The Syntax and Psycholynguistics of Bilingual Code Mixing. Canadian Journal of Experimental Psychology, 34: 4, 407-416.

A Christmas Carol :: English Literature

A Christmas Carol Christmas CarolA secular story of Christmas time in an urban setting, With a Christmas carol in mind, dickens set out to create a process in the minds of the Americans imagination. As a result of the industrial evolution and the growth of the families who were forced from their homes in the country and into the city, a whole new lifestyle for them? And as industrialization continued for many people in the city, working conditions got no better. As this increased, the social concern for reform also did. After the publication of the ‘Christmas Carol’ the ideas and concerns for many reform bills, sparked and increased debate over political and social issues. Whether or not dickens has a Christmas carol in mind for this, but it is however clear that the ‘industrial evolution’ has a greater part in making this story a tale for the times. Dickens was concerned with the working conditions of the people who suffered whilst trying to make a living; this is reflected upon the character of Ebenezer scrooge, a ghastly, old and mean owner who is hated by almost everybody, even by his workers. He did not care for them, or show them pity, he paid them minimum wage and if they didn’t like it, it wouldn’t matter, they would resign and there would be a queue for people wanting to work there as a replacement, scrooge therefore saw it as no loss. He knew this because during the industrial evolution there were more people than their were jobs, and people back them had to grab anything they could get, whether or not they would suffer or die earning their money, there were a limited amount of jobs. We also see scrooge making a rather harsh remark on the lives of the poor, where we see two men knocking on scrooge’s door for donations. He says that it would be alright for them to die as it would help the population problem. Also we focus upon the character of Bob Cratchit, who is one of scrooge’s workers. He is paid a meagre salary and can barely afford to feed and care for his own family, his son is dieing and he is too poor to afford proper medication for him. Even through all this, he still manages to have a Christmas dinner with his family and not let his situation destroy the spirit of Christmas. Bob Cratchit represents the working class that do their best to live on what they get paid and are thankful for their health. While some still argue to this day that dickens motivation for the

The Effects of Internet Addiction to Lifestyle and Dietary Behavior

Nutrition Research and Practice (Nutr Res Pract) 2010;4(1):51-57 DOI: 10. 4162/nrp. 2010. 4. 1. 51 The effects of Internet addiction on the lifestyle and dietary behavior of Korean adolescents Yeonsoo Kim *, Jin Young Park *, Sung Byuk Kim , In-Kyung Jung , Yun Sook Lim and Jung-Hyun Kim 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 4 § School of Human Ecology, Nutrition and Dietetics Program, Louisiana Tech University, LA 71272 USA Graduate school of Education, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 156-756, Korea 3 Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs, Seoul 110-793, Korea 4 Department of Home Economics Education, Chung-Ang University, Heukseok-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 156-756, Korea 5 Department of Food and Nutrition, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Korea Abstract We performed this study to examine lifestyle patterns and dietary behavior based on the level of Internet addiction of Korean adolescents. Data were collected from 853 Korean junior high school students. The level of Internet addiction was determined based on the Korean Internet addiction self-scale short form for youth, and students were classified as high-risk Internet users, potential-risk Internet users, and no risk Internet users. The associations between the students’ levels of Internet addiction and lifestyle patterns and dietary behavior were analyzed using a chi-square test. Irregular bedtimes and the use of alcohol and tobacco were higher in high-risk Internet users than no risk Internet users. Moreover, in high-risk Internet users, irregular dietary behavior due to the loss of appetite, a high frequency of skipping meals, and snacking might cause imbalances in nutritional intake. Diet quality in high-risk Internet users was also worse than in potential-risk Internet users and no risk Internet users. We demonstrated in this study that high-risk Internet users have inappropriate dietary behavior and poor diet quality, which could result in stunted growth and development. Therefore, nutrition education targeting high-risk Internet users should be conducted to ensure proper growth and development. Key Words: Internet addiction, dietary behavior, diet quality, adolescents Introduction8) The Internet has become an important tool for social interaction, information, and entertainment [1]. However, as the Internet has moved into homes, schools, Internet cafes, and businesses, the prevalence of Internet addiction has been increasing rapidly. Internet addiction is characterized as poorly controlled Internet use, and can lead to impulse-control disorders [2]. Recently, Internet addiction, especially among adolescents, has been recognized as an important social issue in various countries because of the high prevalence of depression, aggressive behavior, psychiatric symptoms, and interpersonal problems associated with this addiction [3,4]. The incidence of Internet addiction in adolescents was estimated to be approximately 11% in China [2], 8% in Greece [5], and 18. 4% in Korea [1]. Adolescents are more vulnerable to Internet addiction than adults, and the social performance, psychology, and lifestyle habits of Internet addicts can be affected by this addiction [6]. Numerous cross-sectional studies have shown that Internet addiction has an adverse effect on several lifestyle-related factors in adolescents; it can result in irregular dietary habits, extended periods of time spent on the Internet [7], physical inactivity, short duration of sleep [2], and increased use of alcohol and tobacco [2,8,9]. Some studies have reported that the change in lifestylerelated factors caused by heavy Internet use could have an adverse impact on the growth and development of Internet addicts [2,7]. Nutritional status also plays a crucial role in growth and development during adolescence. Several studies have shown that malnutrition or unbalanced nutritional intake can reduce weight gain and decrease leg length in adolescents [9,10]. Optimal nutrition is therefore important for adolescents to grow and develop properly. Moreover, once dietary habits are formed during childhood, they tend to be carried on throughout adulthood, thus teaching adolescents to develop healthy eating habits is of critical importance [11]. Numerous studies have showed associations between Internet addiction and mental health problems, such as depression and psychiatric symptoms, among adolescents. However, information on the effects of Internet addiction on the dietary behavior of * Yeonsoo Kim and Jin Young Park are Co-first authors.  § Corresponding Author: Jung-Hyun Kim, Tel. 82-2-820-5278, Fax. 82-2-817-7304, Email. [email  protected] ac. kr Received: November 17, 2009, Revised: February 16, 2010, Accepted: February 16, 2010 ? 2010 The Korean Nutrition Society and the Korean Society of Community Nutrition This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons. rg/licenses/by-nc/3. 0/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. 52 The effect of Internet addiction on dietary behavior adolescents is limited. Therefore, in this study, we examined the dietary behavior of Korean adolescents according to their level of Internet addiction. income per month, and the education level of the parents. A lifestyle habit questionnaire assessed the regularity of bedtime, sleep disturbance, and the use of alcohol and tobacco. Dietary behaviors and diet quality The dietary behavior questionnaire assessed recent changes in meal size, appetite, eating speed, frequency and reasons for skipping meals, and the frequency, type, and reasons for snacking. Diet quality was assessed by a 10-item mini-dietary assessment index. The mini-dietary assessment index was used to assess overall dietary quality based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines and Food Tower for Koreans [13]. This index includes four food groups that should be consumed, four food groups that limited amounts of should be consumed, and two items regarding varied and regular diet. Responses to food items of which sufficient amounts should be consumed were reported using a 5-point Likert scale where 1=seldom, 3=sometimes, and 5=always. Responses to food items of which limited quantities should be consumed were also reported using a 5-point Likert scale where 1=always, 3=sometimes, and 5=seldom. The maximum possible score for diet quality is 50. In this study, diet quality was defined as â€Å"good† if the total score was greater than or equal to 30 [14]. Statistical analyses All analyses were performed with a significance level of ? =0. 05 using the SPSS software package version 12. (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA). Relationships between levels of Internet addiction and socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle patterns, and dietary behavior were analyzed using the chi-square test. The relationship between dietary quality and level of Internet addiction based on the self-scale rating system were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan’s mul tiple range test for multiple comparisons. Subjects and Methods Subjects This cross-sectional study included 1,000 adolescents from grades 7 through 9 living in Seoul, Korea. Of 1,000 participants, 800 students were recruited from eight junior high schools. The remaining 200 subjects were recruited from the Korean Youth Counseling Institute (KYCI), where they had been diagnosed and were being treated as Internet addicts. The study was conducted from October 2008 to November 2008. The Institutional Review Board of Chung-Ang University (Seoul, Korea) deemed this study exempt from the requirement for informed consent. Of the 1,000 surveys administered and collected, 147 were excluded due to incomplete responses and difficulty in assessing the level of Internet addiction, thus a total of 853 samples were analyzed in this study. Korean Internet addiction test (KS scale) Internet addiction was evaluated using the Korean version of the Internet addiction self-scale short form (KS scale) for youth, which was developed by the Korea Agency for Digital Opportunity and Promotion [12]. In brief, the KS scale for adolescents is a 20-item self-report questionnaire, consisting of six core components: disturbance of daily routines, self-esteem, withdrawal, virtual interpersonal relationship, deviant behavior, and tolerance. Response to each question is on 4-point Likert scale where 1 corresponds to â€Å"not at all†, 2 corresponds to â€Å"sometimes†, 3 corresponds to â€Å"frequently†, and 4 corresponds to â€Å"always†. The level of Internet addiction was categorized as either high-risk, potential-risk, or no risk based on the total score and the score for the three components of disturbance of daily routines, withdrawal, and tolerance. Subjects were classified as high-risk Internet users if their total score was the same or greater than 52, and/or if the score for disturbance of daily routine, withdrawal, and tolerance was greater than 16, 10, and 12, respectively. Subjects were classified as potential-risk Internet users if their total score was greater than or equal to 48 and less than 52 and/or if their score for disturbance of daily routine, withdrawal, and tolerance was greater than 14, 9, and 11, respectively. Subjects were classified as no risk Internet users if their total score was less than 48. Subject characteristics and lifestyle patterns The following socio-demographic characteristics of subjects were used in this analysis: age at the time of recruitment, family Results General characteristics of subjects The general characteristics of the participants and the relationships between the level of Internet addiction and general characteristics are provided in Table 1. Subjects were between the ages of 13 and 15 years with a mean age of 14. 0 years. More boys were high-risk Internet users than girls (31. 4% vs. 14. 0%), and more girls were no risk Internet users than boys (74. 7% vs. 58. 9%). Younger adolescents were significantly more likely to be highrisk Internet users than older adolescents (P < 0. 001). Household monthly income was significantly related to the level of Internet addiction; adolescents from households with a low monthly income (< 1,000 K won and 1,000 K-1,999 K won) were more likely to be high-risk Internet users (57. 5% and 31. 7%, respectively) Yeonsoo Kim et al. Table 1. Subject characteristics based on level of Internet addiction High risk (n=186) Gender Boys Girls Age (years) 13 14 15 Monthly income (Korean Won)2) < 1,000K 1,000K-1,999K 2,000K-2,999K 3,000K-3,999K ? 4,000K 53 Potential risk (n=90) 37 (9. 7) 53 (11. 3) 15 (7. 0) 46 (14. 5) 29 (9. 0) 3 (7. 5) 15 (12. 5) 25 (15. 8) 14 (7. 7) 28 (10. ) 28 (9. 7) 37 (10. 5) 17 (15. 2) 1 (4. 8) 41 (10. 4) 31 (10. 1) 9 (17. 3) 3 (13. 1) No risk (n=577) 225 (58. 9) 352 (74. 7) 126 (59. 2) 213 (67. 2) 238 (73. 7) 14 (35. 0) 67 (55. 8) 98 (62. 0) 139 (76. 4) 205 (74. 3) 183 (63. 1) 254 (72. 2) 78 (69. 6) 8 (30. 1) 261 (66. 2) 220 (71. 9) 36 (69. 2) 9 (39. 1) Total (n=853) 382 (100. 0) 471 (100. 0) 213 (100. 0) 317 (100. 0) 323 (100. 0) 40 (100. 0) 120 (100. 0) 158 (100. 0) 182 (100. 0) 276 (100. 0) 290 (100. 0) 352 (100. 0) 112 (100. 0) 21 (100. 0) 394 (100. 0) 306 (100. 0) 52 (100. 0) 23 (100. 0) P-value < 0. 001 120 (31. 4)1) 66 (14. 0) 72 (33. 8) 58 (18. 3) 56 (17. ) 23 (57. 5) 38 (31. 7) 35 (22. 2) 29 (15. 9) 43 (15. 6) 79 (27. 2) 61 (17. 3) 17 (15. 2) 12 (57. 1) 92 (22. 4) 55 (18. 0) 7 (13. 5) 11 (47. 8) < 0. 001 < 0. 001 Father’s education High school graduate & under College graduate Graduate school graduate Others Mother’s education High school graduate & under College graduate Graduate school graduate Others 1) < 0. 001 0. 008 N (%) 2) 1,250 Korean won = 1US dollar Table 2. KS-scale scores based on the level of Internet addiction Components Disturbance of daily routine Self-esteem Withdrawal Virtual interpersonal relationship Deviant behavior Tolerance Total 1) 2) Maximum score 24 4 16 12 8 16 80 High risk (n=186) 14. 97  ± 3. 21 1)a2) a a Potential risk (n=90) 13. 90  ± 3. 25 1. 69  ± 0. 84 4. 56  ± 1. 89 3. 93  ± 1. 46 8. 76  ± 2. 64 5. 22  ± 2. 21 b b c No risk (n=577) 9. 32  ± 2. 21 1. 32  ± 0. 61 5. 49  ± 1. 50 3. 78  ± 1. 41 2. 87  ± 1. 07 5. 90  ± 2. 04 c c Total (n=853) 11. 04  ± 3. 59 1. 60  ± 0. 85 6. 88  ± 2. 82 4. 62  ± 2. 58 3. 48  ± 1. 55 7. 23  ± 3. 07 34. 90  ± 11. 48 2. 41  ± 0. 94 7. 23  ± 2. 54 10. 56  ± 2. 59 5. 16  ± 1. 53 b c c c c a a a a b b b b 10. 61  ± 2. 97 50. 95  ± 8. 41 41. 06  ± 5. 29 28. 69  ± 6. 36 Mean  ± S. D Values with different superscript letters within a row are significantly different after Duncan’s multiple range test (P < 0. 05). than adolescents from households with a higher monthly income. Adolescents from households with high monthly incomes (3,000K-3,999K won and ? 4,000K won) were more likely to be no risk Internet users (76. 4% and 74. 3%, respectively). Parents’ educational status also affected the level of Internet addiction. High-risk Internet users had parents whose highest level of education was high school graduation or less (27. 2% in father and 22. 4% in mother, respectively). In contrast, a high proportion of no risk Internet users had parents who were college graduates (72. 2% in father and 71. 9% in mother, respectively). KS-scale score The total KS-scale score and the scores of the six components of the KS-scale are presented in Table 2. High-risk Internet users had significantly higher total KS-scale scores and scores for the six main components than potential-risk Internet users and no risk Internet users (P < 0. 05). Lifestyle patterns Lifestyle patterns, including bedtime, sleep disturbance, alcohol use, and tobacco use according to the level of Internet addiction are shown in Table 3. No risk Internet users had regular bedtime patterns (10. 4% always had a regular bedtime and 41. 8% often had a regular bedtime) while high-risk Internet users complained of irregular bedtime patterns (13. 6% reported often irregular bedtimes and 11. 4% reported always irregular bedtimes). Both high- and potential-risk Internet users suffered from sleep disturbances (81. 1% and 76. 7%, respectively). Similarly, 66% of 54 The effect of Internet addiction on dietary behavior Table 5. Snacking patterns based on the level of Internet addiction P-value Skipping breakfast 20 (10. 9)1) 15 (16. ) 49 (26. 6) 60 (10. 4) 95 (11. 2) < 0. 001 Yes No Skipping Lunch Yes No Skipping Dinner Yes No Oversleep No appetite Indigestion Snacking before a meal Weight loss Saving money Lack of time Habit Others ? 3 times/day Table 3. Lifestyle patterns based on the level of Internet addiction High risk (n=186) Bedtime Always regular Often regular 25 (27. 8) 241 (41. 8) 315 (37. 0) 30 (33. 3) 229 (39. 7) 328 (38. 5) 14 (15. 6) 6 (6. 7) 32 (5. 5) 15 (2. 6) 71 (8. 3) 42 (4. 9) Potential risk (n=90) No risk (n=577) Total (n=853) High risk (n=186) Potential risk (n=90) No risk (n=577) Total (n=853) P-value 0. 683 88 (47. 3) 1) 43 (48. 3) 228 (40. 1) 359 (42. 6) 46 (51. 7) 340 (59. 9) 484 (57. 4) 0. 177 6 (6. 8) 34 (6. 0) 56 (6. 7) 0. 049 98 (52. 7) 16 (8. 6) Neither regular or 69 (37. 5) irregular Often irregular Always irregular Sleep disturbance Yes No Alcohol use Yes No Tobacco use Yes No 1) 25 (13. 6) 21 (11. 4) 170 (91. 4) 82 (93. 2) 531 (94. 0) 783 (93. 3) 38 (20. 4) 15 (17. 1) 80 (14. 1) 133 (17. 0) 150 (81. 1) 69 (76. 7) 278 (48. 3) 497 (58. 4) < 0. 001 35 (18. 9) 21 (23. 3) 298 (51. 7) 354 (41. 6) 148 (79. 6) 73 (82. 9) 486 (85. 9) 707 (82. 8) 49 (28. 3) 34 (19. 7) 6 (3. ) 8 (4. 6) 10 (5. 6) 2 (2. 9) 25 (14. 5) 18 (10. 4) 18 (10. 4) 29 (15. 8) 51 (27. 7) 86 (55. 5) 4 (2. 6) 21 (13. 5) 22 (26. 2) 112 (21. 3) 183 (23. 4) 20 (23. 8) 122 (23. 2) 176 (22. 5) 6 (7. 1) 5 (6. 0) 8 (9. 5) 0 (0. 0) 6 (7. 1) 7 (8. 3) 13 (14. 4) 29 (5. 5) 21 (4. 0) 38 (7. 2) 2 (0. 4) 40 (7. 6) 44 (8. 4) 55 (9. 7) 41 (5. 2) 34 (4. 3) 56 (7. 2) 7 (0. 9) 64 (8. 2) 69 (8. 8) 97 (11. 5) 0. 004 0. 026 R easons for meal skipping 123 (66. 5) 58 (64. 4) 252 (43. 7) 433 (50. 8) < 0. 001 62 (33. 5) 97 (52. 4) 88 (47. 6) 32 (35. 6) 325 (56. 3) 419 (49. 2) 28 (31. 1) 90 (15. 6) 215 (25. 2) < 0. 01 62 (68. 9) 897 (84. 4) 637 (74. 8) N (%) Table 4. Recent changes in dietary habits based on the level of Internet addiction High risk (n=186) Changes in meal size Increased Decreased No change Changes in appetite Worse Bad No change Better Do not know Fast Average Slow Irregular 1) 10 (11. 9) 118 (22. 4) 153 (19. 5) Potential risk (n=90) No risk (n=577) Total (n=853) P-value Frequency of snacking 1-2/day 104 (56. 5) 65 (72. 2) 396 (69. 8) 565 (67. 2) 12 (13. 3) 116 (20. 5) 179 (21. 3) 50 (60. 2) 239 (47. 2) 375 (50. 4) 4 (4. 8) 8 (9. 6) 38 (7. 5) 46 (6. 2) 73 (14. 4) 102 (13. 7) 0. 245 4 (29. 0)1) 29 (32. 2) 164 (28. 6) 247 (29. 1) 62 (33. 3) 70 (37. 6) 25 (13. 4) 30 (16. 1) 72 (38. 7) 17 (9. 1) 42 (22. 6) 64 (34. 4) 71 (38. 2) 32 (17. 2) 19 (10. 2) 20 (22. 2) 127 (22. 2) 209 (24. 6) 41 (45. 6) 282 (49. 2) 393 (46. 3) 7 (7. 8) 11 (12. 2) 8 (8. 9) 21 (3. 7) 53 (6. 2) 0. 019 None Snack items Confectionery Soda 0. 001 80 (13. 9) 121 (14. 2) 78 (13. 6) 103 (12. 1) 43 (47. 8) 254 (44. 2) 369 (43. 4) 21 (23. 3) 142 (24. 7) 205 (24. 1) 37 (41. 1) 173 (30. 0) 274 (32. 2) 33 (36. 7) 271 (47. 0) 375 (44. 0) 11 (12. 2) 109 (18. 9) 152 (17. 8) 9 (10. 0) 23 (4. 0) 51 (6. 0) 0. 002 Ttokbokki, rameon, fried foods Fast foods Fruits Milk Others Hunger Lack of time for a meal Habit Boredom Social event Others 1) 12 (7. 7) 14 (9. 0) 15 (9. 7) 3 (1. 9) 86 (46. 7) 10 (5. 4) 28 (15. 2) 33 (17. 9) 17 (9. 2) 10 (5. 4) 3 (3. 6) 9 (10. 8) 8 (9. 6) 1 (1. 2) 26 (5. 1) 61 (12. 1) 55 (10. 9) 14 (2. 8) 41 (5. 5) 84 (11. 3) 78 (10. 5) 18 (2. 4) 0. 057 Changes in eating speed Reasons for snacking 46 (51. 1) 319 (55. 6) 451 (53. 2) 1 (1. 1) 22 (24. 4) 14 (15. 6) 5 (5. 6) 2 (2. 2) 30 (5. 2) 41 (4. 8) N (%) 79 (13. 8) 129 (15. 2) 98 (17. 1) 145 (17. 1) 34 (5. 9) 14 (2. 4) 56 (6. 6) 26 (3. 1) igh-risk Internet users and 64% of potential-risk Internet users had used alcohol. Fifty-two percent of high-risk Internet users had used tobacco while only 15. 6% of no risk Internet users had used tobacco. Dietary behavior and diet quality Recent changes in eating habits among adolescents are provided in Table 4. More of high-risk Internet users answered that their dietary habits had been chan ged to have small meal sizes, a poor appetite, and irregular eating speeds than no risk Internet users (P=0. 019, 0. 001, and 0. 002, respectively). High-risk Internet N (%) users had a high prevalence of skipping dinner (Table 5). High-risk Internet users snacked frequently, often snacking more than three times per day (15. 8% vs. 9. 7 % for no risk Internet users). Favorite snacks and reasons for snacking were not significantly different among adolescents based on levels of Internet addiction. Diet quality based on levels of Internet addiction is shown Yeonsoo Kim et al. Table 6. Diet quality based on the level of Internet addiction High risk (n=186) Potential risk (n=90) No risk (n=577) 3. 40  ± 1. 52b Total (n=853) 3. 25  ± 1. 58 1) 55 I eat more than one 2. 72  ± 1. 722)a3) 3. 36  ± 1. 36b serving of milk or dairy products every day. I eat several servings of meat, fish, egg, bean, or tofu every day. I eat vegetables and Kimchi every meal. I eat one serving of fruit or fruit juice every day. I eat three meals a day on a regular basis. I eat a variety of foods every day. I eat fried or stir-fried foods most of the time. I eat fatty meat most of the time. I add table salt or soy sauce to foods most of the time. I eat ice cream, cake, and/or drink soda between meals. Total 1) 2. 86  ± 1. 50a 3. 04  ± 1. 48a 3. 35  ± 1. 41b 3. 21  ± 1. 44 2. 83  ± 1. 63a 2. 91  ± 1. 69a 3. 11  ± 1. 48ab 3. 43  ± 1. 45b 3. 38  ± 1. 49b 3. 45  ± 1. 55b 3. 26  ± 1. 51 3. 32  ± 1. 9 2. 58  ± 1. 56a 2. 98  ± 1. 63b 3. 32  ± 1. 59c 3. 12  ± 1. 62 2. 86  ± 1. 60a 2. 85  ± 1. 57a 2. 98  ± 1. 48a 2. 78  ± 1. 42a 3. 38  ± 1. 45b 3. 35  ± 1. 45b 3. 16  ± 1. 42 3. 18  ± 1. 49 2. 72  ± 1. 50a 3. 26  ± 1. 67a 2. 73  ± 1. 50a 3. 07  ± 1. 59a 3. 28  ± 1. 56b 3. 53  ± 1. 52b 3. 10  ± 1. 58 3. 42  ± 1. 57 2. 80  ± 1. 72a 2. 80  ± 1. 50a 3. 29  ± 1. 54b 3. 13  ± 1. 59 28. 38  ± 6. 34a 30. 22  ± 6. 79b 33. 75  ± 6. 01c 32. 20  ± 6. 57 Diet quality was assessed by using 10-item mini-dietary assessment index developed by Kim [14]. Mean  ± SD 3) Values with different superscript letters within a row are significantly different (P < 0. 5) after Duncan’s multiple range test. 2) in Table 6. The diet quality of high-risk Internet users was significantly lower than that of potential-risk Internet users and no risk Internet users, respectively (P < 0. 05). Discussion In this study, we demonstrated that high-risk Internet users eat smaller meals, have less of an appetite, skip meals, and snack more than their potential-risk and normal-risk Internet user counterparts. Moreover, the diet quality of high-risk Internet users is poorer than that of potential-risk Internet users and no risk Internet users. The frequency of skipping dinner in high-risk Internet users was significantly higher than that in no risk Internet users. This finding is consistent with a study by Kim and Chun that reported a high incidence of meal skipping in Internet addicts [7]. The high frequency of skipping dinner could be related to snacking; more frequent snacking was observed in high-risk Internet users than no risk Internet users. Savige et al. also reported that adolescent heavy snackers skipped dinner more frequently than their non- or light-snacker adolescent counterparts [15]. Moreover, the favorite snacks of our participants were confectionery and fast food, which are nutritionally poor foods with high calories provided by fats and simple sugars but with few other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Thus high-risk Internet users have improper dietary behaviors that could impact their growth and development. The quality of the diet of high-risk Internet users as measured using a mini-dietary assessment index was poor. The mini-dietary assessment index that we used is a Korean version of the Healthy Eating Index in which scores over 30 indicate a good quality diet. In high-risk Internet users, the average total score was 28. 38, which indicates an â€Å"inappropriate† diet quality. High-risk Internet users had the lowest meal regularity score, reflected by a higher rate of skipping dinner in high-risk Internet users than no risk Internet users. Moreover, high-risk Internet users did not consume enough milk and dairy products, meat and fish, and fruits and vegetables compared with no risk Internet users. Proper intake of milk and dairy products as major sources of calcium during childhood is crucial for achieving optimal peak bone mass and maintaining and repairing bone tissue [16]. In addition, low consumption of fruits and vegetables in high-risk Internet users suggests low intake of vitamins, minerals, and fiber in these individuals. Vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in energy production, maintenance of bone health, adequate immune function, and protection against oxidative stress [17,18]. Several studies have shown that proper fruit and vegetable intake can prevent health problems such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases [19-21]. High-risk Internet users not only consumed too little of the recommended food groups; they consumed more than the recommended daily quantities of fatty foods, fried foods, salt, and foods high in simple sugars. High fat and simple sugar intake increase the chance of being overweight or obese. Obese children and adolescents can have various adverse health outcomes, including diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome [22-24]. Furthermore, obese children have a higher risk of cardiovascular mortality when they reach adulthood [22,23]. The diet of high-risk Internet users, though it may meet their energy requirements, is lacking in nutritional value, and may therefore not support the growth spurt during adolescence and may cause nutrition-related health problems. High-risk Internet users drank and smoked more and had a poorer quality diet and higher frequency of meal skipping than no risk Internet users. Results from two cross-sectional studies on Korean high school students [8] and Taiwanese high school students [2] found a strong association between Internet addiction and high use of alcohol and tobacco. Alcohol and tobacco companies use the Internet to promote and advertise their products by using themes and icons of youth popular culture, games and contests, and commercially-sponsored websites and homepages [25]. Therefore, because high-risk Internet users are more likely to be exposed to tobacco and alcohol advertisements, 56 The effect of Internet addiction on dietary behavior 4. Seo M, Kang HS, Yom YH. Internet addiction and interpersonal problems in Korean adolescents. Comput Inform Nurs 2009;27: 226-33. 5. Siomos KE, Dafouli ED, Braimiotis DA, Mouzas OD, Angelopoulos NV. Internet addiction among Greek adolescent students. Cyberpsychol Behav 2008;11:653-7. 6. Ha JH, Kim SY, Bae SC, Bae S, Kim H, Sim M, Lyoo IK, Cho SC. Depression and Internet addiction in adolescents. Psychopa thology 2007;40:424-30. 7. Kim JS, Chun BC. Association of Internet addiction with health promotion lifestyle profile and perceived health status in adolescents. J Prev Med Public Health 2005;38:53-60. 8. Choi K, Son H, Park M, Han J, Kim K, Lee B, Gwak H. Internet overuse and excessive daytime sleepiness in adolescents. Psychiatry Clin Neuosci 2009;63:455-62. 9. Gunnell DJ, Smith GD, Frankel SJ, Kemp M, Peters TJ. Socioeconomic and dietary influences on leg length and trunk length in childhood: a reanalysis of the Carnegie survey of diet and health in prewar Britain (1937-1939). Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 1998;12:96-113. 10. Sachar RK, Singh H, Soni RK, Singh WP, Bhatia RC, Raizada N, Singh B. A cross-sectional study of growth parameters of rural adolescent girls of Punjab. Indian J Matern Child Health 1997;8:21-5. 11. Vadiveloo M, Zhu L, Quatromoni PA. Diet and physical activity patterns of school-aged children. J Am Diet Assoc 2009;109: 145-51. 12. Kim DI, Chung YJ, Lee EA, Kim DM, Cho YM. Development of Internet addiction proneness scale-short form (KS scale). The Korean Jounal of Counseling 2008;9:1703-22. 13. The Korean Nutrition Society. Dietary reference intakes for Koreans. Seoul: KokJin Co. ;2005. 14. Kim WY, Cho MS, Lee HS. Development and validation of mini dietary assessment index for Koreans. The Korean Journal of Nutrition 2003;36:83-92. 15. Savige G, Macfarlane A, Ball K, Worsley A, Crawford D. Snacking behaviors of adolescents and their association with skipping meals. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2007;4:36. 16. Petrie HJ, Stover EA, Horswill CA. Nutritional concerns for the child and adolescent competitior. Nutrition 2004;20:620-31. 17. Wardlaw GM, Hampl JS. Perspectives in Nutrition. New York: McGraw-Hill International Co. ; 2007. p. 295-463. 18. Omenn GS. Micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) as cancerpreventive agents. IARC Sci Publ 1996;139:33-45. 19. Davis EM, Cullen KW, Watson KB, Konarik M, Radcliffe J. A fresh fruit and vegetable program improves high school students’ consumption of fresh produce. J Am Diet Assoc 2009;109:1227-31. 20. Lorson BA, Melgar-Quinonez HR, Taylor CA. Correlates of fruit and vegetable intakes in US children. J Am Diet Assoc 2009; 109:474-8. 21. Miriran P, Noori N, Zavareh MB, Azizi F. Fruit and vegetable consumption and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Metabolism 2009;58:460-8. 22. Berenson GS, Srinivasan SR, Bao W, Newman WP, Tracy RE, Wattigney WA. Association between multiple cardiovascular risk factors and atherosclerosis in children and young adults. The Bogalusa Heart Study. N Engl J Med 1998;338:1650-6. 23. Freedman DS, Dietz WH, Srinivasan SR, Berenson GS. The relation of overweight to cardiovascular risk factors among children and adolescents: the Bogalusa Heart Study. Pediatrics they are more likely to drink and smoke than other Internet users. Furthermore, high frequency of use of tobacco and alcohol can exacerbate diet-related problems, because smoking and drinking are negatively associated with diet quality and dietary behaviors such as meal regularity [26,27]. High-risk Internet users reported more irregular sleep patterns and more episodes of sleep disturbance than no risk Internet users. This is consistent with a previous study of Korean adolescents that showed that Internet addiction was associated with insomnia, apnea, and nightmare [8]. In addition, sleep disturbance could increase the risk of mental health problems as well as substance abuse [6,28,29,30]. Hence, high-risk Internet users are more likely to experience physical and mental health problems. This study has some limitations. First, this study was a cross-sectional study, therefore we could not confirm causal associations between Internet addiction and dietary behavior. Second, the questionnaire was self-reported. It is therefore possible that some of the adolescents may not have admitted to using alcohol and tobacco due to social restrictions, even though this study was anonymous. High-risk Korean adolescent Internet users had improper dietary behavior and a poorer diet quality than their no risk Internet counterparts. To ensure that the growth and development of high-risk Internet users is not adversely impacted, their diets should be supplemented with the nutrients that they are lacking. Interventions to improve both dietary behavior and treat Internet addiction may have synergistic health benefits. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that children should be educated as to what a balanced diet and optimum physical activity routine is to remain healthy and grow. Furthermore, the government should take an active role in designing and evaluating Internet addiction-related health intervention strategies. Given the likely adverse effects of Internet addiction on adolescents’ development because of poor dietary behavior, it is critical to raise awareness about Internet addiction. Close attention should be paid to students at risk of Internet addiction, as well as students at low risk to prevent them from becoming addicted to the Internet. References 1. Tsitsika A, Critselis E, Kormas G, Filippopoulou A, Tounissidou, Freskou A, Spiliopoulou T, Louizou A, Konstantoulaki E, Kafetzis D. Internet use and misuse: a multivariate regression analysis of the predictive factors of Internet use among Greek adolescents. Eur J Pediatr 2009;168:655-65. 2. Lam LT, Peng ZW, Mai JC, Jing J. Factors associated with Internet addiction among adolescents. Cyberpsychol Behav 2009; 12:1-5. 3. Ko CH, Yen JY, Liu SC, Huang CF, Yen CF. The associations between aggressive behaviors and Internet addiction and online activities in adolescents. J Adolesc Health 2009;44:598-605. Yeonsoo Kim et al. 1999;103:1175-82. 24. Kim HM, Park J, Kim HS, Kim DH, Park SH. Obesity and cardiovascular risk factors in Korean children and adolescents aged 10-18 years from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1998 and 2001. Am J Epidemiol 2006;164: 787-93. 25. Levy JA, Strombeck R. Health benefits and risks of the Internet. Journal of Medical Systems 2002;6:495-510. 26. Strine TW, Okoro CA, Chapman DP, Balluz LS, Ford ES, Ajani UA, Mokdad AH. Health-related quality of life and health risk behaviors among smokers. Am J Prev Med 2005;28:182-7. 27. Teufel NI. Alcohol consumption and its effect on the dietary 57 patterns of Hualapai Indian women. Med Anthropol 1994;16:79-97. 28. Roane BM, Taylor DJ. Adolescent insomnia as a risk factor for early adult depression and substance abuse. Sleep 2008;31:1351-6. 29. Yen JY, Ko CH, Yen CF, Wu HY, Yang MJ. The comorbid psychiatric symptoms of Internet addiction: Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, social phobia, and hostility. J Adolesc Health 2007;41:93-8. 30. Yen CF, Ko CH, Yen JY, Chang YP, Cheng CP. Multidimensional discriminative factors for Internet addiction among adolescents regarding gender and age. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2009;63:357-64.

Fashion in the 17th Century

Fashion in the early 17th century followed up on the trends from previous centuries. However, later on styles began to change fairly and the overall trend through the midcentury targeted softness and comfort to allow for easier movement. People still valued rich materials, but they set aside the rigid formality of earlier years. These changes in fashion reflected the rising influence of France, with its free sense of style.French King Louis XIV helped make France the leading fashion influence of the century as he built it into an economic power by refusing to import luxury goods and by encouraging French industries to become Europe's biggest producers of these. Soon France was the leading exporter of silk, ribbons, lace and wigs. Louis surrounded himself with a huge court, who competed to wear the most tasteful and elegant clothes at lavish balls hosted by the King.Louis himself was renowned for his style, which tended towards extravagant laces and velvets. His predecessor Louis XIII contributed to the introduction of wigs among men, which became fashionable for the first time since the Egyptians. Though preferred styles were simpler, French fashion was still quite ornamental. Religion played an important role in the English conflict and in Europe as a whole. Those who favored the new ornamental and lavish clothing styles came to be known as Cavaliers, who fought in support of King Charles I.Their style soon was associated with a political position that favored the Catholic religion and a strong king. Another group was known as the Roundheads, who fought in support of the Parliament and favored Protestant religions. They avoided ornamentation and excess associated with Cavaliers and instead turned to sober colors and less decorated fabrics. The most extreme Roundheads were the Puritans, who favored black clothes, simple fasteners, and clean lines.

Drama as a vehicle for making a comment on an aspect of society.

Drama as a vehicle for making a comment on an aspect of society. Drama is a vehicle for making comment on an aspect of society. Through writing a play such as The Perfectionist, the playwright can raise issues and position the audience to respond to these issues in a certain way. This can be done through many different dramatic effects. The play "The Perfectionist" by David Williamson is a perfect example of drama working as a device to comment on aspects of society. In this case the aspects of society were the study of gender equality and of perfectionism in all aspects of life.David Williamson brings up the issue of gender equality by exploring the marriage of Barbara and Stuart Gunn. By examining this marriage we can see that the roles of men and women are definitely changing and that Barbara is obviously not happy with the role she has in her marriage. She tells this to Erik, however when he questions her, asking why she has not confronted Stuart, Barbara replies "...BecauseBarbara Kibbee Jayne Special Collection PhotoI am the last of the Vict orian wives..." here she makes it quite obvious that there is a definite problem in the marriage and something needs to be done about it.David Williamson chooses many dramatic elements to show us this marriage and its troubles such as in the setting, language and actions used, structure, Barbara as a raisonneur and he concludes with a well chosen ending.The play is set in two separate places. They are almost opposite, different weather, different lifestyle, different people, different language and a different hemisphere. These two places are of course Australia and Denmark. When Barbara and Stuart move to Denmark there are already seeds of destruction in their marriage but the problem does not improve. Denmark seems to act as a catalyst to the problems and their relationship deteriorates.

Political Geography and Sovereignty of Palestine

Political Geography and Sovereignty of Palestine There are eight criteria accepted by the international community used to determine whether an entity is an independent country or not. A country need only fail on one of the eight criteria to not meet the definition of independent country status. Palestine (and I shall consider either or both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank in this analysis) does not meet all eight criteria to be a country; it fails somewhat on one of the eight criteria. Does Palestine Meet the 8 Criteria to Be a Country? 1. Has space or territory that has internationally recognized boundaries (boundary disputes are OK). Somewhat. Both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank have internationally recognized boundaries. However, these boundaries are not legally fixed. 2. Has people who live there on an ongoing basis. Yes, the Gaza Strips population is 1,710,257 and the population of the West Bank is 2,622,544 (as of mid-2012). 3. Has economic activity and an organized economy. A country regulates foreign and domestic trade and issues money. Somewhat. The economies of both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank are disrupted by conflict, especially in Hamas-controlled Gaza only limited industry and economic activity is possible. Both regions have exports of agricultural products and the West Bank exports stone. Both entities utilize the new Israeli shekel as their currency. 4. Has the power of social engineering, such as education. Somewhat. The Palestinian Authority does have social engineering power in fields such as education and healthcare. Hamas in Gaza also provides social services. 5. Has a transportation system for moving goods and people. Yes; both entities have roads and other transportation systems. 6. Has a government that provides public services and police or military power. Somewhat. While the Palestinian Authority is permitted to provide local law enforcement, Palestine does not have its own military. Nonetheless, as can be seen in the latest conflict, Hamas in Gaza does have control of an extensive militia. 7. Has sovereignty. No other State should have power over the countrys territory. Somewhat. The West Bank and Gaza Strip do not yet have full sovereignty and control over their own territory. 8. Has external recognition. A country has been voted into the club by other countries. No. Despite the super-majority of United Nations members approving United Nations General Assembly resolution 67/19 on November 29, 2012, giving Palestine non-member state observer status, Palestine is not yet eligible to join the United Nations as an independent country. While dozens of countries recognize Palestine as independent, it has not yet attained full independent status, despite the UN resolution. If the UN resolution had allowed Palestine to join the United Nations as a full member state, it would have immediately been recognized as an independent country. Thus, Palestine (nor the Gaza Strip nor the West Bank) is not yet an independent country. The two parts of Palestine are entities that, in the eyes of the international community, have yet to obtain full have international recognition.

Using French Semi-Auxiliary Verbs

Using French Semi-Auxiliary Verbs The most common  auxiliary verbs  are  avoir and à ªtre. These are the conjugated verbs that stand in front of another verb in compound tenses to indicate mood and tense. In addition to these two, French has a number of semi-auxiliary verbs, which are conjugated in order to express various nuances of time, mood, or aspect. These verbs are followed by an infinitive. Some semi-auxiliary verbs are equivalent to modal verbs in English and some are verbs of perception. Here are the uses and meanings of some frequently used French semi-auxiliary verbs. Aller In present or imperfect tense, aller means to be going to. Je vais à ©tudier. Im going to study. Jallais à ©tudier. I was going to study. In any tense, aller means  to go to/and. Va chercher les clà ©s. Go and look for the keys. Je suis allà © voir mon frà ¨re. I went to see my brother. In any tense, aller is used to emphasize the verb that follows. Je nirai pas rà ©pondre cela. Im not going to dignify that with a response. Je vais te dire une chose. Let me tell you something. Devoir In any tense, except conditional and past conditional, devoir indicates obligation or necessity. Jai dà » partir. I had to leave. Tu dois manger. You must eat. In conditional form, devoir means should. In past conditional, devoir means should have. Je devrais partir. I should leave. Il aurait dà » nous aider. He should have helped us. Faillir Fallir indicates that something almost happened. Il a failli tomber. He almost fell. Jai failli rater lexamen. I nearly failed the test. Faire Causative construction:  to make something happen, to have something done, to make someone do something. Jai fait laver la voiture. I had the car washed. Il me fait à ©tudier. Hes making me study. Laisser To let something happen, to let someone do something. Vas-tu me laisser sortir? Are you going to let me go out? Laisse-moi le faire. Let me do it. Manquer   Followed by optional de, manquer indicates that something was about to happen or nearly happened. Jai manquà © (de) mourir.   I almost died. Elle a manquà © (de) pleurer.   She nearly cried. Paraà ®tre   Paraà ®tre means to appear/to seem to. Ça paraà ®t à ªtre une erreur. That appears to be an error. Il paraissait à ªtre malade. He seemed to be sick. Partir Partir means to leave, in order to, to go to. Peux-tu partir acheter du pain? Could you go out and buy some bread? Il est parti à ©tudier en Italie. He went to study in Italy. Passer Passer means to call/drop in on, to call for, to go to. Passe me chercher demain. Come pick me up tomorrow. Il va passer voir ses amis. Hes going to drop in on his friends. Pouvoir Pouvoir means can, may, might, to be able to. Je peux vous aider. I can help you. Il peut à ªtre prà ªt. He might be ready. Savoir Savoir means to know how to. Sais-tu nager? Do you know how to swim? Je ne sais pas lire. I dont know how to read. Sembler Sembler means to seem/to appear to. Cela semble indiquer que†¦ That seems to indicate that†¦ La machine semble fonctionner. The machine appears to be working. Sortir de Sortir de means to have just done something  (informal). On sort de manger. We just ate. Il sortait de finir. He had just finished. Venir Venir means to come (in order) to. Je suis venu aider. Ive come to help. venir To happen to. David est venu arriver. David happened to arrive. venir de To have just done something. Je viens de me lever. I just got up. Vouloir Vouloir means to want to. Je ne veux pas lire à §a. I dont want to read that. Veux-tu sortir ce soir? Do you want to go out tonight? When Avoir  and  ÃƒÅ tre  Also Act as Semi-Auxiliary Verbs When followed by infinitive, avoir means to have to. Avoir   Vous avez rà ©pondre. You have to respond. Jai à ©tudier. I have to study. Être Être To be in the process of. Es-tu partir? Are you leaving? Être censà © To be supposed to. Je suis censà © travailler. Im supposed to work. Être en passe de To be about to (usually indicates something positive). Je suis en passe de me marier. Im about to get married. Être en train de To be in the process of, to be doing something right now. On est en train de manger. Were eating (right now). Être loin de To not be about/going to. Je suis loin de te mentir. Im not about to lie to you. Être pour To be ready/prepared/willing to. Je ne suis pas pour voler. Im not willing to steal. Être prà ¨s de To be about to, ready to. Es-tu prà ¨s de partir? Are you about to leave? Être sur le point de?   To be about to (positive or negative). Il est sur le point de tomber.   Hes about to fall. French Helping Verbs Any verb that can be followed by an infinitive may be a semi-auxiliary, including (but not limited to): adorer: to adore doingaimer:  to like, love doing(s)arrà ªter de:  to stop doingchercher :  to look to dochoisir de:  to choose to docontinuer /de:  to continue to docroire:  to believe (that one) doesdemander de:  to ask todà ©sirer:  to desire todà ©tester:  to hate doingdire ( quelquun) de:  to tell (someone) to dosefforcer de:  to endeavor to doespà ©rer:  to hope to doessayer de:  to try doingfalloir:  to be necessary to dohà ©siter :  to hesitate to dointerdire ( qqun) de:  to forbid (someone) to dopenser:  to be thinking of, to consider doingpermettre:  to allow to dopersister :  to persist in doingpromettre:  to promise to doprà ©fà ©rer:  to prefer doingrefuser de:  to refuse to dorisquer de:  to risk doing, to possibly dosouhaiter:  to hope to dotà ¢cher de:  to try doingtenter de:  to attempt doingvoir:  to see (someone) do, to see (something) done Word Order with Semi-Auxiliary Verbs   Semi-auxiliary verbs are used in what I call  dual-verb constructions, which have a slightly different word order than compound verb tenses. Dual verb constructions consist of a conjugated  semi-auxiliary verb, such as  pouvoir,  devoir,  vouloir,  aller,  espà ©rer, and  promettre, followed by a second verb in the infinitive. The two verbs may or may not be joined by a preposition. Agreement with Semi-Auxiliary Verbs In semi-auxiliary verb constructions, any direct object belongs to the infinitive, not the semi-auxiliary verb. Therefore, the past participle never agrees with any direct object.   Its a decision that I hated to make.RIGHT: Cest une dà ©cision que jai dà ©testà © prendre.WRONG: Cest une dà ©cision que jai dà ©testà ©e prendre. Here are the books that I wanted to read.Right: Voici les livres que jai voulu lire.  Wrong: Voici les livres que jai voulus lire. However, there may be other kinds of agreement: With the subject of the sentence, if the auxiliary verb of the semi-auxiliary is à ªtre (e.g., Nous sommes venus aider).With the subject of the infinitive.

Social, legal and ethical aspects of IS security and privacy Research Paper

Social, legal and ethical aspects of IS security and privacy - Research Paper Example This study looks into an information system as a combination of hardware, software, procedures, policies, people, information and data which is involved in the management of organizational business functions with an aim of meeting organizational objectives and goals with efficiency and effectiveness. The hardware within information systems includes the physical aspects of the system such as computer components and the related equipment. The software is a set of applications alongside the hardware to effectively perform organizational or business functions. The software applications include information processing systems, finance and accounting packages, anti malware applications, statistical tools and word processing packages. Policies comprise of the set standards for proper management of the information system according to the internal and universal norms of organizational functioning. Procedures are the steps through which various activities and processes in within the systems sho uld follow to ensure that efficiency is enhanced and thus achievement of high productivity. In an information system, the people are the human resource and expertise who are involved in various organizational activities and processes. These include the clients, staff, management, suppliers and distributors. Data or information is one of the significant aspects of an information system because it helps organization to function and survive in the business environment through its application to enhance all business processes and to compete favorably within the market. (Qing, Zhengchuan, Tamara and Hong, 2011, p. 54). Examples of information systems include transaction processing systems which include as set of applications for the processing of the daily activities and processes of an organization. Decision supports systems are other examples of information systems that are important in the decision making process of organization and thus serve as an essential tool for the management t eam. Management information systems are commonly used technologies which facilitate the management process of all functional areas of an organization (Skupsky, 1994, p. 40). Other information systems such as expert systems are used to perform specialized functions such as the application of technology and software applications in the diagnosis of various conditions by medical practitioners. Information System Security and Privacy Within information systems, individuals desire to have data or information about them be kept safe from unwarranted, unauthorized access and use for malicious intentions. Additionally, organizational data must be safeguarded from business rivals or malicious system attackers who would take advantage of vulnerabilities within the information system to gain access with intentions of causing damage to the system or accessing sensitive information without proper authority (Mingers and Walsham, 2010, p. 833). The continuity of business activities and pr

Cheating and Integrity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Cheating and Integrity - Essay Example Due to modern technology, people all over the globe can share and access different information. This sharing of information allows an area for everyone to manipulate these information and use them for individual convenience. Moreover, this situation eventually leads to cheating, an unethical behavior that causes the decline of the society. According to Lee (2009), cheating in school may simply be an extension of what is happening in the society. Recent studies on the various negative situations in the society have shifted its focus from the corporate standards to the academic standards for which the leaders of businesses and the political leaders of the next generation will son arise. There were significant findings that the scholars found necessary considering the inclusion of the study of ethics in the schools’ curriculum. Students’ exposure to various ethical standards, especially in the academic community may strengthen their resistance to unethical behaviors due to a higher priority to integrity. Exposing the students to the different unethical behaviors and decisions early on may affect their attitudes towards committing one in the future (Smyth et al, 2009). Cheating in the Classroom Cheating comes in different styles and forms. Gerdeman (2000) identified the different manifestation of cheating inside the classroom, specifically in the community colleges or universities such as cheating on exams, plagiarism, falsifying bibliographies, taking credit for someone else's work, receiving improper help from others, and facilitating cheating by others. In addition, Nath and Lavaglia (2009) further includes stealing a test and fabricating academic documents are but among other forms of cheating inside the classroom. In a study conducted by Volpe (2008) (p. 7) on the attitudes and behaviors of the faculty with regards to cheating, it was found that members in the academe underestimate the amount of cheating in the classroom. This result is an irony to students' self-reported rate of students who cheat. This discrepancy between the instructors and the students is a reflection of how diversified professionals and students are in their perception about cheating. As a result, this also leads t the argument that the student may see cheating as a minor offense instead of a high-risk factor affecting the integrity of the institution and the society as well. Taking the issue too lightly by the instructors greatly influences the perception of students towards cheating. There are, on the other hand different factors that initiate cheating. The need to graduate or to get a good grade is the most common factor that encourages students to cheat. Marital status is also another factor such that married students are more likely to cheat than the non-married students. Sorority and fraternity memberships also increase the chances of students cheating such that they wanted to spend more time with their friends than studying. Age is another factor in cheating whereas younger students cheat more than older ones. Finally, the students' major in the university affects their probability of cheating (Nath & Lavaglia, 2009). As common cheating may be in the classroom, studies also provide results that show that students have varying affections in relation to this issue. In a study conducted by Firmin et al (2009), diverse emotions have been observed from the respondents who were witnesses to peer cheating in completing their tests. Such varying emotions were classified as hostility, anxiety and empathy. Some respondents thought the act as unfair, while some felt annoyed and frustrated. There were those who felt responsible for being a witness to such

Discuss Women's Contribution to the American Revolution and the War's Term Paper

Discuss Women's Contribution to the American Revolution and the War's Impact on Eomen - Term Paper Example To begin with, there are those who assisted the soldiers on the war front with basic necessities such as water and food , which was essential as it ensured that the soldiers were well taken care of thereby enabling them to concentrate on their military duties. These women were known as camp followers as they lived in military camps and moved alongside the soldiers whenever there was need to shift camps. Majority of these women were largely soldiers’ wives and daughters. Apart from provision of water and food on the frontline, these women also conducted other domestic chores such as cleaning the camps, mending torn clothes, washing military uniforms among other numerous activities such as taking care of children in the absence of their husbands. They were not enlisted in the military and therefore, they were not required to handle guns or engage in battles with the enemy (Micklos 18). However, there are women, who are highly recognized for their bravery and disregard for the no rm. These included for example; Margaret Corbin, who is also referred to as Captain Molly. Margaret stood out as a woman of strong character and a brave one as such, especially due to her outstanding performance in the battle. She was the wife of an American soldier, John Corbin, whom she was fighting alongside on the fateful day of 16 November 1776. On this day, John, Margaret and approximately 600 other American soldiers were attacked by a battalion of British supported soldiers, in Fort Washington, which comprised of more than 3000 men (Micklos 28). Margaret, was a trained matross, just like her husband, and it is due to this that she was highly respected by John’s comrades. As the fighting was going on, John got injured leading to his temporary incapacitation. On seeing this, Margaret, instead of retreating, decided to take john’s position and continued to fire at the hostile soldiers but she eventually got injured in the process. Even though the British soldiers w on the battle at the end of that day, leading to her capture and that of her compatriots, Margaret continues to be remembered by the society as a true warrior. Indeed, she is remembered as the first woman in the US history to receive pension for her active role in the revolution (Ellet 25). Mary Ludwig Hays, also known as Molly Pitcher, is also another woman, who is recognized for her heroic deeds in the revolutionary war. Mary was also married to a soldier, William Hays, who served in the continental army during the war. Just like Margaret Corbin, Mary’s main roles were to supply the army with water alongside other domestic responsibilities but on June 28, 1778, she defied the odds by engaging the enemy directly using her husband’s canon (Ellet 51). On that fateful day, she was coming from the spring, where she sourced her water, and upon nearing where her husband was positioned, she suffered the rude shock of seeing him get shot after which he collapsed on the ground . Without much wastage of time, Mary splinted towards where her husband was and took over his position, which was to load the canons. Various texts indicate that she missed death by a whisker when a device exploded between her legs tearing apart her dress after which she exclaimed, â€Å"

Tourism in Switzerland Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Tourism in Switzerland - Dissertation Example It is nearly incontestable that people across the world always seek to have new experiences and learn new things; tourism usually provides the best opportunity to enable people achieve this end. Its tourism infrastructure is highly developed, particularly in the cities and mountainous regions. Tourists are attracted to Switzerland’s landscapes and Alpine climate. Also, being one of the great and diverse commercial hubs in the world, tourists find Switzerland a preferable destination Euromonitor International (2011). Tourism plays a very crucial role in Switzerland’s economy accounting to more than 4% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) OECD (2011). Besides, it plays a very crucial role in creating employment opportunities especially in the rural areas. Just like in most countries across the world, tourism in Switzerland is impacted by external environmental factors namely political, economic, socio- cultural, and technological among others. Currency fluctuation is a maj or economic factor that greatly impacts on tourism in most countries across the world and Switzerland is no exception. According to O’Sullivan and Schifrin (2003), currency fluctuations refer to a tendency of national currencies to change relative to other national currencies at a given period of time. Currency fluctuations can be attributed to the following factors; political and social stability, country’s economic strength, increased of reduced demand for a certain currency, unemployment rates, and country’s interest rates among others. ... activities of individual or group of individuals travelling to destinations and staying in places that are away from their usual environment for a certain period of time for business, leisure and other purposes. From the definition, it is clear that currency fluctuation in Switzerland not only affects the international tourists but also the local tourists Creel (2007). When the Swiss Franc currency is weak, more tourists are encouraged to visit Switzerland as they will be able to get more Francs for their money. On the other hand, when the Swiss franc is strong, tourists are less likely to visit Switzerland as they will get less Swiss francs for their money Swiss Federal Statistical Office (2011). Tourism is very important in the Switzerland economy. This argument is proved by the efforts that the Switzerland National Bank put in 2010 and 2011 in order to prevent further strengthening of the franc especially against the euro which was impacting negatively on the country’s tour ism sector. Also, over the years, tourism sector has proved to be highly sensitive in regards to prices Luzzi and Yves (2003). Therefore, there is need for Switzerland tourist destinations especially the Swiss Alps to be in a better position to compete with other destinations such as those in France, Italy, Germany, and Austria Ewing (2010). The aforementioned countries offer plenty of hiking and skiing opportunities and mountains that also form important features of Switzerland tourists’ destinations. Ewing (2010) further argues that these countries belong to EU and use euro as their currency and most tourists who visit Switzerland come from these regions. Therefore, it is important to pay adequate attention to the fluctuation of Swiss currency in order to avoid losing Swiss- destined

TQM IMPELEMENTION Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

TQM IMPELEMENTION - Essay Example The leaders rely on the assumption that punishment and reward modes are the most effective motivators at a work place. They actively engage in rewarding hardworking workers in a given organization without understanding the need of engaging in such activity (Edwards, 1994). Severe punishment measures introduced at the work place, for instance, in a given organization to curb the act of laziness, therefore, ensuring almost equal output in the organization. Such an assumption positively boasts the general outcome of the organization without the leader’s knowledge of it. The leaders engage in optimizing every process area in an organization, which leads to the optimization of the entire organization with time thus ensuring growth and stability in an organization. The managers or leaders, further, engage in the assumption that better results achieved by setting specific objectives within the organization. The set objectives within an organization foster stiff competition among work ers at the workplace to ensure the set objectives attained thus brings positive success in the organization. ... Further, competition as an assumption steps in because it is a necessary aspect in the day to day life. Managers who fail to accept that competition in a given organization cannot be avoided fail to effectively manage their organizations to the required standards. With this in place, the managers require a theory to act as a guide in order to realize the importance of quality management, as stated in the above assumptions, for the success of their organizations in the future market place. According to Edwards Deming theory of profound management, called the system of profound knowledge, the theory explores the current style of management undergoing revolution. It further explores the system of profound knowledge, which provides a map of theory to understand in details the organization we work for. The theory relates to the above discussion because it focuses on the transformation of an individual in a given organization in order to continuously teach other people, to become a good li stener, and help people to pull away from their current beliefs and practices. The Edwards Deming theory of system of profound knowledge directed to the leaders or managers in a given organization basing on the assumptions provided (Edwards, 1994). The profound knowledge appeals to managers or leaders appearing in four parts, such as in psychology, variation knowledge, system appreciation, and theory of knowledge practice. A manager needs to fully understand the four parts of the profound knowledge in order to fully apply in the process of transforming from the present Western management style to that of optimization. The four parts of the profound knowledge cannot be separated thus should work hand in hand for

Tourism in Switzerland Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Tourism in Switzerland - Dissertation Example It is nearly incontestable that people across the world always seek to have new experiences and learn new things; tourism usually provides the best opportunity to enable people achieve this end. Its tourism infrastructure is highly developed, particularly in the cities and mountainous regions. Tourists are attracted to Switzerland’s landscapes and Alpine climate. Also, being one of the great and diverse commercial hubs in the world, tourists find Switzerland a preferable destination Euromonitor International (2011). Tourism plays a very crucial role in Switzerland’s economy accounting to more than 4% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) OECD (2011). Besides, it plays a very crucial role in creating employment opportunities especially in the rural areas. Just like in most countries across the world, tourism in Switzerland is impacted by external environmental factors namely political, economic, socio- cultural, and technological among others. Currency fluctuation is a maj or economic factor that greatly impacts on tourism in most countries across the world and Switzerland is no exception. According to O’Sullivan and Schifrin (2003), currency fluctuations refer to a tendency of national currencies to change relative to other national currencies at a given period of time. Currency fluctuations can be attributed to the following factors; political and social stability, country’s economic strength, increased of reduced demand for a certain currency, unemployment rates, and country’s interest rates among others. ... activities of individual or group of individuals travelling to destinations and staying in places that are away from their usual environment for a certain period of time for business, leisure and other purposes. From the definition, it is clear that currency fluctuation in Switzerland not only affects the international tourists but also the local tourists Creel (2007). When the Swiss Franc currency is weak, more tourists are encouraged to visit Switzerland as they will be able to get more Francs for their money. On the other hand, when the Swiss franc is strong, tourists are less likely to visit Switzerland as they will get less Swiss francs for their money Swiss Federal Statistical Office (2011). Tourism is very important in the Switzerland economy. This argument is proved by the efforts that the Switzerland National Bank put in 2010 and 2011 in order to prevent further strengthening of the franc especially against the euro which was impacting negatively on the country’s tour ism sector. Also, over the years, tourism sector has proved to be highly sensitive in regards to prices Luzzi and Yves (2003). Therefore, there is need for Switzerland tourist destinations especially the Swiss Alps to be in a better position to compete with other destinations such as those in France, Italy, Germany, and Austria Ewing (2010). The aforementioned countries offer plenty of hiking and skiing opportunities and mountains that also form important features of Switzerland tourists’ destinations. Ewing (2010) further argues that these countries belong to EU and use euro as their currency and most tourists who visit Switzerland come from these regions. Therefore, it is important to pay adequate attention to the fluctuation of Swiss currency in order to avoid losing Swiss- destined

Critical analysis of market access with regard to the ECJ rules on Outline

Critical analysis of market access with regard to the ECJ rules on free movement of goods - Outline Example To be noted in this regard, ECJ has imposed a few laws regarding the free movements of goods and market integration within EU member states. ECJ has also imposed several laws that has emphasised environmental protection as well as social policies ensuring transparency and equality to a considerable extent2. Based on this understanding, the study intends to examine the pros and cons associated with the free movement of goods allowed by ECJ, to obtain a critical purview of the market access enjoyed by participant countries. An elaborated rational will be delivered regarding the method to be used when considering the stated aim for this study. To be noted in this regard, as the study will follow a qualitative approach, it is important to determine the variables to be considered when performing the intended thematic analysis of the gather information. With this emphasis, the chapter will hence discuss about the assumptions taken to interpret how market access to EU, for the member states as well as for the foreign nationals, are getting influenced by the prevailing free trade regime as per the ECJ. This chapter will elaborate on the importance of ECJ over internal market integration. This particular chapter will therefore contain a critical review of the viewpoints presented by researchers that will help to provide a detailed overview regarding the ECJ’s contribution towards the market integration. A methodological brief of the study will also be delivered in this section wherein the rationalisation will be provided concerning the selection of the literature. To be stated precisely, literature published within the span of past 10 years will be considered for the study, although this bar of the mentioned period will be ignored when referring to cases. That is, cases must be relevant to free trade of goods in EU and be registered under ECJ to be

Amy Chua Hanna Rosen Essay Example for Free

Amy Chua Hanna Rosen Essay Amy Chua and Hannah Rosin: a comparison and contrast of parenting styles In recent years, Yale professor Amy Chua has drawn a great deal of attention due to her focus on a parenting style that is foreign – both figuratively and literally – to most Western parents. This style centers on a Chinese model that Chua espouses, and that has become famous, or infamous, for the stern and rigorous practices that Chua enforced with her own two daughters. Chua has received a large amount of criticism; one of her critics is Hannah Rosin, a prominent writer and editor. In response to Chua, Rosin outlines an alternative method of parenting. It can be argued that while both Chua and Rosin are involved and devoted mothers, they have distinctly contrasting views on how to raise children. There are three areas in which this contrast can be most clearly seen: attitudes to success, attitudes to self-esteem, and attitudes to happiness. Amy Chua’s model of parenting has success at its core. Chua sums up the Chinese approach to activities in this way: â€Å"What Chinese parents understand is that nothing is fun until you’re good at it† (Chua, 2011). With this as a mantra, Chua promotes an extremely rigorous approach to such activities as learning a musical instrument; she believes that two or three hours of practicing an instrument daily is appropriate for young children. Furthermore, Chua believes that parents should not give their children any choice over which musical instruments to learn; the violin and piano are the only acceptable choices, regardless of the child’s natural talent or predilection. This approach is also evident in academics. Chua says, â€Å"†¦the vast majority of Chinese mothers†¦believe their children can be ‘the best’ students, that ‘academic achievement reflects successful parenting’ and that if children did not excel at school there was ‘a problem’ and parents ‘were not doing their job’† (Chua, 2011). Hannah Rosin takes a distinctly different approach to success, one that is arguably more reflective of Western attitudes in general. Rosin says, â€Å"Ms. Chua has the diagnosis of American childhood exactly backward. What privileged American children need is not more skills and rules and math drills. They need to lighten up and roam free, to express themselves in ways  not dictated by their uptight, over-invested parents† (Rosin, 2011). In Rosin’s view, Chua’s version of success is ultimately very limiting. Rosin doesn’t argue that success is a negative thing in and of itself; however, her looser, freer approach suggests that it can be achieved differently. Another area where Rosin and Chua differ from each other is in their approach to self-esteem and the way in which parents should treat their children. Chua openly admits that it is common for Chinese parents to make comments to their children that Western parents find reprehensible, such as â€Å"Hey fatty, lose some weight†, or referring to a child as â€Å"garbage† (Chua, 2011). However, Chua defends these comments by arguing that in fact, Chinese parents speak in this way because ultimately, they believe that their children are capable of being the â€Å"best†. She contends that Chinese children know that their parents think highly of them, and criticize them only because they have high expectations and know that their children can meet them. Hannah Rosin disagrees. She says, â€Å"†¦there is no reason to believe that calling your child ‘lazy’ or ‘stupid’ or ‘worthless’ is a better way to motivate her to be good than some other more gentle but persistent mode’† (Rosin, 2011). She believes that a parent’s role is not to act as a harsh critic and task master, but rather to guide them through the inevitable difficulties of life that arise. Unlike Chua, Rosin is not concerned with forcing her children to be â€Å"the best†. Rather, she says that â€Å"It is better to have a happy, moderately successful child than a miserable high-achiever† (Rosin, 2011). It is in this area, pertaining to notions of happiness that Chua and Rosin depart most distinctly from each other. It can be argued that the idea of happiness is almost completely absent from Amy Chua’s template. Chua says, â€Å"Chinese parents believe that they know that is best for their children and therefore override all of their children’s own desires and preferences† (Chua, 2011). In other words, the feelings or preference of the child as an individual are lacking completely from the Chinese framework of parenting. The child’s happiness, or misery, is completely irrelevant, because the  parent is the supreme authority, acting in the child’s best interest. Chua claims, â€Å"It’s not that Chinese parents don’t care about their children , just the opposite. They would give up anything for their children† (Chua, 2011). However, the one thing that Chua and other parents will not give up is complete authoritarian control. Rosin takes an entirely different approach to the value of individual happiness. She observes that happiness does not come through being successful; furthermore, â€Å"happiness is the great human quest† (Rosin, 2011). Parents cannot possibly always be in a position to know what will make a child happy or not; children must work out their own path to happiness (Rosin, 2011). Rosin believes that an over-emphasis on perfection will not lead to greater happiness and may even create less happiness in the end. In conclusion, it is undeniable that both Amy Chua and Hannah Rosin love their children and believe that their approach to parenting is based on a desire to do what is best for those children. However, the two approaches present a sharp contrast to each other. Amy Chua believes that success, perfection and being â€Å"the best† are of paramount importance, and will ultimately build a child’s self-esteem (Chua, 2011). Hannah Rosin is critical of the harshness of the Chinese template and argues for a gentler approach, one that takes the natural interests and talent of the child into account (Rosin, 2011). Rosin notes that the idea of enjoyment or happiness is strikingly absent from Chua’s parenting style; in turn, Chua observes that many Western parents are disappointed with the choices that their children make in their lives (Rosin, 2011; Chua, 2011). It can be argued that both the Eastern approach and Western approach have a great deal to offer each other; a wise parent knows how to walk a middle ground.

For My Business Studies Coursework Personal Development Essay

For My Business Studies Coursework Personal Development Essay My business idea is a domestic cleaning service which I am providing in my local area of Doncaster. My service is called pink ladies and is a business which cleans offices and houses in the local area. The cleaning services which I am going to provide are: Domestic cleaning around home and offices Spring cleaning packages Packages with different aspect of cleaning Window cleaning Regular and one off cleans Daily/ weekly/ monthly Ironing and washing Emergency cleaning Brass cleaning Moving in/moving out cleaning Carpet cleaning My service will be providing trusted, trained and friendly staff. My service is for people who do not have time to clean, older people who cannot manage to clean, offices and busy working people. I have decided to do a cleaning business as they are little competition in my local area around the local area where I live for example Bessacarr, Cantley and Rossington. (See appendix). Due to this I thought this would be a good market as they are a lot of opportunities in my local area for business. I will use the money from my loan and the money which my grandparents have given me to set up Pink Ladies. My aims and objectives for Pink Ladies Aims I am setting aims so I can try and get what I want to achieve in the long run and what I want in the long run. Pink Ladies aims are: Increase market share- in the long run I want to try and be better then my competitors by getting the market share which is getting to be the highest in the market cleaning service. This can be done by doing advertising, having cheaper prices or the same price then competitors and training staff to provide a better overall service so more customers will come to Pink Ladies which will increase the market share. Maximum profit- When Pink Ladies is provide cleaning I want to get the maximum profit I can by getting the market share I will have more customer which will create more profit so I pay off my loans etc. By getting maximum profit, Pink ladies will be seen as a success. I will do this by advertising so people know about Pink ladies. Also trying to breakeven so I am making a profit and trying to beat competitors. I will maximum my success by making sure I monitor my competitors, make sure staff are well trained and provide a good quality service. I will get my customer involved with regular feedback to see how Pink Ladies can be improved. I will measure my sales by watching Pink Ladies market share and measure by profit by doing financial check ups to check my profit. Objectives An objective helps to set targets to achieve an aim. Pink Ladies objectives are: Maximum sales- This helps me achieve my aim of getting maximum profit as the more sales the more profit I will get. I will do this by advertising Pink Ladies and making sure I provide a good quality service so people recommend Pink Ladies so I can the most sales I can. To survive- it is very important that Pink Ladies survive as my business will not be successful and the money which I have put into it will have been wasted. I measure my survive with my breakeven and my cash flow forecast. I will achieve my aim of increasing market share as by achieve this is will be working my way up to the market share. I will achieve this by doing advertising and making sure that money is kept safe and recorded. To breakeven- I will need to breakeven to make a profit so this is important it helps me achieve my aim of maximum profit. I will do this by checking I am breaking even and making sure that I am doing advertising so people know about Pink Ladies. I must also make sure I charge the right prices. To expand to public or private limited company- By expanding it will achieve my aim of increasing market share. As by doing this I will be a bigger company which people are more likely to know about. I will do this by trying to let people know about my service Pink Ladies with advertising. To not get into unlimited liability-If my business fails I will get into unlimited liability so if I can pay off my debts, I will have to use my own possession. To make sure this doesnt happen I need to make sure that I check my finance regular so I met my aim of getting maximum profit. Run in a cost effective manner-By running in a cost effective manner, I will prevent waste by making sure waste is recorded and kept to a minimum with training with staff. By doing sure I will be able to make sure I do not spent any my profits on replacing waste. My other business ideas I decide to make two alternate business idea so I could research to see what would do better in the market. My first alternative idea- One of my idea for a business was a nail technician who visits people housing to do people nails who like to have their nails done at home or cannot get out. After doing secondary research (see research) they was too much competition around the Doncaster idea so it would be hard to try and get the market share and hard to get customer as they may already have a nail technician they like. For example of my competitors would be Bedazzled in Balby. My second alternative idea- My second alternative was a bouncy castle hire service for local people around Doncaster to provide events for parties and different events. After doing some secondary research I found in winter went the weather is cold it can affect sales which could affect if this business would be a success as less people have bouncy castle inside. This would mean I may not breakeven and not make much money. Materials are also very expensive to buy so it would take a lot of the money I have earning. I chose cleaning business of Pink Ladies as it can be done all year round in any weather, materials are cheap and they is little competition around Doncaster especially near the area I live. Primary research for Pink Ladies Primary research is getting information about a subject which is been collected and has not already been done. I did a questionnaire to 50 different people within different age groups. This is what I asked them. 1) what is your gender I asked equal amount of males and females so my results were fair as this would affect the people who I target my advertising on and the promotion I would do which would affect my marketing mix. 2) What age are you? I asked this to find what age group were more interested in my cleaning services. This would help the promotion and find the type of people I want to help me do my marketing mix. I mainly get results from people above 21 year old. 3) What part of Doncaster do you live in? Most people I asked live in: Bessacarr Cantley Bawtry Tickhill Sheffield Rossington Edentrope Adwick Thorne Hatfield Askern With these places except Sheffield as it is too far away, it will help me decide in my marketing mix the place which I am going to target my sales and promotion on. A lot of these are locally to my base on home. 4) Do you know any other cleaning company? I asked to find what my local competition is as this would help me watch out for them. They were: Poppies Diamond cleaning The feather duster PSS Done and dusted Star drops Help me see what prices they have on secondary research so I can decide on the price I will charge and promotion I will chose to beat my competitors. 5) Would you be interested in a cleaning service in your home or office? I asked this to see if they were any interest in the service which I was doing which related to my people in my marketing mix. Most people yes or maybe which is a positive sign as people may interest in my cleaning. It will affect my product in my marketing mix as it affect what service I provide. 6) Would you be interested in having cleaning in certain parts of the year for example Christmas time? Out of 50 people I question 38 of them said yes or maybe, this shows some people may be interested in my cleaning service being provided at special times. This affect the promotion I do at certain times of the year and the product I provide for this. It may mean offering special deals at special times of the year. 7) What kinds of jobs would you expect to be done around the home? I asked this to see what customers see a cleaner doing in their home and expect them to be like so I can could the product in the best quality. People said: Washing up Reliable, trustworthy, good hygiene Honest Dusting Hovering Cleaning surfaces Cleaning floors and hovering Spring cleaning General cleaning jobs Ironing By doing it will help me train my staff to be these things so customers do what they want and treat they well to create a good quality staff. This will affect my People at work and the product they receive. 8) What would be the most suitable time for cleaning to come and clean your house? A lot of the answer to this got the same results but more for morning cleaning. From doing this it shows that some people may prefer evening and this may affect the times could I could clean and the prices I charge for doing cleaning at night. It will help me find staff hours. 9) How much would you like to pay per hour for a cleaning service? By doing this it would help me decide on the price I will charge my customer per hour for my cleaning services. This could affect the people at work will what they get paid. I will decide my price with this and my competitions price. A lot of people would pay between 4.00- 5.00 pound but this may be too low for my costs. 10) What things influence you to a certain cleaning company? A lot of people prices and recommendation, this means I have to make sure that I create a good quality service so people are recommended to Pink Ladies as this will help my costs and get my aim of maximum profit. The price has to be similar to my competitors so people will pay it. 11) What physical environment you expect from cleaning service? I did this to find out what I could do to make Pink Ladies stand out from my competitors. This is what physical environment customer expect and I must train my staff to do: Friendly service Trustworthy Welcoming Good clean house Quality 12) How often would you want a cleaner to come to your house? The most common was weekly and 28 people would prefer it then. This will affect the promotion I do as I need to make I fit my regular customer in. It will also affect the price I charge them as they may want special packages for having regularly cleaning. 13) Would you be interested in special packages A lot were interested in the special packages as it is a way of saving money. 28 people were interested in this so this may be something to consider in my package deals. This will affect packaging and the products which I provide with the deals. From doing this questionnaire it has help me see what customer want a cleaning service so I can work my Pink Ladies business around this so I give the best service I can. Secondary research for Pink Ladies For my first bit of secondary research I found out by going on yell.com where my competitors are in my local area. This would help me as I found by ringing up the service which they provide and the prices they charge. This would help me decide on the services to often my customers and the prices to charge. This will help with my marketing mix. I have found my top five competitors and have found out their prices and the service they often. (see map in research) Company Service offered prices location Poppies Weekly/monthly/fortnightly cleans, one off cleans, spring cleans, carpet cleans, brass silver, emergency cleaning 8.00per hour Bessacarr PSS Tailor made programs, window cleaning, spring cleans, packages, weekly and monthly cleans 7.50 per hour 61 boughton road, Bessacarr The feather duster Washing and ironing, one off cleans, daily weekly, monthly 7.75 Thorne Maid to clean Weekly/monthly cleans, ironing, one off cleans 7.50 Town centre Stardrops Weekly/Daily cleans, ironing, one off cleans 7.50 Conisbrough From looking at my competitors I have found that poppies is my biggest competitor as it provides the most service, it is a national company and they are two cleaners working in the area. This means I must make sure I provide the same service and more so I look better then my competitors and the price will be cheaper or the same as my competitors. I am going to try and provide more service then poppies. In my marketing mix it will help me decide my price and the product I will provide in my marketing mix. I also look on poppies website to see how they persuade people to having cleaning done by them. I found that they say about the physical environment which is expected from them when cleaning which are the same which I found out from my questionnaire. I am going to make sure I promote this. (See research for website) To look at some more secondary research I decide to go on national statistics.com to look at the population and income of people. From looking at income and wealth I found that more people are earning more money which means more people can have the luxury of a cleaner. With wealth rising and longer hours at work, it means more and more people will need cleaners in the future. This affect my price which I charge due to how much people can afford and who I promotion and advertising my cleaning to. Household income is growing.(see research) I also looked at the population rate which is also going up which means more people in the world, more people who will want cleaning being done then pervious years. This will affect how many staff I have (people) and the amount of hours and the price I charge. Comparing the service which are offer between Pink Ladies and it competitors These are the service which I am offering as part of Pink Ladies: Domestic cleaning around home and offices Spring cleaning packages Packages with different aspect of cleaning Window cleaning Regular and one off cleans Daily/ weekly/ monthly Ironing and washing Emergency cleaning Brass cleaning Moving in/moving out cleaning Carpet cleaning Poppies as my biggest competitors provide these service except: Ironing and washing Packages deals Cleaning around offices Spring cleaning packages. Other services which my other competitors offer are the normal cleans and washing and ironing. BY providing more service it makes me stand out from my competitors as I have more choice so customers are more likely to come to me. My Proposal for Pink Ladies From doing my primary and secondary research I have made proposals on my service from talking to potential customers and looking at competitors. My biggest competition is from poppies which are in my local area of Bessacarr. I need to make sure I do promotion within my marketing mix so people know about the service I am providing. This may going to promotion in areas such as carcroft where they are no local cleaners. To make sure I am up to date with my competitors I will provide the same services and more service so I am more update and people come to my cleaning services. Due to the great variety in services. I must give the same physical environment which I found from my questionnaire and poppies website. I need to charge the same price as my competitors so my prices are not too high and try and be the lowest price in the market as people want cheaper prices shown when asking in the questionnaire I will use my questionnaire and my secondary research to make sure I decide correctly when doing my marketing mix. Market strategy for Pink Ladies This the strategies I will use to try and get the market share. For my market strategy to get the market share I am going to provide the service which my competitors offer so people are more likely to Pink Ladies as more service are offered. I will offer unique package deals so I look more up to date then my competitors. Another market strategy I am using is targeting area where competitions are not base to try and get customer from there, as this is how I will build my market share by promoting in the paper and leaflets to try and get customer and build my market share. I am also going to try the cheapest price of my competitors of 7.50 so people come to me as I am cheaper which will help build up my market share. Marketing mix of Pink Ladies A marketing mix is tactical components of a marketing plan. I am going to be looking at 6 p s of the marketing mix. Price- is what I am going to charge for my service for cleaning people houses. When looking to the research I did, I found from my questionnaire that People wanted to pay between 4-5 cleaning per hour however from secondary research I found that my competitors were charging between 7.50 and 8.00. When also looking at the profit a would make for 4.00- 5.00 I would not make a profit as it is my costs. So I decide to go for the lower price that my competitors changes which is 7.50 which is the cheapest. This will still make people come to Pink Ladies as it is the cheapest cleaning business. Packages will be charge per hour as well with two things done in the hour e.g. Carpet cleaning a room and certain cleaning. Place- this is where the goods are sold or services are placed. From doing my questionnaire I found out where people live in area of Doncaster to give me the place where my cleaning could be done. However in my secondary research I found where my competitors are situated so I could promote and get customer from area of Doncaster where not many cleaners are. I decide to try and get customer from carcroft, adwick, rossington and cantley. I am not buying any premises as I do not need one at the moment as they is only me to start with, I am going to use a home office at home. In the future I may need premises if Pink Ladies expand for staff breaks and for people book our cleaning. In the future I would try and situate near my local area as Bessacarr so I am near where I am hoping my customers will be around rossington from when I found out in my secondary research. I also would need to think about be near cash and carry as this would save money in petrol. If I bought a property in the fu ture, I would get a mortgage and spent about 50,000 on premises. This will depend on the housing and shop pricing at the time. Packaging- packaging can be packaging on a good but I am using package as a service. This is where you include two things together for a special deal.I will use packaging when doing my package deals. I research this in the primary research by asking if people would interest in package deals, I got a good response. From my secondary research I found that not other cleaners provide package deals, which makes my service unique and stand out from my competition. The package deals I would do is for example carpet and certain cleaning in the hour for 7.50 but would depend on the size of curtain or room. This would mean a person doesnt has pay for cleaning but certain jobs around the house. These may be common in certain times in the year as in my primary research a lot said they be interested in cleaning at special times at year such as Christmas. Product-this is the service which I am providing or if could be the product which I am selling. From doing my primary research I found if people would be interested in my service or workplace where I got a good response where a lot of people said no or maybe. I also ask when jobs would be expected by a cleaner. This and my secondary research of finding out what service by competitors decide, I decide to offer more service or the same so I am at the same stage as my competitors. These are the service which I will be offering: Domestic cleaning around home and offices Spring cleaning packages Packages with different aspect of cleaning Window cleaning Regular and one off cleans Daily/ weekly/ monthly Ironing and washing Emergency cleaning Brass cleaning Moving in/moving out cleaning Carpet cleaning From doing this research I can provide these service which my competitors do not provide such as cleaning packages. Promotion-This is tools to help promote a product or service to persuade people to buy the product or service. From doing my secondary research I found that people are attractive to certain cleaning company due to with the price and recommendation. This is why I need make sure I giving the best quality service at the lowest price. I need promote my cleaning service, Pink Ladies to make sure that people know that a new service and available. I will use this using leaflet through people doors in area which I am targeting, cantley, rossington, carcroft and adwick. I am going advertise my service through the paper every week to make sure people know about my service and the service which I provide. From my secondary I found that my biggest competitor poppies using persuade about the service they provide such as trustworthy, I am going to do this in my advertising to be at the same stage as my competition. By doing special package deals instead just cleaning, this one of the promotion I w ill be doing where I do two jobs such as carpet cleaning and curtain cleaning for 7.50 in a hour or two instead of a person getting their house cleaned. Physical environment- this is the physical environment which a cleaning service is given. This could be the feel of the service and an environment which a customer expects. From doing secondary research I am using my competitors ideas of the physical environment they expect from cleaning. These are things like trust and friendly. In my primary research I also find that the customer wanted these things out of service for a physical environment from cleaning: Friendly Trustworthy Welcoming Good environment Good cleaning Good quality These are things I will be using to make sure that customers feel like the environment around them is to a good standard. People-People is the people within a business such as staff; I need to make sure that my staff provides the physical environment customers want from cleaning. This will when having staff in the future. I found this out from my primary and secondary research about what people what out of a business. For this staff will need training when I get staff in the future when I expand. Further explanation of place- At the moment Pink Ladies will be ran from home as they is no need for a place as it is not a big enough company jet. When Pink Ladies expand I will need a place where my customer can come and book, and office work can be done from a central point. If I was to get a shop where I could run things from, I would spent 100,000 pounds and try and get a place in the local area where I started or in town. Town is more direct for customers for customers to get to however it depend if they is a property available at my price range. It would be connivance in the town centre as customer and staff would be able to access it easily however I would need parking available to store company vans and cars when not being used and for staff to gain easier access. I would provide a place where customer can come and inquire, and be able to employee people to do paper work and equipment can be stored. This depends on how well Pink Ladies do as they need to expand before they d o this. SWOT analysis of Pink Ladies A SWOT analysis is helping manage the risk of making decision and help see what a business current position is in. Strengths This is something that a business performs effectively and it is strong in it. These are the strengths of Pink Ladies: Provides Package deals different from competitors which make Pink Ladies stand out as it is a unique selling point. High quality service due to the training the cleaner receive and what and how the services are provided. High level of customer service- customer come first Effective promotion within the package deals as people are attractive from doing my questionnaire. Weaknesses This is where a business is performing poorly and not effectively. These are the weaknesses of Pink Ladies: Restricted service sure to the expensive of equipment e.g. One carpet cleaner. Low sales when the customer base in growing. Opportunities- this is the business could take advantage of in the future. These are the opportunities of Pink Ladies: Expanding when profit is made, with more available staff to clean to make business increase market share Technology development means better equipment which improve services New markets as more people are working longer hour and getting more money so do not have not have time to clean and can afford it. Product extensions when more equipment is bought. Threats This is a potential problem within a business in the future. Pink Ladies threats are: A lot of competitors within the cleaning industrial and people are setting cleaning company all the time Poppies have a high market share New legislation to do with staff and materials may affect the business in the futures PEST analysis of Pink Ladies This is where a business analysis the external macro environment, looking what might affect the business from the outside. PEST is made up of political, economic, social and technology factors. Political factors- These are government regulation, legal issue and laws which a business such operate under. The factors which may affect Pink Ladies are: Employment laws- In the future when I expand and get staff, employment laws may affect Pink Ladies as I have to consider employment laws such as minimum wage and hour people are allow to work. I need to make sure that no one id discriminated through my workplace. This could affect Pink Ladies as training will need to be done about discrimination and more money may need to pay for more staff. If the minimum wage goes up, I will lose profit as I will have to pay for wages Environment regulation- As Pink Ladies using chemical within the business, I need make sure they are dispose of correctly and control. This will affect Pink Ladies as more money spending on making sure some substance are taking to dumping sites etc. this well cost money in petrol and training staff how to get rid of certain substances. National insurance and Tax- When I come to end of Pink Ladies working year, I will have to pay a total amount of tax if a make a certain amount of profit. This will affect Pink Ladies as I will have to use money for taxes out of the profit I make. Economic wealth-These are the purchasing power which could affect the business and customers. These are the affects which would affect Pink Ladies: Economic wealth-This is depended on the customers and how much money they have to spent. If wages increase then more people are likely to have cleaners as they have more money to spend. However if wages go down it will mean less people will have money to hire cleaners. VOT-This tax with is added on to certain which are buying. If VOT goes up then it will affect Pink Ladies stock prices as they will have to pay more and things petrol will be more. However if they go down it will mean Pink Ladies has less money to spent Social factors-this is demographic and culture aspects. This affects the customer needs and wants which could include age distribution. Social factors could affect Pink Ladies by: Population growth rate- If the birth rate is rising in the UK, this means they will be more people in the world who may want cleaning which means they would be a better demand. However if the population lower it would mean that they would be less demand for cleaning. Emphasis on safety- This could be social factors which emphasis on cleaning and safety. This may cleaning may not seen as safe so it may be hard to find staff due working with chemical. This means it is important that I protect my staff from any dangers. This may more money spent on training and making sure staffs are safe. Technology factors- this relates to technology which is available. This could affect Pink Ladies as: Rate of technological change- When changes to technology occur, this may means spending money keeping up to date with the latest technology as my competitors may provide a better service them me due to better technology. This may mean Pink Ladies spending money to keep up to date. Latest technology- If Pink Ladies can afford the new technology or not, people are more likely to go to service with better technology which could cause problems with losing customers.