Flawless Tips on Selecting Your PhD Thesis Topic

How to Choose the Right PhD Thesis Topics? our site Dissertation TopicsSelecting the right PhD Thesis topic is challenging, but if you get this step right, you are on the right path to completing your studies and getting your degree. Deciding on your PhD topic has to be a result of thorough research and multiple consultations with your student support team. You need to know exactly what your university’s requirements are and what your professors are expecting of you. If you know the research field or area of your professor, you might choose a topic that is related to it, so you get plenty of support from your supervisor when trying to locate recent publications or completing your literature review.What to Ask Yourself Before You Choose Your PhD Thesis TopicTo be successful at shortlisting the most appropriate doctoral thesis topics or PhD thesis topic, you need to ask yourself the following questions: Is the PhD thesis topic relevant to recent trends in research, and related to your studies You need to check research projects submitted in your department in the past few years. If you need help finding these in the archives, ask your supervisor’s help. Is there enough preliminary literature to support your doctoral thesis or PhD thesis topic You need to perform a quick literature research in order to find out if your topic is current, whether or not you can add to the existing literature, and build on existing research. What are the current hot trends in your subject area You will need to select a PhD thesis topic that will provide value for researchers and those who work in the field. Check for current issues, trends, using a journal search of recent publications. If you find a topic that attracts an intense debate, you might just have found a winning doctoral thesis topic. Which theories you would like to apply? You, as a PhD student, are likely to have a favourite theory or approach. Look for topics that allow you to utilise your advanced knowledge in the theory. Which research approach an philosophy would you like to use? You need to make sure that your doctoral thesis is feasible, and can be completed in the given time. As an example, if you are planning to create a longitudinal study, you might need years to complete your dissertation, as all the results need to be analysed. Will you get access to the data and research tools? Once you shortlist your PhD thesis topics, you need to make sure that you will have access to the software needed to analyse the results and you can gain access to the information. For example, if you are an MBA student, and would like to research a company, you need to gain consent from the management to carry out the research. How will the research enhance your future career? You need to pick your doctoral dissertation topic according to your interest and future career. Your research will show your potential employers your interest in the given topic and you will be more likely to get the job. A PhD dissertation should also summarize your knowledge of the topic you studied during your course. However, showcasing academic skills and theoretical knowledge is only half of the job. You need to add loads of creativity, and develop a unique approach that will create value for researchers and professionals working in the field. Remember that your PhD dissertation should highlight your research skills and show the university that you can work on your own initiative, develop ideas, and add value to the literature.Tips on Selecting Your PhD Thesis TopicBefore you start, familiarize yourself with current literature and trends, and make sure that you know which topics have research gaps you can build your PhD thesis on. Engage in discussions on your selected topics in your faculty, to gain even more insight. Talk to your librarian or student support staff about your ideas. They will be able to crystallize your thoughts and clarify your research approach and direction Make sure that yo ur topic is manageable. Start with a broader research thesis, and narrow it down to a more specific one. This will make your topic easier to manage. Ensure that your topic will remain relevant and interesting for a long time. You do not want to write about a technology that might be outdated in a few years or an issue that is being resolved by government legislation. The research has to fill a gap in the existing literature. It is important that you check that your research is unique in the field, and no similar studies are in progress or have been published. It is a good idea to start your own dissertation topics file and take it with you to seminars and supervisor meetings. Add to it, eliminate items from the list, and you will be on the riht path to developing your perfect PhD thesis topics. Create a timeline estimate for each topic. This way, you can decide which doctoral dissertation topics are feasible, and which will be challenging to complete in a given time. Look for sugges tions from your university or ask your supervisor. Remember that your university receives and judges plenty of dissertations every year, and they have plenty of experience. Try to contact other researchers and experts in the field when considering a subject area. They will be happy to support your research and provide you with practical and academic advice. Deciding on your doctoral dissertation topic is one of the most important decisions you will face during your studies. Do not feel overwhelmed by the number of options and the requirements. If you are in doubt, you can always seek further guidance from your university or individual professor. If you still find it difficult to decide, you can look through our site’s Free Dissertation Topics section that has a list of subjects for various disciplines, from project management to health and social care. Alternatively, you can contact our site with your question and get professional advice from our professional academic writing experts. Also, don’t forget to checkout our site article on how to structure a Dissertation Chapters & Sub ChaptersDo you need help writing your Dissertation? Order Dissertation Today OR Call Now 855-997-2158Summary Reviewer John Review Date 2017-08-18 Reviewed Item Tips on Selecting your PhD Thesis Topic Author Rating 5

A Discussion of Deceit and Betrayal Within Macbeth in Macbeth by William Shakespeare

English 12 October 8, 2010 A Discussion of Deceit and Betrayal within Macbeth In Macbeth by William Shakespeare Shakespeare's play â€Å"Macbeth† is considered one of his great tragedies. In the play, Macbeth faces an internal conflict with his opposing decisions. On one hand, he has to decide of he is to assassinate the king in order to claim his throne. This would result in his death for treason if he is caught, and he would also have to kill his friend.On the other hand, if he is to not kill him, he may never realize his ambitious dreams of ruling Scotland. Another of his internal struggles is his desision of killing his friend Banquo. After hiring murderers to kill him, Macbeth begins to see Banquo's ghost which drives him crazy, possibly a result of his guilty conscience. Macbeth's external conflict is with Macduff and his forces trying to avenge the king and end Macbeth's reign over Scotland. One specific motif is considered the major theme, which represents the overall atmosphere throughout the play.In the first scene of the first act, three witches plan their next meeting in which they will encounter Macbeth. It is in this scene that the motif is first presented, as the tree witches chant, â€Å"Fair is foul, and foul is fair, hover through the fog and filthy air† (1. 1. 11-12). The witches meet again in scene three of act one. One of the witches discusses a curse she has placed on a woman's husband, because she refused to share her food. Macbeth enters during this scene along with Banquo, arriving from a victorious battle.He uses the motif to describe the day as â€Å"So foul and fair a day I have not seen† (1. 3. 38). When Macbeth encounters the witches, they give him two predictions. One is that he will become the thane of Cawdor, and then the king of Scotland. When hearing this, Macbeth immediately begins to plan his methods of obtaining these positions, including the murder of the king. Because of this, it may be assumed that h e has thought of such actions prior to the meeting. This is an example of what was once fair, a loyal and noble of Scotland, has become foul, an ambitious traitor.On the night of his murder, king Duncan is invited to a banquet hosted by Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Once there, Duncan describes the castle in a positive manner. â€Å"This Castle hath a pleasant seat; the air nimbly and sweetly recommends itself unto our gentle senses† (1. 6. 1-3). Ironically, Macbeth murders him in his sleep in the castle. The main theme of the play is supported here, as this fair and pleasent castle, has become a foul place of betrayal and murder. This scenario is also seen at Macbeth's second banquet, which he holds to show gratitude and love for his friends.Meanwhile, however, three murderers hired by Macbeth, kills his friend Banquo in order to prevent any threat or opposition to Macbeth's reign. In her first appearances, Lady Macbeth is presented as an ambitiously evil and foul character that will do whatever it takes to get what she wants. We see this motivation in her when she says, â€Å"How tender tis to love the babe that milks me; I would, while it was smiling in my face have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums, and dashed the brains out† (1. 6. 55-58).In these lines, Lady Macbeth threatens that she would smash her baby's head if it meant achieving their goals. However, after killing Duncan and becoming queen, she realizes her mistakes and is driven mentally ill by it. She is no longer able to live with the guilt and fears of her actions. In her case, we see what was once foul, becomes fair. William Shakespeare uses nature to develop the theme of the play. Disorders in nature during this time were a result of an evil doing disrupting the natural order of the world.In the play, Macbeth's betrayal of Scotland is the cause of the disorders in nature. An example of these disorders is the woods that Macbeth's messenger claims he saw. â€Å"As I did stand m y watch upon the hill I looked toward Birnam, and anon, methought, the wood began to move† (5. 5. 33-35). Throughout the play Macbeth, the general mood is one of deceit and betrayal. What appears to be fair is foul. This is why it is considered to be the major theme of the play.

Austrian and Post-Keynesian theories of the competitive process

Austrian and Post-Keynesian theories of the competitive process The Austrian School is a heterodox school of economic thought that emphasizes the spontaneous organizing power of the price mechanism, which was influential in the late 19th and early 20th century (Boettke, 2008). After the 1870s, Marxism spread rapidly in the ranks of workers, and the economic theories that defended for the capitalists went bankrupt. The Austrian economics based on three core concepts: entrepreneurship, subjectivism and market process, which became popular after that. The Post-Keynesian school of thought was developed in the debate with the neoclassical synthesis. After The General Theory of Keynes was published, some different points of view on the practical problems arose in the followers of Keynes, and gradually formed two opposing schools of thought: neoclassical and the Post Keynesian School. The theoretical foundation of Post Keynesian economics is the principle of effective demand, that demand matters in the long as well as the short run, so that a competiti ve market economy has no natural or automatic tendency towards full employment (Arestis, 1996). The objective of this paper is comparing and contrasting Austrian and Post-Keynesian theories of the competitive process. The similarities and differences between these two theories will be stated orderly. Although Austrian and Post-Keynesian theories are two different schools of thought, they still have some degree of similarities. First, they both advocate uncertainty. Next, they both cannot be regarded as profit maximizers. Last, the competitive process is seen as a dynamic process by both theories. First of all, for the Austrian approach uncertainty is pervasive. One of the Austrian’s core concepts is entrepreneurship. Austrian school thinks that the community is a collection of individuals. Individual’s economic activity is a microcosm of the national economy. Through the interpretation of individual economic activities, reasoning illustrates the complexities of real ec onomic phenomena. Entrepreneur is the individual here in the real economy. They are all different in each other. Therefore entrepreneurs in particular always face fundamental uncertainty. Kirzner (1973) emphasized the uncertainty present in all human decision-making, has primarily focused on the entrepreneurial market process. For the Post-Keynesian approach firms’ pricing behaviour is determined by a ‘mark-up’ rule. This behavioural approach to pricing is partly in response to the imprecision of price setting in conditions of uncertainty. Uncertainty is the fundamental element of Keynes’ theory, and Post-Keynesian followed and developed it. In the Post-Keynesian theory of agency, agents are non-optimisers due to fundamental uncertainty. According to Fernando Ferarri Filho (2001), in a context in which time is historical, economic agents do not decide future actions on the basis of statistical series analyses or beliefs justified by experience. To the cont rary, decision-making is classified as an environment of true uncertainty. They are not the rational calculators of standard theory. This suggests some overlap with Austrian theory. Second, in Austrian’s term, entrepreneurs display purposeful pursuit of profit in the competitive process, which provides market order. It cannot be regarded as profit maximizers due to fundamental uncertainty. However profit is still therefore important in motivating agents. Neoclassical theory assume that manufacturers pursuit profit maximization, but we all know there is another voice in society requiring manufacturers to take social responsibility. Social responsibility will increase the company’s operating costs, which is not conducive to their competition in the market. So, non-profit-maximizing firms will be sustained by the loss of profits and investment capacity and continuous losses, and finally be forced out of the market. Austrian school advocates idealism and they do not believ e that firms select the behaviour of pursuit profit maximization. In post-Keynesian economics, firms are not assumed to maximize profits as well, as is clear in Lavoie (1992, p.105), â€Å"The standard critique of the neoclassical theory of the firm is that profit maximization is not possible because of the lack of pertinent knowledge due to an uncertain environment. Profit maximization is then replaced by profit satisfying. Firms are assumed to set themselves threshold levels of profits; that is, minimum levels of profits or of rates of return.† Furthermore, the firm’s overall objective is the pursuit of ‘power’. This involves attempting to control its environment. To become powerful, firms must be big; to become big, firms must grow. Growth is the subjective and profits are the means to realize this objective. However, maximizing growth does not equal to maximizing profits. Firms maximize the rate of growth, subject to various finance and expansion const raints.

Music Genre Fusion Western Music borrowing from Non-western and Assignment

Music Genre Fusion Western Music borrowing from Non-western and Nonwestern music borrowing from Western Music - Assignment Example As the paper stresses despite this fact, music can’t be apprehended in cultural or societal boundaries and for several decades, musicians from western as well as nonwestern world have been experimenting to combine the western musical traditions with the nonwestern music style and these experiments have eventually produced several masterpieces that represent music fusion genre and gain popularity and appreciation from critics and people from all over the globe (Manuel 98). The term world music has also evolved as a result of these efforts that try to diminish the boundaries between western and nonwestern music through the presentation of well composed infused music pieces. According to the research findings the trend of borrowing music styles from other cultures and societies is by and large regarded as act of open mindedness and empathic gesture of interest since it paves the way towards the creativity and evolution of new music genre that usually possess great appeal for the people of both the societies. From the early sixties to modern day, the western musicians have been attempting to infuse nonwestern musical traditions in their composition and this practice has been adopted by the nonwestern musicians as well who have composed nonconventional music through the bland of western and nonwestern music. The music of Asia and India has especially admired the western musician at large because it has attained its level of perfection and hence, the western musicians find it very fruitful to infuse with the Asian musical traditions.

Security protocols Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Security protocols - Case Study Example Currently, all company servers (file, email, data, web, radius and FTP servers etc.) are located in the server farm at its head office in Birmingham. The other two sites are connected to the head office through leased lines. We will address identified security threats to the current network by categorizing them in to two categories: External Threats: Virus, Trojan, Worms, Spyware, Cyber-attack, Denial of Service Attack, Distributed Denial of Service Attack Residual Threats: Vulnerabilities within the RADIUS server. Only Firewall is implemented on the edge router with packet filtering enabled. 2 Feasibility for the Cloud The Cloud computing helps to provide advantages in terms of reducing cost related to the hardware, software and human resource. On the other hand, various controversial issues such as individual’s privacy, security control risks and data sharing are still in need for a better solution. Similarly, in order to provide cost benefit analysis while practicing risk a ssessment, better development techniques, less cost, high scalability with next generation architecture will be utilized for EEC. However, the open source is considered in providing core facilities in cloud computing in order to enable the cost reduction input or cost free structure for cloud service providers. In fact, the cloud computing service can use the open source in order to gain power and control to launch next generation proprietary platforms which can be similar to Web 2.0. The Linux operating systems are also utilized for cloud computing, as company’s ecommerce site is run on a UNIX based web server. Moreover, if there is no license cost such as Microsoft operating system than Linux operating system is likely to use cloud computing services. In fact, it is visibly stated by IBM in the economics of scale that â€Å"one of the primary drivers for expanding the cloud is open source.† The application or the software in any computing environment is believed as a core element, however it is expensive. The open source is not all the time successful because they are partially present in some organizations. A number of open source applications are related with the cloud and is accessed through a variety of obligations. These obligations include open source license and other relevant stuff. Similarly, an efficient compliance procedure related to address issues and diminish risk, a software license is required. Moreover, new risks are not initiated by the cloud computing. However, the services that are linked with cloud computing generates risk. The applications that are associated with the operational tasks along with cloud computing are distributed as compared to other software applications. In fact, reduced visibility along with no evaluation or calculation of the industry is present. Therefore, it cannot be characterized as the obligations incorporating copy license. In order to access cloud computing online services through web browser, you need an updated computer that can support all the necessary features regarding current Web browsers. Moreover, fast Internet connection is also required in order to experience sheer clod computing features. Including an updated workstation along with all the needed updates are installed. An old workstation is update to Windows 7 will cost about $70 but on the other hand, Windows 7 or Vista does not support all the VGA drivers and there are hardware compatibility issues are also present. In

Strategic Contingencles Affecting the Strategic Choices That Qantas Essay

Strategic Contingencles Affecting the Strategic Choices That Qantas - Essay Example This paper declares that an organization should have a prepared in advance change management, or even emergency management, strategy and procedures. Such a plan will help to respond to changes fast and effectively. In addition, it will help the HR department to ensure that the measures a company takes in such a situation are clear and understood by the employees. This essay explores that the particular goal of HR management is one of the focus points of the given paper. In addition, this works aims to analyse and evaluate real-life strategic contingencies that might have great impact on strategic choices, as well as HR planning, of an organization. In particular, the case of Group of Qantas Airways Limited, an Queensland-based group of companies, will be examined. The research will, then, help to provide recommendations on how the company can maintain the commitment of employees and implement HR planning. The major part of profits comes from Qantas’ airline brands – Qantas and Jetstar, which have 252 aircrafts that carry over 40,000 passengers a year. Qantas Airways works both domestically and internationally, and is planning to expand its baseness and strengthen its positions in Asian market. In addition, the company already works in Australia and Papua New Guinea, Japan, North Asia, UK, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Amer icas, New Zealand and the Pacific, and South East Asia. (Fact File 2010, 38). Being one of the largest Australian employers, the company has 32,500 employees. Most of them are based in Australia (Fact File 2010, 44). However, foreign divisions of the company are continuously growing. For that reason managing HR is more complex for the company – foreign employees even have different, lower than in Australia, pay rates. So effective management of productivity, workforce planning and budgets is one of the company’s priorities. This task has become even more important as the company has been affected by a number of strategic contingencies. Strategic contingencies affecting Qantas Recently Alan Joyce, Qantas’s CEO, has announced that the company is going for restructuring and tough reforms (The Australian. 2011). This strategic solution came up as a result of a number of strategic contingencies that affect the company. In particular, the decision is based on the foll owing facts: The Civil Aviation Safety Authority of

Job posting Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Job posting - Assignment Example The core responsibilities of an administrative assistant include maintaining the workflow in the office and supervising the junior and interns in the office setup. The assistant creates systems and procedures to be implemented in the office. The assistant derives systems and procedures from analyzing office practices, office layout, budgetary requirements, and forms control among other office duties. The administrative assistant also delegates and develops other administrative staff in the office. The assistant provides information on the office such as educational opportunities and opportunities to further their careers. The resolving of administrative problems is also the duty of the assistant; the administrative assistant resolves problems through coordinating reports, data analysis and identifying solutions from the reports. The maintenance of office equipment is also a task of the administrative assistant. The maintenance duties include the calling experts to service the office equipment, keeping an inventory of the equipment periodically and the assessing of new office equipment. The administrative assistant is an employee who knows the workings of the office and has all the answers on matters regarding the office. The Assistant also maintains and improves his or her skills by attending workshops, establishing professional networks and partaking in professional bodies and societies. The education recruitments of an administrative assistant are minimal compared to other jobs. The minimum requirement for this work is GCSE, GED or any other equivalent certification. Proficient computer skills are an added advantage to those pursuing this line of work. Other skills include good telephone skills due to the communicative nature of the work. The job of an administrative assistant operates in an office

Lipids Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Lipids - Essay Example There are 3 subtypes of PPARs which bind to the promoter region of genes and induce fat metabolism. PPARs are located in the liver, heart and kidneys. Non-nuclear receptors such as sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) are also present which are responsible for cholesterol breakdown and synthesis of lipids. In the humans, SREBP-1, SREBP-2 and their subtypes are present. SREBP-1 is involved in lipid biosynthesis whereas SREBP-2 is present for cholesterol biosynthesis. The SREBPs are located in the endoplasmic reticulum. Lipids are an important part of the human diet. The overuse of lipids leads to various medical conditions such as heart diseases. To overcome these diseases, the food industry has started production of fat-free foods which are basically fat substitute foods such as fat substitutes that are carbohydrate based, fat substitutes that are protein based substitutes and fat based substitutes themselves. Carbohydrate-based fat substitutes are compounds such as starches, cellulose, dextrins and gums. These substitutes provide the same bulk and moistness but they cannot replace the amount of calories actual lipids generate. Carbohydrate-based fat substitutes are easier to digest than fat-based substitutes. Being a dietician, this knowledge would be of significance in deciding the correct diet plan for different individuals. For example, the substituted food products can be advised to people who are at risk of developing diseases such as heart diseases. Fat-substitute compounds are also presen t in the market which create confusion. People willing to lose weight purchase these fat substitutes thinking their consumption would help them lose weight. Being a dietician it is important to tell people that the substituted fat foods have the same number of calories as actual lipids do. Olean, Salatrim and Caprenin are common substituted fat products which are all non-digestible. Olean has unwanted side effects

Persuasive Peer Review Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Persuasive Peer Review - Assignment Example It also uses the claim of â€Å"common philosophy,† which does not automatically prove that the thesis is right. The thesis for me can be rewritten into: â€Å"Technology can help people become better parents, because it supports communication needs, it teaches children to be responsible, accountable and trustworthy, and it supports connectivity and family time.† The organization of the essay is clear, but better transitions can be made, where they are connected from one main point to another. Not all paragraphs are related to the thesis. The second paragraph, in particular, does not talk about the role of technology in better parenting, and it is more focused on the role of communication skills for parents. Each paragraph has one topic only and one topic sentence, but sometimes, the paragraphs are too long. Some sentences can be removed, when they no longer contribute to the claims of the writer. The major claims are not supported with outside evidence. The writer uses personal experiences and anecdotes only to support her claims. She should have used the sources she listed at the end of the paper to support her main points. The writer, nevertheless, responds to opposing views, such as concerns for young children having cellular phones and the impact of technology on quality family time. As for citation, MLA citation is not properly used. In-text citation is missing, and the works cited list is not completed and properly organized. The writing style is sometimes too informal, because of the use of contractions, and its excessive conversational style makes the paper less credible in proving its thesis. The paper is appropriate according to the instructions, because it has 6 pages, it is double-spaced, and it has a thesis at the end of the introduction. It also uses five outside sources. The introduction does not provide any hook and it does not end with a thesis. It provides background on some of the technologies used nowadays and some potential effects of

Obama's Health Care Reform 2010 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Obama's Health Care Reform 2010 - Research Paper Example Proposals to reform The US’ Health Care Legislation have severally failed until March 23, 2010 when President Obama and his Democratic party leaders were able to pass and sign the bill. This paper delves into the Obamas Health Care Reform 2010, the most expansive social legislation ratified in decades, and explains how will lead to a significant change/overhaul to the United States’ current health care system. On 23 March 2010; after one roller-coaster year of heated partisan combat, negotiations and hearings looking into health care details, and an almost-death political encounter after Obama together with other Congress Democratic leaders seemed to have reached the brink of success; President Obama signed the Health Care Reform legislation. Through a 220 – 215vote, the House had approved its bill during the month of November (7th) in the year 2009, while on December 24, the the Senate passed an 871 billion dollars bill. In a dramatic vote, the House endorsed the landmark health care bill 219 to 212 the house had to overhaul the United States’ health care system and warrant that millions of Americans get access to medical insurance. This is following decades of numerous Democratic presidents’ futile attempts, including Bill Clinton and Harry Truman, thereby making the moment very essential in the long legislative combat.   After two days, the Senate and the House c oncluded the passage of a set of fixes to the bills, concessions developed as a component of the intricate legislative manipulation that permitted the attainment of Democrats’ long-sought goal in spite of having missed out on their obstructionist-proof sixty-vote ‘supermajority’ two months earlier in the Senate in January. This bill is expected to offer coverage to approximately thirty million Americans who at present do not have access to it. The bill necessitates Americans to ensure that they have health insurance coverage and would subsidize private coverage for middle

Individual Assignments from the Readings Essay Example for Free

Individual Assignments from the Readings Essay 2- Define the distinctions between primary, secondary, and tertiary sources in a secondary search Primary source as stated is original data. Primary source is based in facts from the time period involved and have not been filtered through interpretation or evaluation. Therefore, primary sources is considerate the root of original materials on which other research is based, the first formal appearance of results in physical, print or electronic format. Primary sources present original ideas and thoughts, report a discovery, or conduct new information. Secondary sources are considerer less important than primary sources. Secondary Resources are material written after the fact that provides point of views of hindsight. The fact is that are interpretations and evaluations coming of primary sources. Secondary sources are not original materials, but rather opinions on and discussion of evidence in such information. According with the text, secondary search is easy to interpret as a tertiary source as well. Tertiary sources conduct an analysis of material which is a distillation and compilation of primary and secondary sources. Generally, consist in a summary of information provided with own point of view of such materials 3- What problems of secondary data quality must researchers face? How can they deal with them? The fact is that in some cases is vital to aware of the problems that can arise with secondary research so if it is that case the researcher will be able to work with these problems. Secondary search is in many cases the only material that a researcher can find on certain information; therefore, for a researcher this issue can have further problems and consequences putting together a new project as well. The problems of secondary data quality that a researcher must face is; â€Å"verifying and determining the value of the secondary sources the researcher would like to use† (Cooper Schindler, 2006). Researchers who use secondary sources must make their best efforts to verify the accuracy of the information. On the other, hand, is a fact that all sources need to be cited appropriately in a paper, even if they are only secondary in nature. For example, a researcher who cites an article about a political event should dig further to verify the information. To do this they may need to get primary source data of the politic event. It may not be the primary data to verify secondary data in research, but every effort must be made in order to prove the credibility of the sources being used in any research effectively. Chapter: 7 Discussion Questions 1- How does qualitative research differ from quantitative research? Generally, can be some researchers who feel that one is better than the other. A major difference between the two is that qualitative research is inductive and quantitative research is deductive. Quantitative research differs on numbers or quantities. Quantitative studies have results that are based on numeric analysis and statistics. In many cases, these studies have many participants. Perhaps is not abnormal that has there to be over a thousand people in a quantitative research study. It is good to have a large number of participants because this gives analysis more statistical accurately. Qualitative research studies are based on differences in quality, rather than differences in quantity. Results are in words or pictures rather than numbers. Qualitative studies usually have fewer participants than quantitative studies because the depth of the data collection does not allow for large numbers of participants. It important to remark that both, quantitative and qualitative studies have strengths and weaknesses, a particular strength of quantitative research is that statistical analysis allows for generalization to others. The goal of quantitative research is to choose a sample that closely resembles the population. Qualitative research does not seek to choose samples that are representative of populations and this make a considerable difference in both. 2- How do data from qualitative research differ from data in quantitative research? Data from qualitative research and quantitative research differs in many ways. When conducting research there will be a time when you have to decide between the use of qualitative and quantitative research. Understanding the differences in data that is gathered from these resources will help you decide what type of research you will need to use. â€Å"Material subtracted from qualitative research can contain different uses because the researcher can use as many knowledge as searcher can during research to adjust the data extracted from the next participant† (Cooper Schindler, 2006, Ch. 8). Although, this event influences the details of the data obtained by the research effectively, allowing data and research to condense through obtained information properly. In quantitative research identical data is desired from all participants, so evolution of methodology is not acceptable (Cooper Schindler, 2006, Ch. 8). Quantitative requires specific data to be retrieved at all time, and qualitative research allows for change. This difference also impacts the way that data from these research methods will be interpreted and analyzed. 5- Assume you are a manufacturer of small kitchen electrics, like Hamilton Beach/Proctor Silex, and you want to determine if some innovative designs with unusual shapes colors developed for the European market could be successful marketed in the U.S. market. What qualitative research would you recommend, and why? For this event, is good idea to suggest a focus group so doing that may collect information from a wide variety of participants regarding specific question (Henderson, 2009). Is important that to be sure that it has a good cross-section of people to be in the group and that their observations are honest and not biased in any way. This task may be difficult, but necessary to give it an honest try. In addition, by affirming theories to compile trough what people say and do, qualitative research is not based accusing of imposing theories upon participants. Is therefore, by maintaining detailed records of what its said and of what happens qualitative research does not limit the complexity of social life to anybody can manipulated equations. â€Å"Rather than skating on the surface of everyday life, its close contact and detailed recording allows the research to glimpse beneath the polished rhetoric, or the plausible deceits; it is able to take more time to focus upon the smaller yet powerful processes which other methods gloss over or ignore† (Schostak, 2009). In addition References University Libraries, University of Maryland (2010) Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Sources, retrieved from: http://www.lib.umd.edu/guides/primary-sources.html#tertiary on January 20, 2013 Cooper, D. R., Schindler, P. S. (2006). Business Research Methods (th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill retrieved on January 20, 2013 Henderson, N. (2009) Managing Moderator Stress: Take a Deep Breath. You Can Do This!. Marketing Research, Vol. 21 Issue 1, p28-29. Schostak, J.F. (2002) Understanding Designing and Conducting Qualitative Research in Education Framing the Project Open University Press Ganty, S. (2010) Problems with Secondary Data Research and How to Deal with It from: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5771198/problems_with_secondary_data_research_pg2.html?cat=3 Retrieved on January 20, 2013

Models of Care Essay Example for Free

Models of Care Essay The purpose of this essay is to provide a review of the models which are Chronic Care Model and Patient-Centered Medical Home Model. Also to provide how both achieve quality and safety and add as much information on how both models benefit in providing care to the patients. In comparison and contrast between Chronic Care Model and Patient-Centered Medical Home Model, it is pertinent to know that Chronic is a condition which â€Å"requires ongoing adjustments by the affected person and interactions with the health care system† (Improving Chronic Illness Care, 2006-2011) and is related to the Chronic Care Model which initiates an improved an system between the organization, the community and the level of care. Patient-Centered Medical Home Model however is allocating care that is â€Å"timely access to medical services, enhanced communication between patients and their health care team, coordination and continuity of care, and an intensive focus on quality and safety† (Improving Chronic Illness Care, 2006-2011). Both models provide changes, however, the chronic care relates to patients with an illness where as patient-centered is to provide a improved relationship between the patients and the medical team and to create a transformation of communication and performance as well as provides â€Å"quality improvement approach that promotes a partnership between child, the family and the physician care team† (American College of Physicians, 2011). In the United States, having a model of care has been beneficial because â€Å"treatment of acute condition† (Patient-Centered Medical Home, 2007) has been provided. Along with the Chronic Care Model, an extended support of that model, which is the patient centered, is being implemented to include care â€Å"to include proactive management of the health care needs of all patients† (Patient-Centered Medical Home, 2007) and not just those patients suffering from chronic illness results. Having this new model will also provide a higher quality of care, be cost effective and ensure an improvement to a healthier patient population. The key elements that are beneficial to achieve quality and safety goals are â€Å"a personal physician, a physician-directed team, whole person orientation, coordinated, integrated care, emphasis on quality and safety, enhanced access, and appropriate payment structure† (Patient- Centered Medical Home, 2007). Having these elements is pertinent for both models, however a difference is that the patient- centered medical home model does not require that patients â€Å"get permission from a primary care doctor to see a specialist† (Patient-Centered Medical Home, 2007) however they are required to have a promising relationship with their primary physicians who can advise on what kind of special care is in need and what specialist can advise them in the best medical care and with the best decisions. In conclusion, a structure on lower cost is pertinent to providing the right model for the system. Achieving a prosperous medical outcome in the end requires a cost budget that will benefit not only the Health care organization but the patients as well. Another benefit for patients is to implement a low cost strategy that will allow patients to receive medical treatment and also pay out cost that meets the individual’s budget. Creating an income chart would also be a way to know what a patient can afford to pay. Reference American College of Physicians (2011) Joint principles of a patient. Retrieved February 16, 2011 from http://www.acponline.org/pressroom/pcmh.htm Improving Chronic Illness Care (2006-2011) Patient-Centered Medical Home. Retrieved February 16, 2011 http://www.improvingchroniccare.org/index.php?p=Patient-Centered_Medical_Homes=224 Patient-Centered Medical Home (2007) BCBSM provider group Incentive program patient-centered medical home overall plan. Retrieved February 16, 2011 from http://www.bcbsm.com/pdf/PC-MH_overall_plan.pdf

Modernity in Spain and Latin America

Modernity in Spain and Latin America History of Latin America II (Revolution Dictatorship) Why has it been so difficult to establish democratic political institutions in Latin America? Introduction Throughout history, Latin America has struggled with repeated clashes between politicians and citizens. The problems caused by these periods in these nations history are still felt today and in order to understand the reasons as to why it has been so difficult to establish democratic political institutions in these countries, we must investigate distinct periods in their histories that have shaped the countries into what they are today. Many of the countries in Latin America experienced their post-independence periods around the same time, with the majority of countries experiencing their Early Nation Period between 1825 and 1850. These periods can be characterised by the struggles for independence and constant civil war and unrest as class systems operated in the countries and so political independence meant different things for different classes[1]. Because of this system and their vastly different needs that were to be met by governments, any attempts to unite the many sides and create democratic political institutions that represent the whole of society were, and are still, met with strong opposition. However, it is to be noted that not all of the problems in the country were as a result of government opposition: many of the problems arose due to the countries being so vast and infrastructure being so poor, meaning it was hard to communicate with, and so govern, the people living outside of the main cities[2]. The majority of these people were indigenous and did not speak Spanish[3] and this added to the issues: if the people could not understand what they were hearing from the government, and not respond to this because of a language barrier, no democratic system would represent their views, no matter how hard it tried. For these marginalised groups, it did not matter which group of creole elite were in power this time, it was simply another political party who did not understand their views in order to represent them.[4] For ease of illustration, we shall look more closely at two specific countries and two different but defining periods in their histories. Mexico Focussing firstly on Mexico; Mexicos Early National Period spanned from 1821 to 1876[5]. During this period, it was clear each region had strong affinities with their own area and so from the outset the political parties who formed the apparent systems of democratic government had to not only convince the people that they were the best party to be in power, but also, and arguably more importantly, that they should replace their ties with the caudillo[6] who ruled their area with an affinity to the country-wide leader who, for many, was nothing more than a name. This problem of the peoples reluctance to embrace a democratic political system for the whole of Mexico was exacerbated by the fact the caudillos were strongly averse to such a big change: these leaders had ruled their area for over a decade and were not going to submit to a national governing system easily. Indeed, such a system was entirely antithetical to the interests of the caudillos who would inevitably suffer in these systems[7]. Thus, they led coups and revolts of their people against the government and since domineering caudillos ruled the people, if the caudillo did not agree with the new system of government, then the people should submit to the views of the caudillo and not agree with the new system of government either[8]. During this time, not only was Mexico attempting to create a democratic political system amidst unrest from its own citizens, but Spain attempted to reconquer Mexico (1829), France blocked their Atlantic coast (1838-41) and the United States seized half of Mexicos land (1846-49). Great Britain also seized the Falkland Islands as Las Malvinas in 1833. Clearly, then, this unstable political environment did not encourage people to embrace the haphazard attempts at creating democratic political institutions in Mexicos Early National Period. Uprisings inspired by caudillos, language barriers preventing understanding and poor infrastructure preventing communication all contributed to the difficulties of the time. It is clear to see that Mexicos early attempts to create democratic political institutions were thwarted by international attempt to reconquer the country and by internal attempts to overthrow new governments by caudillos and their supporters. The people felt alienated and isolated from central government, and so when their caudillo whom they knew and with whom they could communicate told them what to do, they understood his rules and followed those rather than follow rules made by the government who did not represent them. Bolivia Moving on to investigate a different time in Bolivia. The causes of the difficulties in establishing democratic political institutions in more recent times in Bolivia were less intra-national and more international, due to countries becoming more reliant on international trade and the world economy. Thus, when this crashed in the 1970s the relatively new democratic governments could not withstand the pressure and the countries reverted to past authoritarian ways.[9] One school of thought reasons that this was due to the extremely high poverty rates in the country: citizens were more concerned about fighting for their lives by ensuring they had sufficient necessities in order to live than they were about fighting for political democracy. Indeed, in 1976 85% of the Bolivian population were living with unsatisfied basic needs[10]. This was caused by constant changes in ruler since 1964 and almost antithetical policies of successive leaders,[11] meaning people could not rely on the government as policies introduced by one party were overturned and directly opposing policies introduced by the next[12]. The people became apathetic to politics as their participation was limited and they knew that military leaders and dictators would not represent their views. No matter which military regime stormed their way to power, they would continue to suffer. When General Renà © Barrientos orchestrated a coup in 1964, the following 18 years in politics saw uninterrupted military rule, and General Hugo Banzers dictatorship between 1971 and 1978 was the longest spanning of the different regimes[13]. This time was filled with unrest and violence: the military regimes did not appreciate criticism or opposition. Things were done how Banzer wanted them to be done and opponents simply disappeared[14]. Clearly this is not democratic since a dictatorship is the exact opposite of democracy and the peoples views are irrelevant in such systems. Banzer did not seek to redistribute wealth and the people were, again, the ones to suffer. They did not want Banzer to be in the position he was, but he forced his way to power and there was nothing a normal citizen could do about it. Even after the end of Banzers rule, extreme political instability meant people distrusted the government. The succeeding governments seemed to forget about the countrys internal problems and focussed so much on international spending and borrowing[15] that the people continued to suffer. It wasnt until 1982 when the country elected Siles as president did the people begin to have a say again and attempts to restore democracy were made. Bolivia remains one of the poorest countries in Latin America[16], generally seen to be a result of the past authoritarian dictators and their regimes creating insurmountable debt. These leaders did not care about the countrys internal affairs and sought to boost international trade at the expense of their people. The people, therefore, suffered undeniably at the hands of these leaders. It is impossible to create democratic political institutions if the leaders do not care about the citizens of the country and seek only to benefit themselves. Bolivia is a prime example of a country who experienced great difficulty in establishing democratic political institutions as the military ruled the country for a long time, and any change in government was not as a result of democratic election but violent coup. The people simply had to accept what was happening in the politics of their country, or risk their lives trying to change it. Conclusion It is clear, then, that establishing democratic political institutions has not been easy in Latin America, specifically in Mexico and Bolivia, for many reasons. From the outset, Mexico had to tackle both international opposition to their ruling of their own country, and internal resistance from caudillos and their supporters, while Bolivia continued to struggle until very recently with dictatorship and extraordinarily high levels of debt preventing development of democracy. Bibliography Atlantic Council, Urbanization in Latin America. (2014)Available at: http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/publications/articles/urbanization-in-latin-america [accessed on 30/11/16] BBC, Mexico Profile- Timeline. Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-19828041 [accessed on 30/11/16] BBC, Timeline: Bolivia. Available at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/country_profiles/1218814.stm [accessed on 30/11/16] Ewout, Frankema The Colonial Origins of Inequality: Exploring the Causes and Consequences of Land Distribution in Poverty, Inequality, and Policy in Latin America (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2009) pp19-45 Fowler, Will. Latin America Since 1780 (Hodder Education, 2008) Hansen, Edward C. Wolf, Eric R. Caudillo Politics; A Structured Analysis in Comparative Studies in Society and History, Volume 9, Issue 2 (January 1967) pp168-179 Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, General statistics on killings and disappearances of union activists. [BOL5479], 11 June 1990. Available at: https://www.ecoi.net/local_link/170859/272293_en.html [accessed on 30/11/16] Lynch, John Caudillos in Spanish America 1800- 1850 (Oxford University Press, 1992) McNeish, John-Andrew, Stones on the Road: The Politics of Participation and the Generation of Crisis in Bolivia in Bulletin of Latin American Research, Vol. 25, No. 2 (Institute of Anthropology, University of Bergen, Norway, 2006) pp. 220-240, Morales, Juan A. Sachs, Jeffrey D Bolivias Economic Crisis in Developing Country Debt and the World Economy (University of Chicago Press, 1989) pp57- 80 Pastor, Manuel Jr. Bolivia: Hyperinflation, Stabilisation and Beyond in Journal of Development Studies, 1991 Republic of Bolivia, Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (La Paz, 2001) Sivak, Martin El dictador elegido: biografà ­a no autorizada de Hugo Banzer Suà ¡rez (Plural Editores, 2001) UNICEF, Bolivia. Situation of Poverty in the Country. Available at: https://www.unicef.org/bolivia/english/resources_2332.html [accessed on 30/11/16] [1] Will Fowler, Latin America Since 1780 (Hodder Education, 2008) p34 [2] In 1950 only 40% of the Latin American population lived in urban areas. Atlantic Council, Urbanization in Latin America. (2014)Available at: http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/publications/articles/urbanization-in-latin-america [accessed on 30/11/16] [3] Fowler, Latin America Since 1780 p36 [4] ibid [5] BBC, Mexico Profile- Timeline. Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-19828041 [accessed on 30/11/16] [6] Caudillos is most accurately translated as chieftain, deriving from the Latin caput meaning head. See Eric R. Wolf, Edward C. Hansen Caudillo Politics; A Structured Analysis in Comparative Studies in Society and History, Volume 9, Issue 2 (January 1967) pp168-179 at p169 [7] Wolf, Hansen, p170 [8] John Lynch, Caudillos in Spanish America 1800- 1850 (Oxford University Press, 1992) [9] Fowler, Latin America Since 1780 p134 [10] Republic of Bolivia, Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (La Paz, 2001) p16 [11] Juan A. Morales, Jeffrey D. Sachs Bolivias Economic Crisis in Developing Country Debt and the World Economy (University of Chicago Press, 1989) pp57- 80, table 3.2 p59 [12] BBC, Timeline: Bolivia. Available at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/country_profiles/1218814.stm [accessed on 30/11/16] [13] Martin Sivak, El dictador elegido: biografà ­a no autorizada de Hugo Banzer Suà ¡rez (Plural Editores, 2001) [14] Exact figures are unknown. Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, General statistics on killings and disappearances of union activists. [BOL5479], 11 June 1990. Available at: https://www.ecoi.net/local_link/170859/272293_en.html [accessed on 30/11/16] [15] Manuel Pastor, Jr. Bolivia: Hyperinflation, Stabilisation and Beyond in Journal of Development Studies, 1991. p213 [16] UNICEF, Bolivia. Situation of Poverty in the Country. Available at: https://www.unicef.org/bolivia/english/resources_2332.html [accessed on 30/11/16]

The Character of Alice in Animal Dreams :: Animal Dreams Essays

The Character of Alice in Animal Dreams      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   She is dead.   She does not appear physically but haunts mentally.   She is Codi and Hallie's mother Alice, the late wife of Homero Noline.   Throughout the novel Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver, Alice impacted the characters, action, and theme(s).      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When Alice passed away she took part of Homer with her.   What she left was a misfit of time and circumstance; an emotionally distraught and distant man who attempted to resemble a father but veered more towards the tin man. Homero existed beyond his wife as only a page out of an instruction manual, the one with the caution statement. Homero's delicate heart decided that the only way to endure Alice's death was to flush any remembrance or resemblance of her out of his fortified technical realm which throughout the novel becomes increasingly skewed. Kingsolver pushes home this idea by omitting Alice from any of Homer's frequent flashbacks which are usually mishaps from the past involving his daughters.   These incidents are his only recollection of his daughters' estranged childhood   in which he strained to create slippery and unmothered women.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Homer's fear of becoming attached to anything which reminded him of Alice resulted in an unorthodox childhood for Hallie and Codi.   Homero was more of a child mechanic than a father.   Retaining only   his technical aptitude after Alice died all he could do was provide his kids with orthopedic shoes and the correct medicine.   When not fixing Codi or Hallie's present or future ailments Homero took photographs of natural objects and slyly transformed them into man- made devices by doing what he seemed to be best at, distorting images.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Codi, similar to her father mentally blocked out her past.   Her childhood remained within her as only a series of stained and misplaced memories.   Codi attempted to follow in her father's emulsion lined footprints, fixing every one of life's problems with an internal wrench.  Ã‚  Ã‚   By approaching life from behind this falsified image Codi managed to distance herself from everything and everyone who could have hurt her.   One aspect of life and time in which Codi was bred to be distanced from is the past.   As Codi grew older she

Once and Future King Essay -- essays research papers

Once and Future King Experience is Everything   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the book, The Once and Future King, T.H. White shows the importance that education relies heavily upon ones own personal experiences. When Merlyn is called on to tutor Wart, an adopted child, he uses this exact learning method on Wart. Merlyn, who is a magician, uses transformation as a his learning tool. Merlyn turns Wart into different animals to show Wart lessons of life. Through each transformation Wart experiences different forms of power, each being a part of how he should rule as king. When Wart experiences each of these different stages of lesson he finds out from Mr. P that mind power is nothing, from the wild goose he learns freedom, and the badger teaches him to accept what you have.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When Wart is transformed into a fish Merlyn takes him to go talk to the master of the moat, Mr. P. This is the first transformation that Wart will learn his first lesson in. When Wart approaches Mr. P he already senses a great deal of danger because of his massive size and strength. Wart was so flabbergasted by his enormous structure that he could not think of anything to ask Mr. P. Then Mr. P replies with his view on life, a simple statement, â€Å"There is only power. Power is of the individual mind, but the mind’s power is not enough† (52). Mr. P is showing the importance of physical power over the minds with this comment he makes . What Mr. P states astonishes ...

Tim Obriens On the Rainy River Essay -- Tim Obrien On the Rainy Riv

Tim O'brien's "On the Rainy River" Tim O'brien's "On the Rainy River" is a true story told by a 41 year old of his life at the age of 21. The fact that O'brien is writing this 20 years later adds a new aspect to the story. He describes himself as a young man with the world in his back pocket. O'brien has just graduated from Macalester College and has a free ride to Harvard. Unfortunately, his storybook world collapses when he receives a draft notice for the Vietnam war, a war that he has "taken a modest stand against"(44) in 1968. Upon receiving his draft notice, O'brien was thrown into a world of what he calls "moral confusion"(44). As a 21 year-old, he follows every rule put forth in front of him, even though he says "he couldn't tolerate authority"(45). If O'brien didn't follow authority, though, he never would have been successful. This is one of the causes of his moral confusion. O'Brien has never had to make moral testing decisions in his life, like whether to face his family or to run to Canada. Another cause for his moral confusion was his stand on the war. He thought it was wrong for numerous reasons, such as not knowing why they were fighting. O'Brien would have gladly fought in a war that he believed in but the draft board didn't let him choose his war. All of these pressures came down to whether he would be the conformist of the past or believe in what he thought was right. All of the pressures built up and something inside of him cr...

Essay on Tension Essay

The ‘Turn of the Screw’, which was written in the late nineteenth century, is acclaimed by critics for the build up of tension and the suspenseful atmosphere that its author, Henry James, creates throughout the novella. James achieves this by exploiting several characters and features of the book. James manipulates the prologue of the novella by creating a group of listeners who are in anticipation for the story; furthermore the character who narrates the story is not immediately able to retrieve the manuscript, this deliberate slow down of tempo, builds suspense preceding the tale and it prepares the reader for a thrilling story. The setting of the novella is also used to build atmosphere, a technique that James regularly employs is contrasting a moment of tranquil with one of danger. This produces a sharp difference and thus makes the scene of peril seem even more suspenseful. The ghosts of Quint and Jessel are perhaps the largest contributors to the atmosphere and tension within the novel; James uses both ghosts to create a threat to the children which causes tremendous tension and it is the central plot in the book. The children themselves are also manipulated by James to create atmosphere, their behaviour is continually reiterated as perfect and virtuous to such an extent that the reader is almost persuaded to think that their is something not quite natural about them. James uses the prologue to introduce the story and also to create a suspenseful atmosphere about what is to follow. During the prologue there are a group of guests who James uses to create tension. These listeners evidently enjoy listening to stories, especially if they involve ghosts and horror. â€Å"†¦ sufficiently breathless†, â€Å"no comment was uttered† are phrases which are used to describe their attitude towards the stories, clearly conveying the interest and avidness that the guests and frame narrator have for the stories being told. The listeners create an atmosphere of eagerness for the story which is very effective since James’ readers might also imitate this feeling. The character of Douglas plays a pivotal to the build up of tension in the prologue. Upon the first mention of his story, he plays on the emotions of the listeners by continually reiterating how horrifying and terrible the story that he has all of them waiting in anticipation for is. â€Å"It is quite too horrible†, â€Å"nothing at all that I know touches it†; Douglas is gradually building up the suspense before his story by mentioning how ‘horrible’ it is, this feeling of impending disaster that the other guests wait in buoyant expectancy for, before knowing the full details of the story adds to an atmosphere of suspense. The combined facts that the manuscript has to be sent for and further compounded by the knowledge that is locked away also contributes to the same effect, the prolonged wait for the manuscript adds to a feeling of avidness for the story and also the fact that it is locked away has cryptive connotations which suggest that its contents are so terrible that it must be kept away from the world. By now it seems that Douglas appears to have his listeners transfixed upon him and have necessity to listen to his story. The interjection, â€Å"oh how delicious† which was cried by one of the women present; the term ‘delicious’ possibly infers a feeling which is almost desperation for the story. Likewise the way, in which the audience gives a â€Å"unanimous groan†, when the telling of the tale is delayed suggests that they long to hear the story. This deliberate slow down, builds up the tension to what the audience and reader are prepared for a gruelling tale. The gradual build up of suspense through the prologue preludes the main story, in order to exemplify an atmosphere of anticipation and dread of what is to follow. James now uses the setting of the novella to create tension. He allows us to see into the Governess’ mind and we, like her anticipate Bly to be a place of dread since she â€Å"had expected something so melancholy†. It is usual for one to expect that a large country estate which is the setting of a ghost story will be isolated, old and gothic. James cleverly manipulates our assumptions to create an atmosphere of tension. Instead of the gothic building that we expect, we are introduced to something much more pleasant; the Governess upon her arrival is surprised and delighted at what she sees â€Å"what greeted me was a good surprise†¦ I remember as a most pleasant impression†. This peaceful setting lulls the reader into a false sense of security, however at the back of our minds is the idea from the prologue that the story will be horrifying which makes the reader suspicious of the circumstances surrounding the following events; thus creating an atmosphere of tension. This same technique is used before the introduction of Peter Quint. In the pages preceding his apparition there is a vivid description of an idyllic setting such as â€Å"the beauty and dignity of the place†¦ golden sky†. James does this in order to produce a sharp contrast when the ghost appears, making the emergence of the ghost more of a shock and therefore more terrifying for his audience. With the ghost of Peter Quint now firmly entrenched within the story, James uses him as a key contributor for creating an atmosphere of tension. James uses Miss Grose’s detestable presentation of Quint while he was alive in order to create tension. She describes him as â€Å"Impudent and depraved†, â€Å"spoiled†, these quotations give a negative impression of Quint and portray him as an antagonist. However perhaps worst of all he is also related by Grose as â€Å"clever and deep†, exemplifying him as calculating and sinister. Because of his negative introduction the reader is therefore continually persuaded to think of Quint as a dangerous to the children. Upon each appearance Quint is seen closer to the Governess and hence successively more threatening and horrifying. Additionally each time Quint appears he is closer to the children, leading us to suspect that his apparitions are with some sort of intention rather than random. As a result of our perception of him as somebody dangerous and also because he is getting closer and closer to the governess, the reader feels the suspense gradually building since we see him as a threat to both the Governess and the children. The first time she sees him he is distanced at the top of a tower although still narrating the scene as â€Å"stricken with death† suggesting dread, horror and fear. The second time there is only a window separating them and the governess by saying â€Å"A nearness that†¦ Made me catch my breath and turn cold†, makes the point clear that it was the closeness that made it more fearsome. However on the third appearance which is described as the most formidable, they are adjacent to one another, it is this that made the experience so terrifying according to the governess, â€Å"At such close quarters that gave the whole horror†. By making Quint continually more frightful James creates tension because the reader is constantly anticipating more horrifying encounters.

United Nations Role in Peace and Security

As we all know the UNO is an international organization of almost 192 member countries of the world and was founded – rather replaced by the League of Nations some 63 years back in October 24,1945 in San Francisco, California, shortly after World War -II. No doubt the tragedy, bloodshed, massacre, hunger and nuclear atrocities by the USA gave alarming feelings to the nations to freeing the world from the possibility of wars in future. However, its successes and failures in achieving this objective are still debatable. The UNO as stated above is a renewed precursor body of the League of Nations. So before reviewing the UNO’s functions, it will be worthwhile to look into the history of the League as the new generation is not much aware of its role. LEAGUE OF NATIONS The League was founded after the devastation, slaughter, disaster and atrocities of the world war-I. It was also an international organization set up in accordance with the Treaty of Versailles in 1919-20 with only 58 members. Its major goal consisted of disarmament, prevention of war and settling disputes between the countries. The harbinger of setting up this organization was the United States President Mr. Woodrow Wilson. But surprisingly the Senate of his own country refused to become its member which was, no doubt, a serious blow to the prestige of the League. However, other great powers like the United Kingdom and France remained its members. It was to fulfil the dream of fundamental shift in the thought from the preceding centuries. Unlike the UNO,the League did not have its own armed forces and was dependent on the great powers to enforce its resolutions and peace-making struggles. It could not enforce its three sanctions as envisaged under its covenant. Therefore after,no doubt, a few notable successes, the following failures resulted in its replacement by the United Nations:- 1. In 1931 Japan invaded Manchuria but no effective sanction was imposed on the aggressor. 2. In 1935,Italy attacked Abyssinia but none of the great powers took any notice of it. . 3. Germany was not allowed to join the League in 1919 as it had started the war. 4. Russia was also denied its membership in 1917 being a communist government to pose fear in Western Europe. Eventually these three most powerful countries could not play their positive role in supporting the league. This sort of plight has been stated by Mussolini in a sarcaustic manner as under: â€Å"The League is very well when sparrows shout, but no good at all when eagles fall out† So the League after the end of the first world war was replaced by the UNO in 1945 having remained in existence from 1919 to 1945. THE UNITED NATIONS ORGANISATION After the closure of the League of Nations, the UNO was established on 24th October,1945 but its first General Assembly comprising 51 member countries was held on 10th January,1946 in London. One can well assess that the brunts and tragedies of both the world wars gave a fillip to the idea of revamping the body of the League to play more effective role anew to restore peace and harmony amongst the states. This idea was elaborated in the Declarations signed during war time conferences held in Moscow and Tehran in 1943. Mr. Franklin D. Roosevelt, the President of the USA proposed its name as UNITED NATIONS. Its charter was drafted by the governments as well as non-government organizations like Lion Club International. To start with 51 nations signed the charter of the United Nations. The charter was later ratified by five permanent members of the Security Council viz: USA, UK, France and China, followed by a majority of the other 40 signatories. As a result of the unanimous votes by the U. S. Senate and the House of Representatives, the UNO’s Headquarter were made in the United States. Accordingly U. N. Headquarters building was constructed in New York city in 1949 and 1950 beside the East River on the land purchased by an 8. million dollars donation from John D. Rockefeller. The land is now considered international territory but apart from some diplomatic privileges and immunities, the laws of the New York city,New York state and the U. S. in general do apply. The UNO is supported by some other organizations like the Security Council, UNICEF, WHO, UNESCO and a few more to resolve conflicts and to maintain peace in the world as well as to eliminate illiteracy, poverty, hunger and to enhance respect for human rights. PAKISTAN’S ROLE IN THE UNO. Pakistan is proud to play its role in the peace-keeping missions of the United Nations. Pakistan became its member on 30th September,1947 i. e. just after one month’s creation of it on the world map as a new country. Since 1960, Pakistan is enthusiastically performing its responsibility in the U. N. peace-keeping missions with over ten thousand troops and observers. Currently Pakistan’s involvement in restoring peace in Somalia, Sierra Leon, Bosnia, Congo, Liberia and East Temore have been commended not by the UNO but the world at large. No other country including any muslim state has been that active to contribute this sort of role in the United Nations. This speaks of the valour and vividity of our armed forces on the global impact. Conclusion The first decade of the 21st century is going to complete with both hope and distress co-existing side by side. Peace and development and concept of democracy and equality are still missing in many parts of the world despite our trumpeted slogan of world getting into a global village. No doubt the globalization has drawn countries closer and closer with reference to their economic relationship, advanced means of communications and regional cooperation etc. But these developments are posing some alarming questions to the general public like local wars, revolutions and conflicts coming up from time to time. The Iraq war and situation between Israel and Palestine witnessing tragedies every day. Similarly wars in Africa entangled with poverty and diseases are still continuing. As a matter of fact after the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan on 6th and 8th August,1945, the possession of nuclear device by some countries created a sense of self-protection and safety. In this way the dream of peace and harmony in the world does not seem to be converted into the reality in the near future. But we are not that pessimist because the UNO is undoubtedly a microcosm of the world and despite so many reservations politically, its role in promoting disarmament for a safer future to the posterity cannot be denied. In the global concept its importance and necessity is gaining momentum day by day. It is now the most acclaimed universal representative and authoritative organization with 192 member countries in its present set up and we do hope that it will progress more in the time to come. Those countries who have not become its members so far, should also come forward to strengthen the UNO in general and the present Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-moon In particular.

Eulogy for Romeo & Juliet Essay

Citizens of fair Verona, today we gather here to remember the two star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet who sacrificed their lives for each other. We are here to say goodbye to our two lovers, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet. These two young teenagers were deeply in love with each other, but sadly died at a very young age. Although fate has already accomplished its deed, we can still remember the legacy Romeo and Juliet have left at such a tender age. We are here today to celebrate the life of Romeo. Romeo was a kind, handsome, intelligent, and sensitive boy. He always tried to make things right. He is not at all interested in violence. Romeo was a very impulsive person. He was impulsive when he wanted to get married to Juliet very quickly, some may even say too quickly. His only interest is love. When he first laid eyes on Juliet, he had already fallen in love with her. This was a bit of a problem because both families were not the best of friends. Romeo had changed immensely and became a whole new person over the last few weeks of his life. We are also here to celebrate the life of Juliet. Juliet was a beautiful, young woman from the Capulet Family. She was born almost 14 short years ago into the house of Capulet. She has had her ups and downs with her families. Given the sacrifices of Juliet, we all hope that the hatred and violence between her house and the house of her lover, Romeo of the Montague family will end permanently. It is sad that she has been taken to heaven today. In the streets of Verona, let the families learn to keep the Peace. For look at what happened to dear Juliet. May you rest in peace, sweet Juliet. To all of my friends that have gathered here today, I would like to say thank you in helping us remember the lives of the wonderful star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet. I pray that we can live as a single family, and that the houses of Montague and Capulet will live happily for the remainder of days. Thanks you all for being here and staying strong. May peace be with you all.

Ibm Marketing Mix (Denmark)

Marketing: Foundations and applications Course code: BMAN-20390 Marketing analysis of IBM 1. 0 Thesis statement â€Å"Evaluate the marketing strategy of a blue-chip company you are familiar with. Your evaluation should critically discuss the concept of the marketing mix as applied to your chosen organisation and at least one other academic marketing theory. † 2. 0 Limitations IBM is a very large organization so the planning process of a marketing strategy that is coherent with the corporate strategy is made complicated and difficult because IBM operates in a number of significantly different markets.I have therefore since I am an employee of IBM Denmark decided that this is the â€Å"strategic business unit† that I am going to analyze in terms of their marketing strategy. Furthermore the portfolio of products that IBM Denmark supplies ranges from everything to hardware sales, software sales and consultancy services. There might be a significant difference in the way the se products are promoted, and I have therefore narrowed it further down to focus on the tertiary activities, meaning the marketing strategy of the consultancy services (in IBM known as GBS – Global Business Services).This limitation is convenient because it allows me to properly analyze the marketing strategy in this given area – as opposed to making an analysis based upon IBM as a whole with their entire portfolio of products, as this would not be fulfilling in a 2500 word essay. 3. 0 Preface IBM mission statement: â€Å"At IBM, we strive to lead in the invention, development, and manufacture of the industry’s most advanced information technologies, including computer systems, software, storage systems, and microelectronics.We translate these advanced technologies into value for our customers through our professional solutions, services, and consulting businesses worldwide†. From the mission statement above we can conclude that IBM wants to be a leader o n the blue-chip market – which we in terms of their size can conclude they are close to being. In the following essay the reader will be introduced to the marketing strategy of IBM. Furthermore the reader will be introduced to a SWOT analysis, in which it will be discussed and concluded which strategic position IBM has on the current market.In regards to the limitation above this will be an analysis based upon IBMs services provision in Denmark. The reader will find out that the classical approach with the 4ps of marketing doesn’t really apply to this part of the business that IBM conducts. Instead an additional three Ps has been added, and these will be discussed as well. SWOT Analysis One of the trustiest tools in business is the SWOT analysis. Corporations takes a calm, cool look down at the organisations Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threat’s.Then they seek to capitalise on the strengths, eliminate the weaknesses, seize the best opportunities and counter the threats. Figure 4. 1 is a SWOT analysis of the global business services for IBM, and the end result of this analysis should help us to give a clear view of IBM’s strategic position on the market, which we then can use to discuss their marketing strategy. Figure 4. 1 – IBM DK GBS SWOT Strengths: IBM Denmark has been on the Danish market since 1950 – which leaves them with a significant amount of experience of the market.The wide range of their strategic competencies runs from everything from hardware-sales to business consultancy, the latter being one of their profitable areas of expertise. Furthermore IBM DK has a leading position on the Danish services market, being one of the biggest consultancy houses in the country. It is the combination of its size and experience on the market that leaves them to be one of the preferred business partners in Denmark and in the rest of the world. IBM Denmark like most companies believes it is necessary to have a t alented workforce.IBM is present at local universities promoting themselves with the purpose of future recruitment. Through this initiative they attract the students they believe is prospects as future IBM leaders, and sign them off before their competitors. Furthermore IBM is extremely flexible, meaning that leaders across country borders are stationed in different parts of the world. A lot of IBM DKs top leaders are individuals who have a history with IBM, but only in a different SBU. Weaknesses: Being located in Denmark one is urged to believe that it is inevitable to have high operating costs, especially labour cost.Denmark does have one of the highest salary rates in the world. And with a personnel count of nearly 5. 000 people this results in big money. Opportunities: With the increased focus on the environment in recent years – IBM must be innovative and continue to lead the market by supplying greener solutions to their customers. A growing body of evidence asserts th at corporations can do well, by doing good. IBM must differentiate their brand and reputation as well as their products and services, by taking responsibility for the wellbeing of the societies and environments in which they operate.Practicing corporate social responsibility can generate significant returns to their business. Furthermore if IBM could reduce their operating costs, then it would also be possible to reduce their prices, without compromising with the quality of their products. IBM has already taken initiatives to reduce their labour costs. Danish consultants requires a high salary rate, which is why IBM DK wherever possible tries to limit the amount of these consultants. Instead they will bring consultants from India and other low cost countries to Denmark and assign them to the project that is to be executed.This allows them to sell the service for a more competitive price. It has been discussed if IBM should completely shut down its locations in the EU, and outsource the entire European operations to low cost countries – however I personally believe that this would be compromising the quality of the service provided as it surely must be necessary to have people with local market knowledge assisting on the projects. Threats: As the world continues to get smaller, IBM like other big corporations faces the challenge of outsourcing.Especially IBM Denmark is threatened by outsourcing, as Denmark has the highest tax rate in the world, which will force IBM to have higher prices, than what is offered abroad – leaving them more vulnerable to the threat of outsourcing. Furthermore the introduction of changes in various services are not patentable (reference: http://www. mgutheses. org/page/? q=T%200984&search=&page=&rad=#43, page 32), meaning that the innovativeness of a company like IBM can easily be adopted by newcomers to the market.Also, as a service is not a manufactured product, but really a transaction of knowledge  œ it is hard to imagine that it is capital intensive to enter the service industry. Marketing mix â€Å"The marketing mix is an imperative concept in modern marketing and academically it is referred to as a set of controllable tools that the firm blends to produce the response it wants in the target market, so it consists of everything the firm can do to influence the demand for its products† (Kotler and Armstrong 2004).The easiest way to understand the main aspects of marketing is through the famous 4P’s marketing, which was introduced and suggested by McCarthy in 1960 (reference: http://university-essays. tripod. com/marketing_mix. html). It includes marketing strategies of product, price, placement and promotion. It is however interesting if this also applies to a company that sells services and not a material product. Given the unique and distinguishing features of the service industry, researchers have offered different models and approaches to the marketing of se rvices.It is suggested that services marketing does not only include external marketing reaching the customers, but also an internal marketing strategy to motivate the employees (reference: A service quality model and its implications, Christian Gronross, vol 18, No. 4, 1984, pp. 36-44). Figure 2 – The triangle model of services marketing Company Internal MarketingExternal Marketing Employees Customers Interactive Marketing As stated above the internal marketing is for the company to motivate their employees to serve its customers in the best possible way.External marketing is when the company makes its service available to its customers to increase the demand. The interactive marketing involves to the effort of employees to win customers loyalty in the process of their interaction with the customers in delivering the services. This must be closely related to internal marketing. In IBM DK, the consultants and salespeople are paid partly in a fixed salary scheme and a variable scheme depending on their results. Furthermore these same IBM representatives will receive an annual bonus, if IBM on the given project has reached a certain percentage of profit.These incentives through salaries and bonuses can be associated to what we clarify as internal marketing. For the external marketing side – the traditional marketing mix as we know them through the 4p’s can also be applied on services marketing as they are applied on tangible goods. But it is discussed to be difficult. Which is why for services marketing, a modified marketing mix has been developed. The services marketing mix comprises 7p’s and these include the following: * Product * Price * Place * Promotion * People * Process * Physical evidenceIt is important to look closer at some of these P’s, which will be done in the following. Product: The most important question to be asked here is â€Å"are these the right products or services for our customers today†? IBM cont inues to be the leading innovator on the market, spending billions of dollars every year in their research centers providing their customers with the newest technologies and always making sure that the quality of the products is of IBM’s usual reputed quality. Price: As anyone can imagine the price of the service provided is essential for whether or not IBM wins the customer over.As soon as the appropriate experts has analyzed the pre project resources that is to be needed for the project he informs the pricing department. The pricer then based on these assumptions, inflation, currency differences, management desired PTI % (pre tax income), and our cost case calculated a price that is then been presented to the customer. Promotion: When promoting their services IBM first make rational decions on which businesses to approach. Then they divide their promotion into how big the markets are, e. g a segment could be small and medium business†. Within a specific constituency m arket, IBM first identifies which businesses make the most sense to connect with. Then, the IBM determines the most efficient way to reach each of them. whether through individualized marketing or a creative combination of IBM's go-to-market strategies† IBM also enters the business community through professional associations and organizations. Such groups generate interest in IBM and may even help IBM identify new business partners. By sponsoring and participating with them, IBM is able to communicate its message of value to the member businesses.Furthermore IBM through their marketing incentives has adopted a more emotional approach in the way they promote themselves. Rai Cockfield VP Market development states that all people prior to purchase asks the following â€Å"Does this product or service meet my need? Is the company reputable? And is the price reasonable? † Today, he adds a more pressing question, â€Å"Are you reaching me in the way that I see myself? Ã¢â‚¬Ë œ â€Å"That's what endears a person to a company and a product,† he says. (reference: http://www-03. ibm. com/employment/us/diverse/50/ads. html. ) People: An important ingredient to any service provision, is as we have discussed above having qualified personnel. Recruiting the right staff and people and training them appropriately in the delivery of services is essential if IBM wants to continue having their competitive advantage. Providing a service is partly the quality of the service and the quality of the people that delivers it, as these are in constant contact with the customer. As mentioned above, IBM has had university partnerships in order to recruit students. Process:When selling their services IBM has two processes. Either the customer comes to IBM looking for an offer on a service they need provided. IBM then sends the appropriate people to analyse the resources that are needed to provide this service. An offer is then presented to the customer. A different proc ess is when we have existing customers, the client manager is responsible for looking for new business services that we can provide them. And then the process starts over, in regards to presenting an offer after calculating the resources we need for the project.Conclusion IBM wants to be the leader on the Danish market. And in terms of their size we can conclude that they are close to being just that. From the SWOT analysis above we saw that IBM has the needed experience and size to be one of the biggest consultancy houses in the country and in the world. Furthermore with the increasing focus on the environment IBM has the possibility to be the leading innovator for greener solutions – an opportunity that they have successfully capitalized on through their continued research for more environmental solutions.However despite IBM being a big player on the Danish services market, it is important that they reduce their high operating costs. By bringing Indian and other low cost co nsultants into the game, they have somewhat succeeded in doing this as these have lower salary rates. In the marketing of services we have concluded that an external marketing effort is not enough for successfully promoting itself. An internal marketing strategy is also essential for obtaining success. IBM must motivate its employees as these are the focalpoint to customer, in which case it is important that they are motivated and happy.In promoting and marketing themselves IBM has also realised that they in today’s world they must reach their customers on a more personal level, and not merely connect through reputation and price. Connecting with its customers on a personal level and delivering top quality services is what keeps IBM on top of their game and in even in rough financial times they have succeeded in being one of the top choices as business partner.References Websites:http://www. entrepreneur. om/marketing/article70824. htmlhttp://www. scribd. com/doc/10999474/IBM -Strategic-Analysishttp://www. simplemarketingblog. com/2009/06/sandy-carter-integrates-social-media. htmlhttp://www. itsma. com/ezine/analytics-optimize-marketing-mix/http://university-essays. tripod. com/marketing_mix. html

Reflection scenario based essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Reflection scenario based - Essay Example There is no cure for the condition other than early delivery of the baby at 37 or 38th week (Sibai et al. 2005). After being monitored for a day and blood pressures stabilized, Jennifer was discharged. My instructor and I visited Jennifer at her home three times a week to provide care to her. Our major tasks were to monitor the blood pressures, check the urine for any protein and check her wait. My instructor provided appropriate advice and support to Jennifer and her husband regarding her care. Jennifer was advised to stop performing heavy tasks, reducer her activity level and possible spend a lot of time in bed rest to control her blood pressure levels. Jennifer was advised of the position for a bed rest either on the left or on the right side. I learned that lying on the back is important to allow blood to flow to the placenta bringing more blood to the baby. If tired she was advised to sit up or move around at times. She was also advised to monitor how much fluid she drinks and as well monitor how often her baby kicks and moves (Sibai 2011). Her husband was advised on the importance of providing support to her wife to reduce anxiety levels. I learned that it is significant of midwives to communicate effectively with patients and adopt organizations aspects of care in delivering high quality care services. In future, this experience will help me to deliver appropriate ca re to a mother with mild pre-eclampsia at the community

Analyzing aspects of the employment process Essay

Analyzing aspects of the employment process - Essay Example ying weaknesses and strengths as well as opportunities for improvement and skills development" (Introduction: Performance Appraisal). Hence, the importance of performance evaluation becomes obvious and can be applied to our organization through various methodologies including graphic scale, checklist, forced choice, ranking, paired comparison, forced distribution, MBO, and BARS (Dessler, 2000) as well as with the aid of incentives, bonuses and word of appreciation and a pat on the back. Research by Luis et al. (2001) suggests that performance evaluation when applied adequately can reap massive fruitful results including improved customer satisfaction diffusing from employee satisfaction, ameliorated work performance and product quality, ease in retaining trained and diligent work force and so on and so forth. Planning and strategic decisions about recruiting include both internal and external recruiting. There are various internal sources of recruiting that work effectively to accomplish the targeted organizational goals. As Buford, Bedeian & Lindner (1995) & Zoller (1996) define, "recruiting is the process of generating a sufficiently large group of applicants from which to select qualified individuals for available jobs" and apart from the external sources including media advertising, walk-ins, public and private employment agencies, educational institutions, state agencies, government programs, direct recruiting (Lindner & Zoller), there are internal sources that are effective. These internal sources of recruiting include employee referrals and internal job postings (Lindner & Zoller). Good, experienced, trained and hard working employees when make referrals, organizations must feel obliged. This is because, employee referral is one internal source that has so far proved quite effecti ve in the recruiting procedure worldwide. Employee referrals minimize the work load and share the responsibility with the management which otherwise remains solely responsible for recruiting the right people at the right time (Lindner & Zoller). What makes this internal source effective is the reason that those applicants that are referred by the working employees have a clearer picture of the organizational expectations, aims and vision and can shape their expectations from the organization and their duties accordingly in a better fashion than applicants that are recruited directly through other sources (Lindner & Zoller). Another very effective internal source of recruiting is internal job postings. Vacancies year round can be filled in by the working as well as the deserving employees that can be found, located and analyzed internally through the application of performance appraisal. "These vacancies may represent promotions (upward moves) or transfers (lateral moves). Posting an d circulating notices of vacancies maximizes employee awareness of job openings. The notice should include such items as title, department, job summary, qualifications, and salary and should be placed on bulletin boards,

Usability evaluation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Usability evaluation - Essay Example Human Computer Interaction (HCI) is a recognized branch of computer engineering which defines various standards to ensure a safe, effective, efficient, appealing and enjoyable user experience while interacting with a computer application or surfing over the internet.Closely related to HCI is the field of usability engineering which ensures user friendliness through effective and efficient Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) or Web Interfaces. Carroll has narrated the aims and objectives of HCI in these words, â€Å"HCI is the study and practice of usability. It is about understanding and creating software and other technology that people will want to use, will be able to use, and will find effective when used† (Carroll, 2002). The intelligent web design is an inevitable business necessity in this age of e-commerce. More often than not better and efficient web design is a matter of existence for businesses. Carey has pointed out the importance of user-friendliness in web applicati ons, â€Å"Businesses must pay attention to the functionality and usability of Internet-based tasks, because the young consumers of tomorrow’s markets will insist on doing business on the Internet and will be intolerant of dysfunctional and unusable systems.† (Carey et. al., 2003, p.360). Usability Evaluation Methods The methodical approach is a mandatory requirement for evaluating web pages. Heuristic Evaluation, Think-aloud and Performance testing are few among these evaluation methods. Each of these methods uses predefined rules to evaluate the website for its ease-of-use and other usability characteristics and have its relative accuracy in evaluating web sites usability. We can also employ a blend of these methods for evaluation purpose which may give us better insight into various met and unmet evaluation standards. This report will use a discounted heuristic method blended with think-aloud method where needed. The discounted heuristic blended with think-aloud will result in a protocol which will assess the website resources for a predefined set of heuristics and the same set of heuristics may be questioned from the naive users of think-aloud method. Usability Evaluation 1. Resource-I (http://sentencingcouncil.judiciary.gov.uk/) a) Consistency of presentation and controls i. The home page of Sentencing Council is loosely consistent. The hovering effect of various con trols is not consistent, on top level links of Home, Contact us etc. it is simple underlining with same text displayed as the feedback to the user the effect is background color change in menu controls like â€Å"About the Sentencing Council†, â€Å"About Sentencing†, etc. Similarly, the punctuation is not consistent at the site. ii. Blue and Gray colors are used consistently but there are used interchangeably i.e for headings and subheadings. iii. The overall impact of the color scheme and the text is consistent. Font size and style remained consistent over the home page. iv. Image used on home page is not tightly linked with the theme of the site. A keyboard with papers on it does not present a sentencing council perfectly. v. A quite large image of interrogation sign used at home page is a bit misleading it does not take you anywhere and creates a sort frustration for the user. b) Adequate Feedback i. There is not enough feedback provided to the user on home page. i i. Hovering is used to show the expected next click of the user but it is not clearly told where this click may navigate the user. iii. The hovering screen tip text is same as that of the label so it does not provide any additional information to the user. c) Natural organization of the information i. The information on the page is well managed ii. A clear page heading, subheadings, labels and menu bar, title heading are provided to clearly define various sections of information. iii. Each section of site provides only related information d) Contextual navigation i. There is enough contextual navigation available on the home page but without any feedback. e) Efficient