Compare the ideas of Carl Sauer in his specific idelogical view Essay

Compare the ideas of Carl Sauer in his specific idelogical view Thinking Geographically Space theory and contemporary human geography Hubbard Kitchin et al to - Essay Example Thus, Sauer helped to establish many of the academic structures of present day geographical studies as well as link the importance of all of these studies in an effort to achieve better understanding among students in sharp contrast from the rather unschooled, strictly physical approaches to the science that had gone before him. In bringing forth these ideas, Sauer differed greatly from his predecessors, such as David Livingstone, who explored geography on a purely physical plain. Livingstone conducted his explorations during what is considered the new imperial age of exploration in which was seen great expansion of territories and ideas. In his world, the goals of exploration were quite different from the academic pursuits for understanding of Sauer’s time, serving to validate European held beliefs that expounded the idea of an organized universe and serving to claim new lands for God and crown. Based on their ideas of universal hierarchy, which was further supported by the ideas of Social Darwinism, it was believed the cultures of Europe had seen much higher advancement than those of Africa. Rather than seeking to learn about the cultures and people they came across, Livingstone and others sought instead to convert them, saving their souls and teaching them the ‘right’ way to live, the reby losing much of the advantages to interaction, in terms of information regarding the physical landscape as well as a means of learning about their ancient stories and cultures. Modern geographers such as Harry Kitchen, on the other hand, have taken to segregating their studies into various fields such as economics and physical geography, but yet have continued to draw out the linkages between these fields. In writing about the geography of Canada, Kitchen is careful to enumerate the physical geography of the provinces as well as the economic challenges this

Did slavery retard industrialization in the South Term Paper

Did slavery retard industrialization in the South - Term Paper Example , the value of slaves in the United States had escalated exceeding the invested values of all the nation’s factories, banks, and railroads combined (Morgan, 1983). This was such that, by the time the eve of the civil war came the prices of cotton had risen where the confederate leaders believed that necessity of cotton in the world market would assist the south with military and diplomatic support they required for victory. However, that was not the case because as they were trying to mobilize the important strengths and weakness slave labor and free market became clearer, especially in relation to supporting the economy. This essay will answer the question of whether slavery retarded the economy of the South. During the war, smaller industrial base did the mobilizing of the troops, an agricultural economy and fewer rail lines that were based on slave labor made mobilization of resources more difficult in the South. This resulted to the economy of the South to become shaky throughout the war (Smith & Economic History Society, 1998). The Emancipation Proclamation both enraged the South promising them freedom for their slaves threatening the existence of its primary labor source. This caused the economy of the South to suffer in 1864 as the Union Armies battered with the Confederate troops in the western and eastern theaters (Fearon & Laitin, 2003). This lowered the productivity of the South as the war slowed down the advantage of slavery that the North had over the South. Therefore, although slavery was established to be highly profitable it had a negative impact on the economy of the South because it impeded on the development of cities, industries. This in turn contributed to soil exhaustion, high debts and lack of technological innovation. According to Ralph Waldo Emerson, he states, â€Å"slavery is no scholar, no improver, it does not love the whistle of the railroad; it does not love the newspaper, the mail-bag, a college, a book or a preacher who

The American Red Cross (Ethics) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The American Red Cross (Ethics) - Essay Example These include blood services, food, blankets, cots, emergency and disaster relief services, health and safety services, and dozens of other goods and services provided to people in need. Their ethics document is highly developed, including standards for the sharing of biomedical knowledge, protocols for behavior in war, compliance with the law, avoidance of conflicts of interest, confidentiality and rules governing gifts (Red Cross). This makes ethical breaches especially troubling: The ARC is not only a leader in relief efforts and humanitarian work, but has clear issues and protocols for dealing with and managing ethical issues. It is important to note that recent problems with the ARC have not prevented it from doing good work on the ground for hundreds of thousands of people. Ongoing relief efforts continue. Yet the breaches could jeopardize that work. Executive turnover at the top, from Elizabeth Dole to Bernadine Healy to Mark Everson, not only occurred under inauspicious circu mstances (Healy's failure to adequately respond to 9/11, Everson's sexual dalliances and abuse of authority), but threatened the contiguity of leadership important to managing an organization as big and diverse as the ARC (Ferrell and Ferrell, 2011, p. 503). Embezzlement in many state chapters occurred, one of the most shocking being a Pennsylvania manager who stole money for crack cocaine! Congressional mandates have only stemmed, not stopped, the reports of embezzlement and impropriety. Hurricane Katrina also reflected badly on the ARC, though here most of the blame and attention was placed upon FEMA and the Bush administration's inadequate response (Ferrell and Ferrell, 2011, p. 505). Yet the ARC did make many miscalculations, such as using felons, diverting relief supplies, and poor tracking and distribution (Ferrell and Ferrell, 2011, p. 506). The issue is that, as a charitable organization beholden not only to contributors but also to policy-maker, agencies and taxpayers, the ARC's ethical issues threaten its ability to market, gain contributions, and remain trustworthy as a leadership force in humanitarian aid. As noted, the ARC has an extensive moral code. This is not simply a statement of principles, though those principles are well-established and complex. ARC care providers are supposed to be, in a sense, nurses and doctors for the world. They are, for many, a one-stop shop for needs: People in poverty-stricken, disaster-stricken or crisis areas, refugees and other recipients of aid get everything from medical care to clothes and blankets. The ARC attempts to avoid partisanship and nationalism: They seek to serve all of mankind (Red Cross). Again, most of the problems that have plagued the ARC have been leadership, not rank-and-file, issues: Embezzlement by managers and poor executive decisions are damning, true, but there is no evidence that the people actually providing aid have declined one iota in their ethical standards, belief in the ARC's cor e principles, or have ceased to provide a useful service. None of the four major organizational ethical philosophies can justify the ARC's current lapses, but what philosophy do they generally operate under? Between denotative, relativistic, deontological and consequentalist frameworks, the ARC's traditional

A Short Essay on Beauty Essay Example for Free

A Short Essay on Beauty Essay Beauty is defined as the quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind, whether arising from sensory manifestations (as shape, color, sound, etc. ), a meaningful design or pattern, or something else (as a personality in which high spiritual qualities are manifest). However, beauty has been topic of debate in terms of its definition. In order to see what is special about pleasure in beauty, we must shift the focus back to consider what is special about the judgment of taste, which helps determine beauty in an object. For Kant, the judgment of taste claims â€Å"universal validity†, which he describes as follows:†¦ when [a man] puts a thing on a pedestal and calls it beautiful, he demands the same delight from others. He judges not merely for himself, but for all men, and then speaks of beauty as if it were a property of things. Thus he says that the thing is beautiful; and it is not as if he counts on others agreeing with him in his judgment of liking owing to his having found them in such agreement on a number of occasions, but he demands this agreement of them. He blames them if they judge differently, and denies them taste, which he still requires of them as something they ought to have; and to this extent it is not open to men to say: Every one has his own taste. This would be equivalent to saying that there is no such thing as taste, i. e. no aesthetic judgment capable of making a rightful claim upon the assent of all men. (Kant 1790, p. 52; see also pp. 136–139. However, having said that, there is art and architecture around the world which provides universal appeal. For example, the Cathedral of Notre Dame could easily enamor a Hindu family, without them having very little or no knowledge of its cultural or religious significance. The Taj Mahal and the Statue of David could exude great amounts of sublimity to people of every walks of life. What is it in Art and Architecture that arouses such pleasure and popularity? Corbusier once said, â€Å"The Architect, by his arrangements of forms, realizes an order which is a pure creation of his spirit; through forms and shapes he affects our senses to an acute degree and provokes plastic emotions; by the relationships which he creates he creates profound echoes in us, he gives us the measure of an order which we feel to be in accordance with that of our world, he determines the various movements of our heart and of our understanding; it is then we experience the sense of beauty. † The above stated personal opinion could very well be the reason of Art and Architecture being an inherent and quintessential part of the global cultural heritage. Also, Art and Architecture has also regarded as stimulants to generate happiness. As Fredrick M. Padelford mentioned, â€Å"Indeed, I think that we are not at all aware of the immense social asset that uniformly good architecture would be. Fancy a city in which all of the buildings are beautiful, and trace the influence on the lives of the inhabitants. In the first place, it would add greatly to the happiness of people, for, as has been observed, it is the normal function of beauty to make us happy. Unless we have allowed ourselves to become diseased, happiness will attend beauty as naturally as flowers turn to the sun† (Frederick M. Padelford, â€Å"The Civic Control of Architecture,† American Journal of Sociology, July 1908, 45-46). ] This short essay though it does not conclude with a well defined explanation of beauty, it will give one an idea about some the various elements, which forms a very prominent influence on beauty.

Hazard Mitigation Planning Essay -- Natural Disasters

Executive summary Hazard mitigation planning is an approach aimed at ascertaining ways to reduce the effects, deaths and damage to property that might result in the occurrence of a natural of man-made hazard. Hurricanes are among the costliest and the most destructive of natural disasters. Since 1995, the United States has witnessed more intense activities by hurricanes with Mobile County in Alabama experiencing hurricane Ivan and hurricane Dennis in 2004 and 2005 (Link, 2010). In 2005, Hurricane Katrina was the costliest and one of the deadliest hurricanes to have hit the United States and was rated category three in Mobile County (Marchi, 2007). The response to the disaster was poor owing to the lack of proper disaster preparedness as well as hazard mitigation planning. The very possibility of a hurricane hitting Alabama in the near future-within which the County of Mobile is located- appears as a near certainty going by past occurrences. The authorities as well as the community in Mobile County need to be more prepared for disasters by instituting hazard mitigation measures. These measures should be actualized through an effort by the County authorities in conjunction with the major s takeholders to put together a team that will comprehensively analyze hurricane Katrina and other past hurricanes affecting Mobile County. The Hurricane mitigation plan for the city of Mobile sets out the available resources and important information that would assist the community in reducingthe effects of a hurricane that might occur in future. The plan concentrates on measures and actions that can be put in place to reduce the effects of a hurricane. It covers an assessment of risk, sets out a strategy for minimizing the effects, and present... ... Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans. Ocean Engineering, 37(1), 4-12. Marchi, B. D. (2007). Not Just a matter of Knowledge: The Katrina Debacle. Environmental Hazards, 7(2), 141-149. Rodiek J. (2007). Landscape Planning in Hazardous Zones, Lessons from Hurricane Katrina, August 2005. Landscape and Urban Planning, 79(1), 1-4. Sadowski N. & Sutter D. (2008). Mitigation Motivated by Past Experience: Prior Hurricanes and Damages. Ocean and Coastal Management, 51(4), 303-313. Waugh, W. (2006). Shelter from the Storm: Repairing the National Emergency Management System after Hurricane Katrina. Michigan City: SAGE Publications. Yarnal B. (2007). Vulnerability and all that Jazz: Addressing Vulnerability in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Technology in Society, 29(2), 249-255. Forren J. (2005). Hurricane Katrina. Journal of Peri Anesthesia Nursing, 20(5), 303-304.

Exploring the Past Essay

All of us have little secrets which we don’t want to share with others – things which we are ashamed of, things which are too intimate to tell or just things which happened in the past and we don’t want to tell them because they may hurt someone or they may cause troubles to us. I have the perfect example that exploring the past sometimes may be painful. I have a friend – Lora- which is very amorous and gives all of herself for her boyfriend. But her ex one didn’t understand that. Tom – her ex-boyfriend was very weird and he wanted to know all about Lora’s previous relationships. One day he asked her why she has broken up with her last boyfriend. At first she didn’t want to talk about that but he was urging her. So she told Tom that she has betrayed her last boyfriend and that was the reason of their parting. When she has been at a party at a friend of her she has got very drunk and a boy from the party has embraced the opportunity and got alone with her. In the morning she couldn’t remember anything but it has been too late. The lover had gone off. Her only fault was that she had drunk so much but she wasn’t guilty for the rest of the occurrence. But her then boyfriend didn’t understand that and he left her although she loved him very much. As for Tom he thought Lora could do that again. They have been together for two years and he chucked her up because she might repeat the same mistake again. It was such a stupid reason. She could correct her mistake but she loved Tom very much. He loved her too but feelings were obviously insufficient to keep them together. They both pined after each other for a long but they didn’t get together again. We can’t return the time and fix our mistakes, nobody can change the past. So it is extremely purposeless to explore the old times. It’s just a waste of time which we can spend in creating the future.

Community Health Advocacy Essay

The levels of prevention in epidemiology help provide a framework for health professionals to intervene and prevent disease, injury, or disability. What is epidemiology? The World Health Organization (2014) states â€Å"epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events and the application of the study to the control of disease and other health problems† (para. 1). The National Asthma Education and Prevention Guidelines data showed that exacerbations of acute asthma episodes have gotten more severe over the years (Dougherty & Fahy, 2009). In 2010, one out of eleven children was diagnosed with asthma (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). Children are presenting with a combination of symptoms that show an increase in severity with expiratory airflow and decreased lung function testing (Dougherty & Fahy, 2009). When children present with shortness, wheezing, chest tightness or cough in school, the student has to report to the school nurse for their asthma protocol treatment ordered by a physician. If symptoms are not easily controlled, the child may have to be treated in and outpatient setting. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2014), children missed a total of ten million days of school and cost the United States fifty-six billion dollars a year for treatment. In 2009, the yearly average cost was $1,039 per child with asthma. The Healthy People 2020 made pediatric asthma an initiative due to the increasing prevalence and cost in the United States. Epidemiology Framework The epidemiology framework consists of three levels of prevention; primary, secondary and tertiary. Primary prevention strive to reduce the occurrence rate of new cases in disease. Primary prevention approach to promoting a healthier lifestyle is to emphasize on educating individuals on risk factors  and protective strategies. A primary prevention strategy for asthma patient is educating on avoiding cigarette smoke, insect allergens, molds and pet dander (Agency for Toxic Substance & Disease Registry, 2010). Secondary prevention concentrates on early recognition and fast treatment of the disease. This level of prevention focuses on slowing down the progression of the disease process and decreasing the impact of the disease process on an individual or community. There are a number interventions that one can do to reduce the exposure to allergens, pollutants, or irritants that may trigger an asthma episode. Schools and homes may use a free standing air purifier for rooms, purchase a vacuum with an HEPA filter or us an HEPA filter in the air duct system. These systems help to eliminate animal dander, smoke, air pollution, molds, dust mites, and animal allergens. Several schools have introduces reading dogs in the elementary schools to reduce the fear of reading. Depending on the severity of the allergy, the student many not be able to be in the classroom. Families can select a pet that has low dander levels. It is difficult to get out dander and dust particles out of the carpet, hardwood floor may need to replace the carpet. Tobacco smoking affects approximately forty-two percent of children between the age ages of two months to eleven years of age (Agency for toxic substances & Disease Registry, 2010). Educated tobacco smokers the effects that tobacco smoke can have on the respiratory system in people of all ages. Tertiary Prevention strategies is implemented to stabilize and restoring functionality from damage that has resulted from a chronic disease. Education on medication compliance for pediatric patients and families is key for this level of prevention. Ecosystem Model The ecosystem of children’s health is a complex model that has the child and family at the center of the core (Friedman, 2010). Circling the center core are individuals and organizations that interrelate closely with the child and family such as schools, faith community, doctors, community services, and environment (Friedman, 2010). The further circle in the model are health insurance agencies, businesses, philanthropy, and research (Friedman, 2010). The model identifies several areas that impacts childhood asthma. First looking at the genetics of the child and then assessing the social, natural, and built environments that influence acute asthma attacks for the  child. These are all areas that need to be closely examines to figure out why children are having amplified severity during an acute asthma attacks. Frequency and duration of asthma attacks affect children’s social and academic life. Reference Asthma. (2014). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved fromhttp://www.cdc.gov/asthma/children.htm Daugherty, R. & Fahy, J. (2009). Acute exacerbations of asthma: epidemiology, biology and the exacerbation-prone phenotype. Clinic & Experimental Allergy, 39(2), 193-202. Environmental triggers of asthma treatment, management and prevention. (2010). Agency for toxic substances & Disease Registry. Retrieved from http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/csem.asp?csem=18&po=9 Epidemiology. (2014). World Health Organization. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/topics/epidemiology/en/ Friedman, R. (2010). How do we bring it all together? Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 73(2). Retrieved from https://www.centerforchildrenshealth.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/CCHAPSReports/CC HAPS-Asthma-WhitePaper.pdf

Counselling Practice Essay Example

Counselling Practice Essay Example Counselling Practice Paper Counselling Practice Paper Horton, I. (2006). The SAGE Handbook of Counselling and Psychotherapy. London: SAGE Publications. Inskipp, F. (2006). Therapeutic skills and clinical practice. In C. Feltham, I. Horton, The Sage Handbook of counselling and psychotherapy (pp. 84 85). London: Sage. Patterson, C. (1985). The therapeutic relationship. Monterey California: Brooks/Cole. Perls, F. (1969). Gestalt therapy verbatim. Californiania: Real People Press. Strong, S. , Claiborne, C. (1982). Changes through interaction: Social psychological processes of counselling and psychotherapy. New York: Wiley.

Michael Jordan essays

Michael Jordan essays Michael Jordan the greatest basketball player of all time. In this biography I will explain why he is looked at as the king of basketball. I will mention his championships as a collegian and NBA player, second of all his MVP trophies from the all-star games, and last but not least the great records that he has set. The reason I choose Michael "Air"Jordan is because he is successful in the game that I love to play so much. He has been in the places and situations that I dream of being in. The first of many championships begun in college. The collage of the North Carolina Tar Heels. , Michael's Tar Heels competed against Patrick Ewing's Georgetown Hoyas for the number one ranking all year. It finally boiled down to the championship game in which both teams were back and forth for the lead. One would get the lead then the other would score and get the lead. Both teams were full of future all-stars even hall-of-famer including Michael.The game came down to seconds, and one basket Who di d that basketball go to? Ewing, Worthy maybe Sam Perkins? Non of them, it was Michael "Air" Jordan. That kicked off his championship spree as he went on to collect five more with NBA's Chicago Bulls. To add to all the championships and people who say he's the best basketball player ever, Jordan has added many MVP trophies to his repertoire. He has won more MVP trophies than Larry Bird, Magic Johnson or even Isiah Thomas and that is to name a few. Some say the voters are biased to him because for his past accomplishments but you cant argue with all the championships records. Michael has at least one more MVP to get in him. The numerous amount of records that Michael has made and sometimes just plane shattered old records is another thing that caused him to be the best. Some records he has set of consecutive scoring titles, best free throw percentage in a season and much more. Some of the records that are not mentioned when people are raving about the king ...

How the U.S. Is Countering Terrorism

How the U.S. Is Countering Terrorism Terrorism is not new, nor is the practice of trying to prevent it through  counterterrorism  measures. But as the number of terrorist attacks has skyrocketed in the 21st century, the United States and other nations have had to become much more proactive in defending their citizens from such violence.   Counterterrorism in the U.S. The U.S. government has made fighting terrorism a priority since the early 1970s, following the terrorist attacks on the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany, and several airline hijackings. But it was the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that made counterterrorism a pillar of domestic and foreign policy in the U.S. and beyond. The RAND Corporation, a defense policy think tank, defines the ongoing war on terror this way: Counterterrorism, since 2001, threatens terrorist safe havens, infiltrates terrorists financial and communications networks, hardens critical infrastructure, and connects the dots among the intelligence and law enforcement communities... Several federal agencies play critical roles in contemporary counterterrorism, both domestically and internationally, and often their efforts overlap. Among the most important are: Department of Homeland Security: The lead agency in charge of all domestic anti-terrorism and security activities.Department of State: Manages  the development and implementation of all U.S. government policies and programs aimed at countering terrorism overseasOffice of the Director of National Intelligence: Coordinates the gathering, analysis, and sharing of data among federal intelligence agencies such as the FBI and CIA.Federal Bureau of Investigation: Executes counterterrorism actions such as surveillance and investigation in conjunction with other law-enforcement agents at the local, state, and federal level.Central Intelligence Agency: Collects, analyzes, and shares international intelligence and data to inform and carry out U.S. foreign policy.National Counterterrorism Center: Plans  and coordinates counterterrorism policies and programs among federal agencies Fighting terrorism isnt limited to these agencies. The Department of Justice, for example, is responsible for prosecuting terror-related criminal cases, while the Department of Transportation frequently works on security issues with Homeland Security. State and local law enforcement agencies are often involved in some capacity as well.   On an international level, the U.S. government frequently cooperates with other countries on matters of security. The United Nations, NATO, and other nongovernmental organizations also have established counterterrorism policies of their own. Types of Counterterrorism Generally speaking, counterterrorism efforts have two goals: to protect the nation and its citizens from attack and to neutralize threats and actors who would attack the U.S. Defensive measures can be simple, like placing concrete bollards in front of buildings to stop an explosive-laden vehicle from getting too close. Video surveillance of public areas coupled with facial-recognition technology is another, considerably more advanced defensive counterterrorism measure. The security lines at U.S. airports, operated by the Transportation Security Agency, are yet another example. Offensive counterterrorism measures can range from surveillance and sting operations to arrests and criminal prosecutions to seizing financial assets and military action. In February 2018, for example, the Treasury Department froze the assets of six people known to conduct business with Hezbollah, an Islamic organization the U.S. has labeled a terrorist organization. The 2011 raid by Navy Special Forces on Osama bin Ladens Pakistan compound, which resulted in the death of the Al Qaeda leader, is one of the best-known examples of successful military counterterrorism activity. Sources Jenkins, Brian. Bush, Obama, And Trump: The Evolution Of U.S. Counterterrorist Policy Since 9/11. ICT.org.il. 24 September 2017.Lederman, Joshua. Taking Aim at Iran, US Hits Hezbollah With New Sanctions. StarTribune.com.  2 February 2018.Roser, Max; Nagdy, Moses; and Ritchie, Hannah. Terrorism. OurWorldInData.org. January 2018.United Nations staff. UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. UN.org.  United States Department of State. Country Reports on Terrorism 2016. State.gov. July 2017.

Individual report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Individual report - Essay Example any chooses to pursue one of the two types of the competitive advantage that is either via lower cost than its competitors then it can command greater section of the market and customers. The generic strategy gives a reflection of the choices that can be made by the company regarding the type of the competitive advantage and the scope of the market There are mainly three levels of international strategies that the Xiao mi Company uses namely corporate strategy, functional strategies and even business strategies. All these strategies focus on the international markets where they use cost leadership as the effective market strategies that they can use to explore and acquire greater market niche for their smart phones. The international strategies of the Xiao mi in the essence tries to define the business domain in which the firm can operate through recruiting foreign people, improving the R&D division and even through analysis of the factors that influence strong operation systems (Bruce, 2008). To meet the international standards, it is very important for the Xiao mi Company to answer quite different the many questions that form the major components of the business domain. These divergent answers should reflect the different corporate strengths and weaknesses and even different way that Xiao mi can use to assess different oppor tunities and threats that may be produced by the global economics and even the political environment. This theory tries to explain how Xiao mi can intensify their business activities in the foreign markets. In this set of model Xiao mi first gained a lot of experience from the domestic markets before they decide to move to the international markets to do international businesses of selling the smart phones making a gross sale of about 5 billion. Xiao Mi Company started their foreign operation by forming the agreement with the foreign intermediate or agents who are geographically in close countries to make people be aware of their products

Men and women, Yin & Yang Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Men and women, Yin & Yang - Essay Example When a person meets his Mr. or Ms. Perfect, the pull is irrefutable and incomprehensible despite all differences in behavior and personalities. They are attracted to each other even when they are living far apart. This attraction has always been there in all ages. The girl is yin, and the guy is yang. Yin attract yang with her feminine traits, and yang attracts yin with his masculine traits. Yin is emotional, while yang is indifferent. However, both yin and yang harmonize each other quite perfectly, balancing each other’s negative traits with their positive ones. The yang characteristics of men help them in reasoning and making logical decisions. Their way of approaching problems and solutions is based on intellect rather than emotion. They accomplish their mission with ingenuity and wisdom. They use their absolute willpower and persistent determination to achieve their goals. They are blessed with such resolute power with which they can lead independent lives. They are patient, understanding, and authoritative in nature. They consider themselves as that positive light which can bring the world out of darkness. Hence, they are also dominant in their personal relationships. In contrast, the yin characteristics of women include receptiveness, shyness, and responsibility. Women are more inclined toward emotional logic and sixth sense. They perceive problems with their inner eyes, and spend ample time in making choices that prove to be fruitful in the long run. They give importance to love over practicality. They are more compassionate than their yang counterparts, and believe in poignant aspects of relationships. To them, love is the most cherished possession, and they will do everything to sustain it. They are born with self-sacrificing nature, and are inclined to prefer others to themselves. Extremities in yin and yang characteristics disturb the balance that is required to maintain harmony between the two genders. When a man is too yang, he

What is the purpose of fashion Does this help or harm humans Essay

What is the purpose of fashion Does this help or harm humans - Essay Example , it would be easy to get â€Å"important information (or misinformation) as to†¦occupation, origin, personality, opinions, tastes, sexual desires and current mood† (Lurie, 184). This way, fashion becomes a channel through which the individual communicates to the world, without the use of the language of words. Additionally, the purpose of fashion is to influence the world, through portraying to others, what a person would like the world to know about him/her, or the way the individual would like to be viewed by others. Consequently, since the language of fashion is understood by the world, â€Å"if clothing is a language, it must have a vocabulary and a grammar like other languages† (Lurie, 185). Further, fashion also plays the role of separating an individual from the others, considering that when an individual is dressed in a typical way that the others perceive to be different, the individual is already differentiated from the masses. In this regard, fashion se rves as a means of promoting individuality. Unfortunately, in reality, fashion has had some harm on humans, considering that rather than fashion conforming to individuals; it is the individuals who have been forced to conform to fashion. This is because; â€Å"in fashion classrooms and design studios, the human figure is proportioned to emphasize the clothing, not the body† (Herman, 2). Thus, fashion has been established by the designers with an artistic perception of people, such that it conforms to the espoused slim and model-like individuals, while the rest, who may have some extra pound, curves or weight are left out, thus lowering their self-esteem. This is more especially because, â€Å"the fashion worlds emphasis on tall, thin and young women is frequently cited as contributing to poor self-esteem, anorexia and bias against the overweight† (Herman, 1). Moreover, while fashion is a way of individual expression that differentiates an individual from the masses, extreme application of fashion serves to

Your Death Would Be Mine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Your Death Would Be Mine - Essay Example The book offers a glimpse into French life and times, and also reveals how the character of rural France was changed forever. One of the most important details the book looks at is the, altering of the bucolic rural lifestyle. The war claimed the lives of the men who tilled the land, and the women were alone to manage the family farm, and look after the children, as in the case of Marie, a sick infant. In France, the military is seen more as a â€Å"social and political institution† (Bell & Marta) and stories dealing with time of war, concern themselves more with the changes wrought by war in the social sphere, than its military operations. The Great War as WWI is at times known, as a catastrophe of unimaginable proportion, leaving behind in its wake a decimated population, an economy in shambles and all around misery for the general populace. Yet, the French soldiered on towards victory, which research has proved, was not so much the result of military accomplishments, but the tenacity and stoicism of the ordinary French civilians (Marta & Bell). Paul and Marie, were a young newlywed, peasant couple who lived in the southwest of France during World War I. Ever sincethen, Paul had to stay away from home since he had to serve in the army from 1914 to 1919. Martha Hanna paints a vivid picture revealing a very powerful and personal perspective of the devastating war. Hundreds of letters exchanged between the couple, helped both the combatants and civilians experience a sort of emotional commitment, which brought untold misery and pain suffered due to the absence of their loved ones. While Paul vividly narrated with great intensity and poetic clarity, about the atrocities and brutality of war and its impact on them by way of fatigue and their dietary needs, Marie enumerated about the difficulty of working on the family farm why looking after the sick infant at home. She

My willing contribution to the university and my hopes for college Essay

My willing contribution to the university and my hopes for college experience - Essay Example tudents who get education in a community college just because the government provides them with money or some students study their because of their parents. The lack of strength in the utilization of their capabilities is disturbing. Students cheat to get good grades and focus on passing the examination instead of learning. This trend needs to be altered to improve the educational status globally and to produce high quality achievers. The system of going to school and then going to work to pay for the school fees is one of the factors that de-motivates a lot of college going students. The cycle leaves little space for personal development of a person. My aim in life has always been to explore the story of the people around me and being a part time educationist I consider it a responsibility to teach them and show them the right direction. Every person can make a contribution to their society for its betterment and my responsibility is to make sure that my students and other people around me acknowledge their true potential. The University of Colorado fosters a culturally diverse environment and an inclusive community which I hope to become a part of and contribute my skills that I have gained through my personal experiences. My aim would be to give in my best at every on campus activity and accomplish all targets set by my professors. Tutoring has taught me that there is a fire in each soul that is waiting to be ignited and with the proper attention given to a person, there are miracles that can be achieved. It is necessary for each person to understand what they are capable of and know their worth because it this in this way that they can succeed in life. Diverse environment gives out the proper conditions necessary for me to contribute to and to make myself better. I am willing to bring the same zeal and zest to the University of Colorado and achieve my aim. There is no age of learning and a person can achieve much in life by having an attitude of never giving

Your Death Would Be Mine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Your Death Would Be Mine - Essay Example The book offers a glimpse into French life and times, and also reveals how the character of rural France was changed forever. One of the most important details the book looks at is the, altering of the bucolic rural lifestyle. The war claimed the lives of the men who tilled the land, and the women were alone to manage the family farm, and look after the children, as in the case of Marie, a sick infant. In France, the military is seen more as a â€Å"social and political institution† (Bell & Marta) and stories dealing with time of war, concern themselves more with the changes wrought by war in the social sphere, than its military operations. The Great War as WWI is at times known, as a catastrophe of unimaginable proportion, leaving behind in its wake a decimated population, an economy in shambles and all around misery for the general populace. Yet, the French soldiered on towards victory, which research has proved, was not so much the result of military accomplishments, but the tenacity and stoicism of the ordinary French civilians (Marta & Bell). Paul and Marie, were a young newlywed, peasant couple who lived in the southwest of France during World War I. Ever sincethen, Paul had to stay away from home since he had to serve in the army from 1914 to 1919. Martha Hanna paints a vivid picture revealing a very powerful and personal perspective of the devastating war. Hundreds of letters exchanged between the couple, helped both the combatants and civilians experience a sort of emotional commitment, which brought untold misery and pain suffered due to the absence of their loved ones. While Paul vividly narrated with great intensity and poetic clarity, about the atrocities and brutality of war and its impact on them by way of fatigue and their dietary needs, Marie enumerated about the difficulty of working on the family farm why looking after the sick infant at home. She

Effective Team and Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Effective Team and Management - Essay Example Many people have different perceptions about the value that teams bring to an organization. Some people think that teams are a waste of time and other resources and thus organizations need to focus on individual output as is opposed to group performance. They point out certain weaknesses of teams such as laxity by some members and lack of individual responsibility when mistakes do arise. Teams also overshadow talent and other stand to gain where they did not sow. However, there is strong evidence that teams and teamwork is the best way to go for organizations that are seeking success. For teams to realize productivity there needs to be certain principles in place which have to be observed by all team members. Building a team spirit is a huge task and requires that managers acquire better skills of interpersonal management as well as interpersonal communication. Various theories have been fronted to help understand teams or groups and group dynamics. This paper takes a reflective appr oach to the modules we studied and tries to link it with the learning outcomes that were expected at the end of the session. Theories and other concepts learnt will be utilized in this critical reflection and discussion (Senior & Swailes, 2007, pp.138-153). Reflection from group exercises in weeks one to three Reflection is important in the course of my study (Illes, 2003, pp.209-215). Groups at work places are very important additives to any organization’s success story. I realized that there must be clear objectives as to why teams are formed in work places in the first place. This is because previously I had a notion that teams are simply about numbers. But I realized that teams should not be formed on the basis of filling up positions and coming up with large groups of people who have no objective of being together in such workplace settings. Many organizations end up promoting teams in workplaces for the purpose of boasting and propagate a total quality environment at wo rk. This is a very wrong idea. Teams within a workplace have been a very powerful tool in many successful organizations. The benefits of having teams at work are many and include the provision of motivation to employees who are members; they enhance job coordination (Sonnentag, 1999); they give an improved problem solving environment; and assist in better decision-making process, among others. However, I realized that there is a price to pay for having this good performance (Stajkovic & Luthans, 1997, pp.1122–1149). As noticed, making decisions within a team takes a longer period than if one was to do it as an individual. This could be attributed to the fact that all members need to be consulted and consensus reached before a final decision could be acted upon. The process taken for teams to mature is also very long and slower. Teams have been known to evolve and mature into formidable groups that could carry out work effectively and this could not happen as fast as I thought . The other idea that I realized was the fact that teams needed long periods of training and comprehensive training for that matter in order for them to mature. Despite these shortcomings, I noticed that teams have major benefits mentioned above, which do outweigh these problems and frustrations faced by managers in many situations (Senior & Swailes, 2007, pp.138-153). Belbin Team Roles Theory has posed a good model for many managers struggling with teams in their organizations. The model has various fundamental concepts that are based on roles. I realized that

Social Psychology Essay Example for Free

Social Psychology Essay The external validity of all of these studies has come under attack in recent years. The research may show that under experimental conditions, subjects fall into the categories of intervener or non-intervene fairly easily, but there is no evidence to suggest that these results can be generalised. Huston, Ruggiero, Conner and Geis (1981) address these issues. They also refer to the murder of Kitty Genovese but criticise previous studies for a lack of external validity. Specifically, they cite four major concerns over the extent to which the findings can be generalised. Firstly, Huston et al comment that ethical guidelines prevent experimenters from reproducing realistic experimental environments. Thus, the research is based on simulated events, usually using a group of students. Secondly, no research has ever investigated the situation whereby the bystander becomes an involved participant in the violent incident. According to Huston et al this avoids the issue of how the bystander can actually change the course of events. Thirdly, there has been a lack of focus on the effects of violent and criminal emergencies (understandably perhaps) and this means that the research does not correlate with real life situations. Huston et al (1981) argue that previous research has explored the role of personality traits in the potential to intervene. Huston et als study attempts to rectify these limitations and provide a more comprehensive account of real life acts of heroism. In doing so they provide a completely different framework through which to analyse bystanders at crime scenes. They measured three different areas which may account for intervention; exposure to crimes and emergencies,[relevant] competencies and skills,inclination to intervene. (1981, p. 15). Therefore, instead of using emotional, almost Freudian cues as were used in previous research, Huston et al choose cognitive cues and appear to view the individual as a rational and practical decision-maker. Huston et al reported that several factors increased the probability that any individual would intervene to help a stranger, Exposure to crime in the past was a significant factor, but more so, was the individuals perceived competence to intervene. Also those who intervened tended to be heavier and taller than the non-interveners. This suggests that a key factor in the decision making process of the individual is whether they perceive themselves as being capable of making a difference. Interestingly, Huston et al found no significant difference in the personality traits of the two groups of those who intervened and those who did not. They do however, suggest that further studies could include groups of subjects that are matched for their exposure to crime. They also comment that their sample and the samples of other similar studies may not be representative because those who do not intervene, for reasons of social desirability to not come forward in order for their experience to be examined and accounted for. This study goes some way in accounting for real life acts of heroism. It presents a naturalistic setting, which the previous studies neglected to provide, and suggests some plausible accounts for bystander intervention and acts of heroism. However, the majority of studies do not seem to account for cases of extreme altruism that take place in real life. Many go some way to explaining why many people do not intervene to help others. Self-interest appears to dominate all explanations. As Batson (1994) comments, the main assumption in most research into bystander intervention is that all human action is ultimately directed toward self-interest. (p. 603), and yet we still persist in volunteering, contributing and rescuing. Altruism is a paradox which defies biological explanation. Laboratory research into bystander intervention goes some way to accounting for acts of heroism but still fails to explain the point in our evolution where we began to perform acts of complete selflessness. References Batson, C.D. (1994). Why act for the public good? Four Answers. In Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 20, pp. 603-610Â  Brown, R. (1986) Social Psychology: The Second Edition. Free Press. Â  Darley, J.M. and Batson, C.D. (1973). From Jerusalem to Jericho : A study of situational and dispositional variables in helping behaviour. In Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 27, pp. 100-108.

Facilities Management Outsourcing In The UK Information Technology Essay

Facilities Management Outsourcing In The UK Information Technology Essay Chapter One served as an introduction to the dissertation, forming the motivation for the research project on the facility management outsourcing in the UK, together with a brief discussion on factors embodied in the study. Factors such as the problem, literature review; research methodology and limitations of the study are discussed. This is the appropriate theoretical paradigm of the study, the main focus of which is to specify the facility management outsoaring trend in the UK, together with related concepts. In the next paragraphs, As per research literature author discusses the definition of outsourcing, to understand the meaning of outsourcing from different views of various authors, and thus lead to conclusions of what outsourcing means. Outsourcing is the long-term results-orientated relationship with an external service provider for activities traditionally performed within the company. Burn et al., (2002) say Outsourcing usually applies to a complete business process and implies a degree of managerial control and risk on the part of the provider. Aaratunga et al.(2008) is in the favour of FM, according to him FM helps organizations as well as employees as a whole to get the full benefit by the integration of property and user related functions. It provides dynamic facilities policies which help in the generation of corporate values. It reduces the problems of space allocation and charging. In improving the environmental condition it can be a great help. Direct and contract employment can also be improved by the introduction of FM. Facility management  is an  interdisciplinary  field primarily devoted to the maintenance and care of commercial or institutional buildings, such as  hotels,  resorts,  schools,  office complexes,  sports arenas  or  convention centres. Duties may include the care of  air conditioning,  electric,power,  plumbing  and  lighting  systems;  cleaning;  decoration;  grounds keeping  and  security. Some or all of these duties can be assisted by computer programs. These duties can be thought of as non-core or support services, because they are not the primary business (taken in the broadest sense of the word) of the owner organization (Alexander, Keith, 1996). According to Barrett (1995) there are three approaches for opting the whole of FM services or part of it namely; out-sourced, in-house or a hybrid of both. The firm can choose any of the approach in order to get the FM services. The approach taken by the firm depends on the concerns or priorities already decided by the firm. In case of support providers some organizations goes for the totally in-house option, while some are in the favour of certain main services which are possible, the third type of organization is the one who uses the combination of both. Many companies have realized that in order to add value to its customers, they must single-mindedly concentrate on their core competencies and leave the running of vital, but yet time consuming and labor intensive peripheral activities to other more qualified operators confirms Sherratt (2000). 2.2. What is outsourcing Outsourcing means to have a contract with another company or person to do a particular function. Now a day almost every organization outsources some of its departments in some way. Usually, that function is being outsourced which is considered non-core to the business. Outsourcing takes many forms. Organizations still hire service providers to handle distinct business processes (Sourcingmag, 2009). Source: MacroTechs business process outsourcing model A term often used in the context of outsourcing is vertical integration. Vertical integration refers to the level of ownership of activities either backward into the supply chain or forward towards the customers or end-user of the product and service. Vertical integration is similar to the outsourcing concept in that it is concerned with the decision on whether to perform an activity internally or source it from an external supplier. Another term that is often used in manufacturing context is make-or-buy. It is arguable at make or buy is most appropriate term in context of outsourcing as it implies that there should be an evaluation of the suitability of either internal or external supply whereas the term outsourcing implies that the decision to use an external supplier has already been made without any consideration whether is it appropriate for the organization. Its necessary for the successful application of outsourcing to analyze whether it is necessary for the organization and h ow the outsourcing process should be managed (McIvor, Ronan, 2005). 2.2.1 Reasons behind outsourcing In todays business evolution, companies seek to remain strong or gain strength in an ecommerce-enabled marketplace. Likewise the factors driving outsourcing have evolved from a focus on solving financial problems to IT or certain business processes which contribute to the competitive success of an organization through enhanced capability, improved flexibility, increased efficiency or enhanced speed to market. Outsourcing has evolved from a survival tactic to a strategic competitive tool touted by even the most respected management consultants says Van Bon (2002:249). The areas which have not run on traditional lines can be introduced by the new ideas, technologies and new findings with the help of outsourcing which has a great positional in bringing the businesslike approach. It can help in upgrading the system or skills of the workers. It has a potential in bringing the reduced cost technologies by specializations and large scale economies. Outsourcing can help in upgrading the assets (Beitz,1998). Accoring to Heath (2010) outsourcing facilities management enables an organization to focus on its core business functions. Organization can gain many value-driven and many less visible benefits including:- Flexibility Increase and decrease staffing levels as needed, without having to interview, hire, or train a new employee or be forced to lay off employees when business slows. Productivity Because you are tapping into a pool of well-trained professionals who have access to the best processes, you immediately increase your productivity. Expert Assistance Rely on experts in facilities management to ensure that your company is operating efficiently and cost effectively. Better Service By having the right personnel available to handle your facility management issues, your customers will benefit as well. The cost-savings alone can make outsourcing management an attractive idea; instead of paying salary, bonuses, benefits, and taxes, as well as the administrative costs associated with those items, organization willl simply pay a flat rate that makes it easy to budget and plan. 2.2.2 Outsourcing relationship management process (the modern outsourcing model) In the new era of outsourcing, the customer regards the vendor as a long-term asset that is a source of ongoing value to the company. An asset, time and resources are dedicated to the management of a relationship, thereby maximizing its value. The customers resources are held accountable for extracting value from the outsourcing relationship. This is a more strategic approach. Good relationship management requires thought, planning, coordination and dedication of resources to be successful. Management cannot overlook the importance of this structure and its supporting processes. Good relationship management can be used to fix many ills inherent in a sourcing transaction. While this area of expertise is relatively immature, it is nonetheless important if the promise of outsourcing is to be realized concludes Van Bon (2002). Often a person called the client contract manager of an outsourcing deal is left to determine what was just negotiated after the outsourcing contract is signed. Van Bon (2002: 258) has shown that in a lot of situations this is a recipe for disaster, when it comes to realizing the benefits of outsourcing. Fortunately in todays world, organizations realize the importance of processes and a sound governance model by the time the deal is finalized. The big questions to be asked is how does one go about building into the process and how does one operate the process after an outsourcing deal is done? When an outsourcing deal has taken place, interdependency exists between the two companies. Both the vendor and the customer therefore change, as the one affects the other. Therefore both parties must understand the cost drivers of the two infrastructures and coordinate changes so as not to introduce additional costs into the process. Both the customer and the vendor must behave as an integrated supply chain rather than as win or lose adversaries. MTW (2010) found in this research that the FM market has become increasingly characterized by closer relationships between suppliers and contractors, as greater efficiencies and lower procurement costs are sought. During 2009, several FM companies established programs specifically designed to improve supplier relationships to ensure that material and equipment suppliers were aligned with customer relationship principles and accountable for their own supply chains. 2.3. Types of outsourcing For the purpose of this study and based on the area of study on which the author is focusing, there are two types of outsourcing models identified by Greaver, F. Maurice (1999):- Total outsourcing: In this type of outsourcing, organizations outsource all of their activities. It is easiest way to in the easiest way to get good results with less effort. Service provide so same things but they produce better results, mostly organization choose it as it saves money. Selective outsourcing: Some times organization does not want to outsource all the activities of an individual, function or process. In Facility Management industry if an organization wants to outsource its whole building control but keeps automated entry exit control in their own system to make sure who come in and leaves the building and when. Most successful experiences were associated with a reasoned, incremental and selective approach to outsourcing which is increasingly reflected in the structure of the market confirms Willcocks and Fitzgerald (1994). Table 2.1 Types of Outsourcing and the risks associated with them. In-house Commitment Selective Outsourcing Total Outsourcing Total Attitude Core Strategic Asset Mixed Portfolio Non-Core Necessary Cost World Class Provision Providers IT Employees Loyal to Business the Horses for Courses Vendor Strategic Partner Emphasis Value focus Value for Money Money Added Value? Dangers High Cost Insular Unresponsive Management Overhead Exploitation by Suppliers Unbalanced Risk/Reward Innovation Source: Alexander (1996) This table 2.1 shows that all arrangements have inherent risks associated with them, in addition to the above types of outsourcing, Other types of outsourcing services as defined by Glomark-Governan (2006) include Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) which involves the transfer of management and execution of one or more complete business processes or entire business functions to an external service provider. Research done by Currie and Willcocks (1997:180) concludes that most companies chose selective outsourcing. In the United States only 8% has gone total outsourcing and in the United Kingdom only 2%. This figure as low since total outsourcing is very risky. Data collected on total outsourcing indicates a 35% failure rate. With total outsourcing, vendors build in a high switching cost. Total outsourcing should be done on a joint risk-reward basis and never on a fee-for service (time and material) contract. It is recommended that re-negotiation stages be included in the original contract of big deals. 2.4 Advantages of outsourcing Turban et al. (2002) describes following advantages of outsourcing FINANCIAL Avoid heavy capital investment, thereby releasing funds for other uses Improve cash flow and cost accountability Realize cost benefits from economies of scale, and from sharing computer housing, hardware, software and personnel Release extensive office space TECHNICAL Be free to chose software due to a wider range of hardware Achieve technological improvements more easily Have greater access to technical skills MANAGEMENT Concentrate on developing and running core business activity Eliminate need to recruit and retain competent FM staff HUMAN RESOURCES Draw on specialist skills, available from a pool of expertise, when needed Enrich career development opportunities for staff QUALITY Clearly define service levels Improve performance accountability Earn quality accreditation FLEXIBILITY Respond quickly to business demands 2.5 Disadvantages of outsourcing In spite of the numerous advantages mentioned above, there can also be less desirable consequences. Most concerns are explored further (Bucki, James. 2010). Availability: The external provider is not always available full time and may be committed to other clients. Confidentiality: The vendor will probably need to keep some of the customers records off-site while simultaneously working with competitors. Cost: The customer may perceive that unit costs for the external provider are high. Termination costs of an agreement can also be very high. Perceived lack of accountability and commitment: There is a possibility that a customer can end up with a provider that does not share the risks of the client and is committed to the agreement. 2.6 Outsourcing decision making Research done by Caruso (1996) found that the decision to outsource non-core competencies takes place at corporate level in 50% of the cases. A third takes place at the divisional level and 15% at operational level. Normally other departments such as finance, Marketing and Human Resources are also involved in the decision. These departments play a significant role in the selection process. The final decision on which vendor to use is done at corporate level. Glomark-Governans (2006) also found that the finance department is involved with the cost calculations and the Human Resources department concentrates on the smooth transition of employees. The Human Resources department is also responsible for monitoring employee moral throughout the company before, during and after the outsourcing transition has taken place. The Marketing department would then explain the new strategic relationship of the company with the vendor customer and concentrate on the benefits the customer will reap from the outsourcing arrangement. Vendors should be selected based on their total capabilities, not just price or a single aspect of what they can do. References and reputation are only two of the criteria that should be used when making the final decision on which vendor to contract. A reasonable price should be negotiated and performance measures put in place. When selecting a vendor, close attention should be paid to how candidates measure up in the areas of financial strength, business experience, business development, support services and business arrangements. Willcocks et al., (1997) also found that assessing outsourcing intangible benefits also requires a careful investigation of links between the technical, the operational, and the economic effects of the benefit. The result provides a sound framework for identifying the measurable variable needed for the economic quantification. As a simple example: Technical benefit an on-line sales force Web service enables sales professionals in a company to produce reports with key content designed for executives in their accounts. Operational benefit with the new reports available, the sales representatives can increase the number of meetings with senior managers in their accounts Economic benefit an increase in meetings with senior managers will increase the close rate. The close rate (number of orders closed as a percent of proposals presented) is the measured variable that can be used to define the benefit formula (means of economic quantification). 2.7 Facilities management outsourcing Since cresting as a trend in the mid-to-late 80s, the outsourcing of facilities management has now simply become a way of doing business. In the last decade, many facilities managers have exchanged the traditional carts and hard hats for seats in boardrooms with titles like VP of capital assets or VP of real estate. At meetings, they build strong cases for maintaining existing facilities; persuading their brethren that buildings which hold their value are as important to the core mission of their organization as developing a new product or pouring millions into new research (Helene, McEntee, 2000). Facilities management has changed significantly since the early 1990s. In the early days, such tasks were decentralized. Store or district managers made service vendor selections and managed repair decisions. Often, those providing services were relatives or friends. The corporate headquarters usually had no view into facilities issues at the store level (Barrett, P.,  Baldry, D., 2003). By the mid 1990s, centralization became the norm. Major tasks, such as procurement and new construction, became centralized at the home office to achieve buying power. Centralization also found its way to facilities management. Facility maintenance departments began to grow, adding headcount to manage the needs of multiple locations while offloading tasks from onsite managers (Barrett, P. Baldry, D., 2003). By the late 1990s, web-based management solutions emerged, known as computerized maintenance management systems (CMMSs). The promise of a CMMS was the connection of all interested parties, including the store manager, facilities manager and service vendors. Unfortunately, service providers often did not have computers and the malls were not connected to the Internet, leading to system inefficiencies (Nakayama, M. Sutcliffe, N. 2005). By about 2002, affordable Internet access and the proliferation of broadband connections led to the emergence of powerful new facility management solutions. Leveraging portals and email, facilities management was embracing modern technology to improve communications and accountability (Nakayama, M. Sutcliffe, N. 2005). Blumberg (1998) presents new viewpoint to explain the FM outsourcing in terms of its positional benefits. FM outsourcing provides the organization many benefits. It helps in reducing the cost of the organization that opt it as the service provider company provides high quality services with the comparatively low cost. It is useful in improving the operating efficiency as the workload is shared. The net effect will be on the returns, they will increase and In contrast to Bloomberg (1998) and Kotabe (1992), if organization outsource its FM sector it will lead to the loss of overall market performance. He says that innovation will be neglected in case of reliance on outsourcing. When outsourcer does not want to be innovative he outsources its FM as it is much easier in contrast to indulge in innovations. The end result is the decline in the technological advancements which is the base in the innovations in the product and process. According to Nutt (1999) FM is improving the overall efficiency of the organization. It is a huge deportment in establishing values for all the facilities seekers. Corporations, individual employees, clients, operating units are the chief facilities seekers. FM is growing day by day and because of its increasing demand this market has created a much more competitive marketplace. Different types of FM companies has been established to fulfil its increasing demand such as FM contractors, professional FM institutions, FM suppliers, FM consultants and in-house FM teams. 2.8 Developing a facilities management structure Atkin, B. Brooks, A (2009) states that for the efficient and effectively management of facilities, stout strategies must be developed in the framework of organizations strategic business plan and accommodation strategy. These strategy should include development of strategic objectives and a business plan for the FM function. The process of developing a Fm strategy is demonstrated in Figure 2.2, which shows three main stages with their elements. These three stages are:- Strategic analysis Developing solutions Strategy implementation Figure 2.2 Source: Atkin, B. Brooks, A (2009) There is no single formulation of facilities management that will fit all situations. Nonetheless, the concept of the informed client function is common to all situations. Most buildings represent substantial investments for organisations and usually have to accommodate and support a range of activities in the organisations core business, for which an appropriate environment must be created in buildings that may not have been designed for the purposes for which they are now used. Yet, no matter how well focused on organisation might be on its core business, it cannot lose sight of the supporting services the non-core business. The relationship between two is shown in the figure 2.3. Organisations may have already considered the distinction between their core business and non-core business (such as security, payroll or cleaning) as part of the drive to deliver customer satisfaction and achieve best value (Atkins, Brian Brooks, Adrian, 2009). Figure 2.3Source: Atkins, Brian Brooks, Adrian (2009). 2.9 Facilities management Information Technology History of computer-aided facilities management (CAFM) dates back to the early 1960s when space forecasting and inventory applications were first run on expensive mainframe computers by people writing their own programming codes. With the passage of time architectural planning and construction project management were added to the suite of applications running on the systems shown in figure 2.4. The number of people writing their own code based on office automation software increased dramatically with the advent of smaller computers. Islands of automation introduced in the market during 1970s and 1980s, CAFM began to be used for other applications such as furniture inventory, lease management, aqsset management, and building cost accounting CMMS application such as maintenance management, cable management and security began during late 1980s and 1990s during the end of 1980s internet was introduced and it was revolution in the automated system. Many firms created their own softwares t hose fits in their organization (National research council, 2001). Figure 2.4 Space Asset CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Inventory Management Management System) 1960sà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦1970sà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦1980sà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.1990sà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦..2000s Mainframe > PC Islands > CAFM > Internet Source: National research council (2001) Today facilities managers use several software tools. Each of these tools processes and stores only specific information. Only FM specific tools are included in the following list, general tools like email, workflow, word processing belong to underlying IT base support (Redlein, Alexander, 2004). Computer Aided Facility Management Systems (CAFM) Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP) Building automated Systems (BA including security systems) Management Information system (MIS) (Business Data Warehouse Systems) As mentioned above, all of the tools are engaged in the day to day objective process. Even in one field one toll alone cannot handle or support all the needed processes. The following table 2.1 shows how the main basic processes of FM can be supported by the software systems (James, R. Watson, R., 2009):- Table 2.1 Main processes and IT support Support of CAFM ERP BA Maintenance Drawing, equipment location Maintenance contracts, cost accounting, billing Technical data, status of equipment Space Management Drawing, current user Cost accounting, transparency Technical data Tenant management Current user Tenancy agreement, rental fee Technical resources Sales / Marketing Visualization, adaptation to customers needs Information systems, calculation Available technical resources Source: National institute of building sciences Computer-aided facilities management system (CAFM) There are many Computer Aided Facility Management (CAFM) tools available today. They have become an essential tool for increasing and maintaining the efficient use of space in your buildings. As a planning tool, CAFM can help by creating trial layouts and comparing space efficiencies. CAFM helps track and control the use of assets like furniture and equipment. CAFM can help allocate asset costs to operating units and track employee movements. Many CAFM applications have options to aid in scheduling the use of shared space or maintenance routines like landscaping or snow removal. CAFM also enhances the effectiveness of facility safety and security. Following benefits could be achieved by implementing CAFM system (Teicholz, Eric, 1995) Increased Efficiency of Asset Utilization Automates space charge-backs based on your billing and reporting requirements Link architectural drawings with facilities and infrastructure data, ensuring information is always accurate Allocates space usage and reports charge-backs with accuracy to avoid external or inter-departmental billing disputes. Enterprise Resource Planning system (ERP) ERP is back office software which focuses on the key business functions of manufacturing, supply chain management,  CRM, financial management and  Project Management. A well implemented ERP solution will improve the efficiency of the enterprise, reduce money tied up in stock/work in progress, and run a Just in Time inventory system (BBC, 2005). Building automated system (BA) Building automation  describes the functionality provided by the control system of a building. A building automation system (BAS) is an example of a  distributed control system. The control system is a computerized, intelligent  network  of electronic devices, designed to monitor and control the mechanical and lighting systems in a building (Redlein, Alexander, 2004). BAS core functionality keeps the building climate within a specified range, provides lighting based on an occupancy schedule, and monitors system performance and device failures and provides email and/or text notifications to building engineering staff. The BAS functionality reduces building energy and maintenance costs when compared to a non-controlled building. A building controlled by a BAS is often referred to as an intelligent building system (Daintree Networks, 2009). As it mentioned in the section 2.7 that in around 2002, affordable Internet access and the proliferation of broadband connections led to the emergence of powerful new facility management solutions. Leveraging portals and email, facilities management was embracing modern technology to improve communications and accountability (Nakayama, M. Sutcliffe, N. 2005). 2.10 The evolution of outsourcing in the FM market Companies have become more efficient at reducing costs, and this is sometimes difficult to do effectively through in-house facilities managers. They are often constrained by internal political pressures and vested interests, and often they lack the expertise to manage change. Change within a company is a major challenge to any chief executive. By outsourcing to professionals, the outsourcing company becomes the change agent and a company is able to re-engineer and reposition itself more quickly and efficiently says Jackson (1997). Figure 2.1 Trend in FM outsourcing Source: Holzhhauzen 1999:9 From traditional in-house facilities management, the trend moved towards contracting certain non-core competencies. It then developed into outsourcing non-core competencies to a number of outsourcing firms. The trend is now developing further to full facilities management, which takes the risk away form the customer and places it on the shoulders of a single vendor (Holzhhauzen 1999). Since the early 1990s FM has shows the tremendous growth, as different sectors and organizations are interested in control of operational efficiencies and cost. Now a day there is a trend in private companies to focus on the core competencies. So these companies are interested in adopting the outsourcing in order to increase the efficiency as well as output of a company (AMA Research, 2009). FM sector has shows tremendous success over the last 25 years. Many professional bodies are supporting the growing number of FM practitioners all over the world to establish this market as a worldwide brand. It has been controlled by the global network of FM educational providers who worked jointly with the professionals related to this field, they also have collaboration with the academic community which provides them with the unique and challenging ideas to develop this market. According to writer there is variety in the practice of FM but the main idea of its establishment remains the same which helps in maintaining its distinctiveness (Grimshaw, 2001). The back casting exercise provided an opportunity of reflecting on the short history of Facilities Management, charting its development and evolution. At the European Facilities Management Conference in Manchester (EFMC08) the vision of a new wave of Facilities Management was proposed in response to the context of post-industrial cities. A leading role for FM in urban sustainability was envisaged, with an emphasis on innovation and creativity, community based planning and open sourcing (EFMC, 2008). 1970s 1G Managed services, outsourcing Operational total facilities management, CAFM 1980s 2G Quality management, management agency Tactical benchmarking, FM processes, FIMS 1990s 3G Partnering, re-engineering processes, Strategic knowledge management, product innovation, sustainable facilities management 2000s 4G Business processes, open innovation, usability, Transformational service excellence, transformational outsourcing, As Facilities Management enters a fifth decade and, perhaps a fifth generation in the development of Facilities Management, what will the next generation be like? (EFMC, 2008). 2.10.1 Facilities management outsourcing trend in the world Europe is now the worlds biggest market for outsourcing. In 2004, Europe accounted for 49%

Beneficial Pets Essay -- essays research papers

Would you like to live a happy and productive life? Then get pets! I must admit it is hard to believe that domesticated animals can promote mental and physical health, but many studies have shown that they can. On the other hand, you must find a pet that is compatible with you or with your life style. Maintaining good mental health is crucial for living a "normal" life. Many psychiatrists have found that patients with anger management problems can be calmer with a pet around the house. Sometimes, just the feel of a pet in the house can do wonders on the nerves and eliminate certain aggravation. A significant point that have been brought up by animal right activists is that abuse inflicted on animals is, in many cases caused by frustration caused by an outside conflict. Outside conflicts can be caused by work stress, school, and/or relationships. On the other hand, if you have control of your temper your should have nothing to worry about. I have found that having multiple pets around can be difficult, but with the hard work comes satisfaction and happiness. Personally, I own two birds and six fish; my two birds are in separate cages, so they do not fight or maybe even kill each other! In my fish tank, there is no predatory fish, which would endanger the other fish in the tank. Separating animals that could do harm to each other is a good method for ensuring their safety. In addition, you must remember to spend an equal amount of time with your pets†¦ even your...

Influences on Belizean Youths

Influences on Belizean Youths As we the year passes by it is less common to see any youth showing how proud they are of their culture by dressing and practicing the aspects that their culture represents. It is more common to see the influences that other countries have brought into our country and which have caused a cultural erasure especially in the lives of us the young one. However, society tends to see these changes and take in mind as it doesn’t affect our origins and from where we initiated. Presently today it is very rare to see any youth dressing according to their culture, listening to cultural music and eating cultural food that once used to be the delicacy and cuisine of Belize. For the way of dressing of the youths in Belize, there is more skinny jeans and miniskirts than garifuna headbands and maya mipils. The clothing used here in our country has been influenced by the clothing weared in the United States or other foreign countries. It is visible anywhere because the only ones wearing cultural dressings are the elderly who live in villages but rarely anyone living in towns and in the city. At school you can see that every youth will be dressing fashion according to other societies of the foreign. Now a day’s young girls and boys only speak about Emporio Armani and E- hardy. At stores you can see that there are only important clothing brands on sale of which the designers are foreign and very famous. Music plays an important role for a young adult because that is the way they identify themselves. In this generation most youngsters will listen to hip-hop, rap, regeaton, rock, reage, etc. but for sure never any Rancheras. The closest cultural music found in our country is Punta. Closest I say because today Punta has been mixed with foreign music in order to form Punta rock. The present artists in our country would be Supa-G, Gilhary 7 and Youth Connection Band, which all of them base their music in Punta. Also the influence of music can be seen in our same Belizean arists. Those who participate in Duets and K-TV Latino would only perform foreign songs and never any cultural presentation. It is sadly that our most famous artist, Andy Palacio, who stuck to his culture and sang in Garifuna his Punta songs, has passed away. Will there be any other who would want to follow Andy’s example? Even the food here in Belize has changed as the years passes by. The influences in Belizean diets comes from England, the US and Mexico especially for the youths. At school you can see that students prefer to buy food that is not Belizean such as enchiladas and quesadillas. The most common Belizean cousin that has not lost popularity in our country is the rice and beans although some still prefer Chinese burger or fry chicken. It is true that foreign cousins have a delicious flavor and are very appetizing but so is the food prepared that once our elderly used to cook for us, being 100% Belizean. Belize is a very beautiful home land for us Belizeans and we should appreciate such heritage given to us by our ethnic groups. It is very clear that our culture is being left behind and that the influences of other countries are impacting our youths. The way they dress, the music they listen to and the food they eat all can be seen that there is foreign influence. Belizean youth must not forget that they form part of an ethnic group and that they represent the future of Belize so if they forget their origins so will Belizean history.

Essence of Educational Tour Essay

NARRATIVE REPORT â€Å"The World is a book and those who do not travel read only a page†Ã¢â‚¬â€St. Augustine. Educational Tour is part of the students’ journey towards learning. Learning is not only limited inside the four (4) walls of the classroom, because we learn best when we are exposed to new experiences and things around us. I, for one, I’m looking at tours optimistically, that with the help of bringing the students’ outside, they tend to discover new things that they’re actually involved. During our educational tour dated September 11-13, we’ve gone to Cebu City, the Queen City of the South. I, together with my co-students who are second year, third year and fourth year witnessed how it was really great to be exposed in some schools around Cebu. We are there not only to merely have fun; rather we are there to learn lots of things that are in line with our chosen field or specializations. We’ve gone to different schools namely CNU (Cebu Normal University), Cebu Braille Center, SWU (Southwestern University). USJR (University of San Jose Recoletos), Saint Ezekiel Moreno Learning Center, Lapu-Lapu City Elementary School and Mandaue Sped Center. All of these schools provided all the needs that every student/pupil is to acquire as it is concern in educational system. During our visit, I was amazed on the facilities and services they provided to their students, in CNU (Cebu Normal University), they first introduced the history of where, how, and when did Cenu Normal University has started, its founder, its origin and how it evolves to become one of the best school around Cebu, they brought us to Cebu Braille Center and explained to us that they were not owning this center, but because they wanted to help those special children, they let this center be in their community and later then they would want to find ways and means to adopt this center as to be included in the Cebu Normal University Program. As I visit the center, I was very happy to saw how the students and pupils were trying their best to learn despite of their conditions, I was also touched by those teachers who render services to teach the students, and was greatly dumbfounded when I discovered that those visually impaired graduates of their very own center, were there to teach those s tudents like them also. There were different facilities that could be  found also, this facilities or resources were highly needed by the visually impaired learners, these were some of the resources found: a) perkins brailler, which is actually some sort of type writer for the visually impaired, b) perkins printer, c) vector voice gadget, that records the things that they should study, d) talking calculator, e) cane, f) Braille letters/cards. I observed that their materials involve sounds or voice as well as to touch. And I am still amazed how they can still manage to live life while smiling and I tend to cry knowing how brave and strong they were. The next school we visited was the Southwestern University wherein I’ve discovered a teacher teaching kindergarten and was able to realize that in order to catch the attention of your learner, you should make use of a teaching strategy, and the teaching strategy she actually used was playing guitar that introduces her lesson which was all about vowel let ters. I was really enjoyed looking at the teacher and the learners learning together. That was a kind of fulfilling moment on the part of the teacher. She was not only a teacher that time; she also became a singer and a guitarist. How wonderful to looked at the learners’ faces enjoying the lesson. Another school we visited was the University of San Jose University Recoletos and Saint Ezekiel Moreno Learning Center and they welcomed us warmly, there I’ve known Ma’am Joynalyn Ceballos who speaks about the courses offered in the school, the programs they have and the policies they practice to produce a good student. We also visited there library, and upon entering our jaw dropped for a while because of their library that was absolutely stunning. Their library was built properly, its structure that almost stops everyone who entered. They have their books on their second floor which looks like a compilation of books slightly closed to the roof. They also have their Laptop area, a kind of table that able you to charge your laptop when the need arises. They have also a book check and a machine that tends to give an alarm when the books you’ve borrowed were not checked properly by the book check machine. So, there’s no reason to lose their books there. And Mrs. Ma. Socorro L. Padilla, their Librarian explained this all. We also visited their Data Distribution center where all the internet connections are controlled, and I saw a huge kind of cabinet made of steel and iron and have talked to Sir Rodelo Acasio, their programmer and controller. I also interviewed Mrs. Concepcion Delos Reyes, the secretary of the College of  Education, and she told me that they have 20 faculties in the school both part time and full time. And in St. Ezekiel, we observed the Special Children having their program. I felt terribly moved by what I saw, because I can’t even imagine myself be in their position, I felt very happy an d somewhat like sad. Happy because they were given opportunity to be involved in that kind of event and also sad, knowing how hard it was to be in their situation. The next school we visited was Lapu-Lapu City Elementary School and observed a Special Education class as well as the different grade year levels, and I was able to witnessed how the gifted or the fast learner students could actually sang a full song with a fast beat even if they were still in grade 1. I therefore realized that the learners in grade1 have special gifts that actually beyond any normal children does have. Lastly, was the Mandue Sped Center, and Maria Delia Minoza the principal had a lecture or talked about Special Education, their special needs, the different kinds of special children, their capabilities and the services as a Sped Teacher should have in teaching different kinds of special children. She also added that SPED TEACHERS are just like Gaisano Mall, 1 store but has it all. Same as when you are a Sped Teacher, 1 classro om, but has all the intelligences of the special children that you should control. I was able to saw the bakery of the center, headed by Ma’am Carolina F. Ambray. She told me that the bakery was there to help the special children to knew how to bake, and she also added that the bakery was itself controlled by those children with Autism and disability. They were the one who bake, make some cookies, cakes and breads. They also have waving machine, a machine that creates or produces cloth such as shawl or bags made by abacca. And with all these, I was being surprised because just like us who do not have disability, special children were productive also in their own little way. All that I’ve discovered were never been this amazing. I was very surprised, amazed, grateful and with mixed emotions. Even from the very first moment to visit Cebu, I realized how important a teachers’ role is, how important the facilities takes part in the day to day life experiences of the learners, how the teaching strategies, teachings could actually build a better student and because of what I have seen with this educational tour, I realized how is it very hard to have a disability and impairment, that regards of your loss or limitation. There are still chances to become productive, we should  never criticize and instead we should reinforce, motivate and show to the special children that they really do belong just like us. DOCUMENTATION Cebu Normal University Cebu Braille Center Lapu-Lapu City Central Elementary School University of San Jose Recoletos Mandaue Sped Center These were the facilities found in the center; the center was teaching the students how to bake so that they would know to manipulate these objects. Because these objects were given by Japan group intended only for those learners with autism and any disabilities. Also, we have the waving machine; a machine used to create blankets, bags and shawl. In Mandau Sped Center, they were not only teaching the students to learn academics, rather they were there to support the skills and abilities of the students. Enriching the capabilities of each of them and tries to showcase all the needed learning that every Sped students should and must acquire. BEED-4 Of the 4 days tour, which part of the tour is educational or memorable to you? Of the 4 days tour, the part of the tour that I can say educational and memorable to me was when I able to visit the different universities/school around Cebu. I learned a lot, I discovered a lot and I realized a lot. I learned that educational tour was there not only for the benefit of having fun but, it is there to let you experienced a one of a kind journey that you could never experience when you were only inside the 4 walls of the classroom. I discovered that schools in Cebu City namely; Cebu Normal University, Southwestern University, University of San Jose Recoletos,  Lapu-Lapu City Central Elementary School, Cebu Braille Center and Mandaue Sped Center were a great school that enriches the knowledge and learning both normal students and special children. The universities provided a very edge-weapon towards excellence, and the evident fact of this were the facilities, structure, programs that the school were offering to produce a globally-competitive individual. From Cebu Normal University, which you could found the Cebu Braille Center, they caters different types of Special children whether visually impaired, hearing impaired and a lot more. They provided materials for these individuals to learn more, and that would help them be convenient enough in studying. In Southwestern University, where the teacher I have observed make used of the different techniques and strategies to make the kindergarten would really have fun in learning. In University of San Jose Recoletos wherein the facilities needed for the betterment of the learning were found, specifically the high-tech library that I could say that was absolutely conducive for learning, their Audio-visual room that looks like a theater, and the controlling unit of the internet connections made me feels terribly amazed. In Lapu-Lapu City Central Elementary School that the gifted students were found moved me because I can’t actually imagined that a grade 1 pupil could actually sang a song which was in a fast beat, and take note that they sang it from the beginning until it ends. And their I saw also the Special children who were mute and I was very happy to looked at them welcoming us. And the Madaue Sped Center that teaches not only in the academics but also enriches the capabilities of the students through sewing, baking and many more. They have a facility such as sewing machines, they have bakery exclusive only for children with autism and disability and they have also waving machine to vreate blanket, bags and shawl that were made purely in Abacca. Schools were there to educate the students, and if a school has a good quality of service, with a lot of facilities to be used in enriching the capabilities of the students, I know for sure that they could produce a student who can compete globally and will become a catalyst of the society. I was really amazed of what I have discovered during the tour, and I realized that being a teacher was not really an easy task to take, we may encounter different attitude, behaviors and values. And if we surpass these kinds of children successfully, I believe that we will become a teacher full of gratitude, understanding and  love towards our pupil. Even Sped Teachers because as what Ma’am Ma. Delia Minoza, Sped Teachers are just like Gaisano Mall, 1 store but has it all. In relation to Sped Teacher, 1 classroom but has all the behaviors to control. The experienced I had could never ever be erased and will always be a part of the journey that I’m going to take. Education is the key.

Compare/Contrast Essay

Swimming Indoors vs. Swimming at the Beach Swimming is a fun and leisurely activity that can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors. Swimming pools are generally located indoors inside of homes, hotels, recreation centers or places where people would normally go to take a load off and relax. Beaches are strewn about outdoors along many coast lines throughout the world providing a haven for swimmers and other beach goers. To enjoy a swim indoors at the pool, or outdoors at the beach, can be a tough choice since both can provide a variety of experiences.This essay aims to contrast those experiences by talking about some of the temperatures in the environment at the swimming pool and at the beach; the activities that can be done there, the cleanliness that can generally be found in the areas and some of the safety measures that are typically in place at both locations. I’ll first discuss indoor swimming pools. Normally, indoor pools have a temperature gauge that can be set so that the te mperature of the pool’s water will always remain the same. While the temperature of the water in the pool can remain constant, so can the temperature of the room that the swimming pool is located in.This means that swimmers can have their ideal temperatures set for when they walk into the swimming area and their ideal temperatures set for when they step foot into the swimming pool. It’s hard to find better swimming conditions than that. Activities like water polo, water volleyball and water aerobics can be enjoyed in indoor swimming pools because the water temperatures there are usually set to a warmer temperature that can be enjoyed year round. With indoor pools there are usually chlorine tablets floating somewhere out of sight to help with the cleanliness of the water.There is a modicum of relief knowing that most indoor pools have a chlorine and septic system to help maintain the cleanliness of the water. Cleanliness is next to the safeness of indoor swimming pools. Indoor pools are safe from the weather which leaves the pool water free from leaves, dirt and other debris. This makes swimming indoors ideal compared to what may be experienced outdoors at the beach. While outdoors at the beach, temperatures can range from a sweltering heat, to a blustering cold, depending on the type of day it is outside. This means that temperatures in the waters will roughly match the temperatures of the weather outside.This is not always ideal for swimming. The beach is enjoyed mostly on hot summer days where the most outdoor activities can be done. Some of those activities can be surfing, jet skiing, body boarding, fishing, jogging, tanning, windsurfing and a bevy of other activities not just committed to being inside of the water. However, with a lot of activity comes a lot of waste. Beaches will commonly have trash and debris littered about since they are more frequented by beach goers and the waters at the beach can wash up waste along the shorelines where beachgoers spend their time at.Most beaches have plenty of trash depositories and staff in place to help maintain the cleanliness of the beach, but it can become more difficult to control compared to an indoor swimming pool because its size. Swimmers may be reluctant to venture into beach waters since the safety of the waters can put swimmers at risk. Sharks, jellyfish and other dangerous sea life are always a threat when swimming at the beach. While it isn’t always effective, beaches do try to contain this threat with various nets to prevent them from wading into the swimming areas.This can make swimming at the beach a bit unsafe, but most people still find plenty of pleasure in the waters regardless of the threat since there are so many activities that can be done while there. Whether it’s to enjoy the consistent temperatures of the indoor pools, or the multitude of activities that can be done while at the beach, there is certainly a degree of entertainment, relaxat ion and, at times – risk, that can be found while swimming at either location. I prefer the sanctuary of an indoor, heated and clean swimming pool over the outdoor, sometimes shark infested, volatile waters of the beach. Compare/Contrast Essay The Battle of Somme Abstract From 1914 through 1918 the world was at war. Described as â€Å"The Great One†, World War 1 affected everyone; man, and woman, combatant and non-combatant. This was a war defined by the advent of new technology. World War 1 saw the implementation of the Machine-gun in 1914, the armored tank in 1916, and, with the advent of the airplane in 1903, the first fixed wing airplane modified for combat occurred in 1911. The perspective of combat had also changed. What had once been a stand in rank and fire at the enemy across vast fields had become a war fought in the trenches.The lone presence of an isolated field doctor had become that of an entire medical corps stationed behind the lines in vast field hospitals waiting to tend to the wounded. The very nature and scale of war had changed drastically. As a result, where you were, whose side you were on, and the role you fulfilled, the same battle had very different ramifications and opposing perspectives. This essay will discuss the contrasting views between Private Ernst Junger, a German shock troop in Storm of Steel to that of Vera Brittain, a British nurse in Testament of Youth, through one of the bloodiest and most decisive battles of World War 1. World War I†, â€Å"The Great War†, as suggested by these references, was a confrontation on a global scale unlike any other war in history. For the first time technology had changed the face of armed conflict, the landscape of battle had transformed its mission from two forces firing upon each other across broad fields with muskets and cannons to a vast subterranean trench system that traversed hundreds of miles. Between the opposing forces lay barren waste lands covered by machine gun fire and directional barbed wire.These fields were aptly known as â€Å"no-man’s land†. The trench systems and adjacent wastelands covered the distance of what had once been empty fields between opposing forces to spanning the borders between multiple countries forcing unimaginable gridlock, standoffs lasting not days, but months, as in the Battle of Somme, and even years in rare occasions. It was not only the landscape of battle that had changed but also the personnel.In 1901 the Army Nurses Corps was established and in 1908 the Navy Nurse’s Corps was created. Women were an official part of the war effort and by the end of World War 1 their numbers had grown from an initial 8,000 members to an astounding 70,000, a sight and valuable perspective unseen in any previous war. After reading the books Storm of Steel by Ernst Junger and Testament of Youth by Vera Brittain, I contemplated on how best to highlight the subtle comparisons and stark contrasts that appear in both texts.I originally thought that nothing jumped off these pages; that there was no clear delineation; after all, he was a trained soldier, and she was nurse; where he was on the front lines unleashing chaos, she was in the hospital car ing for wounded; while he was an aggressor she was on the defensive; and as he chased glory, she chased love. Then it occurred to me that as I read, one word had been featured prominently in both texts: â€Å"Somme†. Somme, a battle in which both participants had a role; a battle that, no matter the outcome, both authors had a perspective and both perspectives were clearly different.This would be my focus. First and foremost for the unaware, a little background about Somme, also known as the Somme Offensive; the battle took place between July 1, and November 18, 1916 at the river Somme in France. During the battle the British Expeditionary Force and the French Army mounted a joint offensive against the German Army that had occupied most of northern France since 1914. The Battle of the Somme was one of the largest battles of the war. By the time fighting paused in the fall of 1916, the forces involved had suffered more than 1 million casualties, making it the bloodiest militar y operation ever recorded.With those numbers it should come as no surprise that both authors would have a unique and pointed perspective on that front. From the German shock troop’s vantage point, although the British were aggressing, the attempt would be in vain. â€Å". . . while the British made various, fortunately unsuccessful, attempts on our lives, either by means of high angled machine-gun fire or sweeping the road with shrapnel. We were especially irritated by one machine-gunner who sprayed his bullets at such an angle that they came down vertically, with acceleration produced by gravity.There was no point trying to duck behind walls. † (Junger, 2004) In this passage the author practically mocks the British effort of a mounted attack on the clearly superior German forces finding a single machine-gunner merely irritating. Meanwhile beyond the wire, past the vast no-man’s land, and safely behind the friendly lines of the British army, the account of Briti sh Nurse Vera Brittain is starkly different. In contrast as she tends to those being brought to the nearest hospital, her vivid account of waiting for the inbound shipment of wounded paints a graphic picture of how grim the situation appeared. Throughout those â€Å"busy and strenuous days† the wards sweltered beneath their roofs of corrugated iron; the prevailing odour of wounds and stinking streets lingered perpetually in our nostrils, . . . Day after day I had to fight the queer, frightening sensation-to which, throughout my years of nursing, I never became accustomed-of seeing the covered stretchers come in, one after another, without knowing, until I ran with pounding heart to look, what fearful sight or sound or stench, what problem of agony or imminent death, each brown blanket concealed. (Brittain, 1933) Although Nurse Vera Brittain was safe and nowhere near the front line her account of the Somme offensive is drawn from a direct line of sight of the carnage that was being produced on the field of battle is in bold contrast to that of the German shock troop located directly on the frontline.While Brittain was well away from the firing, Private Junger was in the line of fire, yet he was tucked safely away in his protected trench line unable to physically see the battle, she was witness to the horror of bodies produced by the battle. She was a non-combatant in support of the war effort duty bound to care for the wounded, he was a trained soldier on the front line trained to administer death. Their accounts of the very same battle differ greatly in perspective.History would later show that both perspectives although correct are not an indication of inevitability. Both perspectives were correct in that on the first day of the offensive July 1, 1916 the Germans easily handled the British attack. Their newly implemented machine-guns and directional barbed wire amassed a record setting 58,000 casualties on the first day, this is why private Junger was so easily tucked away in his protected entrenchment while nurse Brittain saw nothing but death.The British would ultimately prove victorious at the battle of Somme, on November 18, 1916 when the offensive was called off the British had pushed roughly six miles past the German lines winning the battle of Somme, however the war would continue for nearly two more years. Finally on November 11, 1918 the Armistice of Compiegne was signed marking a victory for the allies and complete defeat for Germany, yet â€Å"The war to end all wars† as it was called by H.G Wells in August of 1914 in total would cost more money and damage more property than any previous war and would amass 27 million casualties before it was over. References Brittain, V. (1933). Testament of Youth. (pp. 279-280). New York: Penguin Classics. Duffy, M. (2009). Battles- the Battle of Somme. Battles- The Western Front, Retrieved from http://www. firstworldwar. com/battles/somme. htm Junger, E. (2004). Storm of Stee l. (p. 78). Strand, London: Penguin Books.