Whats Eating Gilbert Grape free essay sample

Background: For this assignment, we will focus on what is wrong with the life of the main character, Gilbert Grape, in the film bearing his name. We will want not only to explain what is wrong right now, but to trace, as far back as possible, the causes of the causes of his problem, until we reach the earliest or deepest possible cause, sometimes called the first or primary cause. We will peel back the layers that contribute to his unhappiness and passiveness, until we expose and analyze the deepest underlying cause(s). Each time we locate a cause, we will ask ourselves, What is the cause of that cause? This is a psychological movie, and its meanings continue to unfold as we think and talk about them, so its important to view the film as many times as possible. View it and talk about it with friends, roommates, family. We will write a custom essay sample on Whats Eating Gilbert Grape or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Become as familiar as you can with the characters and their lives. Each incident, each casual exchange of dialogue between characters becomes important. (Be sure to write about events in the film in the present tense! For example, When Arnie climbs up the water tower. . . not climbed. ) Task: Write a well-developed, carefully supported essay in which you answer the question Whats Eating Gilbert Grape? Your thesis statement will answer that question directly, and your topic sentences will break the answer down into component parts. Organization: Many possible ways of organizing the material in the film (and your investigation into it) present themselves. Here are just a few that might yield interesting results: A. This film focuses centrally on food, hunger, and eating. The title uses the idea of eating not in a literal sense, but in a metaphorical sense: something (what? ) is eating away at Gilbert, and our job is to figure out what. (Even Gilberts last name is a food. ) The film is chocked full of images of and references to food: family dinners, Mamas weight and size, the grocery store where Gilbert works, the competitive chain grocery store, shopping for food, cookie- and cake-baking, ice cream eating (several times), two birthday cakes, diner scenes, outdoor meals, picnics, etc. Each of these references to eating provides a clue to what is wrong with Gilbert. Group them into categories that you can work with, and analyze several per body paragraph. Provide a topic sentence that probes into the meanings of the scenes. B. Its clear that Gilberts unhappiness has its roots in his family, and so it might prove useful to analyze his relationship with each member of his family (including his absent father: at one point, he says, My father built this house, and its my job to do the repairs. What happens to the house by the end? ) Devote a paragraph to each family member, beginning with the least significant, perhaps, and moving towards the most significant; by coming to terms with Gilberts family dynamics, we might come closer to understanding whats eating him. C. Focus primarily on Gilberts relationship with his brother Arnie in order to understand whats bothering Gilbert. At one point, Arnie repeats what hes heard said about himI could go at any time! and its funny, in part because Arnie doesnt understand the significance of what hes saying. But what he says is true, of course, not only for him, but for all of us. If it is true that we, too could go at any time, how should we live? The film, by dramatizing Gilberts crisis and the way he finds to grow through it, offers an answer to that question. D. Focus primarily on Gilberts relationship with Becky in order to understand whats wrong with Gilbert. How is Beckys life different from Gilberts? What does Becky, and her connection with travel and the road come to represent in the film? How does Becky intervene in Gilberts life and in his relationship with his mother and with Arnie as well? What does Becky offer to Gilbert that he has been unable to provide for himself? What does it mean, in the end, that Gilbert chooses to go on the road with Becky and Arnie? E. Focus on the films symbols in order to explain its meaning, particularly regarding Gilberts problem(s): what does the house symbolize? the basement? how about climbing (the tree, the water tower, the stairs)? eating? the road? the caravan? water (the incident of Arnies bath; Gilbert, Arnie, Becky bathing and playing in the stream? Mr. Carver drowning in the wading pool? and fire. The film is richly symbolic; it offers a great deal to think and write about. Important Note: No matter which approach you choose, you must come to terms with the change Gilbert undergoes by the end of the movie. Every paper must deal with the ending of the film. Note how the ending repeats, with significant differences, the beginning of the film. Comment on, explain these differences. Account for how they came about. Mechanics: Give your essay a good title. Analyze each quotation and/or example fully and in considerable detail. Refer to characters by name (say Amy, or Ellen, not just Gilberts sister).

Prozac and Paxil †Marketing Research Paper

Prozac and Paxil – Marketing Research Paper Free Online Research Papers Prozac and Paxil Marketing Research Paper â€Å"Depression is a psychological condition that changes how you think and feel. It affects your social behavior and sense of physical well-being.† (Psychology Information Online). Depression isn’t a normal part of life; it is linked to changes in your brain caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals. Depression affects teenagers, adults and even children and it is estimated that â€Å"more than 10 million Americans suffer from this disorder annually† (Marketing Antidepressants: Prozac and Paxil, 2). Knowing that depression is now regarded as a condition which needs immediate attention, pharmaceutical companies have developed prescription drugs called selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to combat this disorder. The major questions I would like to address here is; it is obvious that these conditions have been existing for a long time, how was it being treated before? Has this condition been exaggerated by makers of drugs such as Prozac and Paxil? Prozac: Prozac which was designed to correct chemical imbalances caused by a lack of serotonin, joined the market in 1988 and by 1992 sales had reached 10 million annually. The success of this drug is partly due to the effective marketing and advertising strategies. Salespersons were made aware of modern psychiatric practices and marketed the drug to major psychiatrists. In efforts to increase sales, the drug was later marketed to general practitioners and primary physicians. Management further increased sales by educating doctors on how to diagnose depression and to eliminate stereotypes about this disorder. Advertisements about the wonders of the drug were ran during hours when it was believed more depressed persons, specifically women, viewed television. The press contributed greatly to the drug’s success by highlighting it as a wonder drug and miracle pill. A book published by Kramer reported that â€Å"the drug not only treated depression it also transformed personalitiesà ¢â‚¬  (Marketing Antidepressants: Prozac and Paxil, 5). Although designed to teat depression, Prozac is being used to treat eating, smoking, bulimia and other similar disorders. Paxil: Paxil was designed as an alternative to Prozac however in 1999, it received FDA approval to be used as a treatment for Social anxiety disorder (SAD). â€Å"This is a disease which is believed to affect approximately 3.7% of the American adult population and symptoms include anxiety, panic attacks and complete avoidance of situations†. For Prozac’s marketers, this was a virtually new market and marketers knew that sales depended on their ability to create public awareness of the disorder. Similar to Prozac, marketers used strategies such as â€Å"educating reporters, consumers and physicians about the disease and its treatments† (Marketing Antidepressants: Prozac and Paxil, 7). These public awareness campaigns caused millions of mentions throughout various mediums and featured patients who claimed to be suffering from this disorder. Management focused a direct-to-consumer advertising campaign which highlighted the disorder instead of the pill. One in 10 American women takes an antidepressant drug such as Prozac, Paxil or Zoloft, and the use of such drugs by all adults has nearly tripled in the last decade, In 2002, more than one in three doctors office visits by women involved a prescription for an antidepressant, (Antidepressant Use By U.S. Adults Soars). The demand for such drugs are so high one has to wonder how effective are they? Are there any side effects? If so how serious are they? In order to answer these questions we must look at the pros and cons of using these antidepressants: Strengths of Prozac and Paxil Difficult to overdose on the drug and was therefore safe in the hands of suicidal patients Easy to administer and posed less serious side effects than existing brands Positive image: management was able to position Prozac alongside nationwide efforts to cut costs. Positive word of mouth and feedback about the drugs Support from major media houses They were considered wonder drugs for treating other disorders Right market segmentation, effective marketing strategies and public awareness campaigns. Paxil was the first medication to win U.S. approval for SAD. The makers of Paxil merged with GSK to become the world’s largest pharmaceutical company Weaknesses of Prozac and Paxil SSRIs didn’t work for everyone, as a matter of fact only about 60% of patients responded to Prozac Patients had difficulty in tolerating side effects Drugs had not been tested on children during clinical trials Opportunities of Prozac and Paxil Advertising guidelines were more flexible and companies could take advantage of the ability to air broadcast advertisements. Threats of Prozac and Paxil Documents and books were written bout the benefits and dangers of Prozac Competition – there were existing competitors in the market such as Zoloft, and Celexa Critics were outraged about direct-to-consumer advertising and protested that marketing information was misleading. Issues: Despite SSRIs numerous benefits to patients, namely Prozac and Paxil, these drugs were also faced with several issues including: With Prozac’s patent about to expire, Eli Lilly (Prozacs manufacturer) and Glaxo Smith Kline (Paxils manufacturer) needed to decide how to respond to the introduction of generic Prozac into the market Concerns that Americans were overusing and overmedicating themselves with these products. An estimated amount of 28 million Americans took these drugs, while it was estimated that only 10 million were suffering from depression (Marketing Antidepressants: Prozac and Paxil 9) Concerns that these drugs were not being used properly Too much of these drugs were prescribed to patients under the age of 18 What are the moral and ethical concerns associated with using SSRIs. Analysis In January, Leuchter published a study in the American Journal of Psychiatry, in which he tracked some of the brain changes associated with drugs such as Prozac and Effexor. He compared the brain changes in patients on placebos and was amazed to find that many of them had changes in the same parts of the brain that are thought to control important facets of mood. In research done for a trial to determine the effectiveness of SSRIs in comparism to herbal remedies, findings revealed that a herbal remedy St. Johns Wort fully cured 24 percent of the depressed people who received it, Zoloft cured 25 percent but the placebo fully cured 32 percent. (Against Depression, a Sugar Pill Is Hard to Beat). What does this research prove? Could it be possible that depression is more a state of mind than a disorder? We know that one of the major concerns is Americans overusing and overmedicating themselves with these SSRIs. Many reports have associated the execution of serious crimes with the use of antidepressants. In the case of Andrea Yates, who suffered from postpartum depression, she was treated with Wellbutrin, Effexor and Haldol years before she killed her five children. According to Bruce E. Levine, Ph.D., author of Commonsense Rebellion†, â€Å"the combination of medicines that Yates reportedly took, particularly if she was taking them at the same time, may well have been a prescription for a tragic psychotic break.† (Depression is a choice) Even though SSRIs have not been tested on children, it is constantly being used to treat depression among children. A shocking discovery was made when a study was conducted among kids with depression who were known to have committed serious criminal acts. â€Å"Fifteen-year-old Shawn Cooper fired on students and high school staff in Notus, Idaho in April 1999, He was taking an SSRI. Thirteen-year-old Chris Fetters of Iowa was on Prozac when she killed her favorite aunt. Kip Kinkel, a 15-year-old, first shot his parents, then killed two and wounded 22 fellow students at Thurston High School in Oregon. He too was taking Prozac. In September 1999, while on Prozac, Buford ONeal Furrow, Jr. fired 70 rounds at the North Valley Jewish Community Center in Los Angeles wounding 5 people. Jeff Weise dose of Prozac had just been increased to 60 mg daily when he fired on a school in Red lake, Minnesota. The report further stated that since 1998, eight of the thirteen school shooters were on psychiatric drugs.† (Why Kids Kill? Prozac And Alternatives) With this type of information this question is justifiable; did the drugs cause the violence? If so why are they being prescribed and sold. Despite these research findings, â€Å"In 2003, Canadians spent fifteen billion dollars on prescription drugs, an increase of 14.5% over 2002, while the use of such drugs by Americans has nearly tripled since the last decade.† (Psychology Information Online) I am left to wonder, what is the reason for this growing increase in antidepressants? Is it appropriate or sustainable? Why aren’t non-drug alternatives that address the emotional distress of patients, such as exercise, support, psychotherapy, and nutritional improvements, being supported, funded and prioritized by therapists and the government? In a study exploring the effects of aerobic exercise and Zoloft on depression, Blumenthal et al, found that 16 weeks of treatment exercise was equivalent to 1 dose of medication in reducing major depression among older people. (effects of exercise and training on Older Patients) After taking the self test for social Anxiety Disorder, (appendix 1), the results proved that I was not suffering from this disease, however I know if I’d taken this test 10 years ago, the results would be the opposite. I’ve never been on SSRIs, or had I ever heard about such a drug, and what seemed to have been a disorder ten years ago no longer exists. Is it possible then that people go through different stages, or react to things differently as part of the learning and growing process? A Japanese article noted that â€Å"there was not even a term for mild depression in Japan until the pharmaceutical company Meiji Seika Kaisha began to promote the SSRI, Depromel, in 1999. Melancholia, sensitivity and fragility were not negative things in a Japanese context. It never occurred to anyone to try to remove them, because it never occurred to them that they were bad.† (Redefining Depression). Conclusion and Recommendations: I believe that society, especially those of more developed countries has seen it necessary to place labels and categorize everyone into groups. Many persons in groups other than what has been labeled normal turn to prescribed drugs to return to normal state. The only problem is this abnormality never existed in the first instance. Kids who reside in less developed countries and show symptoms of SAD, simply outgrow it when they begin to mingle with their peers and begin to mature. Through personal experience and testimonies from colleagues, one of the best ways to unwind is through exercise, be it at the Jim or on the dance floor. Many kids suffer from depression because of abuse and lack of attention. Prescribing SSRIs to these kids cannot assist them in any way because they now have to deal with the drugs side effects and the abuse. I recommend that physicians concentrate on eliminating the root cause of depression rather than trying to treat the disorder. Like the saying goes â€Å"precaution is better than cure†. I further suggest that all other natural alternatives such as therapy, exercise, dieting etc. be explored and administered before SSRI’s are prescribed. In the event that they are used, it should be in moderate amounts and should be combined with other natural cures. : Blumenthal et al. 1999,159; â€Å"Effects of exercise training on older Patients with major depression.† Arch Intern Med.: 159:2349-2356 Donald J Franklyn, (2002); Psychology Information Online, retrieved July 6, 2006 on the World Wide Web; psychologyinfo.com/depression/description.html Shankar Vedantam (May 7, 2002); Against Depression, a Sugar Pill Is Hard to Beat’ retrieved July 6, 2006 on the World Wide Web; washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A42930-2002May6?language=printer Amy Benfer’; Depression is a Choice; retrieved July 6, 2006 on the World Wide Web; Depressionisachoice.com/essays/failure.html By Dr. Wilson (August 29, 2005); Why Kids Kill? Prozac and Alternatives, retrieved on the World Wide Web on July 6, 2006, lifedynamix.com/articles/Mental-Health/98.html Janet Currie, (May 25, 2005), Redefining Depression. Retrieved on the World Wide Web on July 6, 2006 whp-apsf.ca/pdf/SSRIs.pdf Research Papers on Prozac and Paxil - Marketing Research PaperThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UseThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductArguments for Physician-Assisted Suicide (PAS)Relationship between Media Coverage and Social andAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesDefinition of Export QuotasGenetic Engineering

How Healthy Nutrition Can Prevent Cancer Assignment

How Healthy Nutrition Can Prevent Cancer - Assignment Example Carcinogen formation in foods can be minimized by reducing the number of heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) chemicals formed in muscle meat during cooking. This can be achieved by: Cancer cachexia involves death or great loss of appetite through loss of fats and muscles. Numerous cytokines like TNF-ÃŽ ±, IL-6, and IL-1 play a significant role in causing Cancer cachexia. They are connected with several metabolic changes that result in developing cachexia in cancer patients. These cytokines have the capability to imitate the action of diverse neuropeptides in order to cause cachexia, several metabolic impacts as a result of an enhanced catabolic condition and weight loss. Following are some of the significant symptoms of cachexia cancer: A neutropenic diet is a special  diet designed  for people having  a weak  immune system. It assists in safeguarding against  bacteria and other lethal  organisms contained  in certain  food and drinks. If an individual's  immune system is not functioning properly it is an indication that his/her  body is struggling hard to  protect  itself from these bacteria. When an individual is  on a neutropenic diet he/she must: Moreover, special care must be taken when consuming certain groups of foods like the dairy products among which unpasteurized milk or yogurt must be avoided. Similarly, foods containing nuts like cereals, bread and rolls with nuts must be avoided (Mahan & Escott-Stump, 2012). People experiencing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) may feel tired or lacking energy quite earlier as compared to other healthy individuals. So they need to have smaller more frequent meals. Also, they need a high energy and protein diet consisting of meat servings.

Mathematics of infinite Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Mathematics of infinite - Essay Example Calculus passed along a dramatic path, with a history worth reminiscing and value worth appreciating. Introduction Calculus, is a branch of mathematics that deals with rates of changes of quantities, area, volume, length and motion of objects. It is also called analysis, real analysis or infinitesimal analysis. Calculus is divided into two branches: differential calculus -concerned with derivatives and the integral calculus- that deal with integrals (Calculus 2013). The invention of Calculus is basically accredited to Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727) and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646-1716). Newton and Leibniz’s breakthrough in mathematics had triggered a lot of debates and arguments from their successors which somehow contributed to the total development of the modern calculus that is existent today. The Birth: Calculus by Newton and Leibniz It is amazing to note that Newton and Leibniz discovered the concepts of calculus independently in separate periods of time, in years 1665 and 1673 respectively. Newton first discovered the subject although Leibniz was the first to publish his works in 1684. Leibniz uses symbols and notations and developed formulas obeying certain rules that transformed the theoretical methods of calculus. Leibniz’s study of the relationships of sequences of sums and differences has contributed greatly in concrete problem solving making it the essence of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. He also established the harmonic triangle forming sequences of sums and differences. Leibniz’ another major contribution is the idea of â€Å"characteristic triangle† where a triangle with a curve running along it has infinitesimal sides at every point of the curve (Leibniz’s Fundamental Theorem of Calculus n.d : 133-136). Newton established calculus based on three methods which are the infinitesimal, method of fluxions and the ultimate ratios. He also introduced â€Å"moments of fluxions†, as the amount of increas e of a fluxion in an infinitely small period of time. The â€Å"ultimate ratios† is his attempt to lay the foundation of calculus with the concept of limits (The Calculus of Leibniz and Newton n.d). Newton uses fluxion and fluent instead of derivative and integral. He uses infinitesimals for computations and provided more concepts about differentiation. Newton and Leibniz were not the first mathematicians that made the evolution of calculus possible. They were the first to define â€Å"algorithmic processes† and to set general notations. They formulated the inverse relationship of integration and differentiation in the most logical manner. Their ideas though individually and independently discovered by each one but resulted to be very related has made calculus to stand on firm foundations of knowledge which until now has been used and applied. As a general statement: â€Å"Newton’s legacy is more about the sorts of scientific problems that calculus has consider ed during the past three to four centuries, while Leibniz’ legacy is more about the way such problem are studied† (Burton n.d) Gray Period: Berkeley’s Criticism Newton and Leibniz’ profound usage of â€Å"infinitesimals† has disturbed many mathematicians succeeding them. Lord Bishop Berkeley is one of those who hurled stinging and serious criticisms to this idea. In his book, The Analyst, he exposed his judgment about the validity of calculus comparing it with religion. He derided the idea of â€Å"

Systems and Structure of compulsory Education in the Uk Assignment

Systems and Structure of compulsory Education in the Uk - Assignment Example Through the years, there has been a relevant collaboration of different organizations and statutory bodies so that a strong educational standard is maintained. According to Fosket (1992), the role of external relations would â€Å"address the issues of the school’s relationship to its outside audiences† (p. 3). Being an institution of education and training for society’s use, it is important to constantly connect with the current situation and elaborate its need for solutions, appreciate and conserve whatever good things the community has to offer. The external statutory bodies, even though not directly related to it, carry education by means of emotional support (parents and guardians) and financial support (scholarship programs from the business sector). External relations also play an important role in the realization of some changes in the curriculum; an example would be the unsuccessful transition of Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2. Messer (1992), as cited in Fos ket (1992), discussed that the supposed to be â€Å"smooth transition† of a key stage to another was not carried out well because schools disregarded the individual planning of the teacher and preferred a corporate planning. In carrying out the plan effectively, Hanford, Reader, and Fullick (1992) as cited in Fosket (1992), proposed that there should be a linkage of the schools to the community, having the parents, media, and the employers as regulators so that the education being offered to the students is holistic. According to Hanford as cited in Fosket (1992), â€Å"liaison between the school and the parents of the pupils is based on a well-founded tradition† (p. 105). Saying that parents are just for the home holds an obsolete idea since the Education Act of 1994 strongly indicated the â€Å"legal duty of the parents to ensure their children’s education.† The use of media in schools has greatly affected the teaching techniques of the teachers. Thus, having the media in line with other regulatory bodies is just coherent. Media can be used to â€Å"raise awareness,† and â€Å"create a positive image of the school† (Reader as cited in Fosket, 1992, p. 118). Fullick as cited in Fosket (1992) concerns more on future employment, where the economic trends affect the choice of students of their career paths. Funding is also a major issue in the education sector. Knowing that no organisation could survive without proper financial help, privately owned businesses also finance certain schools and even directly helping the students by giving them scholarship grants. This situation implies that even institutions not related to giving education also matter in terms of support. An existing challenge faced by both government and external statutory bodies of is the tiering of the school system. The tiering of the UK school system has lowered the education’s principle of equality since it can be a form of stratification amon g students. The report says that the two-tier system creates a â€Å"poverty trap for disadvantaged.† Chitty (1989) contends that the tiering of the school system is a reflection of the society as a whole; where the top tier represents the advantages and well-funded private schools, the second tier resembles that of the middle or working class, and the third tier

Looking At Romantic Period Poetry

Looking At Romantic Period Poetry In the Romantic Period in England there was a shift taking place in literature. Poets of the time period believed that a personal relationship with God or the Universe was more important than a larger collective religious or political one. The introduction of the Romantic Period in the Norton Anthology of British Literature states, And the pervasiveness of nature poetry in the period can be attributed to a determination to idealize the natural scene as a site where the individual could find freedom from social laws (Greenblatt, 1377). The poets of that day also believed that one could receive that personal relationship through the natural world. Literature focused on the individual great or small and was much more personal than it had been in the past. In accordance with the importance of the individual, Romantic poets expressed an importance and love of nature in their poetry. The poets William Wordsworth and Percy Bysshe Shelley use their interpretations of nature, although differe nt, to express the romantic idea of individualism. These poets used nature to express their feelings toward the individual and the importance they placed on a personal relationship with ones inner self as well as God. William Wordsworth loved nature and lived in remote natural regions of England for much of his life. He had a relationship with the natural world that he lived in and around and this is evident in his writing. His poetry describes how he learns more about himself, and his relationship with God through learning and becoming more acquainted with nature. This principle is portrayed in this passage of Wordsworths Tintern Abbey. He says, For I have learned/ To look on nature, not as in the hour/ Of thoughtless youth; but hearing oftentimes/ The still, sad music of humanity,/ Nor harsh nor grating, though of ample power/ To chasten and subdue. And I have felt/ A presence that disturbs me with joy/ Of elevated thoughts a sense sublime/ Of something far more deeply interfused/ Whose dwelling is the light of setting suns/ And the round ocean and the living air,/ And the blue sky, and in the mind of man:/ A motion and a spirit, that impels/ All thinking things, all objects of all thought, / And rolls through all things (Wordsworth, 88-102). This passage describes how Wordsworth has learned to feel the power of God or the Universe through nature. He has an individual spiritual experience when he looks at the natural world that he could not experience with masses of people in a church or in everyday society. He then goes on to say that nature is a very important to him and is in a way a part of who he is. Wordsworth, when speaking about himself in this passage, says that he is well pleased to recognize/ In nature and the language of the sense/ The anchor of my purest thoughts, the nurse,/ The guide, the guardian of my heart, and soul/ Of all my moral being(Wordsworth, 107- 111). To Wordsworth, nature was so important to him because he felt as if it was a part of him. He felt it was his compass and guide in his life. His view of nature is that he has grown and expanded because of what he experienced from it. This individual relationship he had with nature affected him so much it guided his actions in politics, religion, and other facets of life. He uses nature to symbolize himself and his soul. Individualism is shown in Wordsworths depiction of the natural world because in essence he becomes nature in his writing. In similitude with Wordworths poetry, Percy Bysshe Shelley uses the natural world in his writing to express individualism but in a slightly different way. In Mont Blanc, Shelley uses the daunting description of the mountain and the land around it to suggest that imagination has a lot to do with what ones individual experience is from nature. He almost suggests that the mind is natures creator. In this passage from Mont Blanc, Shelley says, The everlasting universe of things/ Flows through the mind and rolls its rapid waves,/ Now dark-now glittering-now reflecting gloom/ Now lending splendour, where from secret springs/ The source of human thought its tribute brings/ Of waters,with a sound but half its own./ Such as a feeble brook will oft assume/ In the wild woods, among the mountains lone,/ Where waterfalls around it leap forever,/ Where woods and winds contend, and a vast river/ Over its rocks ceaselessly burst and raves (Shelley ,1-11). This excerpt shows Shelleys view of nature and the mind. He talks about how the universe flows through the mind and then he gives menacing descriptive imagery of woods, waterfalls, and the mountains. The imagery suggests that the mind or imagination was the creator of these daunting natural scenes. This shows Shelleys opinion of nature in regards to the human imagination and the individual. A further example is evident in another excerpt from Mont Blanc, The secret strength of things/ Which governs thought, and to the infinite dome/ Of heaven is as a law, inhabits thee!/ And what were thou, and earth, and stars, and sea,/ If to the human minds imaginings/ Silence and solitude were vacancy (Shelley, 139-145). This passage reinforces the contrast of Shelleys view of the human mind in regards to nature rather than the Wordsworthian view. Shelley firmly shows in his texts and particularly in Mont Blanc his belief in the natural world being born from the imagination of the individual ther efore giving power to the person who created it. Along with typifying the imagination as a creator of nature, individualism is discussed throughout his writing. Mont Blanc also displays the romantic notion of individualism through the discussion of the mind and human thought. The poem suggests that nature comes from the mind which creates a very personal and individual nature for everyone. In the mere suggestion of imagination and the human mind being the creator of nature, there lies individualism. The way Shelley portrays the individual in nature holds true to the Romantic notions of the time. Individualism is a very romantic principle that was becoming increasingly important in this time period. This power given to the individual mind to think, believe, and understand ones self was embodied through the natural world in the works of William Wordsworth and Percy Bysshe Shelley. Wordsworth suggested that the individual mind gains power and understanding from and because of the influence of nature. Shelley believed that the individuals mind and imagination gives nature the power that it has over the individual. Although the method they used to establish individualism through nature was different, both of their works embodied that principle and epitomized the Romantic view of Individualism.

The Use of Force by Carlos Williams Essay -- The Use of Force Carlos W

The Use of Force In Carlos Williams’s short story, â€Å"The Use of Force,† the doctor’s use of force is portrayed in a way that is controversial. Controversial in that it could easily be argued either that the doctor has complete reason to use force upon the girl, or that the doctor has no right to use any amount of force upon the girl without her consent. It could also be argued either that the results of the doctor’s use of force is a success or a failure. I feel that the doctor has reason to use force upon the girl in order to check her tonsils for a number of reasons. I believe this because the doctor has reason to use force because he believes that the girl has diphtheria based on his knowledge of numbers of other children at her school suffering from cases of diphtheria. I believ...

Education in India Essay

Takshasila was the earliest recorded centre of higher learning in India from at least 5th century BCE and it is debatable whether it could be regarded a university or not. The Nalanda University was the oldest university-system of education in the world in the modern sense of university. [2] Western education became ingrained into Indian society with the establishment of the British Raj. Overall System Education in India is provided by the public sector as well as the private sector, with control and funding coming from three levels: central,state, and local. Education in India falls under the control of both the Union Government and the State Governments, with some responsibilities lying with the Union and the states having autonomy for others. The various articles of the Indian Constitution provide for education as a fundamental right. Most universities in India are controlled by the Union or the State Government. The National Policy on Education (NPE) is a policy formulated by the Government of India to promote education amongst India’s people. The policy covers elementary education to colleges in both rural and urban India. The first NEP was promulgated in 1968 by the government of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and the second by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1986. It emphasizes three aspects in relation to elementary education: * universal access and enrolment, * universal retention of children up to 14 years of age, and * a substantial improvement in the quality of education to enable all children to achieve * Revival of Sanskrit and other classical languages for contemporary use. Today education system in India can be divided into many stages. * Pre- Primary – It consists of children of 3-5 years of age studying in nursery, lower kindergarten and upper kindergarten. At this stage student is given knowledge about school life and is taught to read and write some basic words. * Primary – It includes the age group of children of 6-11 years studying in classes from first to fifth. * Middle – It consists of children studying in classes from sixth to eighth. * Secondary – it includes students studying in classes ninth and tenth. * Higher Secondary – Includes students studying in eleventh and twelfth classes. * Undergraduate – Here, a student goes through higher education, which is completed in college. This course may vary according to the subject pursued by the student. For medical student this stage is of four and a half years plus one year of compulsory internship, while a simple graduate degree can be attained in three years. * Postgraduate – After completing graduation a student may opt for post graduation to further add to his qualifications. 10+2+3 pattern [. * The central and most state boards uniformly follows the â€Å"10+2+3† pattern of education. [11]:3 In this pattern, 10 years of primary and secondary education is followed by 2 years of higher secondary (usually in schools having the higher secondary facility, or in colleges),[11]:44 and then 3 years of college education for bachelor’s degree. [12] Distant Education * National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi is one of the mega open universities in the world and caters to around 1 million students around the world. Vocational Education. Vocational Education at Certificate level are offered by 1500 vocational institutions in the country in the areas of agriculture, business, commerce, health and para-medical, home science and humanities in addition to engineering trades. Primary Education in India The World Education Forum, held in 2000 set an ambitious goal: universal primary education by the year 2015. Schooling all children until they reach young adulthood is recognized as important because it leads to many substantial positive effects: better family health, lower birth rate, higher productivity, higher earnings, and improved economics of the country as a whole. Globally, however, more than 115 million children of primary school age do not attend school. The Indian government lays emphasis on primary education up to the age of fourteen years, referred to as elementary education in India. [14] The Indian government has also banned child labour in order to ensure that the children do not enter unsafe working conditions. Further, education has been made free[14] for children for 6 to 14 years of age or up to class VIII under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009. [18] Current status of primary education in IndiaAbout 20% of Indian children between the ages of six and 14 are not enrolled in school. Even among enrolled children, attendance rates are low and 26% of pupils enrolled in primary school drop out before Grade 5. The situation is worse in certain sectors of the population Despite a vibrant emerging economy and a string of excellent colleges that produce high caliber professionals, India has not made the grade yet on primary education. Hurdles in primary education (double it as general problems as well) Shortage of resources and lack of political will. High pupil to teacher ratios,(shortage of teachers –one teacher schools) Shortage of infrastructure and poor levels of teacher training. (toilet for girls etc. ) The National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education of 2009 recommended longer preparation for teachers, but the B. Ed curriculum structure continued to be for a single year. There is also a lack of enough skilled trainers and preparation to develop skills, abilities and attitudes to teach students. Poverty and illiteracy of the parent Gender Issues(girls cannot study). Social Issues like caste system (some castes are not allowed) Several efforts to enhance quality made by the government. (primary education) The District Education Revitalization Programme (DERP) was launched in 1994 with an aim to universalize primary education in India by reforming and vitalizing the existing primary education system. [19] 85% of the DERP was funded by the central government and the remaining 15 percent was funded by the states. [19] The DERP, which had opened 160000 new schools including 84000 alternative education schools delivering alternative education to approximately 3. 5 million children, was also supported by UNICEF and other international programmes. [19] . [19] Significant improvement in staffing and enrollment of girls has also been made as a part of this scheme. [19] The current scheme for universalization of Education for All is the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan which is one of the largest education initiatives in the world. Enrollment has been enhanced, but the levels of quality HERE first Write to improve all the above negative issues. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)/Right to Education (RTE). Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (Education for All Movement) is a programme by the Government of India aimed at the universalization of elementary education â€Å"in a time bound manner†, as mandated by the 86th amendment to the Constitution of India making free education to children aged 6–14 (estimated to be 205 million in number in 2001) a fundamental right. The programme was pioneered by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. SSA is being implemented in partnership with State Governments to cover the entire country and address the needs of 192 million children in 1. 1 million habitations. In FY 2009-10,60% of SSA funds came from GOI. This has now been revised to 65%. The programme is looking to open new schools in those habitations without schooling facilities and to strengthen existing school infrastructure through provision of additional class rooms, toilets, drinking water, maintenance grant and school improvement grants. SSA is now the primary vehicle for implementing the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE). National Programme for Education of Girls at Elementary Level (NPEGEL) The National Programme for Education of Girls at Elementary Level (NPEGEL), is a focused intervention of Government of India, to reach the â€Å"Hardest to Reach† girls, especially those not in school. Launched in July 2003, it is an important component of SSA, which provides additional support for enhancing girl’s education over and above the investments for girl’s education through normal SSA interventions. The programme provides for development of a â€Å"model school† in every cluster with more intense community mobilization and supervision of girls enrolment in schools. Gender sensitization of teachers, development of gender-sensitive learning materials, and provision of need-based incentives like escorts, stationery, workbooks and uniforms are some of the endeavors under the programme. The future of primary education in India The importance of universal primary education has now been widely recognized by everyone involved. Policies and pledges are easy to make but implementation can be difficult and goals hard to achieve, especially in a vast and populous country such as India. International agencies, the government of India, and the numerous NGOs will have to work together with will, wisdom and tremendous energy to make their desire for universal primary education by 2015 a reality in India. Secondary education. For several decades, it has been argued in the literature that secondary education needs to be expanded both as a response to increased social demand and as a feeder cadre for higher education, giving little emphasis to its other important functions. It is also argued that investment in secondary education yields considerable social and economic returns, making it crucial for national development India is following a service-led growth model and striving hard to survive the global competition, in these conditions it is being increasingly recognised that secondary education, is the most critical segment of the education chain. Apart from the bottom-up pressure (i. e. arising from the growth of primary schooling) and the top-down pressure (as the source of potential intakes for higher education) for its expansion, there is a need to pay greater attention to secondary education as it caters to the needs of the most important segment of the population – adolescents and youth, the source of the future human and social capital of a nation. Secondary education covers children 14–18 which covers 88. 5 million children according to the Census, 2001. Features * A significant feature of India’s secondary school system is the emphasis on inclusion of the disadvantaged sections of the society. * Professionals from established institutes are often called to support in vocational training. * Another feature of India’s secondary school system is its emphasis on profession based vocational training to help students attain skills for finding a vocation of his/her choosing. [27] * A significant new feature has been the extension of SSA to secondary education in the form of the Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan[28] Integrated Education for Disabled Children (IEDC) programme was started in 1974 with a focus on primary education. [7] but which was converted into Inclusive Education at Secondary Stage[29] The government started the Kendriya Vidyalaya project in 1965 for the employees of the central government of India to provide uniform education in institutions following the same syllabus at the same pace regardless of the location to which the employee’s family has been transferred. [7] Policy Initiatives in secondary education After independence, the first step towards improving policy planning for development of secondary education was the setting up of the Secondary Education Commission in 1952(also known as the Mudaliar Commission). The primary objective of the Commission was todiagnose the growth pattern and suggest measures for reorganisation and improvement ofsecondary education. The commission’s major recommendation was to develop a 3-yearnational system of secondary education after 8-years of elementary education (8 + 3 systemof school education) to make it a complete stage. The commission also recommended thereconstruction of the syllabus to provide a wider and more balanced course and adopt mother tongue as the medium of instruction (Kabir, 1955). Nearly one-and-a-half decades after the Mudaliar Commission, the Kothari Commission(1964-66), while articulating goals and objectives at all stages of education in the context ofnational development priorities, recommended for a 4-year secondary education system anddiscontinuing the practice of ‘streaming’ up to Grade X. It may be noted that, ten years afterthe commission submitted its report; education was placed in the Concurrent List States and the centre responsible for its development. This changed the policy context fordevelopment of secondary education. The National Policy on Education (NPE), of 1986 subsequently reiterated the views of the Education Commission to implement a 4-year secondary education system across the states and UTs. 23 The NPE emphasised improving equitable access to secondary education and the enrolment of girls, SCs and STs, particularly in science, commerce and vocational streams (Para 5. 13 of the NPE, 1986). The NPE and the Programme of Action (POA), 1992 while recognising secondary education as a critical instrument for social change, called for its planned expansion. The NPE, (as modified in 1992) specifically laid emphasis again on increasing access to secondary education with particular focus on participation of girls, SCs and STs; increased autonomy of Boards ofSecondary Education to enhance their ability to improve quality; introduction of ICT inschool curriculum for coping with globalisation; renewed emphasis on work ethos and valuesof a humane and  composite culture in the curricula; And vocationalisation through specialisedinstitutions or through the refashioning of secondary education to meet the manpower requirements of the growing Indian economy Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) This scheme was launched in March, 2009 with the objective to enhance access to secondary education and to improve its quality. The implementation of the scheme started from 2009-10. It is envisaged to achieve an enrolment rate of 75% from 52. 26% in 2005-06 at secondary stage within 5 years of implementation of the scheme by providing a secondary school within a reasonable distance of any habitation. The other objectives include improving quality of education imparted at secondary level through making all secondary schools conform to prescribed norms, removing gender, socio-economic and disability barriers, providing universal access to secondary level education by 2017, i. e. , by the end of 12th Five Year Plan and achieving universal retention by 2020. Inclusive Education for the Disabled at Secondary Stage (IEDSS) The Scheme of Inclusive Education for Disabled at Secondary Stage (IEDSS) has been launched from the year 2009-10. This Scheme replaces the earlier scheme of Integrated Education for Disabled Children (IEDC) and would provide assistance for the inclusive education of the disabled children in classes IX-XIITo enable all students with disabilities, after completing eight years of elementary schooling, to pursue further four years of secondary schooling in an inclusive and enabling environment. Higher education India’s higher education system is the third largest in the world, after China and the United States. [32] The main governing body at the tertiary level is the University Grants Commission (India), which enforces its standards, advises the government, and helps coordinate between the centre and the state. [33] Accreditation for higher learning is overseen by 12 autonomous institutions established by the University Grants Commission. [34] In India, education system is reformed. In future, India will be one of the largest education hub. After passing the Higher Secondary Examination (the grade 12 examination), students may enroll in general degree programmes such as bachelor’s degreein arts, commerce or science, or professional degree programmes such as engineering, law or medicine. [31] As of 2009, India has 20 central universities, 215 state universities, 100 deemed universities, 5 institutions established and functioning under the State Act, and 33 institutes which are of national importance. [33] Other institutions include 16,000 colleges, including 1,800 exclusive women’s colleges, functioning under these universities and institutions. [33] The emphasis in the tertiary level of education lies on science and technology. [35] Indian educational institutions by 2004 consisted of a large number of technology institutes. [36] Distance learning is also a feature of the Indian higher education system. [36] Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), have been globally acclaimed for their standard of undergraduate education in engineering. [36] The IITs enroll about 10,000 students annually and the alumni have contributed to both the growth of the private sector and the public sectors of India. [37] Several other institutes of fundamental research such as the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), Indian Institute of Science IISC), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Harishchandra Research Institute (HRI), are acclaimed for their standard of research in basic sciences and mathematics. Government programs on Education Rashtriya Uchattar Shiksha Abhiyan[. The Rashtriya Uchattar Shiksha Abhiyan is a centrally sponsored flagship umbrella scheme aimed at providing strategic funding to State higher and technical institutions. States will develop comprehensive state higher education plans that utilize an interconnected strategy to address issues of expansion, equity and excellence together. Central funding will be linked to academic, administrative and financial reforms of state higher education. The Rashtriya Uchattar Shiksha Abhiyan proposes to put a ceiling of maximum number of colleges to be affiliated to any university at two hundred . [17] Higher Education and Eleventh Plan (2007-2012) With the objectives and proposals of the Plan as the basis, the report mentions that the private sector has played an instrumental role in the growth of the sector. Private institutions now account for 64% of the total number of institutions and 59% of enrollment in the country, as compared to 43% and 33%, respectively, a decade ago. The Government has also given the required thrust to the sector in its Five Year Plans. During the Eleventh Plan period (2007–2012), India achieved a Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of 17. 9%, up from 12. 3% at the beginning of the Plan period. India’s higher education system faces challenges on three fronts: Expansion:India’s GER of16% was much below the world average of 27%, as well as that of other emerging countries such as China (26%) and Brazil (36%) in 2010. Excellence:Faculty shortage – there is 40% and 35% shortage of faculty in state and central universities, respectively. Accredited institutions – 62% of universities and 90% of colleges were average or below average in 2010, on the basis of their NAAC accreditation. Low citation impact – India’s relative citation impact is half the world average. Equity – There is wide disparity in the GER of higher education across states and the Gross Attendance Ratio (GAR) in urban and rural areas, and gender- and community-wise Drawbacks of Indian Higher Education System * Besides top rated universities which provide highly competitive world class education to their pupils, India is also home to many universities which have been founded with the sole objective of making easy money. * Regulatory authorities like UGC and AICTE have been trying very hard to extirpate the menace of private universities which are running courses without any affiliation or recognition. Indian Government has failed to check on these education shops, which are run by big businessmen & politicians. * Many private colleges and universities do not fulfill the required criterion by the Government and central bodies (UGC, AICTE, MCI, BCI etc. ) and take students for a ride. * Quality assurance mechanism has failed to stop misrepresentations and malpractices in higher education. At the same time regulatory bodies have been accused of corruption, specifically in the case of deemed-universities. [39] Road Ahead in Higher Education * Merit-based student financing: This should ensure admissions to meritorious students independent of financial background * Internationalization of education: This would entail aligning different aspects of education (curriculum, faculty, etc) to international standards * Enabling a research environment. This would involve creating adequate means of research funding and practical application of research * High quality faculty: The need of the hour is to create a conducive environment and provide incentives to attract and retain high quality faculty. * Improved technology for education delivery: Leveraging technology for enhancing the teaching-learning experience will ensure better outcomes * Employability: Making education-industry relevant and practical would be the right way to ensure a highly employable talent pool India’s higher education system can be expected to be better aligned to industry and global practices, and be more transparent and inclusive by the end of Twelfth Plan period, provided the Government is able to create an enabling regulatory environment and put in place robust implementation, monitoring and quality assurance mechanisms. * Legislative support. One of the most talked about bill is Foreign Universities Bill, which is supposed to facilitate entry of foreign universities to establish campuses in India. * Private Sector-The private sector can be expected to play an instrumental role in the achievement of these outcomes through the creation of knowledge networks, research and innovation centers, corporate-backed institutions, and support for faculty development. Saakshar Bharat (Saakshar Bharat)/Adult Education. The Prime Minister of India launched Saakshar Bharat, a centrally sponsored scheme of Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL), Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India (GOI), on the International Literacy Day, 8th September, 2009. It aims to further promote and strengthen Adult Education, specially of women, Education Governing Bodies he Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE): This is the main governing body of education system in India. It has control over the central education system. It conducts exam and looks after the functioning of schools accredited to central education system. * The Council of Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE): It is a board for Anglo Indian Studies in India. It conducts two examinations ‘Indian Certificate of Secondary Education’ and ‘Indian School Certificate’. Indian Certificate of secondary education is a k-10 examination for those Indian students who have just completed class 10th and Indian school certificate is a k-12 public examination conducted for those studying in class 12th. * The State Government Boards: Apart from CBSE and CISCE each state in India has its own State Board of education, which looks after the educational issues. * The National Open School: It is also known as National Institute of Open Schooling. It was established by the Government Of India in 1989. It is a ray of hope for those students who cannot attend formal schools. * The International School: It controls the schools, which are accredited to curriculum of international standard. * Classification of Colleges. Colleges in India come under four different categories. This categorization is done on the basis of the kind of courses offered by them (professional/ vocational) / their ownership status( Private/ Government) or their relationship with the university (affiliated/university owned). University Colleges These colleges are managed by the university itself and situated mostly in the university campus. Government Colleges The government colleges are few, only about 15-20 percent of the total. They are managed by state governments. As in case of other colleges, the university to which these colleges are affiliated, conducts their examination, lays down the courses of studies and awards the degrees. Professional Colleges The professional colleges are mostly in the disciplines of medicine, engineering and management. There are few for other disciplines too. They are sponsored and managed either by the government or by private initiative. Privately Managed colleges About 70% of the colleges are founded by the privately owned trusts or societies. But these institutes are also governed by the rules and regulations of the university they are affiliated to. Though initially started up as a private initiative, the state government also funds these college Private Education What is it? What is the need for it ? What are benefits? What are problems with it? What can be done to streamline it? India saw the largest increase in literacy rate in the decadeof 1991–2001 — from about 52 per cent to 65 per cent. From 2001 to 2011, the literacy rate increased by 9 per cent to 74 per cent (Planning Commission 2011). The 13 per cent increase in 1991–2001 has been the largest for any 10-year period in the history of the country. Private investments and the emergence of budget private schools was the main cause for this.! As parents began to earn more in the post-reform era, they began to invest in their children. As better employment opportunities arose, the value of education became more apparent to parents. This increased demand for education was met by a rapid expansion of budget private schools The biggest success story of literacy in India has been written withprivate initiative — parents’ willingness to pay and the edupreneur innovation of an aff ordable school. In post-liberalisation India, the importance of the private sector in economic growth is well understood and appreciated. For economic growth, the state’s role is primarily to enable the private sector as a facilitator, prudent regulator, impartial enforcer of contracts, and at times as a financier Incentives for efficiency are also weak. Government employees have little incentive to minimise costs, fi nd and correct mistakes, innovate, and acquire necessary information about resources and consumer demand. The high teacher absenteeism in government schools is just one indicator of poor incentives. . High prices in terms of tuition fees, donations andlong queues for admissions are signs of the shortage of quality educational institutions. The same paucity of supply existed for consumer goods before the 1991 liberalisation. The license-permit-quota raj still exists in our education system. Schools and colleges need to be made accountable not to education bureaucrats (licensors) but to parents and students (customers). The government policy should be to increase choice and competition in education as it has been done in many areas of the economy — facilitate, not control. The core competency of the private and public sectors should be combined. The private sector should be allowed to produce education — manage schools and colleges — and provide it to all who can aff ord to pay. For those who cannot aff ord to pay, the government should finance their education through scholarships, education vouchers and loans. Instead of focusing on the inputs to education, the government ensures the output — meaningful, high quality learning. This approach combines the efficiency and accountability of the private sector with the equity and independent supervision of the public sector. . Governments and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) should evaluate schools and colleges and publish the results so that parents can make informed decisions. One key goal of global reformers is to increase the accountability of schools towards parents — restructure the system so that schools are at least as much accountable to parents as they are to the education offi cials. There are many ways to achieve this goal: put parents on school boards or district education councils, give powers to parent-teacher associations, create something like our village education committees . One new idea in this bucket is that of school vouchers. Several countries have undertaken pilot projects. The voucher is a tool to change the way governments finance education, particularly of the poor. It is a coupon off ered by the government that covers full or partial cost of education at the school of the student’s choice. The schools collect vouchers from the students, deposit them in their bank accounts and the banks then credit the school accounts with equivalent money while debiting the account of the government. Section 12 of the RTE requires private unaided schools to reserve 25 per cent seats in the entry-level class (nursery or Class I) for socially disadvantaged and economically weaker sections. The government would provide private schools with reimbursements equal to their fees or the per student cost in government schools, whichever is lower. EDUCATION REFORM Just as in economic reforms, the list of education reform ideas could be quite long. This paper suggests that two principles should be the focus of reforms in the education ecosystem — effi cient use of public funds and the promotion of equity and quality through choice and competition. Achieve Efficient Use of Public Funds. (a) Fund students, not schools (school vouchers, charter schools, conditional cash transfers); (b) Convert state funding to per student basis and link it to performance; (d) Give poorly performing state schools to private parties on learning outcome contracts; (e) Hire teachers at the school level, not at the state level; Promote Equity and Quality through Choice and Competition: (i) Apply the same standards to both private as well as government schools; (ii) Annual independent learning outcome assessment across all schools; (iii) Decentralise and depoliticise syllabi and textbooks; (iv) Open Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and state board exams to all students, not only for students who study in CBSE or state board affiliated schools.

Iphone Vrio Model Essay Example

Iphone Vrio Model Essay Example Iphone Vrio Model Paper Iphone Vrio Model Paper Apple Inc. Case Study # 1 iPhone [pic] Professor Chug-Shing Lee BUSA 499 Capstone October 1, 2008 Analysis Conducted By Apex [pic] Ryan Boykin Ashley Fiorini Lance Tanaka Matt Webb Executive Summary Apple has demonstrated that innovation can lead to market dominance with products like the iPod. With products such as this, Apple has developed a brand that has built a customer base with astonishing loyalty. According to Business week, Apple was thirty third for top brands in the world. (Businessweek. om, 2007) Since they have developed innovative products with intuitive designs it has helped establish it as the premiere business for handheld electronics. Over the past few years Apple turned its eyes on the cellular phone market which created some issues that our team has been able to identify. Team Apex discovered that the current price did not appear appropriate for the target market. At present the current marketing for most of Apple’s products seems to be for a more youthful and technologically advance demographic. It is difficult to imagine the target market being able to afford the iPhone. This demonstrates that Apple’s target market may not be the right one for the current iPhone. Apple has had success over the past few years with mass production of electronic devices and would appear reasonable for them to exploit their brand to its full potential by developing new products. Currently Apple creates immense value for their consumers by offering products that are difficult to imitate. Unfortunately, this will not stop current and possibly new companies from copying Apple’s success by developing similar products and launching similar target methodologies. One way Apple has continued to be successful is by staying ahead of their competition and keep up on a constant stream of new products. When entering the cellular phone market Apple is facing numerous competitors and must offer a product that is unique to those counter parts. After analyzing Apple’s new product, the iPhone, it seems that there are a few courses of actions that could be taken. When addressing the issues we have identified it seems that Apple should continue with the theme of developing multiple versions of the same product. Team Apex would suggest that Apple create a cheaper version of the iPhone more suited for business professionals and would be primarily used for phone calls, e-mail and web-browsing. This phone would have less memory then the current iPhone allow them to charge a lower price. This would in turn increase the volume of iPhones being produce and allow Apple to charge lower prices for all of their phones. This case study has helped our team discovered new aspects about business that we never believe to be good courses of action. Apple has demonstrated to us that if you are not reaching the right market creating a new product specifically designed for that market. Looking at Apple’s line of iPods it seems almost ridiculous the amount and variety they have developed but when looking at it with the insight from the classes we have taken it can see that Apple has developed a digital music player for almost any type of consumer. In the long term that is what our team would like to see happen with the iPhone. We also found that using strategic analytical tools such as Porter’s Five Forces and VRIO models, can help determine key issues a company faces while determine how they can create a competitive advantage. Developing these competitive advantage has been a key to Apple’s success and they must continue to determine how to sustain in order to stay dominate in the electronics. In our analysis of Apple Computer, now known as Apple Inc. , we will unveil the company’s intricacies and how Apple has successfully positioned themselves within the communication industry. Apple Inc. esigns, manufactures, and sells computers, music players, and now mobile communication devices. Apple Inc. has always been known by its users as a revolutionary and innovative company that never fails to deliver quality products that make you say â€Å"wow†; the iPhone is no exception. With its introduction to the public at the Macworld convention in 2007 the vision for the iPhone was introduced as a bold, risky, and amazing concept with the focus on revolutionizing handheld devices and their total package capabilities. The ultimate goal for Apple Inc. s to transform and dominate the handset industry. In this study we will use proven industry testing methods such as Porters 5 Forces Model and Strategic Analysis to show the strengths and weakness of the corporation. Both me thods will help us understand how Apple Inc. is currently functioning within the communication industry and where its real impact is on the structure of the $11 billion dollar a year mobile phone market. 2. Background Apple Computer Inc. was founded by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in April 1976. It began as a computer software and hardware manufacturer. Apple Computer Inc. s noted as having one of the largest and most loyal customer bases that have helped solidify consistent growth for the company. In 2007 Apple Computer Inc. became Apple Inc. to reflect its expansion into the consumer electronics market while still maintaining its traditional focus on the personal computer. Apple Inc. has metamorphed from being known as strictly a computer company into a diverse technology company that is known for its art, video, graphics, and always pushing the envelope as a content creator. CEO Steve Jobs is not only the company leader he is one of it principal visionaries. Jobs latest creation is the iPhone. He refers to it as a â€Å"magical device that will change the world. † 3. Mission and Objectives 3. 1 Apple Inc. Mission Statement Apple Computer is committed to protecting the environment, health and safety of our employees, customers and the global communities where we operate. We recognize that by integrating sound environmental health and safety management practices into all aspects of our business, we can offer innovative technological products and services while conserving and enhancing recourses for future generations. Apple Inc. strives for continuous improvement in our environmental, health and safety management systems and in the environmental quality of our products, processes and services. (Apple) 3. 2 Issues Problems With careful analysis of Apple Inc. ’s current market positioning we have collectively agreed that there are two major criteria that Apex strongly suggests Apple Inc. re-evaluate in regards to the manufacturing, marketing, and selling of the highly recognizable iPhone. The first problem that the group identified is the current pricing of the iPhone. Cost is extremely high and not within the budget of its target market. The second problem is the target market. To date Apple is focusing on the younger â€Å"techno† crowd. Though these consumers do covet the phone few actually have the resources to actually purchase it. 4. Strategic Analysis 4. 1 Porters 5 Forces Model v ^ ^ 4. 1. 1 Threat of Entry Apple Inc. not only had to face a number of barriers to entry in the development of the iPhone but they must also worry about potential competitors overcoming them as well. Although Apple currently has an advantage with its innovative products it must always be aware of the ease that a competitor can copy its products, especially in the extremely competitive field of cellular phones. However those new companies to the market will not only have to compete with the strong brand that Apple Inc. has built but will also have to face barriers more strenuous then what Apple had to face. 1. Economies of Scale Apple Inc. had an existing experience in manufacturing mass-market consumer electronics devices, many of which share similar components of the iPhone; so Apple Inc. was not negatively affected by this barrier. Since Apple Inc. had the production lines and personnel to make advance electronic products such as, the iPod and their line of computers, it wasn’t difficult to develop a production line capable of mass production of the iPhone. New entrants may not have that comfort as the cell phone market is almost defined by its mass-market environment. A new company entering this market would have one of two choices available: 1) They sell their product at a higher price to make up for the fact they can’t sell the same volume as a company like Apple Inc. and must hope that the consumer sees the higher price as a indicator of better quality. Or 2) They sell their product at a lower price probably occurring a loss per unit in hopes of selling a high volume and banking on sales of applications that can be purchased for the phone. In either situation it is extremely risky as both could lead to the company’s collapse. 2. Access to Distribution Channels Although Apple Inc. has had success with the distribution of its products it does face issues with this barrier due to the limited retailers of the iPhone and the fact that there is currently only one service provider. The iPhone is only available through a limited number of distribution channels those being Apple Inc. nd ATT stores and auction websites, like eBay, and it is only supported by the ATT network. A future entrant to the market could create an advantage by make their product more available for multiple carriers and multiple retailers. 3. Product Differentiation In general this trait is favorable for Apple Inc. because the iPhone is significantly different th an most of its competitors. First and foremost, the iPhone 3G is a revolutionary phone with a high call quality as its main point of parity. A list of the iPhone’s highlighted features includes the iPod, Internet tool (Wi-Fi, 3G and EDGE network). Apple Inc. also has a certain amount of protection through the strength of its brand identity. The problem with cell phones is product differentiation can be emulated, to a certain extent. Cell phones are pretty uniform in functionality and use and not overly differentiated between each other. However, recently LG with Verizon have just release the Dare, an iPhone like product, in hopes of attacking some of Apple’s market share. Not to mention companies like, Samsung and Nokia, have released designs and plans to develop their own versions of an iPhone. 4. Capital Requirements Since Apple Inc. ad already been successful with their computers and the iPod they had an advantage with having the capital required to start mass production of a new product. Apple Inc. also has experience with developing software and hardware, which gives them another advantage as they do not need to spend as much time and money in the research and development stages as a new phone manufacturer would. S o, to most effectively compete with the iPhone they will need to invest significantly in certain areas. Apple Inc. itself did not face much resistance with this barrier because of their experience creating both software and hardware. Companies looking to enter this market with have difficult barriers to overcome in order to compete at the same level as Apple Inc. and unless a company has experience in developing consumer electronics it seems very unlikely that they can experience similar success. 5. Government Policy Any company looking to enter this market has two governmental factors they must consider before entering the market: 1) the strength of current manufactures patents and 2) the regulatory obligations and approval requirements of the FCC (Apple Insider, 2007), which governs communication technologies in the United States. Apple has gained another advantage by acquiring a patent and FCC approval for the IPhone. This will make it more difficult for competitors to copy the iPhone but we are sure will not stop companies from developing their own versions of this successful product. 4. 1. 2. Threat of Substitutes Porter’s five-force model validates that all forms of communication devices threaten the mobile phone industry as a whole. The iPhone’s top priority is to provide its customers with a complete solution in the mobile phone industry with added features and benefits. Quoting Steve Jobs â€Å"the original iPhone, it combines three products in one s of substitute industries include landlines, pagers, walkie talkies, computers, fax machines, and snail mail. If the mobile phone industry cannot meet the needs of its customers at a reasonable price, then substitute products play a key threat. Landlines are evolving to be more of a direct competitor to the mobile phone industry, but they still provide its services at a different vantage point. Landlines are non-wireless receivers that are offered at a much lower cost than mobile phones. Computers (notebook and desktop) offer numerous options in the communication sector, which include electronic mail, live chat, and communication software. Collectively, fax, snail mail, pagers, and walkie talkies make up a small portion of the market share, but still pose a threat for unsatisfied customers in the wireless industry. . 1. 3. Threat of Buyers The buyers market consists of a large amount of individuals or corporations that own one or multiple cell phones. Due to the large market, the lost of a buyer is not a key threat. When a buyer is purchasing a new cell phone, the process at times is overwhelming due to the wide variety of differentiated products. Buyers play an important role in the strategic pricing for a new cell phone b ecause they have no obligations in purchasing a cell phone from a single supplier. Buyer’s spending habits will change accordingly with the economy’s position. For example, if economic profits are high then buyers are willing to spend versus saving their disposable income. Mobile phones have become integrated as a point of parity in the American lifestyle, and economic profits will determine the price a buyer is willing to pay for a cell phone. 4. 1. 4 Threat of Rivalry The number of competing firms within the mobile phone industry is increasing, while a few firms make up the majority of the market share. Provided by CNET is a list of suppliers that operate within the same industry as Apple’s iPhone, and a count of their product offerings. [pic] Direct competition includes all mobile phones that can be subcategorized as a basic, smart, camera, mp3, or videophone. The industries large selection of mobile phone manufacturers creates a strong threat of rivalry. The iPhone has made its debut as a smart phone targeting the higher-income demographic, but this does not eliminate the fact that all subcategories of cell phones contribute to the strengthening threat of rivalry. According to CNET Senior Editor Kent German (2008), the editor’s top cell phones include the LG Dare, RIM BlackBerry Curve 8320, Nokia N95, Samsung Instinct, Sony Ericsson W760i, and the newest edition of direct competition comes from Google introducing the T-Mobile G1. 4. 1. 5. Threat of Suppliers There are several suppliers of component parts in the mobile communication industry; therefore, manufacturers are able to make preferable purchasing agreements, allowing their manufacturing cost to then be reduced. The low cost from suppliers puts pressure on manufacturing to in turn pass on the savings to the end consumer. Other suppliers offer specific applications to be used on mobile phones, including the use of digital games (Electronic Arts, 2008). Employees also are a key component as they supply knowledge and expertise to the development of mobile communication products. Without their skills, innovation would be limited, an imperative factor for survival in this industry. Research and development in this industry is vital to the success of a mobile communication product. Suppliers in this industry are fundamental to a product’s successful development and its competitive advantage. 5. Assessment for Competitive Advantage 5. 1 Internal Strengths and Weaknesses A firm strives to achieve a competitive advantage in the marketplace to maximize value, and this is achieved using the VRIO framework. The VRIO framework consists of four questions that are used to analyze a firm’s internal strengths and weaknesses that determine its current situation. Provided by Barney, J. B. , and Hesterly, W. S. (2008) is a compiled list of the VRIO framework’s four questions, 1) The question of Value: Do resources and capabilities enable a firm to exploit an external opportunity or neutralize and external threat? 2) The question of Rarity: Is a resource currently controlled by only a small number or competing firms? 3) The question of imitability: Do firms without a resource face a cost disadvantage in obtaining or developing it? 4) The question of Organ ization: Are a firm’s other policies and procedures organized to support the exploitation of its valuable, rare, and costly-to-imitate resources? 5. 1. 1 VRIO Model VRIO | | | | |Value |Rarity |Imitability |Organization |Competitive Implications | |Brand |Yes |Yes |Yes |Yes |Sustained Competitive Advantage | |Design |Yes |No |Yes |Yes |Temporary Competitive Advantage | |Logistics |Yes |No |No |Yes |Competitive Parity | |Marketing |Yes |No |Yes |Yes |Temporary Competitive Advantage | Apple Inc. relies heavily on its brand’s reputation to sustain a competitive advantage in the marketplace no matter what product or service is being sold. They are recognized as a top performance firm because they have learned to exploit the brand name into the marketplace creating a high-perceived value by customers, which are not easily imitated. The question of rarity defines the iPhone’s highest internal threat because other firms are able to share this field of expertise, which include its design, logistics, and marketing. The iPhone’s design and functions are unique, and the bar is set high for competing products. The question of imitability has allowed the iPhone as an emergent product to have a temporary competitive advantage, until firms were able to launch its competitive products. Depending upon the imitation product, the value detracted from the iPhone is strengthened as a variety of direct and substitution products are developed. Apple Inc. apabilities in exploiting their resources and capabilities to its fullest have landed the firm a spot as the seventh contender in Fortune’s top 20 most admired Amer ican companies of 2007. Provided below is eight key attributes in scoring brand reputation (Fortunes, 2007). [pic] 5. 1. 2. Resources and Competencies In the resource-based view, the resources of Apple Inc. , the developer of the iPhone, include both tangible and intangible assets. The corporation’s tangible assets are its numerous factories and equipment, and its iPhone brand product (along with the Macintosh Computer and iPod). Another tangible asset of Apple, Inc. is its distribution system which consists of online retailers including Amazon. om; the Apple website; Apple stores; major retail stores including Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and Circuit City; and through cellular providers (Klazit, 2007). An organizational resource is its reputation among customers. Apple is known for its creativity and innovation which is an intangible asset. An effective capability of the company is its superior development of innovative products. Human resources are imperative to the success of Apple Inc. ’s iPhone, as every employee provides innovation, experience, intelligence and important relationships. 6. Industry Trends The wireless industry has experienced a tremendous growth in both its suppliers and buyers. According to Plunkett Research, â€Å"There were more than 3 billion global cellular telephone subscribers by mid 2008, including more than 260 million in the U. S. alone† (2008). The mobile phone industry exploits its product’s lifecycle that continuously update its technology between the growth and maturity phase. This sequence has allowed for numerous amounts of technology to enter the mobile industry’s boundless lifecycle. The increasing competition in the wireless industry has plummeted pricing strategies for manufacturers and service providers. Cellular phones are becoming a necessity in today’s demand for immediate communication. Previously mentioned is the growing numbers in wireless subscribers, and there is a large market opportunity in potential buyers hat include first time subscribers and those who are ready to upgrade in technology. Quoting Plunkett Research (2008), â€Å"new cell phone handsets have been selling at a rate of more than 1. 2 billion yearly-making the cellular phone the fastest-selling single item of consumer electronics by far. † The following statistics do not reflect Apple Inc. ’s target market for the iPhone, but its does demonstrate the industry’s increasing demand. According to the Cellular Telephone Industries Association (2008), â€Å"today, approximately 79% of all teens (17 million) have a mobile device – a 26% increase since 2005, and most teens have a conventional cell phone while about 15% own a smart phone. Economic variables will affect consumer behavior in purchasing a cellular phone, but it is inevitable that mobile communication devices have become integrated into the human lifestyle. 7. Strategic Development Recommendation 7. 1 Strategic Option 1 The first option that we think Apple Inc. can implement helps cover both of the dilemmas we have identified. This option would to develop a new marketing campaign that would start to target business professionals. This would consist of dual advertising with one set of ads directed to the consumers who want an iPhone for personal use and media aspect of Apple Inc. ’s products, such as music and videos. The other advertisements would be directed to business professionals with a stronger emphasis on more business useful applications like web browsing and e-mail. 7. 1. 1. Disadvantages of Strategic Option 1 However, there are advantages and disadvantages to this option. The first and largest disadvantage would be the capital and resources required to develop this new stream of marketing. Since Apple Inc. has had great success with their products, thanks to intelligent marketing campaigns, it seems that this would not be a major issue for them. Another disadvantage of undertaking a duel marketing campaign is that it could dissuade one of their target markets. One of the markets could start to feel that the iPhone is not a good product for them because of advertisements suggesting that the product is more suited for business professionals or media users. The last disadvantage we have identified is that with any new marketing there is a chance of failure which could lead to a loss of capital for Apple Inc. 7. 1. 2. Advantages to Strategic Option 1 One advantage of this new campaign would be that Apple Inc. could tap into the professional market and create a new source of revenue. This would also allow Apple Inc. to being to receive a portion of the market share that Blackberry has over business professionals. Another great advantage is that Apple Inc. could begin to create corporate accounts; these would be a lower price per unit to companies willing to buy a large volume for employees. By offering lower prices to companies purchasing mass quantities not only creates incentives for businesses but could also lead to a lower price across the broad for the iPhone. Due to economics of scale if Apple Inc. could begin to sale a large volume of iPhones they could eventually drop the price for all consumers. This could also allow Apple Inc. to start building more relationships with corporations and begin to interest companies into building their IT departments around Apple Inc. roducts. Currently Dell is the largest retailer to corporation as a majority of businesses have developed their computers systems around Dell personal computers. If Apple Inc. could build on relationships established by accounts for iPhones they could possible create incentives for business to convert to their line of comp uters. 7. 2 Strategic Option 2 The next option our team discussed and believes would work best for Apple would be to approve the research and development of a new iPhone. The new product would be specially designed for the business professional while leaving the current iPhone for a more youthful or media oriented consumer. Our team believes that Apple could design an iPhone with better business applications and wouldn’t require the memory and storage the current iPhone needs for media options. An idea our team had was to develop an iPhone with which a professional user could possible view a power point while taking a call so that person could view and hear a presentation anywhere. 7. 2. 1. Disadvantages of Strategic Option 2 The disadvantages here are even more severe then the first option as the money and time required to develop such a product would be great. This also gives time to the competition that are already targeting business professional to strengthen their grip on that market. Other disadvantage are similar to our first strategic option as consumers might choose a different brand if they feel they can’t get all the options they are looking for with either iPhone. Apple Inc. could also end up spending a great deal of money on an unsuccessful product as they not only would have to create this new product but again would need to create marketing for it as well. 7. 2. 2. Advantages of Strategic Option 2 One advantage would be the ability to offer this new iPhone at a lower price than the current one. Since the new iPhone would not have to have as many applications and storage space as the current one, they could sell it at a lower cost to the consumer. Again building corporate accounts could be another benefit of developing this product and businesses could have more of an incentive for this product as they would feel that it is a product built for business uses. Apple could also begin to sell a large number of this new product and could lead to them being able to offer both iPhones at a lower cost and take control of both markets. Apple Inc. could also become more actively involved with corporations and could again work on building relationships to interest companies in purchasing computer systems by them. 7. 3 Measurement The strategy chosen will be measured in a number of ways. One way that the results will be measured is through Apple Inc. ’s market share of the mobile communication industry. This will be calculated as a percentage of the total market share in sales. Another way the strategy will be measured is through an increase of sales. Taking into consideration external forces including competition, the economy, and other influences, an increase of sales may indicate whether the implemented strategy has been successful. 8. Strategic Implications 8. 1 Managerial Implications Evaluating the mobile phone industry as a whole, we better understand the difference between root causes and symptoms when analyzing Apple Inc. The issues we have identified in this case helped instill the fundamentals of obtaining a sustainable competitive advantage.

African Economy essays

African Economy essays Ghana is an African country located on the western side of Africa. Its neighbors are Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the south, and Cote D'Ivoire to the west. It has a population of 18,100, 703 and a population density of 197 people per square mile. Ghana is 92,098 square miles and English is its official language. The capital city of Accra has around 1, 673,000 people residing in it. There are the physical statistics, now onto the more interesting part. The country's greatest strengths lie in its natural resources. In those terms, it is very rich. Cocoa, its biggest export, accounts for 15% of the world's supply. Also its gold production, in recent years, it's exported as many as one million fine ounces. Ghana also has a good supply of bauxite, diamonds, coffee, rice, cassava, timber and rubber. Moreover, since 1983, the economy has steadily grown. With economic recovery policies intact, the economy has raised 5% a year since 1983. Tourism also is growing within Ghana. Tourist rates are increasing also. With all these cash crops, costly goods, and economic restructuring, one would wonder why they need assistance at all. Ghana's weaknesses though, almost outweigh the strengths. Like most countries in Africa, Ghana is in heavy debt since its independence in 1957. It also suffers from high budget deficits. All of the foreign investors that come in only invest in the gold fields. The richest business, Ghana isn't getting that profit. Because of clearing the land for farm use and urbanization, 70% of the forest has been destroyed. With the new urban communities and mining, pollution is a very serious problem in this small nation. As for other statistics that are related, its farming does well because of the two rainy seasons. There is only one doctor for every 12,523 people, but because of hygienic lessons, that doesn't cause too much of a problem. The major caus ...

Transaction Security in E-commerce Research Paper

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Managing and leading change (AEGON need for change) Essay

Managing and leading change (AEGON need for change) - Essay Example This spoke volumes of the kind of success that they would have been able to achieve in the wake of moving towards the UK market. The evaluation of this decision rests solely on the shoulders of the decision makers at AEGON who were doing their best to expand their business realms within different international markets. Since comprehending the environment was mandatory on their part, their next step was to get familiarized with the key issues that they shall be getting used to as far as managing operations were concerned. This is a certain aspect that reduction of uncertainty will come about as a positive step for the sake of managing and leading a positive change, in line with the AEGON case. The theory of managing and leading change is essentially the inherent basis for the sake of AEGON since it wishes to move towards the UK market and explore the market there. Since the people have a diabolical and confusing perspective regarding the life insurance and pensions industry in general , AEGON is marred with such viewpoints on the part of the people and this is where leading a positive change comes in to the equation. It shall resolve the ambiguities that exist within the related domains and create a room of optimism all around. Appointing a new CEO for the UK market is a step in the right direction as it will set the basis for bringing in a new thought process into the fray. Also instituting audit committees would resolve the issues which have sprung up for all the wrong reasons within AEGON for a specified period of time. Essentially speaking, leading and managing change is a difficult process which once undertaken can only rein in positive results for organizations and their top management realms. Hence it would be a good option for AEGON to enter the UK market and make a name for its own self which will be the basis of its success in the years to follow (Marshak, 2004:112). Body 1. Examining the Organizational Changes at AEGON and how these were Useful for the Company in terms of its Growth As far as the organizational changes at AEGON