Leadership in Early Childhood Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Leadership in Early Childhood Education - Essay Example In addition, there are different views about incorporating personal philosophy ECEC settings. This essay therefore examines the definition of leadership and how my philosophy reflects my understanding of leadership. There are different definitions about leadership in general and there is no widely accepted definition of leadership, no shared agreement on how best to improve leadership and leaders. The definitions mostly revolve around individual traits, influence over others, role relationships, situational characteristics and the notion of the follower, meeting people’s needs, mobilizing power, negotiating agreements and becoming political. (Lecture A1PP). Traditionally, the leadership viewed worker as a person who was part of the working masses. Historical definitions have changed a lot and new contemporary definitions emerged through many authors’ works. However, highly gendered traditional models of leadership have been seen as natural to leadership (Hard 2005). How ever, research indicates that women are rated as more effective leaders and that many women have developed a leadership style that involves promoting interactions with colleagues, encouraging employee participation, and sharing information and power (Hard 2005). I concur with the view that express leadership in terms of formality and informality (Hard 2005). The formal leader is the one who is appointed the informal leader is the one who demonstrates leadership qualities. This is evident in the theory of Leadership treats approach, which focuses on the traits of individuals, identifying the characteristics such as self-confidence, problem solving, organizational skills (Hard, 2005). Some researchers conceptualize leadership as a treat or as behavior whereas others view the leadership from an information processing perspective. In my view, I support contemporary styles of leadership that include Transformational leaders, Transactional leadership, Charismatic leadership, Gender specif ic leadership, authentic leadership (lecture A2), Distributed leadership, Transformational leaders articulate a vision, use lateral thinking, and inspire their colleagues to achieve at a high level for the organization. In transformational leadership, I am able to improve workers' conditions, develop teams, and have shared decision-making. My success is very much dependent upon the workers' perception of the leader's ability. Visionary leaders adopt a new vision; their goal is to move people towards a new vision. According to Macbeath (2004) (as stated by Hard, 2005), charismatic leader is closely associated with the bid leader image and has qualities that are larger than life and they inspire their colleagues to follow them. Gender specific leadership is based on the assumption that men make the best or most natural leaders. This dominant discourse has prevented women from being the producers or subjects of knowledge (as cited by Hard (Tnaton 1994) 2005). Ebbec (2003) says that the re is an agreement among these contemporary authors that the leadership grows through interaction with people and the relations that grow between leaders and the others are vital in sustaining leadership. The traditional view has changed a lot among the contemporary authors but some traits of it still in use these days. Authentic leaders are self-aware. They are not afraid to show their real selves to their followers. Their behavior does not vary whether they are in the public sector or in private. They are not afraid to make mistakes or look wrong. The conceptual models of distributed leadership primarily developed by Wariganayaanayke (2000, cited by Ebbeck and Wariganayake,

The Hawaiian Monarchy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Hawaiian Monarchy - Essay Example Kamehameha used intelligence gathering and warfare experience to defeat most of his enemies in different war fronts. The unified legal system promoted unity in the Hawaiian Islands even after the death of the Kamehameha. This indicates the strength of the legal system instated and the tolerance of the Hawaiian people. According to Potter et al. (76), the Hawaiian Islands remained united for a long time with the exception of the five months British occupation. For the case of technology and other modern concepts, Kamehameha made contacts with the outside world such as the British who provided his army with modem technology. The modern armoury made his army superior and this aided him and his descendants to have a technologically and well-equipped army (Potter et al. (129). In essence, Kamehameha adopted technology, particularly on armoury through creation of contacts between Hawaii and outside world. Later these ties created trade links, which saw Hawaii Islands develop into a commercial canter. In conclusion, the Hawaii Islands remain united up to today because of the strong legal system, Kamehameha created. Several battles brought the unification of the Hawaiian Islands. On his death in 1819, king Kamehameha left the law of the splintered paddle and other attributed laws as the unifying pillar of the Hawaiians Potter et al.

Methods to improve personal and professional skills

Methods to improve personal and professional skills Methods to improve personal and professional skills Successful jobs and promotions seekers recognize their degrees and work experience are not enough to distinguish them from the crowded field of candidates. Though college degrees, professional certificates and experience help you meet the minimum criteria to apply, once you get the chance to interview your demonstrated communication, self management and behavioral skills combined with your presence is what will distinguish you from the competition. Your level of professionalism will relate directly to the degree to which you will RISE ABOVE THE CROWD! We may be a valued employee but if our skills and contributions dont accelerate over the years, especially in tough time like credit crunch, we may find our self out of a job. Its good that the boss likes you, but when are up against serious challenges to the ongoing success of the company, being a liked, known quantity is not enough. The only way we could find successful carrier by Exploring and evaluate methods to improve personal and professional skills and explore methods to improve them. Moreover, company must visualize our talents and contributions as essential to the companys future success. If we are doing a decent job, our reporting employees like and get along with us, and the job is getting done, well likely coast for a little. Change is difficult even when change would be beneficial the organization. Personal skill is something which is the inner responsibility and self esteem. If we take some aspects of personal skill it can be categorized into the followings: Carefulness: This is what we can say think before acting. This helps with reducing the chance for costly errors, as well as keeping a steady workflow going. [1] Cooperation: It is the willingness to cooperate in a working environment with your colleagues or work mates. Creativity: This is the thinking and imagination or you can say different perception in order to bring something positive in the organisation. It is also called as ‘thinking out of box. Discipline: This includes the ability to complete the task with enthusiastic and determined way without being distracted or bored. Drive: Every business needs people with the drive and ‘to do attitude for their growth. Good attitude: This has been shown to predict counter productive work behaviors, job performance and theft. Goodwill: This is a long term record of the person who has got some well-intentioned remarks on his behalf. Influence: This includes the motivational power to influence people in order to maintain a good working team. A strong leader can influence a mass and carry out them in a way to reap gain. Optimism: Productivity is directly proportional to positive attitude which is the optimism. Order: This show the proper placement of thing in order to retrieve them easily when and wherever it is needed. Safe work behavior: Every organisation needs people with knowledge of self protection and safety rules. These include the general fire alarm and first-aid knowledge. Savvy: This is about knowledge about your co-workers behavior and personality and way of dealing with them. It includes a tendency to read other peoples motives from observed behavior and use this information to guide ones thinking and action. Sociability: This is all about socializing while working in the work place. The more you socialize the better less job tensions and more productivity. Stability: This means a tendency to maintain composure and rationality in stressful work situations. The Professional skills are as followings: COMMUNICATION: It is again can be divided into two parts- Verbal and Non Verbal (or Written). [2] Oral- Public speaking, general conversation, seminars, conferences, presentations, workshops and negotiation. Written- Letters, proposals, reports, speeches, manuals, press releases, articles for periodicals and publications PROBLEM SOLVING: It is the skill needed by the employer in order to work efficiently in times when the situation demands and no one there to help. It also can be taking initiative in case of a problem while others find it hard to tackle. It can be classified as followings: [3] Trouble shooting- Problem identification, problem analysis and problem resolution Personnel- Employee morale and satisfaction, productivity and efficiency, work simplification and work flow improvement Customer and Public Relations- Liaison and coordination, improvement in customer service and satisfaction and client support. Personal and Professional development plan Most importantly it is crucial to remember that personal and professional development need to be intentional if they are to result improve individual and organization effectiveness. Plans should connect individual and institution need to meaningful activities. Outcome associated with those activities should be evaluated. Professional development is incomplete without continue professional development (CPD).This normally assists us to orient our self to the subject and in the course of doing so, CPD is a process by which individuals take control of their own learning and development. This progression is empowering and exciting and can inspire people to achieve their goal and move toward their dreams. CPD core concept is the we (as an employee) is in control, CPD is holistic process and can address all aspects of life and balance between them, regular looking forward how we want to be, reflecting on how we are working from our present position towards the future direction, helps in achieving CPD`s purpose and adds hunger and direction to work and learning. CPD works if we have the support and financial backing of our employer and it also works even if the employer is unconcerned or hostile.(Megginson, Whitaker,2003) Value of competence framework in an organisation ïÆ'Ëœ Make companies recruitment process more successful by using competencies to establish the crucial match between job candidates and the demand of the role. ïÆ'Ëœ Manage employees performance more effectively by using competencies to provide performance benchmarks and identify those employees with potential. ïÆ'Ëœ Design a more appropriate training and development programme by using competencies to identify learning needs. ïÆ'Ëœ Improve motivation by using competencies to clarify the link between pay and performance. (Amstrong,2000) Value of competence framework in individuals ïÆ'Ëœ It help to develop and define competencies that are a valuable management tool, providing a common language and framework for understanding organizations performance. ïÆ'Ëœ Explore how to select the competency model that best suits organizations need. ïÆ'Ëœ Helps to understand the fundamental components involved in designing an effective competency framework. ïÆ'Ëœ Effectively implement the competency framework to ensure it contributes organization success. ïÆ'Ëœ Helps to overcome the critical challenges that so often effective implementation ïÆ'Ëœ Improve professional experience through discussions. ( Amstrong,2000) Importance of Planning We tend to use any excuse not to get down to work, and one is uncertainty over where to begin; â€Å"Shall I do this or that?† And the uncertainty becomes an excuse for doing something else and in the end we would be running around like headless chickens not knowing what to do next. So its highly imperative to plan in advance so that there will be clear structure of how to execute the particular task successfully. The simple expedient of writing a list of various things to do and the order in which you are going to do them can save a considerable amount of time. Although it is important not be overly ambitious while planning as you can always do something extra at the end if time permits. When you make a list of everything you have to do the following day, your subconscious mind works on that list all night long and when you wake up next day, you will be able to generate more insights and develop strategies to help accomplish the task in hand. It will also help to use manpower , opportunities and resources you need to achieve your goals and complete the assignment successfully. So planning well in advance is necessary and recommended because it eradicates all the doubts and ambiguity regarding the task and helps an individual to forge ahead and complete the task in the best possible way. [6] Stress management techniques Job stress and its related conditions, job burnout, contribute to poor physical and mental health. Employee stress is a source of discomfort and a major concern to managers and stockholders. According to research, a worker stress cost $300 billion annually due to lot of productivity, increase workers compensation claims, and anxiety in general of dread, fear or worry for no immediate reason, and is a symptom of stress. Behavioral symptoms include nervous habits, such as facial twitching, and sudden decreases in job performance due to forgetfulness and errors in concentration or judgment. The control techniques consist of both actions and mental evaluations that help people take change in stress situation. (a) Get social support- Few people can do it alone when experiencing prolonged stress. Receiving social support encouragement, understanding and friendship- from other people is an important strategy for coping successfully with job stress. (b) Improve your work habit- This technique can be used for improving your personal productivity to reduce stress. People typically experience stress when they feel themselves losing control of their work assignments. Conscientious employees are especially prone to negative stress when they cannot get their work under control. (c) Develop positive self talk- Stress resistant people are basically optimistic and cheerful. This kind of positivism can be learned by switching to positive talk instead of thinking about negative thoughts. (d) Demand less than perfection from yourself- By demanding les than 100% performance than yourself, you will fail less frequently in your own perception. Not measuring up to ones own unrealistically high standards creates a considerable amount stress. Few human can operate with zero defects or ever achieve six-sigma perfection. (e) Strive not to neglect aspects of life outside of work- There is a big difference between a negative type of workaholic and a person who simply works hard and long to achieve constructive goals. A negative workaholic usually becomes anxious when not working. When a person neglects other aspects of life outside of work, such as spending time with family, friends and physical exercise, the person is more likely to suffer from stress symptoms such as irritability and lack of focus. [7] References : 1. www.emeraldinsight.com/Insight/ViewContentServlet?/pdf/(cited 10 July 2009) 2. www.communicationskills.co.in/t (cited 10 July 2009) 3. Robson , Continuous process improvement: simplifying work flow , p37 4. Continuing professional development, by David Megginson, Vivien Whitaker,2003 5. Performance management: key strategies and practical guidelines‎ by Michael Armstrong Limited preview 2000 6. Goals! How to get everything you want- faster than you ever thought possible, ‘Manage your time well by Brian Tracy, PP 165-166 7. Essentials of management by Andrew J DuBrin,, 7th edition, 2005, pp 18-28. Key questions for the Pragmatist Q1 Shall I be learning to do things with obvious practical links to my job? A1 It is easier to learn from experience when you can actually relate your learning to real life experience. When you have actually gone through the experience, you will be able to pick out and isolate the flaws and rectify it. Q2 Will the learning approach includes lots of practical tips and techniques? A2 After going through all the theory, techniques and concepts, it is imperative to have a reality check and test the practicality of the theories and concepts. it is very useful to learn practical tips and techniques along with the theory. Q3 Will there be ample opportunities to practice and experiment using â€Å"live† problems or good simulations? A3 There will be sufficient opportunities to practice and experiment during your learning but the most important thing is to understand the concept. A single practical experiment could able to solve a hundred theory questions. So even if there is no exact practical solution to a particular problem, you can always correlate it to previous experience and could find out the solution. Q4 Will there be coaching and feedback from a credible expert or role model: ie someone who is successful and can do what is being taught themselves? A4. An experienced person has the wealth of knowledge and expertise which he can share to the budding managers. And at the same time his feedback to a particular solution is equally important. Q5 Will there be an immediate real life application which can be included in my action plans? A5 It will be very useful you could include immediate real life application into you action plan because then It become more easier and the Individual will be able to perform the task in the best possible way. Q6 Will it contribute to the immediate performance of myself and my colleagues by addressing current problems? A6. It will not only contribute to the immediate performance but also have a positive impact on the future performance of an individual or a team by addressing current problems. Personal Development Plan A PDP is just a different name for an action plan which refers specifically to your aspirations regarding personal development. Plans are made every day, but are not always written down and for those reasons PDP are drawn which allows you to set your own personal targets and find the best possible way to achieve them. An action plan will help you to envisage what you are doing and keep track of your achievements. To be totally effective, it must be reviewed at regular intervals to ensure that it is always precise, appropriate and pragmatic. [1] Personal development plan is a key component in the future working practice of all professionals. In the future, educational provision should be based on educational needs assessment. This means that the individual and the organisation must find a method to identify their educational needs and then methods to fulfil those needs for the benefit of the company. These plans are designed to structure educational activity of managers and their teams and to accomplish specific areas of development within the practice. They should take into account the individuals learning needs, the developmental needs of the practice as a whole and the priorities of the company. It consists of the following plan: †¢ Specifying how the learning needs are identified. †¢ The educational activity proposed to meet those needs †¢ How the plan will be addressed. Balancing the development needs of the managers to meet the needs of individual team members is sometimes difficult. Through Professional Development Plan individuals can start to understand why some areas of practice activity are given priority over others and how the decision was made. [2] What skills do you need to develop to do the job better? Are these shortcomings in your management capacities that you need to try to address? Are these projects or special assignments that you could get involved in that could strengthen you skills? Are there formal courses or programs that could strengthen your capabilities? It is especially critical that you do this when you are making key career passages. If you are a first time manager, get in the habit early of asking your boss for feedback and help in developing supervisory skills. Your willingness to seek candid feedback on your strength and weakness and, critically, your ability to act on the feedback send a powerful message. The same fundamental principle holds whether you are becoming a manager for the first time, functional leader, a general manager, or CEO. Whenever you are at a point in your career when success demands a different set of skills and attitudes, discipline yourself to be open to learning from others who ha ve gone before you. Dont restrict your focus on hard skills. The higher you rise, the more important the key soft skills of cultural and political diagnosis, negotiation, coalition building, and conflict management will become. Formal training can help, but development assignments- in project teams, in new parts of organisation, in different functions, in different locations- are indispensible in honing these key managerial skills. For example, no matter what type of situation you are entering, it can be useful to put together a 90- day plan and to get buy-in from your boss. Usually you will be able to devise a plan after a couple of weeks in the new job, when you have begun to connect with the organisation and to get the lay of the land. Your 90-day plan should be written, even if it just consists of bullet points. It should specify priorities and goals as well as milestones. Critically, you should share it with your boss and seek buy-in for it. It should serve as a contract betwee n the two of you about how you are going to spend your time, spelling out both what you will do and what you will not do. To begin to develop your plan, divide the 90 day into three blocks of 30-days. At the end of each block, you will have a review meeting with your boss. [3] In development programmes, there is an emphasis on personal development and planned learning from experience. Personal development programme is carried out by individual with guidance, encouragement and help from their managers as required. A personal development plan sets out the actions people prepare to take to learn and develop themselves. They take responsibility for formulating and implementing the plan, but they receive support from the organisation and their managers in doing so.Personal Development Programme consists of following stages 1. Analyse current situation and development needs What am I good at? a. Communication Skills b. Sincerity and Hardworking attitude c. Creativity What do I need to work on? a. Personal Organisation b. Leadership Skills c. Decision Making What could help me along? a. Taking responsibility for the activities of others during work experience. b. Setting priorities and meeting deadlines. c. Organising various activities and events. What could stop me? a. Lack of resources (money/time). b. Lack of concentration and focus. 2. Set Goals- These could include improving performance in the current job, improving or acquiring skills, extending relevant knowledge, developing specified areas of competence and preparing for changes in the current role. The most appropriate way or organising work is to set short term goals, medium term goals and long term goals. 3. Prepare action plan- The action plan sets out what needs to be done and how it will be done under headings such as outcome expected, the development activities, the responsibility for development and timing. Reference 1. www.learning-forces.org.uk//PERSONAL%20DEVELOPMENT%20PLANS2.doc, (cited 22 August 2009. 2. Personal Development and Practice Professional Development Plans in Primary Care Sector, by Derek Gallan, Glyns Buckle, 2001, pp 3-12. 3. The first 90 days: critical success strategies for new leaders at all levels By Michael Watkins, 2003, pp120-143. 4. A handbook of Human Resource Management Practices By Micheal Armstrong, 2001, pp 571-580.

The Oil Spill is Affecting Animals, but What About the Government? Essa

Since the dawn of the industrial revolution, mankind has increasingly become reliant on fossil fuels such as oil for energy. Oil fuels our car, warms our homes, generates our electricity, and creates a myriad of goods including everything that contains plastic. In our global economy, oil must be transported great distances to reach markets throughout the world. With seemingly increasing frequency, these journeys sometimes end in accidents that result in oil being spilled into the ocean. The most devastating oil spill, The Deepwater Horizon oil spill, occurred on April twentieth of this year. Deepwater Horizon is an oilrig located in the Gulf of Mexico and it is owned by B.P. Everything seemed to be running efficiently on the rig until April twentieth, when methane gas leaked through the rig. The gas was under high pressure and as a result exploded turning the rig into a raging inferno that eventually caused the rig to plummet to the bottom of the ocean floor (Dickinson). The explosion caused a massive amount of oil to gush the Gulf of Mexico. Although there is no exact statistic on the amount of oil that rushed out of the well where Deepwater Horizon stood each day before, â€Å"the median figure for Crone’s independent calculations [of the oil gush] is 55,000 barrels a day† (Dickinson). Approximately three months after the explosion, the well was finally capped, which stopped the flow of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. To put this spill into perspective, if the calculations by Crone on the spill were correct, this means that eighteen times the total amount of oil spilled in the Exxon Valdez incident was spilled total in the Deepwater Horizon catastrophe. This is an astronomical amount of oil moving through the Gulf of Mexico. Even... ... an even larger scale than the Deepwater Horizon rig. If past mistakes are not learned from, they are going to be repeated in the future. The federal government needs to reenact the ban on deepwater drilling until engineers are able to assess all components of deepwater drilling rigs. This is the only certain way to prevent another disaster like that of the Deepwater Horizon crisis. Even though this ban may cause gas prices to rise, it is a necessary sacrifice in order to keep the environment safe. Work Cited Baker, Peter. "White House Is Lifting Ban on Deepwater Drilling." New York Times. N.p., 12 Oct. 2010. Web. 10 Nov. 2010. Dickinson, Tim. "The Spill, The Scandal and the President." The Rolling Stones. N.p., 24 June 2010. Web. 10 Nov. 2010. Kaufman, Leslie. "Concerns Up and Down the Food Chain." New York Times. N.p., 12 Oct. 2010. Web. 14 Nov. 2010.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Traditionally, the drugs were marketed towards the doctors and there was a limit to the direct to consumer marketing. This was because of the fact that television advertising for such products was highly expensive. The expensiveness of these television commercials was due to the regulations of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Prior to 1997, all direct-to-consumer advertisements that contained a medical claim and brand name had to have a brief summary of drugs effectiveness, side effects and contraindications.But in the August of 1997, Food and Drug Administration allowed the advertising of drugs without a brief summary, though a major statement still had to be added, which had to educate the consumer about the major risk and refer him to other sources for detailed information. They were number of departures from the requirements under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938, which had prohibited the use of print and television media for advertising prescription drugs. This ch ange in the regulation brought about a change in the promotional activities of the drugs manufacturing companies.There was an increase in the advertising expenses of these pharmaceutical companies from a mere US $ 800 in 1997 to about US $29. 8 billion in 2007. The supporters of the direct-to-consumer advertising emphasis that, such promotions help the consumer in understanding the symptoms of many under-diagnosed diseases. While the opponents of the same believe that such advertising would mislead patient towards demanding heavily promoted drugs, leading to inappropriate drug usage and unnecessary purchase of comparatively expensive products.The advertising being used today has a lot of influence on the consumer, but does this advertising actually help the consumer or does it mislead them to a disaster. Mr. Brain Storm, professor and chair of biostatistics, epidemiology, and medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, has termed Direct-to-Consumer marketing as â €Å"a disaster†. He while addressing the issue said that the public should not be given such kind of information as the drugs are difficult for the patients to understand.Further he added that dosing is even a harder job and finally, the assessment of a disease is best done by a doctor. He assured that the patients were not at all qualified to make an assessment of what drug they need. And so the information leads to no benefits for the patients but a lot of harm. Over the years many drugs have only been available for the consumers on the prescription of a medical consultant only, the reason behind such a restriction was that all the drugs that have the ability to heal, could also be harmful.The doctors, nurses and other health professionals get trained and have the experience to help them decide whether drugs are suited for a particular patient or not. And so they carry all the authority to take the decision for the prescription of a drug to any patient. Advertising of such prescription drugs has increased the pressure on the doctors and other health professionals to recommend particular medications which are often more expensive and dangerous yet less effective.This is an intrusion in the relationship between a doctor and patient, and so would disturb the therapeutic process. Further the doctor now has to give the patient reasons why certain advertisement could have misled him into the use of the drug, or why could the patient use a certain prescription under the circumstances. Studies have shown that Direct-to-Consumer-Advertising information does not provide patients the complete information, rather the information provided is biased â€Å"education.†It has been observed, according to (Woloshin S, Schwartz LM, Tremmel J, et al: Direct-to-consumer advertisements for prescription drugs: What are Americans being sold? ) that 87 percent of television advertisements presented the potential benefits of medications in vague, qualitative terms that w ere not backed by scientific data. A massive campaign was launched by Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America in the summer of 2006, the campaign was targeted to the insomniacs and suggested that the drug Rozerem, could reunite them with the dreams that were waiting for them.This campaign was joined in with other campaigns, all targeted to the consumers directly. Today, a typical American television viewer has to watch around 16 hours of such directly targeted advertisements in a year (Frosch et al, 2007). The consumer groups such as US Public Interest Research Group want the Food and Drug Administration to act bit more responsibly, so that consumers cannot be harmed through misled ads. The direct-to-consumer advertisements have been a new entrance to the world of advertising.This is a major reason for the lack of trust in such commercials. The case of the drug Vioxx could be taken as one of the stories which support the argument. Merck introduced an anti-inflammatory drug by the name Vioxx, the drug became a blockbuster drug with the sales exceeding US $ 1 billion. All this occurred due to the television commercials targeted towards the consumers. Later, it was known that the drug had increased the number of patients with strokes, heart attacks and so the drug was removed from the market (Donohue et al, 2007).Although the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America have made guidelines for the DTCA (direct-to-consumer-advertising), yet it has been observed that critics such as AIDS Healthcare Foundation argue that the self regulation has not been functioning well and the companies continue to start advertising for the product with the one year of the approval from FDA (AIDS Health Foundation 2007). According to a study conducted in Baltimore, the 46% of the consumers who had watched a DTC for certain product would get disappointed if they were not provided the same drug by the practitioner.While 25% said that would try to influence their doctor to chang e the mind, while the remaining 15% thought that they would switch the doctor. All these factors suggest that the use of DTC is actually creating complexity in the minds of the consumers. DTC has clearly increased the sales of drugs, or they have actually increased the number of drugs that have been prescribed, but the question that has to get answered is whether these drugs are essential for the consumers or are they just wastage of the scarce resources in the economy.According tot eh doctors, a drug is thought to have efficiency if the positive impacts of its use out number the negative connotations. Under these situations it is of great importance that the correct drug is prescribed. Another factor that has been raised due to the use of DTC has been the increase in the prices of the DTC advertised products that cost more than the generic drugs available in the market. These ads present biased appeals to the masses to influence decisions about drugs that are designed to be approve d within the context of a relationship between a knowledgeable professional and a person who is known as an individual.The professional has a complete historical knowledge about the patient and does know about anything present in the drug that might cause a problem to the patient. On the other hand when the same patient requests the use of another product that had been advertised, it becomes difficult for the doctor to explain to his patient that the drug has a different purpose, and so wastes around 40% of the doctors precious time just to explain that the drug that was been prescribed was much better than the one being advertised.One unintentional effect of the DTC would be the worsening of inequalities in health and heath care. Research has shown reduced understanding of DTC ads for viewers with limited literacy and lower health knowledge, raising the concern that the effect of ads would increase disparities. Conclusion: The study that was done tried to explore the different pros and cons of the direct-to-consumer marketing on the consumer’s choice for the prescription of the drug.It was seen that the consumers are naà ¯ve about the use of the drugs and could be easily manipulated by the pharmaceutical companies through the misleading information in the advertisements or the incomplete information. Therefore, it is of utmost need that the authorities like PhRMA and FDA take serious steps towards consumer protection. On the other hand, it was observed that it is not the use of advertising was not being done to educate the consumer; it was rather being done to increase the profitability of the organizations.Had it been other way round, the companies would not mind using the generic names. The pharmaceutical organizations are trying to increase the market size; this increase in the market size would automatically mean an increase in the potential customers, and so higher revenues over the years for the companies. The drugs that are being advertised are being sold at even higher cost, suggesting that these drugs are of a superior quality, although that is not the case.Proper research is lacking as within a period of one year the drug are advertised leading to the sales. Proper trust in this form has to be inculcated, and that would be possible only if the pharmaceutical companies act more responsibly and instead of trying to generate only profits also work for the betterment of humanity. The long term impact of DTC need greater in depth studies and would require extensive research, but it would be worthwhile to do so, given the enormous stakes of public health and huge sums of money involved.

Who Won the Civil War: North or South

For the south it was nearly impossible to win the war . The north had many advantageson the south, which created a large difference in the outcome of the Civil War. The North had a bigger population, better leadership, and Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln was a leader of the union, and led them to many great victories with his decision making on generals to lead the Union. The north had many plans to shut down the south, though they often took longer than what was expected of them, so many of them were stopped by generals or were figured out by the south.The south came out fighting Fort Sumpter and Bull Run. The advantages that the south had was that all of the battles were in the south and numbers of people who actually wanted to fight for the south was much higher than the soldiers of the north. The south was fighting to keep their way of life, slavery. The north wanted a new constitution and to obliterate the confederacy. Most of the time the north had better in terms of generals, but not always. The north had good generals, but they also had bad ones.The bad ones were either too scared to fight, or didn't fight fast enough. Ulysses S. Grant was the general that gave the Union the greatest victories. He fought long and hard. He would do anything he possible could to win. The South had a very slim chance to win with this man in charge. The north had more victories and advantages in the war than the south. The durastic effects the south underwent caused them to crumble. Some people say the north won, and some say the south won. The north did everything possible to win the war, and the south could never get anything out of it.

International Business and Saudi Arabia

International Business and Saudi Arabia One international company that has remained on the successful path is Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart had set out different strategies that enabled it to succeed in numerous fronts. For instance, the company has edged its competitors by producing several brands of all its products.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on International Business and Saudi Arabia specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As a result, customers have been able to choose products from a wide range of substitutes hence satisfying their needs. This strategy has attracted and maintained customers in the premises as there are minimal chances of missing to purchase a product (What makes Wal-Mart successful?, 2013). A customer who wants to purchase a luxury watch has varieties like Omega, Rolex, Rado, and Cartier. From this scenario, a customer can choose a watch from the different brands of watches. In addition, Wal-Mart has adopted the cost-cutting strategy in order to off er consumers products of low prices as compared to their competitors in the market. The Company’s ability to provide customers with low prices has made it realize the value for their money. The move has also made the company gain massive buying power. The low costs have made Wal-Mart gain competitive advantage over its competitors. The cutting of costs on products has also assisted the company to save on expenses. Moreover, its employees think outside the box on service provision to customers. The culture has facilitated the building of strong relations between customers and employees. Organizations that have adopted this culture have realized success in their operations.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The logistics and distribution networks at Wal-Mart have been strong. The Company has ensured that it brings its products close to the customers as possible. The Company believes that effective management and strong creative decisions are the essential cornerstones it requires in strengthening its foundation and place as a chief actor in the business environment (What makes Wal-Mart successful?, 2013). A clear supply chain strategy improves customer service, increases profits, and continues to minimize the reduced costs of production and operation. According to Hill McKaig (2012), a right logistic strategy facilitates achievement of business goals by engaging the management team in meeting the strategic objectives of a firm. In free trade, participants are able to export or import products without tariffs. The idea where participating countries do not meet extra costs when receiving or sending products to their members has numerous benefits. Increased free trade has enhanced customer satisfaction. The globalized market increases stiff competition among the member countries hence lowering the final consumer prices (Edge, n.d.). Addition ally, the free trade increases innovations and competition among companies hence improving their innovative ideas. Companies have to create comparative advantage over their competitors by coming up with new products in their fields. From this perspective, consumers continue to get better products all the time. Free trade has also increased efficiency and production levels of countries.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on International Business and Saudi Arabia specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More For example, countries specialize on producing products in areas where they enjoy comparative advantage instead of focusing on areas where they have little competitive advantage. When the production level of a country increases, its efficiency also increases through purchase of cheaper resources from other member nations. The continued free trade increases the economy of participating nations, as they are able to export and import large volumes of products at reduced costs (Edge, n.d.). When this trend increases, the productivity goes up thereby raising the wages and salaries that employees in these countries receive. For instance, when US lowered its trade restrictions, the GDP went up since consumers are able to purchase quality products at cheaper rates than before. This reveals that consumers’ expendable income increases with continuous trend of free trade. Moreover, free trade is beneficial as it reduces poverty and assures nations gains in foreign exchange. Countries that buy products from other nations using cash clearly send non-interest IOUs in exchange for the real products. For example, Japan can purchase steel from UK at the present market value. Later, UK can use the Japan’s funds to purchase vehicles from Japan at the future market price. Again, nations that open their borders to free trade increase their income levels.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More An example is in 1990 when developing nations that removed trade restrictions across their borders realized income growth three folds than the countries that continued to lay restrictions. Additionally, the trade minimizes conflicts world over since participating members learn to understand, appreciate, and respect the cultures of their partners. The mutual respect that exists among nations minimizes chances of the countries from going to war with each other. Even though the trade increases unemployment and stiff competition to some level, the benefits that accompany the entire processes are greater than the demerits (Edge, n.d.). Saudi Aramco has been operating in Saudi Arabia since 1933 as a global petroleum and chemical enterprise. The Company has been producing, refining, distributing, and marketing petroleum products. In a bid to expand its presence in the global market, the company ought to consider some factors that may assist its smooth operations in the global and dynamic m arket. First, the company should study the business environment in order to understand the legal conditions in other nations since business laws and regulations differ across nations. Saudi Aramco should prefer business environments that levy low business fees as a way of reducing costs and enhancing growth. This factor assists in preventing scenarios where excess fee and regulatory fees can bog down the services of the oil producing company. The management at Saudi Aramco can visit The World Bank’s website to put side-by-side regulations that exist in over 170 nations (Lister, 2011). The Company should also lay out a strategic plan of how it intends to operate in the global arena. Saudi Aramco Company should minimize risks and enhance success by choosing foreign nations that have favorable business environments and a few legal restrictions since many legal restrictions imply high regulatory fees and massive taxes that can derail the establishment of the company in the global markets. Saudi Aramco Company has to screen its distributors and suppliers before going global in order enhance success in its operations in the international market. The Company must carry out a vivid analysis of its supply and delivery chains to be certain that they treat employees fairly, use proper health and safety standards, and use non-toxic manufacturing options. This move can assist Saudi Aramco Company to save on billions of Riyal that could have risen from rejected goods due to unsafe practices of the foreign producers. In addition, Saudi Aramco Company should understand the global shipping logistics as a way of avoiding delays and unnecessary costs. The management at the company must understand how they will move their products from one point to another in order to record success. The Company will be able to understand the custom laws and associated costs from all their shipping points (Lister, 2011). The firm can minimize risks by approaching freight-forwarder companie s since they specialize on logistics in the global commerce. These companies can help Saudi Aramco Company to plan on its shipping needs and evaluate the shipping prerequisites for the target countries for business. Saudi Aramco Company should choose a country that has less global shipping requirements, as this will cut the overall costs of delivering products to their destined locations. The reduced costs also lower the final prices of the products hence enabling Saudi Aramco Company to gain competitive advantage over its competitors in the foreign market. Moreover, the company ought to understand the languages and cultural practices of the countries in which it plans to set its branches (Lister, 2011). It can be a suicidal move if the company can ignore these factors and decides to go global. The business may fail to develop connections that can be beneficial in long-term perspectives. Saudi Aramco Company can overcome this factor by employing foreign consultants in all its branch es in the foreign nations. The foreign consultant will minimize risks by assisting with diplomatic needs that local Saudis cannot solve. Alternatively, Saudi Aramco Company can train its all-time managers and consultants on how to approach the foreign market by learning the foreign languages and cultures. In this situation, the Saudi Aramco Company should hire a foreign consultant to assist in the services of language translation and diplomatic needs since the other option of training staff to understand the language and culture of the foreign countries is expensive and even delays the entire process of going global. Saudi Aramco Company should consider countries that have simple cultures, which are easy to understand and hire foreign consultants who are natives of these nations. References Edge, K. (n.d.). Free trade and protection: advantages and disadvantages of free trade. NSW HSC Online. Hill, C. W., McKaig, T. (2012). Global Business Today (3rd ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill Ryers on. Lister, J. (2011, August 5). What Should a Company Consider Before Going Global?. eHow | How to Videos, Articles More Discover the expert in you. Web. What makes Wal-Mart successful?. (2013, May 21). HubPages. Web.

Definition and Examples of Ideograms

Definition and Examples of Ideograms An ideogram is a graphic  picture or  symbol (such as or %) that represents a thing or an idea without expressing the sounds that form its name. Also called ideograph. The use of ideograms is called ideography. Some ideograms says Enn Otts, are  comprehensible only by prior knowledge of their convention; others convey their meaning through pictorial resemblance to a physical object, and therefore may also be described as pictograms, or pictographs (Decoding Theoryspeak,  2011). Ideograms are used in some writing systems, such as Chinese and Japanese.   EtymologyFrom the Greek, idea written Examples and Observations â€Å"[T]he picture [of a finger pointing] is an ideogram; it does not represent a sequence of sounds, but rather a concept that can be expressed in English in various ways: go that way or in this direction or over there or, combined with words or other ideograms, such notions as the stairs are to the right or pick up your luggage at that place. Ideograms are not necessarily pictures of objects; the arithmetic minus sign is an ideogram that depicts not an object but a concept that can be translated as minus or subtract the following from the preceding or negative.(C. M. Millward and Mary Hayes, A Biography of the English Language, 3rd ed. Wadsworth, 2012)The X IdeogramAs a modern ideogram, the diagonal  cross has a wide spectrum of meanings from confrontation, annulment, cancellation, over opposing forces, hindrances, obstruction, to unknown, undecided, unsettled.Here are a number of examples of the specific meanings of X in different systems: a crossbreed between different specie s, varieties or races (in botany and biology), takes (chess), printing error (printing), I/We cannot continue (ground-to-air emergency code), unknown number or multiply  (mathematics), unknown person (Mr. X), and road obstruction (military).The diagonal cross is sometimes used as a symbol for Christ, whose name in Greek begins with the Greek letter X. It also stands for the number 1,000 in ancient Greece, and even represented Chronos, the god of time, the planet Saturn and the god Saturn in Roman mythology.(Carl G. Liungman,  Thought Signs: The Semiotics of Symbols- Western Non-Pictorial Ideograms. IOS Press, 1995) Pictograms and IdeogramsThe difference between pictograms and ideograms is not always clear. Ideograms tend to be less direct representations, and one may have to learn what a particular ideogram means. Pictograms tend to be more literal. For example, the no parking symbol consisting of a black letter P inside a red circle with a slanting red line through it is an ideogram. It represents the idea of no parking abstractly. A no parking symbol showing an automobile being towed away is more literal, more like a pictogram.(Victoria Fromkin, Robert Rodman, and Nina Hyams, An Introduction to Language, 9th ed. Wadsworth, 2011)The Rebus PrincipleWhen an ideographic system proves too cumbersome and unwieldy, the rebus principle might be employed for greater efficiency. The rebus principle is an important element in the development of many modern-day writing systems because it is the link to representing the spoken language. Unlike pure ideograms, rebus symbols rely on how a language sounds an d are specific to a particular language. For example, if English used the symbol [graphic of an eye] for eye, that would be considered an ideogram. But if English also began to use it to represent the pronoun I or the affirmative aye, that would be an example of the rebus principle in action. In order to understand that [graphic of an eye] could mean the pronoun or the affirmative, one must also know English. You could not use that symbol to conjure up the comparable words in Spanish, for example. So, when you read 2 good 2 B 4 gotten, it is your knowledge of both English and the rebus principle that allows you to assign meaning to it.(Anita K. Barry, Linguistic Perspectives on Language and Education. Greenwood, 2002) Pronunciation: ID-eh-o-gram

Helping Students Move Beyond General Goals

Helping Students Move Beyond General Goals Once you have determined a general goal and you think you know why it appeals to you, you are ready to write it in a way that will help you make it happen. Goals Studies of successful people have shown that they write goals that contain similar elements. To write a goal like winners do, be sure that: It is stated in a positive way. (eg. I will... not, I might or I hope...It is obtainable. (Be realistic, but dont sell yourself short.)It involves your behavior and not someone elses.It is written.It includes a way to measure successful completion.It includes the specific date when you will begin working on the goal.It includes a projected date when you will reach the goal.If it is a big goal, it is divided into manageable steps or sub-goals.The projected dates for working on and completion of sub-goals are specified. Despite the length of the list, great goals are easy to write. The following are examples of goals containing the necessary components. General Goal: I will be a better basketball player during this year.Specific Goal: I will get 18 baskets in 20 tries by June 1, 2009.I will begin working on this goal January 15, 2009.General Goal: I will become an electrical engineer some day.Specific Goal: I will have a job as an electrical engineer by January 1, 2015.I will begin working on this goal February 1, 2009.General Goal: I will go on a diet.Specific Goal: I will lose 10 pounds by April 1, 2009.I will begin dieting and exercising February 27, 2009. Now, write your general goal. (Be sure to start with I will.) _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Now make it more specific by adding the manner of measurement and projected completion date. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ I will begin working on this goal on (date) _______________________________ Considering how completing this goal will benefit you is quite important because this benefit will be the source of motivation for the work and sacrifice needed to complete your goal. To remind yourself why this goal is important to you, complete the sentence below. Use as much detail as you can by imagining the goal completed. Begin with, I will benefit by meeting this goal because... _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Because some goals are so big that thinking about them makes us feel overwhelmed, it is necessary to break them into sub goals or the steps you need to take in order to meet your major goal. These steps should be listed below along with a projected date for completion. Creating Sub-Goals Since this list will be used to schedule your work on these steps, you will save time if you set up a table on another piece of paper with a wide column for listing the steps, and a number of columns to the side which will eventually be used to indicate time periods. On a separate sheet of paper, make a table with two columns. To the right of these columns, attach gridded or graph paper. See the image at the top of the page for an example. After you have listed the steps you will need to complete in order to attain your goal, estimate the date by which you can complete all of them. Use this as your projected ending date. Next, turn this table into a Gantt chart by labeling columns to the right of completion date with appropriate time periods (weeks, months, or years) and color in the cells for the times you will work on a particular step. Project management software usually contains features for making Gantt charts and make the job more fun by automatically changing related charts when you make a change in any one of them. Now that you have learned to write a great specific goal and to schedule sub-goals on a Gantt chart, you are ready to learn how to maintain your motivation and momentum. Back to Goals and Resolutions: Writing Great Goals

Analysis paper on Cathedralby Raymond Carver Assignment

Analysis paper on Cathedralby Raymond Carver - Assignment Example As the host, the narrator has to contribute in the conversation to keep the guest comfortable. Despite his fears and prejudices, he takes the obligations of a hospitable host. It is in this setting, mood, and atmosphere that the narrator experiences change. The setting allows events to run from dining together to sharing of drinks. Throughout these events, the narrator observes the blind man with keen interest trying to understand his world. At the beginning of the story, the narrator doubts the close relationship between his wife and the blind man. His insecurities and closed-mindedness limit his happiness in marriage. As they share a meal in the dining room, the narrator realizes that despite his lack of vision, Robert can comfortably observe the dining etiquette. The narrator’s view towards the blind changes, as the plot of the story unfolds in his house. After dinner, a few drinks and cigarettes, the narrator’s wife falls asleep in the living room, leaving the two men to talk. The narrator intends to use the television as an escape from engaging in a conversation with Robert. Robert lacks vision and this creates a barrier between the two men. The open-minded blind man is not willing to go to bed but prefers to get to know his host better. Despite his attitude towards Robert, the narrator gives in to the guest’s request and the two indulge in a conversation on cathedrals. This conversation crops up because of a channel on the television that seeks to expose the viewer to cathedrals from different cultures. The setting poses a challenge to the narrator to take the initiative of enlightening Robert on the appearance of cathedrals. Due to lack of vision, Robert cannot imagine the appearance of a cathedral. The situation at hand forces the narrator to try to paint a picture of a cathedral using words but fails. This is the point at which the two men realize the need of a better connection. The two belong to

Discussion question Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 6

Discussion question - Assignment Example But why did Europeans want to conquer the Native Americans? The discovery of the â€Å"New World† was a lee way for the Europeans to conquer the lands. Despite the fact that they never tried to change the long-lived culture of the Native Americans, the European conquerors subjected the natives to hard labor and used the natives as their machines. The Spaniards who migrated to Americas carried with them livestock for the purpose for ranching. Also, they started sugar plantations in the new lands. Unfortunately, they face a big dearth in labor. However, lack of labor supply was never going to ruin their new found home. As such, they saw the answer to their problem in the indigenous Americans. The decision to use Native Americans was lucrative idea supported by the economic system and protected by the law, which permitted the Europeans to use Native Americans for labor and barred the Native Americans from rebelling against forced labor (Stobaugh, 2012). The motive of the European of conquering the Native Americans was to use them as labo r source to raise their economy and produce products cheaply on their stolen lands, which belonged to the indigenous people. Was conquering the Native Americans beneficial to the

New Product Development is the Key to Apple's Marketing Success Coursework - 1

New Product Development is the Key to Apple's Marketing Success - Coursework Example One of the most innovative products of Apple was iPhone which was considered as one of the best-selling products. The business operations of Apple are expanded in almost all geographical nations (Apple Inc, 2012). Apple’s Strategies Apple seeks to apply its idea of being a digital heart in the field of electronic products because customers demand stylish and cohesive digital devices. Apple always attempts to distinguish itself from other brands so that it can put premium rates on their products. The business strategy for Apple is to find the accurate equilibrium between customer satisfactions and cost because this blend is vital for raising the product price for customers and thereby increasing profitability. In the consumer electronics market, Apple is known for premium price products because it invests huge amount of funds on new product development and innovation activities. The product differentiation is a major competitive strength for Apple as it can successfully increas e the perceived value of its products and help to generate more revenue in spite of premium cost (Iiiev & et. al, 2004). Quality products and innovation through wide practise of research and development (R&D) is the other key reason behind the success of Apple in the market. The main objective of Apple is to expand its customer base (Iiiev & et. al, 2004). Product Portfolio of Apple Traditionally, Apple manufactured and developed software applications and computer products; however, after the introduction of iPod as one of the preferable MP3 players for people, several new product lines have been included in product portfolio of Apple. The old and new product portfolios of Apple are described in following table: Product Portfolio Product Lines Software and Computer iOS, Mac Operating System, Professional and Business Application Programmes, Personal Computer Hardware Products Desktop Computer, Laptop Computer, iMac, Mac Pro, Mac Mini, iBook iPhone Mobile Phones, iPods, Digital Devic es, iPads iTunes Music, Applications, Bookstore iCloud Cloud Services Application Software iLife, iWork Display and other Fringe Products Printers, Storage Devices, Digital Cameras, Apple TV Source: (EDGAR Online, 2011). People Apple has a bureaucratic organisational structure where CEO is in the top position of hierarchy. The CEO and Vice Presidents gather reports about company’s business operations from both line and staff managers. Apple is highly dependent on manufacturing representatives on whom it has no direct influence. The positions of Apple in the organisational hierarchy are described below: Source: (Apple Inc., 2012). New Product Development New product development is all about introducing new product in any industry. It is a process for developing a product in order to certify progress or survival in the market. The aim of new product development is to strengthen or transform the strategic direction. An effective new product can help an organisation to add a new product line under the product portfolio (Takeuchi & Nonaka, 1986). Reasons for Launching New Product in the Market Developing new product signifies relocating or

Hemophilia A Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Hemophilia A - Essay Example Some emergency cases require urgent medical attention to prevent death. This paper will discuss in detail the causes of the disease, its prevalence, symptoms and diagnosis as well as management and treatment of the disease. Introduction Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder that is hereditary where the blood clotting process takes place in an abnormal way and it is very rare. People affected by hemophilia may bleed for a longer period especially after an accident. Individuals suffering from this disorder may bleed internally especially in joints such as elbows, ankles and the knees. Almost 9 persons out of 10 suffer from Hemophilia A, which is a rare condition and the main type of hemophilia, where the blood clotting process occurs abnormally (Schoenstadt, 1). Factor VIII is essential in the blood clotting process. Hemophilia A may occur due to insufficient factor VIII. If the levels of factor VIII are 6 % to 50% below the normal percentage, bleeding may occur primarily. However, with le vels below 1 percent, impulsive bleeding can occur. Most bleeding occurs into the joints of the arms and legs, causing crippling joint damage. In addition, atrophy occurs due to frequent bleeding into the muscles (Lockwood, 1). Lack of factor VIII may leads to various problems. Because bleeders will not close, there is a higher possibility of bleeding out (Hemophilia.com, 1). Causes and Prevalence of Hemophilia A Defect in one of the genes that determine how the body conducts various blood-clotting factors may result to hemophilia A. This gene, known as F8 is present in the X chromosome. One type of the blood-clotting factor is factor 8, which, normally made by the F8 gene. Mutation of the F8 gene hinders clots from forming in case of an accident, which may lead to too much bleeding and in mot cases it may be difficult to control (Schoenstadt, 2). Women have two X chromosomes. In cases where a factor 8 gene does not function, the gene on the other chromosome can perform the task gen erating enough factors 8. On the other hand, males have only one X-chromosome. If the factor VIII gene on that chromosome is imperfect, they will end up having hemophilia A. Therefore, most people suffering from hemophilia A are males (1). A woman who has imperfect factor 8 gene becomes a carrier. This means that her children may inherit the imperfect gene. In a woman who has the defective gene, any of her male children will have a 50% possibility of having hemophilia A, while any of her female children will have a 50% probability of being carriers (Dugdale et al, 2). In the United States, about 18,000 individuals suffer from hemophilia A and almost 400 babies each year inherit this disorder from their mothers. Even though hemophilia occurs in males only, there is a lower probability that this disorder may affect women. Almost nine individuals out of 10 affected with hemophilia suffer from type A disorder. The people suffering from hemophilia A have a problem with clotting factors. These clotting factors aids in the blood-clotting process, thus their absence leads to hemophilia A (Schoenstadt, 1). Prevalence of hemophilia A varies among different nations. For instance, in the early 1970s, the reported hemophilia A occurrence for the United Kingdom was about 10 per 100 000 males compared to the occurrence

Network design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Network design - Essay Example However, ABC Company can achieve these capabilities by implementing a corporate network technology system that can offer the business different facilities, tools, and services such as data sharing, communication, files transfer, and linking different departments inside the company. The management of ABC wants to implement a computer network in order to enhance business productivity and provide better services to its clients. In addition, the management is willing to invest heavily in new facilities and equipments or providing a consistently superior standard of services. With the traditional ways of data sharing and communication the ABC Company is facing a lot of problems in managing the business activities. Some problems with the traditional working arrangement are given below: Since, the problems and issues ABC Company is facing are very critical. To effectively deal with these problems and issues there is need to implement an effective network by making use of latest tools and technologies. The new network technology based platforms will be aimed at offering a better business support and working capabilities. The new technology platform will be a centralized business network arrangement that will offer better business working and operational

Death Penalty Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Death Penalty - Essay Example While some arguments are about moral judgments, others are disagreements about empirical trends, such as whether the death penalty is a more effective deterrent than life imprisonment. Ethical debate of the death penalty can be split into two main philosophical contexts, a deontological (a priori) context and a consequentiality context. A priori argument can be further subcategorized into a right argument and a virtue argument. Legal debate also generally falls into prior argument based on legal text. Consequentiality argument can be largely reduced to utilitarian formula through what amount to costs or benefits of the death penalty in terms of human lives and welfare. The deontological objection to the death penalty asserts that the death penalty is totally not correct by its nature, mostly due to the fact that it amounts to the violation of the right to life, which should be universal. In philosophical debate, however, the virtue school tends to argue that the death penalty is also "wrong" on the ground that the process is cruel and inhumane. It brutalizes the society at large and desensitizes and dehumanizes participants of the judicial process. In particular, it extinguishes the possibility of rehabilitation and redemption of the perpetrator(s). Deon tic justification to the death penalty, on the other hand, argues that the death penalty is "right" by nature, mostly on the ground that retribution against the violator of another life or liberty is "just". It naturally follows that not applying death penalty to heinous murder would be unjust. In the context of virtue, they point out that without proper retribution, the judicial system further brutalizes the victim or victim's family and friends, which amounts to secondary victimization. Moreover, the judicial process which applies the death penalty reinforces the sense of justice among participants as well as the citizens as a whole, and might even provide incentive for the perpetrator to own up to their crim e. Many argue that there are advantages of looking at capital punishment from a utilitarian perspective, that is, one which looks at costs and benefits for human welfare. The deontological debate helps to clarify the respective positions of the debate, but offers no way to reach consensus because each argument stands on different a priori ground. Similarly, legal argument can clarify a priori legal or constitutional grounds of the death penalty. However, it offers no insight over whether such law or constitutional clause can be justified on its merit. A utilitarian approach is attractive because the issue is more easily resolved through the examination of empirical evidence, such as evidence about the penalty's effectiveness as a deterrent. Opponents of the utilitarian approach argue that it is flawed for the very reason that it does not take into consideration the complicating ideas which deontology considers, such as the right to life or just retribution. The death penalty is often opposed on the grounds that, because every criminal justice system is fallible, innocent people will inevitably be executed by mistake, and the death penalty is both irreversible and more severe than lesser punishments. The supporters of the death penalty point out that lesser punishments, including life imprisonment, can also be imposed in error and incarceration is also irreversible if the innocent dies in prison. Moreover, whether money is an acceptable compensation for long period of incarceration is a matter of

Network design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Network design - Essay Example However, ABC Company can achieve these capabilities by implementing a corporate network technology system that can offer the business different facilities, tools, and services such as data sharing, communication, files transfer, and linking different departments inside the company. The management of ABC wants to implement a computer network in order to enhance business productivity and provide better services to its clients. In addition, the management is willing to invest heavily in new facilities and equipments or providing a consistently superior standard of services. With the traditional ways of data sharing and communication the ABC Company is facing a lot of problems in managing the business activities. Some problems with the traditional working arrangement are given below: Since, the problems and issues ABC Company is facing are very critical. To effectively deal with these problems and issues there is need to implement an effective network by making use of latest tools and technologies. The new network technology based platforms will be aimed at offering a better business support and working capabilities. The new technology platform will be a centralized business network arrangement that will offer better business working and operational

Business arena Essay Example for Free

Business arena Essay Recent years have demonstrated that a lack of unity exists within the business arena compared to the synergistic methods in which trade unions execute their policies. This must be considered another of the drawbacks of the existence of interest groups. This has resulted in costly political campaigning for Australian businesses (Bell, 0000). The number of organisations that attempt to represent their interests at the political level has become such a complex and tangled web that it is often unprofitable for to do business in such a scene (Matthews). Such action often bring great expense and yet offer little real guarantee of success (Coutskorais, 0000, p. 80). Such organisations in Australia as the Minerals Council of Australia (which represents the particular industry) and Surfer’s Paradise Chamber of Commerce (which represents regional membership) exist for the profitable purpose of (among other things) promoting competition among businesses and the consequent improvement of policies (Matthews, 0000, 75) Despite the clear benefits that interest groups can provide, some drawbacks do exist when one considers their impact on the politics of a country. It is usually necessary to be careful that certain interest groups do not become too powerful and end up coercing government to adversely affect policy changes (Apollonio Bero, 2007). The two Australian interest groups previously mentioned are cases in point, as they represent very powerful organizations that have at least a large potential to urge the implementation of any of the policies they devise. Care must be taken that the policies they advocate really do consider the interest of the public. One major reason why such care must be taken is the fact that these interest groups are never guaranteed to possess equity in their actions. Because they take a particular stand on an issue, their interest is likely to exclude the interest of several others who have opposing views. Furthermore, interest groups have the general privilege of making donations to political parties. This is a lobbying technique that has been around for decades, but may give a political edge to such groups that have the greatest means of funding such campaigns (2007). Some interest groups have outsider status, and this means that they attempt to influence policy by altering public opinion (Evans, year. p. 84). Such groups may prove both beneficial and detrimental to the politics of a country. The detriment comes where such groups falsify or misrepresent information to the public in order to convince them (and their political candidates) to act in the behalf of the group. One group which has historically been seen in this light is the tobacco industry-front group. According to researchers Appollonio Bero, â€Å"The tobacco industry has a history of misrepresenting scientific evidence† (2007, p.419). The researchers go on to point out that the industry has created what seems to be an unaffiliated interest group which presents â€Å"its antiregulation agenda as an expression of popular will, and allowed industry lobbyists access to policymakers who were otherwise unwilling to work with them† (2007, p. 419). This presents a very unfavourable view of political interest groups. However, positive effects of this attempt to influence the public may occur in the form of debates between/among opposing groups, through which the public becomes more informed about the policies being advocated by each. Furthermore, since each group represents a social movement made up of people who share values and see eye to eye on certain matters of concern, these groups provide a forum or network of communication that has the potential to provide a series of checks and balances amongst themselves and within the government (Marsh, 2000). Overall, the action groups that exist within Australia to lobby for the interests of the people have a predominantly positive impact on the Australian society. Such organizations as the Boy’s Club, Gay rights, and animal liberation groups offer protection and a voice for these minorities in the decision-making sectors of the government. Such groups also speak for such issues as gun control, military disarmament, and the protection of the environment. These interest groups possess the expertise and the experience to speak persuasively in the behalf of their interests, and also have the ability to aid in the execution of policies once they have been adopted by the political bodies. The media has the positive effect of promoting the accountability of the government, and of other businesses that my have formed ties with members of the government. However, the highly structured and powerful nature of certain interest groups, while they have the power to get things done within the government, also have the power to wrongly influence the government on their behalf. It is therefore necessary to take care in the freedom with which such groups are allowed to act. References van Acker, E. Curran, G. (eds. ) 2004, Governing Business and Globalisation, (2nd edn. ) Pearson, Frenchs Forest. Ang, J C. Boyer. 2007, â€Å"Finance and politics: the wealth effects of special interest group influence during the nationalisation and privatisation of Conrail. † Cambridge Journal of Economics. vol. 31, no. 2, pp 193-216. Apollonio, D. E. L. A. Bero. 2007, â€Å"Finance and politics: the wealth effects of special interest group influence during the nationalisation and privatisation of Conrail. † American Journal of Public Health. vol. 97, no 3, pp 419-428. BCA. (2007). â€Å"Our Structure. † Business Council of Australia. Melbourne, VIC. Retrieved on May 8, 2007 from http://www. bca. com. au/Content. aspx? ContentID=100827 Hague, R. M. Harrop, S. Breslin. 1994, Political Science: A Comparative Introduction. St. Martin Press, New York. Gray, V. D. Lowery. 2000, Population Ecology of Interest Representation : Lobbying Communities in the American States. University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor. Greenemeier, L J. N. Hoover. 2007, â€Å"Advocacy, Inc. † InformationWeek. no. 1121, pp 38-46. Hollander, R. â€Å"Name of Chapter or Essay. † (2006). Eccleston, R, Williams, P. Hollander, R. (Eds. ). Foundations of Australian Politics. Pearson Education, Sydney. Marsh, I. 2000, â€Å"Gaps in Policy-making capacities; interest groups, social movements, think tanks and the media. † in M. Keating, J. Wanna P. Weller (eds. ) Institutions on the Edge: Capacity for Governance. Allen Unwin, St Leonard’s. Parkin, A, Summers, J. Woodward, D. (eds. ) 2006, Government, Politics, Power and Policy in Australia, (8th ed. ) Pearson, French’s Forest. Chapter 17. Singleton, G et al. 2006, Interest Groups’ in Australian Political Institutions. 8th edn. Pearson, French’s Forest.. Ward, I. R. G. Stewart. 2006, Ch. 12, ‘Pressure Groups and Social Movements’ in Politics One, 3rd edn. , Palgrave. Macmillan, South Yarra. Weitzel, P. 2004, â€Å"Joining with non-media organization can help win access battle. † The Quill. vol. 92, no 7, pp 20-21.

Examining media representation of mental disorders

Examining media representation of mental disorders In the following assignment we will discuss the way of media representation of mental disorder. Additionally, a brief description of the film Me, Myself Irene will take place in order to understand how the media misrepresent mental disorder. Furthermore, we will try show the real relationship between violence and mental disorder and thus, how accurate are media portrayals of this mental health problem. Ultimately, we will explain the impact of negative media representation on the mentally ill people and on the public. Mass media representation of mental disorder is negative and describes mentally ill people as monsters. Medias sovereign depictions of mental health problems appear to emphasize violence, dangerousness and criminality as long as Poor, unbalanced press coverage of mental health issues fuels stigma and reduces the quality of life for sufferers, says a leading charity (www.news.bbc.co.uk). This inappropriate representation causes severe stigma, moral panic, ostracism, as well as discrimination and victimization of these individuals. Me, Myself Irene, is a comedy film directed from the Farrelly brothers and was released in U.K on September 22, 2000. The plot of the movie is about one mentally ill man Charlie Baileygates who is passive and generally peaceful. He has split personality and thus his alter ego (Hank) is aggressive, foul-mouthed and violent. Charlie has been diagnosed with delusionary schizophrenia with involuntary narcissistic rage, and whenever Charlie does not take his medication, Hunk takes his place causing several problems because of his turbulent mental state. His behaviour becomes obscene as he defecates on a neighbours lawn and suckles from a strangers breast. This uncontrolled rage makes Hank to make fun of one man with albinism who explains that he killed his entire family but was released early just to make room for psychos. Both Charlie (good) and Hank (evil) try to protect Irene from a gang of corrupt cops who want her dead. Menacing Hank insults and punches nearly everyone he encounters and Irene apologises all the time for Hanks behaviour, explaining that he is a schizo. The film raised many dilemmas about its inappropriate presentation of mental health problems and lot of people argues that the film makes fun of mentally ill people and perpetuates ugly stigmas about mental illness. Me, Myself Irene is a perfect example of what the media represents about the relationship between violence and mental disorder, and as Thornicroft (2006) claims, schizophrenia is often linked to violence in films and media. This can be seen in my case example, when Hank assaults a group of people and also when starts to drown a young girl who has insulted him. The media today has become more powerful agent than it was in the past. Many support that the function of media is vital within societies as they have been acclaimed as agents of the democratic institutions and guardians of citizens rights (McQuail, 2003). Others believe that the media just represent extremity and exaggeration to earn publicity, and as Bennett (1999) claims News is the policy of hallucinations. However, it is a fact that people collect most of the information from the TV, newspapers and radio and as Thornicroft supports the majority of people gather what they know about mental illnesses either from personal experience and contact with people with such conditions, or from the mass media (Thornicroft, 2007). Media portrayals are most of the time inaccurate and sensationalized, depicting mentally ill people as different, dangerous, unpredictable and violent. According to that and what we see from the film My, Myself Irene, Hank unpredictably assaults whoever is in front of him, making strange movements and behaving abnormally (especially during the personality change from good Charlie to villain Hank). Such representations make people to misunderstand mental disorder, and this misrepresentation appears to play an active part in shaping and sustaining what mental illness means in our culture. As probably already shown, I am not a totally unbiased observer of what is happening these days. I have a point of view, based on what I have read so far (research) and on personal experience (once, I had the opportunity to have a conversation with a mentally ill friend) and what is going to be presented in this assignment convey this point of view. I strongly believe that mass media portrayals of mental disorder are in the overwhelming majority inaccurate, inappropriate, unfavourable and harmful to mentally ill people. You only have to read a newspaper, switch on the TV or go to the cinema to spot such demeaning attitudes which can affect significant undesirable consequences. Such consequences will be discussed later in another chapter. Mass media treat mental disorder as an object of ridicule, using psychiatric terminology inaccurately, and to overuse slang disrespectful terms for mental illness. For example, consider the use of Charlies diagnosis with delusionary schizophrenia with involuntary narcissistic rage. I am not an expert thus; I have had to do a research on that, just to find that, once again, misrepresentation took place and media used mental disorder as a source of humor. Britains two largest mental health charities, Mind and National Schizophrenia Fellowship, have joined with the Royal College of Psychiatrists and claim that people affected by schizophrenia dont switch from gentle to mental, as the billboard advertisements say, but are more often withdrawn. In fact, split personality is a totally different condition; it is a dissociative disorder rather than a psychotic illness. Furthermore, they argue that the behaviour portrayed in the film, has nothing whatever to do with schizophrenia (www.findart icles.com). I am a member of mass media consumer myself. I am continually entertained by the television programmes, movies and newspapers which I eagerly consume. However, this will not stop me from looking carefully and critically the media misrepresentation of mental health problems. Comedy portrayals tend to depict mental illnesses as primarily involving little more than specific oddities that the individuals manifest repetitively. This notion of mental disorder as a humorous oddity is conveyed in our movie and movies, whatever their titles, continuously find ways to present mental illnesses as laughable and ridiculous. The fact that our film has a funny plot which involve violence, mental health, beautiful girls and bad guys hunting good guys, succeeds to attract viewers attention and interest (Charlie, Hank and Irene produce fun during the film for example when Charlie is trying to make Hank go away etc). Media images are emotionally arousing, they do not only provide information, but they manipulate emotions in deliberate, skillful and effective way. Thus, I believe that it is very important to understand that movies which are not about mental illnesses, (our movie is categorized as comedy) they make viewers to merely absorb what they see, and therefore reinforce their biases and already inaccurate views, without being particularly aware that they are learning about mental illness. According to that, and as one film critic commended, Comedies may be mindless, but that does not mean it is not affecting minds (Wahl, 2003). Societys lack of knowledge, negative attitude and discriminatory behaviour is one of the central paradoxes because we live in a world in which up to half of all adults will be diagnosed with mental disorder in their lifetime. Furthermore, up to three-quarters of adult population know someone directly who has mental disorder, and yet we all act as if nobody knows anything (Thornicroft, 2006). Thus, I cannot understand why people who still feel threatened by it, allow stigma to thrive. Mental disorder misrepresentation by the media also poses significant limitations in the initiatives to normalize mental health services within the community and therefore reduce harmful stigma. According to that, many mentally ill people face prejudice and severe discrimination when happens to live next to healthy people Just because I have a mental health problem, I am now shunned, my life made even more difficult to live. Maria is a woman whose only crime is to live in an area in which a hostel for people with mental health problems is planned (Thornicroft-Shunned-2006). Publics perception of mental illness is one of fear and paranoia, bordering on mass media as they often use words such as nutter, psycho and schizo. This can be seen in the film Me, Myself Irene, when Irene used to apology for Hanks behaviour, saying that he is a schizo. These words are derogatory which should not be used. In relation to this, I have the obligation to express my opinion that a civilization should be judged by how it behaves towards mentally ill. Likewise, I believe that the well-being of a social system depends on the prosperity of the teams within this social system. Thus, any discrimination and stigma makes social system dysfunctional as a whole. Equally important to be mentioned is that during the movie, I have realized that misrepresentation of mental disorder not only took place on Charlie/Hank but there was a pervasive and persistent pattern to degrade mental disorder through Whiteys portrayal that according to the plot, have killed his entire family. As mentioned before, everyday people are learning, from everyday sources, concerning mental illnesses and it appears unfortunate that the majority of those people learn about mental illness from what they see and hear in the mass media. However, even if I believe that the mass media are not wholly to blame for negative perceptions, but every time programmes, articles or film portrays a stereotype, they fail to clear up a misunderstanding about mental disorder and thus, this helps to perpetuate the myths. In the following extract taken from the book Media madness: public images of mental illness (Wahl, 2003), there is an interesting, clear illustration of how the fearful mass media with the bold headlines tend to misrepresent mental disorder. The case is about a 30 year old woman who entered an elementary school in Winnetka, Illinois in May 1988 and shot a number of children. ..Times May 30, 1988, headline introducing the story of this tragic incident was One Lunatic, Three Guns. The event was truly tragic, and it is likely that mental illness was a contributing factor in the womans actions. Referring to the mentally ill person involved as a lunatic, however, was both unnecessary (Newsweeks article on the same incident was titled simply I Have Hurt Some Children: Nightmare in Winnetka) and inconsistent with standards applied to other groups. If the Winnetka school killing had been committed by someone in a wheelchair, it is unlikely that the Times headline would have read One Cripple, Three Guns. If the incident had involved a black woman, the headline would not have proclaimed One Nigger, Three Guns. There seems not to be the same hesitancy about using similarly disrespectful terms in referring to people with mental illnesses (www.time.com). Hence, it is obvious that the mass media tend to misrepresent mental illness with disrespectful patterns, fueling public fear and letting stigma to thrive. Stigma, in ancient Greece was bodily sign for those who were different. Stigmata were cut and burnt onto these different people (most of the time slaves) bodies to mark them as different from the rest population (http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk). Nowadays, mentally ill people are no longer physically mutilated, but still depreciation and hostile attitudes towards them can be just as hurtful to them. Individuals with mental health problems are stereotyped and stigmatized through the media as mad and violent, and thus this stigma causes serious obstacles in their life. Shame, blame and secrecy are taking place as they are the black sheep of the family. Mentally ill people experience severe stigma, discrimination, social exclusion and thus, isolation. Media represents mentally disordered as individuals dangerous to the public, strange and unpredictable like Hank (after all, who would want to live next to somebody who parks a car inside a shop and fights a cow?). But, the relationship between violence and mental disorder is not what the mass media simply represents. It is a complex matter that needs further consideration and critical thinking. Thus, in the following paragraphs we will try to understand what the real relationship is. Having said that the representation of a phenomenon by the media reflect the frame in which a phenomenon is socially placed, it is considered essential at this point to mention that it is much more likely for people to become victimized from healthy offenders than becoming a victim from a mentally disordered individual. The depiction of the mentally ill individual as violent, unanticipated, dangerous and potential criminal appears to be extremely popular in the medias interest. Furthermore, in the connection between mental illness and violence, schizophrenia possesses a prominent place, mainly because of its complexity. According to this, researches in Great Britain shows that the frame of violence outclasses against other approaches in proportion 4:1 and the individuals with mental illness almost always are presented with negative way, as violent, murderers or rapists, or, in the better case, as objects of sneer (Wahl, 2003). Additionally, and as empirical evidence show us, actually, the percentage of crimes of violence that has been committed by individuals with mental disturbance does not abstain perceptibly from what is attributed to the general population (Eronen et al., 1996), and the majority of acts of violence that are committed by mental patients are located in cases of incomplete therapeutic confrontation or even parallel use of substances (Swanson, 1997). However, this study, and most of the studies conducted until recently, have focused on the rates of violence among people with mental disorder, based on those who were hospitalized (inpatients) or on rates of mentally ill which were arrested, convicted or incarcerated for violent crimes. For example, one national survey showed that the lifetime risk of schizophrenia was 5% among people convicted for homicide, a prevalence that is much higher than any published rate of schizophrenia in the general population (suggesting the relationship between schizophrenia and homicide). (http://content.nejm.org). These studies, however, have many limitations as they only refer to individuals who were arrested, hospitalized or incarcerated which are by definition more likely to be violent or very ill and thus are not accurate representative of mentally ill in the general population. However, according to a study conducted by NIMH Epidemiology Catchment Area it was found that mentally ill patients suffering from serious mental disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depression were two to three times as likely as healthy people to be assaultive. At this point it is very important to mention that not all mental illnesses are linked to violence. For example, anxiety disorders do not increase the risk of violence. However, although the overwhelming majority of mentally ill with major depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder do not produce criminal behaviour, the presence of such disorders is significantly linked to an increased risk of violence. Furthermore, this study which had representative sample of 17.803 subjects, showed that people with no mental health problems who abuse alcohol and drugs are seven times as likely to report a violent behaviour as those without substance abuse whereas, mentally ill with substance abuse compounds the increased risk of violence (alcohol and substance abuse far outweigh mental disorder in contributing violence) (http://content.nejm.org). I am aware of the fact that the link between violence and mental disorder is not that strong. It is a controversial subject and hence, I believe that whether or not, mentally ill are more likely than others to engage in violent behaviour, the subject is not an idle and needs further consideration. Thus, the public should not losing sight that most people who are violent are not mentally ill, and most people who are mentally ill are not violent. A look at the broader picture is essential, thus even though the media represents dramatic statistics in order to underscore their cases, mass media consumers should know that serious mental illness is quite rare and actually contributes little to the overall rate of violence in the general population. Furthermore, it is crucial for us to understand that, most of people who are violent do not suffer from mental illnesses. More specifically, mentally ill are more likely to be the victims, rather than the perpetrators of violence current research shows that people with major mental illness are 2.5 times more likely to be the victims of violence than other members of society (http://www.cmha.ca). Moreover, a 1996 Health Canada review of scientific articles found that the strongest predictor of violence and criminal behaviour is not major to mental illness, but past history of violence and criminality (http://www.cmha.ca). To conclude, and as mentioned before, mental disorder plays no part in the majority of violent crimes committed in our society. However, mentally ill people who live in a stressful, unpredictable environment with little family or community support may be at risk high risk of becoming violent (in relation to our case, Charlie/Hank was away from his family and chased across the country by corrupt cops). However, mental disorder misrepresentation by the media continues and it is not hard to understand why. Pamela Kalbfleisch claims, that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦nothing sells like an insane, unpredictable, undetected, glory killer on the loose who has caused a great deal of pain and anguish to the friends and relatives of the victim (Wahl, 2003). To the question why are people with mental disorder depicted consistently from the media in such inaccurate and inappropriate way (dangerous, different) the answer would be for profit. There is no question that mass media selection of what to present to the public is based on financial factors). Mass media operate for profit and wants to fulfill the publics thirst and excitement for violence related to mental disorder, and thus should present what the public will buy. Hence, it was considered essential for the films trailer to show Charlie explaining that he suffers from delusionary schizophrenia with involuntary narcissistic rage so that, attract viewers attention. Nevertheless, mental disorder produces profits (the film grossed $83 million in the USA according to The Guardian, July 28, 2000), (http://pb.rcpsych.org). Phenomena that are dramatic and puzzling have always been attractive to the public. Thus, what is more buy-able than a funny and unpredicted character acting like mad. Mental illness is therefore, transformed into madness, and madness related to fun is even more fascinating. Media representation of serious mental disorder, challenge publics appetite for arousal and excitement as stories about violent crime linked to mental illness provide titillation. However, the most important thing during the movie is that there was an inappropriate and inaccurate depiction that whenever a mentally ill individual does not take the medication becomes villain (Hank wanted to fight a 10-year-old boy, he vanished a cow, almost drowned a young girl). Thus, this misrepresentation contains an explicit message that the public needs vigilant protection from mental patients. Consequently, when viewers see such misrepresentation of mental disorder taking place, they become fearful that those different people are highly likely to cause physical harm to other people. In other words, this pervasive portray of mentally ill as violent and extremely dangerous, will only lead media consumers to a general belief that mentally ill individuals will attack and therefore harm their community. Such belief will, in turn, create moral panic, and fear in the presence of mentally ill. After all, and as previously expressed, who would feel safe next to somebody who parks a car inside a shop? According to this, and as many believe that homelessness is closely related to mental disorder, moral panic lead to a random attack on a homeless man with schizophrenia in Toronto June 4, 2000 Fillmore was attacked as he lay sleeping in a bus shelter last June: he was stabbed and bled to death (http://pb.rcpsych.org). Just imagine that once patients leave psychiatric hospitals and therefore eager for support and acceptance, are instead treated with suspicion and fear. This misrepresentation will fuel panic and increase the prejudice and fear, and will make people to cross the street or exit buses or move away when they happen to be next of mentally ill. Moreover, it is highly likely that people who are persuaded by the media to ignore and fear of mentally ill, to become mentally ill. This, in turn, will lead them to self-loathing as they now know that they have become violent, dangerous, and different and so forth. Moreover, mentally ill are bombarded with unfavourable information about them and therefore perceived as threat (self-stigma) and thus, these attitudes towards them have devastating effect on their relationships, employment, housing and social functioning. The discrimination and stigma, excludes them from any social activity and the issue of employment as well (http://bjp.rcpsych.org). According to this, I believe that the most important step to recovery is to work, because of employment offers a social network, route out of poverty. To conclude, I would like to mention that it is very sad when viewers (including myself) see the way films and mass media in general, portray people with mental disorder as if there is not anyone who is positive. But I guess, non aggressive mentally ill do not sell. It is also very inappropriate the fact that the mass media misrepresent mentally ill people and portray them as monsters who want to harm us. Additionally, I have concluded that the mass media inaccurately present the relationship between mental disorder and violence. Furthermore, I found that the mass media fuel public fear by generalizing all mental illnesses and stereotyping its patients. I also found that the impact of stigma and the discrimination against mentally ill is both common and severe. Ultimately, I suggest that all the incorrect beliefs of previous generations should not be passing on to new. The stigmatizing and discriminating attitudes towards mentally ill people have been going on for a long time and it is time to stop as I am a believer that the way our society behaves the mentally ill, is not only an issue of mental health care but human rights issue. According to this, I would like to conclude with the following words written by a relative of one mentally ill patient. For me stigma means fear, resulting in a lack of confidence. Stigma is loss, resulting in unresolved mourning issues. Stigma is not having access to resources Stigma is being invisible or being reviled, resulting in conflict. Stigma is lowered family esteem and intense shame, resulting in decreased self-worth. Stigma is secrecy Stigma is anger, resulting in distance. Most importantly, stigma is hopelessness, resulting in helplessness. (http://apt.rcpsych.org). .