Consider the ways in which Margaret Atwood Essay

   â€Å"I used to dress like that. That was freedom† / I’m looking down, at the sidewalk, mesmerised by the woman’s feet† This however is countered by â€Å"We are fascinated, but also repelled. They seem undressed. It has taken so little time to change our minds, about things like this† This clear distinction between how she’s expected to feel and how she actually feels becomes distorted as we are unable to define where one starts and the ends. This however is not the first time and this help gain interest into Offred, as one wonders how much she’s begging to believe what she’s being told. This is one of the defining aspects of the novel during the opening chapters as Offred’s characters is never directly revealed to the reader as she sways between survival and ambition. As each chapter unfolds we are offered more into the feelings of Offred into the society of Gilead however it is often difficult to determine what comes from herself and what is simply repeated from the Aunts. The Japanese also act as a way for Atwood to ask of Offred what the reader clearly wants to ask; â€Å"Are you happy†. To this Offred eventually answers â€Å"Yes, we are very happy† however by the text surrounding her answer it is clear to the reader how she really feels. This novel is at heart an exploration of individuality and the need in human nature to express one’s own personality through freedom of thought and speech. In order to complete this at an effective level Atwood has had to create Gilead, a society with a complete blindness to the needs of its individuals, for reasons that become apparent as the novel continues. The severity of Gilead’s members’ loss of control over their own lives is highlighted by Atwood on many occasions during the first 5 sections. â€Å"She wanted me to feel as that I could not come in the house unless she said so. There is much push and shove over such toehold these days. † This quote appears shortly after Offred offers a description of the Commander’s wife in her past, as a television celebrity. â€Å"she could smile and cry at the same time, one tear or two sliding gracefully down her cheek, as if on cue†. The stark contrast between the later quote and the action of Serena Joy once under the control of Gilead offers insight into how the society has affected the lives of everybody, not only the handmaid, as everyone makes a desperate grab for some form of power. Atwood chooses not to give the handmaid a name during the first 5 chapters and this helps distance her from the reader and re-iterate her lack of individuality. This creates interest as the reader questions firstly whether she has a name and secondly what her motives are for not telling us, is she ashamed, afraid? We know from her time at the red centre that names were very precious to them, maybe they’re considered unnecessary for a woman of her position. This adds further mystery to her tale and encourages the reader to continue so that they can understand more into the society. The extremety of Atwood’s fictional society takes the novel into an area often described as Sci-fi, here though, we are shown Atwood’s most important trait; the incredible personalised style of writing associated with her novels. This, alone, is what separates â€Å"The handmaid’s tale† from other books of a similar concept, as by using a first person perspective Atwood is able to explore rather then describe Gilead and therefore the society appears more definite and believable, all of which helps the novel become more interesting during the opening 5 sections. Many details into the society are left undescribed, we know of an existing war through the talk of the frontline, ration books and the loss of Central America to the â€Å"Libertheos†, however Offred never offers more than this. It appears as though this is because Offred expects to know a certain amount into the society of Gilead already, as though we are expected to read this book in the aftermath of the society. A secret diary almost The readers interest is maintained throughout the opening 5 chapters by masking the character of Offred, Giving hints towards a possible escape or ending in another manner and by slowly introducing an unusual society which has clearly developed in America from the present existing population. Offred’s character is masked by; Not introducing the reader to her by name, quoting the opinions of others in order to create confusion as to what she truly believes, contrasting her past actions and beliefs with those actions in which she participates in the present and that which she feels now. The hints into escape, of some form, are offered in two main forms; Through her understanding of the actions of others in order to end their own life and her seeming acceptance of the reasoning behind it and her continued rebellious nature in always looking for a way to break and bend rules. The society unfolds in front of the reader in a mixture of normality and genuine discontentment, prompting the question How, When and Why? All this ensures one’s desire to discover more into the life of Offred, the society she lives in and her intentions for the future. Tom Smith 2002 Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Margaret Atwood section.

Analyse Different Ways in Which You Would Establish Ground Rules with Your Learners, Which Underpin Appropriate Behaviour and Respect for Others.

In my current role as a Trainer/Assessor, I work with Apprentices delivering theory and NVQ’s. To achieve respect and appropriate behaviour from learners, clear boundaries and rules are required within which we can work, and it is paramount that these are prepared early so everyone knows the limits. Ann Gravells (2008) defines: â€Å"All learners require boundaries and rules within which to work. Setting ground rules will help everyone know their limits†. As all students are different, consequently they will all have their own unique way of looking at life. Teachers need to manage their classes in order to accommodate everyone’s needs and expectations. The College will have policies regarding Health and Safety which will be non-negotiable. Some rules such as no smoking in the classroom will be accepted by everyone as this is backed up by legislation. Other rules such as no drinks in the classroom will not be so generally acceptable, especially to those who consider themselves as responsible adults who have rushed from work to get to college and need refreshments. There are numerous ways to determine ground rules with learners. When teaching I will prepare a timetable for the learners to receive beforehand with the place and time they will start and what they must bring with them. I arrive early so I can organise the room and set out resources. I will welcome learners and then go through some housekeeping (where the toilets and emergency exits are). I then establish ground rules that I feel appropriate, i. e. be punctual, mobile phones on silent and respect others. I next ask the learners what rules they want and this will give them ownership of these rules. I would also refer them to the College Learners Handbook, ‘The way we do things round here’ (see page 5) and the Teacher and Learner contract (copy attached). The resulting ground rules form the backbone of both respect and discipline and help the group and myself bond and start a healthy student/teacher relationship. If a ground rule is broken, it is the other students that will point it out and this enforces group discipline. Bibliography Gravells, A. (2008) Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector, 3rd Edition, Exeter, Learning Matters Ltd. p7.

Final Paper Outline Essay

Dr. White ordered an unusual dose of a medication for a patient. May Patterson, RN, sees the order and believes it to be the wrong dose. She is afraid to call Dr. White because he can be abrasive at times. Nurse Patterson asks the charge nurse who is not as familiar with the patient to call the doctor. The charge nurse calls Dr. White. He insists that he knows what is best for the patient and insists that the medication will be given as written. The charge nurse calls you, the administrator on call for the weekend, to resolve the issue. 1. What principles of effective teamwork have broken down? 2. How will you work to resolve the issue? 3. List and describe five potential strategies for conflict resolution within this team. a. What types of information will you need to collect to have an intelligent conversation with this physician? b. Who should be involved in this situation, and the discussion with Dr. White, and why? 4. Which conflict resolution strategy is likely to be most successful? The principles of effective teamwork have been broken down when there was a fear of communication. Being that this case was due to someone’s health, Nurse Patterson should have put her fear of communicating with an abusive man aside and focused more on the patient’s health. It was however good that she at least brought someone else into the situation instead of just putting it all aside and submitting the prescription knowing the possible dangers. I as an on call administrator would resolve the issue by looking into the patient’s medical history and find out what the symptoms are and if that prescription is ri ght in order to treat their diagnosis. I would then call Dr. White to confirm why this certain medication was needed. Bargaining is one of the five potential strategies for conflict resolution. If you can get a team to bargain together you are getting them to come together once then next time a situation arises, the favor can be returned. Problem solving is getting the team to work through a situation and come to an agreement. Voting can be a bit difficult because one may not always agree with the other and a solution may not be reached. Researching can take up too much time and may delay a problem being solved longer than need be. Having a third party involved is always a plus because they can hear both sides of a dilemma and give their side as well and get a solution. The information needed to be collected in order to have an intelligent conversation with Dr. White would be to gather as much information about the patient, the patients history as well as the past history of the Doctor and how he communicates with others that way I would be able to know how to approach the situation and how to come to a conclusion without there being any conflict. The only ones needing to be involved is Dr. White, Nurse Patterson and the charge nurse. In this situation I don’t feel it would need to go any further than the administrator unless I felt there was potential harm or ill intent on the staff’s part. The conflict resolution strategy I feel would work the best is problem solving. With this strategy you are able to look at both the pros and the cons of this situation and it would make it easier to make a decision as to what is the best thing that needs to be done in order to treat the patient. Discussion 2 Human resources are an integral part of health care operations to recruit and retain high quality, and often highly specialized employees. 1. Describe why human resources management is comprised of strategic and administrative actions, providing examples of each. 2. Outline specific activities that encompass the strategic and administrative responsibilities of the human resources department. 3. If you were employed as an administrator in a small physician group without a human resources department, how would you carry out the strategic and administrative responsibilities required? Strategic actions has a main role in participating in business strategies rather than supporting administration. Research is done on its own in order to come up with a solution in order to have effective advice. It maps out specific strategies for achieving results for the organization. On the administrative side they are more focused on providing advice, guidance, strategies and services to management and staff. As well as what is best for the health company when it comes to hiring and recruiting the right kind people to do the job to the best of their ability. The roles of strategic planning is the process of planning, having a vision, its mission, values, suppliers and customers, acknowledging bumps and roadblocks, figuring out the goals and objectives, spreading the word, keeping track, assessing and following up on the process. Administrative responsibilities include the hiring process and orientation, approval for health care vacancies, advertising the position, preparing for the interviews and making selections. As an administrator I would designate certain people to carry out the job of what is required of both strategic and administrative responsibilities in order to keep the business meeting its required standards of staffing.

Efficient Market Hypothesis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Efficient Market Hypothesis - Essay Example On the other hand, the semi-strong form of efficient market hypothesis assumes that the stock prices fully reflect and represent the public information, mentioning and indicating that the fundamental analysis would not bring the yield of superior risk-adjusted returns. The strong-form of efficient market hypothesis is based on the assumption that the prices of securities reflect both private and public information, highlighting and indicating that the investors would be able to earn higher risk-adjusted returns. But, these three forms of efficient market hypothesis have proved some serious limitations. And these serious limitations proved their existence in the year of 1987 when the event of market crash occurred. Is it possible to rationally explain the causes of the market crash of 1987? Is it appropriate to say that markets were efficient enough to represent the prices of stocks in the required way? But, that was not end of it; rather they continued to be part of the finance histo ry. In the year of 1990, the Internet Bubble totally invalidated the rationale behind the use and application of efficient market hypothesis. On the basis of hindsight, it is clearly evident that the equity valuation, which normally heavily depends on the unpredictable and uncertain future predications, was based on irrationality and irrational and unsupportable claims. After that part, its implications in terms of validity and applicability of this theory would be critically accounted for.... In the year of 1990, the Internet Bubble totally invalidated the rationale behind the use and application of efficient market hypothesis. On the basis of hindsight, it is clearly evident that the equity valuation, which normally heavily depends on the unpredictable and uncertain future predications, was based on irrationality and irrational and unsupportable claims. In the subsequent parts of this piece of work, first the concept and theory of efficient market hypothesis would be clearly explained and highlighted. After that part, its implications in terms of validity and applicability of this theory would be critically accounted for. Definition__________________________________________ An efficient capital market is defined as a capital market in which the current price of a share or stock fully and totally represents and reflects all the stock or share related information, including the information of risk (Schweser, 2004). Furthermore, an informationally efficient capital market i s defined as a capital market in which a price of security or stock rapidly and fast adjusts as soon as a new piece of related information is arrived. This piece of definition of an efficient capital market hypothesis is based on certain assumptions, and they are: First, a considerable number of participants, who are there to increase profit or returns on stocks, tend to understand and analyse and and give value to stocks and securities, and these participants are independent of each other. Second, any piece of new information appears in a capital market in a random fashion; and pieces of information are also announced independent of each other with regard to timing as well. Third, securities and stocks investors and fund managers quickly and rapidly start estimating the prices of

Operating management 5 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Operating management 5 - Assignment Example Cavalier Corporation Limited in New Zealand is a public company that specializes in the manufacture of broadloom wool carpets since its opening in 1984. This company ensures effective application of standardization in its operation management roles to include levels of commonality, reference, interchange ability, and compatibility. As a goods production company, Cavalier corporation limited goes on the full stretch to involve the use of standardization principles in generating, processing and analyzing statistics, testing company related theories, and keeping on check the supply chain management sector (Cavalier Corporation, 2010). ... s characterized by its dependency on the customers’ list of requirements to help in the determination of what type quality of goods should be manufactured, or services offered, whenever they are in need of it. A pull system of approach in operations management is a made-to-order process, within Goodman Fielder Company, a manufacturing, distributor and marketer of dairy products, bread, margarine, dressings, oil and a number of food ingredients in New Zealand and Australia. Goodman Fielder Company uses the pull system by carrying out surveys on their clients’ requirements and expectations on the goods and services they manufacture and distribute by ways of brainstorming sessions, focused group discussions and surveys on the user behaviors and types of needs. It is thus meant for producing goods and rendering services that are geared towards customers’ higher levels of satisfactions, company’s lower operation costs, lower inventory initiatives and constantly changing the product designs to meet the ever changing customers’ needs based on time, fashion, location and cost (Tari, Molina, & Castejon, 2007). A summary can therefore be drawn from this explanation that lean principles are based on a philosophy seeking to eliminate wastes in terms of delays, duplications, unnecessary movements, poor communications, incorrect inventories, opportunity lost, and errors in either transactions or damaged items, in all aspects of Goodman Fielder Company’s production activities. One of the disadvantages of this type of system is that it forces producers to the strongest terms and conditions possible to come up with mechanisms of investing heavily into research and developments to see into it that they precisely meet the needs of the ever changing clients’ desires, thus

Is the concept of the rule of law, as defined by dicey, still relevant Essay

Is the concept of the rule of law, as defined by dicey, still relevant to the UK constitution and legal system today - Essay Example Professor A V Dicey popularized this concept, and was able to describe three major tenets of the rule of law. These tenets are (Macdonald, 2010), Nobody is above the law, and everybody should be treated equally before the laws that govern the country. This is an indication that the laws of the land apply equally, to everybody in the same manner. This is regardless of economic, social and political status. The emergence of the constitution or laws is as a result of former judicial decisions that determined the rights in which private people should enjoy. On this basis, the constitution is not the source upon which laws emerge. The sources of law are therefore a consequence of the inherent rights of individuals. The constitution is derived as a consequence of the rights of people. These principles and concepts are widely applicable in the United Kingdom. The first principle by Dicey concerns itself with discretionary powers and the rule of law. Any government action must be recognized and authorized by law. That is the reason as to why the government cannot arbitrarily arrest a person, and charge him or her for the crimes that are not recognized by law. This principle is established in the 1994 case of R vs. Horseferry Road Magistrates. This was a case that examined the jurisdiction of a magistrate to protect the process of the court from abuse. Under this case, the defendant was arrested illegally, and in a breach of the extradition laws of the United Kingdom. The court denoted that an individual, who is charged with a criminal offence, must receive a fair trial. If an individual cannot receive a fair trial for an offence that he is charged for, then he or she should not be tried at all. On this note, the court denoted that the authorities illegally detained and arrested the defendant, and on this basis, the entire prosecution process was illegal (Flores, 2013). Under this case, it is therefore possible to denote that the judiciary had the powers of

The soul is the prison of the body (Foucault, 1979). Critically Essay

The soul is the prison of the body (Foucault, 1979). Critically examine the argument that psychology is a performative practice - Essay Example Children are introduced to certain social activities that they slowly pick up and can adapt. For instance, introducing a young child gradually to a certain religion, taking them to language classes, or showing them a particular sport that they should play. All habits that are instilled into the young child are indeed integral to how he will grow and develop mentally. The child will perceive life in a certain way and consider things using a particular thought pattern that is different (Walsh et al., 2014). This is how performative psychology comes into play as the child is programmed to take up a particular role. It is a proven fact that by regularly practicing something, one will develop such things into his personality. This is why different people have different characters. This is because by doing certain things over a period; they eventually pick that up in their personalities and become what they constantly do (Butler, 2009). It all has to do with performing or playing a particular role. With time, one finds that it is a habitual thing and a part of his personality. This is how performative psychology comes into play. Every part of a person’s personality is gradually introduced into them through their thinking pattern. A practical example, for example, is from the television programmes that bring children up watching. Many children from the 70s, 80s and early 90s watched many kids shows. One of these was the Sesame Street programme. It was a programme where the children learnt many concepts in simplified methods. Characters such as Big Bird, Elmo, Miss Piggy, Kermit, Ernie, Bert and many others, influenced the children. Each of these characters played a particular role and taught the children certain values or introduced them to a certain way of thinking. The children were probed about certain things like ability to count, ability to recite the alphabet

Preparing a Comprehensive Case Analysis Assignment

Preparing a Comprehensive Case Analysis - Assignment Example Besides, corruption, mismanagement, and overstaffing are among some of the key factors that pose as threats to most public companies. This manuscript will effusively analyze Gander Mountain Company by stating its challenges, key strengths, and apparent weaknesses. In addition, it intends to devise an all-inclusive strategy on how to solve such concerns. Existing Objectives and Strategies Gander Mountain is a public company, whose main intentions are to provide outstanding services to its clientele at exceptionally subsidized costs. This is in an attempt to maintain the dependability of their clientele, as well as improve the public image of the company. Moreover, the firm plans to spread out their products to the public by increasing the number of outlets in the US. The firm also plans to boost its annual revenue by making more sales and dropping the expenses (David, 2011). Moreover, the firm intends to improve customer satisfaction by adding value to their current goods and services , therefore, bring in a new line of assorted products and services. Environmental Opportunities and Threats Gander Mountain possesses various strengths significant for its growth and advantage over its competitors. For instance, the firm has created a wide network of reliable customers. Additionally, the company boasts of another group of potential customers. This opportunity will boost the firms’ growth if exploited to the maximum (David, 2011). Additionally, the firm boasts of its powerful link and interactions with its suppliers. This ensures that goods and services provision to their customers is constant and timely. The management team of Gander Mountain is extremely qualified and thus devotes their experience to the ultimate growth of the firm. Besides, the firm experiences a key weakness in its competitive front. Various entrepreneurs have ventured into this industry, therefore, posing a significant threat on the firms goals of expanding outlets within the nation. Addi tionally, the number of former loyal customers has significantly diminished. This may have resulted from the economic recession that has seen the lay-off of many customers. This incapacitates the clients financially, and hence the firm experiences this sudden drop (David, 2011). Therefore, the firm ought to shield itself from the threats of competitors and reduced clients. This is only possible by offering high quality products, as well as services at subsidized prices. This will retain the current customer, and attract more customers into purchasing these products and services (David, 2011). However, this comes at some costs, but the firm will achieve its ultimate goal of growth and increased profitability. Competitive Profile Matrix The table below depicts the competitive Profile Matrix for Gander Mountains, Bucker’s Incorporated, and Kirk’s company. The pricing of goods and services at Gander Mountain is relatively low as compared to its competitive counterparts. Th is is a strategic plan to outshine most of the potential threats of the firm. However, the quality of these products and services offered is exceptionally high. Additionally, Gander Mountain has employed various types of media advertising. This has aided significantly in mounting the number of clients, thus increasing their sales. Moreover, most of their customers depict loyalty to the company, therefore, creating an extensive customer network (David, 2011). The annual revenue for the firm has

What is meant by a shock to aggregate supply How can economic policy Essay

What is meant by a shock to aggregate supply How can economic policy be implemented to counter such a shock - Essay Example The role of aggregate supply has been extensively examined in the literature. In this context, it has been found that ‘aggregate supply relationship typically links inflation surprises with fluctuations in the output gap, while potential output, defined as the flexible-price equilibrium output, is exogenous; based on such construct, micro-based interest rules respond exclusively to fluctuations in the inflation rates and the output gaps’ (Razin et al., 2005, 179). In accordance with the above view, aggregate supply can represent a particular relationship, this of output gaps and inflation rates. In fact, because aggregate supply refers to the balance between products/ services and the prices in a specific market, it is very likely that the turbulences of inflation rates (as a consequence of instability in the ‘balance’ described above) could be also considered as directly related with aggregate supply. The above views can be also supported by the fact that the differences in inflation rates in a specific market are thought to be closely related with the instability in aggregate supply (among other reasons) in the above market. Indeed, the study of Razin et al. (2005, 184) led to the assumption that ‘inflation is primarily affected by: (1) economic slack, (2) expectations, (3) supply shocks, and (4) the inflation persistence; thus, inflation depends on inflation expectations, the output gap, the (log) difference between the actual and flexible-price investment, and the (log) difference between the actual and flexible-price stock of capital’. Because of the influence of aggregate supply on the inflation rates, it could be expected that a radical change (extremely severe instability appeared unexpectedly) in aggregate supply could lead to severe financial consequences for the market involved. The above described unexpected changes in the relationship

TOPIC C Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

TOPIC C - Essay Example I can imagine how crucial it would be to develop analytical skills and train creative faculties of mind for every engineer who is bound to pursue a career in the industry where it takes pure heart and determination to exercise potentials toward achieving optimum results. Besides scholastic endeavour, I could foresee much fruitfulness in active participation through extra-curricular activities by which to become disposed to communicating with different kinds of people with diverse educational orientation and cultural background. This would enable socialization that is vital to my growth as an engineering student in need of learning via individual effort and that derived from dynamic human relation, in equal measures. Engaging in organizations that facilitate such activities may direct me to satisfy professional aims in the light of understanding the world better and know thereafter what I can do at best to serve it as I discover rich source of ideas and values to obtain and impart by means of constant interaction with others, in and out of the

Structure and symbolism in The Lottery Essay Example for Free

Structure and symbolism in The Lottery Essay In The Lottery, Shirley Jackson relates an unusual story concerning an old ritual within the setting of a small American village. Reading for the first time, most readers will be tremendously shocked by the ending: with an idyllic village atmosphere settled down at the beginning part, the cruel and outrageous ending comes all too suddenly and out of expectation. However, a careful examination can reveal that the shock is not sudden at all; The Lottery actually fuses two stories and themes into one fictional vehicle: the overt, easily discovered story appears in the literal facts, producing an immediate, emotional impact; whereas in the second story which lies beneath the first, the authors careful structure and consistent symbolism work to develop gradually the shock and to present a profound theme: Man is not at the mercy of savagery; he is the victim of unexamined and unchanging traditions which he may easily change if he only realizes their implications. The symbolic overtones which develop in the second story can be sensed as early as the fourth word of the story when the date of June 27th alerts us to the season of summer solstice with all its overtones of ancient ritual (The ancient rituals were traditionally held in summer solstice so as to ask for harvest of autumn. ) Carefully the scene is set-The morning of June 27th was clear and sunny, with the fresh warmth of the full-summer day; the flowers were blossoming profusely and the grass was richly green. The children newly freed from school play boisterously, rolling in the dust. But, ominously, Bobby Martin has already stuffed his pockets with stones and Harry Jones and Dickie Delacroix follow his example, eventually making a great pile of stones in the corner which they guard from the raids of other boys. Thus by the end of just two paragraphs, the author has carefully indicated the season, time of ancient ritual of sacrifice; and the stones, most ancient of sacrifice weapons. Then The men began to gather, talking of the planting and rain-the central issues of the ancient propitiatory rites, and tractors and taxes-those modern additions to the concerns of man. The men are quieter, more aware, and the patriarchal order, the oldest social group of man, is quickly evidenced as women join their husband and call their children to them. When Bobby Martin tries to leaves the group runs laughing to the stones, he is sharply rebuffed by his serious father, who knows that this is no game. All these descriptions clearly show that this is more than the surface idyllic small town life, the symbolic undercurrents prepare us to be drawn step by step towards the ultimate, where everything will fuse.

Theories of Addiction Explanations for Continuing Drug Use and Relapse Essay Example for Free

Theories of Addiction Explanations for Continuing Drug Use and Relapse Essay Theories of addiction, many have been proposed and a variety of preclinical models have been constructed. several theories were utilized in this study to better understand the basis of addiction. The first theory, negative reinforcement, suggests that the continued use of the psychoactive substance is to avoid withdrawal dysphoria. The next theory subject to research during this study was positive reinforcement. The positive reinforcement theory of addiction suggests the subject continues use of the psychoactive substance simply because they enjoy it. These theories, positive reinforcement the more familiar of the preclinical models of addiction, stem from the associative learning theory. Either of these preclinical models are a perfect example of operant conditioning. Both subjects have associated their use of the psychoactive substance with consequences, reinforcing the behavior. Operant conditioning is the easiest form of associative learning and the hardest to correct once behavior is learned in this manner. There have been several studies done to understand operant conditioning. The most prominent was the operant chamber, a Skinner box. It was built in the mid sixties by B. F. Skinner and brought modern behaviorism to the forefront of psychology. Though a very controversial study much was learned in behavior control and was called the law of effect, stating that rewarding behavior is likely to recur. Another crucial model in understanding addiction is stimulus response learning. This model suggests, unlike that of associative learning where the response follows the stimulus, the stimulus itself creates a habitual response. This this occurs through classical conditioning and is a conditioned response. This conditioned response is developed through conditioned reinforcement. When the subject comes in to contact with paraphernalia, like the light in the skinner box, they know they are going to receive their primary reinforcer. This can easier be illustrated with Pavlovs studies on classical conditioning. Pavlov began to notice that dogs salivating whenever he w ould present the with a bowl of food. This is an example of an unconditioned stimulus eliciting an unconditioned response. When you introduce a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus. In this case the paraphernalia, you receive the unconditioned response. Eventually, if this is repeated over time the once neutral stimulus elicits the same response as the unconditioned stimulus. The once unconditioned response is now a conditioned response and can be controlled with exposure to the conditioned stimulus. When the subject is exposed to the paraphernalia the body begins adjusting for the use of the psychoactive substance and causes the cravings associated with addiction. The next model researched in the study was incentive salience. This is a motivational attribute given by the brain to reward predicting stimuli, causing the craving for the psychoactive substance. For example, if the subjects addictive behavior is extinguished and is then exposed to an illustration once associated with the stimulus, the craving can return. Cravings can also return through spontaneous recovery. This is when the subjects addictive behavior is extinguish and, without stimuli exposure, the subjects craving for the substance returns briefly. This is believed to be cause of relapse in some subjects battling this disorder. The final model to be discussed is the inhibitory control dysfunction model. Inhibitory control consists of neural impulses that act to dampen or stop a specific activity. The area of the brain that this function occurs is in\the pre-frontal cortex. This area of the brain is in control of personality, decision making, and other functions. If damage or a dysfunction is present in this area of the brain it could alter the subjects personality and decision making abilities. Other symptoms of this is impulsiveness and altered judgment. As a result if the subject has a dysfunction in this area they are more likely to begin, continue, and possibly relapse use of a psychoactive substance. The study was comprised of seventy-three non-treatment seeking Methamphetamine u sers both men and women. They were given a survey with questions of self perceived reasons why a methamphetamine user would continue use or relapse. They found that fifty-six percent of the participants use psychoactive substances due to positive reinforcement, forty-four percent would relapse for the same. This theory was rated the highest next was inhibitory control dysfunction at twenty- seven percent, stimulus response learning at twenty-five percent, negative reinforcement at twenty- three percent, and incentive salience at nineteen percent. Most of the participants that rated positive reinforcement high also had correlations in there answers. They rated incentive salience, stimulus response learning and inhibitory control dysfunction. This suggests that other concepts of theories of addiction are needed for a better understanding of addiction. This study also shows that not all methamphetamine users are alike, treatment should be further focused in subtypes. If treatment were focused and developed in subtypes it may be more effective. By issuing the survey to non-treatment seeking methamphetamine users they were able to identify possible patient subtypes. Thus bringing the treatment to the subject instead of the disorder.

The Impact Of Ict On Accommodation Sector Tourism Essay

The Impact Of Ict On Accommodation Sector Tourism Essay Domestic and international tourism in New Zealand has grown significantly in the past decade and shows every sign of continuing to do so. A vital component of the tourism industry is the Accommodation sector. Over 3000 accommodation enterprises employ more than 20,000 New Zealanders on a full time equivalent (FTE) basis and bring important economic benefit to both rural and urban settings. The accommodation sector is characterised by considerable uptake of new Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in areas such as bookings, Property Management System (PMS) and back-office functions. This research aims to create a better understanding of how ICT adoption is influencing the demand for, and use of, accommodation in this important sector and how enterprise owners and managers feel about the ICT issues that stem from the tourist influences. The research is based on: (i) a review of global and local research in tourism, ICT and accommodation use; our findings reveal that ICT adoption is having important impacts on accommodation use and demand in both small and large enterprises, the researcher conclude with the presentation of a major findings and some thoughts on approaches that may enhance the ability of the accommodation sector to cope with the complex interactions between ICT adoption and tourism activities. 1.2 INTRODUCTION The increasing use of the Internet and other communication technology is changing the way the industry does business, allowing small operators to access those interested in their product irrespective of location, and allowing firms of all types to reap productivity gains, (Bahalis 1998, 2003). Tourists are also able to benefit from additional transparency in pricing and the ability to customize the experiences they seek (Inkpen 1998; Milne et al 2004). Medlik and Ingram (2000) stated in many years, hotel are important attractions for visitors who bring with them spending power and who tend to spend at a higher rate than they do when they are at home. Through visitors spending, hotel thus often contributes significantly to local economies both directly and indirectly through the subsequent diffusion of the visitors expenditure to other recipients in the community. However, the pattern and structure of the accommodation sector, growth in tourism, increase in capacities, globalisation and technology innovations has been the contemporary force for the hotel chains to extend their presence worldwide, achieving huge marketing success and market identity. Their success is not based only on promoting only one standardised product buy by introducing multiple brands which differentiate their services offered in the eye of the tourists. According to the international Hotel and Restaurant Association (IHRA), there are over 300 hotels chains which comprised one third of the worlds accommodation capacities. New Zealand is very much part of this dynamic and competitive tourism environment. The New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2010 (TIANZ 2001) identifies tourism as one of the nations key earners of foreign exchange and argues that the industry is likely to play a growing role in the future of New Zealands economy. During 2002 over 2 million international visitors spent an estimated NZ$6.140 billion. Taking into account the direct and indirect effects of this expenditure and the not inconsiderable (but harder to estimate) impacts of domestic tourism we see that the industry contributed approximately 9% of New Zealands GDP for the year to March 2002 and 14.3% of total exports (Statistics New Zealand, 2003). Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are a key element in attempts to enhance the yield of the industry. It has also been suggested that ICT change the very rules of tourism with industry leaders being forced to adopted new managerial and strategic best practice (Buhalis 2000, Law 2001). The New Zealand Tourism Strategy has as one of its key strategic objectives the need to build the ICT capability of New Zealand tourism enterprises, especially among the 85-90% of businesses that are classified as small tourism enterprises (STE) (Nodder et al 2003a). The Strategy identifies tourism as a knowledge and information-based sector and highlights the ability of ICT to collect, analyse and distribute information widely across the sector supporting a better understanding of visitors needs, preferences and behaviours. It is also argued that ICT can foster a higher degree of interaction between stakeholders through an internet presence, email, electronic discussion groups and teleco nferencing. Such networking and linkage formation offers the opportunity to realise enormous benefits (Nodder 2003; Nodder et al 2003). This research addresses these issues in the context of the New Zealand accommodation sector. Accommodation represents the cornerstone of both the international and domestic tourism markets and accounts for a major component of total tourist spend. The sector is relatively labour intensive and is a significant employer in both urban centres and more peripheral rural regions (Morrison and Thomas 1999; Statistics New Zealand 2003). It is a diverse industry including everything from large hotel with multinational organisational structures, through to small owner operated motels and bed and breakfast establishments. 1.3 Aims and Objectives The core objectives of this research are to: To develop a clearer picture of the current competitive context facing the accommodation sector in New Zealand, in order to provide a backdrop to the ICT and labour use dimensions that from the focus of the research. To gain an understanding of how ICT is being adopted and used in the New Zealand accommodation sector and to review wherever possible the differences that exists between small and large operations and between those operating in rural and urban settings. To provide a clear sense of how ICT adoption is influencing the demand for tourist and the workplace organisation and use of workers. In particular we focus on themes of hiring, internal communication, productivity, turnover and retention and processes of customer out-sourcing. To synthesize and discuss findings and present some tentative ideas that can assist the accommodation sector, and the regions that depend on it, to better anticipate and respond to the sometimes complex links between ICT adoptions and tourism demand for modern technology. 1.4 LITERATURE REVIEW It is important to note the international literature has generally shown that in the past small tourism firms have been less likely to implement ICT than their larger counterparts (Mutch, 1998; Paraskevas, 2002; Milev and Marsh 1998). Studies in the US, for example, show that managers in larger properties (greater than 300 rooms) attach significantly more important to the Internet as a tool to make reservations and analyse the competition than their smaller counterparts. Similarly, they rated its importance as a means to communicate with colleagues, vendors and corporate offices significantly higher (Van Hoof, et al, 1998). This is also fits the patterns seen in the studies conducted in the UK (Sigala et al, 2002, Evans and Peacock 1999; Buick, 2003, Main, 2001) and elsewhere (Milne and Pohlmann 1998). Resent years have seen a growing number of small operations embracing ICT for no other reason than they simply have no choice (Ateljevic 2002). The competitive cost of being invisible in a sector that is increasingly dominated by web-based booking systems is too great to bear for small operators who are already facing low margins and growing competition (Buhalis 1999). Thus ICT uptake is growing rapidly and, in the case of New Zealand, the use of computers, email and the Internet is reaching near saturation levels (Nodder et al, 2003a). Nevertheless it is important to note that there are varying levels and degrees of ICT use and many commentators argue that the sophistication with which hard and software is used still lags behind larger operators, even though the actual equipment may be in place (Milne et al, 2004). The reason for the past, and sometimes present, lag in ICT uptake and use by small businesses are many and varied and are inevitable shaped by both internal and external (environmental) factors, ICT use by smaller accommodation operators tends to be dominated by accounting functions, data processing and inventory management tools. While email and website use is also increasingly common as noted above this is not necessarily enough to meet the evolving demands of increasingly technologically savvy consumers. Buhalis and Laws (2001) discuss the behaviour of these new consumers who are becoming more used to interacting in an electronic environment and are increasingly demanding that tourism enterprises be easily accessible on the Internet. Not only do they require access to information but also the ability to book online and submit payment in a secure environment (Mason and Milne 2002; Gatty and Blalock 1998). Buhalis (2003, 143) comments on a number of factors that determine the introduction of ICT by SMTE. Factors originating in political, social and economic forces can lead to the uptake and development of technology as part of broader strategies. Thus it could be said that the new, sophisticated consumer is pushing SMTE to respond and increase efficiencies (Nodder 2003; Milne et al, 2004). Similarly, SMTE who are forming strategic alliances in order to increase their influence on a global market require the support that can be delivered by up-to-date ICT. As pointed out by Cooper (1998), accommodation is the fundamental element of the tourism product, not only is it the largest and most ubiquitous sub-sector within the tourism economy. The accommodation sector is the essential components for the tourism development, planning and economy within any destination and consists of different sub-sectors from which hotels can be considered as the significant one. It is on this premise that Medlik and Ingram (2000), contributed by saying that the primary function of a hotel is to accommodate those away from home and supply them with their basic needs but through the years the diversification in the provision of accommodation as tourism products, change in consumer demand, needs and expectations, globalisation and modernisation challenge has given rise to an increase level of ICT competition among accommodation service providers. The accommodation sector and the impact of technology have had great influence on the distribution of the accommodation products. The development of technology has seen accommodation providers reviewing their marketing strategy and delivering their product via an innovation distribution channel. The Global Distribution Channel (GDS) and Computer Reservation Channel (CRS) represent the strongest distribution system for hotels and international chains. According to Travel Mole (2001), the Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association has reported that hotels bookings made through Amadeus, Galileo, Sabre, Sahara and World span grew 11.4 percent in 2000, with 48,787,000 bookings. The evolution of the internet provide the opportunity for the online booking through a central reservation system as well as the implementation of online marketing strategy and interaction with customers such as the e-commerce. However, it shows that despite the impact of the environment, seasonality or technological, the accommodation industry will still continue to innovate and diversify and expand to cater the demand in tourism products. 1.5 Accommodation, and ICT a review ICT are increasingly recognised as a critical part of the strategic management of accommodation organisations irrespective of size (Buhalis, 2003 p51). Studies of the significant intra-firm impacts of new technologies have been paralleled by broader analyses of ICT ability to alter distribution network and global industry structures (Nodder et al, 2003). Internally there has been a focus on the impact of technologies in both front office and back office areas with an emphasis on point of sale (POS) technologies, in-room entertainment, back-office accounting, human resources management and supplier relationships (Anon 2002b; 2003b, Baker and Sussman 1999). Emphasis on the broader impacts of ICT has been placed on airline-based Global Distribution Systems (GDS) and Computer Reservation Systems (CRS), Property Management Systems (PMS) and Destination Management Systems (DMS) (Milne and Ateljevic 2001). The latter have been used by enterprises to enhance performance in the global distribution channels that dominate international tourist flows, and to create seamless integration between internal technology use and the outside world (Go and Pine 1995; Gray et al, 2000). In simple terms, tools that facilitate the transmission of information and a level of interactivity between tourism operator and consumer are indispensable to each stage of the tourism value chain, especially when considering distribution and the ability to enter new markets (Buhalis 2001a, b). There are a number of ways that Information and Communications Technologies can enhance the performance of an accommodation enterprise and assist in gaining competitive advantage (Baker et al, 1999; Baum and Odgers 2001; Buhalis 2001c, Milne and Pohlmann 1998). These include; allowing a quicker response time to market and immediate processing of enquiries; integrating different applications to allow seamless processing with reduced error; sharing of resources; increasing capacity of work flow and worker productivity; customization and/or standardisation of key product offerings; flexibility and the adaptability needed to keep pace with the fast moving market, and the ability to creating communities of online suppliers and clients (Murphy 2003; Mutch 1998; Sigala et al 2001). The relationship with the customer can therefore be enhance at the information gathering and pre-arrival stage, during the arrival, check-in and stay stage, and also in the departure and post-stay stage. The ability to mine data gathered from clients and to measure the performance of individual workers and departments also makes it easier to benchmark, compare and contrast performance across global boundaries while also creating localized improvements (Van Hoof 1996, 2003). The accommodation businesses has this concern of improving market share and increase profitability as a result of providing a unique experience to customers with the accommodation structure located within an ecologically fragile natural environment. So it is very important that accommodation businesses adopt an environmental management scheme by adopting water conservation concept by reducing water usage mainly in areas where there are water shortage, energy conservation, for example the Hong Kong Guide identify a way for saving energy with the use of a computer which controls energy and even rooms in a way that as soon as a room is vacated and doors shut the light will shut automatically. Technological innovation is also depicted as an improvement in a product or service performance in terms of quality, cost, speed or number or characteristic (Cohen Levinthal, 1990). The technological innovation within the tourist accommodations activity has to capture the particular and differential features of sector, characterized by the nature of the service. According to Gallouj and Winstein (1997) there are some aspects that characterize service and have a great influence on the definition of technological innovation. Those can be relevant to the accommodation sector in the following ways: First, there is a close interaction between production and consumption (coterminality) that makes difficult the typical product and process manufacturing distinction. The coterminality implies that the innovation activities will focus on service individualization, adapting the service provided to the customer requirements. Moreover, the coterminality leads to a higher degree of service heterogeneity the exchange object differs from one case to another. Only institutional changes, effectively implemented as a business strategy, must be regarded as technological innovations, and not those spontaneously generated and derived from human interaction. This characteristic fits on the hotel set of services provided to their customers. The second is the intangibility and growing information contents in the provision of services. The information and communication technologies play a critical role in the innovation activities of tourist accommodation businesses: to reach the potential customers with information that helps to get the deeper understanding of the service purchased; to reach the largest share of the demand; to obtain and process the information for a better business performance. The role of human resources as a key competitive factor. The importance of the human factor in service activities is associated with the capability to establish the quality and features of the service finally provided. Training and education activities are explicitly considered as one way to improve and upgrade the technological capabilities of service companies. Changes in the organization architecture can be linked to the introduction of new technologies, and should be included as technological innovation activities. These organizational issues are relevant in the accommodation industry to fulfil the services requirements. As Weiermair (2001) notes, Information and Communication Technologies play an integral role in enabling tourism operators of all types to act local and think global. Information and Communication Technologies have been claimed by many commentators to be the backbone of the tourism industry (Wong 2001; McCann 2001; Applebee et al, 2000; Connolly and Olsen 2001) and accommodation is no exception to this rule. ICT is seen as a vital, and often somewhat overlooked, element that shapes and underpins management of operations, human resources, sale and marketing and accounting and finance (figure.1) Indeed ICT is seen more and more as an enabler of competitive improvements for both small and larger enterprises alike (Anckar Walden 2001; Gretzel and Fesenmaier, 2000). The tourism industry includes a wide range of activities such as restaurants, entertainment, transportation and accommodation. A rigorous and reliable analysis of the technological change focuses on one of these activities that include a homogeneous set of companies with similar production functions inputs, outputs and available technology and market environment. The homogeneity of the available data and the relative importance within the industry, make advisable to choose the hospitality business as the field of the study. The lodging sector is an outstanding tourist activity since is a sine qua non in the provision of all the other tourism services, being the basic requirement of the tourist at the destination point. Figure 1: The integral role of ICT in the accommodation sector (Connolly and Olsen, 2001, 87) Connolly and Olsen, 2001, 87) Within New Zealand, like elsewhere around the world, the government and major telecommunications enterprises have a vital role to play in providing the connectivity and bandwidth to support ICT uptake and effective use in business (e.g. Ministry of Economic Development Project Probe initiative) and in which industry and business leaders to build capabilities (a key objectives of the eCommerce Action Team ECAT). As Nodder (2003) notes, however, these initiatives have often highlighted the needs of large businesses, sometimes overlooking the SME that are vital to sectors such as accommodation. 1.6 The New Zealand accommodation industry an overview The New Zealand accommodation industry is made up of a range of segments and is not an easy sector to define. The researcher begin this section with a short discussion of definitional issues revolving around accommodation type and size, then address issues related to the sectors overall size, economic value and geographical structure. Defining accommodation and size The key elements are defined below and are based on the descriptions provided by one of the nations leading providers of accommodation based information the Automobile Association (see www.aatravel.co.nz):  Ã‚ ¬ Hotels: includes both hotels and resorts Hotels of world class standard are found in major cities, leading provincial and resort areas. They have bar and restaurant facilities. Rooms have phone and TV, toilet, bath/shower facilities and usually have tea/coffee making facilities. Country hotels and pubs offer clean, pleasant rooms. Hotels and pub can refer to taverns without accommodation. Some sporting lodges and upmarket resorts offer exclusive hideaway location with top-class facilities.  Ã‚ ¬ Motels: includes motor inn, apartments and motels These are a popular form of accommodation for domestic travellers and family groups as most units offer self catering facilities. They also have phone. TV tea/coffee, bathrooms and toilet facilities; they have made up beds, bedding and parking. Breakfast can usually be ordered at an extra cost.  Ã‚ ¬ Hosted: includes private hotels, guesthouses, bed and breakfast, and holiday farm (farm stay) accommodation Guesthouses may sometimes be in restored older buildings, not all include breakfast. Private hotel means no liquor license. Home-stay and farm-stay normally means accommodation is available in the family house, though a separate annex or cottage may be included. Bathroom may be separate or shared. Guests may share home cooked meals with their hosts or fellow travellers, breakfast is usually included in the tariff, and other meals are sometimes available by prior arrangement.  Ã‚ ¬ Backpackers/Hostels Generally independently owned, with an emphasis on enabling travellers to mix and mingle. Most offer a mix of shared rooms (dormitories) and double/twin/single rooms. Prices can start as low as $15. The focus market for this group is often younger independent travellers.  Ã‚ ¬ Caravan parks/Camping grounds. Tent sites, caravan sites, campervan sites etc with central toilet facilities and recreational facilities (games, TV rooms), some also offer onsite cabins which offer beds and a roof but little more, some are more upmarket with ensuite facilities, TV etc. Industry Characteristics The New Zealand accommodation sector continues to grow although periods of International uncertainty and domestic overseas economic fluctuations have impacts on the industry from time to time. Although there are some sectoral fluctuations overall trends in occupancy rates have been rising during the past five years (Figure 2). The relatively robust nature of the industry is underlined by the fact that during this period the global tourism industry has faced some of its most challenging times with the spectre of terrorism and health related pandemics creating a major downswing in international arrivals for several developed and developing nations. Figure2: Five years trends in accommodation sector occupancy rates (Source: Statistics New Zealand, 2004) Performance in the past year has been steady with most segments of the industry showing little growth. The overall occupancy rate for February 2004, excluding Caravan parks/camping grounds, was 69 percent, the same rate as that recorded a year earlier (Table 3.1). Hotels and motels both recorded rates of 72 percent in February 2004, while backpackers/hostels recorded a rate of 63 percent. Four of the five accommodation types recorded increases in guest nights in February 2004 compared with February 2003. Total guest nights in short-term commercial accommodation were 3.2 million in February 2004, a 3% increase compared with February 2003 and 10% increase compared with February 2002. Motels (up 53,000 or 5 percent) recorded the largest absolute increase in guest nights, followed by backpackers/hostels (up 41,000 or 11 percent). Motels had the largest share of total guest nights in February 2004 with 33 percent, followed by hotels with 30 percent and caravan parks/camping grounds with 2 2 percent. 1.7 CONCLUSIONS This research has highlighted a number of key issues in the relationship between ICT adoption and accommodation use/demand in the New Zealand hotel sector. The main findings can be summarised as follows: In common with other parts of the world, the New Zealand accommodation sector is becoming increasingly reliant on ICT. Large hotels have already invested heavily and are now enhancing and fine-tuning their use of more mature technologies. For small operations the take-off in ICT use has occurred more recently. Future investment in ICT is unlikely to slow. The Internet and the use of on-line information by consumers and suppliers are playing a major role in influencing overall accommodation industry performance and organisation. The impact of on-line booking is being felt across all segments of the industry. As the Internet evolves into a single, powerful information highway supported by diverse technology applications, there will be many opportunities for more flexible and efficient sales processes, data-warehousing, customized service provision and labour monitoring. 1.8 RECOMMENDATION While ICT will continue to improve efficiency and reduce cost in the large accommodation sector its main role in the future is seen as the facilitation, provision, and monitoring of service quality and the blurring of divisions between departments and different properties. There is a clear sense that technologys major impact on job reduction has already occurred. There is a real need for workers to have a deeper understanding of not just the technology itself, but also of how the technology is embedded within overall business operations and performance. The task of the improving service and performance through ICT adoption in accommodation organizations is complex. The implementation of technology may very well assist in improving service quality but research shows quite clearly that technology and information alone do not confer competitive advantage. If managers want to convert ICT investments into real service quality and performance improvements they must understand its links to, and impacts on, workers, managers and suppliers. In simple term the work of managers is becoming more complex and they too increasingly require a deeper understanding of ICT as a business tool and its potential applications in the business setting. In recent years accommodation businesses have been influenced by substantial ICT change, both from within and outside the industry. The experience gained in recovering from adverse impacts, or from adapting to take advantage of new opportunities, has been hard won. Lessons learnt from such valuable experiences need to be shared to ensure the continued development of the industry. At the same time it is clear that the role of ICT in the industry will grow and evolve in the next few decades, bringing with it a range of new labour and training need. There is widespread consensus that formal training in the sector falls short of the evolving industry requirements for skilled workers. Hotel and tourism schools appear to be having problems keeping up with technological changes which require. In concluding the researcher is of the opinion that there is a need to better facilitate access to training programmes for operators, their staff, and cluster organisations. Improved feedback to industry on tourism demand and supply trends is required, and the establishment of formalised communication between tourist and tertiary providers is increasingly necessary. Recent initiatives highlighted in the Tourism Strategy will certainly help to overcome these issues. It will also be important to monitor the efforts made by groups like the CTC in Canada and Service Skills Victoria in Australia, as they establish new bodies that link the accommodation industry and training providers together to lead workforce development for the sector. Such bodies have the potential to assist industries, enterprises, and their workforce to integrate skills development with business goals. Based on the above role of ICT in the hotel industry, the impact of ICT on the accommodation sector can not be measured. Words count 4,286

Nonnative Invasive Plants - The Invasion of America by the Yellow Starthistle :: Horticulture Ecology Environment

Nonnative Invasive Plants - The Invasion of America by the Yellow Starthistle Introduction Our planet is made up of seven continents and seven oceans holding hundreds of thousands of environments and ecosystems, each with unique variations, compositions, and distinctions, and each carefully balanced in the functions of its different members. Over time, equilibria have been reached, as the organisms that populate areas stabilized, intermingled, and interacted with weather, soil, water availability, and other innumerable environmental factors. This is not to say that such environments are stagnant, for they are far from it. In order to remain healthy and profitable, however, change must happen slowly in an ecosystem, so that all members of the ecological community can adapt and survive. Radical change results in dangerous instability and threatens the livability of the system for the animals, plants, and even humans who depend upon it. As systems are vastly different and extremely delicate, species that are successful, profitable and enhance the livability in one area are sometimes entirely inapplicable and in fact dangerous in another. It is for this reason that we find ourselves confronted, in recent history, with a relatively new problem: nonnative species invasion. As human populations have begun to engage in widespread travel, exchanges, and modification attempts worldwide, they have also--both knowingly and unknowingly--introduced, transported, and intermingled species between ecosystems in a manner that is neither gradual nor delicate. Imbalances and frailties have ensued in the very ecosystems upon which we depend for our survival, health, and economic success. New animals, plants, bacteria, and organisms of all shapes and sizes and from every kingdom are being introduced to once stable environments on a regular basis through human carelessness and ignorance. Once introduced, they often negatively affect their newfound homes, taking over with unexpected force and threatening the native organisms. Many are well known, like Kudzu, an oriental plant initially introduced for erosion control, which now covers millions of acres in the Southern United States, or the tiny Zebra Mussel, originally found in Poland, which now blocks water supply and treatment systems nationwide. Invasive species are not a distant threat which will make their effects felt twenty or thirty years from now. They compose a current problem having major impacts on life and industry everywhere, and the magnitude of this problem continues to grow.

The Power of Machiavelli’s The Prince :: Machiavelli The Prince Essays

The Power of Machiavelli’s The Prince  Ã‚      Nowadays, it is politically impossible to commit to paper a â€Å"training guide† for leaders. There are innumerable detractors to any possible stance or strategy a leader might adopt. As a result of this, all â€Å"training† must take place behind closed doors, far from the prying eyes and ears of the news media or the public. But this has not always been the case. Niccolà ² Machiavelli was brave enough to give the leaders of his day a how-to guide. In this work, The Qualities of a Prince, we are given a point-by-point description of what a leader should do to effectively lead his country. Machiavelli explains that, because leadership is (obviously) a position of command, â€Å"[war] is the only profession which benefits one who commands. †Ã‚   (p. 33) He goes on to say that, in order to ensure peace, a leader must always be ready for war. He cites a multitude of past, present and even fictitious examples of military leaders who lead peaceful countries. He was writing, however, for the leaders of a heavily taxed, war torn area. His Italy was under constant attack from both French and Spanish soldiers, and at the same time under attack from the inside (the Medici family, Italy's current ruling family) by high taxes that funded the wars. His Qualities is considered by some to be the best manual for pulling a country out of a bad situation much like the one Italy was in. This work was not necessarily meant for a country that is already at peace. The ruthlessness of the leader described in Qualities would almost surely cause dissent among the people of the peaceful country.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Machiavelli chose many important points to bring up in his discussion on the necessity of military prowess. A leader must â€Å"†¦learn the nature of the terrain† (p. 36) that he is meant to protect. Machiavelli probably discusses this because the Medicis were not aware of the advantage that the French and Spanish were gaining by conquering the northern, mountainous regions of Italy. Militarily, higher ground is a much sought after advantage. The leaders of the land could in no way get to know land that was no longer their own, and so, could no longer see the advantages or disadvantages of the land. What they must now do, is gain all knowledge of the land left to them, so as not to loose it.

Food Recipe Essay -- Nutrition, Traditional Food

This chapter first enlightens definition of traditional food. Many researchers in previous studies define traditional food in many ways of thoughts. Generally, traditional food is connected with locality, whether from its ingredients, method, formulation or people who handle it. As well, some researchers address traditional food has a strong relationship with cultural and heritage of the place whereby it is produced. In addition, authenticity is an important element that contributes to the uniqueness of traditional food. As traditional food embraces culture and heritage instead of relating to authenticity hence it gives a lot of advantages to tourism industry within the country. Terengganu is chosen as a state within Malaysia, which represents the variety traditional foods that contain the elements of authenticity. Lastly, explanations about traditional food, authenticity, relationship between food and tourism along with Terengganu as an authentic food representative in Malaysia will be discussed a detail in this chapter. 2.2 Definition of Traditional Food Food is commonly acknowledged as something that contains nutritional values which beneficial to human health. On the other hand, Bassiere (1998) defined food as a component of physio-logical, psycho-sensorial, social, hygienic, and symbolic environment. The author symbolized food in different guises whereby as: (a) basis of fantasy and symbolic virtues (bread, wine and dark blood of the game); (b) communication (food sharing influence social link), class marker (champagne, wine, caviar or tripe); and (c) emblem of culinary heritage. In terms of traditional food, Iglesias et al. (2003) defined it as food which is fully elaborated from traditional ways of processing or ... ...s a strong relationship between local food and tourism as today culinary tourism has become wider and popular almost in all countries. Chen-Tsang and Jeou-Shyan (2011) commented food might be just a part of economy but marketing of food which collaborate restaurants, markets and products is the essential component of tourism. Similarly, Gustafsson et al. (2005) revealed that regional food culture is an advantage to the economy as it seems to spawn successful rural food businesses. Therefore, producers, marketers even government need to have a great effort to examine the existing culinary resources so that any potential benefits could be identified. Sound framework which taken in consideration pros and cons should be established to ensure tactical form and style of culinary tourism appropriates for certain place could be developed (Chen-Tsang and Jeou-Shyan, 2011).

IOS 7 vs. IOS 6

IOS 7 vs. IOS 6 When Apple announced it's new OS back in March, many people were very excited at a change to the old IOS 6. As beta testing for the OS began and bugs began to intoxicate the new OS many consumers were left wondering if the need to switch at the final release was the best move and if so, what were the advantages or changes to the new OS. IOS 7 has changed many of the features of IOS 6, but many of the core elements of IOS 6 are ever-present.The First and most noticeable difference in IOS 7 is its new color scheme and lock screen. IOS 6 had a round design and color scheme that was reminiscent of factory gears, and its lock screen was a simple picture with a slider at the bottom. But in the new OS, the color scheme is neon and bright colors, flat design in the sense that none of the home screen apps seem 3d, but also the lock screen is a full screen picture with the date, time, and also a slide to unlock slider.Those few improvements o the overall OS were nice, but the s lide to unlock from the original OS 6 was still there and so were the large digital clock at the top. Another difference is the addition of Control Center. Control Center is a slider at the bottom of the screen that you slide up to use specific features of IOS 7, that in the older OS 6 you would have had to go to the settings menu. The features of Control Center include a slider for brightness, Wi-Fi control, Bluetooth control, and also one of IOS 7's new features, Airdrop.Once again, the new features are great, even though many of the uses of them were in IOS 6. All in all IOS 7 is a step forward in features and still stays true to its predecessor. The new color scheme and lock screen got a complete overhaul, while keeping the same features and core elements of OS 6. Also the addition of Control Center now uses the toggles that could have been found in the settings menu of 10s 6. So once again, apple has made a step up in its Operating System while still staying true to its predece asing one.

Dannon Case Analysis Essay

In 2007 and 2008, Dannon, the #2 yogurt provider, was losing valuable market share to its top competitor Yoplait. Despite the growth opportunity in the domestic U.S. yogurt market, Dannon’s growth had surprisingly slowed. At the end of 2008 Yoplait was the U.S. yogurt market leader with 35.4% of the market dollar share while Dannon only held 28.9% of the market. Yoplait held a competitive advantage over Dannon that gave it a huge leg-up. Dannon lacked the external CSR that had come to build Yoplait a valuable and loyal brand following. Most notably was the â€Å"Save Lids to Save Lives† breast cancer awareness campaign that Yoplait put on every year since 1997. Dannon had their own CSR initiatives; however, they were internally communicated. This ended up hurting Dannon’s exposure and community relations in the market place. To be a formidable competitor for Yoplait, Dannon must eliminate Yoplait’s CSR competitive advantage while customizing its own CSR initiatives to generate new sales opportunities. The U.S. is not a large consumer for yogurt. Comparatively speaking, France and Switzerland consume over four times as much yogurt as the United States despite being sizably smaller. If Dannon uses external CSR to show consumers that eating Dannon yogurt is an important staple in a healthy diet, this can generate new sales opportunities for Dannon. Externally communicating these messages to the public allows Dannon to show-off the time and money they spent researching the health benefits of yogurt. Not only can Dannon eliminate Yoplait’s competitive advantage but it can also grow new revenue streams by educating people that yogurt is a valuable and essential part of a healthy and well-balanced diet. Problem Statement Despite heavy marketing efforts in a growing U.S. yogurt market, Dannon was stagnant as the #2 Yogurt producer in the domestic U.S. and was unable to take over Yoplait for the #1 spot in 2009. Dannon was not only unsuccessful in leap frogging Yoplait to become the #1 yogurt producer, they were also losing market share at the same time. Data Analysis  In 2008, Yoplait stood as #1 in the market place with a 35.4% market dollar compared to Dannon who held a 28.9% market share. 67% of Yoplait’s sales were comprised of the Light and Staples segments. This number is staggering considering that Dannon’s overall company mission is â€Å"bringing health through food to as many people as possible.† Dannon also has â€Å"The Dannon Institute† foundation, which was active in research and education on healthy eating and dieting. Despite the mission of the company and the research that Dannon conducted, Yoplait was far more successful because of the external communication of their CSR. Since 1997, Yoplait has run its â€Å"Save Lids to Save Lives† breast cancer awareness campaign. It is well-known by consumers and this external CSR has allowed Yoplait to build a strong and loyal brand. Even though Dannon has done their own CSR initiatives, they were communicated internally as most consumers were unaware of the Dannon Institute and what is done there. According to a survey done by the branding company Landor Associates, 77% of consumers think that companies should engage in social responsibility. If people are unaware that Dannon is being socially responsible then this could explain why they are not competing as much as they could be in the Light and Staples segments. Alternatives 1. Dannon could externally communicate their CSR to make consumers aware of the internal CSR they were already doing. 2. Dannon could increase their marketing and advertising budget in the Light and Staples segments to attempt to pry-away market share from Yoplait. 3. Dannon could run special taste testing promotions at retail outlets to get people to try and hopefully like their yogurt. 4. The company could advertise as the corporate company of Dannon rather than focus the advertising on the individual brands like it already does. Key Decision Criteria 1. Increase sales and market share 2. Increase customer satisfaction and corporate image 3. Be consistent with corporate mission or strategy 4. Improve (or at least maintain) profitability 5. Within our present resources or capabilities 6. Within acceptable risk parameters 7. Ease or speed of implantation 8. Minimize environmental impact 9. Maintain and build employee morale and pride Alternatives Analysis 1. Even though Dannon has been partaking in CSR for quite some time it has always been done internally rather than externally. Because of this, consumers are unaware of the Dannon Institute, which has been active in researching and educating about healthy eating. If Dannon communicated this to its audience it could enlighten people on the benefits of healthy eating and how yogurt could be a healthy staple to people’s diet. This could potentially cause more people to purchase yogurt and also cause current yogurt buyers to purchase more frequent. The negative to this is that these CSR efforts could be seen as a copy-cat to Yoplait. People may not believe the findings, as they could think these findings are just a sales pitch to get them to believe that they should buy yogurt. Also, there is no measurable ROI for this strategy. 2. Increasing their marketing budget for the light and staples segments could give Dannon a lot more exposure that potentially could take away the huge market share that Yoplait holds. With Activia already a huge success, the increase in marketing is two-fold. It aims to generate new buyers as well as aiming to get current customers (such as Activia buyers) to purchase their products in other segments. The negatives of this are the cost. Dannon would be spending more money without having any differentiation or competitive advantage over Yoplait that would cause customer’s to switch. 3. The advantages to taste testing are self-explanatory because the hardest part of getting someone to buy a product is the fact that they need to be willing to try it first. Giving people a free chance to try it can give them a gauge to see if they like it. It also gives current Yoplait buyers the chance to see if they may like Dannon’s taste better. The biggest con is the cost because Dannon is giving away free product. For the promotion to have any chance of success, yogurt would need to be given free to thousands of retail outlets across America which is a huge initial hit on profit. Another con is that yogurt is not a staple of the American diet so new; non-yogurt eaters may not even be willing to try it in the first place. 4. Currently, Dannon advertises by their individual brand. By advertising on the corporate level it could give credibility to the Dannon brand altogether. This credibility could give a competitive advantage through engagement with the community and customers. The biggest problem with this is that Yoplait had been doing this for years with their â€Å"Save Lids to Save Lives† campaign. This gave Yoplait a sizeable competitive advantage. Because something like this was already being done by Yoplait the effects of Dannon mimicking Yoplait would barely yield, if any, competitive advantage. Recommendations  Based on the facts presented, I think it is important for Dannon to externally communicate their CSR initiatives. Yoplait has had a sizeable competitive advantage with their â€Å"Save Lids to Save Lives† campagain which has given them a leg-up on Dannon since 1997. The reason for Dannon to externally communicate their CSR efforts is two-fold. To eliminate the competitive advantage Yoplait currently holds as well as educating consumers about the health benefits of yogurt to generate new and residual revenue for the company. In regards to Dannon’s CSR, they have some of the best kept secrets going. The problem with that is that they are currently secrets and customers don’t know about their internal CSR efforts regarding people, nutrition and health and nature. The Dannon Institute has been around since 1991, with the mission â€Å"to develop and disseminate scientific knowledge on diet and nutrition to benefit public health.† Had Dannon externally communicated this when they first launched the Dannon Institute they could have held the competitive advantage that Yoplait currently holds. It is crucial for Dannon to externally communicate the projects and research that they are currently doing so that it lessens from marketability and uniqueness of Yoplait’s CSR. In regards to potentially facing backlash for what appears to be copying Yoplait’s CSR efforts, this is not the case for Dannon because the two efforts are much different. Yoplait is simply donating and engaging customers to donate towards a worthy cause. Dannon, on the other hand, is actively engaging in research on healthy eating and the benefits of how yogurt can improve health and quality of life. Yoplait is not actively engaging in breast cancer research. While they are promoting a worthy cause, they are not doing so hands-on. Dannon is not simply donating money to â€Å"look good in the public eye,† but rather, they are spending time and money to investigate how their products promote a healthy life-style and how engaging children in a healthy lifestyle can help prevent diseases such as a diabetes and obesity. This is much different than what Yoplait is doing and may even lead to a slight competitive advantage in Dannon’s corner for their active engagement regarding healthy eating and the benefits for children who follow a healthy life-style. The biggest benefit of externally communicating Dannon’s CSR is generating new sales by educating consumers about the health benefits of yogurt. Yogurt is more of a staple in Europe, where France in Switzerland consumer over four times as much yogurt as the United States despite being much smaller in population. This is why there is excellent potential growth in the U.S. yogurt market. The big question is how does Dannon convince the U.S. population to buy more yogurt? The answer is educating them on the health benefits of yogurt and why it is an important staple of a healthy diet. The U.S. economy is a huge market for dietary supplements. In 2006, The Economic Impact Report, completed by Dobson | DaVanzo, a Washington D.C.-based economic research firm, quantified that the dietary supplement business was responsible for over $20 billion dollars in sales. This is over six times larger than the domestic U.S. yogurt market. People in the U.S. are very active consumers when it comes to buying products that will help them lose weight. Dannon can cash in on untapped potential by externally communicating the weight-loss benefits of adding yogurt to a healthy diet. People buy dietary supplements because they are advertised to aid in weight loss. By marketing and educating the public on the research that Dannon yogurt can also aid in weight loss may result in a spike of sales while also regaining the lost market share to Yoplait. Action and Implementation Plan Dannon’s Executive Committee is to meet immediately. Marc Jove Gesti, the Senior Vice President of Marketing will be responsible for drafting and crafting a commercial and press release about the Dannon Institute, its previous findings and their current projects. Ken Strick, the VP & General Counsel will be responsible for reviewing and revising any legal aspects. These include claims such as â€Å"Yogurt, when consumed with a healthy and balanced diet can help aid in weight loss.† This prevents anyone from suing the company who thought they could eat yogurt in combination with any other type of food and expect to still lose weight. Eric O’Toole, Vice President of Sales will work to explore new opportunities with health and supplement companies such as GNC. When the word gets publicized about how Yogurt plays a valuable part in weight-loss and dieting, Dannon can market and sell its product across stores where dietary supplements are sold. Lastly, Albe Wendt, Vic e President Research and Development will work on developing a high-protein yogurt that is crucial for post-workout recovery as well as helping people reach their recommended daily protein intake.

Informative Speech Caffeine Essay

Caffeine Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about the history of caffeine, how the body processes caffeine, and possible side effects of excessive caffeine consumption. Central Idea: Caffeine has been around for centuries and has been used for it energizing effects on the body . Introduction I. It’s the night before your chemistry exam and you decide to learn three weeks worth of material in one night. II. When 1:30 comes around and you can feel your eyes starting to get heavy, what do you grab to give you that extra energy to keep going? Is it coffee? Is it a Red Bull? III. Why do these types of drinks help us keep our eyes open long enough to get through that last chapter on combustion reactions? IV. The answer is caffeine. V. As college students, most of us consume caffeine every single day, so today I am going to share with you the history of caffeine, how the body processes caffeine, and possible side effects from excessive caffeine consumption. (Transition: Before I get into the many affects of caffeine on the body, lets go back in time to see where caffeine came from.) Body I. The appreciation of caffeinated beverages dates back tens of thousands of years. a. What is caffeine anyway? i. Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance that forms as an end product of nitrogen metabolism in plants. ii. It is found in more than 60 different plants species around the world, including coffee beans, tea leaves, and coco beans. b. The wild coffee bean plant originated in Ethiopia and according to Reginald Smith, author of the book A History of Coffee, cultivation of caffeine containing food and beverages from the coffee bean may have begun as early as AD575.† c. Centuries passed before coffee would reach Europe by the 17th century, but then spread uncontrollably to all parts of the world, including America. d. Coffee was brought to America in the mid 1600s. i. At this time, most Americans still preferred to drink tea, another caffeinated beverage, even though coffee houses were being built all over the country. ii. Coffee did not become America’s favorite beverage until the Boston Tea Party, when Americans revolted against Britain’s heavy tax on tea. (Transition: Now that you know where coffee came from, lets look at how the body processes it.) II. How does that morning cup of coffee wake you up and give you that added energy to get the day started? a. Well, caffeine is known to boost the effects of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, and serotonin. i. For example, dopamine is a neurotransmitter known to affect concentration. ii. Dopamine is also responsible for signaling your brain when it is time to go to bed, but when caffeine is introduced to the body, this signal is blocked. b. Caffeine also causes your body to release more adrenaline, which causes faster heart beat, more blood being pumped to muscles and organs in y our body, and adrenaline tells your liver to release sugar into the blood stream. c. When caffeine is in the blood stream, it encourages the release of more calcium ions, which in turn causes muscle to contract faster. d. The professor of nutrition at Tufts University, Susan Roberts, says that, â€Å"Research studies broadly document favorable changes such as increases in metabolic rate, increased fat oxidation, and a perception of increased physical and mental energy.† i. With all of these energy-boosting effects, it’s easy to see why we love caffeine so much. ii. Even though caffeine can make us feel invincible, consuming too much can have negative effects on our health. (Transition: Lets take a look at how much caffeine we should be consuming and what could happen if we consume too much.) III. Many people don’t know, but there are negative side effects of the overuse of caffeine. a. According to the article â€Å"Selected Health and Behavioral Effects Related to the Use of Caffeine† published in the Journal of Community Health, â€Å"Over 80% of adults consume caffeine daily in the form of coffee, tea, or soft drinks.† i. Since we consume caffeine daily, the amount we consume is important. ii. J.J Barone, author of â€Å"Caffeine Consumption†, which was published in the book Food and Chemical Toxicology, states that people should only consume 5 oz. of ground roast coffee, 5 oz. of tea, and 6 oz. of cola only a daily basis. iii. For a lot of people, this is not enough caffeine to feel the energizing  side effects, which leads to overconsumption. b. The many side effects of the overconsumption of caffeine include insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, dizziness, nausea, fast heartbeat, and muscle tremors. i. Caffeine interferes with your body’s internal signal that it is time for bed. So, caffeine causes sleep loss and decrease in quality of sleep, which in turn contributes most of the negative side effects. ii. These negative side effects can easily be stopped when the person returns to a normal routine. Conclusion I. Today we have learned where caffeine originated, how it affects the body, and side effects of overconsumption of caffeine. II. Next time you grab a cup of coffee, weather it be to wake up in the morning or so you can pull an all-nighter, thank the Ethiopians, I know I will. III. Thank you for listening.

Public speaking: A vital skill for teachers Essay

â€Å"I have a dream† a speech by Martin Luther King that united a nation and broke down racial barriers. Without Kings leadership and inspirational speech it may have taken an extra 10 years to bring equality to all races. Hitler’s many speeches were delivered with extreme passion and caused arguably one of the most horrific genocides of all time. Throughout history public speaking has united people and caused great change, both for the better and worse. Public speaking is important, in history and in life. It is a vital skill in many disciplines. However nowhere more prominent than education. Public speaking in education is how educators inspire, teach and engage students. Good public speaking skills can enhance confidence, communication skills, help demonstrate knowledge and improve public image.  Public speaking usually consists of three main components including preparation, visual aids and non- verbal communication. How well these three main components are demonstrated or used can be the difference between a great influential educator who can inspire and teach students and a class that will not pay attention and a teacher who cannot engage. Preparation is key in presenting a well thought out, impressive presentation. To an educator preparation is vital. Preparation usually consists of the following elements audience, research, rhetorical mix and rehearsal. Elisabeth Gareis in Guidelines for Public Speaking expresses the importance of tailoring to the audience. Gareis (2006) states that â€Å"at all times during the process of preparing and delivering a speech, we need to keep in mind that we are speaking to an audience and not just to ourselves† (pp.3). For an educator it is crucial to know the students and the curriculum so that the information and how the information is delivered is tailored to the specific class. The audience is key and public speaking is all about engaging the audienc e whether it be a class of grade ones, students in high school or even work colleagues. Regardless if the purpose is to persuade, argue or entertain without the audience’s attention the message is lost. To avoid the loss of the message and to keep the audience engaged it is vital to know the target audience. Know the students or colleagues ideals, the classes’ diversity, the beliefs and expectations (Nash, 2013). Knowing the audience can help incorporate what the audience expects and the purpose of the presentation or lesson to coincide together effectively. However knowing the audience or class is only half the battle as public speaking or teaching is pointless without something to say. Educators rely on credible sources to teach students about specific subjects. Research is the tool teachers most commonly use to find relevant, reliable, academic sources that support and explain the specific disciplines taught to the class. Research is important in creating a well thought out, well developed lesson in which can be tested by an academic criteria. Subsequen tly research is important in backing up the three most arguably important aspects to engage students. Logos, Ethos and Pathos make up the rhetorical mix developed by Aristotle. Aristotle argued that the presence of Logos, Ethos and Pathos is vital in creating a persuasive speech (Nash, 2013, pp 154-155). Logos: the appeal to logic, Ethos: the appeal to credibility and Pathos: the appeal to emotion (Eunson,  2012 as cited in Nash, 2013) are all equally important to address in a persuasive argument. Addressing all three aspects of a rhetorical mix is an effective way to create an engaging presentation that communicates its message in a way the audience or students can easily understand. Rehearsal is the final stage of preparation that brings all aspects of the presentation or lesson together (Scudder.V, 2009). Rehearsal is an effective way to make sure all details of a presentation are in order to function at the highest possible quality. Rehearsal is key to creating a professional learning environment for the students and a credible name for the Teacher. Subsequently rehearsal is also the best place to make sure all visual and audio aid aspects are in working order so a professional learning environment can be maintained and student’s attention do not weary (Scudder.V, 2009). Visual aids provide a further aspect to any presentation. Images, videos, handouts, posters and power points are all included as a form of visual aid. Visual aids can be used as a tool to engage students and complement content. However Visual aids especially illustrative aids such as power point images and video clips, should be used sparingly only to emphasis or explain the lessons content (Wright, J. 2009). Jane Wright explains in ‘The role of computer software in presenting information’ that delivering a presentation with both audio and visual stimuli can affect the amount of information retained by the audience. Thus for educators it is important to tailor to the lesson only using visual or audio aids necessary to communicate the required information. Consequently gestures and actions can be just as engaging as a picture therefore just as much emphasis should be placed on non-verbal communication as visual or audio aids. Non- verbal communication includes all form of communication aside from the content said aloud. Non- verbal communication suggests everything from what you wear to how you stand can communicate a message to your audience (Nash, 2013). To educators this is especially important as students pay attention to how a teacher looks and acts. Non-verbal communication is imperative for imparting knowledge to students and maintaining their attention. Stance, eye contact, gestures and paralinguistics can all communicate confidence, knowledge and enthusiasm. Students are more likely to listen to a teacher dressed professional, making eye contact, moving around the room and placing emphas is on key areas with gestures and volume than a slouched over,  monotone teacher who could not make the effort to iron their shirt. Non- verbal communication can be just as important if not more important than visual aids. As using honesty and enthusiasm as well as good communication skills to engage students is much more effective for educators to communicate the desired content (Wright, J. 2009) Public speaking is extremely important for an educator. Students Listen to Teachers who inspire them and who communicate their ideas, knowledge or lesson effectively. If a teacher cannot communicate with students then they cannot be a Teacher. Therefore it is vital for an educator to become familiar and to master the key areas of becoming a great influential, engaging public speaker. Preparation, Visual aids and Non-Verbal communication if used correctly are what can make any speech or lesson memorable. Consequently teachers need to be aware that public speaking is a day to day ritual and mastering it is what can change a teacher to an inspiring mentor who engages their students. Reference List Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. Nash, G. (2013). A guide to university assessment. QLD, Australia: John Wiley & Sons. Section 5 pp. 158-184. Scudder.V (2009). G Sound check: How to avoid presentation dangers. October, p. 10 Wright, J. (2009). The role of computer software in presenting information: presentation software is used frequently to disseminate ideas in visual forms that can be understood easily. Jane wright asks whether senior nurses should develop their skills in rhetoric instead. 16 (4), 30–34. Elisabeth Gareis Guidelines for public speaking, pp. 3-4