Evar From Diagnosis To Treatment Health And Social Care Essay

This essay will discourse a instance survey about an fanciful patient with AAA. The essay is divided into three chief subdivisions. It will foremost see the patient ‘s history, the initial trials undertaken, the imagination methods used and the result of each phase. It will so travel to depict the diagnosing and process of EVAR and in decision I will sum up the chief points. A 68 twelvemonth old male patient with a household history of AAA, who was a tobacco user and had a knee replacing 15 old ages ago, was referred by his GP to hold an X ray of the lumbar spinal column and pelvic girdle. . The clinical grounds for the X ray was that the patient had fallen down the stairs 2 hebdomads before and had a hurting in the lower dorsum and right hip. After warranting the request card and look intoing his inside informations, they did an AP and Lateral of his lumbar and an AP scrutiny of his pelvic girdle. And they sent him back to obtain the consequences from his GP after 10 yearss. The radiotherapist reported his diagnosing on the X raies and sent it back to the GP. There was an rating of the categorization in the venters and a suspected abdominal aortal aneurism. So the GP asked him to go to the surgery to discourse the x-ray consequence, and requested an ultrasound of venters to hold a better consequence and a unsmooth indicant of the internal diameter and a n accurate appraisal.The GP asked him to wait until he received an appointment missive from infirmary. After 4 hebdomads he had his assignment. The clinical indicant was categorization on the lumbar X ray, and a question sing an abdominal aneurism. The rating of the ultrasound scan was an abdominal aortic aneurism which was 4.5 centimeter. The bosom was normal in size. There was no grounds of any important mediastinal mass or lymph node expansion. The kidneys were normal in size. The radiotherapist recommended supervising the patient. He besides sent a study to the patient ‘s GP. Six months subsequently in Dec 2007, he attended his 2nd assignment for an ultrasound scan of his venters. There was a little addition in his aneurism. Therefore, a study was sent once more to his GP. The rating was a 4.7cm aortal aneurism. In April 2008 he had another scan which indicated a 5.2cm aneurism. The GP referred him to the vascular sawbones, because the size had reached an index diameter of 5cm.After four hebdomads he met the sawbones. He reviewed his medical history and discussed the x-ray and ultrasound consequence with him. He besides strongly advised him to discontinue smoke, because tobacco users are about 5 times every bit likely as non-smokers to endure from AAA ( Hafez 2008 ) .In November 2008, the aneurism was 5.6cm and fix was recommended by his sawbones.hypertext transfer protocol: //www.e-radiography.net/radrep/Vascular/Vascular_AAA_US_55mm/Vascular_AAA_US_55_long.jpgRadiological Report: US Abdominal Aorta: The maximal A.P. internal diameter of the abdominal aorta is 5.6 centimeter. Mural thrombus reduces the internal diameter to 2.0cms ( x-ray 2000 ) .A The Vascular sawbones discussed with the patient that he needs a surgery every bit shortly as possible, he besides explained the being of two possible methods of fix and outlined the major hazards and benefits of each. He besides explained the possible complications associated with the process, including the hazard of endovascular leaks, the possibility of secondary intercession and the demand for lifelong follow up ( H. George Burkit 2007 ) . He offered him an EVAR surgery, so he was referred to hold a CT scan with clinical indicant of EVAR 5.6cm in ultrasound scan. A Week after he had a CT angiogram aorta. The Radiographer asked him if he has allergy to any contrast media or kidney job. Then he had an IV injection of dye in his arm. The sawbones received the study from Radiologist a few yearss subsequently. Evaluation of CT scan was a 6.2cm infrarenal AAA with a satisfactory cervix of 2cm and good possible common iliac set downing zones suited for EVAR ( Bhattacharya V 2007 ) . He was asked to go to a pre-operative appraisal clinic to run into his sawbones and other members of clinical squad. Two hebdomads subsequently in pre-op they took his medical history and the name of all medicine he used and carried out a physical scrutiny. The surgical squad carried out a figure of trials include blood trial and chest X ray to do certain that he is healthy plenty to hold an anesthetic and surgery. And advised him what he needs to make for admittance twenty-four hours. trials Normal Laboratory Test Values ‘ Patients result Red blood cells 3.8 M/mcL to 5.6 M/mcL 4.6 M/mcL. White blood cells 3.8 K/mm^ to 11.0 K/mm 6 k/mm. Hemoglobin 11 g/dL to 18 g/dL 13 g/dl Hematocrit 34 % to 54 % 38 % Blood urea N mg/dL to 0.4 mg/dL 6 mg/dL to 23 mg/dL Bilirubin, direct 0.0 15mg/dl Bilirubin entire 0.2 mg/dL to 1.4 mg/dL 0.2 milligram /dL Creatinine 0.6 mg/dL to 1.5 mg/dL 0.7 mg/dL On admittance twenty-four hours which was hebdomad subsequently, he was seen by the nurse, sawbones and anesthesiologist. Then vascular sawbones went through the questionnaire which was about his past medical history and process once more, and explained the hazard and benefit of making the operation. He took his consent and asked him to subscribe the consent signifier. He was taken to the theater and the anesthesiologist gave him a general aneaestatic. Aneurysm fix was performed and after the process, he was taken to the intensive attention unit for recovery. He made good recovery and was discharged on the fifth postoperative twenty-four hours. Complete recovery was 3 months. After 2nd postoperative yearss he had CT angiography In order to observe any complication. There was no grounds of endoleak detected during arterial stage scanning or after a 2-min hold. The patient was discharged without complication. Follow-up CT angiography was performed at 1 month and five month. Then every twelvemonth after that, to do certain there are non any jobs. Discussion: An aneurism is a weak country in aorta. If a blood vas weakens, it starts to bloat like a balloon and becomes remarkably large. If an aneurism signifiers on the abdominal aorta and grows excessively large, the aorta might rupture or tear ( Upchurch and Schaub April 1, 2006, Heather 2008 ) . The most common aneurism is abdominal aortal aneurisms, is below the beginning of the arterias to the kidneys.In work forces, the maximal normal aortal diameter at this degree is about 2.5 centimeter. An aorta that is 3 centimeter or more in diameter at this degree qualifies as being aneurysmal. The happening of AAA varies harmonizing to ethnicity, age and gender. Work force are six times more likely to be affected than adult females. At the age of 65 old ages, 3 % of work forces will hold an AAA. The popularity so increases with age to make about 8 % at the age of 80. AAAs represents about 98 % of aneurism of the whole aorta ( Hafez 2008 and Sparks et al 2002 ) . Any aneurism wider than 5.5 centimeter should be operated upon electively ( Raymond 2006 and Dillon et al 2010 ) .Abdominal aortal aneurism is normally symptomless. Smoke and high blood force per unit area are most of import hazard factors ( patient brochure 2009 and Hafez 2008 ) . Approximately 80 % of patients who present with a ruptured abdominal aortal aneurisms have no old diagnosing. When rupture occurs, mortality is really high ( Scot et al 2008 and Philip et al 2009 ) . On physical scrutiny, AAAs with 3 to 3.9 centimeter scope is tangible 29 % of the clip, compared with those with an AAA more than 5 centimeter. which can be palpated 76 % of the clip ( Gilbert et al 2008 ) . Once the size reaches an index diameter of 5 to 5.5cm or is seen to spread out more than 0.5cm in a twelvemonth needs to mention to vascular sawbones ( H. George Burkit 2007 ) .Harmonizing to Robert et Al 2008 if the abdominal aortal aneurism expands by more than 0.6 to 0.8cm per twelvemonth, fix is normally recommended.The trials were included: Arterial Blood Gas ( ABG ) degrees, to supervise oxygenation, airing, and acerb base position. Complete blood count to supervise Red blood cell, White blood cell ( WBC ) , and thrombocyte counts altered hemoglobin degrees and haematocrit reflect any blood loss and the O transporting ability of the blood. An elevated WBC count reflects an inflammatory response. Serum electrolyte panel-monitors fluid, electrolyte, and acerb base position Serum creatinine and blood urea N ( BUN ) degrees, to supervise nephritic map. Blood curdling surveies to supervise curdling. Urinalysis to supervise nephritic position including secernment and concentration Blood cross fiting necessary for blood replacing Electrocardiography ( ECG ) to look into cardiac alterations associated with ischaemia Chest X ray may uncover abnormalcies of the thorax, bosom and lungs ( Holloway 2004 ) . MRSA Scan to fix his tegument and cut down the likeliness of infection ( trust protocol ) . Patients are normally current or anterior tobacco users and frequently have a history of high blood pressure. Most abdominal aortal aneurisms remain asymptomatic until they rupture, but some are detected by the way either on scrutiny or when the patient undergoes imaging for other grounds. On scrutiny a pulsatile, expandable cardinal abdominal mass may be detected supplying the patient is non grossly corpulent. The femoral and popliteal pulsations should be checked for associated aneurisms ( Scott et al 2004 and Rosalyn 2006 and Louise and Anderson 2001 ) . Compared with unfastened surgery, EVAR has lower operative mortality, lower morbidity, and shorter length of infirmary stay and greater likeliness of discharge to place than unfastened surgery ( Schermerhorn 2009 ) Two option of operation are unfastened fix, where an scratch is made in the venters, and endovascular aneurism fix, where the aneurism is repaired by go throughing instruments through one of the venas ( NHS Choice 2010 ) . Patient demands to hold CT angiogram to cognize if he is suited for EVAR. Because of the form of aneurysm some people are non suited for EVAR Otherwise he should hold unfastened surgery ( NICE 2006 ) . CT is the following measure to assist find which intervention should be used.Serial CT scans can be used to conceive of the proximal cervix ( the passage between the normal and aneurysmal aorta ) , the extension to the iliac arterias, and the patency of the splanchnic arterias. They can besides mensurate the thickness of the mural thrombus. With 3-dimensional imagination, coiling CT and CT angiography can supply extra anatomical inside informations, particularly utile if endovascular process is considered ( Macari et al 2001 ) .The ground of holding CT compared with aortography and MRI is, widespread Availability, systematically consistent consequences, and a comparative cost ( Sparks et al 2002 ) . Elective surgery is to mend an aorta. The sawbones will cover a little metal tubing, which is known as a stent-graft and will attach that to a catheter. The catheter is infixing into one of the arterias in the inguen around the femoral arterias, before being moved up to the site of the aneurism. He will attach the stent-graft to the interior of the aorta with pins, which strengthened the walls of the aorta. The catheter so will be removed. The process will be guided utilizing intensifier x-ray machine and radiographer will take images step by measure. An X-ray imagination process is executing to look into whether the stent transplant is decently placed. The cut will be closed with stitches and a dressing will be placed over the stitches. ( Bupa ‘s Health Information Team 2010 and book ) . X raies of the venters shows Ca sedimentations in the aneurism wall, but we can non see the size and extent of aneurism therefore Ultrasound has approximately 98 % truth in mensurating the size of the aneurism, and is safe and non-invasive. Ultrasonography normally gives a clear image of the size of an aneurism. For surgical fix be aftering ultrasound can non accurately place the extent of the aneurism. Computerized imaging of the venters is extremely accurate in finding the size and extent of the aneurism, and its relation to the nephritic arterias. However, computerized imaging uses high doses of radiation and for rating of blood vass, requires endovenous dye. This carries some hazard including allergic reaction to the dye and annoyance of the kidneys. In patients with kidney diseases, the physician may see an MRA, which is a survey of the aorta and the other arterias utilizing MRI scanning. Both computerized imaging and MRI are effectual for diagnosing. In this instance because pa tient had Knee replacing and no allergic to dye CT is best option. Screening may cut down the incidence of aortal rupture, particularly if applied to bad groups. Erstwhile ultrasound showing for AAA is recommended for all work forces aged a†°?65 old ages and household history of AAA ( NHS Screening plan 2010 ) . Decision: Abdominal aorta aneurism ( AAA ) is a dilation of the aorta. This is about 3 centimeters in most people. Strong hazard factors are cigarette smoke, familial or household history, increased age, male sex, inborn and connective tissue upsets. Diagnostic factors include abdominal, back, or inguen hurting, pulsatile abdominal mass and hypotension. Diagnostic trials are including Plain X ray of venters, Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI and aortography.There are two option for Treatments of Abdominal aortal aneurism which includes unfastened fix and Endovascular aneurysm fix, depending on patient status. REFRENCESS: Upchurch, Jr. G.R. ( M.D. ) and Schaub, T.A. ( M.D. ) ( April 1, 2006 ) ‘Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm ‘ American Family Physician online. Available from: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.aafp.org/afp/20060401/1198.html [ Accessed 16/2/2011 ] Heather, B. P. ( 2008 ) ‘Abdominal aortal aneurisms, testing and the jurisprudence ‘ AvMA Medical & A ; Legal Journal. Volume 14 Number 2 online. Available from hypertext transfer protocol: //cr.rsmjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/14/2/65 [ accessed 12/1/211 ] Mayo clinical staff, ( June 23, 2010 ) , Abdominal ultrasound, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) online. Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.mayoclinic.com/health/abdominal-ultrasoundWhat you can expect/ , MY00076/DSECTION=what-you-can-expect [ accessed 23/1/2011 ] RUH, ( 2006 ) ` Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Patient Information` Available from: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.ruh.nhs.uk/patients/services/vascular, [ accessed 21st DEC 2010 ] Vikram, D. and Deborah J. R, ( 2004 ) Ultrasound secrets. Philadelphia: Name of publishing house VeriMed Healthcare Network, ( 2009 ) Abdominal aortal aneurism. Medline plus Medical Encyclopaedia. Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000162.htm. [ Accessed 12/1/211 ] Hafez, H ( 2008 ) Clinical Risk `Abdominal aortal aneurism disease: wellness hazards, direction and screening` 14: 208-210 DOI: 10.1258/cr.2008.080076 online available from hypertext transfer protocol: //atvb.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/28/4/764 [ accessed 24/1/2011 ] Robert K. S, Roberta L. H, Katherine E. M ( 2008 ) what is ct angiography aorta of abdominal aortal aneurism Stoelting ‘s anaesthesia and co-existing disease, 676 pages Follow online format aboveBhattacharya, V ( 2007 ) `Management of abdominal aortal aneurism ‘ , available from hypertext transfer protocol: //www.gponline.com/news/766641 [ accessed 20/1/2011 ]Holloway, N. M. ( 2004 ) Medical-surgical attention planning. Topographic point of publication: Lippincott William & A ; Wilkins, A Inglott, F. ( 2007 ) Stent-graft online. Available from: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.stentgraft.com/id11.htmlconsultant, [ accessed 12/02/2011 ]Bupa ‘s Health Information Team, ( July 2010 ) Endovascular aneurism fix ( EVAR ) , on-line at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.bupa.co.uk/healthinformation/directory/e/endovascular-repair, [ accessed 16/2/2011 ] .Kirk, R. M. ( 2006 ) General surgical operations. Topographic point: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier Dillon, M. Cardwell, C. Blair, P.H. Ellis, P. Kee, F. Harkin, D.W. ( 2010 ) Endovascular intervention for ruptured abdominal aortal aneurism, The Cochrane Collaboration, Cochrane, John Wiley and Sons, Ltd. Available from: hypertext transfer protocol: //www2.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab005261.html [ accessed 12/12/2010 ] PATIENT INFORMATION BOOKLET ( 2009 ) Endovascular Stent Grafts: A intervention for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms, Medtronic, Vol 302, No. 18 Davarn, S. ( MD ) Reardon, R. ( MD ) Joing, S. ( MD ) ( 2008 ) Academic Emergency Medicine, Volume 14, Issue 4, Article foremost published online: available from: hypertext transfer protocol: //onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1197/j.aem.2007.01.001/pdf, [ accessed 06/01/2011 ] Baker, P. E. & A ; Kumar Ramnarine, V. ( February 2009 ) Development and Application of an Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Model, ultrasound, Leicester NHS Trust, N Volume 17 N Number 1, online available from: hypertext transfer protocol: //ult.rsmjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/17/1/30 [ accessed 12/01/2011 ] Upchurch Jr, G. R. ( MD ) Longo, C. ( MD ) Rectenwald, J.E. ( MD ) ( March 2008 ) Abdominal aortal aneurism, Geriatrics Volume 63. Number 3 Kahan, S. Raves, J. J. ( 2004 ) In a Page Surgery. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & A ; Wilkins, SPARKS, A.R. ( M.D. ) JOHNSON, P. L. ( M.D. ) and MEYER, M. C. ( M.D. ) ( APRIL 15, 2002, ) Imagination of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms, AMERICAN FAMILY PHYSICIAN, VOLUME 65, NUMBER 8University of Kansas Medical Centre, Kansas City, Kansas available from hypertext transfer protocol: //www.e-radiography.net/articles/Aortic % 20Anneurysm % 20imaging.pdf [ accessed 21/02/2011 ]Burkitt, G. H. Quick, C.R.G. Reed, J.B. , ( 2007 ) , Essential surgery: jobs, diagnosing and direction, Churchill Livingston Elsevier Follow diary format aboveZOLER, M. L. ( 2006 ) , Formulas Identify Best Patients for AAA Repair. Internal medical specialty News, available from: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.internalmedicinenews.com/index.php? id=495 & A ; cHash=071010 & A ; tx_ttnews [ tt_news ] =11658 [ accessed 19/02/2011 ]Heather, B. P. ( 2008 ) Abdominal aortal aneurisms, testing and the jurisprudence, AvMA Medical & A ; Legal Journal, Volume 14 Number 2 online available from: hypertext transfer protocol: //cr.rsmjournals.com/content/vol14/issue2/ [ accessed 12/12/2010 ] GAILA HOODA IRWIN RN, CEN, BSNA ( February 2007 ) , A How to protect a patient with aortal aneurism Volume 37A Number 2, PagesA 36A online available from: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.nursingcenter.com/prodev/ce_article.asp? tid=693846 [ accessed 26/12/2010 ] Macari, M. , ( MD ) , Israel, G. M. ( MD ) , Berman, P. ( BA ) Lisi, M. ( BA ) Anuj J. Tolia, BA, Mark Adelman, MD, Alec J. Megibow, MD, MPH, August 2001 Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic, Aneurysms at Multi-Detector, Row CT Angiography: Intravascular Enhancement without a Timing Acquisition1, 520 omega Radiology Macari et Al, Volume 220 omega Number 2 online available from: hypertext transfer protocol: //radiology.rsna.org/content/220/2/519.full [ accessed 16/02/2011 ] NICE ( 2006 ) , Royal United Hospital Bath, NHS, Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Patient Information, hypertext transfer protocol: //www.ruh.nhs.uk/patients/services/vascular/documents/Endovascular_Aneurysm_Repair_Patient_Information.pdf, [ accessed 21st DEC 2010 ] Schermerhorn, M. ( MD ) Discussant ( November 2009 ) , American Medical Association. Vol 302, No. 18, online available at hypertext transfer protocol: //jama.ama-assn.org/content/302/18/2015.full.pdf+html, [ accessed 14/2/2011 ] Anderson, L. A. ( MS, RN ) ( 2001 ) , Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, THE JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR Nursing, Volume 15 – Issue 4 – pp 1-14 online, available from: hypertext transfer protocol: //journals.lww.com/jcnjournal/Abstract/2001/07000/Abdominal_Aortic_Aneurysm.2.aspx [ accessed 13/01/2011 ] Gendreau, R. ( 2006 ) Is it a kidney rock or abdominal aortal aneurism? : Name of journal Volume 36 – Issue 5 – P 22-24, on-line available from: hypertext transfer protocol: //journals.lww.com/nursing/Fulltext/2006/04001/Is_it_a_kidney_stone_or_abdominal_aortic_aneurysm_.8.aspx [ accessed 20/12/2010 ]Baker, L. A Anderson, E. ( May 2010 ) ; Abdominal aortal aneurism: simple showing could salvage lives, Primary attention nurse practician, Generations Family Health Centre, Norwich, CT, American Journal for Nurse Practitioners ( AM J NURSE PRACT ) , 2010 May ; 14 ( 5 ) : 29-34 ( 27 ref ) , journal article – pictorial, tables/charts. Online available from: Health Information Resources once National Library for Health, cinhal, [ accessed 18/02/2011 ]NHS Choice ( 2010 ) , Screening programmes, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, NHS Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme, online available from: hypertext transfer protocol: //aaa.screening.nhs.uk/ [ accessed 01/12/2010 ] Screening programmes, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, NHS Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme 2010 Produced by COI for the NHS,401590/C 1p December 2010, hypertext transfer protocol: //aaa.screening.nhs.uk/ david.colbourn @ bcu.ac.uk

Media Bias in the Election of 2008

Connie Zhang Media Bias Against Hilary Clinton in the Election of 2008 The election of 2008 was monumental in many respects, the most significant being the fact that there was a chance that the first woman or African American would become president of the United States. After Obama won the nomination, claims that the media had been negative and unfair to Clinton were examined. In earlier studies conducted by D’Alessio and Allen, it was concluded there were no significant biases in most forms of media. However, from the focus of her marriage to the questioning of her social conduct, Clinton was definitely treated differently than Obama was.It is very evident that there was, in fact, negative bias towards Clinton, although it was not as numerous and severe as it seemed to be due to historical, situational, and personal matters. Using meta-analysis, a method that allows for the combination of many studies from relatively few media outlets, D’Alessio and Allen revealed no s ignificant net amount of gatekeeping bias and no significant coverage bias. However, statement bias found in newsmagazines was pro-republican, and those found on TV were pro-democrat. The key here is that the â€Å"net† amount of gatekeeping bias was equal to zero.What this meant was that the number of conservatively biased forms of media was equal to the number of liberally biased forms of media. If someone only read a republican-favoring newspaper, then individually, he would be experiencing media biases which would impact his voting choices despite the fact that â€Å"net† amount of gatekeeping biases was equal to zero. Another important fact demonstrated in this study is that Americans are increasingly relying on TV for campaign information, so they are increasingly exposed to liberal biases, further affecting their political choices.Although D’Alessio and Mike Allen are certainly correct in their claim that the identities of the presidential candidates chan ged many times, biases most definitely existed in the election of 2008. Using a positive versus negative coverage analysis, Moldovan found substantial evidence that Clinton received less coverage than Obama did. Historically, this trend has been recorded, and in 2008, it held true even when the female candidate, Clinton, was a front runner.Six top newspapers ran 59 stories with Obama being mentioned in the headline, while only 36 mentioned Clinton. Between January 2007 and June 2008, 343 articles were written about Obama, while only 293 were focused on Clinton. In Time magazine, 2 covers featured Clinton, 2 covers featured both Clinton and Obama, and a whopping 25 covers featured Obama only. Clearly, there is a bias favoring Obama in the case of agenda setting. Additionally, Moldovan found that coverage of Clinton was more negatively framed than Obama’s was, in both specific cases and in general.When Clinton cried after winning the New Hampshire primaries, there was plenty of coverage deeming her a phony trying to rally emotional support as a woman, whereas her victory was extremely likely due to her administration’s superior organization in that state. In contrast, Obama’s condescending â€Å"You’re likeable enough, Hillary†, remark, received substantially less time and focus. Another example where treatment of Obama was not was not as harsh or prolonged as it could have been was in regards to Michelle Obama’s remark about being proud of her country â€Å"for the first time in her life†.Furthermore, the treatment towards Obama’s connections to anti-American individuals, such as his former reverend Jeremiah Wright, was softer in comparison to criticism of Clinton’s fashion, lack of womanly characteristics, and marriage. Overall, Clinton’s coverage was more negative than Obama’s, from the amount the media covered her weaknesses to the way it framed them. But all the biases claimed to h ave existed may not really have been actual biases, as Moldovan further explains. Some may have only been believed to been there as a result of historical, situational, and personal situations.The year 2008 was a crucial time. The country was in the worst recession since the Great Depression, with foreign tensions only aggravating the situation. Despite Clinton’s political prowess, her marriage to Bill Clinton and its scandalous complications gave her a very â€Å"yesterday† feeling that Americans did not need in such a dire time. Additionally, her refusal to disclose her tax returns increased the feelings of secrecy that retrogressively reminded people of the Nixon and Bush administration. Furthermore, coming out of George W.Bush’s rule, the fact that she was a Clinton added to the feeling of the persistence of a family dynasty that Americans did not want again. Finally, Clinton’s approach to the campaign itself was not only perceived negatively, but was in fact negative. Clinton’s method to winning focused on questioning Obama’s foreign policy experience, military capabilities, and economic policies. Her offensive remarks about Obama’s kindergarten essay and her red phone call ad were things that didn’t need the media’s framing or bias for people to recognize that they were disrespectful and unappealing.Although the press unnecessarily focused on these negative aspects, it cannot be denied that most of Clinton’s campaign was, in fact negative in itself due to the fact that it had been an attack on Obama’s flaws as a person, rather than a logical and fair assessment of his abilities and potential as a leader (Moldovan, 2009). When coupled with the fact that Obama revealed his maturity and professionalism by focusing on substance rather than resorting to mud-slinging, the situation worsened for Clinton.Additionally, the most negative coverage about Obama may have emphasized a trait th at would have been unattractive in other times, but in this situation, served to help him. The media revealed Obama’s â€Å"elitism†, from his food choices, to his education, to his up-scale Chicago neighborhood. Normally, this would have harmed a candidate’s campaign, but in 2008 when Americans really needed a talented and intelligent president, it seemed to make sense to want more than just an average American candidate.Despite his race and lack of professional experience, in contrast to Clinton’s feelings of backwardness and her attack tactics, Obama’s youthful charisma and focus on hope were simply more appealing to the American people, and although the media did give him an unfair amount of attention in his positive traits and was biased in focusing on his image rather than his experience, Obama didn’t need the media’s framing for it to be known that the way he approached the campaign was much more mature and professional then Cl inton.Because people tend to react much stronger to emotional appeals rather than dense, political facts, the fact that Obama handled the campaign better as a person really assisted him to victory (Moldovan, 2009). Clinton’s circumstances may have been further exacerbated not by the media’s bias, but by the fact that in general, people are just harsher when judging a woman. In a representative national sample, 51 percent of the surveyed believed that Americans were not â€Å"ready to elect a woman into high office† (Lawless 74).In general, women are more likely to receive media coverage based on their appearance, feminine traits, and ability to handle women’s issues. The situation was worsened by fact that Clinton was not the average female candidate. From the perceived lack of affection towards her pets to her hard, tough demeanor, Clinton lacked many of the stereotypical womanly characteristics people expected from her. But as soon as she cried after he r New Hampshire victory, the press had an unnecessarily generous and negative focus on these womanly qualities.Although there is a general and accepted consensus that Clinton did not lose the race because she was a woman, she was forced to operate in a sexist environment and deal with different expectations and standards. Thus, her campaign in general was more difficult as voters relied on stereotypical ideas of women and men’s attributes, affecting the way people judged and viewed her differently from Obama. In this case, the media may not have been biased against Clinton, but simply reinforcing these sexist norms (Lawless 2009).A further reason why these biases may not be as strong as they are claimed is demonstrated by Watts, Domoke, Shah, and Fan. After examining shifts in public perception of media bias, press coverage of media bias, and coverage in presidential campaigns, they concluded that the rise in the belief of media bias is a result of increasing news self-covera ge focusing on the topic of news content bias itself. These authors discovered that a lot of people’s evaluation of media credibility is misinformed, especially when comes to political news and campaign coverage.In presidential campaigns, candidates may merely be attempting to generate support for themselves and opposition for their opponents, not intentionally wanting to create bias. With the increase in these patterns, allegations of biases may now be a part of the presidential campaign rhetoric, and journalists feel increasing pressure to make these claims of the existence of biases to prove that they are not biased themselves.The rise in media sources has further contributed to the pressure traditional media sources have felt to reinforce their reliability by supporting claims of biases. Doing so not only generates credibility from their audience, but their peers as well. In consequence, a cyclic effect has taken place in which news media find their attention as sources o f information in political campaigns to be of increasing importance.In these ways, biases that are claimed to exist may not be as severe—or even existent—as people believe them to be. Due to these historical, situational, and personal matters, the negative biases against Clinton may not have been as frequent and harsh as they seemed, although biases against her existed for sure. In both agenda setting and framing, the media seemed to be against her as she received less coverage overall, and the coverage she did received tended to be harsher than the coverage on Obama.Other biases that were claimed to exist, however, such as emphasis on her marriage to Bill Clinton, however, may not really have been biases, but true, negative facts that just didn’t help her campaign. In addition, she was operating under a sexist environment, so it cannot be said that the media was being biased against her gender since everyone else was too. Finally, assertions of biases may not h ave actually arisen from real biases, but could have been a result from increasing news self-coverage focusing on the topic of news content bias.Overall, as Moldovan points out, the press’ true biases lay in conflict, because conflict generates both viewers and revenue. It just happened to be that out of the two candidates, Hilary Clinton had more problems to talk about. Works Cited Lawless, Jennifer L. â€Å"Sexism and Gender Bias in Election 2008: A More Complex Path for Women in Politics. † Politics & Gender (2009): 70-80. Print. â€Å"Media Bias in Presidential Elections: A Meta Analysis. † Journal of Communication 50. 4 (2000): 133-56. Print. Miller, Melissa K. , Jeffrey S. Peake, and Brittany Anne Boulton. Testing the Saturday Night Live Hypothesis: Fairness and Bias in Newspaper Coverage of Hillary Clinton's Presidential Campaign. † Politics & Gender (2010): 169-98. Print. Raluca, Moldovan. â€Å"A TALE OF TWO CLINTONS: MEDIA BIAS IN THE COVERAGE O F HILLARY CLINTON'S 2008 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN1. † Studia Universitatis Babes-Bolyai. Studia Europaea (2009): 41-59. Print. Watts, Mark D. , et al. â€Å"Elite Cues and Media Bias in Presidential Campaigns – Explaining Public Perceptions of a Liberal Press. † Communication Research 26. 2 (1999): 144-75. Print.

Views on Just War Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Views on Just War - Essay Example There were a variety of reasons as to why war can occur, and this may involve personal or judicial reasons. The reasons as to coming up with war need further justification as to its reasons, and goals. The majority root for all the debates is that these reasons must coincide and fit with the nature of war. However, one seemingly ideal question that needs focus is the existence of just war itself. The World War 2 is a definite example to examine and justify the existence of just war. World War 2 The World War 2 began on September 1, 1939, and it lasted for six years. This war was known to be one of the most dreadful wars the world has ever known. The war sparked when Germany took hold of Poland without permission. This then motivated Britain and France to join the war and fight against Germany. Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa later joined the war within a week from the start of war (World War 2.net, n.d.). The causes of World War 2 in summary started when Germany took over Poland. However, there were underlying reasons before it came to the point where Germany invaded Poland. The known underlying causes of World War 2 were â€Å"Treaty of Versailles, Hitler’s Actions, Failure of Appeasement, and Failure of the League of Nations† (History On the Net.com, 2011). The â€Å"Treaty of Versailles was about the deals that were discussed as to how Germany should be held liable for World War 1† peace (History On the Net.com, 2011). The deals were not served as fair and just for the Germans, and they had Adolf Hitler to fight for their rights. â€Å"Adolf Hitler’s actions† particularly invading countries and not keeping his word with regard to peace and integrity made its way to becoming one of the complex reasons of war. The â€Å"failure of appeasement† was about deals that failed to provide the demands of Germans considering that Adolf Hitler’s actions were acceptable. â€Å"Failure of the Leagues of Na tions† was about the failure of the League, and the member countries to enhance world peace (History On the Net.com, 2011). These then were the basis as to how World War 2 was born, and a few of the many justifications that World War 2 was in fact, a just war due to the policies and logical reasons involved. Laws on War: Jus ad Bellum The laws on war are primarily focused on justifying the validity of war or the existence of a just war. â€Å"Jus ad bellum† is a title that provides and considers the legitimacy of a war or how far would a war be considered just. This originated from the â€Å"Charter of the United Nations† under article 2. This article states the involvement of states that use force to gain control and personal interest (Nabulsi, n.d.). The 6 Categories of Just War under Jus ad bellum The justification on the legitimacy of just war should fit on the 6 categories of the jus ad bellum to be able to declare a war that is just or acceptable. Below are the categories and there association to World War 2 justification, and existence of just war. A war must have a valid cause. One of the many examples would be â€Å"defence of others from aggressive attack† (Lacewing, n.d.). The World War 2 was highlighted primarily because of the defense of other countries to Poland when Germany took over them. This was unannounced, and several innocent lives were sacrificed. A war must have the â€Å"

The coursework focuses on the Airbus Industrie (Airbus), the civil Essay

The coursework focuses on the Airbus Industrie (Airbus), the civil aircraft manufacturer, jointly owned by BAe plc, and French, German and Spanish interest (t - Essay Example Airbus required an overall cost-cutting plan for travel management, an important target being to reduce the travel budget by at least 10%. To achieve that, Airbus decided to implement some new steps. Commercial jet aircraft is universally dependent on long-standing trends in airline passenger traffic. And this tendency can be explained by factors such as financial growth in developed and up-and-coming markets, political stability, profitability of the airline industry, and the globalization and consolidation of the industry. Other important factors are restrictions in air transport communications such as government and environmental regulations and air traffic control. Finally product development strategy and overall competition between manufacturers also impact the market. The industry is very demanding; it requires a long time to regain investments portrayed by long development cycles. It also requires a large base of skilled and experienced workers, high tech supporting industries and sophisticated and serious customers to flourish. Government involvement also plays a major role in determining the industry forces in various countries' industrial strategies and international t rade associations. Airbus strategies internationally operate in an environment shaped by three forces: the industrial constrictions of building modern aircraft, the demands of world and regional markets, and the configuration and objectives of the consortium itself. These factors map onto an integrated strategy analysis. The positional analysis for Airbus must focus on its status as the challenger to the dominant firm, on the consortium's peculiar organizational structure, and on the opportunities and constraints offered by its non-market context. One way of looking at Airbus's experience is as a continual series of disruptions aimed at creating openings for Airbus to enter markets dominated by well-established competitors, in particular, Boeing. These strategic moves have involved both market and non-market elements. The following lines summarize and assess the market and non-market key competitive strategies that Airbus industrie has engaged to establish itself in the crucial world market. 1. Widespread aircraft portfolio to assure the requirements of customer airlines across the board. Boeing is the best positioned with aircraft capacity ranging from 100 passengers (737-500) to 500 (747-400). Airbus had entered the market with small and medium sized carriers, but is fast catching up with the introduction of its four engine long haul A340 aircraft. 2. Pushing high technology, electronic fly by wire systems in order to reduce the number of pilots required-from three to two-and establish re-assigning easily from one type of plane to another, thus curtailing training time by developing the family concept. As an example, Airbus succeeded in achieving authorization from the FAA to have a single pool of pilots to operate its A320, A330 and A340 models. 3. Emerging resolution to pick up cost effective management of their planes, such as the general trend in migration to twin engine wide body planes, providing fuel efficiencies and quick reconfiguration of seating

'Poetry exists to disrupt habitual perception' Essay

'Poetry exists to disrupt habitual perception' - Essay Example Jonathan Swift an Anglo-Irish poet of the eighteenth century, is considered a skilled satirist whose most famous work would be Gulliver’s Travels, a novel that which satires human nature and political struggle. Considered to be his best poem and perhaps his best work, â€Å"A Description of a City Shower† is a commentary on urban life and the way that life in a city can be inauthentic and artificial. The poem is constructed with lines in a loose version of iambic pentameter, in heroic couplets. It can be said that the poem evokes that feeling of ’shared experience’ as those portrayed are collectively together and captured in the event of a storm. However, the other shared experience that is just past The subjects of his words are treated with wit and social relevance. The poem is filled with small references some of which may not be immediately revealed, but on repeated readings the joyful mockery has extraordinary appeal. At one point within the poem a direct jab is taken towards the political parties who forever argue and accomplish little in the process. Swift says, â€Å"Triumphant Tories, and desponding Whigs, forget their feuds, and join to save their wigs.†[1]. In one quick stab of wit, Swift suggests that in this moment of rain, the Tories and the Whigs finally have a common element in their experience. The rain may destroy their wigs. In this manner, he reduces the members of these groups to a common element of humanity. With skill and a great, quiet power, Swift is able to reduce his subjects and require humility as they must step off of their pedestal for a moment - all disguised within a cleverly crafted rambling of the story of a rain shower. Louis MacNeice‘s, another Irish poet, wrote â€Å"London Rain† (1941) which also speaks of a rain shower. MacNeice’s work wasn’t intended to have quite the wit of Swift’s work, however his thoughtful and

International Sports Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

International Sports - Assignment Example All these problems were because of insufficient funds and resources to equip the facilities and reward the participants. The Olympic sponsorship began in various nations like Greece, where its cities could sponsor participants. They played various roles that included the provision of equipment, trainers, and athletic facilities. Some of the major sponsors include Xerox Company, Lenovo Computer Company, and Kodak. The sponsors from different nations came into improve international sports like Olympics. In addition, the rewards given to the participants were improved, and the participants were motivated to perform well in the sports. On the other hand, the officials were comfortable in delivering their duties when organizing the Olympics. It is important to realize that the Olympic sponsorship contributed much in employing experts who could deliver quality services to improve sports in a professional manner. Technology was also brought in through the Olympic sponsorship where various a ctivities like timing were improved by dropping manual system of recording (Bravo & Maclntosh, 2011). The International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Partners received various mutual benefits from the sponsorship. In this regard, the interdependence and interconnection between the participating nations and sponsors was enhanced. Olympic Games also received substantial profits and smooth movement of the Olympics. The major challenges that International Sports such as Olympic went through is over-commercialization and ambush marketing. This led to the formation of marketing initiative where a limited number of sponsors would be given special benefits and treatment. CRITIQUE The relationship between Olympic Games and sponsorship is longstanding. The first Olympic Games initiated it in 776 BC. It is noteworthy that the cities in ancient Greece started by sponsoring participants through provision of training kits, trainers, and some athletic facilities. At the time, the winners toget her with their cities were awarded only Olive leaves but their performance made them be renowned (Bravo & Maclntosh, 2011). The first modern Olympics were in Athens in 1896 where most of the donations were from private organizations like Kodak. International marketing was first shown by Games in Helsinki where eleven companies came in to give support like flowers for participants winning medals and food for athletes. The number of sponsors increased gradually that, by 1976 in Montreal Olympics, the sponsors and suppliers were 628. Although, there were many sponsors, financial status was still a disaster for the hosting city and the organizers. This made the organizing committee implement marketing program where 34 sponsors, 64 suppliers, and 65 licensees were introduced together with sponsor hospitality centers for the first time. This marketing program enabled the organizing committee to allow corporate sponsors to associate themselves with the Olympic movement in different ways. O lympic sponsorship enabled the International Organizing Committee to realize that corporate sponsors provided substantial profits to the Olympic movement. These profits are important for the expansion of activities and space used during the Olympic Games (Bravo & Maclntosh, 2011). In addition, the funds can be used to improve the reward schemes offered to the winners and their respective States. This will motivate them hence make them improve their performance. The

NTSB Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

NTSB - Essay Example The transport industry involves key players in the process of carrying out an investigation because of the knowledge they hold on specific issues. The central research process, however, is the responsibility of the National Transportation Safety Board. The party process is the involvement of other parties in the investigation process. Some of the agencies in the party process include the Federal Railroad Administration, the United States Coast Guard, and the Federal Highway Administration. The process aids the National Transportation Safety Board gather the required background data used in creating a report to the Board Members appointed by the President. The members of the board are the only five people given the mandate to determine the cause of an accident conclusively. An independent relationship between the parties limits the agencies in the party process (Mintzer 2012). The parties involved in causing an accident are not involved in the investigation to enhance the credibility of the process. The party process ensures that the research process is done in an effective way exhausting all the probabilities of the cause of the accident. The party process also assists the National Transportation Safety Board in the investigation of accidents by providing the necessary resources like skilled labor and technologic al tools to conduct the

A Policy Brief Addressing a Significant Health Problem Facing Essay

A Policy Brief Addressing a Significant Health Problem Facing California - Essay Example Yet as a society, we are not making adequate investments necessary to ensure the health and well-being of all of our youth. During adolescence, young people confront new issues that affect their physical and mental health. These could be attributed to a number of varying factors. Similarly, young adults continue to experience many of the same challenges to their health and well-being. The health issues of teens and young adults are easy to overlook because they are not, for the most part, acute illnesses or chronic diseases. Instead, they are largely behavioral and social issues. Unlike the issues related to general health conditions that confront the society at large, adolescent’s health problems relate more to the lacuna in the societal interventions. Adolescents confront health issues that have multi-dimensional characteristics and implications. Addressing these issues requires change at multiple levels—from service delivery, to funding priorities, to community resources and environments, and, more fundamentally, to the behavior and attitudes of California’s adults. The World Health Organization’s definition can be taken as the standard in all areas of public health. According to the World Health Organization, health is defined as more than just the â€Å"absence of disease,† but rather a state of â€Å"complete physical, mental, and social well-being.† This broad definition has a lot of significance to adolescent health. Adolescent health encompasses not only the prevention and treatment of disease and disability. It features behavioral and social issues on an equal scale. Issues of safety, social relationships, self-esteem, education and skill development all figure into good health of adolescents. Thus, to make progress in improving adolescent health, a combination of perspectives and approaches is needed. Besides the disease components, interventions must address societal and behavioral

Curriculum Development Essay Example for Free

Curriculum Development Essay In the early 20th century, there was a stable increase in high school enrolment and graduation rates. This is because of the second industrial revolution which led to an increased demand for white collar jobs. It is important to understand that the aims of secondary have the societal needs as their point of departure. The societal social, economic, political and even religious needs have hitherto determined the content. However, sometimes it is possible that the two i. e. high school education goals and societal needs may be out of touch thus making the education boring irrelevant and boring. This paper seeks to highlight how American high school viewed as irrelevant can be rearranged to fit the needs of a rapidly emerging high-tech society in the United States. The paper also dwells on a model development of a flexible one-block schedule for a medium sized high school that will include provisions for both departmentalization and team instruction can be. It finally compares the issues and problems in the high school education in the past 50 years with the present ones. The emerging American society has become high tech and calls for a high degree of specialization in any field that an individual deals with. Americans need experts in all fields. Based on the premise that there is need for experts in the job market, the products of high school education are found to be less prepared for this kind of demand. In the American education, there is no specialization until the sophomore year in college. Therefore, there is a pressing need to embrace specialization in the early years in high school to make the students better prepared for the job market. Another issue of concern is the fact that American students have full control of their education in that they choose even the core classes. The curriculum drafters have the responsibility of ensuring that the languages, science and mathematics be compulsory because the respective skills of communication, critical reasoning and evaluation are necessary in the job market. Consider a model one block schedule for a medium sized high school. The model emphasizes the core or compulsory classes that each student must take. These core classes can be taken together in large classes by one teacher but when it comes to the electives, and then the classes need to be at the departmental level. The departments need to develop there own timetables in consideration of the core classes timetable and a curricula tailored to be in tune with the job market specifications. The core classes need ton run everyday. A student is supposed to belong to at least one department and at most three. These are the departments that will help the students specialize in the field of his/her fancy. Before a student t joins any department, there is need for him to clearly describe his career to the careers master at the department so as to determine how what is offered at the department can fit the student’s career goals. The career master is then supposed to advice the student to either join that department or refer him to another one which will fit student’s specifications. This model schedule emphasizes the concept of early specialization as a way of preparing the student for the job market. A number of issues have bedevilled secondary or high school education. The major one being lack of security in the school. The recent shootings by students with guns in schools serve to illustrate this rather unfortunate issue. These shootings underscore the very responsibilities of the school officials of ensuring that students, teachers and other workers are safe while at school. Another issue is the completion rates of high schools which have stagnated for the last 30 years. If progress exists, there is need for the completion rates to be seen increasing. A major issue in education in American high schools is the lack of a nationalized curriculum. Every state has its own specifications and this has in the past attracted cries for the nationalization of education so as to establish national standards that should be adhered by all states. The above issues are either a recurrence of last 50 years or new altogether. Fifty years ago, there was high security in the schools, the completion rate increased especially during the second industrial revolution due to the high demand for skilled manpower. For the case of the nationalization of secondary education, this has been an issue from time immemorial. Each state has been giving its own curriculum with a few resemblances here and there.

The method to obtain my information Essay Example for Free

The method to obtain my information Essay The Aim of my study is to look into parents and childrens views on the eleven plus examination. I want to find out if the eleven plus has a negative effect on children which may effect them throughout their lives. I want to look at the effects of the elevn plus on a childs, self esteem, confidence, self perception and motivation to succeed. I am hoping for clear evidence from my questionnaires that will show a clear pattern, either that the examination is effecting children in these areas or not and also what groups of children it effects. My research question is what damage does the eleven plus examination have on children and should the examination be abolished? I have desided to use the questioonaire method to obtain my information. I feel that a questionnaire is the best method of research for this particular topic as I will need information from a large sample group and from different settings. A questionnaire is a quick and efficient method to obtain data however the response rate from a questionnaire may not always be high. I will be giving out double the number of questionnaires that I need to allow for people not completing the questionnaire properly, losing the questionnaire or not handing the completed questionnaire back in time. The particular issue that I have chosen is a very contriversal issue which is an advantage as parents in particular feel very strongly about the issue due to on going talks in education settings and in the media, this makes parents want to voice their opnions as it involves their childrens education and future. The eleven plus is a very talked about topic however it is an extremely sensitive issue that needs to be handled with care especially with young children. I went through various drafts of questionnaires before I had my final draft. I had to make sure that none of the questions would offend a child in any way or that a question would suggest that a child should feel a certain way. An example of a question that may upset a child would be. Do you feel that you are a failure because you failed the eleven plus?. This question could not be used, however I do want to get results from my questionnaire that may answer questions like that.

Toyotas Organizational Structure

Toyotas Organizational Structure 1. Analyse and comment on how Toyota transformed its organizational structure to become the pinnacle of Japanese innovation, manufacturing quality and industrial strength referred to in the article. The company was established on August 28, 1937. Japanese automaker Toyota (NYSE:TM) is the worlds largest automaker with over 7.567 million vehicles in FY2009  [1]  . Totoytas sells automobiles and its parts in various parts of the world, and has recently forayed into the Chinese , Russian and Indian market. When Toyota set up its headquartes in Hollywood, it was aware that there was a desparate urgency to do something different. Home favourties , the Land Cruiser and the Toyobet had been somewhat of a disaster in the United States. Toyota did exactly that and came up with two if its most revered cars of earlier days the Cambri and the Avalon and then the inimitable Toyota Corona. In the 70s and the 80s Toyota came up with the GT2000 and the cute Corolla. With Crown and Cressida, Toyota established itself as a serious luxury car maker. In April 2002, Toyota adopted the 2010 Global Vision, a vision for meeting mobility needs in a way that respects the environment and all people. Four key themes based on trends seen as developing from 2020 to around 2030 are: Toward a recycle-oriented society Toward the age of IT and ubiquitous networks Toward a mature society (the decline of nationalism and war) Toward motorization on a global scale (societies with little private transport gaining more) These are linked to the pursuit of a new global image for Toyota with four key components: kind to the earth, comfort of life, excitement for the world, and respect for all people  [2]  . In short, Toyota has shown sales growth for over 40 years, at the same time that U.S automakers sales reached a plateau or decreased. Toyotas profit exceeds that of other automakers. Toyotas market capitalization has for years exceeded that of GM, Ford, and Chrysler; and in recent years exceeded that of all three combined.In sales rank, Toyota has become the world leader.  [3]  So what is it about Toyotas organisational structure, production capabilities, and magagement that makes it click. Employee culture The typical Japenense organisation structure can be summarised in two words long term long term longevity and loyalty. The difference between the American organisational set up and the Japanese organisational set up has not blurred to this date and one can easily identify some stark differences. The Japanese organisational set up focuses on long term productivity with innovation, where workers move across different departments and teams in the same organisation to broaden their horizon and pick up a deep insight into the way things work. There are no flashy bonuses or hikes and one gradually works his way through the top learning and labouring in the process. Teams comprise of small numbers and despite the somewhat rigid hierarchical structure there are frequent group planning exercises, aimed at better communication and constant improvement. In Japan, there is a concept known as amae. In the workplace, the boss owes a certain amount of protection to the employee, and the boss assu mes a direct responsibility for the welfare of his employees.  [4]   The employee culture in Toyota is surprisingly far more open and exciting than in some leading western organsations such as GM or Ford. Smaller teams mean that communication is easier and quicker, and decisions can be taken quickly. Employees are encouraged to come up with idea, even if they are aimed at improving the smallest of processes and even if its not in line with what the group head thinks. Toyota across the world is split into hundreds of small innovation teams. Toyota trains its production-line employees on statistical control and process improvement techniques and makes it their responsibility to develop operational innovations . Toyota invests significant funds in training employees on these tools and provides them with the resources to utilize them. The importance of front-line employees generating ideas based on local first-hand experience is reflected in what the Toyota Production System calls the gemba attitude (literally, the actual place) . In the Toyota culture, i nnovations that truly meet customer needs can best be developed in the actual site where value-added work is being done. It is therefore no surprise that more than 700,000 improvement suggestions were submitted by Toyotas employees out of which 99% were implemented and there is an average of over 10 improvement suggestions per employee per year. The Toyota Production Sytem Toyotas Global Competitive Advantage Toyotas success are largely both on a domestic level and internationally is often attributed to its core corporate ethos , developed, improved enhanced over time and reflected in what has come to be known as the Toyota Production system. The system depends in part on a human resources management policy that stimulates employee creativity and loyalty but also on a highly efficient network of suppliers and components manufacturers.  [5]   Some of the key factors involved are : The Five Ss refer to the five dimensions of of workplace optimization: Seiri (Sort), Seiton (Set in order), Seiso (Shine), Seiketsu (Standardize), and Shitsuke (Sustain). The 5S Program defines the steps that are used to make all work spaces efficient and productive, help people share work stations, reduce time looking for needed tools and improve the work environment. Sort: Sort out unneeded items Straighten: Have a place for everything Shine: Keep the area clean Standardize: Create rules and standard operating procedures Sustain: Maintain the system and continue to improve it  [6]   The TPS is based in 7 principles  [7]  : Reduced Setup Times  [8]  : All setup practices are wasteful because they add no value and they tie up labor and equipment. By organizing procedures, using carts, and training workers to do their own setups, Toyota managed to slash setup times from months to hours and sometimes even minutes.  [9]   Small-Lot Production  [10]  : Producing things in large batches results in huge setup costs, high capital cost of high-speed dedicated machinery, larger inventories, extended lead times, and larger defect costs. Because Toyota has found the way to make setups short and inexpensive, it became possible for them to economically produce a variety of things in small quantities. Quality at the Source  [11]  : To eliminate product defects, they must be discovered and corrected as soon as possible. Since workers are at the best position to discover a defect and to immediately fix it, they are assigned this responsibility. If a defect cannot be readily fixed, any worker can halt the entire line by pulling a cord (called Jidoka). Equipment Maintenance  [12]  : Toyota operators are assigned primary responsibility for basic maintenance since they are in the best position to defect signs of malfunctions. Maintenance specialists diagnose and fix only complex problems, improve the performance of equipment, and train workers in maintenance. Pull Production:  [13]   To reduce inventory holding costs and lead times, Toyota developed the pull production method wherein the quantity of work performed at each stage of the process is dictated solely by demand for materials from the immediate next stage. The Kamban scheme coordinates the flow of small containers of materials between stages. This is where the term Just-in-Time (JIT) originated. Supplier Involvement  [14]  : Toyota treats its suppliers as partners, as integral elements of Toyota Production System (TPS). Suppliers are trained in ways to reduce setup times, inventories, defects, machine breakdowns etc., and take responsibility to deliver their best possible parts. Focus on process management  [15]   The Toyota Motor Company has branches all over the world. Each division of the company is organized in almost the same way. They each have a director, sub-director, chief, and then the stuff. The stuff includes all the people that work together as a team for a particular purpose. These teams work towards research and development, production, or finance for the company. In Japan, people work for a particular company for their entire life and work their way up the organizational structure. The Toyota Group has three main parts: Toyota, Daihatsu, and Hino. The Toyota Group went on the New York Stock Exchange in 1999. Not only do they work together to produce automobiles, the company has expanded into other markets including auto-financing, ITS, telematics, housing, internet (Gazoo), and bio-technology. Toyota has a very good organizational structure. However, they need to focus on the culture of the organization. Each group in each country has a different way of conducting business in order to adapt to the culture in that country. Toyota has an advantage in Japan because it is one of the largest automobile companies in the country and in the world. Japan needs this organization for their economy to continue to be strong. Toyota is also beginning to realize their future potential. The company is looking into new markets (countries) where they can find more people who are willing to work within the strategy they are implementing. Toyota is also leading in helping the environmental opportunities within Japan and other countries. They see the need of a future plan not only for the company but also for the world. Their other future endeavors include expansion of the company, new technological advances, and an educational endeavor with the University of Chicago. Many of these opportunities are being organized by the U.S. Group, but each country has their own ideas. Innovation Delegation of Decisions to Innovation Teams Despite best intentions, if all important decisions in the innovation process are made dependent on (top) management ´s agreement a time delay will result.Therefore decisions need to be delegated to the innovation team in order to avoid these delays and enable Fast Innovation. The consent of (top) management is in this case only required at the milestones or gates of the innovation process. The members of the innovation team should be available to the team with 100% of their time in order to get the innovations to market as quickly as possible. Integration of RD into the Business Units Toyota has ensured that there is integration of the majority of RD into the business units which makes innovation management more effective. It fosters the collaboration with the other departments of the business unit and the orientation towards the customer (customer pull) in lieu of an exclusive focus on the technology (technology push). Furthermore it improves the preconditions for Fast Innovation. E.g., Last year, Toyota launched its Value Innovation strategy. Rather than work with suppliers just to cut costs of individual parts, it is delving further back in the design process to find savings spanning entire vehicle  [16]   Toyota was the first to recognize the chances of new low-cost designs as an enabler to new materials, methods of production and design principles. Such cost innovations will become a major RD focus driving the industry beyond 2015.  [17]   Long-term planning. Instead of responding to trends, fads, and quarterly numbers, Toyota looks far down the road and tries to develop products that will resonate for a long time. The best example is the Prius hybrid-which debuted eight years ago, when a gallon of gas in the United States cost a mere $1.50, and the average car buyer cared more about cup holders than gas mileage. The iconic hybrid, of course, turned out to be a breakthrough vehicle, and Toyota sold its 1 millionth Prius this month. With gas prices and fuel economy now a top concern, the Prius has helped Toyota take a commanding lead in hybrid technology  [18]  . E.g. Toyota tends to the localization of the production using plants situated in different countries as the suppliers of the companys production to the local market.  [19]   Central Innovation Teams Toyota has, as an alternative organizational structure of innovation management central innovation teams are established at the divisional level, and they will report to the head of the division, and not to to the head of an individual category, product group or brand. Such central teams are mainly utilized in cases when the motivation and resources of individual divisions, categories, product groups or brands are insufficient in order to get the respective innovation to market with maximum effort and at maximum speed despite the daily pressure and distraction from the established operation. Central Innovation Funds The innovation projects which later will be led by central innovation teams in most cases need a special budget to get funded because the divisions shy away from making funds available given the typically high risk of such projects. Without a central innovation fund these innovations would not be launched fast, if they would get to market at all. Fast Innovation would be impossible. External Interface for Open Innovation Open Innovation is a central policy of innovation management in order to get innovations to marketplace more swiftly. Toyota has in the past, directed outdoor solutions and ideas into the company. E.g. Toyota adopted the practice of using the same part across a range of models saving vast sums of money but exposing itself to the risk that even a small defect could cause global mayhem for the company.  [20]   2. Analyse and critically evaluate the extent to which Toyota achieves a fit between its strategy, the developments taking place in its external environment and its internal resources and capabilities. Toyotas internal resources and capabilities: Simply put, strategic fit may be defined as alignment between internal capability and external opportunity  [21]  . Totyota internal resources and capabilities In the 1940s and the 19 Toyota was much smaller in size and production than its American Counterparts. This meant two things. Firstly, Toyota could not enjoy economies of scale so as to manufacture as many types of equipment as inexpensively as possible and secondly, it has to find a way to establish itself in the American market. Thirdly Toyota had little or no marketing knowledge outside its domestic market. Toyota had yet to breed loyal and committed workers, who would strive to achieve innovation and cost reduction. Post world war Toyotas production was essentially limited to trucks with military applications and it was essential that Toyota enters the consumer market as soon as possible. Resources : Toyota was never particularly short of cash, and there was ample government support given to Toyota in the initial years, albeit with some terms and conditions. However domestic demand in Japan was not high and production on large scale was neither feasible not necessary. Challenges Inability to predict recession Toyota has made significant profits in the past three decades and has with ease outdone its competitors such as GM motors, Honda and Ford. However, Toyota had steeply hiked its production beginning from 2000 in order to adequately and fully capitalize on its growing brand reputation and increasing demand in North America and Western Europe. Since recession hit 2007-2008 Toyota has therefore been struggling with a problem of over-production and fixed costs. The silver lining has however been the implementation on legislation on hybrid technology, which has offered tax benegoits to consumers who opt for hybrid cars ( a core strength of Toyota) and the growing demand for environmental friendly green cars another unchallenged domain of Toyota. The good news was that some of the Toyota brands, like Prius, continued to perform well despite recession and earned it strong revenues during such tough times  [22]  . Poor performance of financial services: Toyotas diversified operations include financial services, telecommunications, prefabricated housing and leisure boats, with the automotive business accounting for more than 90 % of the companys total sales. These non core areas have particularly suffered in recession with Toyota recording a decline of net profits in the year 2008 and 2009. Fluctuating Exchange Rates Toyota being based in Japan has its profits accounted in the Japanese yen, but its sales are denominated in several different currencies. Frequent and volatile fluctuations in the exchange rate between these currencies and the yen, which has been typical in this recession mean they Toyotas on-the-record profits can significantly affected. Hence dollar-yen exchange rate been 1% lower last year (say 118.5 instead of 120), Toyotas profits would have fallen by 5 billion yen ($42 million)  [23]  . Toyota often hedges its exchange rate risk by arranging currency swaps and purchasing futures, but these operations are costly and threaten to cut into the bottom line.  [24]  In the long run, these effects are even more exacerbated: as the dollar depreciates against the yen, American sales are worth less to Toyota, and Toyotas are more expensive to consumers, so they buy fewer  [25]  . Thus profit per revenue and absolute revenue both fall from depreciating exchange rates. While Toy ota can hedge out the risk to its profit margins, it cannot easily manage the risk from falling demand. Exchange rates have become a sensitive subject among US legislators, who allege that Japan has kept the yen undervalued to stimulate sales  [26]   Loss of brand reputation and profitability in light of recall of cars.http://cdn.wikinvest.com/i/px.gif Toyotas has had to recall some of its show stealer cars such as the Camry, Corolla, Prius and some Lexus vehicles which have enormously damaged Toyotas image and brand, which was once considered not only to be reasonable but also to be safe.Toyotas mishandling of the problem, its passing the buck attitude, lack of effective communication to investors and consumers alike and most importantly its technical shortcoming of having failed to detect the real cause of the unintended acceleration have severely compromised its image. In November 2009, the company recalled 3.8 million vehicles on the same line  [27]  . Toyota has been embroiled in massively negative mass media coverage, NHTSA scrutiny, and US congressional hearings, law suits in several jurisdictions and an estimated loss of US$ 3 million worldwide.  [28]  . Obviously, its competitors have fully capitalised on this opportunity with Hyundai and Ford promptly offering $1000 rebates to owners of Toyota, Lexus and Scion bra nds in change for new Ford and Hyundai vehicles  [29]  . In the short-term, the recent recall crisis is estimated to cost Toyota over $3 billion USD worldwide.[37] As of February 2010, over 30 lawsuits have been filed against Toyota, adding onto further litigation costs. A total of 9 million vehicles have been recalled by Toyota worldwide, and each US Toyota dealer is estimated to lose approximately $2 million a month in revenue totaling $2.47 billion USD around the country.[38] Rising prices of essential commodities Global prices of various commodities trends are vital to Toyotas profitability because they determine to a large extend the ultimate selling price of the car. Rising Gasolene prices me are bound toi effect the long term ownership cost of cars as well as its resale value. The prices for steel and aluminium have been on a rise since the recession and both being a fixed cost are causes of concern for Toyota. Through mid-2008 oil prices increased dramatically. Consequently, the cost of gasoline doubled inflating the day-to-day cost of car ownership. Since consumers buy cars only infrequently, rising oil prices have only a limited impact on year-to-year car sales, but over time they cut into the industrys sales, and force companies to design more fuel-efficient fleets. Although oil prices have since moderated they will likely remain definitive in the future as the global economy recovers.  [30]   Toyotas response to changing circumstances Adoption of lean production and shift to an economies of scale production. Toyota is (or was at the time) the low cost producer in the industry. Toyota achieved its cost leadership strategy by adopting lean production, careful choice and control of suppliers, efficient distribution, and low servicing costs from a quality product.  [31]  . A few important elements of TPS were that Toyota was able to produce equipments, tools and accessories in small quantities and at a low cost of production. Also, the focus of Toyota remained more on process production rather than automobile architecture. While looks of a car were indeed the determining factor in the 70s and the 80s Toyota was the first to realize the need to produce fuel efficient cars. 2. Diversifying target consumer groups : While Toyota largely concentrated on small, fuel efficient cars it decided to enter the luxury car segment and the hybrid car segment. As of today Toyotas business is divided into three sections namely Tundra, Lexus and Prius. Tundra is Toyotas key product in the truck segment and was launched specifically to challenge the market dominance of Ford and GM in Northern America. Lexus is Toyotas luxury brand, and is one of its fastest selling achievements. Toyotas recent attempts to sell the Lexus brand in China and Japan have also been successful. Prius is Toyotas first hybrid production and has been enormously successful in a decade marked with rising fuel prices and preference for compact designs. Toyota had a definitive advantage when it came to hybrid cars, it being the first to pioneer the technology. This technology was strategically leased to Ford (which might have developed the technology on its own in a matter of a few more months) and m anaged to sustain competition from General Motors. Toyota has however fallen short of producing adequate number of cars in 2009 as a result of which demand dropped by nearly 30%. Since 2000, with moderate success, Toyota has entered Formula One, Nascar, Nascar truck, and Super GT competitions worldwide, thereby challenging European and American producers in an arena they once dominated  [32]   3. Targeting Emerging markets: Toyota capitalised on the demand in up-coming markets before others and has developed numerous manufacturing facilities, distribution networks, and brand reputation. The current recession has brought about a general decline in the demand for cars. The most affected regions include America and Western Europe, where cars are rarely bought but always leased or taken on monthly installments. Toyota has massively expanded its business since the beginning of this decade , a move which has proved to be unprofitable and there is now a strong focus in Toyotra to shift its focus from the American continent to the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries. These countries not onlyn have a strong consumer demand, which has sustained the global crisis, but also advantages of low cost of production, cheap labour and liberalizing of foreign investment laws. Already, because of a decreasing market for its products in Japan, Toyota has also announced that it has plans to boost its sales in China in 2006, one of GMs major foreign markets. In fact, GM sales in China hit new records last year, with the company selling 665,390 vehicles there, a figure that was up 35.2% from the previous year. Toyota plans to overtake GMs by increasing its own sales in the country by 60%. It also says it will surpass its rival in global production this year with 9.2 million vehicles (GM produced a total of 9.12 million vehicles worldwide in 2005).  [33]  In October 2009, Toyota announced that it would begin producing car engines in India to take advantage of the countrys low-cost manufacturing costs. TM will produce these engines through Toyota Kirloskar, a division under Toyota which is 89% owned by TM and 11% owned by Indias Kirloskar group.  [34]  And plans to launch its first car in 2010. Strategic merger and acquisitions: In 1966, Toyota acquired Hino, which helped it build commercial trucks. Hino currently makes a wide variety of heavy trucks and buses, and was involved in designing and/or producing the Tacoma, T100, 4Runner (HiLux Surf), Sequoia, and Tundra  [35]  . In 1967, Toyota took control of Daihatsu but Toyota did not actually buy the whole company until 1999. Daihatsu supplies vehicles and major components to other automakers, and appears to be popular in South America. Denso was spun off of Toyota after World War II; it was once Toyotas electrical component division. It currently is a roughly $26 billion business with over 100,000 employees and over 170 subsidiaries, selling parts to many major automakers including American companies.  [36]  New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI) was an automobile manufacturing plant in Fremont, California, opened in 1984 and closed in 2010. NUMMI was established at the site of a former GM site that had been closed two years earlier. GM and To yota reopened the factory as a joint venture in 1984 to manufacture vehicles to be sold under both brands.  [37]  All these mergers and acquisitions have helped Toyota either to learn the marketing know how and local knoeledge of a foreign market or have increased its product-process manufacturing capabilities. Focusing on environment friendly cars: Toyota has spent tremendously on RD in relation to environment friendly cars in light of the increasing environmental awareness of consumers and insistence of governments to cut down on emissions. 3. Critically evaluate the recent actions of Toyotas president, Akio Toyoda and the argument put forward in the article that Toyotas problems highlight failings in the Japanese model of corporate governance. What actions would you recommend the board of Toyota pursue in order to recover the companys reputation, with particular regard to how you would respond to the needs of its stakeholders? The term corporare governance refers to institutional practices designed to get optimal performace out of managers.  [38]  In the U.S. and U.K. corporate governance is concerned with ensuring the firm is run in the interests of shareholders and its objective is to create wealth for them. Underlying this view of corporate governance is Adam Smiths notion of the invisible hand of the market that he laid out in his seminal book The Wealth of Nations. If firms maximize the wealth of their shareholders and individuals pursue their own interests then the allocation of resources is efficient in the sense that nobody can be made better off without making somebody else worse off. In this view of the world the role of the firm in society is precisely to create wealth for shareholders. This fundamental idea is embodied in the legal framework in the U.S. and U.K. In these countries managers have a fiduciary (i.e. very strong) duty to act in the interests of shareholders. Japan is perhaps the most extreme example. Instead of focusing on the narrow view that firms should concentrate on creating wealth for their owners, corporate governance has

Do Lotteries Benefit The Poor? :: essays research papers fc

Do Lotteries Benefit the Poor? Lotteries take advantage of the poor in several ways. The lottery entices the poor to waste their money on lottery tickets, rather than everyday necessities, such as food, clothing and shelter. The main way that lottery promoters succeed in attracting the poor is through the persuasive use of advertisements. Other members of anti-lottery groups believe lottery advertisements are deceitful and attract poor people to its promises. Flashy slogans and pictures of large amounts of money are more than enough to pull the needy closer. These poor people are those that least need to be attracted, because they do not have the money to spend on tickets. This wasted money on advertisements is capital that should be used to help the poor in socially useful programs. The lottery is nothing more than a money-taker that uses advertisements to persuade those in search of money to try the lottery.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The money spent on advertising for the lottery is an absurdly large figure. Not only are the poor wasting money on lotto tickets, but the government is also wasting money on advertising for the lottery. The government only started to heavily advertise when they saw the annual sale of lotto tickets declining. In 1998, the lottery’s â€Å"sales growth slowed by two point five percent in one year†¦ and new lottery products were created to rekindle public interest, focused primarily towards the poor† (Ira Teinowitz 3). Most of these products consisted of corny scratch of tickets where prizes got no higher than five hundred dollars. It has been reported that nearly 200 million dollars were spent on lotto advertising in one year between the 38 participating state lotteries (Teinowitz 3). â€Å"The New York lottery takes in more than $2 billion in sales each year, and it spends $30 million in advertising to keep the cash rolling in†(Joshua Shenk 22). This is very destructive spending, because this money could be used for schools, charities, and college education. Besides the money spent on such ads, these ads are obviously focused towards the poor person who just needs to read a few catchy words to help himself by a ticket. A study by the Heartland Institute has indicated that the poor spend more money than the non-poor on lotteries, â€Å"not only as a percentage of their income, but also in absolute terms† (Shenk 22). The advertisements have slogans such as â€Å"Play the Lotto, and you could win the stuff dreams are made of†(Shenk 22).

Pauls Relationship with Clara in Sons and Lovers :: Lawrence Sons and Lovers Essays

Paul's Relationship with Clara in Sons and Lovers       Paul's relationship with Clara is based on passion. Her womanliness impresses him from the first time that they meet and throughout their relationship. Since Paul has never had any sexual experiences Clara amazes him thoroughly because she is so sensual, unlike Miriam who is afraid of any physical contact and his mother who is not in a position to offer him such things. During their relationship, Paul matures from a boy into a man not only physically but also mentally. Sadly, due to their age difference and their different perceptions of life, their relationship falls apart. Another great reason for the failure of their relationship is the fact that Clara is married.    When Paul had to go to Willey farm to meet Clara he was very excited even though at that stage of his life he was seeing Miriam; "Evidently his eagerness to be early today had been the new-comer" (p.269). Not only was he eager to meet her but "There was something he hankered after", whenever he heard Miriam speak about Clara he "rouse" and would get "slightly angry" (p.268). When he entered the parlour the first thing he noticed was "the nape of her white neck, and the fine hair lifted from it" (p.269). Unlike him, Clara was quite indifferent towards Paul in the beginning: "She rose, looking at him indifferently" (p.269). It is rather curious how in the beginning Paul is obsessed with Clara's body: "He noticed how her breasts swelled inside her blouse, and how her shoulder curved handsomely under the thin muslin at the top of her arm", while she in a way was annoyed by him: "She did not mind if he observed her hands. She intended to scorn him" (p.270). He was self-conscio us in her presence while she most of the time acted as if he was not there: "Paul was rather self-conscious because he knew Clara could see if she looked out the window. She didn't look" (p.272). Paul is not only attracted by Clara, but he is also curious to find out about her since he has never met a woman like her before: "A hot wave went over Paul. He was curious about her" (p.

The Gravity Model of Trade

THE GRAVITY MODEL OF TRADE 1 Assignment 1: The Gravity Model Of Trade: Do Size And Distance Matter For The Exports Of Japan? THE GRAVITY MODEL OF TRADE 2 Abstract In the field of international economics, the gravity model for trade reveals that bilateral trade is directly proportional with the extent of the economy (usually expressed in GDP) and inversely proportional with the geographical distance between the analysed entities. The present report illustrates the model for the case of Japan, elaborating the trade patterns created among it and its 9 main trade partners.The parameters for the gravity equation are estimated and the relation between GDP and exports for the countries in question are depicted through a scattered plot, for a more in-depth view on the connections. By testing the model it can be observed that the trade relations of Japan are being influenced by the size of the economy and the distance to the trade partners. (JEL F100, F170) THE GRAVITY MODEL OF TRADE 3 The la w of universal gravitation was published by Isaac Newton as a general physical law.Its application was later on spread into various fields of research, succeeding to explain a series of scientific phenomena. In international economics, the gravity model of trade is used in order to predict bilateral trade flows in respect to the economic performance (measured in GDP) and distance between the two states taken into consideration. The present report aims to illustrate the gravity model of trade for the particular case of Japan, revealing how size and distance influence the country’s exports, centering the study on the relation among Japan and its 9 top trade partner countries.The model will be tested by estimating the parameters of the gravity equation, namely the elasticities for GDP and distance. In order to estimate the gravity equation, the R statistical software has been used. The data set contains information regarding exports, GDP and distance to destination country, retr ieved from the 2011 International Trade Statistics Yearbook of the United Nations. All data has 2011 as the year of reference. The GDP value for each country has been converted into billions of USD, in order to maintain the same unit of measure.Example: China’s GDP 2011 = 47. 16 trillion CN? ;exchange rate: 1$ = 6. 4588 CN? ;therefore, China’s GDP for 2011 amounts to 7,298,147 millions USD. Figure 1 shows Japan’s trade as percentage of the exports of the top-9 export destinations in 2011, versus the GDP as percentage of the total GDP reported by the top-9 export destinations. As it can be seen, China does a lot more trade with Japan than even with the U. S. A, the main reason being the small distance between the two states, which THE GRAVITY MODEL OF TRADE reduces transportation costs.In addition to this, the cultural factor has also to be taken 4 into consideration, as both Japan and China are Asian cultures sharing similar values and tastes; therefore they hav e a look-alike pattern of trade. The linear equation appears as it follows: z = 12. 03 + 0. 05 x1 – (-0. 15) x2 The coefficients of correlation in respect to GDP are b = 0. 05, therefore there is a weak relationship between trade and one country’s GDP. The coefficient of correlation in respect to distance is c=-0. 5, therefore there is also a weak relationship between trade and the distance between Japan and the trade partner country. The direct effect is that trade increases by 0. 05% when the partner country’s GDP increases by 1%, while it decreases by 0. 15% when the distance to the partner countries increases by 1%. The mean and the standard deviation (descripted variables) have been computed for the variables: GDP, exports, distance. GDP: mean= 1556897. 3, standard deviation= 2417090. 79 Exports: mean= 58211. 7, standard deviation= 52047. 57 Distance: mean=4319060. , standard deviation= 3462913. 81 The results obtained depict that the model it is indeed ver ified, but the correlations are not strong enough in order to fully explain the patterns of trade between Japan and its 9 main trade-partners. Nevertheless, we can observe that both distance between countries and the size of one country’s economy are factors that influence the trade between two states. THE GRAVITY MODEL OF TRADE 5 References: American Economic Association, JEL Classification Codes Guide. Retrieved October 6, 2012 from: http://www. aeaweb. org/jel/guide/jel. hp Centre d'Etudes Prospectives et d’Informations Internationales (CEPII) (2011). Geodesic Distances. Retrieved on October 6, 2012 from: http://www. cepii. fr/anglaisgraph/bdd/distances. htm International Monetary Fund. (2012). International Financial Statistics Yearbook 2012. Washington, DC: International Monetary Fund Krugman, Obstfeld, and Melitz (2012), International Economics Theory & Policy, (9th edition), Pearson Education United Nations. (2011). 2011 International Trade Statistics Yearbook. New York: United Nations. Retrieved on October 14, 2012 from: http://comtrade. n. org/pb/CountryPagesNew. aspx? y=2011 United Nations Statistics Division, Countries or areas, codes and abbreviations. Retrieved October 15, 2012 from: http://unstats. un. org/unsd/methods/m49/m49alpha. htm THE GRAVITY MODEL OF TRADE 6 Table 1 Japan’s Trade Partners Country Exports (millions USD) China USA Republic of Korea China, Hong Kong SAR Thailand Singapore Germany Malaysia Netherlands 162062. 1 127679. 0 66167. 5 42954. 4 37530. 60 27264. 60 23505. 50 18796. 00 17945. 80 GDP (millions USD) 7298147. 00 14660400. 00 1116247. 00 243666. 00 345672. 00 259849. 0 3607364. 00 287943. 00 838112. 00 2098111. 00 10855. 59 1156. 67 2891225. 00 4612997. 00 5326388. 00 9298341. 00 5329095. 00 9303377. 00 Distance (km) Source: Data retrieved from the 2011 International Trade Statistics Yearbook of the United Nations (2011 – year of reference) Table 1 THE GRAVITY MODEL OF TRADE 7 Figure 1. Which a re the closest trade partners for Japan? This figure illustrates Japan’s trade as percentage of the exports of the top-9 export destinations in 2011, versus the GDP as percentage of the total GDP reported by the top-9 export destinations.

Family and Tough Times

1. Why are communities important to families during tough times? Communities are important because as a whole they help each other out through bad times, & look out for one another kind of like a family. They are almost like a support group who try to help you the best way that they can whether it’s giving or selling inexpensive items – cooking a free meal, etc. 2. How can parents help children understand the changes that families experience during tough times?Explaining the situation is a start , telling your child a positive such as we will be able to spend more time together is one , & just reiterating that we won’t be able to spend a lot of money & the more we can get for less the better. Although, stating that this is not their fault & reassuring them that everything will be okay. 3. How can losing a job or having a change in the economic status of the family affect a parent? A lot, not only just income but it could take a toll on the family’s mood. T his also could cut back on a lot of going on out which means more staying at home.Also, struggling to pay bills & feed your family, the stress of it all. 4. Can positive aspects come out of tough times for families? Why or why not? Yes, it can show families how to be there for each other through rough times & how to grow closer. 5. What do you think the families in the video are doing well in terms of dealing with tough times? They are pointing out the positives & finding solutions to accommodate such a drastic change. 6. What do you think you would do as a parent if you were faced with one of the situations presented in the video? I would try to keep positive too & just try to find a solution till I got back on my feet.

Indian Ocean Trade Essay

During the time period between 300 CE and 1450 CE the Indian Ocean Trade was consistent of its spread of goods, religion, and the growth of trade route under different empires. On the other hand, the significant changes were the ways of trade, diffusion of religion, and empires controlling the trade route. Economically, the Indian Ocean Trade stayed the same in the way of spreading goods, but changed in the means of trading. Around the fifth century CE long- distant trade by land was mostly used. Trade of exotic products for the elite, such as; silk, spices, and gems, were spread all throughout the trade network and were incorporated into local markets. This is because there were new markets being built and goods spread. Methods of trade changed for the better. Land travel was no longer the only method of transporting goods. Ships in the thirteenth century could only travel by monsoon winds. With the introduction of maneuverable sails, ships like the dhow and junk were able to move goods under many wind conditions. This helped a great deal because the people would not have to wait as long for the delivery of trade goods. Culturally, the Indian Ocean Trade was consistent in the spread of religion and ideas, a change was the diffusion of cultures by religion. The Muslims were a prime example of this continuity. They were a big religion, and as their merchants traded, their religion spread as well. On the other hand, Islam is a great example of the change. Islam came into regions that didn’t have a big religious base. As people converted, their old culture diffused. From this, regions lost their identity because people were converting, whether it was by force of new leaders or by choice. Politically, a continuity of the Indian Ocean Trade is growing while under different empires, and a change in which empires controlled the trade  network. An example of the continuity would be the Mongols, how they made trade much easier and made it grow. Many merchants benefited from the Yuan Dynasty, around the fourteenth century. This ties to the change, because from 300 CE to 1450 CE there were different empires, such as, Sui and Tang Dynasty, Swahili States, Mongols, and Islamic Caliphates. The different empires made trade grow and spread. As the empires grew the routes changed, connecting trade routes to the; Trans- Sahara, Silk Road, South Asian, and Mediterranean routes. During 300 CE and 1450 CE changes involving the Indian Ocean included how goods were transported, cultures were diffused due to new religions, and the empires that controlled. Trade on the Indian Ocean steadily increased the spread of goods and religion even though it was controlled by different empires.

Use Case Diagram

UML Model Report UML Model Table of Contents Table of Contents2 USE CASE MODEL REPORT3 USE CASE MODEL3 PACKAGE DOCUMENTATION:3 Actor – Customer4 Actor – Shipping Clerk4 Actor – Shipper4 Actor – Receiving Clerk4 Actor – Inventory Clerk4 Actor – Shipping Station4 Actor – Receiving Station4 Use Case – Add Item to Shopping Cart5 Use Case – Browse List of Books6 Use Case – Cancel Order7 Use Case – Check Out8 Use Case – Edit Contents of Shopping Cart10 Use Case – Log In13 Use Case – Open Account16 Use Case – Process Received Shipment19 Use Case – Search by Author20 Use Case – Ship Order23 Use Case – Track Recent Orders26Domain Model29 STATIC OBJECT MODEL1 Use Case MODEL Report Use Case Model Package Documentation: NONE Use Case Diagram – Main [pic] Actor – Customer Documentation: NONE Actor – Shipping Clerk Documentation: NONE Actor – Shi pper Documentation: NONE Actor – Receiving Clerk Documentation: NONE Actor – Inventory Clerk Documentation: NONE Actor – Shipping Station Documentation: NONE Actor – Receiving Station Documentation: NONE Use Case – Add Item to Shopping Cart Documentation: NONE List of Associations Search Results Page Communicates with Add Item to Shopping Cart Use Case – Browse List of Books Documentation: Basic CourseThe Customer clicks on a Category on the Browse Books Page. The system displays the subcategories within that Category. This process continues until there are no more subcategories, at which point the system displays the Books in the lowest subcategory. The Customer clicks on the thumbnail for a Book. The system invokes the Display Book Details use case. Alternate Course If the system does not find any Books contained within a given Category, it displays a message to that effect and prompts the Customer to select a different Category. List of A ssociations Customer Communicates with Browse List of Books Use Case – Cancel Order Documentation:Basic Course The system ensures that the Order is cancellable (in other words, that its status isn't â€Å"shipping† or â€Å"shipped†). Then the system displays the relevant information for the Order on the Cancel Order Page, including its contents and the shipping address. The Customer presses the Confirm Cancel button. The system marks the Order status as â€Å"deleted† and then invokes the Return Items to Inventory use case. Alternate Course If the status of the Order is â€Å"shipping† or â€Å"shipped,† the system displays a message indicating that it's too late for the Customer to cancel the order. List of Associations Customer Communicates with Cancel OrderUse Case – Check Out Documentation: Basic Course The system creates a Candidate Order object that contains the contents of the Customer's Shopping Cart. Then the system retrieve s the Shipping Addresses associated with the Customer's Account, and displays these addresses on the Shipping Address Page. The Customer selects an address, and then presses the Use This Address button. The system associates the given Shipping Address with the Candidate Order. Then the system displays the available Shipping Methods on the Shipping Method Page. The Customer selects a shipping method, and then presses the Use This Shipping Method button.The system associates the given Shipping Method with the Candidate Order. Then the system displays the contents of the Billing Info objects associated with the Customer's Account, on the Billing Information Page. The Customer selects a billing method and presses the Use This Billing Information button. The system associates the given Billing Info object with the Candidate Order. Then the system displays the Confirm Order Page. The Customer presses the Confirm Order button. The system converts the Candidate Order to an Order and destroy s the Shopping Cart.Then the system returns control to the use case from which this use case received control. Alternate Courses If the Customer has not already logged in, the system invokes the Log In use case. If the system does not find any Shipping Addresses, it invokes the Create Shipping Address use case. If the system does not find any Billing Info objects, it invokes the Define Billing Information use case. If the Customer presses the Cancel Order button at any time, the system destroys the Candidate Order and returns control to the use case from which this use case received control. List of AssociationsCustomer Communicates with Check Out Shopping Cart Page Communicates with Check Out Use Case – Edit Contents of Shopping Cart Documentation: Basic Course On the Shopping Cart Page, the Customer modifies the quantity of an Item in the Shopping Cart and then presses the Update button. The system stores the new quantity and then computes and displays the new cost for that Item. The Customer presses the Continue Shopping button. The system returns control to the use case from which it received control. Alternate Courses If the Customer changes the quantity of the Item to 0, the system deletes that Item from the Shopping Cart.If the Customer presses the Delete button instead of the Update button, the system deletes that Item from the Shopping Cart. If the Customer presses the Check Out button instead of the Continue Shopping button, the system passes control to the Check Out use case. List of Associations Customer Communicates with Edit Contents of Shopping Cart Class Diagram – Edit Contents of Shopping Cart Robustness [pic] Interaction Diagram – Edit Contents of Shopping Cart Sequence [pic] Use Case – Log In Documentation: Basic Course The Customer clicks the Log In button on the Home Page. The system displays the Login Page.The Customer enters his or her user ID and password and then clicks the Log In button. The system validate s the login information against the persistent Account data and then returns the Customer to the Home Page. Alternate Courses If the Customer clicks the New Account button on the Login Page, the system invokes the Open Account use case. If the Customer clicks the Reminder Word button on the Login Page, the system displays the reminder word stored for that Customer, in a separate dialog box. When the Customer clicks the OK button, the system returns the Customer to the Login Page.If the Customer enters a user ID that the system does not recognize, the system displays a message to that effect and prompts the Customer to either enter a different ID or click the New Account button. If the Customer enters an incorrect password, the system displays a message to that effect and prompts the Customer to reenter his or her password. If the Customer enters an incorrect password three times, the system displays a page telling the Customer that he or she should contact customer service, and also freezes the Login Page. List of Associations Customer Communicates with Log In Class Diagram – Log In Robustness pic] Interaction Diagram – Log In Sequence [pic] Use Case – Open Account Documentation: Basic Course The system displays the New Account Page. The Customer types his or her name, an e-mail address, and a password (twice), and then presses the Create Account button. The system ensures that the Customer has provided valid data and then adds an Account to the Master Account Table using that data. Then the system returns the Customer to the Home Page. Alternate Courses If the Customer did not provide a name, the system displays an error message to that effect and prompts the Customer to type a name.If the Customer provided an email address that's not in the correct form, the system displays an error message to that effect and prompts the Customer to type a different address. If the Customer provided a password that is too short, the system displays an er ror message to that effect and prompts the Customer to type a longer password. If the Customer did not type the same password twice, the system displays an error message to that effect and prompts the Customer to type the password correctly the second time. If the account is already in the master account table, notify the user. List of AssociationsCustomer Communicates with Open Account Login Page Communicates with Open Account Open Account Communicates with Login Page Class Diagram – Open Account Robustness Interaction Diagram – Open Account Sequence Diagram [pic] Use Case – Process Received Shipment Documentation: Basic Course The Receiving Clerk ensures that the Line Items listed on the Purchase Order match the physical items. The Clerk waves the bar code on the packing slip under the sensor at the receiving station. The system changes the status of the Purchase Order to â€Å"fulfilled† and updates the quantity on hand values for the various Books.The Clerk hands the Books off to the Inventory Clerk. Alternate Course If the Receiving Clerk finds a mismatch between the Purchase Order and the physical items, the Clerk stops processing of the shipment until he or she is able to make a match. List of Associations Receiving Clerk Communicates with Process Received Shipment Process Received Shipment Communicates with Inventory Clerk Process Received Shipment Communicates with Receiving Station Use Case – Search by Author Documentation: Basic Course The Customer types the name of an Author on the Search Page and then presses the Search button.The system ensures that the Customer typed a valid search phrase, and then searches the Catalog and retrieves all of the Books with which that Author is associated. The the system retrieves the important details about each Book, and creates a Search Results object with that information. Then the system displays the list of Books on the Search Results Page, with the Books listed in reverse c hronological order by publication date. Each entry has a thumbnail of the Book's cover, the Book's title and authors, the average Rating, and an Add to Shopping Cart button. The Customer presses the Add to Shopping Cart button for a particular Book.The system passes control to the Add Item to Shopping Cart use case. Alternate Courses If the Customer did not type a search phrase before pressing the Search button, the system displays an error message to that effect and prompts the Customer to type a search phrase. If the system was unable to find any Books associated with the Author that the Customer specified, the system displays a message to that effect and prompts the Customer to perform a different search. If the Customer leaves the page in a way other than by pressing an Add to Shopping Cart button, the system returns control to the use case from which this use case received control.List of Associations Customer Communicates with Search by Author Class Diagram – Search by Author Robustness [pic] Interaction Diagram – Search by Author Sequence [pic] Use Case – Ship Order Documentation: Basic Course The Shipping Clerk ensures that the Items listed on the packing slip for the Order match the physical items. The Clerk waves the bar code on the packing slip under the sensor at the shipping station. The system changes the status of the Order to â€Å"shipping. † Then the system retrieves the Shipping Method that the Customer specified for this Order and displays it on the Shipping Station Console.The Clerk weighs the set of physical items. The Clerk packages the Items. The Clerk attaches a manifest appropriate for the given shipping method. The Clerk waves the bar code on the manifest under the sensor. The Clerk sends the package out via the associated Shipper. Alternate Course If the Shipping Clerk finds a mismatch between the Order and the physical items, the Clerk stops processing of the Order until he or she is able to make a match . List of Associations Shipping Clerk Communicates with Ship Order Ship Order Communicates with Shipper Ship Order Communicates with Shipping StationClass Diagram – Ship Order Robustness [pic] Interaction Diagram – Ship Order Sequence [pic] Use Case – Track Recent Orders Documentation: Basic Course The system retrieves the Orders that the Customer has placed within the last 30 days and displays these Orders on the Order Tracking Page. Each entry has the Order ID (in the form of a link), the Order date, the Order status, the Order recipient, and the Shipping Method by which the Order was shipped. The Customer clicks on a link. The system retrieves the relevant contents of the Order, and then displays this information, in view-only mode, on the Order Details Page.The Customer presses OK to return to the Order Tracking Page. Once the Customer has finished viewing Orders, he or she clicks the Account Maintenance link on the Order Tracking Page. The system returns co ntrol to the invoking use case. Alternate Course If the Customer has not placed any Orders within the last 30 days, the system displays a message to that effect on the Order Tracking Page. List of Associations Customer Communicates with Track Recent Orders Class Diagram – Track Recent Orders Robustness [pic] Interaction Diagram – Track Recent Orders Sequence [pic] Domain Model [pic] [pic] Static Object Model [pic] [pic] [pic]