Gobi Fund Essay

Why is it difficult to establish a new fund? Why is track record so important in fund raising? The main concern is to convince the investors to invest their money in Gobi. Therefore, it is necessary to raise a rational-sized fund. To raise a new fund is not an easy thing to do as everything including the fund structure, team, approach, LP base, and amount of capital have to be defined appropriately. The general partners also need to contribute their own money in order to convince the investors to invest together with them. The track record is very important in fund raising because if Gobi has a good track record, more investors will be interested to invest in it. Q2. Prepare a SWOT analysis for Gobi Fund II proposal in the context of venture capital fundraising. Gobi operates in an area where there is a lot of pent up demand (IT and digital media). * Gobi can acts like a bridge for western LPs to invest in Chinese companies. It is difficult to raise a new fund and if Gobi do not really have a good track record, it will become harder to gain the investors trust in order to raise the new funds. May have the advantage in acquiring a higher return from investment in the IT and media market since they already invest in that industry during the early stage. Meaning that they already have the experiences in investing in IT industry, therefore, may not become a problem to earn a high return. What are the keys to raising the second fund and how large should it be? There is no definite answer in this question as they could be changing depends on the situations. The planning horizons may take between 7 to 10 years or maybe longer than that because of a lack of infrastructure and development in the industry. The fund size may be between $100 million to $200 million allowing around $2 million to $5 million for each company. The subsequent funds should be of similar size or larger as the industry grows. Gobi wants the first close at $75 million. The key is whether to include more financial LPs or not. Q4. From the perspective of a potential LP, what are your choices when funding international focused VC funds? Would you fund Gobi? Gobi has never exited from an investment before, and there is high level of risks involved in the development of early stage IT companies as well as huge risks that may impede company development and growth. However, Gobi operates in an area where there is a lot of pent up demand (IT and digital media) and Gobi can acts like a bridge for western LPs to invest in Chinese companies. It may be a good choice to invest in it if it offers a rational return considerate with the level of high risks involved.

River And Water Management Flood Control Environmental Sciences Essay

Floods are a major concern in many parts of the universe due to the many losingss experienced in clip of inundations. Therefore, flood direction techniques are really of import in countries that are prone to frequent implosion therapy. Flood direction techniques are constructions designed with the purpose of incorporating floodwater in order to command flood plains. The designing of inundation control techniques entails gauging the degrees of H2O that causes inundations and so mensurating the needed tallness that will make a on the job inundation defence. Flood defences are strong barriers that prevent H2O from deluging flood plains ( Woods & A ; Woods 2007, p.5 ) . Floods by and large occur when fluxing surface H2O spills over the keeping Bankss into dry land. Floods are a natural happening in about all river systems. Areas that are prone to deluging include those that are located downstream of dikes and low lying countries. Deluging causes huge losingss which include human and carnal life, dirt eroding, amendss of belongingss, devastation of flora and other environmental amendss. Besides, countries that are affected by inundations could besides be prone to drouths. This can even do farther loss of human and carnal lives. Flood Waterss are normally polluted with harmful bacteriums ensuing from sewerage. This means that people affected by the inundations are at greater hazards of acquiring morbific diseases ( Proverbs, et al. , 2011, p. 221 ) . However, inundations besides have positive impacts on ecosystems. One benefit from deluging includes more fresh H2O for domestic and irrigation use. Other benefits include big sedimentations of minerals and foods into affected countries. Apart from these, inundations besides help to better the status of H2O ecosystems. However, they can be considered to be the most detrimental compared to volcanic eruptions and temblors due to their frequences. Therefore, rigorous steps must be in topographic point to forestall the monolithic losingss occurred during inundations ( Gruntfest & A ; Handmer, 2001, p.12 ) . Methods used to command inundations Techniques that are applied in commanding inundations involve the version of the river environment and countries which are close to the river. Flood control techniques can be applied on the river channel, floodway or on the flood plain ( Ghosh, 1997, p.55 ) . Techniques applied in flood plains Floodplains are countries that prevarication below the inundation lift and wholly on the floodway and river channel. The bulk of techniques applied on flood plains lie far from the river but they are designed to cut down inundation harm. Levee/Floodwall around constructions This technique involves the building of a levee/floodwall about structures that are located in flood plains. Levees can either be lasting or impermanent. Construction of the levee normally requires the usage of strong, unreal or natural stuff that can digest force per unit area from the inundations ( Hyndman & A ; Hyndman, 2010, p.356 ) . The rule of utilizing levees and other barriers is to raise the tallness of constructions located in flood plains which floodwater must so mount in order cause implosion therapy. These constructions are at that place to offer protection to constructions. However, they put other constructions at a high hazard of deluging due to the so increased H2O keeping in the flood plains. Furthermore, serious harm to protected constructions can so happen when the levees are unable to keep back floodwater. This is because the force per unit area that the inundations hit the construction is highly high compared to when there is no barrier ( Green, 2004, p.36 ) . The usage of levees, butchs and floodwalls has a negative impact on the natural river procedures ( Harmancioglu, 1994, p.42 ) . Ideally, developed H2O spills should organize a natural channel which provides a manner for the inundations to flux. Therefore, levees would cut down the ability of the flood plains to treat floodwaters. The inability of the floodwaters to flux freely within the flood plains would interfere with fish in their aquatic home ground. The river would react by making other channels in order to let extra H2O to flux. The developed channels clear the backwater every bit good as cut down habitat complications ( Harmancioglu, 1994, p.43 ) . Off-stream detainment pool The chief purpose of making detainment pools in flood plains is to roll up the floodwaters once the river has reached its maximal capacity. Detention pools are constructed off from the floodway but must be within the flood plain catchment. When directing H2O into the detainment ponds it will hold an impact on cut downing the sum of H2O a river carries. This will hold a negative impact on natural river procedures due to the decrease of H2O fluxing downstream. Reduced sum of downstream flow could so do a decrease in sediment conveyance, which may take to the rise of the land degree of the channel and deposition of all right deposits. In add-on, leting H2O to flux into a detainment pool may do more H2O to flux into the pool than expected. This may take to an increased development of river channels ( Ali, 2002, p8.3 ) . Detention pools besides create new milieus for the genteelness and maturing of fish. However, the building of detainment channels must be done in a manner that creates a connexion between the pool and the mainstream so that the rivers natural environment can be maintained. Severe harm to the environment can happen when the detainment ponds break down taking to deluging in the flood plains. Techniques applied on floodway The floodway is made of river Bankss and the active channel. In general, the floodway forms the portion of land that is instantly following to the river. This piece of land allows flood Waterss to go through without raising the inundations depth upriver. One feature of floodways is the presence of little Bankss, either due to cuts made by old inundations or natural levees due to sedimentations from old floodwater ( Mambretti, 2011, p.66 ) . Reducing the bank incline This technique consists of cutting the riverside backwards to bring forth a gentler incline ( Masoudian, 2009, p.14 ) . It may affect replanting or resurfacing the bare bank utilizing stuffs afterwards. Reducing the bank incline will hold an impact on the increasing inundation transit at the channel degree due to the increased bank breadth. This normally happens because cut downing the bank incline increases the surface country of the bank channel, which so increases the volume of bank flow. However, if slope decrease is done through seting flora, it is likely that the bank stableness will be increased. This has an consequence of making a natural containment, which reduces the speed of H2O. A decrease in the speed of H2O so decreases the rates of dirt and bank eroding. Vegetation along river Bankss may besides pin down deposits within flows, which may so take to a buildup of Bankss, increasing the effectivity of Bankss in commanding inundations ( Masoudian, 2009, p.16 ) . The fact that cut downing the bank inclines so besides reduces eroding along the river Bankss has a negative impact on natural river processes. Without eroding on the river Bankss there will be a decreased sum of deposits, a decreased degree of wood dust and a decreased sum of channel migration. Therefore, the eroding happening of course along river Bankss is critical in keeping an active balance within river systems. Aquatic home grounds will besides be affected ; cut downing bank inclines has a negative impact of uncluttering countries where fish may hole up during the twenty-four hours in order to be safe from marauders. Juvenile fish normally hide in undercut river Bankss doing it an indispensable constituent of an aquatic home ground ( Masoudian, 2009, p.17 ) . Reinforcing riversides This technique involves adding supportive stuff to riverbanks in order to increase their stableness and in defying inundation flows. The most normally used support method involves seting natural flora as it acts as a stabilizer and increases the ability of riversides to command inundations. Planting flora on riversides can be done through hydro seeding, which involves assorted methods to add a mixture of H2O, fertiliser and seeds into riversides. The deep-rooted seeds will so turn and organize a huge web of root systems. The root system helps in keeping the dirt together, which so strengthens the riversides. The other method used to present works stuff on riversides is manus seting. In this technique, mature workss are inserted into riversides to go on with their growing ( Stokes, et al. , 2007, p.50 ) . Planting mature workss has the advantage of supplying immediate protection against inundations through flow decrease. The other method involves the usage of works mats, which are either natural or man-made stuffs implanted with works seeds and fertilisers. The mats are so spread on the riversides, and so the lacrimation procedure follows to let the seeds to shoot and back up the undermentioned growing. Apart from watering the works mats, continued instabilities in the river degree can assist in sprouting and back uping growing ( Beek, et al. , 2008, p.33 ) . The chief impact of presenting workss along river Bankss is the formation of strong riversides that can defy force per unit area from fluxing H2O. The other impact is the bar of enhanced channel migration. Floods that may happen along Bankss with sufficient works stuff may be less terrible compared to those happening in countries without works stabilizers. The usage of works stabilizers provides a durable solution to command of inundations. This technique besides offers an environmental friendly method of inundation control, which is easy to keep. Continued additions of flora along riversides additions channel raggedness and reduces the H2O speed. The usage of workss besides comes with the advantage of supplying nutrient for the aquatic life in the protected rivers. Fish may besides happen a natural home ground in the huge root system generated by workss ( Beek, et al. , 2008, p.34 ) . Gabions Gabions are constructed utilizing wire mesh baskets that are filled with rocks of two-six inches. Like workss, gabions are meant to beef up river Bankss, which boost ‘s the river Bankss ability to defy force per unit area from fluxing H2O. However, for gabions to be effectual workss should be added to them. Gabions besides deteriorate in clip, which means that replacings are required when they stop working decently. The usage of gabions reduces the natural eroding that occurs along riversides. This so reduces the sum of deposits delivered to downstream home grounds. In add-on, flows that are deflected by the gabions may make new river channels ( Mascarenhas, 2011, p.82 ) . Gabions besides lead to an addition in H2O speed, which has the disadvantage of cut downing the sum of backwater that is indispensable for the endurance of fish and other aquatic life. Well-designed gabions may function as a dependable beginning for engendering crushed rock every bit good as home grounds for aquatic life. Techniques applied along the river channel Sediment trap/mining This technique involves unearthing or dredging a depression on the river bottom. Construction of deposit traps requires the proper appraisal of deposit burden within a river in times of implosion therapy. Care of sediment traps require continued excavation of deposits after every serious inundation event. Sediment excavation reduces the sum of deposit sedimentations in the river channel, which in bend increases the channel volume every bit good as the inundation transit. Removing deposits could merely hold a short term impact of improved inundation transit because of the continued deposition of deposits downstream. Therefore, continued remotion of deposits is necessary to forestall incidences of implosion therapy ( Mascarenhas, 2011, p.105 ) . Removal of deposits within the river channel affects natural river processes. One consequence of deposit excavation is the alteration of the channel morphology. Any alterations in the channel morphology affect the manner the H2O flow and the river bed interact with each other. Removing deposits from the river channel changes the channel gradient. These alterations so have farther impacts on the gradient both upstream and downstream. An addition in the gradient in one location of the river may take to the formation of a â€Å" 5 point † or otherwise known as a â€Å" nick point † . This leads to increased eroding in the channel, which extends to a point where the gradient is stable or where there is bedrock resistant to eroding ( Raudkivi, 1993, p.35 ) . The remotion of deposits affects aquatic home grounds in several ways. When all right deposits are removed, there is a creative activity of a spawning home ground for a assortment of fish species. On the other manus, remotion of engendering crushed rock reduces the degree of engendering home grounds ( Raudkivi, 1993, p.41 ) . Flow realignment This technique of inundation control involves the excavation of new and deeper channels on the river bed but with a different place compared to the bing channels. When flow realignment is done to increase inundation transit, there is a decrease in frequence and badness of inundations. Flow realignment creates different constructions for the river flow. This interferes with natural river processes both upstream and downstream. The most important impact of flow realignment is evidently on aquatic home grounds. The usage of heavy equipment to do flow realignments creates perturbations on the river bed ; this alters bing aquatic home grounds. Therefore, use of flow realignment techniques needs thorough appraisal of possible impacts on the aquatic ecosystem ( Fleming, 2002, p.47 ) . Word Count: 2,108

Healthy eating in young people 13 to 19, Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Healthy eating in young people 13 to 19, - Essay Example Actually unhealthy eating patterns are associated with the leading causes of death due to coronary heart disease (CHD), cancer, stroke, and type-2 diabetes. Nutritional factors also are linked to osteoporosis, and are the major fundamental cause of bone fractures in postmenopausal women and elderly people. Various nutritional factors are included in correlation between nutrition and health. The main concern is that consumption of more saturated fat and less consumption of vegetables, fruits, and grain products that are high in vitamins and minerals, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, that are significant to good health (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2000). Healthy eating add to an overall sense of well-being, and is the basis in the prevention of various conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, cancer, and asthma. Particularly for children and young people, healthy eating is important for the prevention of the above degenerative diseases, healthy growth and cognitive development. Eating habits cultivated during this period are likely to be continued into adulthood, emphasize the importance of encouraging healthy eating practice. It is recommend consumption of at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, reduced intakes of saturated fat and salt and increased consumption of complex carbohydrates. However, the average consumption of fruit and vegetables in the UK is only about three portions a day. Recent studies show that an alarming numbers of obese and overweight children and young people are on the rise. To tackle the ‘epidemic’ of obesity an effective health promotion policy is essential (Shepherd, et al. 2005). The food with nutritional value is one of the key factors influencing health. If people eat healthily, they can stay away from many preventable diseases and can live long. Many countries have started to promote healthier eating, and are concerned about the fast-food

Public transportation affects on the economy in terms of employment, Essay

Public transportation affects on the economy in terms of employment, wages, and business income in the usa - Essay Example This paper discusses the effects of public transportation services on the economy in terms of employment, wages, and business income in the US. Public transportation generates numerous jobs in US. First, jobs are created through capital investments that take place in the sector, or to support the sector (Economic development Research, 2). This includes the purchase of vehicles and equipments, development of infrastructure, and other supporting facilities. An analysis conducted by Weisbrod and Reno (1) observed that per every billion dollars spent in investment activities in the US public transportation, approximately 24,000 jobs are supported annually. Public transportation operations are in addition significant sources of employment. These employment opportunities include management, operations, and maintenance of vehicles and facilities. The analysis conducted by Weisbrod and Reno (1) elaborate that for every billion dollars spent on public transportation operations in the US, around 41,000 jobs are supported annually. Moreover, the US public transportation sector helps to create jobs for individuals, or in industries inv olved in providing services such as repairs and car wash. On average, Weisbrod and Reno (1) observed that per every $ billion invested in public transportation sector in US, approximately 36,000 jobs are supported directly or indirectly annually. Investments in public transportation generate wages for employees working in the sector, in addition to individuals working in related sectors. An increase in investment in the sector results in an increase in public transportation spending, leading to employment of persons to fill the new created jobs (United States Department of Transportation, 2). This creates an opportunity for unemployed persons to earn income. The analysis conducted by Weisbrod and Reno (1) indicate that $1 billion investments in the public transportation sector in US results to $1.6 billion increase

Distributed Database Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Distributed Database - Essay Example Best customers are those who subscribe to 7day, 52week, EZPay {automatic payment from credit card} subscriptions. 2. Existance in the marketplace and we have touched them. By building "complete" universe of households with extended demographics, and by attaching "touch" or contact histories to individuals, can determine what is working on what types of customers (and what isn't working). We need to build touch history over time. Value increase as more history is accumulated. 3. We build a loyalty model based on a subscriber's payment history. Loyalty can be defined as overall duration as subscriber, number of consecutive payments (with unbroken service), etc. We can then create a profile of a "loyal" subscriber and more effectively identify likely churners vs. likely loyal subscribers. This is a very important step in the data warehousing project, as the foundation of the data warehousing system is the data model. A good data model will allow the data warehousing system to grow easily, as well as allowing for good performance. In data warehousing project, the logical data model is built based on user requirements, and then it is translated into the physical data model. This project uses Dimensional modeling, which is the name of the logical design technique often used for data warehouses. It is different from entity-relationship modeling.Entity relationship modeling is a logical design technique that seeks to eliminate data redundancy while Dimensional modeling seeks to present data in a standard framework that is intuitive and allows for high-performance access. Every dimensional model is composed of one table with a multi part key, called the fact table, and a set of smaller tables called dimensional tables. Each dimension table has a single part primary key that corresponds exactly to one of the components of the multi part key in the fact table. This characteristic star like structure is often called a star join. A fact table, because it has a multi part key made up of two or more foreign keys always expresses a many-to-many relationship. The

Could a seniority Based Pay be used as a Motivation Device (MBA Essay

Could a seniority Based Pay be used as a Motivation Device (MBA DISSERTATION) - Essay Example The purpose of the present research was to establish if the seniority based plan can act as a motivational device. Towards this, a qualitative research was conducted where the managers and the employees were asked to give their opinion about Favourable/unfavourable aspect of the plan, and also to make suggestions to improve it. The responses indicated that employees at Federal Foods Ltd appeared to be approving of the concept of seniority based pay, but were concerned about problems with its implementation. Employees at Federal Foods Ltd appreciated the opportunity to be judged on merit, the money offered by the plan, and the incentive to of raise through seniority; but they were concerned with the quality of the goals that were set and with a lack of fairness or a perception of favouritism in the allocation of rewards. The offered suggestion included an appeal to inculcate fairness in the implementation of the plan, to make relevant goals contingent upon the pay and to involve worke rs in the entire process. The participant observation that was carried out by the researchers revealed that the supervisors who acted as their conduit to the senior managers motivated the workers. Other factors that can be attributed to motivating the employees include, realistic and fair budgets, and the encouragement to exercise self-evaluation. It was also observed that among those hired-with-tenure, Federal Foods Ltd employees with 3 to 15 years of seniority earned approximately 8 to 10 percent more than new hires with tenure; and Federal Foods Ltd employees with 16 or more years of seniority earn over 15 percent more than those with 2 or fewer years of seniority. Among Federal Foods Ltd employees who have exhibited a willingness and ability to change employers there are positive returns to seniority. It was also found that the rising returns to seniority among Federal Food Ltd employees are consistent across gender and across departments. The in depth

Contract Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 7

Contract Law - Essay Example This essay talks about the case of Raffia Khan, an interior designer has a number of contractual issues for which she needs your advice. Her business has been suffering as a result of the credit crunch so she is trying to make, and save as much money as possible.Raffia submitted her unmarked envelope with her tender of  £3000 by the time and date specified. After the closing date, she heard that Fix It Up Ltd was awarded the job at a price of  £4000. A year ago Raffia lent  £1000 to her friend Angelo. Last month, she asked for this money back, he told her that he could not afford the full amount but instead asked if she would accept  £700 in full satisfaction of the debt. Raffia agreed to this and took the payment. However, she would now like the further  £300 owed.It is necessary to consider whether the Bradford Institute for Learning has any duty to accept her tender. This will involve considering whether the advert in the paper amounts to an invitation to treat or should be regarded as an offer to give the work to the lowest bidder. It will also be necessary to consider whether the Institute has an obligation to accept the lowest quote because of the advert in the paper. It will be necessary to consider the law in relation to the part payment of a debt, to determine whether Raffia would be stopped from reclaiming the full amount as she had accepted the part payment in full satisfaction of the debt. It should be possible to advise Raffia with regard to any potential claim she might have.

The Financial Crisis and Its Impact on China Research Paper

The Financial Crisis and Its Impact on China - Research Paper Example Chinese economy has never depended upon the risky Western financial measures. They rather treasure their deposits. In spite of this secured state, Chinese economy suffered fluctuations The global financial crisis has started shaking the Chinese economy as the ripple effect from American economy has worsened the already falling Chinese markets. Worldwide demand for their exports has been reduced. This resulted in the stopping of domestic industrial production. Factories have been closed and the employees lay off that led to unemployment and protests. Towards the end of 2008 they announced a $586 billion stimulus package targeted towards bettering growth and domestic consumption in ten different sectors of Chinese society. Infrastructure investment, disaster reconstruction, environmental safety measures are some of the sectors that have been touched. The package is expected to help iron and steel sectors, cement producers and certain other industries through the investment put on infra structure. The new step also improved growth by taking off loan quotas on lenders and raising credit for different projects that support rural areas and small scale businesses. Government has recognized the sectors where they really felt decline and announced packages that can bring up the economy. They have made reduction in interest rates and devoted funds for infrastructure construction. Steps have also been taken to improve real estate sales. China has also announced heavy rebates on taxes put on exporters. In the third quarter of the year 2008 the growth rate was just nine percent. This is the slowest rate the nation has witnessed in the last five years. China has also faced a consecutive fall in housing prices. Other industrial sectors like textiles, information technology and electricity production have also encountered decline. China is not heavily affected by the financial crisis like other countries because of its closed financial system. They are however affected by the f inancial crisis in innumerable ways. Other countries that have been fallen because of crisis urge China to extend a financial help hand by raising its own exports. A small slowdown in the financial growth rate of China is expected to bring big results. Certain economics have warned that China will encounter a serious recession even if its growth rate falls slightly below six percent. Chinese should keep at least nine percent growth rate to maintain its growing labor force and take farmers to the urban sectors. The international financial crisis has wounded different aspects of Chinese economy even though the actual impact is not completely visible in the year on year comparison. The most visible impact of the crisis is the loss seen in export-oriented light industry in China. Thousands of companies have fallen; thousands of workers have lost their jobs. According to the official reports more than ten million migrant workers have lost their jobs and returned to their native provinces . Industries in China have been highly affected because of the economic crisis. It has severely affected the equipment manufacturing industry. Chinese government had to introduce equipment manufacturing adjustment and boosting plan for countering the fall. Priority is given to the equipment manufacturing sector. This sector has been upgraded and supported by government. Independent innovation has been encouraged; this

Chinese martial arts Essay Example for Free

Chinese martial arts Essay Shamis: Way to Shaolin is a traditional dance performed by the Kung Fu Monks of Shaolin. Dance exists in many forms and can fulfil different functions: ritual, social or artistic. This particular dance fits into the ritual and artistic function. When performed and practised, ritual dance serves a strong function in sustaining the life of people through the culture and its procedures. Artistic dance is performed to be looked at and to entertain onlookers. The work itself can also be a means of expressing ones thoughts and feelings (Snook. B, 2004, p47-49). This essay will prove that the ritual function is most predominant in Shamis: Way to Shaolin. The ancient collection of Chinese martial arts referred to as Shaolin Kung Fu was created by a Buddhist Monk called Bodhidharma or Tamo who attempted to teach the monks of Shaolin the discipline of Zen meditation. They were not physically capable for the rigorous regime so he then continued to create a series of exercises to build up their health and increase their stamina (History of Shaolin Kung Fu, N/D, para 2). The exercises were both physiological and physical; the â€Å"goal being to control the body through the power of the mind† (The History of the Shaolin Monastery, 2008, para 1). The martial arts were developed out of necessity as the monks had to defend the monastery from thieves who tried to rob them of their treasures (History of Shaolin Kung Fu, N/D, para 3). Today, Shaolin Kung Fu is still practised and used for self-defence, health, fitness, character development, spiritual cultivation and life enrichment (Aims and Objectives of Practising Kung Fu, ND, para 3, 4 and 6). The ritual function is clearly the most predominant function in the performance of Shamis: Way to Shaolin, because of the great history and meaning of Shaolin Kung Fu to the Buddhist monks and the way it is performed. The dance components in Shamis: Way to Shaolin clearly fulfil the ritual function of dance due to the culture and beliefs represented. The dancers are all male Chinese Buddhist monks and they are wearing traditional outfits. The orange robes are dated back centuries and were originally chosen because of the dye available at the time. They are meant to symbolize simplicity and detachment of materialism (Exotissimo, 2010, para 1). The dancers are respecting themselves and others as they all bow together at the beginning of the performance and stand in a meditation position on one leg before dancing. The thin, wooden poles used in the performance of Shamis: Way to Shaolin are martial art weapons used for defence. The monks are representing themselves as warriors protecting their beloved monastery which is part of their history. This is realised as the stage is representing the outside of their monastery with large doors opening outside to steps which lead downwards and have 2 Chinese statues guarding them. The movements of the Shaolin monks are also very sharp and aggressive. They shout HA! loudly together on particularly strong movements as a warning signal and to show it is their territory and monastery. This is a characteristic of ritual dance as the performance is portraying a function. The dancers engage themselves entirely on the performance using immense concentration and focus. Repetition, a characteristic of ritual dance, is used as the monks repeatedly twirl their poles and bang them on the ground. The ritual function is most predominant as the Buddhist monks are dancing for themselves for enlightenment as well as for their culture and beliefs. There are also dance components that fulfil the artistic function of dance within Shamis: Way to Shaolin. It is choreographed and performed onstage for an audience. The dance begins with a loud gong and then fast-paced, traditional music is played which is whistling and chiming. The music is played to assist the audience in understanding and enjoying the performance. The monks mostly all dance together in sync at the same time, the majority of the time in a 3 straight lined formation facing the audience. This is an artistic element because the dancers have practised their routine so that it would be appealing to watch. A smoke machine is used when the male dancers enter onto the stage and go down the steps which provide levels within the performance. Levels are again used during the dance because they are regularly leaping, crouching and jumping. At the end most of them go to either side and sit while watching 2 monks fight dance with poles in the middle. These components are all used for the benefit of the audience and the overall effectiveness of the dance. Therefore the dance is also clearly fulfilling the artistic function. The ritual and artistic functions are seamlessly combined in this dance. The artistic function includes music, formations, cannons and levels. The ritual function is more complex representing their culture and beliefs with the dancers being Buddhist monks, wearing traditional outfits, doing meditation and Martial Arts/Kung-Fu etc. Together the two functions create an unforgettable production with the ritual being the most predominant. Bibliography Exotissimo Blog (December 21, 2010) [online] Why do Buddhist monks wear orange robes and shave their heads? http://www. exotissimo. com/blog/buddhist-monk/ (13/03/2013) DVD Shamis: Way to Shaolin. 2001. (Live show video recording) South Australia, IMS Entertaining SA. Schaffhausen Book Snook. B, (2004) Dance Count Me In, McGraw Hill PTY LTD (p47-49) Shaolin Kung Fu History (date unknown) [online] ChinatownConnection. com http://www. chinatownconnection. com/shaolin-kung-fu-history. htm (date accessed 2/03/2013) The Aims and Objectives of Practising Kung Fu (date unknown) [online] General Kung Fu Aims http://www. shaolin. org/general/kungfu-aims. html (date accessed 2/03/2013) The Mystical power of Shaolin Kung Fu (2008) [online] The History of the Shaolin Monastery http://www. shaolinmonksinmalta. com/ (date accessed 2/03/2013).

Issue Of Importance To You Essay Example for Free

Issue Of Importance To You Essay Scientists say that we live on one of the youngest planets in our solar system. Yet, just like any person who has been abusing his body regularly over a period of time, our planet has aged immensely over the past decades. Everyday, I open the newspaper and read about various environmental abuses, turning on the television shows me the effects of global warming on the planet. Global warming, La Nina, El Nino, no matter what we call the weather phenomenon the truth is that the earth we live on is sick. Gravely ill and asking for help to find a cure for what ails it. Afflicted with various illnesses for which there does not be a cure in sight, the real question is, can we collectively find a cure for all that ails our planet before it is too late? Sometimes, I look out my window and worry about what the next reaction of the planet will be to the constant abuse. Will my children still have a planet to call home when they grow up? Will there still be resources available to them in the future that will help them survive the constantly changing weather patterns? I feel like the past generations and the present have taken so many liberties that the earth has come to the point of no return, it may be too late to turn things around and preserve what is left for the future generations. Strange illnesses for which there does not seem to be a cure seem to be plaguing us. Perhaps, that is the after effect of all the poisons that permeate our air. God only knows that nobody ever intended for all of this to happen as we strive to improve our lives. It may not be too late to save the planet. The question remains though as to how much mankind is willing to change in order to preserve what is here and to help restore the natural balance that was intentionally disturbed by us. The planet is crying out for help. It is our job as a collective to make sure that we help it find a cure and save its life. After all, if this planet dies, so do we, for this is the only place we can call home.

International Accounting Standards (IAS) 37 Requirements

International Accounting Standards (IAS) 37 Requirements Introduction Since IAS 37 is published, companies obeying by international standards can solve the difficulty of how to recognize and measure provision, contingent liability and contingent asset. It provides an explicit direction for companies to disclose incurred transactions associated with liabilities. However, probable or possible such words are involved many times in this standard which can allow options and creative accounting for companies on whether to recognize it as a provision on the balance sheet or a contingent liability under the notes. This will further mislead investors decisions. Thus in this essay, we will re-evaluate it and give an in-depth understanding of it. This report will first give some background of IAS37, and what the major requirements of this standard are and why those requirements are important. Furthermore, the report will critically evaluate the IAS37 from aspects of 1) options allowed; 2) applicability of this standard internationally; 3) opportunities for creative accounting; 4) the weaknesses of this standard; 5) how this standard can be improved. 2. Background of IAS 37 The International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC) issued IAS37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets in September 1998. It replaced parts of IAS10 Contingencies (IAS37 BV2008) and became operative for annual financial statements covering periods beginning on or after 1 July 1999 (IAS37, BV2008). Before the announcement of IAS37, different countries use various ways to verify their provisions, which bring the problem of inconsistency. Some enterprises confirm their provisions, depending on whether to undertake current obligation or not. While some other enterprises are according to managers willingness of proceeding future payments to confirm their preparations. Therefore, the results are: Different types of business enterprises have different classification of provisions, so it creates inconsistency. This jeopardizes comparability of different enterprises financial statements. It provides the opportunity for certain enterprises to manipulate their profits. For example, the cost should be recognized in the period but may be moved to other period to confirm; the cost should be confirmed in future but may be moved to the current period. Therefore, to achieve the balance of profits in each period is one of purposes of this regulation. Some enterprises include some liabilities that do not meet the conditions of the requirements into their balance sheet. This apparently damages the current financial situation of the company. The objective of this standard is to ensure that appropriate recognition criteria and measurement bases are applied to provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets and that sufficient information is disclosed in the notes to enable users to understand their nature, timing and amount (International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), 2009). The key principle of IAS37 is that a provision should be recognized only when a liability exists. Planned future expenditures are not recognized as provisions or contingencies, even if the board of directors has authorized them. 3. IAS 37 Major requirements An entity should recognize a provision as a liability based on the following three criteria met simultaneously: (a) there is a present obligation or more likely than not that a present obligation exists at the end of the balance sheet date as a result of an obligating event; (b) it is probable (i.e. more likely than not; i.e. 50%95%) that an outflow of the economic benefit of the entity will exist; (c) the amount of the outflow can be estimated reliably (IAS37 BV2008). If the first criterion is met but it is possible (i.e.5%-50%) NOT probable that an outflow of economic benefit of the entity exists and the amount of the outflow cannot be measured reliably OR if possible obligation exists and the outflow of the economic benefit of the entity is not remote (i.e. 0%-5%), then contingent liability will arise. In respect of contingent liability an entity should disclose it instead of recognizing unless the possibility of the outflow of the economic benefit of the entity is remote (IAS37 BV2008). As regards a contingent asset, it should be just disclosed as well as contingent liability, unless the amount of the inflow of the contingent asset is virtually certain (i.e.95%-100%). When the inflow of the contingent asset is virtually certain, then it is appropriate to be recognized as an asset on the balance sheet (IAS37 BV2008). When recognizing a provision, the amount of the outflow of the economic benefit of the entity should be based on the best estimate, i.e. this amount should be the same as the entity needs to pay to settle the obligation in due course (IAS37 BV2008). When measuring a provision, things such as, risks and uncertainties, discounted provisions (if time value of money is material), changes in the law or other cases which can affect provisions, should be taken into account but do not take into account gains from the expected disposal of assets (IAS37 BV2008). When reimbursement happens, an entity recognizes it if it is virtually certain and the amount recognized should not be more than the amount of the provision. The reimbursement should be recognized as a separate asset in the balance sheet. If the reimbursement and the expense relating to a provision are sustained in the same reporting period, then the expenses disclosed in the comprehensive P L can be netted off by the amount recognized as a reimbursement (IAS37 BV2008). The provision should be reviewed annually and adjusted according to latest best estimates. Changes in the provision can only be used for its original intention (IAS37 BV2008). Provisions-three specific applications mentioned by this standard, namely: future operating losses, onerous contracts, restructurings. With regard to future operating losses no recognition should be made as a provision. In terms of onerous contracts, the unavoidable cost in excess of the benefit which can be received by the entity should be recognized as a provision. In related to restructurings, restructuring costs should be recognized when the criteria for provisions are met (IAS37 BV2008). 4. The importance of IAS37 requirements According to Deloitte, IAS37 aims to ensure that recognition of provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets are made by using the best methods and measurements, to ensure that users of financial statements receive adequate and appropriate information for investment decision-making processes. In addition, IAS37 aims to ensure that it only deals with the real obligation in the financial statements and future expenditure, even if excluded from recognition by the responsible board. The importance of taking the criteria into account, when the entity recognises the provision, is to prevent any unnecessary provision from being recognised in order to enhance the entitys value in subsequent periods in unsubstantiated ways, leading to provision of unreliable information to financial statement users (ACCA, 2009). The importance of the liability and asset disclosure requirements could be viewed as returning to the Conservatism Principle in accounting which advises on ignoring profits not yet achieved, taking all expected losses into account and not registering potential gains until they occur. In other words this requirement prevents an entity from providing unrealised profits and subsequent information that might mislead users. IAS37 provides guidelines regarding best estimates of provisions associated with its objectives, aiming to provide an appropriate way of measurement in order to represent sufficient and appropriate information. The standard requires the entity to take into account estimating process risks, uncertainties and other elements in order to achieve the best estimate for the provision. Following this requirement can prevent unrealistic values being reported in the entitys financial statement. The requirements for solving the problem of reimbursement and illustrating the three specific applications are equally comprehensive, so that accountants know how to resolve them. Otherwise, it is likely that each entity might adopt its own method of troubleshooting which differs from others when facing such cases in reality, resulting in a lack of comparability among entities. In these instances investors may be misled when making investment decisions. In summary the importance of IAS37 is that it is i ntended to reduce the possibility of deliberate misstatement of an entitys provisions, contingent assets and liabilities. 5. Critical Evaluation of IAS 37 5.1 Options allowed In the measurement of IAS 37, there are several ways to measure provisions in order to make best estimate. Owing to these different ways, companies could control the amount of their provisions. All the information about provisions, such as amount and timing, are realized and disclosed by the companies. So a company could make the number of provision larger on the balance sheet when it is making a profit during the period. In addition, a company could calculate the number of provision smaller to make sure their balance sheets still look good when it is losing money during the year. This is an option that companies can change a number from their balance sheets showing different operating conditions and improve financial performance. In this way, decisions of investors could be misled, because investors of a company will not be possible to discover a present obligation or the estimation of the amount of the payment, companies could use this potential option to hide their real operating condition and make creditors and shareholder believe the companies are performing well. In the second place, contingent liabilities are disclosed in the financial statement, especially in the notes, while provisions are disclosed in balance sheet as provisions are recognized as liabilities. It is absolutely sure that balance sheet will be paid more attention by reports users than notes. In order to make balance sheet attractive, the company will prefer to disclose adverse cases as contingent liabilities in the note on which the information appears less transparent. This action may affect investors decisions. And this kind of action may not be discerned because in general, both provisions and contingent liabilities are uncertain in timing or amount. This is another option under IAS 37 that companies could use to produce an advantageous financial report for them. 5.2 Applicability of IAS37 Internationally Companies from more than 100 countries have been required or permitted to use IFRS since 2001. Meanwhile, remaining countries, such as Japan, have established timelines for harmonization with IFRS. (IASB, 2010)However, IAS 37 may face some difficulties when being applied world widely. Owing to the different cultural attitudes, companies may not voluntarily disclose information about contingent liabilities and contingent assets in notes of their financial reports in some countries whose residents are secretive, such as Switzerland and Japan. On the contrary, Companies from transparent countries will disclose more detail information about their operation. Additionally, some countries have more requirements about provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets than IAS 37 does. Because their accounting profession, as well as accounting standards, is well developed. For example, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of America has special requirements about companies who use IAS37 instead of GAAP. First, more information about recognized provisions need to be disclosed with further details about the nature, types and amounts being reported. Additionally, other provisions should be labelled and explained. Second, provisions recorded for estimated product returns, when recognizing revenues, are required to be given in more detail regarding the amount and location, and whether they are properly disclosed. SEC also considers the exact amount of this kind of provision that should be included; the amount when the financial period began and ended, followed by the amount made and used during the period. Third, it is strongly recomme nded that all information about estimated provisions and liabilities should be disclosed clearly. Fines and losses owing to currency allocation and pricing about forward sales, disclosure about these provisions and contingent liabilities is necessary (Deloitte, 2009b). In these countries where the accounting profession is fully developed, companies maybe prefer to use their own accounting standards. The application of IAS 37 could be easier in counties where accounting profession is less developed, such as Russia and Japan. 5.3 Opportunities for creative accounting The essential rule of accounting is to be true; however creative accounting can occur and may be caused by human error, lack of professional ethics, squalid motives and so on. Simply put, the aim of creative accounting is to artificially state profits. Methods of creative accounting can be considered in four aspects: 1. Options give companies opportunities to make creative accounting. Provisions should be reflected in balance sheet but contingent liabilities only be disclosed in the notes. People focus more on balance sheet than the notes. Therefore, accounts may prefer to disclose some contingent liabilities rather than recognise the provisions. 2. Many accounting items need estimation and anticipation. Especially in IAS37, the items are full of uncertainty and arbitrariness. Although IAS37 makes rules for measurement, overrating or underrating still happens. As we mentioned before, the options allowed companies to control the amount of provisions. For instance, when a company wants to calculate the prospective pension liability, they will employ an actuary who should be familiar with the inside background and control the valuation on the basis of the financial performance. 3. A common method of creative accounting is artificial transactions which can be reflected in the balance sheet. This case needs assistance from other entities, for example, supposing entity A pretends to claim indemnity from entity B, so they can form contingent assets and recognise them as assets. 4. Creative accounting also plays tricks on real transactions, for example, suppose an entity has a contingent liability ofà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ¡50,000, the accountant may disclose this item in the next year to guarantee the financial situation in that year (Amat et al. 1999). 5.4 Weaknesses of IAS37 There are no prevalent problems existing in IAS37, however, it still has limitations which were discussed at the April 2009 IASB meeting. Inconsistency with other standards, especially the probability of recognition criteria; Liabilities are recognized only if it is probable that there is an outflow of economic benefits according to IAS37 (IAS37 BV2008, p.5) .Contrarily, other standards, such as IFRS 3 Business Combinations, have no requirement to use probability recognition criteria for contingent liabilities when an entity is in a business combination (Deloitte, 2009d). This inconsistency is potentially confusing. The unclarity on explain identification of liabilities. The term contingent liability is used to describe varies things. Specifically, it is puzzling to use one term to represent both possible obligations and unrecognised present obligations in the practical examples (Broad, 2006, p.14). Since the existence of the present obligation is the fundamental feature of a liability, it is misleading to describe a possible obligation as liability even with a adjective contingent .And it is contradictory to use contingent liability to represent a present obligation. However removing it from the standard may hide some potentially significant risks, such as litigation, illegal acts, and environmental laws. These items do not satisfy the definition of liabilities because they are uncertain on the balance sheet date but they are useful for decision making. IAS37 is ambiguous when measuring a single obligation. It is universally interpreted that the most likely outcome may be the best estimate of the liability when measuring a single obligation, (IAS37 BV2008, p. 17).This is contrary to the current settlement notion which states that expected value should be the base when entities measure all liabilities, which may mislead. Basically, the estimation technique of expected value has more merits since it obtains information about the range of possible cash flows and reflects new information about a liability as that information becomes available (Broad, 2006, p.19). The term provisions is useless and there is an existing risk if eliminated. At present, the standard defines a provision as a liability of uncertain timing or amount (IAS37 VB2008, p.10) therefore it is another form of liability. However, the difference between a provision, other liabilities and the new analysis of contingent liabilities is vague. The standard does not offer adequate explanation on how to distinguish them, for example, the uncertainty about timing or amount relates to cash flows .So it is difficult to recognize a liability for a product warranty. In other words, there is a choice between a provision and a contingent liability. 5.5 IMPROVEMENTS In order to improve the standard IAS37, several suggestions can be made: Eliminate the probability of recognition criteria. Eliminate the label contingent liability, and update the guidance in order to help entities to identify liabilities. Attention should be paid to potential liabilities in various scenarios in which a transaction embodies the nature of a liability. The IASB panel should publicise and add new applications to the IAS liability standards to help entities apply it to special cases. Clarify that entities should establish basic measurements of all liabilities based on expected value, not on most likely outcome Eliminate the terminology provision and replace it with another phrase such as non-financial liability which is important to make a clear distinction between liabilities. A clear disclosure need to be established 6. Conclusion ISA37 improves accounting standards as there were no specific regulations or provisions previously (Houillon, 1999). Therefore, the key principle for ISA 37 is the recognition of provisions. It requires that a provision should be recognized when the following conditions are met simultaneously: there is a present obligation or a present obligation exists at the end of the balance sheet date as a result of an obligating event, there is a probable outflow of the economic benefit and the outflow can be estimated reliably. Within these stipulations, IAS37 ensures recognition is made using appropriate measurements and provides valuable information for users of financial statements. Most countries in the world now apply IAS 37 but it may still face some difficulties when being applied globally. IAS37 gives companies options to choose whether recognise provisions or disclose contingent liabilities. Furthermore, some items in IAS37 need estimation and anticipation and provide opportunities fo r creative accounting, for these reasons, IAS37 is not perfect. The inconsistency with other standards and vapoury explanations of liabilities and constructive obligations provide the basis for some suggestions to improve ISA37. The probability of recognition criteria may be eliminated. Meanwhile, we probably need to pay some attention to potential liabilities and update the guidance in order to help entities to identify liabilities.

Literacy Narrative Essay -- Personal Narrative Literacy Education

Throughout my childhood, the idea of having a college education was greatly stressed. As a result, it was my duty as the next generational child, to excel in my studies and achieve a life of prosperity and success. Learning became the basic foundation of my growth. Therefore, my youth was overtaken by many hours spent reading and writing what was known to be correct "Standard" English. I first found this to be a great shortcoming, but as I grew older, I began to realize the many rewards acquired by having the ability to be literate. During adolescence, I began reading and writing through a fundamental learning program called, "Hooked on Phonics." This program consisted of long hours spent reading short novels and writing elementary phrases which were commonly taught in the second and third grade. With the motto, "Improve your child's reading and writing skills in just four weeks!" I was bound to become the next Mark Twain. The method of this course specialized in the improvements of word acquisition rates as well as reading speed; however, it lacked in the area of teaching comprehension. At a young age, I was instilled with the dire need to be highly educated and although I was unable to experience a fun and adventurous childhood like many other children, I am grateful for being raised with a greater knowledge and wisdom than that ingrained in many. From my past experiences, I have grown to prefer reading over writing. When I am reading, I can visualize the text in any way that I see fit. It is almost as if I am rewriting the novel using the illusions that I feel express the words in a passage. For example, in the current independent novel I am reading, it portrays a woman of high stature who is able to lure ... ... that sort of reaction to the reading. Lastly, I can read at my own pace. I have no obligation to read speedily in order to seem as though I have no complications with the words in the text. In my opinion, people should be given the right to speak and read in any language that they wish. Although, it may benefit them to be knowledgeable in the speech that is being taught and spoken in the common country, everyone has their own cultural background and each has the right to be literate in the way that they desire. They were given the right to freedom of speech through the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights and therefore, have the right to speak in their own native language. Literacy plays a major role in the lives of humans today. It gives us the power to read, speak and write and is therefore a valuable asset to society and the development of its economy.

Light and Dark in Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad Essay -- Joseph C

     Ã‚   In the book, Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, all the characters are pulled into a well of black despair. Conrad uses the darkness of the situation contrasted to the light of society to show man’s dependence on western morals, and how when these morals are challenged by the darkness, the light crumbles under its newly weakened foundation. The contrast between light and dark is most stark in the themes of setting, the changes in Europeans as they drive farther into the Congo, and the white man’s collapse under the ultimate darkness of the Innermost Congo. The setting of Heart of Darkness is a very critical part of the book, and Conrad goes to extreme lengths to highlight the evil radiating from the region in which he sets his book. First, the tale is told in a frame story pattern, Marlow is relating his experience to friends in a setting different from that of the primary tale. But the setting where Marlow tells his tale is a foreshadow of what is to come. Marlow presents his story on a boat in the dark of night, creating a sense of evil surrounding the story. The darkness is so deep where Marlow rests during the telling of his tale, that he cannot see his friends, and instead tells the story to the darkness itself. Once the narrative begins, Conrad quickly places his character in another situation which only foretells of the place to which he is going. Within a Belgian office, Marlow examines a map of the area into which he is traveling, he describes it, "...on one end a large shining map, marked with all the colours of a rainbow. There was a vast amount of red-good to see at any time, because one knows that some real work is done in there, a deuce of a lot of blue, a little green, smears of orange, and, on the... ...s us human, but we must always understand that it is only a mask, and not the truth, because one day everyone will be faced with the darkness of the true nature of our world, and we will stare into the heart of the darkness, and it will break us, as it did to Kurtz, or enlighten us, as it did to Marlow.       Works Cited and Consulted Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness. New Jersey: The Ecco Press, 1992. Guerard, Albert J. Conrad the Novelist. Cambridge, MA.: Harvard U. Press, 1958. Guerard, Albert J. "Heart of Darkness". TCLC. 13:114. Karl, Fredrick R. "Heart of Darkness". TCLC. 6:121. Kimbrough, Robert, ed. Heart of Darkness: An Authoritative Text, Backgrounds and Sources, Criticism. By Joseph Conrad. 3rd ed. Norton Critical Edition. New York: Norton, 1988.   Meyers, Jeffrey.   Joseph Conrad.   New York:   Charles Scribner's Sons, 1991.

Arthur Miller and the American Dream

As Voltaire once said, â€Å"Each player must accept the cards life deals him or her: but once they are in hand, he or she alone must decide how to play the cards in order to win the game. † Similarly, my grandfather compares people to decks of cards. He believes that for each person, different cards are missing from the deck, accordingly giving each person different abilities. In this example, fate is literally in the cards. Though an unsuccessful salesman, Willy Loman’s infallible belief in his dream shows that he never considered the salesman card was â€Å"missing† from his deck.The notion of the American dream falls back on the blind optimism and faith of Americans. In Death of a Salesman, by Arthur Miller, Willy Loman futilely chases the American dream, which is an unattainable, impossible fantasy to Miller, used to show the blind faith in Americans, and depicted as a character flaw rather than attribute in the protagonists of the play. To begin, the tone o f the novel set by Arthur Miller is a critical and cynical attitude towards the idea of the American dream.A widely accepted definition of the American dream is the perception that through hard work, one can achieve a life of personal and material happiness. Moreover, the representation of the American dream in the play is at odds with the general belief that hard work generates success. Willy tells his sons, â€Å"Be liked and you will never want† (33). If this were actually the case, his hard work combined with being well-liked would have been the recipe for personal and materialistic happiness.Though Willy Loman is constantly working, his obsession with the superficial qualities of being liked contrasts with the more tenacious and rewarding understanding of the American dream. Miller shows us just how unbelieving he is in the American dream when he wrote the plot of Death of a Salesman, in which the protagonists chase unattainable desires. Through Miller’s critical take on the American dream, he is trying to portray that Americans are blindly faithful and optimistic; Miller openly criticized such a principle. Happy says on page 23, â€Å"You’re a poet, you know that Biff?You’re a—you’re an idealist! † Making Biff an idealistic, underachieving son of a daydreaming failure adds to the irony of the American dream in the play. Another example of the author’s perspective was the way in which Miller suggests that the idea of the American dream hinders people from enjoying the success they have already achieved, in Willy’s case, having a loving family. The Lomans were optimistic during situations where it was unwarranted; their expectant approach to failure and disappointment is more proof of Arthur Miller’s disapproval of the American Dream.Because Arthur Miller believed the American Dream was chased in vain, he portrayed it as a character flaw rather than an attribute in the protagonists in th e play. Willy Loman, the protagonist (as well as his own antagonist), brought himself to his own demise when he could not discern his own life from his Dream. Miller’s antagonistic approach towards the various get-rich-quick dreams Biff, Happy, and Willy entertained also shined through at the impossibility of their execution. His hostility towards facets of the American mentality comes through in the self-destruction of Willy because of his all-consuming dream.For the same reason, Biff’s longing for the symbolically free West showed that Willy instilled his blind faith and materialistic desires in his son’s dream as well. Biff asked Happy with enthusiasm, â€Å"Listen why don’t you come out West with me? † (23). Although intending to come to terms with his own life, Biff’s longing for the West is glorified by his father’s undying faith in his own Dream. Biff and Willy Loman’s dependency on their fantasies show another, more neg ative, aspect to having dreams.Death of a Salesman is one of the foundational texts describing the American dream. Arthur Miller wrote the play in the mindset of an adversary to the American dream. Death of a Salesman displays Miller’s disapproval for the American dream and blind optimism, and displays chasing a dream as a weakness rather than a strength. In the play, Arthur Miller shows us that although it is important to teach of success, it is equally important to prepare for failure. In a game of cards, you can have all the strategy in the world, but fate is in the draw.

Cyp Core 3.4: Support Children & Young People’s Health & Safety.

Understand how to plan & provide environments & services that support children & young people’s health & safety. 1. 1Describe the factors to take into account when planning healthy & safe indoor & outdoor environments & services. There are a number of important principles to think about when you are planning for healthy and safe environments or activities with children. Most of these are common sense but you need to remember that everyone is an individual and may have different needs.There are several points to take into consideration when planning safety:  · Every child is an individual – with different needs depending on their age and abilities. You must think about this when planning activities.  ·Some children have specific needs such as sensory impairments.  ·The different needs of families and careers must be considered.  ·Always be clear about why you are using the environment in question, the activities a child encounters and what sorts of services are o ffered.  ·The duty of care of a setting to children, parents and careers is a legal obligation.You should always have the child’s safety and welfare in the front of your mind when planning.  ·The desired outcomes for the children are the starting point. Most activities with children should have clear aims and objectives that are based around the required outcomes linked to their age.  ·Lines of responsibility and accountability are down to everyone that is employed in a setting, responsibility for the health and safety of children and staff are down to all employers and there should be clear reporting responsibilities.When I plan I ensure that the location/setting of what I plan to do with the Children is the right environment for the activity. I ensure that I account for all possibilities. If I were using bikes or scooters I would check that the bikes or scooters were in good working condition and safe. I would ensure the equipment (bikes or scooters) are used in the p roper manner and with all the safety accessories (helmets/elbow & knee pads) with plenty of space, so it would be impractical to use them indoors due to the lack of space, they would be used outdoors.I would check that all the entrances and exits to the outdoor area are secure (closed/locked) I would ensure that I had the correct staff ratio to support with the activity. I would ensure that the planned outdoor space for the activity was safe, that there were no rubbish, or plant threats, that there was no dog or cat mess around and that the ground was suitable for riding bikes or scooters. In my risk assessment’s I make sure that I take into account that Children and Young people are individuals, each with different needs.A varied environment supports Children and Young people’s learning and development, it gives them confidence to explore and learn in safe and secure yet challenging indoors or outdoor space. Risk assessments are carried out to ensure the safety of the activity and for all taking part in the activity. Risk assessments should be carried out for all activities and regular checks should be carried out around the setting daily. 1. Explain how health & safety is monitored & maintained & how people in the work setting are made aware of risks & hazards & encouraged to work safely. Health and safety is monitored and maintained in a verity of ways within the setting. Under the Health and safety at work act 1974 all employees have a responsibility for the health and safety of everyone else. There is a poster displayed in the setting outlining responsibilities, we have a Healthy and Safety policy, which is shared with all staff and available to parents, outlining the main areas and objectives.These objectives are implemented into the everyday running of the setting – all staff are aware of health and safety and are constantly assessing the area that they are working in or the activity they are carrying out, there are also other polic ies in place covering – food and drink, arrival and departure, non collection of children, changing if accidents happen, outings, administrating medicines, missing children, safeguarding and fire procedure. These policies give a clear outline to what procedures are in place and how they are followed.They also work alongside the EYFS framework, which considers all aspects of children’s welfare including safeguarding, suitable persons, suitable premises and equipment. Staff training is kept up to date. Risk assessments are carried out regularly including a daily check of the environment, which is being used; a full risk assessment of tools, equipment and the environment is carried out each term, and if there are any issues that need addressing they are looked at and rectified.It may be possible for some issues to be rectified there and then, such as a broken toy, which needs to be thrown away, or a cleaning material, which has been left out. Other issues may need an acti on plan which sets out what needs to be rectified, how long this may take and by whom it should be carried out. The action plans are then reviewed within a manageable time frame to ensure the action has been completed. A risk assessment is only valid at the time it is carried out. It is important to monitor risks identified and to change anything that needs updating.The setting manager is ultimately responsible for health and safety and any risks identified are directed to her, she would then decide the best process to rectify them. Regular staff meetings are held where any issues can be raised. Children, parents, staff and visitors are made aware of any issues concerning health and safety to help minimise any risks and to ensure children are able to thrive in a healthy environment. With all members of staff being aware of the policies and procedures in place we are working together to create a safe, happy secure environment for the children. 1. Identify sources of current guidance for planning healthy & safe environments & services. There are a number of agencies that you could refer to for guidance for planning healthy & safe environments & services:  ·Health & safety executive – is the national independent watchdog for work-related health, safety and illness. They are an independent regulator and act in the public interest to reduce work-related death and serious injury across Great Britain’s workplaces  ·Child accident prevention trust – they are committed to reducing the number of children and young people killed, disabled or seriously injured in accidents. Department for schools & families – is committed to creating a world-class state education system. They will work to improve the opportunities and experiences available to children and the education workforce by focusing on the following priorities: Giving greater autonomy to schools Improving parental choice Offering more support for the poorest Whole system improvement Great quality provision for children EYFS – sets standards and frameworks to follow to ensure the safety of children & young people  ·The government web-site – (directgov) is a great source of information and guidance  ·Workplace policies & procedures – health safety in work place, risk assessment, care-plans, healthy choices food, adhere to codes of practice promote a caring safe environment, meet the child's needs and requirements, keep confidentiality, communicate with multi agencies, record all accurate information and everything documented, safeguarding policies, pass on information to relevant people, promote well-being, keep updated on training to develop your skills and improve your knowledge, raise any concerns to relevant people . 4Explain how current health & safety legislation, policies & procedures are implemented in own work setting or service. The most important legislation in the UK is the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation S tage. Since 2008 this sits alongside health and safety legislation and covers every aspect of the welfare of children which includes – †¢ Safeguarding †¢ Suitable people †¢ Suitable premises and equipment †¢ Organisation †¢ Documentation Health & Safety is very important. The Health & Safety Act is up on the wall for all of us to refer to if needed. My manager ensures that we all are trained and up to date with any new policies.We have fire drills (Fire Safety Order 2005), so all staff and children know what to do and where to assemble. We carry out Fire risk assessments each term. We are all trained or in the process of training in first aid, (the First Aid at Work Regulations 1981) and have adequate, appropriate equipment and facilities for providing first aid in our setting. We know how to record any first aid incidents or accidents and a bump note is always sent home with the child, when it’s a member of staff who is hurt for example I cut my finger, so I had to fill in an accident form detailing how and what first aid I was given and sign it. We ensure the setting provides a clean and safe environment for the staff and the children to work in.If any staff member is required to clean any spillages or clean any bodily fluids up we know where the products are kept and how to dispose of it safely and also what protective clothing to wear. All cleaning products and chemicals are kept in a locked cupboard. Children are taught to wash hands before eating and after using the toilet and also to throw away any tissues and wash their hands. If any child is ill which may spread to others their parents are informed and asked to collect the child as soon as possible and they are asked to keep the child off school for the appropriate length of time required so as to prevent it spreading to others. We are all responsible for good house keeping; new employees are informed of all relevant health and safety information as part of the i nduction process.All equipment has the correct safety markings in place, and electrical equipment is PAT tested yearly. The setting manager is responsible for the purchasing and maintenance of equipment and materials ensuring that it all complies with current health and safety standards. Risk assessments are carried out and reviewed on a regular basis (the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999). Educational visits and journeys are all risk assessed. We also refer to and follow the legal framework:  ·Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)  ·Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992  ·Electricity at Work Regulations 1989  ·Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) (2002)  ·Food Hygiene 2006  ·The Care standards Act Childcare Act 2006 – this sets out the statutory framework for assessment of settings, including health and safety in EYFS in force from Sept 2008  ·Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amen ded)  ·Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992  ·EYFS framework  ·Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995  ·Smoking Ban – UK wide in indoor public places from 1st July 2007 (EYFS includes a legal requirement to ensure children are always in a smoke-free environment)  ·Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts)(Amendment) Regulations 2006 2Be able to recognise & manage risks to health, safety & security in a work setting or off site visits Assessed in the real work environment 2. 1/2. 2/2. 3 2. 4Explain how health & safety risk assessments are monitored & reviewedAny setting or activity carries a level of risk, by identifying and reducing risks in advance, the children in our care can make full use of the setting or activity to maximise the value and enjoyment. There are several different risks that you need to consider- †¢ Physical risks †¢ Security risks †¢ Fire risks †¢ Food safety r isks †¢ Emotional risks †¢ Personal safety risks Effective management of risk should become automatic as we become more experienced. For every activity we plan, we think about the hazards, the likelihood of the hazard occurring and the control measures. If I see a hazard in my day-to-day work, I deal with it straight away; it can be as simple as mopping up spilt water or moving toys of the floor.Risk assessment forms are used to assess hazards and identify control measures for all activities and outings. We carry out daily risk assessments throughout the setting and outside the setting. Our manager is responsible for the risk assessments that are carried out yearly (electrical/fire equipment/building) and for reviewing the risk assessments once or twice a term. A good risk assessment is only valid at the time it is carried out. Although the setting, outing or activity may be one you have used many times, one very important factor will change: The children taking part. Effe ctive risk assessments must take account of each child taking part and the number of children.Once we have started the activity that we have risk assessed it is important that we monitor the risks we identified and if anything changes we should review and change the risk assessment immediately. 3Understand how to support children & young people to assess & manage risk for themselves. 3. 1Explain why it is important to take a balanced approach to risk management We consider Managing Risks in Play Provision to be an important document that will contribute to the debate on the provision of children's play. It articulates the balance between the benefit and the need for children to play against the duty of play providers to provide safe play.We must not lose sight of the important developmental role of play for children in the pursuit of the unachievable goal of absolute safety. It makes clear that the safety must be considered at all stages of play provision but that, inevitably, there will be risk of injury when children play, as there is risk of injury in life generally. The important message is though that there must be freedom from unacceptable risk of life-threatening or permanently disabling injury in play. † Any activity a child does involves some risk. If the activity is well planned and organised with thought given to possible risks the likelihood of an accident or injury should be minimal. The secret is to balance the risks of an activity against the benefit to and safety of the child.Risk and challenge are important to a child’s development. Avoiding all risks and challenges would result in a very timid adult lacking in many everyday skills and abilities. It would be very easy to respond to all the risks to which children are exposed by not allowing them to explore or experiment. Children need to explore their environment, it is one of the ways in which they learn, but it needs to be a â€Å"safe† environment where adults control th e risk. Children need some freedom in order to develop their skills. Understanding the stage of development a child is at and their individual needs can help to provide the right amount of risk in activities. 3. Explain the dilemma between the rights & choices of children & young people & health & safety requirements. 3. 3Give example from own practice of supporting children or young people to assess & manage risk. Children learn by trying out new experiences and making choices. But they do not always have the skills and judgement to make safe choices. We as careers have the responsibility to identify potential hazards in any situation and to judge when it is safe to allow a child to undertake an activity or make a choice. Some children need this freedom to explore risk more than others. In a well-controlled setting the child can be encouraged to explore and try out new skills.At the start of the year our reception children were encouraged to explore the outdoor play activity. A few of the children were too scared to try and go round the activity, we supported them by holding their hand and walking around the activity with them, after a few times we would walk round with them but not hold their hand, instead we would praise them (wow look how far you have come; nearly there well done). Within a few weeks they were all able to go round the activity on their own. Some of the older children are allowed to climb the trees at the setting, if one of the younger children wanted to climb a tree and I felt that it was not suitable for their age and stage of development, I would suggest a different activity for them to do.Understanding the stage of development a child is at and their individual needs can help us to provide the right amount of risk in activities, for example children under the age of 8 cannot safely judge the speed or distance of a car on the road, so a child under the age of 8 should never be allowed to cross the road alone. Children are usually very go od at deciding what is safe or not. Using large play equipment is a good example of how children assess and manage risk. Without adult or another child’s interference most children will not stretch themselves beyond their capabilities. 4. Understand appropriate responses to accidents, incidents emergencies & illness in work setting & off site visits. 4. 1Explain the policies & procedures of the setting or service in response to accidents, incidents, emergencies & illness. 4. 2Identify the correct procedures for recording & reporting accidents, incidents, injuries, signs of illness & other emergenciesDuring our induction we go through the procedures to ensure that if an accident, incident, emergency or illness occurs we will know what to do and are able to carry out the required actions calmly and confidently. They are keep in a file that is easily accessible for careers to look at if requested, and so that we may refer to them if needed. Accident/First Aid: We have a qualifie d first aider in the setting or on an outing at any one time. It is our settings policy that all staff has a valid first aid qualification, so training in first aid is offered to all staff members. If a child has an accident at the setting and requires first aid then the relevant qualified person will use the settings first aid kit, which is easily accessible and regularly checked.When an accident occurs we fill out or accident book which details; where, when, how and what treatment was administered. The parents/carer is then informed and asked to sign it at the end of the session. If the injury is more severe and requires further medical attention then the parent/carer is contacted and informed or following signed consent on the settings registration form the child can be taken to the nearest Accident and Emergency unit. We have a duty to inform Ofsted and the Health and Safety Executive of any injury that requires treatment by a medical professional or in the event of the death. O ur manager reviews the accident book at the end of each term. This allows us to identify any potential or actual hazards. Medication:Before any medication can be given parents/carer have to complete and sign a consent form. The form states the child’s name; the name of the medication; the dose & frequency; how the medication should be given (before food/with food). All medication is stored appropriately in the kitchen out of the reach of the children in the setting. For the safety of the staff and children, all medication that is given to children is witnessed and checked by another member of staff. Incidents: When an incident occurs at the setting we record it in our Incident book, which is kept in the filing cabinet. An incident could be a break in or theft, vandalism, dangerous occurrence, injury or fatality.In the incident book we record the date and time of the incident, nature of the event, who was affected, what was done about it – or if it was reported to the p olice, and if so a crime number. Any follow up, or insurance claim made, should also be recorded. We comply with current HSE Regulations and report to the Health and Safety executive. Emergencies: These procedures state what to do in the event of a fire and/or evacuation. Our manager is responsible for the procedures ensuring they are up-to-date and in place. We carry out regular fire drills so that the children and staff know what to expect and also to identify any issues with our procedure. The dates and time taken to carry out fire drills are recorded. Sickness and illness:The settings policy for the exclusion of sick or infectious children is given to parents/carer in the settings information pack; these include the period of time we require a child to stay home following a bout of sickness or diarrhoea or other infectious illness such a chicken pox. When infectious illness is discovered, such as head lice, letters are given out to notify parents. If a child, following consultat ion with a qualified medical professional has an infectious disease, which is on the notifiable diseases list, then Ofsted are informed. If a child becomes ill whilst at the setting the parent/carer are called, if they are not available we have a list of authorised emergency contacts in the child’s file we can call to collect the child, until such time the child is cared for in an appropriate area of the setting.If a child becomes unwell and is a cause for serious concern then an ambulance would be called. We have procedures and specific cleaning kit for use on spilled bodily fluids. Recognising illness difficulty breathing – high temperature/fever – blueness around the lips – cold extremities – pale or clammy skin – floppy, unresponsive or unconscious Situations to be familiar with: Bites and stings – bleeding – burns and scalds – choking – electric shock – extreme effects of heat and cold – eye inj uries – poisoning – suspected fractures – meningitis – anaphylactic shock – febrile convulsions (www. nhs. co. uk) foreign bodies – caring for the unconscious person.All children have an emergency contact number in their files, it may not be the child’s parents, because of work commitments may make it difficult for them to be contacted, it may be the grandparents or auntie that is the emergency contact instead. The manager or key worker will get in touch with the emergency contact as soon as possible and inform the relevant person of the incident, and where the child has been taken if the accident was serious. The key worker or someone the child knows well will go to the hospital with them until there parents or other careers arrive, this will help reassure the child and be a point of contact when the parents arrive.

8 1/2 Federico Fellini

8 ? Federico Fellini Film 8 ? by Italian director Federico Fellini was one of the most influential film of the post-war 1960? s. Nevertheless, this film is an Italian comedy which was based on Guido Anselmi a famous Italian film director. Guido Anselmi has a mental block when it comes to his film, (â€Å"director‘s block†) and struggles with his flash backs, dreams, and reality. Guido desperately tries to find an inspiration to help him finish his film. However, with the wife, mistress, and friend’s pressure it becomes much harder for Guido to focus on his film production.This film was shot in black and white and yet of the depletion of technology and the un-discovery of color, Fellini still as a filmmaking director portrays the amusing and perplexing shots and scenes from the film in an engrossing way. Federico Fellini who directed the film gave the audience a new perspective of filmmaking and techniques. Fellini used several film techniques, but these two techni ques stood out. Mise-en-scene and camerawork which both helped make this film one of the best of its time.On the other hand, Fellini was also one of the many film directors who used reflexivity, which means he created awareness of itself as a process as well as a process. This gave the film and audience an impression of what and how Federico Fellini works on his films. The audience can in a way get into Fellini’s mind and try to understand what it is that he is thinking or struggling with. Federico Fellini made 8 ? in a non-chronological way, which means that the film has no shot order. Guido’s dreams and reality intertwined throughout the entire film.This throws the audience off track but Guido’s on and off dream, memory and reality shot’s in the end come to making sense. Fellini used mise-en-scene for 8 ?. Mise-en-scene is a French term which means â€Å"what is put into the scene/frame†. Fellini knows the importance of lighting, background, and location. This is what makes the audience more aware and also helps understand what is happening throughout the film. For example, in one of the scenes, Fellini shows Guido speaking to his father and the camera angles shows his father standing in the foreground. This makes Guido’s father look smaller in the background.This is a very good example of mise-en-scene because it’s defined as the articulation of cinematic space. In this film Fellini took very good advantage of the frame. His way of placing characters is quite fascinating he almost places them like if they’d been on a stage while filmmaking. Camerawork was the second of many techniques that Federico Fellini used for the production of 8 ?. The way Fellini used the camera to show close ups, long shots, images, frame within a frame, and montage were very eye catching to the audience. One example would be, the scene where Guido remembers when he was younger and how he was wrapped with sheets.Then suddenly h e starts to fantasize that all the women who live in the house with him, where carrying him. Fellini focused on that specific scene where Guido? s face is far beyond noticeable on the camera and the viewer can clearly see his face expressions. The audience can almost feel as if they where there with Guido in that same house. Another good example of Fellini’s great camerawork would be the scene where Guido is in some sort of sauna with many men and women, and the audience can clearly see Guido’s facial expressions when he sees the woman in some sort of bath robe walking to her side of the women? sauna. Guido rapidly, gets distracted and the viewers are able to see the close up on Guido’s face. Following the scene where Guido is called to speak to his eminence, the camera deep focus on the window that is opening and vapor is coming out. Guido’s eminence is being bathed by his helpers. Fellini really embraced the fact that Guido is very religious since he wa s very young. Despite his crazy fantasies, and memories, he still seeks for his eminence to obtain permission to do his film. However, the camera work is not the only technique that makes this film special.The shadows, dark lighting and the use of location are also, very important in 8 ?. Federico Fellini made the audience more aware of what was happening throughout the film. Location is where the moviegoers can connect with the film. To conclude Federico Fellini’s film 8 ? was very amusing despite the confusion it caused through the film. The audience struggles to see if it’s reality that is happening in Guido’s life or if it’s just another of his dreams. Now, Guido would dream and fantasize because that was a way for him to cope with his lost inspiration. ? was not only the greatest film during the post- war era, but it also influenced the making of a play, and musical named â€Å"Nine† (1980) which was a revival of the Fellini’s film 8 ?. Nevertheless, film director Federico Fellini and this film itself have made me understand much more of the various types of cinematography and filmmaking techniques there is. However, the film was confusing the surrealism of the film and Guido? s flashbacks, fantasies, and reality made Fellini? s film 8 ? quite an adventure to have seen.

Phenomenon of Social Networking Essay

Social networking evolved as a result of the many challenges which were encountered in the past in the process of communication. Given that the loved ones and business associates wanted to keep in touch, a desire for a social network came into place in order to facilitate social networking where people can be able to communicate with ease. The social networking made possible for people to talk randomly globally to other millions of people thus helping to put out the communication thirst with people of like mind. The social networking evolved in order to offer more opportunities for people to meet and stay in touch both known and unknown. Furthermore, it made easy for people to exemplify personas and also feel unconventional. The social networking however is associated with a number of dangers. It leads to many new cyber crimes in that it creates a long term personal havoc which is regrettable later in life given that people do make fun of others or false identity online leading to enormous consequences as a result of online inappropriate behaviors. Scammers may try to steal or use ones personal information and use it to fraud, since they can stole your password and use it to send out spam messages which will ruin your reputation online (Hassam, 2010). Sexual predators can get information especially from kids and harm them. Children more so do not observe privacy and can leak out important information. Furthermore, information made online is public and thus no privacy is entailed. In conclusion, social networking plays a big role in helping people to make friends, market yourself or business and to find romance online nevertheless they can be misused thus ruining our privacy and reputation. Social networking is best used in sharing ideas but not private and confidential information’s.

Scientific Management was the product of 19th Century industrial Essay - 6

Scientific Management was the product of 19th Century industrial practices and has no relevance to the present day - Essay Example While this theory of management had become irrelevant within the first quarter of the 20th century, many of ideas, which were proposed by Taylor, are still being applied today. In fact, it can be said that Taylor’s ideas still have a significant influence on how management is conducted, and has affected most of the other management theories, which came after it. While there are some who would argue that this theory of management is still as relevant today as when it was first proposed, others believe that its relevance is not compatible with modern standards. Although both sides have some real pertinent points to justify their claims, one would argue that despite its being effective, the theory of scientific management has lost its relevance in the current world. The way this theory was applied in its time cannot be effectively done in the current competitive global economy. The first case that one would make against the application of this hypothesis in the modern world is th at it takes away the autonomy of workers. While some would argue that the application of this theory would increase production, they do not consider the fact that, in the modern market, the availability of products in the market is not the only thing that determines whether consumers by them or not (Jeacle 2004, p.1162). In the highly competitive economy that exists today, it would be disastrous to take away the autonomy of workers because this would decrease innovation. Innovation is one of the most fundamental aspects in the modern world because it gives an organization an advantage over its competitors. Companies today are highly dependent on the creation of new and efficient products to put in the market so that they can keep their competition at bay. These companies try to outdo each other every day by coming up with products which once they enter the market, make similar products made in the past irrelevant. The ability of these companies to create new products frequently is b ecause they give their employees the autonomy to come up with ideas, which help in the development of these new products. If the theory of scientific management were applied in such situations, then competitiveness in the market would be stifled. Instead, the same variety of products would flood the market, and this would negate any need to create good quality products. Moreover, employees in companies would not be motivated to come up with ideas, which would be beneficial to their employer. These employees would only do work for the sake of attaining an income and would not be motivated to do better. Those who support the theory of scientific management would argue that it is the best because it allows for the simplification of jobs. It enables even those who are unskilled to perform tasks, which they were not trained for (Lincoln 200, p.515). While this argument is true, one would counter it by stating that the simplification of jobs is not always the best way to undertake it. Thi s is because, in the current era of enormous technological advancement, it is necessary for individuals to specialize in the use of the different technologies that are available. If unskilled workers are employed to work in environments where there is need handle delicate machinery, for example, the likelihood of accidents and damage to the machinery-taking place would be exceptionally high. The time where people