Panic Attacks free essay sample

Beryls father had died 5 years ago and her mother had recently been diagnosed with having dementia. Beryl was seeing her GP on a regular basis, seeking re-assurance with chest pains. She had undergone a number of medical tests and her physical health was good for her age. The Assessment Beryl reported that she first experienced panic attacks as a teenager, and could remember difficult arguments with her father. Her GP prescribed medication for anxiety and panic attacks when she was in her early twenties, during a stressful time in her work environment, being married with 2 small children and running a home. The work situation was not resolved and Beryl was eventually made redundant. She remained at home, looking after the children and her husband. Beryls father died when she in her thirties, which left Beryl feeling responsible for her mother, who could not adjust to losing her husband. The Approach Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) was selected because it can teach the client how to replace negative thinking with positive thinking and uses cognitive exercises to dispel irrational beliefs. We will write a custom essay sample on Panic Attacks or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In the initial assessment, there was clear evidence that Beryl wanted to make a change and she was keen to engage in homework tasks. She was able to focus on the relevant issues for therapy and her treatment goals were discussed and agreed. At times of increased stress for Beryl, a vicious cycle was activated, involving fear, physical symptoms, catastrophic interpretations of bodily sensations, and safety behaviours. Treatment work addressed the panic attacks which, in turn, led to a shift with the agoraphobic symptoms. The validity of Beryls catastrophic interpretations was tested out through discussion and ehavioural experiments. Alternative non-catastrophic thinking was introduced and safety behaviours were identified and decreased. Throughout therapy, Beryl was encouraged to keep a diary to identify her unhelpful thinking which led to her negative feelings and behaviour. She was also encouraged to talk about her fears which enabled Beryl to see that they were unfounded. Conclusio n Due to Beryls high level of motivation, therapy progressed well and only 8 sessions of REBT were appropriate to bring about lasting change.

Free Essays on Where The Wild Roses Grow ~ NickCave

and symbolicall... Free Essays on Where The Wild Roses Grow ~ NickCave Free Essays on Where The Wild Roses Grow ~ NickCave â€Å"Where the Wild Roses Grow† by Nick Cave is a tragic tale of ill-fated love. Nick Cave uses a variety of literary elements such as foreshadowing, symbols and mood to strengthen and deepen the effect of his poem. The tale of Elisa Day’s first and her last love takes place over a period of three days. From the moment he walked in her door she was captured by his charm and trustworthy personality: â€Å"When he knocked on my door and entered the room/ My trembling subsided in his sure embrace/ He would be my first man.† The man appears to be drawn to her at first sight: â€Å"From the first day I saw her I knew she was the one/ As she stared into my eyes and smiled.† On the second day their feelings toward each other become more apparent. â€Å"On the second day I brought her a flower/She was more beautiful than any woman I’d seen.† The man notices Elisa’s exceptional beauty and seems to desire it, but it is still unclear what his intentions are. Elisa on the other hand sees the man with adoring eyes and wants to be with him and to be comforted by his tender embrace: â€Å"I nodded my head as I lay on the bed.† On the third and final day after E lisa accepts her love’s offer to take away all of her pain he takes her to where the wild roses grow. There on the banks where the wild roses grow the man murders Elisa merely muttering â€Å"All beauty must die.† Elisa is referred to as â€Å"the Wild Rose† throughout the poem, symbolizing that she is willful and not refined. The man often connects Elisa to a rose especially in beauty: â€Å"For her lips were the colour of the roses.† The final connection he makes is placing a rose between her teeth after killing her down by the river where the wild roses grow. At first the man is charming and seems very reliable and in love with Elisa: â€Å"Do you know where the wild roses grow/ So sweet and scarlet and free?† The use of the word scarlet deepens the meaning of his words and symbolicall...

Project management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 5

Project management - Essay Example This puts a strain on the little human resource available as all the activities have to be attended to simultaneously. The resource histogram shows the relationships of resource distribution between activities A, B, and D which use the same resource and overlap. Access levels are determined by the level of importance of the task. For instance, between the fourth and the twenty fourth days of September, task A will utilize eighty five percent of the human resource, while tasks B and D will use five percent and fifteen percent respectively. The histogram indicates the order and times in which the tasks will be handled. Task A will take place between 4th and 24th September, task B between 27th and 30th November, and task D between 30th of November and the 15th day of December. The scheduling method used is resource-limited scheduling. In this case, there is a stain on the available resource which has to be shared between activities that run simultaneously. The method involved creating a balance such that no activity is starved of these crucial resources when it is being implemented (Hartmann 117). The resources are carefully distributed such that, at any one time, the task with the greatest demand for the resources gets them in earnest. The two most notable stakeholders of the project are the auditors and clerks. They represent the best interests of the project and provide the project team members the needed support throughout the life of the project. The clerk should ensure proper documentation of the project. They should effectively facilitate cooperation and dialogue among the team members of the project so that it eases the effective operation of the company. A good piece of advice that the accountants should take would be to ensure that the project operates within the budget and the allocated time slots. This would ensure effective operation and completion of the scheduled phases. The

Introduction to Child Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Introduction to Child Development - Essay Example This case study will focus on analysing the growth in different areas as exhibited by the child, and relating to the existing theory on child development (Beaver 2001, p.54). One of the aspects that make it evident that Child A has registered positive growth in both personal and social development is her development of self-control (Broadhead 2010, p. 56). From the observations, it emerges that child A has a level of self-control because she is able to express her feelings, opinions, and needs even when situations prove difficult while avoiding causing any harm to others (Brooks-Gunn, Fuligni, & Berlin 2003, p. 34). For example, on day one of the observation, child A was able to express her concerns because child B had taken her kitty (Bukatko & Daehler 2012, p. 123). Instead of grabbing it from child B, she opted to see the help from an adult so that she could get her kitty back (‘Child development’ 2007, p.23). However, despite the positive process exhibited by the child A in gaining self-control, there is evidence that she still needs to develop in other areas concerning self-control (Hoff & Shatz 2009, p. 88). For example, she needs to become more self-aware of her emotions and be able to control them effectively (Hyson 2003, p. 65). Instances when she demonstrates a need for further growth in this sector are several as indicated in the observations (Davies 2010, p. 54). A clear illustration is the fact that she was reluctant to eat after her teacher denied her the permission of having me seat close to her table (Mary & Armstrong 2003, p. 165). This shows that she is unable to handle disappointments effectively. However, her use of play materials purposely also exhibits a measure of self-control (Guhn & Goelman 2011, p. 195). In addition, on the fifth day of observation, the child exhibited self-control after intervention when she was arguing with child X. She was able to accept the proposition of sharing the doll with child X. This indicated that

Fine chemical production Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Fine chemical production - Essay Example Chemically, citral consists of a mixture of a pair of aldehydes (terpenoids) having similar molecular formula but different structures. The two compounds are considered to be double bond isomers with the E-isomer being referred to as citral â€Å"a† or geranial while Z-isomer is known as citral â€Å"b† or neral. Although citral naturally occurs in compounds such as lemon grass and can be isolated from these citral containing oils, it is only available in sizable quantities. For effective synthetic manufacture of citral on a large scale basis for industrial purposes, it is increasingly becoming important to have a synthetic method of fine production from simple, inexpensive but readily available commercial chemicals such as isoprene and bata-pinene among others. Citral is widely used in the manufacture of perfumes, lotions, creams, shampoos and flavourings. In addition, the chemical compound is also an important basis for synthesizing a variety of popular fragrance compounds such as geraniol, eugenal, ionones and citronellol as well as in making carotinoids used for both vitamin A and E. Being one of the most important acyclic monoterpenes due to its numerous industrial applications, citral has many synthetic routes some of which are currently being used in commercial production of the chemical. This paper presents a fine chemical production of Citral including its chemistry, synthetic route selection, thermodynamics, kinetics and wastes issues. The current selected synthetic route for the production of citral involves the use of isobutene and formaldehyde as the primary feeding stocks with nitric acid as the preferred choice of catalysts. Using this method, citral can effectively be produced by from the reaction between isobutene and formaldehyde molecules under high temperatures and pressure and using a catalyst. The resultant chemical is then subjected to numerous special

Strategic Analysis Of First Choice Holidays Tourism Essay

Strategic Analysis Of First Choice Holidays Tourism Essay This report is based on the strategic analysis of First Choice Holidays PLC, one of the worlds leading package holiday companies. An analysis of the companys internal and external environments will be undertaken resulting in the researchers findings of the opportunities and threat that the industry faces. A look at the industrys competitive forces will determine show the profitability of different industries and the data found, analysed showing the different external competitive forces that affect organisation and how information can be used to counter them. A strategic analysis of the company will show the companys competitive and financial strength in which the companys strengths and weaknesses will be highlighted. A strategic fit which will indicate whether the companys mission and strategies fits its internal capabilities and its external environment. 1.0 Market Environment Analysis of First Choice Holidays PLC 1.1 History First Choice Holidays PLC, trading name of TUI UK limited is part of the TUI Travel PLC Group of companies, one of the worlds leading travel companies, which operates in over 180 countries. The company boasts of having more than 30 million customers worldwide in 27 key source markets such as the United States, Italy, France, India and the United Kingdom. In addition to First Choice Holidays, the company has over 200 brands which are comprised of market leading mainstream brands and specialist brands. The company operates in four sectors: Mainstream this is the largest sector in terms of the companys financial performance and employee numbers. It comprises of leading tour operators and power brands as well as it operates 146 aircraft and serves 22 million customers. Activity this sector has over 40 activity travel businesses that operate under five divisions which are Marine, Adventure, Ski, Student and Sport. The adventure businesses take more customers to iconic adventure destinations than any other operator and serve 1.1 million customers. Specialist and Emerging markets this is an international portfolio of travel businesses focusing on specific destinations, premium travel experiences or particular customer demographic segments, often with differentiated and exclusive products. Accommodations and Destinations this sector sells and provides a range of services in destination to tour operators, travel agents, corporate clients and direct to consumers worldwide. Some services include hotel accommodations, cruise handling and round trips for customers. TUI Travel operates its headquarters from the U.K and employs approximately 50,000 people in over 200 travel businesses in the world. First Choice Holidays PLC, formerly Owners Abroad (Wholesale) Limited and Owners Abroad PLC was formed in 1973. After launching an airline, Air2000, the company moved into Specialist holidays. The company was restructured and rebranded into First Choice Holidays PLC after several acquisitions and joint ventures with various tour companies and cruise liners. The group then structured itself into four sectors: Mainstream, Activity, Specialist and Online Destination Services before the merger with TUI Travel PLC in 2007. First Choice was awarded the Most Environmentally Responsible Large Tour Operator (2007-2009) from the British Travel Awards. 1.2 Vision and Strategic Goal Since First Choice merged with TUI Travel, it shares the same vision and strategic goals. The companys vision statement is Making Travel Experiences Special. The companys strategic goals are to create superior shareholder value by being the leading global leisure travel group providing its customers with the widest choice of differentiated and flexible travel experiences to meet their changing needs and focusing their strategic initiatives for profitable growth. These include developing the companys business model, continuous efficiency improvements and development of growth opportunities. 1.3 PEST Analysis According to G. Johnson et al. in the text Exploring Corporate Strategy, PEST stands for Political, Economical, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal. It provides a comprehensive list of influences on the possible success or failure of particular strategies that First Choice may face or is facing at present. Political With the governments hiking of aviation taxes and Air Passenger Duty (APD), this causes airline tickets to be expensive, therefore discouraging prospective customers from choosing the package holiday company. Political unrest in some countries may cause customers to decide on not travelling to that particular destination out of fear for their safety. Impact on individual of anti-terror measures likely to increase inconvenience of some travel options. The governments Fuel Price escalator is a way of government making money while protecting the environment by discouraging people to travel less. The May 2010 British elections caused political instability with certain actions destabilising the whole of Europe. The government can form new regulations under which these companies can operate which may or may not be positive. Economical The current inflation rate of the U.K is 3.1% which affects air fares, clothing, food etc. With the rise in petrol fuel which increased by 3% above inflation, customers are feeling the pinch of this and are less likely to choose taking a vacation with any package holiday company. The unemployment rate is at 7.7% which lowered by 0.1% over the last quarter. Having a rise in employment will raise confidence in consumer spending. The UK Pound Sterling Exchange Rate has shown recent developments which are indeed very much favourable for the citizens of the U.K. travelling abroad. At present the UK Pound Sterling Exchange Rate has posted the UK Pound Sterling at nearly double the worth of the US Dollar, which means that when British citizens travel to the U.S. they will be able to draw double bargains for their moneys worth.   Social The number of people purchasing on the internet has been on a constant rise. In 2009, 18.31million U.K households have access to the internet. In a survey it was found that 69% of U.K households use the internet to purchase services related to travel accommodation. Increased popularity of foreign travel leading leads to a boom in demand for air travel. However, this has been adversely affected by international terrorism which causes concern for the safety and security of future package-holiday makers. The interaction between tourists and the chosen host community can be one of the factors that may affect a community as tourists may not be sensitive to local customs, traditions and standards. Peoples life style changes cause package holiday companies to now offer customised packages and online booking facilities to meet customer expectations. Technological Today more companies are choosing to broadcast their products via the internet. Online booking has been one of the biggest factors affecting the package holiday industry. U.K residents are now constantly using the internet to book their holiday trips which saves on time for them as well as providing convenience. Advertising on the internet has been proven to boost sales for companies; more and more people are using the internet as a way to communicate their needs and wants to the outside world. 1.4 Porters Five Forces Analysis Figure 1. The Five Forces That Shape Industry Competition First Choice is in a very dynamic and competitive industry, the Porters Five Forces Model was created to show the profitability of different industries. This model is used for analysing the different external competitive forces that affect organisation and how information can be used to counter them. The following is an analysis using the model: Threat of New Entrants First Choice has direct ownership of its own airline and hotels. New entrants may not have the capital for such an investment and therefore may depend on external airlines and hotels to provide their customer with a service. New competitors may not possess the know-how or have the necessary experience to begin operating a package holiday business. Government regulations provides a list of rules that new competitors have to take into consideration before beginning operation, some of which may pose a problem for beginners in this industry. In an already highly competitive market, there will be the issue of pricing to new competitors. Pricing packages in a way that it may be attractive for holiday travellers without being too low so that it may end up running at a loss. Threat of Substitute Products or Services First Choices main competitor, Thomas Cook, has dropped its prices to compete with them for lowest priced package holidays. If successful, customers may be lead to choose that company and divert from the services of First Choice. Competitors may not possess assets such as its own airline or hotel but offers the same services at a cheaper cost. Destinations that the company may not have package deals for, other competitors may provide causing prospective customers to switch to the competitors services. Bargaining Power of Buyers Buyers can dictate the price of package holidays being that the industry is a highly competitive one. Buyers have a lot more choices on package holiday services to choose from. Market research has shown that buyers are taking fewer 7/14 night packages causing package holiday companies to attempt differentiation and specialisation of certain package deals to cater to those who take shorter trips. The threat of buyers going directly to suppliers is possible. The purchasing of airplane tickets from the airline and the booking of accommodation is an imminent threat to the industry. Convenience is key for todays buyers. With the internet customers would choose the company which can provide the complete package holiday service without leaving the comfort of their homes. Bargaining Power of Suppliers If oil prices rise, suppliers of fuel for the airlines may raise their prices. Fuel suppliers can dictate prices for their product depending on the demand for flights. Taxes applied to the cost price of fuel can affect the cost of package holiday deals. Suppliers will have high negotiation powers for those package companies now entering the market but for those experienced and large companies such as First Choice or Thomas Cook, there will be a balance of power. Rivalry Among Existing Competitors Thomas Cook, the main competitor for First Choice and parent Company TUI Travel, has joined with the company offering cheap package deals which increased the already existing price competition. First Choice was combined with its sister company Thomson award winning airline Thomson Airline to be one of the top package holiday airline in the UK which is acquiring the Boeing 787 Dreamliner which meant it will be a fifth more fuel efficient than its competitors Flybe and Thomas Cook Airlines. Thomas Cook offers a range of financial services that First Choice does not which includes foreign exchange services, their own prepaid currency card and the recent innovation of creating an app for the Iphone and Android phones. 1.5 Industry Life Cycle Figure 2. Industry Life Cycle Source: http://alife4testing.co.uk/ This model is used to showcase which stage the package holiday industry is at current. The industry is currently in the Shakeout stage of the lifecycle. The barriers to entry are currently high, economies of scale have been achieved, forcing smaller companies to be acquired by bigger companies such as TUI Travel and Thomas Cook or exiting all together. 1.6 Critical Success Factors (CSFs) The Critical Success Factors of the package holiday industry will highlight the key factors that present and upcoming companies should focus on that will bring satisfactory results, therefore ensuring successful competitive performance. Creating a consolidated market Combining companies or products into one provides opportunities for significant cost savings as well as revenue synergies. Having more direct ownership of airlines and accommodation suppliers. Having successful product differentiation will attract more customers from segments such as university students. To raise awareness, influence choice, change behaviour, and develop and promote new products to encourage responsible holiday choices. Maximised web sales and content. 1.7 Opportunities and Threats of the Market Environment Having analysed the market environment of the industry, the following will highlight the various opportunities and threats the market faces. INDUSTRY Opportunity Threat To consolidate the market by taking over smaller companies. The opportunity to come up with new innovative products/services because of the changing consumer market. To build new capital to purchase assets such as aeroplanes and cruise ships, reducing dependency of suppliers with that mode of transport. New mergers and strategic alliances to promote the maximisation of synergy profits. To maximise on the use of the internet market, to make it more interactive for consumers. Low cost airline competitors such Ryanair and EasyJet has relatively low prices. Natural disasters that may occur at destinations or the home country. People owning foreign property wont be willing to take a full package holiday, just a cheap flight. People booking their holidays for themselves and not through the package holiday companies. Threat of terrorist attacks may change a customers perception on safety when travelling. Table 1. The Opportunities and Threats of the Package Holiday Industry Having analysed the market environment of the industry, this paper will now take a closer look at First Choice Holidays PLCs strategies which will explain the companys various operations and the resources to get it done. 2.0 Strategic Analysis of First Choice Holidays PLC Strategy is concerned with matching a firms resources and capabilities to the opportunities that arise in the external environment. The following shows the strategic analysis of First Choice and the tools used. 2.1 Value Chain Analysis of First Choice Holidays PLC A Value Chain Analysis describes the activities that take place in a business and relates them to an analysis of the competitive strength of the business. Figure 3. Michael Porters Value Chain Model Source: http://www.12manage.com/images/picture_porter_value_chain.gif The following is the value chain analysis for First Choice Holidays PLC: Inbound Logistics Providing all working material for travel shops and tour operators. Printing of travel brochures. Liaising with suppliers of fuel for Thomson aircraft. Liaising with financial institutions for the supply of various foreign exchange currencies to be made available online and at First Choice travel shops. Communication with various hotels and other sources of accommodation. Hiring of security for airport parking facilities. Operations Booking and pre-payment of hotels and other sources of accommodations for clients at various destinations. Liaising with different tour operators, transport and excursion providers. Booking and pre-payment of excursions providers. Updating the travel website for online booking. Securing flights for various destinations. Liaising with insurance company, Mondial Assistance (UK) Ltd., for travel insurance for customers. Fuelling of aircraft for flights. Ensuring there is enough on board staff for flights. Outbound Logistics Distributing brochures to customers. Distribution of airline tickets or cruise ship passes to customers. Marketing and Sales Online booking as well as a pre-departure website for new and existing customers. The availability of 300 travel shops spread conveniently across the UK. Advertising of the company and airline by television and print also on the companys website. Call centre staff are readily available for customer support. The offering of special package deals at a lower price. Existing customers sharing their experiences about the company through word-of-mouth. Service The service of travel insurance for all customers. Airport parking so that customers can safely use their vehicles and park instead of hiring alternative transport to get them to the there. The service of Travellers cheques is provided to customers who want to purchase foreign currency. Seats on the plane can be reserved before customers travel, making it easier and more comfortable for a family to sit together. Car hires are organised for customers in need of transport during their holiday. Qualified child care-takers or nannies are provided to customers equipped with toys and other equipment from respected UK brands such as Crayola and Little Tikes. Firm Infrastructure The following departments make up First Choices company infrastructure. Sales Marketing Finance and Admin Human Resources Support Engineering and Research Operations IT and IS Human Resource Management Employees are trained to be knowledgeable about the industry and company. Training is done for employees so that they can assist customers with choosing the perfect holiday option for their budget. Nannies for baby-sitting services are trained and qualified with  NNEB/CACHE (or equivalent). Air hostesses are equipped with the necessary first aid and situation response training. Technology Development Continued development online booking and interactive websites such as the pre-departure site. Outbound dialler system was installed to automate the call-in service for agents, giving them guidance through the many services and products First Choice has to offer. A browser-based management information system enables management to access operational and business information to monitor how calls are made. Procurement Research on various locations for new accommodation according to customers needs and wants. Communication with vendors and other tour operators. Acquisition of the necessary technology needed to run the company. The purchasing of new aeroplanes for flights to more destinations at a greater speed. 2.2 The Strategic Capabilities of First Choice Holidays PLC An organisations strategic capabilities are its capacities, resources and skills that create a long-term competitive advantage. The following shows the strategic capability of First Choice. 2.2.1 Resources and Competences Resources Competences Threshold Capabilities Threshold resources Tangible 300 travel shops in the U.K 14,000 employees Airline First Choice Airways Expedition cruise ships Over  £2 billion in assets Intangible 4th largest package holiday company Brand strength Owner of several market leading brands such as 2wentys Falcon Online booking website State of the art communication systems (MO Communicator) A contributor to an  £13.8 billion revenue Threshold competences Deployment of travel shops in various key areas in the U.K. To create a market leading presence in the Russian market through joint ventures The introduction of Microsoft Office Communicator to implement an IP-based voice network to deliver better customer service. Enhancing customers experience online by ways of after-sales services Investments such as yachts, aeroplanes and expedition cruise ships that provide First Choice with a greater competitive advantage. Capabilities for competitive advantage Unique Resources Tangible Boeing 787 Dreamliner aeroplanes that are able to go greater distances and offers greater fuel efficiency. First Choice Holiday Village designed for families and a 5-star spa concept for couples. Intangible Powerful brand with the merger with the largest leisure company in the world. 37 years in the travel and leisure industry. Relationships with suppliers to retain 150 million bed nights per year. Core Competences Operational profitability which allows First Choice to respond to changes in the trading environment. Possessing profitable capacity by having individual flight allows the company to determine optimum seat capacity by each U.K airport and to ensure the most appropriate aircraft fleet size and type are maintained. Consolidation of aircraft fleet as a fuel conservation measure and to reduce the companys direct carbon footprint. Table 2. Resources and Competences of First Choice Holidays PLC 2.3 The Financial Analysis of First Choice Following a look at the companys resources and competences, a brief analysis of the company is needed to see where it stands in the industry. First Choice is a part of TUI Travel PLC, therefore shares in the groups profitability. Having merged with the group, First Choice has contributed to  £93million in synergy profits as well as the groups overall revenue of  £18.6billion. The following shows a break-down of the companys financial capability in the following areas in 2009: 2.3.1 Profitability Gross Profit Margin This is used to assess  a firms financial health by revealing the  proportion of money left over from revenues after accounting for the cost of goods sold. The companys Gross Profit Margin stood at 8.4% in 2009, an improvement of 1.1% of the previous year. This shows that the companys pricing strategies have been effective. Net Profit Margin This is used to show how much profit a company makes for every  £1 it generates in  revenue  or  sales.  The companys net profit margin stood at -0.77% which states which has improved over the previous year of -2.1%. Therefore this shows a rise in efficiency after all expenses and that have been considered. Return On Assets This gives an idea as to how efficient  management is  at using its assets to generate earnings. The company earned 0.3% from invested capital (assets) compared to 2008s -1.4% loss. As a result this shows the company is earning more money on less investment. Return on Equity This shows the amount of net income  returned  as a percentage  of shareholders equity. The company showed a 1.2% profit made from shareholder investments, a rise from the previous year -0.1%. Thomas Cook, the companys main competitor had a higher return at 2.37%. 2.3.2 Liquidity Current Ratio This is used to determine a companys ability to pay off its  short-terms debts obligations. The companys current ratio stands at 3:5 which means they can pay off its obligations should it become due at that point. Acid Test Ratio This indicates  whether a firm has enough short-term assets to cover its immediate liabilities without selling inventory. The company showed a ratio of 1:2 for 2009, which means that the company has enough liquid assets to cover an unexpected drawdown of liabilities. 2.3.3 Leverage or Debt Debt to Equity Ratio This indicates what proportion of equity and debt the company is using to finance its assets. The company showed a ratio of -3% which means that they were not aggressive in financing its growth with debt and has the ability to repay loans. Total Debt to Total Assets This is used to measure a companys financial risk by determining how much of the companys assets have been financed by debt. The company showed a ratio of 3:4 meaning that 75% of the companys assets are financed by the creditors or debt (and therefore 25% is financed by the owners). 2.3.4 Activity (see Appendix) Asset Turnover This shows the amount of sales generated for every dollars worth of assets. The company showed a ratio of 1.5 which means for every dollar in total asset spent they gain 1.5 in revenue compared to the industrys 0.34 ratio. Despite a drop in revenue, the company still remained profitable and above its competition. It is seen that the company has an edge and is inviting for any investor. The following shows the companies. The following shows the strengths and weaknesses of the First Choice. First Choice Holidays PLC Strengths Weaknesses One of the market leaders in the package holiday industry both domestically and globally. Technologically advanced, creating new ways using technology to make decisions on their own without going physically to an agent. Offers a wide range of comprehensive services that customers enjoy. Ability to consolidate the market. Inability to fully penetrate the Western market resulting in dependency on the European market for revenues. As at August 2010, there was a consistent decrease in bookings following the recurrence of airspace closures, the emergency budget and the UK weather. Accounting errors on the part of executives. 3.0 The Strategic Fit Analysis of First Choice Holidays PLC Strategic fit indicates how well the First Choice Holidays mission and strategies fit its internal capabilities and its external environment. First Choice is the 4th largest package holiday company in the UK. Its main competitors are Airtours, Thomas Cook and its sister company Thomson Holidays, currently Thomsons dominates the industry. According to Investopedia, competitive advantages give a company an edge over its rivals and an ability to generate greater value for the firm and its shareholders. The more sustainable the advantage, the more difficult it is for competitors to neutralize the advantage. It is the companys competitive advantage that allows it to earn excess returns for its members. Having a competitive advantage is important to First Choice because without it, the company will have no economic reason to exist and will just simply wither away. Through the analysis done in this essay, although First Choice is ranked as #4, it still holds an advantage on its competitors. First Choice used the strategy of backward integration, meaning the company purchased suppliers in order to reduce dependency. An example of this would be its own airline and the First Choice Holiday Village. The acquisition of new aeroplanes, the Boeing 787 Dreamliners, would prove to be a major advantage as consumers are now taking responsibility for the environment and with these aeroplanes; the company will showcase environmental performance by reducing their carbon emissions. Having these assets will give First Choice the advantage of delivering products or services of a higher value at a cheaper price, as a result gain cost leadership. Using the internet for online sales has maximised their profits also the company retained their customers while gaining new ones. The companys liquidity and financial situation is stable despite a drop in revenue in 2009, with that they are capable of market consolidation. An example of that would be the acquisition of C.I.T Holidays, a UK based company with extensive operations in Spain and Italy. First Choice has a long history within the industry along with experience. They have proven to be well prepared to any changing environment. The company has achieved high economies of scale because of its access to larger market allowing them to operate with greater geographical reach. They have the ability to create value for money to its customers and have shown to be innovative by way of creating differentiated products such as its pre-departure website, an after-sales service. 3.1 The SWOT Analysis of First Choice Holidays The SWOT Analysis provides information that is helpful in matching the firms resources and capabilities to the competitive environment it operates. First Choice Holidays PLC Strength One of the market leaders in the industry. Ability to offer differentiated products/services. Commitment to customer service. Wealth of knowledge of the industry. Backward Integration which made them spread across the value chain. Strong distribution channels, the strongest being online sales. Weakness A 13.5% reduction in package prices because of a decrease in sales as a result of the recession and events such as the volcano ash disruption in mid-April 2010. A loss of  £69million in revenue in 2009 compared to the year before. Opportunities Further expansion through acquisitions and mergers. With new mergers and alliances, an opportunity to create synergy profits arise. Threat Airlines and hotels are now offering package deals. Threat to Thomson Airlines from low cost airlines such as Ryanair. Terrorist threats or attacks will change customers perception of safety when travelling. In conclusion, First Choice Holidays PLC is strategically fit and has a high advantage over the competition. The company is seen to be attractive for investment, although their profits fell for the previous financial year and sister company Thomson Holiday still stands at number one, but with new products underway, there may be a positive change.

My Philosophy of Teaching :: Philosophy of Education

Philosophy of Education Having graduated from a public school system, I feel my experiences and opinions are not only first hand, but they are something I should always try to consider when thinking about or dealing with my own students. As every student has, I have had great teachers as well as terrible ones; some of those teachers everyone loved or hated, and other received varied opinions about themselves from their students. The student teacher relationship is something that is unavoidable, as it should be. The reason I am pursuing teaching as my profession is because I understand that children need someone in their lives to make a difference, and if I could be that someone for only a handful of my own students, I will have succeeded. I view teaching as being more than simply showing a child how to read-as important as that is-teaching is also about showing a child the importance of self. Without self-esteem, self-discipline and self-control, there would not be many people who could make it successfully in today’s world. And if I’m successful in teaching children how to read, as well as something important about themselves, I will have helped some kids survive as adults. I don’t care anything about being the teacher that everyone thinks is so cool and loves, nor do I want to be the one that everyone hates. What I do want to be is a teacher that is respected by my students because I have been fair and have given each of them a chance to pass and succeed. I want my students to trust me. I want them to know that I am not perfect and realize that none of them are, but I do hope that they realize that I do expect from them what I would expect from my self if I were one of my own students. Knowledge of subject is next on my list of importance. I know how important it is for my self to be knowledgeable about the subject I am teaching; but no matter how much I know my students will only learn what I teach to them successfully.

It Week

This Is one of the main reasons organizations limit the usages of e-mails. The path once an e-mail leaves an organization is a very broad one, it goes through an IP address from sender to an IP address to the receiver (or what we call the internet). And the receiver can then take the information sent to them and resend it others without the permission or even knowledge of who in turn will receive it and what they will do with it. An e- mail can pass through many hands before ending up in the right place. Instant Messaging creates a chat service that enables both parties real time communication such like talking on the phone.It can increase productivity if used correctly. One drawback is personal usage with friends during work hours. These can blob down the system and waste revenue. It is not always the most formal way to communicate because sometimes it has its own language which can be misunderstood or not appropriate. For example, LOL stands for laugh out loud. The benefits and dra wback of web pages and search engine usages also can be harmful to a company if the searches are not appropriate for that organization. Having a web page can be a great way to advertise because in most cases it is free.Search engines can supply the organization with much needed information faster than manuals. There may be more but here is a few choices of search engine that are the most popular Yahoo, Microsoft (Bingo), and Google Search. Should organizations monitor employee e-mail and Internet usages? This can be argued on both sides. There are privacy Issues here for both sides, and it can create problems If the wrong Information Is given. But you also have to take a look at personal sites, what Is the person saying about and employee, manager or client? Is It good or bad, and who will see It later.I know of several people red because of what they posted on Faceable which Is a personal site. And rightly, they should be fired. The negativity Is viewed everywhere and by everyone a nd this could hurt an organization without really meaning to. So I guess It Is good practice to monitor e-mail and Internet usage, but there has to be something In writing first to make It known that they are being monitored to avoid the privacy laws. Lilts Week 4 By orchard I believe that e-mail usage with an organization is beneficial to all parties within an organization.Its main purpose is for communications between employees, management, and clients. It is a tool used from a PC too PC or MAC which is sent and received in seconds, As far as the downside of e-mail usage can be the information being sent and received and the privacy issues. Organizations fear that that the information being sent and or received can lead to a lawsuit or cause adverse publicity for that organization, which could be costly to an organization. This is one of internet usages? This can be argued on both sides. There are privacy issues here for both sides, and it can create problems if the wrong informat ion is given.But you also eve to take a look at personal sites, what is the person saying about and employee, manager or client? Is it good or bad, and who will see it later. I know of several people fired because of what they posted on Faceable which is a personal site. And rightly, they should be fired. The negativity is viewed everywhere and by everyone and this could hurt an organization without really meaning to. So I guess it is good practice to monitor e-mail and internet usage, but there has to be something in writing first to make it known that they are being monitored to avoid the privacy laws.

Humean doubt

Humean doubt Free Online Research Papers Kant was enlightened by Hume’s theory of cause and effect. Hume and Kant agreed and disagreed to many concepts regarding metaphysics. Hume was accustomed to believe in necessary connection. â€Å"Humean doubt† is the belief that you can not know or trust that the future will resemble the past. In contrast Kant believed empirical knowledge is never necessary and universal however cause is necessary and universal. He believed that things were known necessarily and the cause of something was beyond experience and could not be known. Kant disagrees with Hume’s idea of cause not coming from experience. For Hume the knowledge of cause and effect is empirical, we develop this relation from experience, this is because we see the constant conjunction between two events, however we can not understand the connection between the events. Because of this â€Å" It is wholly impossible for reason to think such conjunction a priori from concepts. For this conjunction contains necessity; but it is quite impossible to see how, because something is , something else mush also necessarily be, and how therefore the concept of such an a priori connection can be introduced( Prolegomena,4:258, p.65). This suggests that we do not have understanding of the necessity of the connection that occurs between cause and effect. However we only have subjective, and experimental information about their conjunction. First , I will describe The judgements of perception and judgements of experience that both philosophers cover and how Hume develops his scepticism . Then I will illustrate â€Å"Humean doubt† that Kant addresses and explain how he disposes of it, Second I will clarify if Kant is correct to characterize Hume’s position as one of doubt, Lastly , I will conclude all how both philosophers related to one another in relation to theHumean doubt. The judgements of perception is subjective , meaning its everything internally sensed, heard and seen. It has no expectation for inter-subject agreement. The judgements of experiences are objective, they have necessity and universality . Hume believed in judgements of perception while Kant believed in Judgements of experience. Judgements of experience describes the cause of the effect. While Judgements of perception is the perceiving and feeling yet there is no causal inference made. Synthetic a prior is everything that happens has a cause, it is a pure concept of understanding related to cause, this concept also precedes empirical cognition of nature and makes the cognition of lawfully determined objects possible ( §26,p113). Hume categorizes between two kinds of scepticism: consequent and antecedent skepticism. Most important, antecedent Skepticism, consists of forming opinions, he describes it as being custom and habit of human nature , where reason breaks down judgments by doubt. Hume’s Skepticism is based on uniformity and laws of nature based on past experience. He describes naturalism as the science of human nature . These laws of nature of experience are not universal . Hume believes that cause is a concept of necessary connection with no justification by reason. Kant describes â€Å"the essential limitation of the concepts in these principles is therefore: that all things stand necessarily a priori under the said conditions only as objects of experience†( Prolegomena, 4: 309,p.114) . In general, experience is what allows for the constant conjunction of events to occur, meaning experience of the events depend upon intrinsic features so that they can be seen happening one after anoth er. Therefore, Kant agrees that we as humans can not find the cause and effect in our experience. He disagrees with Hume’s theory if of human nature that is derived from custom or habit, For wherever the repetitions o f any particular act or operation produces a propensity to renew the same act or operation, without being impelled by any reasoning or process of understanding.(EHU,para.5.p.121). Hume claimed that we can never understand the cause and effect relationships a priori. Therefore ,causality does not have an objective necessity coming from insight, only a subjective necessity that arose based on custom. This is explained when he says â€Å"The imagination, having by experience brought certain representations under the law of association, passes off a subjective necessity arising out of this, namely custom, for an objective necessity from insight†(Prolegomena, 4: 258,p.65). A priori knowledge is the highest of knowledge. It allows for our prior senses of experience and perceptions to guide us. Although, it is a necessary knowledge integrated by our thoughts, it does not need to rely on anything empirically. â€Å"Humean doubt† is David Hume’s doubt about causality . Causality being the necessary relationship between one event and another event which is the direct consequence of the first. He suggests that reason and experience can not connect things in the world and explain â€Å" that every event has a cause.† He states, â€Å"that we can in no way have insight by reason into the possibility of causality, i.e. of the relation of the existence of a thing to the existence of something else which is posited necessary by the first† (4: 311,p.115). Hume concludes that we have no logical knowledge of cause and effect. In the end the idea of causation is convincing by the custom and habit of seeing events followed after others. This is explained in the prolegomena when it states â€Å" Nonetheless I am far from holding that these concepts are merely taken from experience and that the necessity which is represented in them is fictitious and mere illusion imposed o n us by long habit†(4:311,p.115-116). Kant goes about in his refusal of Hume’s skepticism by showing that we do have an a priori and necessary knowledge of causality and we can have a priori knowledge larger then what Hume suggested . Kant responded to Humes skepticism and disposes of it by maintaining cause as synthetic conditioned idea that we create a priori to all experience. Kant agrees with Hume views of knowledge of cause is beyond experience. However believing that causation is an a prior to experience concept applied to two realms known as are phenomena , this is understanding that comes from experiences, also known as appearances, and noumena which are things in themselves that are comprised of reality. Besides the beings of the senses or appearances (phenomena) which constitute the world of the senses, there were special beings of the understanding (noumena) , which were supposed to constitute a world of the understanding (4:315,p.119). Our synthetic a priori judgments are derived from phenomena because humans can only know the appearance of objects that our sense perception and understanding presents us. The noumena is what we experience, it allows us to justify in imposing the conjunction of concepts to the objects of knowledge. Hume believed that all knowledge starts and rises from experience. In contrast to Kant’s belief that all knowledge starts but does not rise from experience including space and time. A priori element in our knowledge is prior to experience in the form of a cognitive disposition of the mind and it is in depended from any specific piece of experience. The pure a priori concept of understanding includes pure concepts and insight that allows us to conclude the appearances. Kant believed that pure intuitions and concepts the a priori knowledge can not describe the nuemena†things in them selves†. The pure concepts of understanding and intuitions of space and time, are a priori and therefore necessary, we desire to believe that we can receive knowledge further then what we find in experience. Moreover, they provide form (Phenomena ) and no substance (nuemena). Hume believed that all knowledge starts and rises from experience. In contrast to Kant’s belief that all knowledge starts but does not rise from experience including space and time. The differences between Kant and Hume’s philosophies are described through Kant’s characterization of Hume’s position as one of doubt. Kant developed upon the idea that space and time, he described them as added immediately upon the first time of experience, However, Hume suggested that whatever we add to experiences only develops through many experiences when he says ..he has acquired more experience, and had lived so long in the world as to have observed similar objects or events to be constantly conjoined together(EHU,para.4.p.120). Hume’s position allowed Kant to agree or disagree and expand upon his conclusions. The belief that one thing causes another believed by Hume when he statedHe would , indeed, immediately observe a continual succession of objects, and one event following another;†¦He would not , at first, by any reasoning , be able to reach the idea of cause and effect(EHU,para.3.,p.120) was contradicted by Kant when he suggested that th ese psychological elements concerning experience and idea of cause are part of the cognitive structure. Hume characterizes All belief of matter of fact or real existences is derived merely from some object, present tot the memory or senses, and a customary conjunction between that and some other object(EHU, para.8.p.123). This explains the mind as conforming to the world in the form of constant conjunction , the mind develops this belief of a causal connection that when I do this , this will happen. However Kant suggests that this constant conjunction does not exist and that the objects of experience conform to the mind, allowing us to see appearances( Phenomena) and come in touch with conceptions(nuemena). Metaphysics has gained in respect to Hume’s Criticism. Metaphysics is possible, as long as we have necessary, synthetic judgements priori knowledge . Moreover, Kant suggests the faculty of understanding as being the foundation, from that we develop concepts. From concepts comes the two law’s of nature Empirical as described by Hume, and Pure categories emphasized by Kant. Significantly many objects that are objective like causation, space and time, are dependent on knowledge. Hume’s scepticism in regards to reason, claims that custom, habit, and constant conjunctions are the source. In conclusion Humean doubt is the relationship between one event and another event which ends in a consequence, it is the reason why one thing happens after another that contain necessity and universality. Hume concluded that one thing being the cause of another is what developed experience. Kant concluded that we have pure a prior knowledge that includes the understanding plus int uitions that results in experience. Research Papers on Humean doubtCapital PunishmentEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenThree Concepts of PsychodynamicBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalComparison: Letter from Birmingham and CritoRelationship between Media Coverage and Social andUnreasonable Searches and SeizuresMind TravelInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married Males

The eNotes Blog No Child Left Inspired Parent-Teacher NightBlues

No Child Left Inspired Parent-Teacher NightBlues Last night I attended Parent-Teacher night with my eighth grade son.   It was depressing. For two hours, I, my son, and several hundred other parents were herded from classroom to classroom where we were introduced to the variety of TEKS tests our children would endure this year.   TEKS, the acronym for the assessment   Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, will measure students ability to take tests.   Honestly, thats what it boils down to. The four areas of knowledge they will assess are math, science, history, and social studies.   Writing, and critical thinking, apparently, are not deemed essential. Now,   I realize teachers only have ten minutes to address each class.   They were dead tired, as was I.   But you know, in each ten minute session, ALL I heard was due dates for tests and the breakdown of grades. In not a single class was there any excitement about the curriculum, no discussion of new ideas or interesting projects nothing. First we went to his science class. Perhaps we will get to hear about interesting experiments!   Perhaps I am a starry-eyed idealist. After eight droning minutes,   I pondered my decision to forego the stale, store-brand chocolately-chip cookies while the teacher showed us how exactly to track our childs scores online. How about history? My son adores history, especially American history.   Maybe this teacher will have something to offer, show some passion Yeah, no.   We did, however, get to hear about how she also coaches three teams, and watched her go Madden-like with a pen on an overhead telling us what time tutoring would be available in-between directing children to whack balls of various shapes and sizes. And there were no cookies. My son and I wound our way down to the art room, where he has Advisory (which is sort of like homeroom).   The teacher here was warm and enthusiastic. She was also the art teacher. When I told her how unhappy my son was in the elective hed chosen (Business and Marketing, which he felt coerced into taking as it offered a high school credit, whereas art, his preference, did not), she said shed be happy to let him transfer in to her art class.   Collins face lit up. We went to speak to the principal to ask if he could be transferred. Her warm smile faded immediately. No,   we do not allow that. They knew when they signed up for an elective that there was no changing. Not one to back down easily, I argued, But its not even four weeks in. My son is unhappy and this is an elective. The teacher has room and is willing. Here was her actual reply: Last on the docket was Collins English class where I learned they are reading a total of two novels in the entire year, but both are wonderful works: The Giver by Lois Lowry and Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor.   The Giver challenges notions of authority and conformity. Roll of Thunder brings to life the terror and hardships of the Civil Rights Era in this country.   Not a word about the content; only about how the assignments would affect their grades. The good news? They are also required to select one book on their own to read over the course of the year, with parental approval.   Collin picked 1984.   Mother heartily approves.

Human Services Program and Profession SEMINAR UNIT 6 Research Paper

Human Services Program and Profession SEMINAR UNIT 6 - Research Paper Example Basically the service offered should be tailor-made depending on the student background so that student develop the qualities that make him more resourceful, intelligent, understanding and he get connected to group and enjoy life and the process of learning. The diverse culture makes it difficult to treat the child in the same manner while rendering human service. Children form one community, culture tend to be more close with similar culture and avoid other groups which later might result in conflicts. It would result in group within the group. The challenge is to make children open minded. It is necessary to understand the psychology of child which generally is founded on diverse culture base. The language used communication methods also differ based on the background of diverse culture. Skills also differ depending on the cultural background. Health, nutrition condition also differ resulting in different characters, attitude and personality. What are three careers in the field of human services working with children, adolescents, and their families? Give some background on the positions you discuss including some of the training and skills needed for the positions. Would you be interested in pursuing any of the careers you listed? Why or why not? 3 careers in the field of human service are Counsellor, Social service Assistant and Childcare Worker. As Counsellor it is necessary to study the background of the child and family. In career counselling it is necessary to know the tradition and skills of family .Important aspect is child skill. As Social service assistant basically it is necessary to provide food, mental healthcare including adoption of child and to take all the needed measures to make the child pursue the career which interests the child so that child can make maximum contribution. As Child care worker the responsibilities would be to feed, ensure safety and make child to

Human Resource Career Development Activities Essay - 1

Human Resource Career Development Activities - Essay Example Free trade agreements have increased activities around the world. We have encountered the need to interface, travel, and live in many parts of the world. Yet, often our employees do not have a cultural familiarity with the people that they contact in meetings, e-mail, or by telephone. Baugh (2005) has pointed out the importance of mentoring in career development (p. 523). It is time to extend our mentoring program outside our borders and view the world as our office, learn about the host country we are dealing with, their work role, office culture, and prepare people for international assignments. We also have a need for our internal employees to understand diversity in the workplace. Currently, we place a high value on our recruiting efforts in this area. However, the positive effects of creating a diverse workforce will be entirely dependent on how they are perceived by the men and women in our organization. (Burke 2005 p. 191). If the existing employees are not open to such policies, it will create new problems rather than solve existing ones (Burke 2005 p. 191). Improper and inadequate diversity training hold everyone back, even the beneficiaries of affirmative programs. We also have a need to offer our employees a program of lifelong learning. Education for everyone is an activity whose value has been proven. Education should include job related technical training as well as personal growth. Where this program has been implemented it has been a success. McGoldrick (2001) reports that the "investment in lifelong learning for employees has paid off in positive career experiences and positive psychological contracts". Workers feel like they are a valuable part of the organization and are worth investing in. Employees benefit from the training and also form a better psychological relationship with the company. The three activities of international mentoring, diversity training, and lifelong learning can add tangible and