The effect of rising energy prices for the economic wellbeing of Essay

The effect of rising energy prices for the economic wellbeing of households - Essay Example A significant economy reform program was announced by Australian government for securing the future with relatively clean energy. It is a transition plan that will transform the economy of the country gradually; it will be implemented by taking initiatives in four key areas namely carbon pricing, non-conventional sources of energy in place of conventional energy, enhancing the efficiency of energy consumption and management as well as land reforms. But the foremost component of this transition plan is the carbon price mechanism and several complementary measures along with the assistance plan for the household and large emitters of the pollutants in the current economic structure. As the time passed by, the business as well as household focused on the relevant details of this plan and researchers forecasted the consequences and impacts of this plan extensively. The current essay models the impacts of the proposed mechanism of carbon prices on the household economy by discussing the consumer behaviour theories and keeping in view the fact that proposed plan promises to return most part of the revenue generated through carbon price mechanism to the household. A package of measures also came along this plan; these measures outline the policy of the Government to curtail the instantaneous effects of carbon pricing mechanism on the household economy.... $ 23, $ 24.15 and $ 25.40 for first, second and third years respectively. The second phase will commence on 1st July 2015 and carbon price remains flexible during this phase. The determination of the prices will be based on the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) along with the transitional cap as well as floor implementation. It is also determined in the proposed plan that carbon permits will be sold to the pollution emitters and the revenue generated through these sales will be invested for encouraging the production and consumption of clean energy. It will also ease the cost burden coming up with the transitional phase. Various direct and indirect methods will be devised to assist different sectors of the economy including the household1. In light of this brief introduction of the carbon price mechanism, the following section of this essay discusses the continuously rising prices of the energy during the first phase and their impacts on the economic well being of household with special emphasis on various theories of consumer behaviour. The effect of rising energy prices for the economic wellbeing of households It is evident that the increasing carbon prices will definitely flow through the consumer as household is one of the largest users of the conventional energy. The increase in prices of the fuel will disturb the household budgets; the prices change in the prices of the essential goods like food, clothing, and land for shelter will take place due to the continuous rise in the carbon prices during the first phase of the implementation of this plan (Kardes et al., 2010). On the other hand, the supply demand theory suggests that the demand for carbon fuels will be discouraged due to the increasing prices of the carbon fuels. The following

Summarise the main development of a child from the age range 0-2, 3-5 years and 5-8 years Essay Example for Free

Summarise the main development of a child from the age range 0-2, 3-5 years and 5-8 years Essay Development is the process of gaining new skills in all areas of life. All children are individuals so, although they will all go through the same stages of development, they may not necessarily go through these at the same time. For this reason, the term ‘average child’ is used when talking about the process of development, but we should consider each child’s development progress individually. The development of a child is usually categorised into five main areas: Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Social and Language. Physical Development. A newborn baby will lie on his back with his head to one side and his head will lag when he is pulled up to sit. He will have primitive reflexes, such as grasping and sucking. By 3 months he will be able to kick his legs, play with his own hands and lift his own head. At 6 months, he will be able to sit with support and pass a toy from one hand to the other. He will have made a large transition by 9 months and may sit without support, crawl or shuffle and will begin to use his index, middle finger and thumb together to pick up small items. He will have begun to walk unaided by 18 months, can use a spoon and will attempt to kick a ball. By 2 years, he will be able to use a pencil to make simple forms, build a tower of six bricks and start to use his preferred hand. Between 3 and 5 years, he will have the capacity to jump from a low step, pedal a tricycle and turn single pages in a book. His gross motor skills improvement will mean that he will be able to walk backwards and forwards along a line and aim, throw and catch a large ball. By 8 years old he will be able to jump from heights and he will have improved his balancing skills enough to walk along a wall or beam and ride a bicycle without stabilisers. The improvement in his fine motor skills will allow him to control a pencil in a small area and do detailed drawing. He will also have the control to tie and untie his shoelaces and build intricate models. Intellectual (or cognitive) development. Intellectual development is about how children learn, think and develop ideas. Children develop intellectually at different rates and some in areas that others do not. At birth a baby will blink in reaction to bright light and cry as a response to his basic needs. By 6 months he is easily distracted by movements and objects and will make attempts to reach out for  them. He will also put everything in his mouth. By 12 months he will recognise familiar people at 6 metres and be able to imitate those around him and the moods they express, for example laughing when someone he is with is laughing. By 2 years old he will enjoy imaginary play and will often talk to himself. He will be able to point to and recognise the names of parts of the body. Between the ages of 3 and 5 years, his fine motor skills will have increased enough to be able to control a pencil adequately and cut with scissors. He will be able to draw a square and a range of letters, some spontaneously and paint with a large paint brush. At 5 years of age, the concepts of numeracy and literacy will be within his capabilities and many children will be able to count and recognise simple words. Between the ages of 6 and 8 his ability to write will be developing, he will read simple books, predict next events and he will know his birthday. Emotional Development From birth a baby will be able to respond to their main carer. He will gaze intently at his carer and by 6 weeks will start to smile as a response to recognition of that person. At 6 months he will show the first signs of distress at the separation from his carer and fear of strangers.He will also actively seek attention.Between 9 and 12 months, he will enjoy the company of those people that he is familiar with. From 1 year old he will be more demanding and assertive and temper tantrums may start. He distinguishes between himself and others, but he is still egocentric and shows rage at being told ‘no’. He is also starting to develop object permanence, he no longer believes that an object that has been hidden is actually no longer there. At 2 years of age he will enjoy other children’s company but will still be reluctant to share his toys. He will, however, be able to cope with short periods of separation from his carer, for example while at nursery. At 3 years he is more aware of his own feelings and able to explain to others how he is feeling Between 5 and 8 years he will enjoy co-operative play and understand reasoning and taking turns. He will be increasingly less anxious about separation and have a good sense of self awareness. Social Development A baby is born with the ability to be sociable. If a baby becomes distressed, he can often be pacified by the sight, touch or smell of his main carer.Between the ages of 3 and 12 months he will be able to interact with his environment, imitating the moods displayed by others. He will discover how to play alone and entertain himself for lengthy periods. With his increasing mobility, he will become more confident and between 2 and 5 years old he will learn to make friends, even though at times he may resort to tantrums when he does not get his own way. By 8 years old he will be fairly independent and confident with an increasing sense of right and wrong and he will be able to form firm friendships with his peers. Language Development There are two distinct stages of language development; pre-linguistic and linguistic. The pre-linguistic stage is from birth to 12 months, when he starts to say his first words.This is the period in which a baby can only express himself by crying, when basic needs require attention, cooing, in response to his carer’s talk and gurgling or chuckling when playing. From about 9 months, he will begin to ‘babble’ sounds such as ‘mama’ or ‘dada’ and he will be able to imitate simple animal noises. The linguistic stage from 1 year old will bring the beginnings of recognisable words and the ‘average’ child will have a vocabulary of around 50 words by the time he is 2. Between 2 and 3 years he has a rapidly expanding vocabulary and can become frustrated if he is unable to express himself in words. By 5 years old he will be a confident speaker and will recognise new words and ask the meaning of them. His vocabulary will be in the region of some 5000 words. By 8 years old he will be able to speak in different tenses and explain himself with confidence.

How the Elderly Cope with the Death of a Spouse Essay -- Spousal Berea

Ever noticed an elderly couple performing normal daily activities and think to yourself, what would they do without one another? Many of us have elderly relatives who are either married or have someone with whom they have a tight bond with, such as a best friend, and we believe they keep each other alive. We are all born to die, but how we cope with death is different. When someone dies, persons affected may feel depressed, sad and even angry. Looking at death from a different perspective, such as a loved one going to a better place, instead of a loss can cause relatives to celebrate. This is usually the case when the cause of death is natural. When death of a spouse is because of a traumatic event, love ones are left with many questions that they can live with for the rest of their lives. We may continue to live normal lives once the emotional pain is suppressed. I use the term suppress, because it is not clear that anyone ever "gets over" the death of a loved one . Bereavement in the elderly can cause the partner to become lonely, fall ill, and often times die soon after. When an older adults life long partner dies, what is their mental state? According to Lund, the mental health of many older spouses is not as devastating as expected, although loneliness and problems associated with the tasks of living are the most common and difficult adjustments of the adult (Meiner, 2011). Research reported to Journal of Gerontologic Nursing (JOGN) indicates that the assessment tool, Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG), can asses the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors associated with separation distress including †¦ excessive loneliness (Barron & Minton, 2008). Additionally, another test can be done to assess the pro... ... to make the person feel better too quick. Instead you should assist the older person through the grieving process which is normal and healthy (Meiner, 2011) Works Cited Barron, C., Minton, M. (2008). Spousal Bereavement Assessment: A Review of Bereavement- Specific Measures. Journal of Gerontologic Nursing, Vol. 34, No.8, 34-48. Retrieved from EBSCOhost Elwert, F., & Christakis, N. (2008). The Effect of Widowhood on Mortality by the Causes of Death of Both Spouses. American Journal of Public Health, Vol. 98(11), 2092-2098. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Howie, L., Mcintyre, G. (2002). Adapting to Widowhood Through Meaningful Occupations: A Case Study. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, Vol. 9, 54-62. Retrieved from EBSCOhost Meiner, S. (2011). Loss and End-of-Life Issues. In P. Burbank and J. Miller (Eds.), Gerontologic Nursing (pp. 351-365)

Atheistic Existentialism †Life Domains Essay

Directions: Complete the â€Å"Atheistic Existentialism† column in the table below by filling in the cells from information provided in the textbook. Atheistic Existentialism / REALITY The only reality for an AE is the one they create for themselves†¦everything is matter – everything is connected as some form of matter or energy and in a cause and effect relationship Atheistic Existentialism / KNOWLEDGE The only knowledge comes from our own senses. Atheistic Existentialism / HUMAN NATURE To an AE – humans are allowed free-will, personalities and consciences – but don’t have any reason to do anything with it Atheistic Existentialism / HUMAN PROBLEMS Their problem is that they can’t deal with the fact that they have human personalities and tendencies – but don’t know why, or what to do with it Atheistic Existentialism / SOLUTIONS TO HUMAN PROBLEMS Humans alone have the only solution to their problem and the more they evolve the better they’ll be at fixing them, so live as if your inner desires do have some meaning and try to make an impact on the world. Atheistic Existentialism / HUMAN VALUE Truly there is no ultimate value of a human life, but Humans can have value because they create their own reality by making their own choices – good or bad. Atheistic Existentialism / HUMAN PURPOSE Our only purpose – according to an AE is that of making yourself into who or what you wish to be, otherwise there is no purpose. Atheistic Existentialism / ETHICS Ethics – Schmethics†¦As long as you make a conscience choice to do something – good or bad – you are determining what your ethics are. not living by the laws of man, or any other guide. Atheistic Existentialism / SUFFERING Nothing good comes of it – there is no purpose for it – so don’t do it. Atheistic Existentialism / MEANING OF LIFE. There is no real meaning – each individual is able to determine what life means to them by their choices to be or not to be, do or not do, etc. Atheistic Existentialism / HUMAN DESIRE Kill it! Don’t be led by your inner needs, wants, voices, it is absurd to follow these â€Å"accidental causes† of evolution – because you don’t need anything more than the basics to survive. Personal Reflection Directions: Briefly summarize your personal reflection on the information that you have entered into Tables 1 and 2 in this assignment. It is interesting to see the â€Å"evolution† of these 3 worldviews. From the Naturalist who views everything as natural in it’s existence – you exist based on your senses and experiences alone to the Secular Humanist with their realization that humans are wonderful – great creatures with personalities and determinations, but it doesn’t matter†¦to the Atheistic Existentialist (AE) – who finally realizes that the innermost feelings and desires we have as humans do exist, but would be better off â€Å"killed† or cut out than to be nurtured and followed. To me – It is just man’s way of not wanting to give credit where credit is do! So many people feel they have to â€Å"give up† so much to follow God. The only way Satan can â€Å"win† is to have more souls in his army than God. He finds our weaknesses and zeroes in on them to keep us from realizing the truth. Man’s ego and sense of self is historically his ruination. It’s easy to see how in these days, these 3 views – all making humans the only thing that matter and by crossing out God, satan is able to lead many astray.

International Assignments Essay

1. Determine four to six (4-6) components that the pre-departure training will need to cover. Provide a rationale for the use of using the training components in question. The four components that pre-departure training will need to cover are cultural awareness training, preliminary visits, language instruction, and assistance with practical, day to day matters. A well-designed cultural awareness training program seeks to foster an appreciation of the host country’s culture so that expatriates can behave accordingly, or at least develop appropriate coping patterns. A preliminary trip to the host country provides a preview to assess their suitability for and interest in the assignment and country. It helps to encourage more informed external stakeholders as well as host-country nationals. Language skills are a critical component in assignment performance and a gauge on ability to adapt and perform on assignment. Hiring of language competent staff to increase the â€Å"language pool† and up-to-date information on language skills is important and critical. Practical assistance helps provide guidance and assistance with relocation to the host country. Having one fend for themselves in a new country can result in a negative response towards the host country so any assistance from relocation specialists is of value to the candidate/employee (Dowling & Festing, 2009). 2. Propose three (3) criteria that management will use to assess the performance of expatriates working abroad. Support your proposal with examples of the fundamental ways in which these performance requirements have improved performance. An assessment of an expatriate employee’s performance is critical to the success of an international assignment. Issues such as the criteria and timing of performance reviews, raises, and bonuses should be discussed and agreed on before the employees are selected and placed on international assignments. Each international office should use a different appraisal system. Employers should not use a performance appraisal system that was  used for domestic employees and try to modify it for use with expatriate employees because many variables need to be understood and taken into consideration. Performance criteria and goals are best established by combining the values and norms of each local environment with the home-office’s performance standards. An individual country profile should be developed and should take into account the foreign subsidiary’s environment. This profile should be used to review any factors that may have an effect on the expatriate employee’s performance. Such factors include language, culture, politics, labor relations, economy, government, control, and communication. 3. Recommend the recruiting and selection strategy that you believe your firm should use when offering international assignments. Provide a rationale for your recommendation. International assignments, or the act of sending employees to different countries on project assignments, are a growing trend. Because international assignments are typically very expensive, failure can have big impacts on the business. It is imperative to hire more reliable and effective international assignees. The following are criteria that should be used to select the appropriate candidate: 1-Use of a selection panel which consists of a manager from the function being recruited for, staff who have detailed knowledge of living working and conducting business in the intended assignment destination, HR staff from home and host country and international HR. 2- Choose candidates that have successfully completed similar international assignments. Candidates should have previously succeeded in the target country or in a similar culture setting. Consideration should also be taken for those who have studied abroad or performed some other role in the country. 3-Prioritize candidates who are fluent in the language of the assignment destination. 4- Use of intercultural adaptability assessment tools potential of candidates to innovate, lead, manage, collaborate and socialize in different cultures. 5- Candidates should be provided with a realistic job assignment preview so that they know both the good and bad aspects of the assignment. 6- Allow candidates a reconnaissance trip after an offer has been made so that they  see if they are a good match for the work and life in the host country, pending budget plans. If these criteria are taken into consideration, then the assignment has a greater chance of succeeding (Ladimeji, 2012). 4. Compare and contrast two (2) staffing alternatives for foreign operations at your multinational firm. Select the staffing alternative that you believe to be the best fit for your scenario and provide a rationale for your selection. Two staffing alternatives are ethnocentric and polycentric staffing approach. The ethnocentric staffing approach involves the Parent-country nationals, or people from the home country of the corporation who are employed to fill key managerial positions because they are familiar with the goals, policies and procedures, technology and products of the parent company. They are in a much better position to report to the company, especially where there is an inadequacy of managerial skills at the local level. It is the preferred method with a centralized approach to globalization. The second approach is the polycentric and uses HCNs to fill key positions. This is more effective when a company wants to act â€Å"local.† It is also usually less expensive to hire locals, however, there could be difficulty in the areas of coordinating goals between the main and regional offices. 5. Analyze the importance of providing a high-quality mentoring system for international assignees. Provide o ne (1) example of a high-quality mentoring system for international assignees to support your analysis. A successful mentoring system can only succeed if the following are taken: Commitment from senior management, creation of a program that has some flexibility and not too much formality, training for mentors that helps them to support rather than teach assignees, understanding that mentoring needs to fit in with senior employees’ heavy workloads. Just like any job, there needs to be guidance and instruction and a good mentorship will aid the candidate in their international assignment (Cowell, 2004). 6. Suggest the manner in which you plan to measure return on investment (ROI) for international assignments. Provide a rationale for your decision. The best evaluation for ROI investment assignments is to set expectations  for several baseline competencies that will be gained from the international experience. The creation of new networks in the host countries as well as new hires or development of intercultural skills. References Cowell, P (2004, November 8). Mentoring: a step towards successful repatriationRetrieved August 15, 2014. http://www.expatica.com/hr/story/mentoring-a-step-towards-successful-repatriation–10573.html Dowling, P. & Festing, M. (2009). International human resource management: Managing people in a multinational context (5th ed.). Mason, OH: Thomson/South-Western. Ladimeji, K. (2012, August 31). How To Pick the Right People for International Assignments. Retrieved August 15, 2014. http://www.recruiter.com/i/how-to-pick-the-right-people-for-international-assignments/ Major Alternative Staffing Approaches for international operations. (2004, July 19). In WriteWork.com. Retrieved 15 August, 2014, from http://www.writework.com/essay/major-alternative-staffing-approaches-international-operat

Functional magnetic resonance imaging Essays

Functional magnetic resonance imaging Essays Functional magnetic resonance imaging Essay Functional magnetic resonance imaging Essay The organic structure is opaque, hence many old ages ago cipher could see inside it without executing surgery. However today there are many non invasive techniques, such as antielectron emanation imaging ( PET ) , computed imaging ( CT ) , X-rays and magnetic resonance imagination ( MRI ) , which helps us to see inside the organic structure to assist name and handle a patient. The purpose of this essay is to compare functional magnetic resonance imagination with other non invasive techniques used to look inside the organic structure. And to find whether it is the most sufficient technique used, or if there are any alternate methods. The techniques that are traveling to be discussed in this essay are positron emanation imaging, computed imaging, magnetic resonance imagination, and functional magnetic resonance imagination. Positron emanation imaging Positron emanation imaging scanners are able expression at the physiology and anatomy of any portion of the organic structure, and are able to observe tumors, irregular and deficient blood flow to tissues, aneurisms, blood cell upsets and deficient operation of variety meats such as the thyroid and pneumonic map lacks. In order for this to happen a radioactive substance is injected into the patient. The radioactive substance is normally tagged with a radioactive atom, for illustration C-11, F-18, O-15, and N-13. These radioactive atoms are formed by pelting chemicals, by a atom gas pedal device, with neutrons to make short lived radioactive isotopes. The antielectron emanation imaging is able to observe gamma beams which are given off when the radioactive isotope emits a antielectron which collides with an negatron in the tissue. It is able to make this as it has a gamma beam sensor ; this has a series of scintillation crystals, which are each connected to a photomultiplier tubing. The crystals convert the gamma rays into photons of visible radiation ; this is so converted and amplified by the photomultiplier into electrical signals. These electrical signals are so developed into an image by a computing machine. : ( 2008 ) How positron emanation imaging ( PET ) works. Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.rikenresearch.riken.jp/eng/frontline/5656 [ Accessed 25/03/10 ] Because this lone produces an image of a piece of the organic structure, hence in order for the image to be three dimensional there are legion pieces developed, which can so be assembled by the computing machine to organize a three dimensional image. The image shows blood flow or other biochemical maps depending on what radioactive substance is being used. For illustration, to bring forth an image of encephalon activity, weak radioactive glucose is injected into the patient. The radioactive glucose releases antielectrons as it is consumed by the encephalon. As the encephalon consumes the glucose, this shows which countries of the encephalon are most active. The higher the ingestion of glucose the higher the activity of the country of the encephalon. Picture screening: A normal pet scan which shows the difference in encephalon activity between declaiming a set of good memorized and practiced words ; and a set of words non practiced Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.macalester.edu/psychology/whathap/UBNRP/serialkillers/pet_link.html [ Accessed 25/03/10 ] It was found that those who perform good on a hard concluding trial consume less energy so those who performed ill. ( Haier et al 1988 ) Haier believes that it shows that intelligence is related to encephalon efficiency: less efficient encephalons work harder but still carry through less ( Haier, White A ; Alkire 2003 ) There are a limited figure of PET scanners ; this is because the devices needed to make the radioactive isotopes are highly expensive, so therefore it is a hard intervention to have. Not all patients are able to undergo the intervention due to radiation degrees ; pregnant adult females are hence non suited to undergo this process. Even though the radioactive isotope is short lived it people can merely undergo this process a limited figure of times due to the radiation exposure. However there are advantages for this process, it is able to observe diseases before any alteration in the anatomy like functional magnetic resonance imaging scanners, by analyzing biochemical map. It prevents unneeded surgeries, as it is able to separate between benign and malignant tumors. Computed imaging Computed imaging green goods X raies, it is a powerful signifier of electromagnet energy. Because it has a high energy degree it will therefore base on balls straight through most of the soft stuffs in the organic structure. The image shows merely white, gray and black. White represents bone, metal and Ca. The Grey sunglassess represent variety meats, soft tissues and musculuss, and black represents air, and fat. The X-ray beam moves all around the patient, scanning from 100s of different angles, and is so set together to organize a three dimensional image of the organic structure. It is used to name malignant neoplastic disease, caput injury, and osteoporosis. The advantages of this process are that it is painless and non invasive. It is first-class for abdominal injury, and can bring forth elaborate images of the liver, kidneys and lien. There is no job for those who have implanted medical devised, unlike MRI scans. However there are besides disadvantages to this process, even though the radiation degrees are low, persons can merely undergo this procedure a limited figure of times. Pregnant adult females can non undergo this process due to the radiation, which is a hazard to the fetus. It is non really good at observing soft tissues in great item, and is non good at happening countries of the encephalon which are infected or inflamed compared to MRI scans. And there is a dye that may be used for contrast, which people may respond severely to. Image demoing an Axial CT image of a normal encephalon. Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.howstuffworks.com/framed.htm? parent=cat-scan.htm A ; url=http: //www.imaginis.com/ct-scan/history.asp [ Accessed 22/03/10 ] Magnetic resonance imagination Raymond Damadian developed the first magnetic resonance imagination ( MRI ) scanner ( Gould R.T. et Al 2000 ) . It uses a really strong magnetic field and wireless moving ridges to bring forth a elaborate image of inside the organic structure. It is able to make this because most of the human organic structure is made up of H2O molecules, incorporating H atoms. These H atoms contain a proton, which aligns itself in the way of the magnetic field. Because the MRI scanner has a much higher magnetic field than the Earth, it changes the way to that of the magnet. The MRI scanner so sends radio frequence signals that are specific to hydrogen atoms, to the peculiar country that is being examined. This causes the protons to absorb energy for it to be able to whirl in a different way. When the wireless frequence signals have stopped the H protons release their surplus stored energy as they slowly return to their natural alliance. A spiral on the scanner picks this up, which is so sent to a co mputing machine. The computing machine receives mathematical informations which is converted into an image. The images provided can be used to demo if there are any abnormalcies in the tissues. MRI scans are able to observe if the patient has suffered from a shot, any hurts, and can observe tumours and diseases in any portion of the organic structure. Image demoing sagittal position of an MRI scan. FMRIB Centre ( 2005-2010 ) Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.fmrib.ox.ac.uk/education/fmri/images/sagittal_scan.jpg/view [ Accessed on: 25/03/10 ] Functional magnetic resonance imagination It was discovered that O hapless hemoglobin was affected otherwise by a magnetic field than O rich hemoglobin. And so therefore it was possible to utilize these contrasts in the blood O response to map images of encephalon activity on a normal MRI. Which lead to the development of functional magnetic resonance imagination ( functional magnetic resonance imaging ) , which looks at the construction but besides the map of the encephalon. Functional MRI measures the haemodynamic response. This is the alteration in blood flow related to cognative activity, for illustration reading, emotions and listening. When nervus cells are active there is an addition in O being used, which increases the blood flow to that peculiar country. This produces activation maps, which shows what portion of the encephalon is involved in a peculiar mental procedure. For illustration the hippocampus and related median temporal lobe constructions are important for the encryption and storage of information in long- run memory. Picture demoing four functional encephalon scans obtained during a ocular memory undertaking Mark DEsposito A ; Charan Ranganath ( 2000 ) Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2000/11/20_mri.html [ Accessed 25/03/10 ] Functional MRI has enabled us to supervise the growing and map of encephalon tumors, and can besides measure shot, injury or degenerative diseases on encephalon map. Functional MRI does non necessitate any radioactive isotopes or injections ; therefore the patient will be more comfy with holding the process done. There is a high declaration, so there is a more elaborate image obtained. It does nt utilize radiation like X raies, Computer Tomography or positron emanation imaging scans do, therefore is nt harmful to the patient or physician during the process, and many can be done if necessary. And it looks at all countries of the encephalon, as it is able to look at the image in any plane. Whereas a CT scan can merely bring forth one plane of position, the axial plane. The MRI scan can bring forth images of axial, sagittal and coronal planes, every bit good as any in between those grades, without the patient even traveling. However there are disadvantages of the equipment. It is really expensive for the equipment used ; therefore the test will be rather expensive so non many people will be able to afford to hold them. There are some people who can non undergo a functional MRI scan, because metal can non be near the scanner, for illustration those with pacesetters. And besides some people may be excessively large to be scanned. Those who are claustrophobic may happen it straitening. The patient has to maintain wholly still for the continuance of the process, which may be for a long clip, so that a clear image can be captured. If there are any little motions this may take to a deformed image, which may hold to be repeated. And it does nt look at the activities of the single nerve cells which are critical for mental map. It is hard to state precisely what encephalon activity is being represented on the scan, as the functional Magnetic resonance imaging picks up 1000s of single nerve cells at a clip, which may stand for a figure of different maps. In decision it seems that every technique is more efficient for certain countries of the organic structure, certain persons or specific diseases. Functional MRI merely looks at the map of encephalon activity, whereas CT and PET scans are able to see inside the whole organic structure. Favored scans are besides able to look at the map of the encephalon, nevertheless there are merely a limited figure of times the patient can undergo this process, and those who have implanted metal devises can non hold a MRI scan due to the magnetic field. CT scans are really good for those who need to name venters trauma, nevertheless the CT scanner does non give much item to soft tissues. PET scanners have a high sensitiveness, but lacks deciding morphology. MRI scanners have lower sensitiveness, but have a high contrast with soft tissues. So at that place have been versions, by uniting them both to acquire a more powerful instrument. This can besides be done with CT scanners and PET scanners. Mentions Columbia University ( n.d ) . The Future Role of functional MRI [ online ] . [ Accessed 07/12/09 ] . Available from: lt ; hypertext transfer protocol: //www.fmri.org/fmri.htm gt ; . Coon, Dennis A ; Mitterer, John O. ( 2008 ) Introduction to Psychology: Gatewaies to Mind and Behavior. 12th erectile dysfunction. Cengage Learning Devlin, Hannah ( 2005-2010 ) . Introduction to fMRI [ online ] . [ Accessed 08/12/09 ] . Available from: lt ; hypertext transfer protocol: //www.fmrib.ox.ac.uk/education/fmri/introduction-to-fmri/ gt ; . Erkonen, William E A ; Smith, Wilbur L ( 2009 ) Radiology 101: The rudimentss and basicss of imaging3rd erectile dysfunction. Lippincott Williams A ; Wilkins Freudenrich, Ph.D. , Craig. ( 2000 ) How Nuclear Medicine Works. [ online ] HowStuffWorks.com. [ Accessed 18/03/10 ] Available from: lt ; hypertext transfer protocol: //health.howstuffworks.com/nuclear-medicine.htm gt ; Gould, RT, Todd A. ( 2000 ) How MRI Works. [ online ] HowStuffWorks.com. [ Accessed on 8/3/10 ] Available from: lt ; hypertext transfer protocol: //healthguide.howstuffworks.com/mri.htm gt ; Harris, Tom. ( 2002 ) How CAT Scans Work. [ online ] HowStuffWorks.com. [ Accessed 22/03/10 ] Available from: lt ; hypertext transfer protocol: //health.howstuffworks.com/cat-scan.htm gt ; NHS [ online ] . ( 2009 ) MRI- scan [ online ] [ Accessed 08/12/09 ] . Available from: lt ; hypertext transfer protocol: //www.nhs.uk/Conditions/MRI-scan/Pages/Introduction.aspx. gt ; . Radiology Info ( N.D ) Professionals and cons of PET scans Available from: lt ; hypertext transfer protocol: //www.radiology-info.org/nuclear-medicine-positron-emission-tomography/pros-consside-effects.html gt ; scanDirectory.com Staff ( 2007 ) organic structure scan [ online ] [ Accessed 22/03/10 ] Available from: lt ; hypertext transfer protocol: //www.scandirectory.com/content/body_scan.asp gt ; Watson, Stephanie. ( 2008 ) How fMRI Works. [ online ] HowStuffWorks.com. [ Accessed 08/03/10 ] Available from: lt ; hypertext transfer protocol: //health.howstuffworks.com/fmri.htm gt ;

Exceptional Things That Great Teachers Do

Exceptional Things That Great Teachers Do All teachers are not created equal. Some are frankly better than others. It is a privilege and special opportunity when we have a great one. Great teachers go above and beyond to ensure that each child is successful. Many of us have had that one teacher that inspired us more than any other. Great teachers are able to bring the best out of every student. They are often energetic, fun, and seemingly always at the top of their game. Their students look forward to coming to their class each day. When students are promoted to the next grade, they are sad that they are leaving but armed with the skills necessary to be successful. Great teachers are rare. Many teachers are capable, but there are a select few who are willing to spend the time necessary to hone their skills enough to become great. They are innovators, communicators, and educators. They are compassionate, endearing, charming, and funny. They are creative, smart, and ambitious. They are passionate, personable, and proactive. They are dedicated, continuous learners who are gifted in their craft. They are in a sense the total teaching package. So what makes someone a great teacher? There is not a single answer. Instead, there are several exceptional things that great teachers do. Many teachers do a few of these things, but the great teachers consistently do them all. A Great Teacher Is Prepared:  Preparation takes a lot of time. Great teachers spend a lot of time outside of the school day preparing for each day. This often includes weekends. They also spend countless hours during the summer working to improve their craft. They prepare detailed lessons, activities, and centers each designed to maximize student learning opportunities. They create detailed lesson plans and often plan for more in a day than they typically can complete.Organized:  Being organized leads to efficiency. This allows great teachers minimal distractions and maximizes instructional time. Increasing instructional time will lead to an increase in academic success for students. Organization is about creating an efficient system to find resources and other materials quickly which a teacher needs. There are many different organizational styles. A great teacher finds the system that works for them and makes it better.A Continuous Learner:  They continuously read and apply the newest research i n their classroom. They are never satisfied whether they have taught for one year or twenty. They seek out professional development opportunities, research ideas online and subscribe to multiple teaching related newsletters. Great teachers are not afraid to ask other teachers what they are doing in their classrooms. They often take these ideas and experiment with them in their classroom. Adaptable: They recognize that each school day and each school year is different. What works for one student or one class may not work for the next. They continuously change things up to take advantage of individual strengths and weaknesses within a classroom. Great teachers are not afraid to scrap entire lessons and start back over with a new approach. They recognize when something is working and stick to it. When an approach is ineffective, they make the necessary changes.Constantly changing and never become stale: As trends change, they change with them. They grow each year they teach always improving across multiple areas. They are not the same teacher from year to year. Great teachers learn from their mistakes. They look to improve upon what has been successful and find something new to replace what has been not worked. They are not afraid to learn new strategies, technologies, or implement new curricula.Proactive:  Being proactive can stave off a lot of potential problems inc luding academic, discipline, or any other issue. It can prevent a small concern from turning into an enormous problem. Great teachers recognize potential problems immediately and work to fix them quickly. They understand that the time put into correcting a small problem is considerably less than it would be if it ballooned into something bigger. Once it becomes a large issue, it will almost always take away from valuable class time. Communicates:  Communication is a critical component of a successful teacher. They must be adept at communicating with several subgroups including students, parents, administrators, support personnel, and other teachers. Each of these subgroups must be communicated with differently, and great teachers are terrific at communicating with everyone. They are able to communicate so that every person understands the message they are trying to convey. Great teachers keep people informed. They explain concepts well and make people feel comfortable around them.Networks:  Networking has become a critical component of being a great teacher. It has also become easier. Social networks such as Google, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest allow teachers from all over the world to share ideas and provide best practices quickly. They also allow teachers to seek input and advice from other teachers. Networking provides a natural support system with those who share a similar passion. It provides great teachers with another means of learning and honing their craft. Inspires:  They are able to pull the best out of every student they teach. They inspire them to become better students, to maximize their time in the classroom, and to look towards the future. A great teacher takes an interest a student has and helps turn it into a passion making educational connections that will potentially last a lifetime. They understand that each student is different, and they embrace those differences. They teach their students that it is those differences that often make them exceptional.Compassionate:  They hurt when their students hurt and rejoice when their students rejoice. They understand that life happens and that the kids they teach do not control their home lives. Great teachers believe in second chances, but use mistakes to teach life lessons. They offer advice, counseling, and mentoring when necessary. Great teachers understand that school is sometimes the safest place a kid can be.Respected: Respect is earned over time. It does not come easy. Res pected teachers are able to maximize learning because they do not typically have classroom management issues. When they have an issue, they are dealt with quickly and in a respectable manner. They do not embarrass or berate the student. Great teachers understand you have to give respect before you earn respect. They are considerable and thoughtful to everyone but understand that there are occasions where they must stand their ground. Able to Make Learning Fun: They are unpredictable. They jump into character when reading a story, teach lessons with enthusiasm, take advantage of teachable moments, and provide dynamic, hands-on activities that students will remember. They tell stories to make real life connections. Great teachers incorporate student interests into their lessons. They are not afraid to do crazy things that motivate their students to learn.Going Above and Beyond:  They volunteer their own time to tutor a struggling student after school or on weekends. They help out in other areas around school when they are needed. A great teacher is the first to help a family of a student in need in any way they can. They advocate for the students when necessary. They look out for each student’s best interest. They do what it takes to ensure that each student is safe, healthy, clothed, and fed.Loving  What They Do:  They are passionate about their job. They enjoy getting up each morning and going to the ir classroom. They are excited about the opportunities they have. They like the challenges that each day presents. Great teachers always have a smile on their face. They rarely let their students know when something is bothering them because they worry it will affect them negatively. They are natural educators because they were born to be a teacher. Educating:  They not only teach students the required curriculum, but they also teach them life skills. They are in a constant state of teaching, taking advantage of impromptu opportunities that may captivate and inspire a particular student. They do not rely on a mainstream or boxed in approach to educate. They are able to take a variety of styles and mold them into their own unique style to meet the needs of the students that they have at any given time.

3 Reasons Why The Handmaid’s Tale Remains Relevant

3 Reasons Why 'The Handmaid’s Tale' Remains Relevant The Handmaid’s Tale is the second dystopian work of speculative fiction - after George Orwell’s 1984 - to suddenly appear on top of the bestseller lists years after its release. The renewed interest in Margaret Atwood’s classic story of a post-apocalyptic America dominated by a puritanical religious sect that reduces most women to subjugated breeder status stems from both the current political atmosphere in the United States and the adaptation airing on Hulu starring Elizabeth Moss, Alexis Bledel, and Joseph Fiennes. What’s interesting about The Handmaid’s Tale is how many people assume it’s much older than it actually is. The book was originally published in 1985, and while that’s 32 years ago many people are surprised it wasn’t penned in the 1950s or 1960s; blame this on our tendency to believe that the present and very recent past are fairly enlightened. People assume the book was written during what some see as the final gasp of patriarchy- before birth control and the women’s liberation movement started the slow, agonizing process of pursuing equality for women and raising consciousness around the world. On the other hand, a book written three decades ago still resonates with a particular power. Hulu didnt adapt The Handmaid’s Tale as a revered classic kept behind glass, but rather as a pulsing, living work of literature that speaks to modern-day America. Not many books can retain that kind of power for thirty years, and The Handmaid’s Tale remains a powerfully current story- for three distinct reasons that go beyond politics. Margaret Atwood Just Updated It One aspect of The Handmaid’s Tale that is often overlooked is the author’s dedication to the story. When the author herself regards the story as a living, breathing work and continued to discuss and develop the ideas within it, the story retains some of the immediacy that surrounded it upon publication. In fact, Atwood has actually just expanded the story. As part of the launch of the updated audio version of the novel on Audible (recorded by Claire Danes in 2012, but with a completely new sound design) Atwood wrote both an afterward discussing the book and its legacy, but also new material that extends the story. The book famously ends with the line â€Å"Are there any questions?† The new material comes in the form of an interview with Professor Piexoto, which is the sort of thing fans dream about. The material is performed by a full cast in the Audible version, giving it a rich, realistic feel. It’s also a little mind-bending, since the ending of the novel makes it clear that the good professor is discussing Offred’s story far in the future, long after Gilead has disappeared, based on audio recordings she left behind, which Atwood herself has noted makes the Audible version appropriate. It’s Not Really Science Fiction ... or Fiction First of all, we should note that Atwood dislikes the term â€Å"science fiction† when applied to her work, and prefers â€Å"speculative fiction.† It might seem like a subtle point, but it makes sense. The Handmaid’s Tale doesn’t actually involve any weird science or anything implausible. A revolution establishes a Theocratic dictatorship that severely limits all human rights (and especially those of women, who are even forbidden to read) while ecological factors reduce the fertility of the human race significantly, resulting in the creation of Handmaids, fertile women who are used for breeding. None of that is particularly sci-fi. Secondly, Atwood has stated that nothing in the book is made-up- in fact, she’s said there is â€Å"... nothing in the book that didn’t happen, somewhere.† That’s part of the chilling power of The Handmaid’s Tale. All you need to do is check out some of the darker areas of the Internet, or even some of the legislative bodies around the country, to see that male attitudes towards women haven’t changed nearly as much as we might like. When the Vice President of the United States won’t have dinner alone with a woman who isn’t his wife, it’s not hard to imagine a world not so different from Atwood’s vision coming around... again. In fact, many seem to have forgotten the 1991 film adaptation of the book, with a script written by Harold Pinter and a cast featuring Natasha Richardson, Faye Dunaway, and Robert Duvall- a film that almost didn’t get made despite the power of those names because the project encountered â€Å"a wall of ignorance, hostility, and indifference,† according to journalist Sheldon Teitelbaum as reported in The Atlantic. He goes on to say that â€Å"Movie executives declined to back the project, stating ‛that a film for and about women †¦ would be lucky if it made it to video.’† Next time you wonder if The Handmaid’s Tale is so far-fetched, consider that statement. Theres a reason women in Texas recently dressed as Handmaids as a form of protest. The Book Is Constantly Under Attack You can often judge the power and influence of a novel by the number of attempts that are made to ban it- another ghostly echo when you consider that women in the novel are forbidden to read. The Handmaid’s Tale was the 37th most-challenged book of the 1990s, according to the American Library Association. As recently as 2015, parents in Oregon complained that the book contained sexually explicit scenes and was anti-Christian, and students were offered an alternative book to read (which is certainly better than an outright ban). The fact that The Handmaid’s Tale continues to be on the receiving end of these sorts of attempts is directly related to how powerful its ideas are. It’s a slippery slide from celebrating supposedly â€Å"traditional values† and gender roles to enforcing those roles in a cruel, humorless, and terrifying way. Atwood has stated that she wrote the novel in part to â€Å"fend off† the grim future she laid out in its pages; with the release of the new Audible material and the Hulu adaptation, hopefully a new generation of people will be inspired to fend off that future as well. The Handmaid’s Tale remains a living, breathing work of potential history that’s well worth reading or listening to.

Finance and Management Accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Finance and Management Accounting - Essay Example No commercial entity runs an R & D department to conduct in fructuous basic research ((ICMR), 2003). Management accounting is the process of identification, measurement, accumulation, analysis, preparation, interpretation and communication of information that assists managers in specific decision-making within framework of fulfilling the organizational objectives (The ICFAI University Press, 2004). Like water, this rising tide of data can be viewed as an abundant, vital and necessary resource. With enough preparation, we should be able to tap into that reservoir -- and ride the wave -- by utilizing new ways to channel raw data into meaningful information. That information, in turn, can then become the knowledge that leads to wisdom. The idea is that information, knowledge, and wisdom are more than simply collections. Rather, the whole represents more than the sum of its parts and has a synergy of its own. In an organizational context, data represents facts or values of results, and relations between data and other relations have the capacity to represent information. Patterns of relations of data and information and other patterns have the capacity to represent knowledge. ... Without on-demand access to managed knowledge, every situation is addressed based on what the individual or group brings to the situation with them. With on-demand access to managed knowledge, every situation is addressed with the sum total of everything anyone in the organization has ever learned about a situation of a similar nature. Management accounting --- Importance of Stakeholders In the highly competitive environment, the survival of an organization may depend on how well stakeholders are managed. However, when managers delegate this responsibility of managing the stakeholder interests, there is no systematic way to evaluate their performance. With an evaluation method, such as a report card, managers no longer rely on observations regarding the outcomes of stakeholder management; they receive direct information from their stakeholders and can plan interventions accordingly (Slovensky, 2002). Management planning and control system is related to accounting system. Suitable goals are set based on the information provided by the accountants. Projections of futures sales, expenses, incomes and estimation of profit are made depending on the accounting information. After setting goals while examining alternatives, information about these alternatives comes from accounting system and the accountant is made to combine the data and produce meaningful reports. Though, implementation of chosen alternative is done by the mangers alone without the intervention of accounting system, the accountant is required to collect and summarize data about the success of the chosen plan. The evaluation of performance depends heavily on the accountant accumulates and reports. Though, accounting system is helpful in the process of

Terms & Conditions May Apply Movie Critique Review

Terms & Conditions May Apply Critique - Movie Review Example Notably, many citizens, especially from America have expressed concerns about the increasing spying, which have led to an increased loss of privacy. The director uses recent examples to illustrate that the terms and conditions that internet users accept when signing into sites such as Facebook, Amazon and Google may be an avenue for the government to spy on citizens. After watching the documentary a few days ago, the issues exposed by the director proved very timely because of the increased spying by the governments. The desires of many governments such as the American government to increase security in a bid to avoid terrorist attacks, governments were compelled to take stringent measures. One of the measures adopted by the Central Intellectual Agency (CIA) as revealed in this documentary is the introduction of surveillance systems that ensure a close monitoring of data from internet users and mobile phone users. According to this movie, Facebook, Google and Amazon agreed to let the CIA have access to data from their users. Therefore, the movie makes it evident that many citizens feel that they have lost their privacy to the increase spying by the intelligence unit. Using the example of Snowden, who had previously worked with the National Security Agency (NSA) in America, made a serious revelation of the extent to which spying done by the intelligence unit, the director develops his arguments. The director’s purpose of creating this documentary was to enlighten the citizens that they sho uld exercise their power and not agree to terms and conditions that promote spying. Throughout the film, the director makes it evident that people have a choice and they should voice their concerns regarding the spying issue (Abrams n.p). One of the outstanding aspects of the documentary is the character named Mark Zuckerberg. The fact that the director was able to reach the founder of Facebook and make him one of the starring characters in

Measuring the concentration Of HCL by using gas dietitian tube Assignment

Measuring the concentration Of HCL by using gas dietitian tube - Assignment Example After the reaction starts, more or less 20 seconds of information will be gathered with every trial, to plan a typical pattern (a chart of pressure about whether). With normal inclines of diverse action of focuses, a straight relapse line will then be made to draw the design, in regards to the impact of fixation upon weight the rate of response. As indicated by Collision Theory, the reactant particles must impact together, and consequently making a response. Since expanding the amassing of HCL corrosive arrangement, likewise implies an increase in the quantity of hydrogen and chloride particles, crash between the reactant particles increments too, bringing about more items hydrogen gas. With more generation of hydrogen gas in the bound test tube, weight will develop. Consequently, if at a given time of time, the amassing of HCL corrosive arrangement expands, then the rate of response will increment likewise, in light of the fact that more impacts will happen, creating hydrogen gas at a higher rate. From the table above, the standard deviations for every amassing of HCL arrangement are ascertained, the aftereffects of this investigation are decently exact, however not as it were. Also, instabilities made amid the planning of the test, as with the administration of contraption and materials, for example, the gas weight with time diminishes the precision. Despite the fact that the chart containing the general pattern of focus impact upon the rate of response and appears to accept the theory, the rate of response of 0.25m HCL arrangement emerges of the pattern, diminishing the legitimacy of this present experiments results. The pattern of different concentrations of reactants affecting the rate of response is outlined. The direct relapse line shows the reasonable change in rate of response, as indicated by a change in fixation bring down the focus, the slower the rate of the response subsequent

Micro economics 300 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Micro economics 300 - Essay Example This information is enough to draw the demand curve of this product because we have got three points. For example, p1=8 and q1=4; p2=6 and q2= 6; p3=4 and q3=8. This will appear on a graph as shown below (d) Tax imposition will increase the price of good 2. This will have a negative effect on good 2 because it will reduce its demand. This means it will affect the demand equation of good 2. Suppliers will transfer the tax on good 2 to customers in form of increased price of good 2. As per assumption ii, the good has a positive cross elasticity of demand i.e. more than one. This implies if the price of substitute goods increases, the demand of good x increases and the reverse is true. According to assumption iii, good x has got positive income elasticity of demand. That is the good is income elastic. If the disposable income of a consumer increases its demand increases and if it reduces, the demand will also reduce. (b) (i) Implies that the good is price elastic - if its price is reduced, there will be an increase in the quantity demanded, and if the price is increased, there will be a decrease in the quantity demanded. (ii) implies that if the customer’s disposable income increases the quantity demanded increases and vice versa. (iii Implies that if the price of substitute products increases, the quantity demanded for this product will increase and vice versa. A monopoly firm is never a price taker as in the case of perfect competition market. It has powers to set prices at the profit maximizing level. This occurs where the marginal cost (MC) equals marginal revenue (MR). Moving vertically to the demand curve, this will dictate the price and the quantity produced. Monopolies therefore end up making abnormal profits. Perfect competition market is price taker. This means that the forces of supply and demand dictate the price of

Buying School Clunkers Make More Sense than a Brand New Car Essay

Buying School Clunkers Make More Sense than a Brand New Car - Essay Example Clunkers may look like they should be retired because they need somebody work or does not have the latest bells and whistles but with proper maintenance, it gets the kid from point A to point B. That is all that should matter to them at their ages. † That is sound advice coming from a man who makes his living selling cars. A new car will the owners back by at least $20,000 while a clunker can easily be had for around $2,000 and up, there truly does seem to be an economic advantage to owning a clunker. Provided the new owner of the car will not mind shelling out some extra dollars for whatever repairs the car might need. He still comes out ahead in the long run than if he had bought a new car. While most teenage kids of driving age look forward to waking up to a brand new car being delivered to their doorstep on the morning of their birthday, the economics of our times have changed that pattern. Since a brand new car loses approximately 20 percent of its value the minute it is d riven off the car lot, buying your teenage kid a â€Å"teaching car† which is what some parents and mechanics prefer to call the clunkers, turns out to be a big bargain. Buying a car that is more than ten years old often is often seen as a waste of money because of the cost of repairs that are involved in whipping the car into shape. Wise buyers though know that is not the case. In fact, the old clunkers can help you save money in the long run even with the cost of repairs thrown in.  ... He still comes out ahead in the long run than if he had bought a new car. While most teenage kids of driving age look forward to waking up to a brand new car being delivered at their doorstep on the morning of their birthday, the economics of our times have changed that pattern. Since a brand new car loses approximately 20 percent of its value the minute it is driven off the car lot, buying you teenage kid a â€Å"teaching car† which is what some parents and mechanics prefer to call the clunkers, turns out to be a big bargain. Buying a car that is more than ten years old often is often seen as a waste of money because of the cost of repairs that are involved in whipping the car into shape. Wise buyers though know that is not the case. In fact, the old clunkers can help you save money in the long run even with the cost of repairs thrown in. People like Joel Berry (Why I Drive a 13-Year-Old Car, 2009) understand that economics plays an important role in car buying decisions. In his case, he has been driving the same second hand 1995 Geo Prizm for a number of years now and far as he is concerned, the car is far from being the old clunker that his friends think his car to be. Joel explains; â€Å"I bought my Geo Prizm in 1995 with 5,000 miles on it. It now has 140,000 miles on it and still runs fine. I paid off the car in 1999. It is now 2008.I haven’t had a car payment in nine years. How much has this saved? Our payments for this car were $250 a month. Over nine years, I’ve gone 108 months without making a payment. At $250 a month, that’s a savings of $27,000. Over the lifetime of the car, I’ve spent less than $2000 in repairs. Subtracting this from my savings still leaves me with $25,000 extra over buying a new car right

Micro economics 300 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Micro economics 300 - Essay Example This information is enough to draw the demand curve of this product because we have got three points. For example, p1=8 and q1=4; p2=6 and q2= 6; p3=4 and q3=8. This will appear on a graph as shown below (d) Tax imposition will increase the price of good 2. This will have a negative effect on good 2 because it will reduce its demand. This means it will affect the demand equation of good 2. Suppliers will transfer the tax on good 2 to customers in form of increased price of good 2. As per assumption ii, the good has a positive cross elasticity of demand i.e. more than one. This implies if the price of substitute goods increases, the demand of good x increases and the reverse is true. According to assumption iii, good x has got positive income elasticity of demand. That is the good is income elastic. If the disposable income of a consumer increases its demand increases and if it reduces, the demand will also reduce. (b) (i) Implies that the good is price elastic - if its price is reduced, there will be an increase in the quantity demanded, and if the price is increased, there will be a decrease in the quantity demanded. (ii) implies that if the customer’s disposable income increases the quantity demanded increases and vice versa. (iii Implies that if the price of substitute products increases, the quantity demanded for this product will increase and vice versa. A monopoly firm is never a price taker as in the case of perfect competition market. It has powers to set prices at the profit maximizing level. This occurs where the marginal cost (MC) equals marginal revenue (MR). Moving vertically to the demand curve, this will dictate the price and the quantity produced. Monopolies therefore end up making abnormal profits. Perfect competition market is price taker. This means that the forces of supply and demand dictate the price of

Apple corporate responsibility to the customers Essay

Apple corporate responsibility to the customers - Essay Example According to its vision, the organization has been quite responsive in inculcating the value of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) when dealing with the customers. Fundamentally, due to its aspiration to create customer value and employee satisfaction, the organization has developed a ‘Corporate Charity Matching Program’ to keep its employees motivated and driven towards efficiency in rendering quality services to its customers (Apple Inc., 2013; Somo, n.d.). One of the major ethical issues witnessed by Apple when performing its operational activities is often argued to be its rapid innovation concerns. It is in this context that Apple has been focused on inculcating rapid innovations of its products which has not only reduce the span of product life cycle, but has also increased its challenges in terms of customer loyalty and brand awareness. For instance, due to the rapid innovations of its product line, the customers are likely to become unresponsive to the new brands launched along with possess a feel of dissatisfaction due to the decreasing span of product life cycle. Emphasizing on this particular issue, the aim of this study is to identify the initiatives taken by Apple in performing its CSR with efficiency from a customer point of view. The discussion will thus initially focus on studying the CSR initiatives majorly followed by Apple and further emphasize on learning the implications of its CSR initiatives on the customers. Based on the understanding obtained, few recommendations will also be provided for Apple to perform more efficiently when dealing with the customers. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Performed by Apple to Customers Apple acts quite responsibly in incorporating highly efficient codes of conduct with its intention to comply with various ethical responsibilities including all the suppliers and distributors in the organization and therefore ensuring quality throughout its supply chain. Apple also emphasizes on im plementing effective CSR strategies that would integrate greater awareness and responsible conscience among the management in offering highly innovative products to its customers through effective productivity, ensuring profitability for the organization to a large extent (Apple Inc., 2013; Chun, 2011). However, in its marketing practices, the company has been focused on rapid innovations, which has given rise to certain ethical issues in relation to quality standards, privacy assurance, intellectual property rights, customer loyalty and patent law infringement risks among others. For instance, because Apple extensively focused on product innovation at frequent instance, comparatively more than its rivals, it also has to witness substantial pressure in terms of preserving product quality which needs improvement on a consistent basis. Such rigorous emphasis on product quality along with innovation not only requires huge expenditure in the research and development process, but also in creases the risk of quality errors resulting in ethical hazards and customer dissatisfaction. To be illustrated, after the introduction of iPhone 4 by Apple, it was noted that customers had to face various difficulties due to the reception error in the gadget caused because of faulty antenna interference. Apple, in order to resolve the reception problems, provided free bumpers as well as cases for a limited period of time but had to suffer from rising expenditure as well as reducing customer loyalty

Neolithic Art and Architecture Paper Essay Example for Free

Neolithic Art and Architecture Paper Essay During the â€Å"New† Stone Age, also known as the Neolithic Period, art and life in general began to change drastically for humans. Many new onsets began to bloom, for example humans of this time period had begun to live in single locations versus before they were nomadic hunter-gatherers. This new life introduced new challenges and new opportunities. Within this paper I will discuss three Neolithic Locations, Jericho, Çatal Hà ¶yà ¼k, and Stonehenge. Also, what made each of these sites significant, what new forms of buildings were present at each, and what is still perplexing modern day historians and archaeologists about these sites. I will start with the oldest of the three locations from above, Jericho. Jericho is a city of Palestine, but has been under the occupation of many. Its most important fact is that it is one of the oldest known permanently occupied cities in the world, occupied during the Natufian era (10,800 – 8,500 BCE) to present day. It was primarily occupied during a time known as the Pre-Pottery Neolithic Period (PPN: 8,500 – 6,000 BCE), which is further broken down into two more time frames called PPNA (8,500 7,300 BCE) and PPNB (7,300 – 6,000 BCE). Along with being one of the oldest known cities, Jericho shows us that humans of the Neolithic Period had begun to create permanent structures for living. After the domestication of plants and animals it is believed that Jericho was chosen to be a permanent settlement because it was a plateau of the Jordan River valley with a spring that supplied a constant source for water. During the PPNA, oval homes made from mud bricks with roofs made from wooden branches covered in earth began to appear at Jericho. Around 7,500 BCE, a rock-cut ditch and thick walls approximately 5 feet wide surrounded the city. Within the wall there is a single circular tower (fig. 1), approximately 30 feet high and almost 33 feet in diameter. These walls and towers mark the beginning of monumental architecture. Later, during the PPNB era the architects of Jericho began building the homes with rectangular  mud bricks and a plaster-like mud mortar, these houses were made into rectangular shapes due to the rectangular bricks. During this time we can also find evidence of new forms of art, plastered human skulls. It is believed these heads may have been used for a cult or religion of some sort. The heads were formed around a human skulls with the plaster-like mud mortar and then shells were placed in the eyes, and traces of paint were also found to shown a resemblance of skin and hair (fig 2). Next, let’s discuss another major settlement of the Neolithic Period that was formed between 7,000 and 5,000 BCE, Çatal Hà ¶yà ¼k. This site is important because it is possible to retrace human evolution of the Neolithic culture over the period of approximately 800 years. The people of Çatal Hà ¶yà ¼k were Neolithic weapon and toolmakers, especially in the use of obsidian. More importantly though was the village itself, it’s architecture and the art that thrived within. Most important about its architecture is that adjoining buildings, meaning it had no streets, formed this village. In July of 2012, Çatal Hà ¶yà ¼k was inscribed as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site. There are two types of buildings that were constructed within Çatal Hà ¶yà ¼k, houses and shrines. The houses were made of mud bricks that were strengthened by timber frames. These homes contained no doors, but openings at the top that served as an entrance and a chimney. The interiors were plastered and painted; with platform shelving that was used as sites for sleeping, eating, and working (fig. 3). The dead of Çatal Hà ¶yà ¼k were buried right under platforms of the homes. Although the houses of Çatal Hà ¶yà ¼k were decorated on the inside there were other buildings slightly larger that contained more decoration, ornate murals, animal heads, paintings and figurines, are the shrines. These buildings still intrigue archaeologists today, as we do not know their true purpose. Along with the architecture of Çatal Hà ¶yà ¼k, you see the beginning of narrative paintings. Although people had begun to raise animals of their own, hunting still played a major part in human life. This is shown in wall painting from Level III of Çatal Hà ¶yà ¼k (fig. 4). Also at Çatal Hà ¶yà ¼k, we find what now referred to as the first map, or the first landscape painting (fig. 5). This landscape painting remained unique for thousands of years, and with carbon dating this painting was executed in or around 6,150 BCE. In addition to painting, at Çatal Hà ¶yà ¼k we find sculpture, weaving, pottery  and even techniques of smelting lead. Now let us move on to the most intriguing and puzzling place of these three Neolithic sites, Stonehenge. Stonehenge is a formation of rocks as high as 17 feet and weighing as much as 50 tons. Because these stones are so large historians have called them megaliths, meaning great stones. Stonehenge exists on the Salisbury Plain of southern England. Stonehenge itself is a megalithic monument constructed over the course of several years, in several phases. Stonehenge Phase 1, known as the earthwork monument. The first phase of Stonehenge was begun around 2,950 to 2,900 BCE. During phase one Stonehenge consisted of four sections and two entrances (fig. 6). The four sections are as follows from outside to inside: the Outer bank, the Ditch, the Circular bank, and the Aubrey Holes. The ditch, which is enclosed by two earthen banks, has the same center as the 56 Aubrey Holes inside it, therefore telling historians they came from the same time period. The second phase of Stonehenge is one that still perplexes historians, but the best evidence we have tells us it occurred sometime between 2,900 BCE and 2,550 to 2,400 BCE. During this time of its construction all evidence shows us that Stonehenge was more than likely being used as a cremation site. This phase it is known as the timber monument. All across the in circle of Stonehenge and around both entrance excavations have revealed post-holes which indicate that at this stage in Stonehenge’s construction it was made from timber and not the megalithic stones that now stand. These post-hole sites are divided into three distinct locations, the northeastern entrance, the southern entrance and the confused central pattern. The patterns displayed in the confused central pattern raise many concerns for historians and this is something that still raises questions for them, as it is unknown exactly how big the structures were or how they looked at this time. The third and final phase of Stonehenge is known as the stone monument. This is when what we see today was added to this monument. There are two types of megalithic stones found at Stonehenge, the bluestones and the sarsen stones. The final stage took the form concentric post-and-lintel circles. There are four circles and two horseshoes that were formed in the final stage of Stonehenge. The first two circles formed inside of Stonehenge’s Circular bank are referred to as the Rings of Y and Z Holes. These holes show evidence that Stonehenge may have never been completed, as holes were dug prior to placing stones inside the  monument. Inside of these two circles was a large circle formed out of sarsen stone lintels, then followed by a circle of bluestones. Inside of the two stone circle were the horseshoes, one made of sarsen stones and another inside of that made out of bluestones, with a single stone called the Altar Stone in the center of the bluestone horseshoe (fig. 7). Along the Circular bank four more stones appear, known as the Station Stones. Only two of the four stones still remain, but when you run a line between each of stones it forms a rectangle whose center pinpoints the exact center of the monument. From the center of the monument traveling out toward the northeast entrance you see the last two megaliths of Stonehenge, the Slaughter Stone and the Heel Stone. The Heel stone aligns with the center of Stonehenge at the midsummer solstice, thus giving historians the belief that Stonehenge was used a Calendar. The true use of Stonehenge may never be known, as evidence has also proven that Stonehenge might have been used as an observatory of astronomical aspects. Of these three sites we have learned a lot about our past. We have discovered many forms of artwork, and architectural changes to the human culture. But what we know of these sites is still growing. What will the future hold for us? While we continue to excavate and research these sites, will we find that the humans of Neolithic times were smarter or as smart than we are today? Are there any more new architectural discoveries to be found at these sites? Will we find more art that change the way we look at Art History? These three locations are a vast pile of knowledge still waiting to be discovered and hopefully it will not take us as long to discover the knowledge as it took the ancients to create the locations. Figure 1, Great Stone Tower, Jericho. Reproduced from smarthistory, http://smarthistory.khanacademy.org/jericho.html. Figure 2, Plastered Skulls from Yiftahel. Reproduced from smarthistory, http://smarthistory.khanacademy.org/jericho.html. Figure 3, On-site restoration of a typical interior, Çatal Hà ¶yà ¼k, 2005. Reproduced from Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Catal_H%C3%BCy%C3%BCk_Restauration_B.JPG. Figure 4, Deer Hunt, 5750 BCE. Level III, Çatal Hà ¶yà ¼k, Turkey. Museum of Anatolian Civilization, Ankara. Reproduced from Fred S. Kleiner, Gardner’s Art Through the Ages, A Global History (Boston, MA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning, 2011), 26. Figure 5, Landscape with volcanic eruption, 6150 BCE. Level III, Çatal Hà ¶yà ¼k, Turkey. Museum of Anatolian Civilization, Ankara. Reproduced from Fred S. Kleiner, Gardner’s Art Through the Ages, A Global History (Boston, MA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning, 2011), 27. Figure 6, Stonehenge: Phase 1. Reproduced from David Souden, Stonehenge Revealed (New York, NY: Facts on File Inc., 1997), 31. Figure 7, Stonehenge: Phase 3, inner circles. Reproduced from David Souden, Stonehenge Revealed (New York, NY: Facts on File Inc., 1997), 39. Bibliography German, Senta. Çatal Hà ¶yà ¼k. http://smarthistory.khanacademy.org/catal-hoyuk.html (accessed 12 January 2013). German, Senta. Jericho. http://smarthistory.khanacademy.org/jericho.html. (accessed 12 January 2013). German, Senta. Stonehenge, Salibury Plain, England. http://smarthistory.khanacademy.org/catal-hoyuk.html. (accessed 12 January 2013). Hirst, K. Kris. â€Å"The Archaeology of the Ancient City of Jericho,† Jericho (Palestine). http://archaeology.about.com/od/jterms/qt/jericho.htm. (accessed 12 January 2013) Kleiner, Fred S. Gardner’s Art Through the Ages, A Global History (Boston, MA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning, 2011. Souden, David. Stonehenge Revealed. New York, NY: Facts on File Inc., 1997. Wikipedia. Çatalhà ¶yà ¼k. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%87atalh%C3%B6y%C3%BCk. (accessed 12 January 2013). Wikipedia, Jericho. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pre-Pottery_Neolithic. (accessed 12 January 2013). Wikipedia, Stonehenge. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stonehenge. (accessed 12 January 2013). Wikipedia, UNESCO. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNESCO. (accessed 12 January 2013). Wikipedia, World Heritage Site. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Heritage_Site. (accessed 12 January 2013).

Sociological Perspectives On Education Education Essay

Sociological Perspectives On Education Education Essay Education is the key to achieving sustainability. Sustainable education or Education for Sustainable Development encompasses three main areas: the environment, society and the economy (Pace, 2010). ESD is meant to inculcate ideals and values about key sustainable issues such as poverty reduction, environmental protection, human rights, health, gender equality, sustainable livelihoods and so on. The basic concept of ESD entails helping people to develop the right attitude and knowledge to facilitate decision-making and create a better future for themselves and others (UNESCO, 2011). For the last decade, there has been increasing pressure on educators to incorporate concepts and values of Sustainable Development in the curriculum. Consequently, it has become crucial for educators to be knowledgeable and fully committed to making SD an integral part of all curricular activities (Lozano-Garcia al., 2008). Formal educational systems, at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels, have considerable social and economic roles vis-Ã  -vis the society. However, the issue of private tutoring has not been subject to much attention until recently. Private tutoring has been found to carry major social and economic implications. Recent years have brought about changes in the forms and impacts of tutoring. Moreover, private tutoring has been given ample consideration and is not merely viewed as an informal activity (Bray, 2009). Private tutoring helps the student to acquire knowledge and later use his know-how to contribute to economic development. On a social front, it allows for interactions between peers. It is also a means of generating incomes for tutors. More basically, private tutoring enables students to better grasp lessons which they did not understand previously. Nevertheless, private tutoring also has some negative implications. For instance, it emphasizes social and economic inequalities and can also limit childrens leisure time which can have undesirable effects on the latters social and psychological well-being, and thus affect the overall academic performance (Bray, 2009). Tutoring can be difficult to measure because it varies across cultures. Tuitions can be given individually, to a whole class or even via the internet. Moreover, some students may receive tutoring in all subjects, while others receive it in only specific ones. According to Silova, private tutoring has become a major enterprise since the 1990s (Bray, 2009). In this regard, private tutoring can become a tool to inculcating a sustainable lifestyle to present and future students. Sustainable Development entails changing peoples behavior to ensure that they adopt a sustainable path for the future. Sustainability is about securing resources and retaining future benefits. Education thus plays an important role in providing lifelong opportunities and in enhancing the quality of the learning process. Education can bring about changes in norms, values and interests which can significantly influence peoples behavior (Wong, 2003). Private tutoring can thus create an improved learning environment for both students and tutors. It can remove the traditional boundaries to create a sustainable way of doing things (Lipscombe et al., 2008). However, this would require genuine effort and commitment from the part of policy planners and educators, in creating a new paradigm which values the need to attain and maintain social, economic and ecological well-being (Sterling, 2008). 1.2 Problem Statement Private tutoring is in itself not a bad alternative. In fact, many students do actually benefit from it. However, out of the 40% of students who fail the CPE exams annually, the issue of private tutoring has yet again resurfaced (Le Mauricien, 2011). According to Kadress Pillay, former minister of education, Right now, private tuition is a jungle (Prayag, 2011). Others go to the lengths of saying that private tuition is a disease in the Mauritian culture. This statement probably stems from the fact that private tuition is a must, irrespective of the level of education. To start with, parents ensure that children have the best private tuition teacher at the beginning of the school year (Varma, 2005). This issue may or may not have been previously discussed with the child. While there are teachers who can manage to have a class of 40 in their garages for private tuitions, some teachers have a limit of 4 to 15 at a time. Some teachers are very committed to their profession and wont charge a cent, however nowadays private tutoring is mostly business (Chady, 2011). But more importantly, we should concern ourselves with students actually acquiring some sort of lifelong knowledge through these private tuition sessions instead of learning restricted to passing exams only. In addition, students have been found to be excellent throughout their academic career, but unable to cope with other spheres of real life, for instance work, socializing, etc. The concept Maurice Ile Durable was introduced in 2008 by Dr. Navin Ramgoolam as a means to ensure Sustainable Development of the country. This new concept will be the key driver to transforming the country into an intelligent nation state (Maurice Ile Durable, 2011). Education for sustainability can sensitize Mauritians mainly through schools. This would however require a review of the current education system in terms of the curriculum and opportunities for the development of the child. The successful integration of this concept would also largely depend on the collaboration of the government and educational institutions in promoting extra-curricular activities like music, sports and arts. Moreover, learning should be geared towards creating awareness of economic, social, political and ecological issues, rather than the focus being solely on academic subjects. 1.3 Aims and Objectives Aims The aim of this study is to evaluate whether private tutoring contributes to Education for Sustainable Development in Mauritius. Objectives The objectives of the study are listed below: To produce a comprehensive Literature Review To assess how private tutoring is carried out in Mauritius To determine the impacts of private tutoring on students To evaluate students views and expectations of private tutoring To determine whether private tutoring actually contributes to sustainable education To evaluate how private tutoring can be improved in this regard 1.4 Research questions: Does private tutoring actually benefit the student? What is being done to inculcate a sustainable lifestyle at school? What are students views on ESD? Are students prepared for a sustainable future? Does the current education system promote ESD? 1.5 Dissertation Flow Chapter 2: Literature Review Chapter 2 basically gives an overview of the practice of private tutoring across countries and its particular contribution to Education for Sustainable Development. Moreover, a thorough explanation will be provided on the concept of Sustainable Development and the importance attributed to education in achieving sustainability. Finally emphasis will be laid on the Mauritian context, more specifically on the introduction of the concept Maurice Ile Durable. Chapter 3: Research Methodology This chapter outlines the methods used to conduct the research and the variables that have been taken into account while designing the questionnaire. It also elaborates on the sampling method, data collection technique and the obstacles encountered while conducting the research. Chapter 4 : Data Analysis The data gathered from the survey has been analyzed and presented in a more practical form in this chapter. This will help to get a clear picture of whether private tutoring actually contributes to Education for Sustainable Development. Chapter 5: Results Discussion This chapter is an extensive discussion of the results obtained through the questionnaire survey in terms of the theory and observations made throughout the research. Chapter 6: Conclusion and Recommendations This chapter summarizes the findings and results of the study. It also recommends some measures that can be undertaken to improve the current situation. 2.0 Literature Review 2.1 Sociological perspectives on Education In a more general sense, education is one aspect of the socialization process. It involves learning and acquiring a set of skills. Education also, directly or indirectly, helps to shape a persons belief and moral values (Haralambos and Holborn, 2007). Education was hard to define in non-literate societies. However, the young would learn and imitate adult behavior by joining social groups. Such behaviors for instance, entailed boys accompanying their fathers to hunt and girls assisting their mothers for the cooking. Educational institutions slowly developed in pre-industrialized countries with the specialization of the role of the teacher. It was only after industrialization that formal education was provided to the large mass (Haralambos and Holborn, 2007). Sociologists and educators have different views on the functions of education. Two main theories debate on these functions : The functionalist theory and the conflict theory. Functionalist perspectives According to Durkheim (1961), the main function of education is to transmit societal norms and values. He argues that the school serves a function that the family or peers cannot provide. The school is a medium where skills and knowledge can be contextually provided. Moreover, the child interacts with others while abiding by some fixed set of rules. This eventually prepares the latter for interactions in society based on societal rules (Haralambos and Holborn, 2007). According to Talcott Parsons (1961), the school acts as a bridge between the family and society, thus preparing the child for his future role. The school treats the child in terms of universalistic standards, which are applied to all. It also prepares the child for the transition to adulthood and each pupil should achieve his own status. Status is achieved based on merit, whereby achievement is usually measured by performance in examinations. Parsons saw the educational system as a means to select individuals for their future roles. Thus schools enable pupils to match their talents and skills to the jobs for which they are best suited (Haralambos and Holborn, 2007). Conflict perspectives From a conflict perspective, education serves the interests of the powerful at the expense of the less powerful. According to Bowles and Gintis (1976), education benefits the capitalists by providing them with a more productive workforce. They believe that education shapes the future workforce by creating more docile and passive workers. Moreover, school is used as a mechanism of control whereby teachers can monitor students by giving orders (Haralambos and Holborn, 2007). More importantly, teachers impose their knowledge, thus students get little satisfaction from studying. This is not surprising that many children do not enjoy schooling, but instead seek satisfaction from external rewards, that is results at the end of their studies. Like in the world of work, according to Bowles and Gintis, the worker enjoys no fulfillment, but instead toils based on the capitalists desire for maximum profit (Haralambos and Holborn, 2007). 2.2 The private tutoring phenomenon Private tutoring is defined as tutoring in academic subjects which is provided for financial gain and which supplements the provisions by mainstream schooling. In England, private tutoring refers to face-to-face tutoring usually in the home of the student (Ireson and Rushforth, 2004). In Egypt, private tutoring refers to the classes that take place in the afternoon during the week-ends, in line with the school syllabus geared towards helping the pupil improve his performance or results (Hartmann, 2008). Private tuitions had a major role to play in learning for many young people. In England, parents started to select tutors more precisely during the 18th century. In the past, private tutoring was basically a hidden market, therefore very little information was gathered on the matter (Tanner et al., 2009). However, during the last decade, private tutoring has reached a whole new dimension and has caught the attention of many analysts. It has evolved in a vast enterprise which involves thousands of people and carries huge economic implications (Bray, 2007). Private tuition is commonly referred to as shadow education. This metaphor, according to Mark Bray (2009) is very appropriate in the sense that private tuition exists because of the already existing mainstream education system. Secondly private tuition changes as the education system changes. Third, more importance is given to the mainstream globally than to the shadow. Finally, the features of the shadow are more or less invisible. The shadow is generally criticized for its dominance over the lives of pupils and their families. But we should note that the world has become a global village and is more knowledge-based. Countries compete for the best workforce, which is determined by high levels of education. Since completing secondary education and even becoming a university graduate provides no guarantee against unemployment, the best a family can do is provide good education to their children at all cost. According to a study in England by Ireson and Rushforth (2005), around one quarter of students received private tuitions firstly in mathematics, followed by English and thirdly science. Students had received tuitions in these prevalent subjects at some point in time during both primary and secondary levels. A student receiving private tuition is heavily dependent on the level of education and working status of the parents. For instance, parents who were university graduates were more likely to employ a tutor for their kid compared to those who received a school education. A much recent survey indicated that a child receiving private tuition was also dependent on the household income. In addition, despite wanting to pay for tuitions for their kids, some parents were unable to afford the high tuition fees (Tanner et al., 2009). In Vietnam, 76% of students are tutored privately. This can be explained by a shift from a centrally-planned economy to a market-driven economy since 1986. This saw the rapid expansion of the private tuition market. Both children and parents aspired for good qualifications to open new paths for higher education, thus better jobs. The curriculum reforms in Vietnam caused the demands on students to be much greater than they were in the past (Dang, 2011). The private tuition industry is difficult to measure because it is rather complex and varies across cultures. Private tuitions also take a variety of organizational forms. These include high profile agencies and low profile teachers who dont necessarily advertise their services. This could also explain why there is no specific requirement for teachers to practice (Tanner et al., 2009). 2.3 Different forms of private tutoring While school prevails as the main form of education, private tuition has reached a whole new dimension globally. However the practice of private tutoring is beyond government control. According to a study by Bray, private tutoring extends to almost every regions of the world, including Asia, America, Australia, and Europe, irrespective of their income levels (Bray, 2009). As mentioned earlier, private tuitions vary across countries and cultures. Bray (2009) identified some important variations of what he called shadow education. Those are: Government-driven tutoring v/s market-driven tutoring Online tutoring v/s face-to-face tutoring Obligatory v/s voluntary tutoring Tutoring provided by professionals v/s untrained students One-on-one v/s large lectures tutoring style On an economic front, private tutoring implies more expenses for parents and additional income for tutors. Socially, it may increase pressures on family members and exacerbate inequalities but on the other hand may bring relief and support to some families (Bray, 2009). In countries like Korea, private tutoring is driven by a competitive environment. However, too much reliance on this system might seem unhealthy. In countries like France, private tutoring is mostly government-driven. Moreover, the government uses a tax system to encourage families to invest in tuitions. These contrasting cases allows for a distinction between private tuition as deeply ingrained in society and on the other hand as a useful tool (Bray, 2009). Private tutoring can also happen via the net. More commonly referred to as online tutoring, this form of tutoring is created by a virtual environment whereby teachers and students communicate via a screen. Compared to face-to-face tutoring, online tutoring is more flexible, in the sense that tuition materials can be pre-recorded, tutors are requested on demand and there are no geographical constraints. Online tutoring however has proved to be more effective for students who were prepared beforehand (Hedrick, 2009). On the other hand, face-to-face tutoring can allow for a correlation between actual syllabus and tuition material. These forms of tutoring might be beneficial for certain groups of people, based on important dimensions like income, gender, ethnicity, etc. While in some countries private tutoring is more of an academic routine, in others it is only a helping hand. In countries like Vietnam for instance, parents and childrens aspiration for a better future, that is finding a place in the competitive job market, has led private tuition to become a must. It is also important to consider that the culture in Vietnam dictates that hard work and good education is the basis of a good life. This would explain the high rate of 76% actually receiving private tuition (Dang, 2011). By contrast, in countries like France as stated above, private tuition is more or less encouraged and is generally viewed as a useful and promising. Since private tutoring, cast as shadow education is difficult to measure, there is no proper control on the matter. In more simple terms, anyone can be a private tutor. There is therefore the risk of encountering unqualified tutors. Parents usually employ a tutor based on word-of-mouth, that is from friends or acquaintances who previously trusted a particular tutor and were satisfied with the overall performance of their children. Private tutoring classes may vary from 1 to 40. While some teachers are perfectly comfortable in squeezing 40 pupils in a class after school hours, others prefer one-on-one sessions whereby the child can receive individual attention. 2.4 The prevalence of private tutoring across the globe, and its implications Private tuition is a worldwide educational phenomenon. It has been practiced for several years now. In fact, it has become part of the educational system to such an extent that nobody really questions its existence. An extreme case in Korea, reported that parents actually spend 150 % the sum that the government invest in education (Bray, 1999). In many countries, having a diploma doesnt weigh much. Moreover, the rapid developments in the labour market fuelled the demand for private tuitions. In addition, many teachers have established these tuitions as a means to generate more income. This to and fro cycle clearly underlies an extreme reliance on private tuitions. Millions of children across the world leave their schools without a break and rush to private supplementary tutoring as the bell rings. Sometimes, the private tutors are the very school teachers the children just had a class with. Many children also receive private tuitions on week-ends and holidays (Bray, 1999). Despite knowing the social and economic implications of these tuitions, not very much is done to try to regulate or change this system. Private tuitions seem to have an upper hand on the lives of many and people do not want to leave their comfort zone, because it would imply too big of a change to handle. Below is a table which indicates the prevalence of private tuitions in selected countries. Country Scale of private tutoring Sources Brazil A study in Rio de Janeiro public schools found that over 50% of students received tutoring and saw it as a way to reduce the likelihood of having to repeat grades Paiva et al., 1997 Cambodia Respondents in 31% of 77 primary schools surveyed in 1997/98 indicated that pupils received tutoring. Bray, 1996a; 1999 Egypt In 1991/92, 54% of 9000 Grade 5 pupils (300 schools) and 74% of 9000 Grade 8 pupils were receiving private tutoring. A 1994 survey of 4729 households found that 65% of urban primary children and 53% of rural ones had received tutoring. Fergany, 1994; Hua, 1996 Guinea A 1995/96 survey of Grade 6 pupils in two urban and four rural schools found 19% receiving private tutoring. Tembon et al, 1997 Hong Kong A 1996 survey of 507 students found 45% of primary, 26% of secondary, 34% of middle secondary, and 41% of upper secondary students receiving tutoring. Lee, 1996; Liu, 1998 Japan A 1993 survey found 24% of elementary pupils and 60 % of secondary pupils attending tuitions. Another 4% receiving tuitions at home. Nearly 70% of all students had received tutoring by the time they had completed middle school. Japan, 1995; Russell, 1997 Korea A 1997 survey indicated that in Seoul, 82% of elementary, 66% of middle and 59% of academic high school students received tutoring. In rural areas, proportions were 54%, 46% and 12%. Paik, 1998; see also Yoon et al., 1997 Malaysia In 1990, 8420 students were surveyed in secondary Forms 3, 5 and 6. Respective proportions receiving tutoring were 59%, 53% and 31%. About 83% of students had received some form of tutoring by the time they reached upper secondary level. Marimuthu et al., 1991 Malta A 1987/88 survey of 2129 pupils found that 52% of primary and 83% of secondary students had received tutoring at some time during their careers. In that year, 42% of Grade 6 and 77% OF Grade 11 pupils were receiving tutoring. Busuttil, 1988 Mauritius A 1991 survey showed 56% of students receiving tutoring in secondary Form 2. Proportions rose to 98% in Forms 3 and 4 and 100% in Form 5 and 6. A 1995 survey of 2919 Grade 6 pupils reported that 78% received extra tuitions. Foondun, 1998; Kulpoo, 1998 Morocco A 1993 survey of 1953 mainstream secondary science teachers indicated that 53% provided after-school tutoring. The lowest proportion (27%) was in the first year of secondary education, but the figure rose to 78% in the most senior grade. Caillods et al., 1998 Myanmar A 1991 survey of 118 Grade 9 and 10 students in Yangon Division found 91% receiving tutoring. Among 131 students in Grades 5-8, 66% received tutoring. Gibson, 1992 Singapore A 1992 survey of 1052 households plus interviews with 1261 students found 49% of primary pupils and 30% of secondary pupils receiving tutoring. Findings matched an earlier study of tutoring in languages among 572 primary and 581 secondary students. Kwan-Terry, 1991; George, 1992; Wong; Wong, 1998 Sri Lanka In 1990, 1873 students were surveyed in Years 6, 11 and 13. Proportions receiving tutoring in Years 6 and 11 were 80% and 75%. In Year 13 the proportions were 62% for arts students, 67% for commerce students and 92% for science students. De Silva et al., 1991; De Silva, 1994a Taiwan Government statistics indicate that in 1996, Taiwan had 4266 tutoring centres with 1,505,491 students. Other centres are unregistered and are illegal. A 1998 survey found 81% of 397 senior secondary students receiving private tutoring. Taiwan, 1997; Tseng, 1998 Tanzania A 1995/96 survey of Grade 6 pupils in three urban and four rural schools in mainland Tanzania found 26% receiving tutoring. In a Dar es Salaam school, 70% of Grade 6 pupils received tutoring in 1998. A 1995 survey of 2286 Grade 6 Zanzibar pupils found 44% receiving extra tuitions, though not all pupils paid for the classes. Peasgood et al., 1997; Nassor; Mohammed, 1998 Zimbabwe A 1995 survey of 2697 Grade 6 pupils in all nine regions reported that 61% received extra lessons. The regional range of proportions was from 36% to 74%. Machingaidze et al., 1998 Source: International Institute for Educational Planning, http://www.unesco,org/iiep Along with the expansion of the private tuition industry, came huge economic implications. For instance in Japan in the mid-90s, tutoring revenues accounted to $ 14,000, in Singapore households reported spending $ 200 million on private tutoring in 1992, in Egypt private tutoring cost accounted for 20% of total household expenditures and in the Republic of Korea $ 25, 000 million have been spent on private tuitions in 1996 (Bray, 1999). In addition to fees, parents had to add books, stationery and travel to the list. Private tutoring also bears an opportunity cost, mainly from the time children had to provide in lessons, preparations and travelling. According to a study by Marimuthu et al. in 1991, 70% of students receiving tutoring had to spend 3 hours per week to and from tutors, and 17% spent more than 6 hours (Bray, 199). Since tutoring is mainly a shadow activity, the government cannot exert any control on the amount of revenue received by tutors. The intensity of private tutoring also varies. Children in high-income countries would be expected to receive more tuitions than those in lower-income countries. In general, the subjects given more attention in private tuitions are those which are the most needed for educational and socio-economic advancement. For instance, demand for english tuitions was low in countries where English is spoken at home (Bray, 1999). The higher demand for tuitions in urban regions is normally due to competitive nature of urban life. Also, parents in urban society have higher educational backgrounds than those in rural societies and are thus better off and can afford tuition fees. Private tutoring, in different forms, is practiced in almost every country. This certainly gives an overview of the importance attributed to tuitions. While the impacts of private tuitions are debatable, we should perhaps reflect on the lasting consequences of such practices on our young brains and future society. 2.5 The good side to private tuitions Private tuitions may be considered as a good thing in that it provides an income to many teachers, who are very often underpaid and also to university students who teach on a part-time basis to cover their fees. For instance, in Sri Lanka, a good private tutor earned up to 130 USD per month in 2007, which is equivalent to one months pay for only 4 days of work (Borodchuk, 2011). Parents invest huge amounts in private tuitions yearly, because its the only option they have in securing their childrens future in terms of the best possible preparation to eventually gain access to prestigious schools or universities, and get the best jobs (Bray, 1999). Through these private tuition sessions, children get the opportunity to better grasp lessons which they previously didnt understand at school due to various reasons. Each pupil has his/her own learning speed, and very often classes are filled with up to 40 students which can render things difficult for the latter in receiving personal attention. Thus private tuition is an outlet for a more interactive class. More positively, it is a mechanism through which current students can extend their knowledge and gain human capital, which eventually benefits the society as well as themselves. This can allow for opportunities to work abroad; i.e. to travel, meet people from different culture, gain experience which is in itself a challenge to ones potential. Private tutoring may also reduce the workload of teachers in a way, since the major teachings are effectuated at school (Bray, 1999). Therefore, the job of private tutors is to supplement the school syllabus. The situation can also be reversed, in the sense that mainstream teachers have less to do, since students rely more on private tuitions, thus pay less attention to school lessons. Mainstream teachers usually benefit from this situation and work for namesake and still receive a salary at the end of the month. According to Ireson and Rushforth (2004), the main reason for students to take tuitions was to pass the examinations. Private tuitions were also very important in case the child missed school. According to their study of the British education system, Ireson and Rushforth also found out that most secondary students took private tuitions to improve their GCSE grades, especially in Mathematics. Tuitions were in this case were helpful in making a successful transmission to higher levels of education. Private tuitions can also be considered as a constructive way of engaging students after school hours. Some parents even report sending their children to tuition because they are not around when the child gets back from school (Borodchuk, 2011). 2.6 The other side of the coin Private tuitions have potential negative implications. In many countries, parents and educators are seriously concerned about the extent to which private tutoring is dominating the lives of pupils and their families (Bray, 2007). Private tuitions do not only affect the social and economic structure of a country but can have considerable impact on the psychological well-being of the child. This can affect the latters academic performance and can impede his/her healthy development. Over-reliance on private tuitions has also affected overall mainstream education. Private tutoring thus affects: the mainstream system Private tutoring also affects the dynamics of teaching and learning in the mainstream curriculum. For instance, mainstream teachers are not required to work hard because every pupil receives tuitions. Moreover, this enlarges the gap in the classroom between quick (generally those taking tuitions) and slow learners. In cases where the mainstream teacher is the private tutor as well, those not receiving tuitions may find themselves lagging behind. This pressurizes parents to invest in tutoring regardless of their financial status or their beliefs (Bray, 2003). According to Yasmeens culture of dependency, most students tend to rely explicitly on private tutors. This includes dependence on homework and even exam tips. Hussein points out that tutoring has caused students to lose interest in mainstream classes. Students have even reached the point of thinking that private tutors are better, since they are paid. So they attend school only when stipulated by school regulations. Hussein also report that the rate of absentees has risen, more particularly two months before the end of the semester, during which the child stays at home in the morning and att