Confronting Physician- Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia: My Father’s Death” by Susan Wolf

In the article â€Å"Confronting Physician- Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia: My Father’s death† by Susan Wolf, I would also be â€Å"forced to rethink my objections to legalizing assisted suicide and euthanasia†. (Wolf, 2008) I have never been put in this type of a situation where someone’s life depended on it. Having to make the decision to help someone move toward death sooner to ease the pain and suffering they are dealing with, is not something that can be taken lightly. Being left to make the final decision on ending someone’s life to help end their suffering can be completely hard to imagine doing. Watching someone suffer so much can also be very hard to endure. I have never been put in this type of situation and I hope I never have to but I am going to put myself in Susan Wolf’s place and give my point of view of the situation she was put in on such a big decision of a loved one. There are a lot of people who would rather end their life than continue to go on living with the pain and suffering they are dealing with. About three or four years ago, my father in law was suffering from Pulmonary Fibrosis, a lung condition that the tissues deep in the lungs become thick or scarred over time and some people would describe the lungs looking like honeycombs. He was diagnosed in 2000 and was only given about three years to live but lived for six. There were times he would say he â€Å"wishes there was a switch to turn off because he cannot take anymore of the suffering. † He was ready to end his life and the suffering but he kept going until November 15, 2008 when he passed away. He made sure that there was a do not resuscitate in place because he did not want to continue to suffer. Susan’s father’s physical health was declining and it was affecting his mental capacity as well.. She describes him as â€Å" a smart, savvy lawyer, the family patriarch. She could see his spark for life start to fade at the end when he could not even read or do the New York Times crossword puzzles he used to knock off in an hour, or even watch T. V. (Wolf, 2008) I would wonder how much worse this would become and how much longer he would have to live with the pain and the suffering of it all. It is not something I would want to endure myself. Susan’s father was ready to accelerate his departure and she wanted to consider the options and let him know his options as well. I would have done the same thing. Discuss the options available to make sure he gets what he wants. She was watching her father’s health dwindle so fast that she could ot let him continue to suffer anymore. Her father was the man who insisted that â€Å" he would want everything, even in a persistent vegetative state† (Wolf, 2008) was throwing in the towel and wanting to stop any more treatments and to further â€Å"accelerate† (Wolf, 2008) the process, had to be devastating reality that he had to face and something no one wants to face at all. There are a lot of people who think it is o. k. to assist with the ending of one’s life if the situation is right for it. There really is no way to tell if anyone wants to end their suffering unless there is written proof that they want to do so and have it signed and notarized by the patient. Everyone should have a say when it comes to our bodies especially if we are dying and suffering really bad. It will take the people speaking up and having their concerns heard before something can ever take place for people who are suffering very badly and do not want to suffer anymore. What about someone on life support that is in a lot of pain but cannot speak for their self? The decision is left to the families and sometimes the families opt to keep the person living even though that person may be in a world of pain but cannot speak for themselves. Then there are the ones that do take their loved one off of life support to stop the suffering. It is the same thing. Deciding what is right for the dying family member. It is a very tough decision to make just like it was for Susan Wolf in respecting her father and his wishes to just die and end the suffering. I do not think Susan made a wrong decision she help decide for her father. He was able to go naturally which she justified on her own level of moral. Assisted suicide is not a wrong choice if someone can no longer live with the pain and suffering they are enduring. It would be better to have paper work to prove this is what the person wants rather than the person taking their own life. I for one suffer on a daily basis with chronic pain that I cannot get diagnosed. There are days I am in more pain than I ever want to be and just want to end it for good but I am young and have four children and a husband I could not bear to leave behind. I deal with the pain and take medication to help keep it under control. I do hope that one day if it gets out of control, that I have the option to terminate my life if need be. The way I see it is no one should ever have to suffer. Everyone deserves to have peace and be peaceful in the end.ReferencesWolf, S. M. (2008). Confronting Physician-Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia:My Father’s Death. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com

Electrical Substation

1. INTRODUCTION Electrical substation for distribution system is the main supply to convert the high voltage (HV) to low voltage (LV) and the place where load are distributed to the consumers. In Malaysia, Tenaga Nasional Berhad Distribution (TNBD) used the 33/0. 433kV, 22/0. 433kV, 11/0. 433kV and 6. 6/0. 433kV voltage system for the electrical system to supply for domestic consumer and industrial consumer such as factory which will supplied directly from Transmission Main Intakes (PMU), Main Distribution Sub –station (PPU) or Main Switch Sub – station (SSU).Electrical substation is the place where all electrical equipments such as high voltage switching, three phase transformer, high voltage cables, low voltage cables, low voltage feeder pillar, battery charging and etc which are used for electrical supplying in power system and to make sure the safety of the system by the protection scheme. Basically, electrical system have one or several in coming and out going circ uit which are controlled by high voltage switching and meet in one or more in the same of busbar system.Generally, electrical substation is a point in distribution system where: * A place where several electrical equipments are installed and used for electrical energy in power system. * A place where the safety of the system is provides by automatically protection scheme. * A place where one or several incoming and outgoing circuit are met at one or more busbar system and controlled by high voltage switching equipment which is used for switching. * A place where voltage value is changed and controlled. A place where load are distributed, controlled and protected FUNCTIONS OF A SUBSTATION * Supply of required electrical power. * Maximum possible coverage of the supply network. * Maximum security of supply. * Shortest possible fault-duration. * Optimum efficiency of plants and the network. 2. OPERATION OF 11 kV MODULAR POWER PLAN LAB Electric power is normally generated at 11-25kV in a power station. To transmit over long distances, it is then stepped-up to 400kV, 220kV or 132kV as necessary. Power is carried through a transmission network of high voltage lines.Usually, these lines run into hundreds of kilometres and deliver the power into a common power pool called the grid. The grid is connected to load centres (cities) through a sub-transmission network of normally 33kV (or sometimes 66kV) lines. These lines terminate into a 33kV (or 66kV) substation, where the voltage is stepped-down to 11kV for power distribution to load points through a distribution network of lines at 11kV and lower. The stepped-down voltage of 11kV is channelled to the RMU(Ring Main Unit) and outgoing feeder of the substation.This is to ensure the continous supply of electricity even during maintenance. The RMU unit is speacially designed that during maintence the affected users will receive supply from a different substation which is interconnected. This is because maintenance have to b e carried out in an ON condition. 3. BLOCK DIAGRAM OF 11kV MODULAR POWER PLAN 4. FUNCTIONS AND MAINTAINENCE OF ALL EQUIPMENTS 5. 1 Switch gear/ circuit breaker In an  electric power system,  switchgear  is the combination of electrical disconnect switches,  fuses  or  circuit breakers  used to control, protect and isolate electrical equipment.Switchgear is used both to de-energize equipment to allow work to be done and to clear  faults  downstream. This type of equipment is important because it is directly linked to the reliability of the  electricity supply. Typically, the switchgear in  substations  is located on both the high voltage and the low voltage side of large power  transformers. The switchgear on the low voltage side of the transformers may be located in a building, with medium-voltage circuit breakers for distribution circuits, along with metering, control, and protection equipment.For industrial applications, a  transformer  and switchgear line-up may be combined in one housing, called a unitized  substation  or USS. Types of circuit breakers: I. Oil Oil circuit breakers rely upon vaporization of some of the oil to blast a jet of oil through the arc. II. Gas Gas (SF6) circuit breakers sometimes stretch the arc using a magnetic field, and then rely upon the dielectric strength of the SF6  to quench the stretched arc. III. Vacuum Vacuum circuit breakers have minimal arcing (as there is nothing to ionize other than the contact material), so the arc quenches when it is stretched to a very small amount (

Key Message & Insights to be Gleaned from Babel, the Movie

The two-fold message of Babel, a film by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, is human frailty and interconnectedness of lives. Most individuals tend to think that their actions are inconsequential, and often take people like family — along with other good things happening to them — for granted. In the least expected ways, people’s lives are intertwined. Usually, though, as a culture communicates itself to others, barriers arise, impeding a real connection.The film likewise depicts that there are times when people behave irrationally, which may be part of human nature, and there will always be a point in time when people will experience Murphy’s Law, commonly understood as `Whatever can go wrong will go wrong, and at the worst possible time, in the worst possible way. ’ In such instances, people may be weighed down by misfortunes or tragedy, but in those instances, there are those who cling to each other for support.Notwithstanding the trauma, individuals m ade up of sterner stuff rise to the challenge. Most people, in the end, also own up to their mistakes and take responsibility for their actions as well as for their closest of kin or alliances. Human beings are not infallible, and may sometimes have little control over circumstances unfolding in their lives.Just as the Biblical meaning of the film’s title connotes (the Tower of Babel is referred to as a grandiose structure built by Noah’s descendants for their own glory, but divine intervention muddled up their tongue and they failed to understand one another's speech, and ended up scattered across lands), Babel, the movie, features four interlocking stories where the characters experience some communicative barrier along with a sense of alienation from the rest of humanity, and are pushed to the edge.Every obstacle that the characters encounter, however, is presented as an opportunity to improve on the human condition. As such, Babel showcases how the human spirit can prevail over critical challenges or life-changing hurdles. Hope as a universal thing is clearly expressed. On the other hand, chaos as a constant element in the world is also highlighted. The presence of a gun throughout the movie’s main plot and subplots shows how a shot can create a ripple effect, trigger untold pain, and change the lives of its victims forever.It appears more like a symbolism of how guns can be misused. As each of the movie’s central characters embark on a journey of scars — in a remote setting in Morocco with its grazing lands and desolate tracts, and in another part of the world, Tokyo, with its resplendent yet lonely megalopolis — they see their lives unraveling, yet are unaware of the common thread running through them.In essence, human frailty and disillusionment are exemplified by Babel’s central characters — a couple traveling in Morocco in order to emotionally reconnect; a Mexican nanny who brings their children across the US-Mexican border without the parents’ permission to attend her son’s wedding; a herdsman and his two young boys; and a teenage deaf- mute desperately seeking attention from her father and friends in Tokyo. As fate would have it, a rifle ends up in the possession of a local herdsman who delegates to his young sons the task of guarding the family’s herd from jackals.While playfully testing the rifle’s capacity, the younger son of the herdsman accidentally shoots the lady-tourist, seriously injuring her. The ensuing events find the traveling couple’s nanny facing arrest and deportation for her unauthorized action; and the teenage deaf-mute enduring a dreary existence as social outcast. All these tormented souls attempt to soothe the pain and isolation they encounter as they wrestle with misfortunes and upheavals.The parallel crises take place simultaneously, and as the families deal with their respective hurdles, they pay a high price â₠¬â€œ with their soul, dignity, freedom and life. Overall, it is a good movie that insightfully depicts the human condition and how people will go to great lengths to survive or find elusive happiness or meaning in an imperfect world where actions have impact on others. Reference Inarritu, A. G. (Producer/Director). (2006). Babel. US: Paramount Pictures Corporation.

Huffman Trucking Knowledge Worker-Sheila Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Huffman Trucking Knowledge Worker-Sheila - Essay Example Huffman trucking company was founded by Huffman, a native of Cleveland, Ohio in 1936. The company started with a single trailer. The development of the organization was associated with the direct impact of World War II and increase in demand for carrier services between factories and ports. The fleet size increased over time, and the company created a good rapport with the United States government which continues today. The company maintained its growth from internal sales and acquisition of other carrier companies. This sustained growth enables the continued private ownership of the company (Huffmantrucking.0catch.com, 2014). Presently the company has The U.S government, automotive dealers, and electronic consumer products as some of its primary customers. The company has human facilities in Bayonne, St. Louis, MO, Los Angeles, CA and Cleveland, Ohio. The workforce includes 925 drives and 425 support personnel. In addition, the company owns and operates 800 road tractors, 260 roll on/roll of units and 800 road tractors. The ability to offer goods and services, in a timely manner gives organization a great pleasure. It is in this respect that the company does preventative maintenance on all its rolling equipment after every 25000 miles in the maintenance facility in Cleveland, Ohio (Huffmantrucking.0catch.com, 2014). The information system infrastructure is made up of critical systems which include databases, enterprise resource planning implementation, networks and communication systems that support the company’s routine operations. The company outsources 100 percent of its information systems functions. The company has a small database that stores client’s information such as marital status, former learning college details and favorite eateries. This database enables the company to monitor clients and sales. Additionally, the database stores information about the company’s executives,

Core nursing competencies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Core nursing competencies - Essay Example In fact research done in the California State, revealed that BSN nurses had a mean income of $75,000 while ADN nurses scored a mean of $70,000.In addition, the interview showed that ADN programs were favored because, they are less expensive and the student took less time to complete the course. On the other hand those who advocated for the BSN program did so stating that one had higher chance of progressing in the nursing career and also that their chances of entering into a more advanced nursing program were higher ( Masters, 2009). Majority of those interviewed in the class of Graduate (MSN, DNP, PH.D) were comfortable with their working category and conditions. They stated that they were valued just like many doctors are and that they are in most cases incorporated in many major decision making situations. They generally felt that they were on top of their career hence the satisfaction ( Masters, 2009). In conclusion, there are many challenges that a nurse faces in their career and many emerge from discrimination due to their education level. This has made the nursing profession to be undermined yet it carries the most important weight in the health care sector. Therefore these debates need to be addressed so that there can be a clear guideline that all nurses will follow so that they can attain

Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Marketing - Essay Example Some customers are price sensitive whereby, an increase in price may cause the customers to buy from competitors. On the contrary product/service involves taking into consideration the needs and wants of a customer. Finally, promotion entails creating awareness about the product or service being offered by the company. This may involve taking into consideration the methods that the company will use to promote their product as well as determining the methods used by their competitors (Hoffmann, 2008). Therefore, this study aims to provide an insight of how the company achieves advantage of delivering value to the consumers and to what extent. 1. â€Å"A company achieves advantage by delivering superior value to its consumers in the marketplace†. To what extent do you agree with this statement and why? A company achieves advantage by delivering superior value to its consumers through utilization of value chain approach/model as proposed by Porters. Different companies tend to ha ve numerous activities that are being involved in the conversion of raw materials to finished goods so as to deliver superior value to their customers. Those activities may be broadly classified into two categories namely; primary activities and secondary activities /support activities within the value chain model. Primary activities comprises of five major activities/ operations namely; inbound logistics, outbound logistics, operations, marketing and sales, and services. On the contrary, support activities include; procurement, human resource management, technological development and infrastructure (Saha, 2011). The value chain creation model may be presented in the diagram below. Primary Activities The value Chain Support/secondary activities Source: The five primary activities involve all operations that are aimed at delivering superior value to the customers. Under this section there are activities such as; inbound logistics. Those are operation that is attributed to handling of goods and services within the company. Additionally, inbound logistics involves activities such as material inputs and acquisition, warehousing activities as well as inventory control. Material input and acquisition are those operations that are carried out to ensure that there is proper flow of all the necessary materials and equipments that might be required in order to come up with a finished product that can deliver superior value to the customers. Material input and acquisition further involves determining the most appropriate vendors to supply the company with the necessary raw material in a cost efficient manner. Therefore, procurement managers, operation managers and finance managers should carry out a prior assessment of the most appropriate vendor who can supply raw materials at a minimal cost. This may help to minimize the cost of material acquisition while at the same time ensures that materials obtain deliver superior value to the customers and further enables the comp any to make profits. Both procurement manager and finance manager should collaborate to ensure that materials available in the warehouse are in proper condition. Moreover, they should carry out inventory valuation to determine when to order new material (re-order point) and when to dispose the available stock. This may help to ensure there is efficiency in the flow of raw materials and finished goods within and outside the company

Abortion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Abortion - Essay Example Nothing is more demoralizing than a life without freedom. A life in which one can be compelled into parenthood is just such a life. Rape is among the most reflective rejections of liberty, and convincing a woman to accept a rapist's child is a murder or an attack on her humanity. How diverse is it to force her to remain pregnant and become a mother just for the reason that efforts at birth control by chance failed? From her standpoint, the pregnancy is also unwanted. From the point of view of the fetus, how the pregnancy began certainly makes no difference. If compelling a woman to persist a pregnancy that will just about surely kill her is not permitted, how different is it to force her to maintain a pregnancy that will almost certainly shorten her life? Or a pregnancy that will leave her life a shambles? Are there means of approaching issues like abortion that evade pitting these absolutes against one another? Approaches of choosing that uphold respect for the deepest principles on both sides of the equation? Ways that face the authenticity of sex and power that trigger the struggle? Analysis One of the famous cases in the American history has been the case of Roe V. Wade. It was a case in which the Supreme Court said that except in narrow state of affairs, the Constitution of the United States does not allow the government to interfere with a woman's right to desire abortion. Roe v. Wade is various things. It is a legal verdict by the Supreme Court; a rallying cries for both sides in the abortion debate. But it is in addition, and was in the beginning, a completely human story, one that has become by now common to numerous as a story similar to other stories repeated all over the United States daily. It seems telling that in Roe v. Wade both the woman on one side of the "versus" ("Roe") and the fetus on the other (stand for by Wade) are anonymous. In much of the debate over abortion in our society, one side or the other is condensed to ghostly secrecy. Many who can willingly imagine the concrete humanity of a fetus, who hold its picture high as well as weep, hardly see the woman who carries it and her human dilemma. To them she becomes an all but invisible abstraction. Numerous others, who can willingly imagine the woman and her body, who cry out for her right to control her fate, hardly imagine the fetus within that woman and do not envisage as real the life it might have been permitted to lead. For them, the life of the fetus becomes a similarly invisible concept (Tribe & Norton, 1992). America is at a junction. In the year 1989, the sixteen-year era of judicial defense of legal abortion rights that started with the Supreme Court's 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade ended with that Court's five to four decision maintenance certain state regulations of abortion in the case of Webster v. Reproductive Health Services. A right that, ever since the time of Watergate and Vietnam, had been kept by judges from the horseplay of local politics-the woman's right to make a decision for herself whether to finish a pregnancy-is now focused to regulation, and perhaps even prohibition, by our chosen legislature. A right that numerous Americans took for granted is now in a real sense up for grabs. Anyone who doubts that this is the meaning of Webster needs look no further than the morning newspaper. As the 1990s dawn, the nature of politics in America is altering daily, and the gloom of the question of abortion rights grows, with extensive worth for our society. Even as the public program is prolonged to deal with such new questions as the right to die, no matter intimidates to split us politically in quite as influential a way as the abortion issue does. Our national institutions are braced for an

The defence of Roman Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The defence of Roman - Essay Example Literary works by Strabo portrayed the Romans as invincible people, and regarded those from the East as less equal humans. Moreover, the geographical works of Strabo that Romans used as references are his personal opinions he puts down without research. For example, he avers that the area occupied by Arabia is found in the Gulf of Aqaba, though he is not sure of the existence of such gulf (Ball 34). As a matter of fact, the Romans’ perception of the East was a paradox of the reality on the ground. This comes to the forefront when the Romans and barbarians met on the battlefield. Crassus initiated a high-profile campaign, which portrayed Parthians as lazy and weak people. Assumptions about the Eastern people made Rome lose the war to the barbarians. Consequently, the turn of events after war, when Rome fell to states of the East, contradicts their perception. This confirms Orientalism theory (Said 26). Why Were Commagene and Armenia Important for the Defense of Roman Syria? Com magene was situated northeast of the Roman border. It was strategically located between the river Euphrates and directly adjacent to Mesopotamia and Armenia. Commagene and Armenia played a key role as war entry and exit routes for the Romans since it made the East easily accessible. Because of the geographical position of Armenia, it was critical in strategizing military operations as it enabled easy evasion of threats compared to other neighboring states such as Judea. Trajan specifically employed this as a tactic when strategizing for enemy attacks and counterattacks in the event of war. The fact that the Euphrates had bridges enabled the Roman soldiers to transit easily during war. Additionally, Commagene had cool temperatures unlike the south, which is an arid area (Edwell 67). Commagene and Armenia acted as buffer states in the sense that their strategic location enabled the Romans to watch what happened across their borders. The location of Armenia and Commagene allowed Rome t o access infantry especially from their clients, which indirectly necessitated the expansion of their army. As a buffer state, Armenia played a role equivalent to a watchtower for Rome. Rome could easily reorganize its troops and respond to attacks owing to its accessibility to the northeast and proximity to the Euphrates (Ando 65). Additionally, the people of Commagene were among the wealthiest in the client kingdom. They were of equal importance because their territory was a section of the middle course crossings of the Euphrates. The Armenians organized Cappadocia into provinces and attached Syria to Commagene. This threatened the economic stability of Rome, thus making the society vulnerable to external attacks as the loyalty of the Romanians kept altering. Armenia was also a gateway to the northern communities and their hidden treasures. With this knowledge, the Romans fought to gain control and loyalty of those communities, as they were powerful enough to earn the Romans the d esired economic might. The Romans understood that they would develop effective structures of governance and safeguard the security of their societies by gaining economic might that could consequently make the development of armies easier. Armenia was its connection with the northern states and Mesopotamia. By gaining control of Romania,

Existentialism and Humanism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Existentialism and Humanism - Essay Example This is what will be discussed in the following. Existentialism is basically a type of philosophical movement which tends to embrace the view that focuses on that of individual existence and subjectivity, and although it generally refers to the belief that one shapes in regards to one's basic nature and the way that they choose to live throughout their life, at the same time it captures much more than that. In part being a reaction to such names as Hegel and Nietzsche, it is a belief which considers that you are the one who is able to determine yourself, and that your personality and your own self is not given to you at birth, but rather it is given after you make decisions and thoughts and gain your personality. Humanism, on the other hand, is considered as being "a rational philosophy based on belief in the dignity of human beings, informed by science and motivated by human hope and human compassion. Humanists revere the natural world, knowing of no other place to set good examples, to work, and to show love". (Dorrell, 2002). P eople who are humanists are considered as being those who encourage moral excellence, have faith in other people to choose good over evil, promote positive relationships and human dignity, and who believe that moral values are neither divinely revealed nor that the special property in regards to any type of religious tradition. Basically existentialism and humanism have for the most forever been considered as being two separate and in fact almost opposite issues in a way, however there is one person in particular, of which we will be discussing critically in this dissertation, who believes in fact that 'existentialism is humanism'. This person is Jean-Paul Sartre, and Sartre, (June 21, 1905 - April 15, 1980), was a French existentialist philosopher, dramatist and screenwriter, novelist and critic. He was one of the most noted and leading figures in all of 20th century French philosophy, and the opinions that he made over his life, especially that in regards to existentialism and humanism being one in the same, have been argued against or agreed with by some of the most influential people in the world's history since his day. When Sartre was a junior lecturer at the Lycee du Havre in the year 1938, it was then that he wrote the novel entitled La Nausee, which even to this day remains as being one of his most popular books of all, and it has been considered by many that this particular literary work of his was one which in ways served as a sort of manifesto of existentialism. He shows in this book how he believed that "our ideas are the product of experiences of real-life situations, and that novels and plays describing such fundamental experiences have as much value as do discursive essays for the elaboration oh philosophical theories". (Wikipedia, 2007). Beginning from there, Sartre began to become even stronger in regards to his view on how existentialism is humanism, and he began to use Edmund Husserl as a sort of backing man, in

Has the IMF played a condtructive or destructive role Does it serve Essay - 1

Has the IMF played a condtructive or destructive role Does it serve any purpose in the 21st century - Essay Example The IMF has grown and experienced changes over the last years. Many have embraced this change, while there has been some that have not accepted it. Its members have been increasing, from the initial thirty to over 188 members. This organisation claims to foster financial stability, global monetary corporation and economic stability to its members (Freytag pg 20-30). Its objectives are geared towards promoting international economic, Corporation, creation of employment, establishing sustainable exchange rate and availing funding to its member states. The role of the international fund about the 21st century is addressed by analysing the success and failure rate. Since its debut, this organisation has funded numerous nations, where there has been failure or success. The facts present a concrete factor that present this organisation as failing. Though there are success cases, the failures often lower the impact of these cases. One notable case is the one witnessed in Tanzania. After the IMF stepped in to save this declining economy, its economy lowered. The employment rate decreased and the literacy level dropped. All this occurred within period from 1985 to 2000 (Research Activities of the International Monetary Fund: January 1991-December 1998 pg 26-30) Conclusively, the role played by this organisation cannot be ignored. It continuously helps nations to recover from economic failures. It is lending surveillance police have benefited many and still proves to in years to come. In order to change the faulty image over the years, there must be some adjustments. This adjustment will enhance its role and make it productive as many presume it to

Stv Essay Example for Free

Stv Essay Technology is inevitable -Technology is not always inevitable -Societies can reject technology (rejection of the US SST) Various versions: technology is autonomous, unstoppable, out of control; technology is an end to itself, â€Å"progress is inevitable† According to Jacques Ellul: ‘‘‘Technique’ had permeated all aspects of society. It is an autonomous and unrelenting substitution of means for ends. Modern society’s vast ensemble of techniques had become self-engendering and had accelerated out of humanity’s control. According to Theodore Roszak: Technocracy is society governed by technical experts appealing to scientific knowledge; it is ‘‘‘ideologically invisible’’’ if you accept rationality and efficiency without question

Hematologic Discussion Essay Example for Free

Hematologic Discussion Essay Question 1 Anemia is a condition of the blood in which the number of healthy red blood cells is very low to meet the oxygen requirements of body tissues. It is mainly classified on the basis of erythrocyte morphology, physiology and probable etiology. The classification based on morphology of red blood cells takes into account the size of erythrocytes. Under this category microcytic anemia occurs if the red blood cells are smaller than normal. Normocytic anemia is present if the red blood cells have the normal size but lower in number whereas macrocytic anemia occurs when the red blood cells are larger than normal. Based on etiology, various conditions are considered which result in either blood loss, excessive destruction of red blood cells and decreased or impaired production of red blood cells. On the same note, the physiological classification is based on hemoglobin level and occurs in three stages. These include the mild stage in which the Hb level is 110-90g/l, moderate stage in which Hb level is 90-70g/l, and severe stage in which Hb level is Laboratory criteria (Makama, 2010). The three types of anemia are iron-deficiency anemia caused by blood loss such as in cases of heavy or prolonged menstrual periods, insufficient iron supply or underutilization of iron in the body.   Aplastic anemia is caused by inability of the bone marrow to produce enough erythrocytes, platelets and white blood cells. Sickle-cell anemia is caused by a hereditary defect which affects Hb production in which the red blood cells assume an abnormal crescent shape. It is worth noting that the most common type of anemia in the United States is iron-deficiency anemia since most women are of child bearing age and experience excessive blood loss during menses. Similarly, the signs and symptoms of this type of anemia are pale skin, fatigue, headache, dizziness, gastrointestinal disturbances, and dry mouth. Its treatment involves intake of iron rich diet including iron supplements (bodyandhealth.canada.com, 2009). Question 2 DIC is an acronym that stands for disseminated intravascular coagulation. It is a serious disorder in which proteins which control blood clotting become abnormally active resulting in formation of blood clots within blood vessels. The clogging of blood vessels cuts off blood supply to various organs such as the brain, liver and kidneys. DIC can be caused by certain types of blood cancer, blood infection by fungus or bacteria and blood transfusion reactions. Clinical manifestations include excessive hemorrhage, hypertension, and blood clots. DIC can be treated by using plasma transfusions to replace blood clotting factors. Also heparin may be used to prevent blood clotting (nlm.nih.gov, 2010).

The Development Of Mass Tourism Mallorca Tourism Essay

The Development Of Mass Tourism Mallorca Tourism Essay Balearic Islands with total area of 5,014 km consist of four islands which are 2 by Formentera, 11 by Eivissa, 14 by Menorca and 73 by Mallorca (Bull 1997, 140). Mallorca is the largest island of the Balearic archipelago with 555km of the total coast length of the island (Garcia and Servera 2003, 288) which covered for nearly three quarters of the land with approximately 3640 km ² in Balearic Island. The climate of Mallorca is typically Mediterranean with moderate average temperatures. During the summer, the dry and warm season takes place. The average annual rainfalls are 625 mm, with average temperature 16 °C and 17 °C except in the high mountain (Guijarro 1986). With its favorable climate, extensive coastline and beautiful beaches it have lured visitors coming over for many centuries. In 1950s the development of tourism increasingly creates an opportunity to the local in generating additional jobs and income. On the other side it has resulted in a large flux of immigrants from Iberian Peninsula to Mallorca. At the same time when the tourism industry developed, the local economy became dependent on this source of revenue. Consequently, in 1955 there is 30 of the population was working for the sector however in 1996 it was almost 76 (Garcia and Servera 2003, 288). The development of Mass Tourism (Mallorca) Definition of Mass tourism Burkart and Medlik (1974, 42) states Mass tourism is essentially a quantitative notion, based on the proportion of the population participating in tourism or on the volume of tourist activity. However, in the context of Bramwell (2004) relate it to tourism industrys large-scale replication of standardized holiday packages combining accommodation and transport to cater large numbers of people from diverse social groups. Basically both definitions have pointed out the key element of mass tourism that is all about large volume and large scale of replication production with local participation involvement to cater vast numbers of visitors. Since 1950s tourism in Mallorca has closely aligned with a standard mass holiday package aimed at a very price-sensitive of European tourist (Aguilo et al. 2005, 221). Having such characteristic of the climate, sun and beach is perfectly match with the mass tourist who in search of hot weather and suntan within the framework of a rigidly packaged holiday. Butlers life cycle of Mallorca Exploration involvement stage-1930s The butlers lifecycle model (1980), describes a tourist destination from the exploration to development up to stagnation and decline phases can be best apply in the destination of Mallorca from the growth stage to post-stagnation stage. In the period of exploration and involvement stages tourism takes place in Mallorca act merely as an instrument for stimulating cultural and intellectual activity (Bull 1997, 141). Early development stage 1955s When it comes to 1955 Mallorca Island is in development stage where mass tourism started to grow during that period. There was a re-establishment of the tourist board that have significantly change the tourism on the island whereby the tourism become more very much linked with the development of package holidays and mass tourism from the growing markets in western and northern Europe (Pearce 1991 and Williams 1997). However in 1959, Spanish government took the initiate to simplify the procedure of visiting the country in order to modernize the economy by gaining overseas revenue through (Stabilisation Act of 1959). The numbers of visitors started to growth constantly in early 1960s, majority of the visitors were dominated from UK and Germany in large volumes concentrated especially during summer season (Clark 1988) (Figure 1). Consolidation stage-1980s-1990s Between 1960s-1980s the consequences from the boom of international tourism to Mallorca, it led to an increasing resort development along the coastline. Most of the island began from the rapid growth of inexpensive package holidays in the 1960s. However in the late of 1970s, many buildings, resorts and apartments were built in order to cater large numbers of visitors and growing number of the populations. Majority of these early resorts were portrayed by standard apartment building architecture, short of appropriate infrastructure and lack of planning, which lead to the consolidation stages. Buswell (1996, 321) described the growth of tourist resolution on Mallorca as unplanned and piecemeal, even chaotic. Later, stricter planning laws was set up in 1980s and 1990s against the problem that arisen. Subsequently Mallorca managed to maintain its good reputation with tourists, particularly from UK and Germany moreover constantly attracts about 10 m visitors per year (Buswell 1996 and Gov ernment Balear 2003) Stagnation and Decline stage-1990s-2000s In late 1990s, environmental pressures begin to emerge in Mallorca regarding to the issue such as water shortages, climate change, overcrowding, and over commercialization as well as anti-social behavior by its visitors. This eventually causes an overall of decline in number of visitors arrive to its destination. In provisions of destination life cycle dynamics, the tourism product of Mallorca was beginning to stagnate and decline and required management planning and policy intervention to bring about its rejuvenation (Butler, 1980). Development of Mass tourism in Calvia, Mallorca Calvià ¡ is a municipality of Mallorca which is also one of the largest tourism receiving areas. It accounted about one third of the total flow of tourists to Balearic Islands. It covers 145 km ² and has a coastal strip of 56 Km of beaches and cliffs which caused it absolutely suitable destination for mass tourism. It offers accommodation for 120,000 bedspaces and with approximately up to 1.6 million visitors a year (Aguilo, Algere and Sard, 2005). Furthermore, with its location in tiny distance from the airport of Palma creates an easily accessible to the visitors. The population of the resident increased from 3000 in habitants during 1960 up to 30,000 in the late nineties (Dodds 2007). Since 19th century, tourism began to be as main economic activity of its island (Ministerio de Economia y Hacienda, 2005). Tourism development in Calvià ¡ boomed in the 1960s and has been based on short-term economic gain. As Aguilo et al. (2005) states, it was one of the first municipalities to experience negative effects of mass tourism. Lack of planning regulations resulted in urban sprawl and lack of environmental regard, similar to many Mediterranean resorts. The model of tourism development in Mallorca has been based on short-term interest, unlimited building out of tune with local conditions, and an unsustainable exploitation of exceptional natural resources. Tourist development took place in 1960s to 1980s and was hasty and unplanned. Economy In economic point of view, tourism is important as it create job opportunities, infrastructure development as well as foreign exchange. The unemployment rate is much lower than national average (Ministerio de Trabajo 2005) as there are about 31,793 people employed in restaurant-bars, 2057 involved in transportation rental, 483 in supermarkets, 398 people employed in souvenir shops and with 1,684 works in other tourist facilities. Meanwhile 1,402 involved in beach business and 18,003 are involved in providing tourist activities. In Calvià ¡ it was estimated about 61749 vacancies in terms of providing tourist activities (Molz 2004). It has 30 higher income per capital of national and 5 higher of E.U. levels (Ministerio de Economia y Hacienda 2005). Looking at these figures it becomes absolutely obvious 85 of Balearic Islands GNP is from tourist industry, and tourism is the main source of income for the city of Calvià ¡ whereby economy is completely reliant upon it. From the statistics numbers given, it can be conclude that there is high number of labour force joining the labour market, the tourist monoculture especially during the peak seasonal pattern, labour with a low salary system, and pressure of work during high season (Local Agenda 21 2001). Socio culture impact While tourism provides certain economic benefits to a region in any case in the short term, however it does causes annoyance to the local way of life. To the locals the concerns may derive due to the unfulfilled promises, disruption of a traditional way of life, insufficiency of employment opportunities or frustration with the economic changes which came with mass tourism development. Before tourism takes place, Calvià ¡ was fundamentally a poor and rural area with little outside contact and general history of emigration with its own language and culture of Catalan roots (Ruzza 2004). However tourism has wholly altered these features; a vast number of immigration from the Spanish peninsula arrived to fulfill the demand for labour created by the growth of mass tourism, particularly in the building industry and the hotel business. Consequent to that the temporary immigrant population, has gradually turn into resident, eventually this causes the loss of cultural identity, conflict over language issues, and lack of social integration within local and immigrant population and tiny participation in local social life. Although Calvià ¡ is Spains richest municipality and one of the richest in Europe, it has the lowest level of education in Spain which itself the lowest in Europe (Ayuntament de Calvià ¡ 1995). Besides, most of employments given for waiters and house cleaner which did not trained by a professional skilled. Consequences of too many visitors Reason tourist choose Calvià ¡ as holiday destination The persistence of the sun and sand model (2005, 222), describes that the reason induces tourists to choose the particular sun and sand destination include the climate of 76.2, the beaches (51.2), the price (36.4), and the quality of the hotels (22.2). Among all, climate is the fundamental reason followed by the beaches which induces tourists for choosing such destination. As a result Calvià ¡ received a growing number of visitors who travel to a mass tourism holiday destination attracted by the climate, sun and beaches. Calvià ¡ were seen as a model based on value, in terms of price competition it has lure many visitors especially from UK and German with it standardization of the holiday experience (CIITIB, 2002). Social impact For the local point of view, visitors seem to utilize the physical environment from the local however the profit that generated from the visitors are not share with the local community. Thus it creates undesirable impacts on livelihoods without sharing benefits with the local people who bear the cost of both human and natural environment. Eventually conflicts arise among local populations with vast number of visitors as they need to compete for limited use of resources such as water, sanitation, energy and land uses. In point of tourist view it is frequently recapitulate with the statements with this used to be a paradise but now it is ruined because of overcrowding, over commercialization or overdevelopment. The mass tourism tackiness and the variety of problems experienced in Calvià ¡ have too often formed blemish alongside beautiful natural scenery; crowded with vast numbers of tourists as if they were many cattle; ruined traditional cultures and occupational patterns by creating a insidious tourism industry portrayed as low paying jobs service and manipulative values; without concerning the needs of local citizens and the community values that were inconsistent with pragmatic economic requirements of the tourism industry. Environmental impact The risen numbers of visitors and residents have immense environmental pressure in Calvià ¡. As mentioned in butlers life cycle, Mallorca was in the period of stagnation in 1990s may lay on the line by rising of environmental pressure mainly due to water shortages and climatic change. Inadequate water supply The issue of inadequate water supply especially during peak period and summer season, water supplies is aggravated by visitors flows for use in hotels, swimming pools and golf course. According to the statistic documented in 1995, the water consumption by visitors amounted of 160 liters per day whereby resident is only 130 liters. High demand in energy consumption The annual consumption of primary energy in Calvià ¡ amount to 72,000 TEP per year of which only 2 is renewable. However, the consumption per day was 6.47 kwh and visitors stay one night in hotel the consumption amounted to 2.14 kwh (Dodds 2007). Pollution by Transports Of 1,400,000 tones emission of carbon dioxide, 58 is due to transporting tourist in and out of Mallorca. In Calvià ¡ 1995 statistic, visitors are the major causes of traffic congestion where of 70 million journeys 50 million were from visitors. Urban waste In 1995 Calvià ¡ produced 41000 tons of urban waste with roughly 1.25 kg per day by the resident however 1kg per visitors a day. Moreover there is a limited option for disposal. The production of wastewater and solid waste in visitor areas often surpass the carrying capacity of local infrastructure due the high seasonal demand. Deterioration of the Land use Building development in Calvià ¡ has been excessive with mass occupation of sandy beaches and important enclaves along the rocky coastline (Pappas 2007). With over 60 of Calvià ¡ region was caused by soil erosion. However land area was reducing drastically because of urbanization. Furthermore, as a result of urbanization, quarries and waste dumps were increasing. Forest fires also sparked further destruction of the land. According to an accounting of the distribution of the entire area of Calvià ¡ made by Schmitt (Molz 2004) in 1991 the build-up-area has quadrupled in the years from 1968 to 1991 (+311.6). However 57 of archaeological heritage were at high risk of deterioration. Overcrowded beach Almost 80 of the analyzed cases show overcrowding despite an urban beach or natural beach. There is a strong seasonal concentration of visitors between June and September because of the demand for sun and beaches. Subsequently this led to overcrowded beach with less than 6 m ² of beach surface per person with increasing anthropogenic pressure over the coastal zone (Garcia and Jaume 2003, 287). Solution Calvià ¡ is an example of a mass tourism destination which, from a result of tourism pressure in the late 1980s, faced significant economic, social and environmental decline. As mentioned by Butler (1993) tourism is an activity because of its reliance upon the maintenance of natural environment and natural processes, should lent itself toward sustainable development. Therefore, sustainable development must always be tourisms main objective. Without natural environment and natural processes there would not be any tourism activity at all. In the case of Calvià ¡ the decrease of tourism numbers and Balearic Island as a whole driven regulations and efforts to move towards addressing the problems of the degradation of the environment, deterioration of social systems and facilities and the threat of further tourism decline. Definition of Planning and Policy Mass tourism is a key issue in the global tourism industry, may it be in Mallorca or Brazil or Iceland. The word MASS alone brings about one fear: mass-destruction. Without careful tourism planning, it brings about unseen consequences that can make tourism destroying tourism become a reality and nightmare. By looking at the definition of planning is extremely ambiguous and difficult to define. Chadwick (1971, 24) states that planning is a process of human thought with an action based upon the thought in point of fact, forethought, thought for the future, nothing more or less than this is planning. Meanwhile Hall (2008, 90) supported Chadwicks ideas to conclude that most important aspect of planning is that it is directed towards the future. However, planning cannot be accomplished without policy because it is closely related terms. Wilkinson (1997) linked planning and policy by stating planning is a course of action, whereas policy is the implementation of the planned course of action. Planning and policy in the case of Calvià ¡ Calvià ¡ Plan for tourist Excellent 1990 The plan was developed in 1990 as to target the threat of decline. It comes along with the Balearic Autonomous community in cooperation with the municipalities as to modernize, improve and diversify the tourism. This plan included building clearance to regain open space, try to counterbalance the seasonal nature of tourism and training and employment. However this plan is mainly focused on the industry supply side instead of sustainability of the destination and host community did not involve at all. As a result, it did not attempt to overcome the growing issues that have arisen. Calvià ¡ Local Agenda 21 (LA21) 1995 At the end of 1994, the Town council of Calvià ¡, together with a range of working groups, drew up the Local Agenda 21 for Calvià ¡ as a long term strategies integrated with economic, social, territorial and environment actions. In formulating LA21 in 1995 and Action Plan in 1997, the Municipality of Calvià ¡ actively involved the support of local community, all the stakeholders, NGO as well as national and EU governments. The key objectives for LA21 Calvià ¡ concentrating on entering a new way of life based on sustainable and participatory urban and tourism planning; emphasize environmental management of the destination, look for for agreement and consensus with social representatives, control development and act for more stable employment in the area. (Calvià ¡ Agenda Local 21, Mallorca, Spain 2004). In 1998 New Balearic Law in Calvià ¡ was set out as to limit accommodation growth, restore existing hotels and to protect 40 of natural areas. The objectives of the LA21 comprises of 10 strategic lines of action and 40 initiatives. Key results that have been achieved since the implementation of Calvià ¡s 1997 plan The LA21 Action Plan which were set out in 1997 were seems to have improvement in a general movement toward sustainability within the region and as Calvià ¡ is fairly autonomous, it was able to adopt and implement many initiatives without the need for collaboration from higher government. Among those key results that have been achieved since the implementation of the LA21 action plan are stated below: Planning and Regeneration Decline of 200 bed without raise in number of hotels and apartments 1993-2002-about 30 building clearance plan actions including actual building demolition and purchase of urban plots as to prevent further construction were carried out Demolished buildings on more than 13,500m ² of the total surface area Upgraded area in Magaluf Palma Nova tourist area with pedestrian zones and planting tree as to improve quality of the area. In Paseo de Calvià ¡ 32 km cycling and walking path was built Environmental instruments Tax was imposing on water consumption for conservation with awareness campaigns on promoting its use. The recycling urban waste reduction plans successfully separated 70 of the urban waste at origin, assisting by reducing cost of recycling effort, minimizing land fill. Sea dredging which used to generate beaches has been terminated while measures on environmental friendly were put in place to minimize erosion. New regulation for limiting anchor damage harbor congestion cause by boats Protect wild life ecosystems with the establishment of Marine Park terrestrial protected areas. Economic instruments Impose an eco-tax in 2002 by Balearic Government as to carry out Calvià ¡ council rehabilitation and regenerative projects. Voluntary instruments Renovation programmes for hotels, tourist accommodation and tourist facilities established to upgrade quality and attract a higher yield tourist Socio cultural instruments Programmes to combat crime, housing and other social issues Multi-cultural and social programmes such as dance, underwater photography and language classes established to help integrate immigrants into Mallorquin culture. Calvià ¡ has been recognized internationally for its efforts conclusion Calvià ¡ 2.0 The development of mass tourism in Calvia, Mallorca. 2.1 Definition of Mass Tourism

Reflection and Enemies of Promise :: Reflection Enemies

In the last three decades, a great advance in genetic research and biotechnology has occurred. Max Born said in his essay, "Reflection," "But suddenly, about three hundred years ago, an explosion of mental activity occurred: modern science and technology were born. Since then, they have increased at an ever growing rate, probably faster than exponentially, and are now transforming the human world beyond recognition" (209). Similarly, Michael Bishop said in " Enemies of Promise," "We live in an age of scientific triumph. Science has solved many of nature's puzzles and greatly enlarged human knowledge" (237). Both scientists have written their essays before the present controversies over genetic engineering and the biotechnology research, but it is amazing how true their predictions are, considering the number of protests and fears generated by these researches. The genetic engineering science has always been in the human mind since the famous French scientist, Mendel, discovered the genetic dominant characters in some plants in the 16th century, and he started cross changing the characters to get strong plants with fast growth and more production. Nowadays after discovering the DNA by the American scientist James Watson ". . . that the specific pairing we have postulated immediately suggests a possible copying mechanism for the genetic material" (138), genetic engineering became a matter of interest for many scientists. Every scientist is trying to use a new method either on plant or animal to increase its production. Some of these new methods are being used already, and many of the foods that people eat now are mass-produced through many methods of the genetic engineering to feed world's overpopulation. The world population is increasing tremendously because of medical progress. "Medicine has overcome most plagues and epidemic diseases and it has doubled the human life span within a single generation: the result is catastrophic overpopulation" (Born 209). Because of the increase in population the demand for food has also increased such as in India and China. Also the decrease of the water resources, because of earth's dryness, has worsened the food production situations as in different parts of Africa. Therefore, population increase and earth's dryness give very good reasons for scientists to do their research on developing a new technology that will provide human needs. Reflection and Enemies of Promise :: Reflection Enemies In the last three decades, a great advance in genetic research and biotechnology has occurred. Max Born said in his essay, "Reflection," "But suddenly, about three hundred years ago, an explosion of mental activity occurred: modern science and technology were born. Since then, they have increased at an ever growing rate, probably faster than exponentially, and are now transforming the human world beyond recognition" (209). Similarly, Michael Bishop said in " Enemies of Promise," "We live in an age of scientific triumph. Science has solved many of nature's puzzles and greatly enlarged human knowledge" (237). Both scientists have written their essays before the present controversies over genetic engineering and the biotechnology research, but it is amazing how true their predictions are, considering the number of protests and fears generated by these researches. The genetic engineering science has always been in the human mind since the famous French scientist, Mendel, discovered the genetic dominant characters in some plants in the 16th century, and he started cross changing the characters to get strong plants with fast growth and more production. Nowadays after discovering the DNA by the American scientist James Watson ". . . that the specific pairing we have postulated immediately suggests a possible copying mechanism for the genetic material" (138), genetic engineering became a matter of interest for many scientists. Every scientist is trying to use a new method either on plant or animal to increase its production. Some of these new methods are being used already, and many of the foods that people eat now are mass-produced through many methods of the genetic engineering to feed world's overpopulation. The world population is increasing tremendously because of medical progress. "Medicine has overcome most plagues and epidemic diseases and it has doubled the human life span within a single generation: the result is catastrophic overpopulation" (Born 209). Because of the increase in population the demand for food has also increased such as in India and China. Also the decrease of the water resources, because of earth's dryness, has worsened the food production situations as in different parts of Africa. Therefore, population increase and earth's dryness give very good reasons for scientists to do their research on developing a new technology that will provide human needs.

Polaroid Essay examples -- GCSE Business Marketing Coursework

Polaroid In March 1996, Ralph Norwood, treasurer of Polaroid Corporation, was asked to consider refinancing proposals from investment bankers of $150 million of debt due to mature in January 1997. Gary DiCamillo, newly appointed CEO of the firm,in reaction to the company's lagging share price, had set forth a new plan to agressively expoit the existing Polaroid brand, introduce product extensions, and enter new emerging markets. Before Norwood can choose a refinancing proposal, he must consider the funding needs of DiCamillo's new corporate strategy and the capital structure which would provide the lowest cost of capital and most financial flexibility. Norwood also needed to consider the maturity structure of debt. COMPANY PROFILE Nature of product Polaroid Corporation has been engaged primarily in the business of designing, manufacturing, and selling instant photographic imaging products worldwide. Since 1948, this mission has led them to develop instant black-and-white film in 1954, instant color film in 1960, and the SX-70 camera in 1972 which no longer required users to coat the developing picture. However, most revenues generated from the instant photography market were not through camera sales. Cameras were often sold on low margins to encourage film sales. By increasing the base of instant camera users the company increased file sales, its primary margin product. However, the advent of digital photography in the 1990s threatened to erode Polaroid's base of instant film camera users. Demand for Instant Photographic Services In the consumer market, demand for film on newly purchased cameras tended to be highest and then tappered off to somewhat predictable patterns. Therefore film demand often correlated to camera sales. In the commercial market, demand was derived from instant photography for indentification purposes such as I.D. badges, as well as various applications in medicine and law enforcement. The market for instant film photography in the U.S. had matured. Sales in 1994 and 1995 had fallen 2 percent and 12 percent respectively. International sales, on the other hand, offered strong growth potential. With rising standards of living and no infrastructure to process 35 mm film in many emerging market countries, there was a large untapped market for instant photography. Polaroid's cameras were in high demand. Growth in int... ...over, the company's EBIT coverage ratio would shift downward. If Norwood, were to reduce the company's debt requirement to under $690.47, Polaroid would maintain its investment-grade bond rating and benefit not only from a lower cost of debt, but also from a lower cost of total captial as shown in Appendix B. In addition, Polaroid's EBIT would remain above 2 over the next 5 years. Norwood could also raise the bond rating to A if he were to reduce the required debt amount to $574.47 million. At this level of debt, the company's EBIT coverage ratio would shift upward even more and remain above 4 over the next 5 years. Yet, lowering the amount of debt used would also raise the company's WACC. RECOMMENDATIONS Norwood should choose to maintain the company's current bond rating of BBB. Allowing Polaroid's bond rating to drop to BB could not only cause damage to the firm's brand name, but it would also increase the company's total cost of capital. Polaroids current level of debt financing surpasses the benefits of debt. Although it increases the company's credit worthiness as measured by their EBIT coverage ratio, it also raises their WACC do to the increased risk of default.

A Comparison of Nihilistic and Christian Archetypes in Beowulf and John

Grendel, Beowulf and the Relationship Between Nihilistic and Christian Archetypes The Wisdom god, Woden, went out to the king of trolls†¦and demanded to know how order might triumph over chaos. â€Å"Give me your left eye,† said the king of trolls, â€Å"and I’ll tell you.† Without hesitation, Woden gave up his left eye. â€Å"Now tell me.† The troll said, â€Å"The secret is, Watch with both eyes!† Woden’s left eye was the last sure hope of gods and men in their kingdom of light surrounded by darkness. All we have left is Thor’s hammer, which represents not brute force but art, or, counting both hammerheads, art and criticism†¦ The philosophies expressed in the Beowulf epic complement the exploration of existentialism throughout the modern work, Grendel, by John Gardner. Both works portray different perspectives of the same story, involving the same characters; Beowulf, the ancient Anglo-Saxon hero who destroys Grendel, and Grendel, the monster who terrorizes Hrothgar’s hall. Beowulf and Grendel act as archetypes that explore humanity’s perception of the world. In the Anglo-Saxon epic, Beowulf and his companions represent good, and the monsters, including Grendel, represent evil. When Beowulf kills Grendel, the world is less evil, but since Beowulf’s companions die in the struggle, the world is also less good. Ultimately, the two forces of good and evil will destroy each other, but the story maintains that God will interfere and save mankind from destruction. In Gardner’s story, the progression of society begins when mankind creates a monster and then creates a hero to fight the monster. Once the greater power of the hero had been established, once the conflict’s resolution strengthened society’s power, than a greater monster developed ... ...fact, it is the saving grace of mankind: the hope that God will save society and establish harmony and justice. The modern story takes the opposite view; it shows what happens when hope is lost, when society has nowhere to turn: it is a more pessimistic, more complicated view of humanity’s progress. [Throughout this paper, G after a character's name refers to Gardner; AS to Beowulf the poem.] Works Cited Gardner, John. Grendel , New York: Vintage Books Edition, 1989. Gardner, John. Moral Fiction. New York: Basic Books Inc, 1977. Heany, Seamus. Beowulf: A Modern Translation. New York: Farrer, Straus, and Giroux, 2000. Sources Cited Cohen, Jeffrey Jerome. Monster Theory. George Washington University: www.upress.umn.edu/Books/C/cohen_monster.html, 2001. Johnson, Tim. Grendel. New York: www.panix.com/~iayork/Literary/Grendel/grendel2.html, 2001.

History of British Empire Notes Essay

History of the British Empire leading to the establishment of the commonwealth This work contains information about the British Empire compared to the Roman Empire than compared to the Spartans. This shows who done b=worse things and was it worth going through all of that if their Empire is not the best? My work also contains certain opinions(mine and my dad) and tan some extra information about the commonwealth, what they do and who’s involved in it. I say that that British Empire changed the world the most because their economic system and schooling system means they had technology and money to build army and navies in Rome could only dream of. However the British got their political and law system from the Romans and Rome in the day had great economic power. ‘The sun never sets on the British Empire’ Is a well-known saying about the British Empire because there was a lot of colonies around the world which meant it was daytime somewhere in the Empire. The British Empire covered the largest land area ever ruled over by one nation, this involved over 166 countries. The British Empire began around the 1700, even though there is no longer considered an empire it still has a vast commonwealth network (this means that there are still some colonies that still believe in the British Empire) However, the Roman Empire lasted over 1,000 years and stretched from Britain to the Middle East. Much of the building technology of the Romans were adopted by the western world and are still used today. 2,000 years later. The Romans had much less of advanced tools to work with and the longer length of the time they was an empire. There are many good and bad points about the Roman Empire but what shocked me the most was that they took over neighbouring countries in their plan to take over the world; they tried to do this through violence and destruction. They would use black slaves and animals as entertainment; this would involve blood and violence. This would be held in the Colluseam. They also had massive amounts of slaves and killed hundred thousand during their conquest. The Empire wasn’t all that bad, considering the Empire was so big there had to be harsh and inhumane things to keep control of it. But things like the gladiatorial games weren’t necessary as without the slave the Roman Empire wouldn’t have been as successful and prosperous as they were. I think that the slaves deserve a lot of credit in making the Empire a success, even though what the Romans done to them were harsh and despicable. If I was to compare the Roman Empire to the Spartans, really the Roman Empire would be k nown as what they done would have been common at the time as the Spartans put a whole race into slavery and never let one of them rise above being classed as a slave. The Romans was quite cruel as they would torture slaves, child molestation, rape, poison and incest slaughter, this was just some of the things they would to the slaves compared the British Empire which invaded countries, changed most of their original cultures, once used privateers(pirates that were authorized by the government) would be used to plunder enemy ships during war and encouraged the colonies even in America to do the same. So I have compared the British Empire to the Roman Empire who was then compared to the Spartans and to conclude my research i believe that we should be proud the British Empire as we was much more civilised and didn’t go over the top in attempting to take over the world unlike the Roman Empire who would put people/slaves through the worst things to try to succeed in taking over the world. Just to make things clear the Spartans was far worst as they put a whole race into slavery and that’s all they would be. I asked my dad if he is proud o f the British Empire and he said: ‘At the time they brought allot of civilisation to many places that lacked in it, in different countries they helped build rail roads, postal services, and religion.’ Than I asked him if he was proud of it now, he replied: ‘Yes because nowadays we have strong, economical and commercial ties with the common wealth countries’ I don’t think my dad was too sure about the bad points but apart from that it was clear that he is proud of the British Empire because of how much it has helped the world today. The coalition government has set out a vision to strengthen the commonwealth as a focus for promoting democratic values and development. There are 54 independent sovereign states in the commonwealth. The commonwealth are a group of countries working in the same direction to promote the common interest of their people and promotion of international understanding. Membership of the commonwealth is voluntary , it is 63 years old, it has 54 member states which together comprise over 2 billion citizens. Her majesty the queen is head of the commonwealth, membership of the commonwealth does not bring with it contractual obligations rather members commit to a series of statements of believes esta blished by heads of government. The priorities and programmes of the commonwealth: 1.Good offices for peace- strengthen democratic processes and institutions 2.Rule of law- promoting the rule of law is seen enhancing democracy, good governments and development across the membership 3.Human rights- aims to assist members in the adoption and implementation of international human rights 4.Economic development-to assist developing countries to improve their understanding of international trade rules and regulations and to help them strengthen their negotiations within the world trade organisation. 5.Environmentally sustainable development- the commonwealth brings together industrialised countries with significant greenhouse gas emissions. 6.Large emerging economies- notable energy production and some of the poorest and the most vulnerable economies. 7.Human development- the commonwealth works towards the millennium development goals and is partially active in education, gender and health.

Discuss how and why Age Discrimination Operates in the Workplace Essay

Discuss how and why Age Discrimination Operates in the Workplace Introduction Discuss how and why Age Discrimination Operates in the Workplace            In the past few decades, science has made great advancements in medicine, nutrition and other human sciences. These advancements have made it possible for people to be treated for various diseases and ailments that would have otherwise shortened their productive lifespan. People are generally living longer than compared to a few decades ago and this has meant that there are more people in the general working population that are above the age of 50 (UK Census Bureau, 2012) With these higher numbers and wide age gap between people in the same workplaces there has arisen the problem of ageism or age discrimination. Age discrimination is defined as the unfair treatment of an individual as a result of their age. It usually happens in workplaces as this is the area in many societies where people of different age groups and with wide age gaps are likely to interact. (Age UK, 2011) Age discrimination was defined under the UK Age discrimination Regulations act enacted by th e UK parliament in 2006 and later on elaborated in the Equality Act of 2010. These laws were put in place to protect employees from being unfairly treated or discriminated on any grounds including age. (The Equality Act 2010 (Commencement No. 9) Order 2012, 2012) It forbids employers, potential employers credit unions and any other individual or business to refuse services or discriminate against a person on the basis of their age being or becoming a transsexual person being married or in a civil partnership being pregnant or having a child disability race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin religion, belief or lack of religion/belief sex sexual orientation            Age discrimination can be directed against individuals of any age, although it is mostly directed at older people. It can be operated at various levels from interpersonal to the workplace, and is equated to racism or sexism and is equally as damaging. (Age UK, 2011) This is the reason why these legislations were passed as well as similar legislations in other countries across Europe and the world in general.            In the UK law however, there is a specific provision for an employer to deny a person employment or terminate their contract. In these cases, the employer has to prove that the action is objectively justifiable: meaning that there are valid and concrete reasons behind the use of age as a factor for employment, promotions or other work related benefits. These reasons must be fair and be able to stand up to a tribunal (UK government: Age discrimination to be outlawed, 2005).            The problem of age discrimination in the UK is worrying as the society itself is unwilling to change. A study conducted by the University of Kent with Age UK showed that although more people in the UK and Europe were becoming aware of age discrimination as a result of legislation and government and NGO campaigns, there was still a problem in their individual attitudes towards the elderly, especially n the workplace. The study, named the European Social Survey, showed that 49.7% of people in the UK would rather work under a qualified 30-year-old boss as opposed to a similarly qualified 70-year-old boss. This together with responses that show that the average age a person is considered â€Å"old† is 59, while other countries such as Greece considered old age to begin at 68 years. (University of Kent age survey 2012) Evidence            According to the 2011 national census, the UK and Wales population had grown to 56.1 million: the highest it has ever been. In all the regions except London, 16.6 to 20 percent of the population was made up of people aged 65 and above (Macnicol, 2005). These people are increasingly finding themselves in situations where their age is proving to be a hindrance to their social and professional lives. Age discrimination in the workplace is the most predominant form of ageism with the numbers of claims being brought to tribunals increasing steadily since their inception. In 2008/9 there were3800 claims brought forward, this number rose to 5200 in 2009/10 and to 6800 in 2010/11 (Ministry Of Justice, 2011) The upward trend is the opposite of what is being seen for other types of discrimination cases, with the number of unfair dismissal, breach of contract and equal pay all seeing drops in their thousands.            A report By Age Watch group paints an even grimmer picture of the situation. This report shows that old people in the UK are increasingly being viewed as liabilities and their social standing and image in society, both formal and casual is diminishing. Sampling some of the responses from this report such as the question as to whether ‘Employers don’t like having older people on their workforce as it spoils their image’ shows that in every age group sampled, more than 40% agreed with this statement with only the 16-24 age bracket going below this mark slightly at 39%. The table below shows the graphical representation of the results for this question. The percentage number of people who reported being treated unfairly in the year prior to collection of data shows that ageism is the highest occurring reported case of unfair treatment.            29% of respondents said that they had reported an instance of someone discriminating against them or someone related on basis of age. This has surpassed even gender based discrimination which is at 24%. (Age Concern England, 2008). Age of Discrimination Debate            Proponents claim that the elderly are just as capable as the young. So age is not an indicator of inferior ability therefore treating an individual on the basis of their age in unfair and discriminatory. Furthermore, this is inconsistent with principles of equal treatment and non-discrimination which are centered on the notion of an individual rights. Therefore, it is important for employers to make their employment decisions based on the suitability to perform their job –not age. Age by itself should not the single determinant (Age-discrimination debate has two sides, 1998). However, critics argue that the theory of hiring should be based on one’s ability. In reality certain abilities are hard to determine consequently employer uses age as the proxy. In sports age an indicator of one ability to work with his team mates or extracurricular leadership as a management potential (Anonymous, 2008). Even through, not full proof age gives a clear bearing on other key qualities such as concentration, energy and cognitive abilities. This could be particularly useful for a sales persons who need to have energy and vitality, in addition it’s important for medical practitioner to have high level of fitness and concentration in performing their duties (Age-discrimination debate has two sides, 1998).            Discriminatory practices in recruitment and promotion causes harm to the economy. Age discrimination reduces the overall productivity due to the fact it prevents job advancement opportunities through ineffectively matching workers talent and the job descriptions. According to study by the Cabinet Office in the UK revealed that lower employment among older people reduce the overall GDP by  £16 billion per annum (Age-discrimination debate has two sides, 1998). Therefore, a higher contribution rates among the elderly leads to better job matching, increased employment rates and enhanced competition among worker this will turn stimulate the labor market leading to increased productivity. The common belief that the economy has few and limited number of jobs, and if older worker remain the labor market they will negate job opportunities to the younger people or reduce the wages is a fallacy. Studies show that wages are unlikely to drop with projected shortages, such as in health sector and teaching. But opponents of age claim that laws against age discrimination may simply result to the old people working for higher wages, rather than older people working. Researcher on age discrimination laws in the US showed that the increase in employment rates of older employees is due to staying in their jobs for longer rather than older people working. In addition, an increase in the number of older worker in the short-term will result in market pressures to reduce wages, therefore other existing elderly workers may suffer with wage drop (Age-discrimination debate has two sides, 1998).            Supporters argue that having few older worker also increases the amount the government needs to spend on benefits, pensions and decreases the tax base (Age-discrimination debate has two sides, 1998). This strain on the public resources is especially critical in developed countries with an increasing number of their population ageing. This increases the projected dependency ratio and pay-as-you-go nature of pension schemes. However, it could be argued that the so called ‘benefits’ for government budget is in fact just a transfer. Governments spend less on health and other benefits and employer is the one who actually pays for them. Therefore, the cost is not strain to the government but the employer. Simply it a transfer from the government to the employers (Age-discrimination debate has two sides, 1998).            With limited age discrimination and a mandatory retirement age, employer suffer from a lower turnover and lower recruitment costs and effort. This so because employees work for longer periods than they would otherwise have done before. It is believed that according to DTI estimates that the benefit to businesses could amount to  £39m in the first year. On the other hand, discrimination discourages potential elderly talent from applying to the position (Age-discrimination debate has two sides, 1998). Therefore from onset employer has small pool of workers to choose from. The claim that anti-discrimination laws are good for the employer is fallacy and makes no economical or common sense. If hiring and promoting elder worker serve the best interest for the firm therefore why do we need such laws? In actual fact without a mandatory retirement age, employers are obliged to continue to paying pensions more than they expected increasing the overall operating cost by inc urring higher insurance premiums and expensive healthcare benefits. In addition, firms have limited number of senior positions. In case where such position are all taken by elderly workers firm would be in difficult position to hire or retain younger workers leading to high turnover among younger staff. Firms with no retirement age have no idea when people should leave creating uncertainty in human resource and bottlenecks (Age-discrimination debate has two sides, 1998).            Ageism is the most common of discrimination in the workplace today. However, through proper legislation it can help correct this prejudice with other policies that promote equal rights and educate the employers and employees on their rights and obligations and rights. Therefore, by protecting such a group that is disadvantage, we help raise equality in the society (Age-discrimination debate has two sides, 1998). However, anti-discrimination laws have been existent in Australia, Canada and the US but there are no evidence that there has been a significant shift in attitude of the employer toward the elderly workers. In fact, there is strong evidence showing that employers are less likely to employ older worker and younger co-workers become resentful if mandatory retirement ages are not imposed (Age-discrimination debate has two sides, 1998). Conclusion            Age discrimination in the work place may be casual or systematic and the issues came to the fore front in the late 1960s. it could be perpetuate against seniors or perpetuated based on sexism or racism. However, it is best defined or seen through three aspects. Prejudicial attitudes towards the older people, old age or the aging process itself through various discriminating practices which towards older people as well as some institutional aspects as well as policies that encourage some form of stereo types against the older people.            Age discrimination in the work place may manifest in different but subtle forms in the work environment and can be established, promoted or even allowed and encouraged to persist by the workplace management and authority. Henceforth, it is possible to heave in the work place inequality that has been created due to age discrimination            However, providing a free discrimination workplace raises a lot of challenges for the employer and employee. Therefore, it may require: Change of attitude, culture and to an extreme confront unacceptable practices that discriminate the elderly. Such practices may range from harassment and possible bullying of the older workers which undermine and excludes them firm. Organizational rethinking to accommodate the need of this special group such as the older people Develop polices to protect workers from all forms of discrimination at the work place Ensure that discrimination polices are enforced and staff are trained on those polices and complaints are dealt with effectively.            The United Kingdom has recently enacted the UK Employment Equality (Age) Regulations in 2006 developed a number of resources and practical information for the employer to ensure that elderly are not discriminated and harassed therefore, promote good business practices. It also protects and safe guards the elderly worker against workplace discrimination on grounds of age. References Age Concern England. (2008). How Ageist is Britain. London: Age Concern. Age-discrimination debate has two sides. (1998). Orange County Business Journal, 21(16), 35. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/211120427?accountid=11243Anonymous  Ã‚   (2008).   Letters. The Age (Melbourne, Vic.).  Ã‚  p. 14 Macnicol, J. (2005). The age discrimination debate in britain: From the 1930s to the present. Social Policy and Society, 4(3), 295-302. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/221167966?accountid=11243Ministry Of Justice. (2011). Annual Tribunals Statistics, 2010-11. London: Ministry of Justice. Moore, S. (2009). No matter what I did I would still end up in the same position’: age as a factor defining older women’s experience of labour market participation. Work, Employment & Society, 655-671. Morgan, G. (2012). Achieving age equality in Welsh health and social care services. Generations Review, published online. Porcellato, L. (2010). Giving older workers a voice: constraints on the employment of older people in the North West of England. Work, Employment & Society, 85- 103.Robertson, G. (2012). Positive ageing: from the political to the personal. Working with Older People , 149-153. UK government: Age discrimination to be outlawed. (2005, Jul 14). M2 Presswire. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/445751217?accountid=11243 Source document

Imagery Foreshadowing

Creating Suspense In the short story, â€Å"Three Skeleton Key† by George Outdoes, imagery and foreshadowing are important literary devices used in this story. Outdoes use s these two devices to help create suspense in the acts of the three lighthouse workers being data eked by sea rats. Foreshadowing is a literary device used by authors to give hints what is to co me later in the story. Foreshadowing is a nonchalant warning for events that follow.Tout ouzo States, â€Å"Three Skeleton Key, the small rock on which the light stood, bore a bad reputation. † (peg 1) The author sees foreshadowing here to hint toward unfortunate events that happen later on. For example, the ship wrecks on the island. Eventually the rats take over the lighthouse, forcing the three men to be locked into one room of the lighthouse with no supplies. After the rat invasion ion, one of the men, Eel Glee, goes mad, another, Ithaca, dies from an infected rat bite.Too douse also states, â€Å"Watchi ng her sail dead for us, a white wave boiling her bows, Eel Glee cried 0 UT, â€Å"What's wrong with her crew? † (peg 2) The author uses foreshadowing here to hint tow arts the death of the crew from the ship, and the crew that worked on the lighthouse. The fate of the crew from the ship was that they had to abandon the ship because of the invasion of the shih p by sea rats. The crew had to abandon the ship, they were left for death in the middle of the co mean. The lighthouse crew was destined to a chaotic series of events dealing with the same sea rats .The crew is pretty much bound for death when trapped inside the room of the lighthouse with n o supplies. Foreshadowing is important in the act of creating the suspense in this story. Imagery is a literary device used by authors to visually describe their work. Im age rye helps reader to feel even close to the action in the story. Outdoes says, â€Å"If you u so much as harm one, his sharp cry will bring hordes of his fello ws to swarm over you, and not cease until your flesh has been stripped from your bones. (peg 4) He uses imagery in this case to show how vengeful the rats truly are. These lines make you visualize the rats swarming o very and striping your flesh from your bones.

Final Reflection on Professional Development Progress Essay

Special education over decades poses daunting challenge to practitioners because of the nature of the special need children involved. As a consequence, there has been a need for special education specialists to develop professionally to tackle the challenge of special needs children in order to produce a desired outcome. In this regard, this paper follows on my reflection on the professional development progress in terms of my benefits of the course and impact on my values, knowledge, skills and beliefs. To start with, it is important for me to acknowledge and appreciate that learner with special needs exhibits physical, sensory, learning, emotional, and cognitive inadequacies that hampered them from normal learning (Norlander, 2005). These inadequacies give the field of special education its distinctiveness and uniqueness as a special branch of education that deals with learners with special needs that are considered to be deviate them from the societal norm. I have also discovered that, special needs children have behaviors which fall into the more extreme behavioral categories. The extreme behavior exhibited by the children with special needs call for extended tolerance and understanding from a care giver or teacher than normal children. As a result, the children with special needs as I have learned, require special considerations, patience and more time than there normal counterparts. Therefore, these children at best they need personalized behavioral support from the teachers or instructors due to diversity of their needs. Evident to me is that there are various general changes in the field of special education in relation to attaining quality education for learners with special needs. First, despite existence of established laws since 19th century that aim at protect and guide Special education for students with special needs (McComas, 2007), these legislations have not yet been fully implemented nor have they been accorded required federal government support. Second, the policies and findings available to better educational outcomes for the students with special needs have not been functional because of limited resources needed for implementation due categorical funding accrued to IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) loophole to recognize special services provision cost (Norlander, 2005). Third, contrary to IDEA recommendations for Individualized Education Programs (IEP) special learners, proves to be difficult to implement for special education teachers because learners’ needs are several and nature of their disabilities are diverse to be fully met. Fourth, parental involvement in designing and development of evaluation and consent to placement, IEP learning programs and proposed actions is seriously challenged by the fact the parents are ignorant of their rights yet they need to be involved. Fifth, despite learners with special needs desire to transit to normal class settings, the teachers deny them opportunity due to lack of modality to do so. And lastly, the requirement by IEP for the special education teachers to provide for socialization and mental health proves a tough task since instructors might not measure up to the needed know how and competencies required (McComas, 2007). I can sum the challenges that face special education field as those that are caused by constitutional, structural and fundamental issues that I believe can be addressed to improve special education outcomes. Professionally, there are a number of tangible and essential principles that I have gained in relation of instructional approach for learners with special needs. The critical content design and instructional areas of interest that can better education outcome is grounded in the following essential principles such as selection of a wide range of instructional and assessment strategies for special need learners while emphasizing on curriculum based assessment, progress monitoring and early intervention. Secondly, I realize there is need for special education instructors and teachers to differentiate between accommodations and modification in respect to their use in developing IEPs for these needy learners. Thirdly, special education stakeholders ought to understand the IEP process in accordance with IEP Resource Guide of 2004 (Norlander, 2005) in relation to IEP’s development, implementation, reviewing and updating to take into account societal dynamism. This third principle is vital in the sense that the quality outcome of any given program can only be guaranteed and enhanced by quality process denoting that â€Å"process is priori of outcome†. Fourth, since our globe is moving fast technology wise, therefore input of assistive technology in designing instruction to learners with special needs should be employed to improve content cues delivery by the teachers and content mastery by the learners. The above discussed principle are essential component that the professionals ought to use to enhance improved special education standards in regard to achieving resource based and leaner centered approach in teaching and learning of students with special needs. My new dimension of reasoning in regard to content delivery is centered on the use of effective communication as a vital tool of design for teaching students with special needs to attain effective learning. Am now of opinion that the role of effective communication in instructional practices of children with special need should be emphasized because learning is an interactive process that rely on communication utilization between the teacher and the learners. Therefore use of effective communication by professional teacher help to develop unique sense of confidence of students that facilitate classroom adjustment and students’ involvement and participation in the learning process. As a result, the special need students are motivated extrinsically for effective learning. Additionally, effective communication helps to arrest shyness and nervousness, thereby improving self image of special need student as they are to express their feelings expansive and better manner (McComas, 2007). Moreover, social adjustment aspect can too be catered for through effective communication enabling these children develop an impressive personality to be able to understand each other and their peers, be active learners, raise their performance in academics; thus lead them towards success path. Therefore, the essence of effective communication for the children content delivery and classroom interaction I will never ignored in the sense that it assists in elimination of learners’ negative perception that they are stereotyped, stigmatized and discriminated against by society hampering their academic success. Moreover, classroom management by the teachers of children with special need is supposed to be more focused on the diverse needs exhibited by learners to achieve desired educational goals in line with IEPs. However, in the process of catering for the different needs of these students, as a teacher I should acknowledge the fact that children with special needs have extreme behaviors that requires tolerance, patience and understanding, therefore, I should be careful and avoid emotions while employing reason to be able to say no, to be firm, to ignore malicious overtures, to restricting rewards and punish bad behavior, and reinforcing the good behaviors. By doing this, as a teacher I shall have appropriate approach as far as balancing between instilling discipline and child’s cognitive, affective and psychomotor development. In conclusion, the paper has presented my personal reflection on the professional development in relation to special education training. My perception has changed by learning that there are many challenges facing special education. However, I believe that through constitutional and structural approaches, solutions will be found to enhance effective special education programs that carters for vast majority of students with special needs. Above, I have discovered critical aspects as creation of positive learning environment reflecting diversity, organizing class to allow student work independently along with personalized attention and relevance of teaching content and resources to provide for all learners with special needs as secrete and key to effective classroom management. As a consequence of such training, profession wise I have developed key competencies in instructional design and delivery, teaching skills, increased knowledge of other cultures, how to enhance my students’ experiences of other cultures, needed and necessary collaboration with others, language improvement, inter-cultural and diversity teaching and classroom management. Therefore, my professional contribution to improvement of special education means advocating for change accordance with IEPs, utilize learner centered learning (Norlander, 2005) while emphasizing on child’s growth and development, use of effective communication, involving and engaging learners in the learning process as much as possible. By doing this, then I shall be maximizing on the information gathered and skills acquired. Reference Norlander, A. K. (2005). Shifting paradigms in school environments for Learners with disabilities: New York, Routledge McComas, F. J. (2007) â€Å"Barriers and facilitators to inclusive education of Exceptional† Exceptional Children 23(1), 100-109