Senior Seminar Research Proposal

Introduction Forensic entomology is used to determine such crimes as murder, suicide, and other criminal acts by examining various insects instead of using human tissues. This forensic tool is used to determine the postmortem interval of a corpse and the cause of death of a corpse when all other forms of human evidence (human blood, tissues, hair, etc. ) are not present at the scene. Forensic entomologists prefer using insects to determine these factors of death because the insects produce similar results as human test materials such as human blood or tissues which yield the best analytical results for the forensic entomologist.The use of forensic entomological evidence has been accepted and used in many courts around the world (Anderson, 1999). The use of this tool in court can support or refute a suspect’s alibi and improves the criminal investigation against the suspect (Anderson, 1999). Even though forensic entomology is an efficient tool to use in criminal investigations there are some drawbacks to this analytical tool. Such disadvantages include improper collection of entomological evidence and improper analysis of insects after collection, resulting in incorrect entomological results and a possible false conviction of a suspect.The proposed research of this paper focused on insects being affected by different concentrations of ethanol during natural insect development and also focused on the detection of ethanol in insects using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) to determine if insects were significantly affected by ethanol exposure. The research also focused on the exposure of ethanol to the insects and how this exposure affected PMI (postmortem interval) determination. Forensic entomology is a commonly used tool to determine cause and time of death by examining various characteristics of insects that are collected at the crime scene.Such characteristics include size of the insect(s) and the life cycle stage of the insect collected. For ensic entomology becomes the most accurate and sometimes the only tool available for determining time of death, especially after 72 hours (Anderson and VanLaerhoven, 1996). Forensic entomology can also determine if a body has been moved from place to place, determine where the death occurred, determine the presence of various types of drugs and toxins present (if any), wound location, and determine who the suspect and victim are due to the presence of certain insects on the body (Grisales, et al. 2010). Background/Literature Review There are five levels of decomposition identified by a forensic entomologist when conducting an entomological investigation which include fresh, bloated, active, advanced, and remains (Grisales, et al. , 2010). These stages of decomposition are important to a forensic entomologist because insects appear on a corpse periodically throughout the decomposition cycle which therefore determines the time of death of a corpse. During these levels of decomposition insects begin to reach the corpse either by flying (adult flies) or by burrowing through the ground (pupae).Some insects can also reach the corpse by hatching from eggs (larvae) that were laid on the corpse after death. The fresh stage of decomposition involves a drop in body temperature and the appearance of very few flies on the corpse. The insects that are collected are typically larvae and are collected from the mouth of the corpse. The bloated stage of decomposition involves a significant increase in the body weight of a corpse due to rainfall exposure. The insects that are collected at this stage of decomposition are larvae found on the back, head, ears, and anus of the corpse (Grisales, et al. 2010). The active decay stage of decomposition involves fly larvae feeding on a corpse which significantly lowers the body weight of the corpse and an increased amount of fly larvae found in the intestines/ organs of the corpse (Grisales, et al. , 2010). The advanced stage of decomposi tion involves the fluctuation of body temperature depending on the location of the corpse and an even bigger decrease in body weight due to increased consumption of body tissues by fly larvae (Grisales, et al. , 2010).There is an increase in adult flies that are collected at this stage of decomposition. In the last stage of decomposition, remains, there is no continued change of the corpse and the presence of insects found decreases (Grisales, et al. , 2010). The stages of decomposition and the insects present at these stages are also used to determine the postmortem interval (PMI) of a corpse. PMI, or postmortem interval, provides important detail of situations that occurred before time of death in cases of homicide and untimely death (Byrd and Castner, 2001).Arthropods that are found on the corpse can determine the length of egg to fly transformation then to the recovered developmental stage (Gennard, 2007). The best arthropods to use are the oldest ones that were yielded from egg s when the larvae were first deposited on the corpse because they have the longest feeding time on the corpse which allows them to fully develop and retain any evidence from the corpse much longer; this will produce a more accurate PMI. Such information can help to identify both the criminal and the victim by eliminating the suspects and connecting the deceased with other individuals.The predictable physical and chemical consequences of death are usually the most reliable PMI indicators, which means knowing what an insect should look like at which developmental level to determine when a dead body became a corpse (Henssge et al. 1995). PMI is also associated with the succession rate of various insects which is another tool that is used to determine the time of death of a corpse. The succession rate includes information about the time elapsed between death and the presence of a particular arthropod or insect species and stage (Byrd and Castner, 2010).A dead body will go through very r ecognizable decomposition stages (physical, biological, and chemical changes) that attract various types of arthropods in each decomposition stage that are needed to determine the succession rate (Monthei, 2009). The most common succession rate estimated by an investigator is the age of larvae and the time interval between death and the arrival of larvae on the corpse (Byrd and Castner, 2010). The knowledge of what insects are supposed to be present and absent based on the season also helps to determine PMI.Calculation of PMI involves five different arthropod life stages (eggs, larvae, pupae, adult, and carcass) for flies when collecting insects from corpses. The egg stage of the fly is characterized by the laying of between 150-200 eggs, with the exception of some flies lying between 2000-3000 eggs, found on the body in cluster form within areas that provide protection, moisture, and food (Gennard, 2007). Fly eggs are typically shiny and white; the eggs have a similar appearance to that of a grain of rice.The reason for specific placement of eggs on a decomposing body is the fact that the body contains a high quality of nutrients which are used as a feeding source for the fly eggs to grow, as well as the influence of growth on other species of insects that feed on the decomposing body. The larval stage of the fly species is characterized into three stages (L1, L2, and L3) which correspond to the number of slits present on the backs of the larvae (Gennard, 2007). These slits are used by entomologists to determine what stage of life the larvae are in when collected.In the third larval stage, where larvae are the largest, the larvae stop feeding on the corpse and begin looking for a place to begin pupariation. Pupariation is the final stage of development in metamorphosis into the adult stage and is generally called the larval post-feeding stage (Gennard, 2007). Pupariation typically doesn’t take place on the corpse because insects in this stage prefer to be in a cool, dark place or underground, if possible. In some instances of fly larvae in pupariation, the insects were shown to pupate on the corpse.The adult stage, or the end of the life cycle, is initiated by the arthropod pushing itself out of the puparium case and once the adult fly is free from the puparium case, the insects make their journey upward through the soil. Once the adult fly has reached the top of the soil the insects release their waste and expand their wings to make their way to other corpses or decomposing material. The adult stage may be the final stage of the life cycle but the carcass of these adult flies can also be collected as evidence along will the carcasses of arthropods in each life stage.Entomotoxicology Entomotoxicology is the analysis of insects and insect remains for the presence of toxins that may have been present in the corpse before death (Goff and Lord, 1994). Detection of various toxins and controlled substances in insects found on decomposi ng human remains has contributed to the determination of both cause and manner of death by determining what times of toxins were present in the corpse before death (Lord 1990, Goff and Lord 1994, Nolte et al. , 1992).Entomotoxicology also serves as an alternative analysis tool to determine the presence of toxins or cause of death when certain specimens aren’t available for collection, such as human blood or tissues. The toxicological analysis of insect biological materials is conducted in the same manner as the toxicological analysis of human biological materials, making cause of death determination more accurate (Definis- Gojanovic, 2007). Many different species of arthropods, such as flesh flies and blowflies, are used when conducting an entomotoxicological analysis and these arthropods are used to determine the PMI or time before death.The use of entomotoxicology has many advantages, which includes determination of time before death (PMI) and identification of suspect, but this analytical tool also has several disadvantages. One disadvantage includes the issue of recording the exact temperature of the insects because if the information is incorrect then the outcome of the PMI will also be incorrect. Another disadvantage of this analytical tool is the fact that it is fairly new in the forensic science field so if an individual isn’t educated on how to use the technique then valuable entomological evidence related to the case may be lost.Lastly, if proper collection of entomological evidence isn’t conducted properly, the loss of highly important evidence relating to time of death and cause of death could be lost. Cause of death is usually determined by various types of toxins that are detected in the insect after an entomotoxicological analysis was conducted. Issues with Determination of PMI The determination of PMI can be affected by multiple factors but only two will be discussed in this research proposal which include: temperature and ethanol. Temperature involves the rise or fall of temperature to such a high or low that affects the growth or succession rate of insects.Air temperature and exposure to sunlight will raise the corpse temperature which will also increase the insect succession rate. Temperature can also be influenced by such weather conditions as rain, sun, snow, and wind which can greatly affect the amount of entomological evidence collected (insects) and the outcome of a legal investigation (Sharanowski et al. , 2008). Alcohol, or ethanol, is one of the oldest abused drugs in the world that is readily available and the most commonly abused drug in Western societies (Stripp, 2007).Ethanol is a product of fermentation due to yeast cells acting on sugars from fruits and grains that produces a clear, volatile liquid that is soluble in water (Stripp, 2007). Once ethanol enters the blood stream orally it travels in the blood into other tissues. The ethanol travels to tissues with greater water content be cause these tissues will receive greater ethanol distribution. The ethanol concentration will be different in both the corpse and the insects due to the different water amounts found in each species (insects and corpse).The rate at which ethanol is eliminated from the body is another important factor to a forensic entomologist because this can determine the time at which the individual started drinking. The focus of this experiment will involve different concentration levels of ethanol and the effects on the growth rate of the fly species Sarophagidae (flesh flies). Proposed Research The broad, long-term objectives that this research paper is focused on determining whether ethanol can affect the growth rate of entomological evidence and how much ethanol can be detected in the insects.This research is also being conducted in an attempt to make a comparison to the other research experiments to see if the results concerning growth rate of insects exposed to such drugs as morphine or he roin are similar or different to the growth rate results of insects exposed to ethanol. This research paper includes four specific aims that was accomplished as a way to make the broad objective a more manageable piece that could was easier to manipulate. Specific aim one included determining whether ethanol could be found in both test fly species after feeding on the ethanol infused beef liver.Specific aim two involved determining which concentrations of ethanol produced the most significant changes in the flies. Specific aim three involved tracking the growth rate of the fly species that were exposed to the ethanol infused beef livers (test subjects) and those who were not (control). Specific aim four involved observing any change in the growth rate data from the fly species test subjects that were exposed to three specific concentrations of ethanol. These specific aims will be used in sequential order as a way of getting closer to solving the broad objective. Experimental Methods OverviewThe research experiment hypothesized there would be significant changes in the growth rate of the fly species when exposed to the three specific concentrations of ethanol. The research experiment also predicted that there would be obvious physical changes in the flies when exposed to beef livers infused with specific concentrations of ethanol at different stages of life. The experimental design constructed for this experiment involves the fly species Sarophagidae (flesh flies) feeding on beef livers infused with ethanol over a period of eight to twenty-one days which is the general life cycle for flesh flies.The three beef livers had varying concentrations of ethanol (25 ug, 50 ug, and 100 ug) injected into them that the flesh flies were exposed to. The control group for the experiment was hand massaged with deionized water as a way to keep liquid consistency amongst the groups. At the end of the experiment, the insects were collected into a test tube and then exposed to GC MS or gas chromatography mass spectrometry in an attempt to determine the presence of ethanol in the test subject (insects). The insects were also analyzed for any type of stunted or heightened growth in regards to a normal fly life cycle.This analytical test was able to show that there was ethanol present in the fly species. Experimental Variables The independent variable in this experiment is the specific concentration of ethanol that is distributed amongst the three beef livers. The dependent variable in this experiment is the growth rate of both species after exposure to ethanol as well as the specific ethanol concentrations. The controlled group was the fly larvae that were not exposed to ethanol. The other controlled variables of this experiment were the 45 degrees Farenheit (temperature) the beef livers were maintained at and the amount of beef used (8 oz. as the feeding substrate for the fly species. The experimental groups in this experiment were three larvae groups exposed to ethanol and the control group was a larvae group not exposed to ethanol. Procedures/ Measurements The following experimental design was adapted from a previous research study conducted by George et al. , 2009. Three beef livers weighing 8 oz. each were prepared using the corresponding ethanol concentrations for the three experimental groups of the fly species tested (Experimental Group Two- 25 ug, Experimental Group Three- 50 ug, and Experimental Group Four- 100 ug). 0 mL of deionized water was distributed evenly into the control group (EG 1) to maintain liquid consistency amongst all groups. A cluster of fly larvae for the three experimental groups was collected and distributed evenly amongst the three experimental groups (2-4) as well as the control group. The beef livers were contained in a small plastic tub and refrigerated at a temperature of 45 degrees Farenheit when the beef livers were not being used to discourage spoiling of beef liver as well as to avoid evaporation of ethanol.The growth rate of the test subjects from both fly species exposed to ethanol is measured (any alteration in growth rate is the factor that is being measured) over a period of three weeks. At the end of three weeks, or longer if necessary, all of the perished insects from the experiment were collected for analysis using GCMS (gas chromatography mass spectrometry) to determine the presence or absence of ethanol in the insects. Material List Deionized water Ethanol solution Fly larvae of Sarophagidae (flesh flies)Four beef livers (8 oz. each) Graduated cylinder GCMS machine Microscope Pipette Plastic tubs Refrigerator References Anderson, G. S. (1999). Wildlife Forensic Entomology: Determining Time of Death in Two Illegally Killed Black Bear Cubs. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 44(4): 856-859 Anderson, G. S. and Van Laerhoven, S. L. (1996). Initial Studies on Insects Succession on Carrion in Southwestern British Columbia. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 41: 617-625 Brown, G. , F uke, C. , Pounder, D. J. , Robertson, L. and Sadler, D. W. (1997). Barbiturates and Analgesics in Calliphora vicina Larvae. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 42(3): 481-485 Byrd, J. H. and Castner, J. L. (2001). Forensic Entomology: The Utility of Arthropods in Legal Investigations. CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL Definis- Gojanovic, M. , Britvic, D. , Kokan, B. , and Sutlovic, D. (2007). Drug Analysis in Necrophagous Flies and Human Tissues. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol, 58: 313-316 George. K. A. , Archer, M. S. , Green, L. M. , Conlan, X. A. , and Toop, T. (2009).Effect of morphine on the growth rate of Calliphora stygia (Fabricus) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and possible implications for forensic entomology. Forensic Science International (Online), 193(1): 21-25 Gennard, D. E. (2007). Forensic Entomology: An Introduction. Wiley: England Goff, M. L. and Lord, W. D. (1994). Entomotoxicology : A new area for forensic investigation. American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, 15:51-57 Grisales, D. , Ruiz, M. , and Villegas, S. (2010). Insects associated with exposed decomposing bodies in the Colombian Andean Coffee Region.Revista Brasileira de Entomologia, 54(4): 637-644 Henssge, C. B. , Knight, B. , Krompecher, T. , Madea, B. , and Nokes, L. (1995). The estimation of the time since death in the early postmortem period. Arnold: London Lord, W. D. (1990). Case histories of the use of insects in investigations. In Entomology and death: A procedural guide, ed. E. P. , Catts and N. H, Haskell. Clemson, SC: Joyce’s Print Shop, 9-37 Monthei, D. R. (2009). Entomotoxicological and Thermal Factors Affecting the Development of Forensically Important Flies.Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia Nolte, K. B. , Lord, W. D. , and Pinder, R. D. (1992). Insect Larvae Used to Detect Cocaine Poisoning in a Decomposed Body. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 37(4): 1179-1185 Sharanowski, B. J. , Walker, E. G. , and Anderson, G. S. (2008). Insect succession and decom position patterns on shaded and sunlit carrion in Saskatchewan in three different seasons. Forensic Science International, 179: 219-240 Stripp, R. A. (2007). Drugs of Abuse. The Forensic Aspects of Poisons. Chelsea House: New York

Attachment report Essay

Tetu Aberdare Water and Sewerage Company was established in year 2006 under CAP 4&6 of the Company’s act of Kenya to provide services to Tetu District residents through provision of water and sanitation services. The company offers its customers clean and rate water through pipes right form the intakes in the forest to the customer’s individual homes and businesses. The company is regulated by the water act 2002 which stipulates how each institution in the water sector operates. The company obtains raw water from the source and treats the water at the treatment works. The water is then purified and chlorinated before distribution to the customers through the piped infrastructure laid out in the whole service provision Agreement (SPA) area. To operationalize its mandate TEAWASCO has set up a strong organizational structure with a board of directors and management staff. The company has put in place governance instrument including the signing of a code of conduct for the Company of directors and performance contract of management staff, TWSB and DWO. The strengthening of governance instruments will continue with the development of company has improved sewerage services which will support industries and a growing urban population in order to contribute towards achievement of Kenya vision 2030 and National and international goals Vision To be the most efficient and effective water services provider in rural Kenya Mission To ensure provision of affordable, reliable and sustainable water and sanitation services by operation and maintaining water and sanitation facilities. In order to continue provision of clean, safe and sustainable water the company has developed the following Principles. Develop Water sources in areas where water quality in guaranteed and there are possibilities of gravitating it to all areas. a)Exploiting the available water resources potentials giving equal emphasis to surface and ground water. b)Emphasis on development of the available water resources potential for meeting the domestic water need without pegging it on specific projects. c)Concept of development of bulk water supply systems. d)Giving domestic water preferential treatment over other uses at the point of abstraction. e)Providing access to safe and potable water to all by the year 2015. CORE VALUES a)Competence Human resource competence will be enhanced through structured programs of human resource development. Compensation policies will reward superior performance b)Teamwork The board will work to build an organization that recognizes the value of teamwork c)Networking The board will network and collaborate with other stakeholders in achieving its strategic objectives d)Innovationess The search, acquisition and use of knowledge to improve the qualify of life will be encouraged and supported within and among the stakeholders e)Integrity The board will operate in an open, sincere and frank manner in all its undertaking f)Quality Customer Service Customer service excellence will guide all interactions among staff and with stakeholders. DETAILS OF PLACEMENT DEPARTMENT During my attachment period I was attached in procurement department. The department is under commercial department but it is headed by procurement manager called Mr. Mwaniki, under him there is one procurement assistance who is also the storemans. I was treated well by all staff in procurement assistance. Mr. Kagiri trained me how to procure goods and services in public institutions according to PPA 2005. Moreover we could work with him to issue, receive and inspection of goods. In this department I was able to team how to write an LPO, LSO Writing quotations, selling tenders, opening tenders, evaluation and selection of most responsive bidder according to technical and financial evaluation, writing of fuel orders and reconciling of bin cards. I was able to interact with several suppliers and also for ISO satisfaction of the board. In conclusion I was able to procure goods and  services in right time, right price, right quantity, and right quality and from the right source. SECTION 2 ATTACHEMENT EXPERIENCE 2.1 GENERAL ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN It involved the procurement and general purchasing of products for effective service delivery to ensure customer satisfaction. The attachment period spanned from 28th March to 31st May 2013. This include:- Procurement This helped me know the procedures of requisition for the materials that are needed in the stores at a particular time. Inventory Control This assisted me in knowing that materials are in the store, what to be purchase or ordered and what not to be ordered. Record Management This helps in safety of documents; where there is ease to locate in case they are needed for future experience. Suppliers Management This guides the suppliers on what needed, where to deliver and of what quality and quantity. Warehouse Management This helped me know how to arrange the stores, identity the items and park the materials according to their similarities Management Of Stores/Procurement Staff This helps to reduce the chances of damages or theft especially during offloading and when loading the materials. Writing Procurement Documents This enabled me to be able to write quotations, LPO, LSO, S11, S13 and requisition form. 2.2 SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKE The specific activities that I undertook included:- Procuring Of Various Types Of Material Required In The Company Operations. This included sorting of files in the registry according to activity, updating of circulation book files, filling of loose letters in respective files, locating of missing files in various officers arranging the found files back in chronologic order, sorting and arranging personnel files in relation to departments and replacing worn out old files and new ones, ensuring proper documentation and approvals, obtained for all organization  invoices. Imputing approved invoices accurately into the according to terms and cash availability, maintaining and updating annually standing list of registered renderers required by the procuring entity and liase with its authority in respect of the authority’s register of suppliers and procuring agent. Participation In Procurement Planning Committee Meetings This entailed writing of minutes for various meetings, noting any evaluation made during the meeting, invitation advisors or members of the procurement unit to explain submissions or provide technical advice where required. It also involved reading of previous meetings minutes, deliberation and ascertaining the members present and those absent with and without apologies. Not forgetting noting any evaluation made during the meeting, attending meeting of evaluation and selection of the bidder. Making Reports On Various Procurement Activities This had been daily duty that involved liaising with department heads to supply required departmental reports for filing and hence consolidation communicating across the different departments remained a major activity informing them of meetings, results their performances and trends as per the rapid results organization policy. Undertaking General Procurement Clerical Works i.e. Maintaining Of Records This entailed ensuring that all liabilities have been recorded. Maintaining an approved up-to date vendor/supplier database on the accounts payable system. Billing approved group and transient accounts with the appropriate supporting documentation. Preparing, publishing and distributing procurement and disposal opportunities including invitation to tender pre-qualification document and institutions for expression of interest coordinate the receiving and opening of tender documents. Maintaining and safe guarding procurement and disposal documents and record accordance with regulations. Managing The Inventory In The Organization – involved an assessment of the stock issue like conformance with the set timelines of completing of order targets, designing of appropriate forms for the supplies in the relation to the department as well as redirecting the departmental heads on how to fill these form. Further it included balancing of stock ledgers at the close of  the day of all categories of products using the receipts and invoices for day’s ascertainment. 2.3 AN ANALYSIS OF LEARNT KNOWLEDGE AND APPLIED SKILLS Learnt Knowledge I)During my attachment period I was able to acquire knowledge in:- I learnt how to communicate between the organization and the internal and external customer. I guided the direction of the organization by parting ways or charting the way forward. At TEAWASCO there was analysis of trends and patterns in the organization as well as the stakeholder procedure of receiving and inspecting materials delivered: I was involved in inspection of materials delivered to the company by other sources and had to make record s of the delivered materials. II)Procedure of inventory control at the store. I was trained on manners of stock taking and record keeping during my attachment duration. III)Issue of materials to departments within the company and various schemes whenever any department requires any material from stores I was to issue and deduct the amount from the bincard. IV)Proper filling of documents V)It was my daily duty to file and document to their specific files and those that needed to be updated in the system (computer) I also did as required. Applied Skills During my attachment period I was able to apply skills in:- Computer Skills And Operations: – These were applied during feeding of information to the system, sending of E-Mails, scanning of documents e.t.c Technical Skills: – the skills that I learnt at class enabled me to handle the tasks that are required at the office like accounting as I was required to write the invoices. Picking up of the office telephone, the skill I learnt in office management. Interpersonal Skills: – At TEAWASCO I was able to interact with various people like the clerks, the contractors and supplies, together with the internal and external customers. Conceptual Skills: – At TEAWASCO, I was able to interact with various people like the clerks, the contractors and suppliers, together with the internal and external customers Conceptual Skills: – At TEAWASCO I was able to plan award of the daily delivery report and also plan how the deliveries are to reach the various customers. Inventory Control: This is the activity of knowing  what materials are in the store, what to be ordered and not to be ordered. Stock Issues: – This was mainly to issue ordered materials to various departments in the organization. Counter Checking Of Materials Delivered: – this is done by comparing materials delivered as to the order document and its specification. 2.4 A PROFILE OF SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES GAINDED AND ACQUIRED During my attachment period I gained and acquired:- A profile of skills Communication Skills The procurement department was interactive with other departments like the finance department which its main work is mostly paying suppliers, receiving payments from distributors and paying the employees of the company and the human resource department which is involved with hiring new employees Interpersonal Skills There was an interaction among the employees. The supplies clerks used to receive the invoices from the finance office under the strict supervision of the commercial manager Record Keeping: This aided me to gain the knowledge in filling documents and feeding data into the store card (bin card) Stock Taking: This helped me know what to order for more materials, what brand to add and what not to be purchased A PROFILE COMPETENCY Public Relations: This helped me improve my communication skills toward internal customers, fellow workmates and even my superiors Use Of Accounting Packages: Used excel to enter data on the deliveries preparing the report and trends analysis. Handling Customers Complaints This gave me confidence to take a customers problem or complaint and handle it with the professional required for that. 2.5 OBSERVATION AND CRITIQUE 2:5:1 Observations During my attachment period, I was able to make the following observations analysis book requires a lot of accuracy as the right kind of figures has to  be jotted down as each invoice has a unique number from each other. The supplies clerk had a lot of work to be done as there was regular tendering and many others to be addressed. I observed that the company has a high profile management comprising of General Manager strong and competent, the staff too are also hard working thus meets the organizations goals. Highly Qualified And Skilled Personnel This is an added advantage for the organization to have acquired as they will work best to meet the organizations objectives. Commendable Strategy Of Purchase And Marketing With this the organization is able to source for any products it requires and negotiate for favorable supplier’s relationship. Technology The level of technology used in the organization makes everything effective and efficient, despite lack of many machines will harness the operations of the company Modern Machinery This helps the company to make maximum production, within the actual time allocated for that and use at least energy. More needs to be purchased like computer. Communication It is clear that communication is easy form one office to the other through the well networked phone communication installed and use of mobile phones Criteria Of Employment Through there are advertisement of various job in the organization, the employment schedule is never conducted well. Teamwork. This is that the staff of TEAWASCO are highly co-operated and united so that they achieve their company objectives. 2:5:2 CRITIQUE Lengthy Procurement Process The Company is challenged by bureaucratic procedures particularly in payment of suppliers. Promotions It is expected in any organization that due to the work well done by an employee, that at point in time there should be upward mobility to a higher position and injection of the right kind of people but it is not the case for the company. In adequate storage space: the company is challenged by high purchased made with no adequate storage spaces for the already purchased materials. Motivation and morale: it is expected that the  employees should be treated equally but not the case for TEAWASCO because they favors employees differently according to their departments. 2.6 STRATEGY FOR UTILIZATION OF CONTRACT ESTABLISHED During Attachment During my attachment period I established such a great number of contracts and also made friends and good relationship with the staff and management of TEAWASCO I gained a myriad of contacts with various people through interacting with clients in procurement which will held me to advance more knowledge in future projects. This will help me also to access employment opportunities in future as well as networking. TEAWASCO has presented itself as a good caring partner in provision of water and various projects to a lot of people in a wide area. Reference: This helps me to use the contact for references in future i.e. by including it in my curriculum vitae. Job Seeking. This assists me when there are job advert vacancies at the company I can easily communicate so that they may hire me as I was trained and had experiences at their organization Marketing: This is because I can give the TEAWASCO contracts to some other students who want to be trained to acquire the experience I have. Research Finding: This helps me when doing my research assignment by giving the research questionnaire to the staff at TEAWASCO so they can help me in finding of the unknown knowledge. SECTION 3 3.1 SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS During my attachment period I was able to come up with the following summary. I was glad that I was attached at TEAWASCO especially at the procurement Department. I was able to influence the stakeholder’s attitude so that they can attain their membership at the organization. I was able to apply the purchasing core values like advocacy, honesty, expertise, independence, loyalty and fairness. I was able to practice procurement and purchasing professionalism like trust, ethical guardian. The core values enabled me to carry out my daily activities at the TEAWASCO. I was able to analyze the current treads in the environment together with the patterns of the organization as well as the stakeholders. The experience I got has made me to be a better purchasing prationeer as well as increasing my expertise in handling the clients i.e. the suppliers. My communication skills were also  put into task as there was a lot of interaction among the various employees of the company I had a ple asant and wonderful moment at the company and it really enabled me to be a professional in my line of learning 3.2 CONCLUSION I was very grateful to have been at TEAWASCO. The experience that I gained at TEAWASCO in Nyeri will enable me to tackle the various changes that are encountered in a day office environment especially in a purchasing and supplies Department The Communication skills will enable me to be able to communicate from the top managers to the first line managers and the subordinates. The skills are very vital in an organization as communication is a key element of any organization. The interpersonal skills enabled me to interact with the various employees of the Company. I learnt the basic skill of the office of saying hello and got to interact with the other departments like the commercial, finance, human resource department and revenue department. I got the basic skill of any organization that is teamwork. Some of the conceptual skills that I learnt enabled me to utilize the organizational values, goals, mission, vision and the general objective. I had t work hard to reach the organizations objective. The experience will enable me to competitive in a challenging world. I was able to integrate what I learnt in class. RECOMMENDATION Procurement and purchasing are challenging tasks and also very demanding ones. Entry organization should be in a position to have purchasing department integrated with the other department for effective service delivery. Recommend that the company should employ personnel who are professionals to deal with purchasing work because it is demanding and requires specialized knowledge. Recommend the work done so that the internal and external customer’s complaints are taken care of and also there is mutual understanding between the organization and the various publics Also recommend the long lasting relationship between the organization and the society as that the organization should involves itself in corporate social responsibility activities like employee welfare and wellness programmers e.g. health and safety, healthy like operation smile medical camps,  education and entrepreneurship like student attachment program, environmental like tree planting, town beautification. These activities are highly appreciated by the members of the society. Recommend that the core values of procurement should be adhered to so that professionalism can be maintained. Recommend improvement of managerial practices, professionalism and working relations and partnership with current society, continually improve on work quality, observation of professional and technical standards and regular reviews. Recommend the organization for the establish of an effective and efficient financial and operational framework for improved accountability and transparency. As most people are willing to associate and work with accountable and transparent organizations. Recommend my school for the opportunity granted to have the experience in the organization like this. Students should be keen during the attachment to gain more knowledge during attachment.

Moral and Social Philosophy

Moral philosophy is focused on the habits, customs, and values of a certain individual (Wikipedia, 2007). It has the following sub-categories: meta-ethics; normative ethics; as well as, applied ethics (Wikipedia, 2007). One of the major contributors of this school of thought is Immanuel Kant who said that â€Å"deontology† holds that an act is considered to be right if it goes with the moral rule or principle (Ethical.., 2001). For example, parents will have to decide whether or not to have their children immunized. Since it is required by the law then the parents will have to allow their children to be immunized; it is the right thing to do because it goes along with the moral rule or principle (Ethical.., 2007). Social Philosophy Social philosophy is technically defined as a study which addresses dilemmas concerning social/human behaviors (Wikipedia, 2007). It covers the following areas: effects of culture, effects of science, revolution, social contract, etc (Wikipedia, 2007). Simply put, social philosophy concerns itself with moral principles as applied to problems of equality, freedom, as well as, justice (Wikipedia, 2007). One of the major contributors of social philosophy is John Locke who stated that: men are equal, free, as well as independent; thus, they possess the faculty of reason, which gives them the right to preserve their property including their life, liberty, as well as, estates (Bennagen, 2000). In addition to that, he believes that the state of nature is one that is in a state of perfect equality, freedom, liberty, and rationality but it is possible to turn into a state of war especially in cases where there exists the absence of a common judge (Bennagen, 2000). Thus, for him, entering into social contract is necessitated so as not to go through anything that is similar to the state of war (Bennagen, 2000). Last but not least, he also believes that the people have the right to resist a government that tyrannical in nature (Bennagen, 2000). Subjectivism Subjectivism is the act of making moral judgments, however, based on an individual’s emotion (Ethics.., n.d.). For example, in judging if something is â€Å"nice†, an individual has to have a positive emotions about it otherwise it should not be labeled or declared as something â€Å"nice† (Ethics.., n.d.). Advocates of subjectivism claim that since moral judgments are decided upon subjectively or basing on emotions, then individuals are fully rational during such a period (Ethics.., n.d.). The major problem with subjectivism, however, is that, since it is based on emotions, the person may all the more arrive at wrong decisions or judgments, for example, dating a nice and handsome young but married man may feel nice but that doesn’t mean it is moral to do so (Ethics.., n.d.). One kind of subjectivism is known as metaphysical subjectivism and one of the major contributors of the aforementioned school of thought is Descartes (Wikipedia, 2007). Egoism Ethical egoism or simply egoism is doing something to fulfill an individual’s own interest whether it may be good or harmful to other people (Wikipedia, 2007). Egoism does not take into consideration the well-being of others nor does it do anything to be of assistance or help to others (Wikipedia, 2007). One of the contributors of this particular school of thought is Thomas Hobbes who advocated that self-interests should be pursued and practiced so that freedom may be equal to everybody (Wikipedia, 2007). He also believes that even if there is self-interest, it is impossible that an individual may be harmed because humans are typically the same when it comes to their wants and needs (Wikipedia, 2007). Virtue Ethics Virtue Ethics is where Aristotle’s moral theory is taken into consideration (Ethical.., 2001). Here, it is said that â€Å"an act is right if it is what a virtuous agent would do in the circumstances† (Ethical.., 2001). Let’s take for instance, the case on immunization, currently, there is a dilemma with regards to having every child immunized before going to school, utilizing virtue ethics in critical thinking, parents may decide that they will allow their children to be immunized because it is not only good for their children, but it will benefit all the others as well (Ethical.., 2001). Ethical Relativism Ethical relativism is where social, personal, historical, as well as, cultural considerations are the basis of one’s judgment or decision (Wikipedia, 2007). A contributor to this school of thought named Jean-Paul Sartre in fact claims that somebody’s morals, if any, will be proven only if the person follows certain social norms (Wikipedia, 2007). Utilitarianism John Stuart Mill’s Utilitarianism is built on the concept or principles of utility, which he believes is the foundation of morals (Bennagen, 2000). It holds that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness (Bennagen, 2000). Happiness, according to John Stuart Mill, is equated to pleasure and the absence of pain, while unhappiness, for him, refers to pain and the privation of pleasure (Bennagen, 2000). Categorical Imperative This rationally dictates a course of action independent of whatever goals the agent may have (Encarta, 2007). By this, Immanuel Kant also meant that the moral law is categorical or that it applies to all situations, and by imperative, he meant, it is commanding, thus making it absolutely authoritative (Gaarder, 1991). Immanuel Kant stated the Categorical Imperative in two key formulations: 1) Act as if the maxim of your action were to become through your will a general natural law (Encarta, 2007), meaning, that it should apply to all people in all societies at all times (Gaarder, 1991); and 2) Act so that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in that of another, always as an end and never as a means only (Encarta, 2007). By this statement, he meant, we should not exploit others to our own advantage (Gaarder, 1991). References Bennagen, Pia. (2000). Social, Economic and Political Thought. Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press. Encarta. (2005). Immanuel Kant. Retrieved May 26, 2007 from http://www.encarta.com. Ethical Theories Compared. (2001). Retrieved May 26, 2007 from http://www.trinity.edu. Ethics 02 – Subjectivism. (n.d.). Retrieved May 26, 2007 from http://www.jcu.edu/philosophy/gensler/et/et-02-00.htm Gaarder, Jostein. (1991). Sophie’s World. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc., Wikipedia. (2007). Cogito Ergo Sum. Retrieved May 26, 2007 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cogito_Ergo_Sum Wikipedia. (2007). Egoism. Retrieved May 26, 2007 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethical_egoism Wikipedia. (2007). Ethical Relativism. Retrieved May 26, 2007 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethical_relativism Wikipedia. (2007). Moral Philosophy. Retrieved May 26, 2007 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_philosophy Wikipedia. (2007). Social Philosophy. Retrieved May 26, 2007 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_philosophy               

Enterprise Integration - Infrastructure Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Enterprise Integration - Infrastructure - Essay Example For effective integration, it is pivotal that all these information systems are linked together through a reliable technology. So much so that the enterprise as a whole works as a single platform, all the information systems connected and related in a productive manner, providing the processed information as and when needed, or even before hand. This leads to optimized business operations at reduced costs, alignment with the customer and enhanced business agility, streamlined internal business operations, individual roles and growth opportunities. This calls for some strategic decisions about the kinds of technology that a company should use to link its various information systems. The technologies can then be made to work together in a coherent infrastructure to support the work of the organization. Regardless of the technology used, applications and data must communicate, and that communication is growing to include a wide variety of technologies, such as SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol), JMS (Java Message Service), FTP and custom APIs. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is by far the most initial tool to serve the purpose of enterprise integration. ERP systems do not define what integration is and how it is to be developed, but they incur a techno-logic that conditions how control can be performed through financial and non-financial representations because they distinguish between an accounting mode and a logistics mode. The concept behind Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) is that applications should expose their functionality as services in a way that can be accessed by any authorized external system. SOA isn't a point product or even a suite of products-it requires multiple components comprising multiple products up and down the infrastructure stack and includes messaging (ESB) technology, application servers (ESP), management (SOA Management and Registries) products, development tools and more. Conventional integration technologies are evolving and are quickly being replaced with ESB (Enterprise Service Bus) software. ESBs provide integration plus the capabilities of legacy EAI (Enterprise Application Integration) products, and features and functions that integrate both legacy and contemporary services, such as Web services. Enterprise and infrastructure management system (EIMS) technology offers network managers benefits such as unprecedented control, protection, security and integration with other systems. EIMS bridges network management software and physical layer management. It can self-discover the physical topology of data centers, communication rooms and wiring closets, while, at the same time, manage and troubleshoot network connectivity through integration with third-party logical layer applications. Infrastructure Model It is better to apply SOA concepts incrementally to existing information technology (IT) systems to exploit short-term business benefits. SOA facilitates aligning existing IT infrastructure and systems to achieve end-to-end enterprise connectivity by removing redundancies, generating unified collaboration tools, and streamlining IT processes. The Human Service Bus (HSB) is an optimized organizational

Online Shopping Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Online Shopping - Term Paper Example With the increased exchange of products via the internet, the economy has been able to gain tremendously. Secondly, online shopping requires the services of middle-businessmen who will transport the products to the buyers. The middlemen serve an important purpose of ensuring the products and services are availed at the most appropriate time. This creates job opportunities to the many people that are unemployed (Miller 121). With such a development, the new economy develops since there are some people that have a disposable amount of income which is spent in the economy. Therefore, it is evident that online shopping has developed the proceeds of the economy by creating job opportunities and enhancing the economy through constant exchange of products from the sellers to the buyers. Similarly, it has enabled constant flow of money in the economy since the quality of products is improved. The buyers and sellers are the first hand benefiters from online shopping. Online shopping connects buyers to sellers in a more elaborate and easy manner. First, buyers get to know the location of sellers and how they can be contacted. This eases the process of acquiring products and services. As such, the buyers will have an easy time in locating the sellers. Secondly, the buyers will not waste time looking for an appropriate supplier of the products that need (Rich 167). This is convenient to people that have a busy schedule. As such, they will spend limited time in contacting an appropriate seller of the products they need. Thirdly, buyers do not have to physically access the sellers’ shop for the products. They can make communications via the internet and provide all the information that is needed. This eases the... Online shopping has had an effect on traditional shopping in a number of aspects. First, online shopping has reduced the number of people that rely on traditional shopping. For instance, this has reduced the number of people that physically access shopping centers and the market to buy products and services. Secondly, online shopping has increased the number of people that use electronic cash transfers in buying products. This has affected traditional shopping since very few people carry hard cash. This has had negative effects on traditional shopping since impulse buying has been reduced. As such, people that do not use online selling tactics are disadvantaged. Thirdly, online shopping has changed the world in that people expect to be supplied with the products they have bought. Many people expect the products to be delivered at their homesteads and door steps after making a purchase. This affects traditional shopping negatively since it does not have such services.Though online sho pping has its favored advantages, it has a number of drawbacks. First, there are some products that are not sold online. This makes it hard for a seller to attract some customers online.

Women's misrepresentation in media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Women's misrepresentation in media - Essay Example Advertisers usually objectify women in their ads; they portray them as sexual objects. In addition, media value women neither for their achievements nor for intelligence. They are valuable for their youth, look and beauty. Jean Kilboune in and Carmen Sering share the same idea that media tend to represent women inappropriately. In Kilbourne’s work â€Å" Two Ways a Woman Can Get Hurt†, the author shows us how these ads attract consumers, then she starts to explain how these ads affect us more than we think. She claims that bodies are portrayed as objects, which leads to sexual harassment. Jean emphasizes that pornographic ads objectifie women. Providing many examples of different ads she proves how ads portray women in inappropriate way, which shapes the attitude towards women in the communities. For instance, an ad for MTV presents young lady with exposed breasts, and the word â€Å"Bitch† under her bosom. Like Jean Kilbourne, Carmen Siering’s work â€Å" Taking a Bite out of Twilight† discusses how the main character Bella is misrepresented. The author also mentions that there are two teams, which are Edward’s and Jacob’s. But there is no team for the girl Bella. Siering writes about how Bella, the main character of the novel, cannot take care of herself. In addition, Bella always needs someone to help her out making her decisions. The idea of â€Å"Taking a Bite out of Twilight† goes against the feminism. Furthermore, the author writes about how women are manipulated by men. Bella is represented in the novel as an object or a prize. Siering continues explaining that Stephanie Meyer, who is the author of Twilight, does not comsider Bella to be a personality. These two works, â€Å"Two Way a Woman Can Get Hurt† by Jean Kilbourne and â€Å" Taking a Bite out of Twilight† by Carmen Siering, share the same idea, which is the misrepresentation of women in media. Meg Kamerick also talks about the misrepresentation of women in the work â€Å"Woman Should Represent

GEOINT and Asia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

GEOINT and Asia - Essay Example Such views include the state and its citizens, children and their parents, husband and wife, liberty and authority, hierarchy and equality as well as rights and responsibilities. These differences have existed for centuries and have at times threatened world peace (Fawn, 1999). The two regions also have a lot of differences regarding political ideologies as well as political regimes. These differences could be attributed to the increased levels of awareness between these civilizations, since this intensifies civilization consciousness. More and more people migrating from the Asian region receive increased receptivity and hostility from the western world. Studies reveal that the western world reacts more negatively to Asian investment in their countries than from other regions. When people from the two regions interact, their civilization-consciousness is enhanced, which further invigorates the animosities and differences, thus explaining why it stretches such a long way back in history (Huntington, 1997). The increasing economic regionalism can also be attributed to the differences between the two regions. Most countries in the western world prefer intraregional trade between themselves and this only enhances economic regionalism. This reinforces western Christianity as well as European culture in all aspects of trade, therefore isolating the Asian region because of its unique civilization. In this case, cultural differences between the two regions will hinder their economic integration (Doyle, 2009). Other issues causing differences between the western world and the Asian region range from immigration to human rights and the environment in general. The clash of these two civilizations could be said to be occurring at the macro-level. This means that they compete for economic power as well as relative military (Fawn, 1999). They also want to control third parties and international

Technological change and innovation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Technological change and innovation - Essay Example This article examines how organizations can help promote and leverage the use of technology and innovation. While it may be true that there is a proliferation of research and product development centers across the globe, these concentrate on optimizing technology which is readily accessible. Even those tagged as benchmarks of technological and innovative excellence, they are inclined to using the technologies that are domestically available within the region in which they operate (Hunt & Morgan, 1995). Its is not frequent to see that innovative activities synthesize distinctive knowledge around the world as potently as supply chains gather components from , raw materials, labor and services. In addition, the functional units which are accountable for innovation in majority of organizations are frequently poorly equipped to save on costs by availing knowledge from nonconventional, more cost-effective regions (Chesborough, 2003; Malecki, 1991). Despite this, there are exceptional organizations that have managed to establish innovative, integrated supply chain that are indeed global, permitting them to outperform their competitors through the prudent use of technological knowledge (Kotter & Heskett, 1992). They have been able to apply a process for innovating that goes beyond domestic clusters and national boundaries, becoming â€Å"metanational innovators†. This strategy of utilizing local technology, market intelligence, and capabilities has accorded them a potent contributor to competitive advantage: more, higher value innovation that is also more cost-efficient (Chesborough, 2003). To get a clearer understanding of the benefits of metanational technology and innovation, one may evaluate the war between Motorola Inc. and Nokia Corp. in the cellular phone arena. Motorola was an acknowledged pioneer in the industry, establishing a strong foundation through breakthrough research from Bell Laboratories. By using US technological

(1)Explain and evaluate Platos epistemological position or Essay

(1)Explain and evaluate Platos epistemological position or - Essay Example Many philosophers regard experience and reason as the basis of knowledge. Reason and experience as ways of identifying knowledge commonly referred as rationalism and empiricism. A rational philosopher deems that, knowledges basis is on self-evidence and principles. Knowledge that does not rely on sense of experience is priori while knowledge that relies on experience posteriori. Plato is an example of a rationalist because he believes that sense experience does not provide people with certainty whether what they experience is true. He deems that, the information people receive by relying on sense is unreliable because it changes constantly. The unchanging forms or principles are what Plato believes to be thinking or reasoning (Bobonich 15). When an individual has an opinion founded on undoubted principles, then he has a strong foundation of the opinion. This foundation helps individuals to take a belief to be more than an opinion and makes people identify a belief to be true. When individuals believe something is true, then this is knowledge. For individuals to gain the knowledge they ought to surpass the changing flux of the physical world and hold a rational permanent order behind the world. The grasping of a rational permanent order is an intellectual functioning of the mind, and in its purest form there is formal (Brandwood 25). The intellectual act can only take place when there are innate ideas that have a foundation. Knowing normally assumes the definition as the process of making the observable world intelligible through relating it to the external order of the truth. Plato defines the changing world and materials as the realm of forms. He argues that physical objects are real if only they are intelligible, but they can only be intelligent in unchanging terms. What makes something to be intelligible cannot be constantly changing; hence, it being unrecognizable to be that thing. It is therefore; correct to say that a

My Head and My Hear by Maria Cosway Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

My Head and My Hear by Maria Cosway - Article Example From this discussion it is clear that  the heart admits that it is in grief and regrets all the actions t has done before. The counter argument is presented in a genius way by the heart implying that the heart can correct all the past mistakes. The head claims that the heart condemns others but still goes back to embrace and welcome them. On defense part, the hearts admits the mistakes and asks the head to provide any solution if any exists. The head fails to provide this demanded solution and it marks a failure on the part of the head.This essay stresses that another argument is raised relating to the moment when the head and the heart visited Legrand and Molinos. The head claims that it preferred the hearts opinion was not present when making decisions implying that the heart provided a wrong opinion contributing to a wrong decision. The head also claims that it was busy concentrating on constructive ideas while the heart was busy making friends and not contributing to meaningful development. The head claims that many friends took advantage of the hearts weakness to lie and pretend before the heart. The heart takes a chance to mock the events of the day that the head claimed to have done meaningful activities. In its mockery, the heart mocks the beautiful cities and the beautiful sceneries they both witnessed. According to the heart, the head did not do anything meaningful for that day.

Singapore Airline Essay Example for Free

Singapore Airline Essay Singapore Airline has been widely acknowledged as well known brand name in the aviation industry since it was established in 1947, particularly in term of safety, innovation and excellent services. Due to the route network spans over 93 cities in more than 38 countries (singaporeair.com) with the most modern fleet in the industry, in addition to Star Alliance member airlines to co-operate with more than 20 international airlines over the world, Singapore Airline has provided the best services to its customer and built the strong brand in their mind. For over 38 years independent existence since it was separated form alliance Malayan Airway Limited in 1972, Singapore Airlines has continuously developed and rapidly become one of the great airlines of the World based on the superior values and the specific culture that it dedicates to customer. Besides, through the provided services, SIA has impressed in customer’s mind by its creativity, diversity and continuous improvement; throughout it could satisfy better the customer’s demand as well gaining the certain competitive advantages in the target market. However, during the history, SIA sometime had to face certain problems that came from itself and negative effects from external environment (inflation, crisis economy, etc.) as well. Especially, during and after the difficult economic situation when Sars outbreak in 2003 and economic crisis in Middle East in the same year, the relationship between the group management and the labor unions in internal organisation began to sour, particularly after the wage-cuts and lay-offs of over 400 employees. In fact, this was regarded as the highest number of lay-offs in the history of Singapore Airline. In order to archive its goals today as one of the world’s leading carries, Singapore Airline underwent the long history with the point of time as follow: The history of SIA started in April 1947, when the first flight of SIA took off from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia. At that time, SIA was known under the name Malayan Airways. In 1963, when Federation of Malaysia was formed, SIA was renamed Malaysian Airways. Three years later, 1966, when Singapore was separated from the federation, SIA became Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA). In 1972, it was split up from Malaysian Airways and keep operating under the brand name Singapore Airline till now. In 1986, â€Å"Singapore Girl† with the uniform of sarong kebaya was  born. This figure has become the famous icon of SIA that is a figure of a beautiful girl in the oriental scent, elegant and friendly, warm and full of empathy like the culture that SIA always tries to dedicate into customers. In 1990s, 2000s, SIA had expanded its route networks with more aircrafts: 22 B747-400s and 30 A340-300s in 1994, 77 B777s in 1995, and 10 A340-500 in 1998, 19 A380s 20 more B777-200s in 2001 (Singapore Airlines). In 2004, SIA opened the worlds longest non-stop commercial flight: Singapore to New York and Singapore to Los Angeles. In 2007, SIA made another record with the world’s largest commercial plane – A380. Nowadays, because of the route network spans 93 destinations in more than 38 countries with the most modern fleet in the industry, SIA has a strong presence in the South East Asian region, which together with its subsidiary SilkAir, connects Singapore with more international destinations in the region than any other South East Asian airline (singaporeair.com).

Womens’ Compulsive Obsession Essay Example for Free

Womens’ Compulsive Obsession Essay In â€Å"A Woman’s Beauty: Put Down or Power Source?† Susan ​ Sontag  ­ argues that women view beauty as an obligation and that they actually focus on their appearance more than who they are as a person. In the essay, Sontag provides the perspectives of both Christians and Greeks towards beauty and compares them to the superficial views of the present. Sontag stresses that women should direct their attention to other things rather than beauty. Beauty is put at such a high standard that women feel the need to be as beautiful as the women advertised. Basically, women endeavor to be appropriate and beautiful to attract men. Sontag also showcases that women believe that being beautiful will earn them a reputation and place in society, and that beauty brings power and success. According to Sontag, beauty is the only form of power that women are encouraged to seek. In our own time, beauty is administered as a form of self ­oppression. In the process of growing up, young women may forget how intelligent they are and their aspirations in life. A woman’s success in the society s depends on good looks, which are a great advantage in life.

The Age Miracle Creams Marketing Essay

The Age Miracle Creams Marketing Essay Market segmentation is the division of a market into different groups of customers with distinctly similar needs and product/service requirements. Or to put it another way, market segmentation is the division of a mass market into identifiable and distinct groups or segments, each of which have common characteristics and needs and display similar responses to marketing actions. Market segmentation was first defined as a condition of growth when core markets have already been developed on a generalised basis to the point where additional promotional expenditures are yielding diminishing returns (Smith, 1956). There is now widespread agreement that they form an important foundation for successful marketing strategies and activities (Wind, 1978; Hooley and Saunders, 1993). The purpose of market segmentation is to leverage scarce resources; in other words, to ensure that the elements of the marketing mix, price, distribution, products and promotion, are designed to meet particular needs of different customer groups. Since companies have finite resources it is not possible to produce all possible products for all the people, all of the time. The best that can be aimed for is to provide selected offerings for selected groups of people, most of the time. This process allows organizations to focus on specific customers needs, in the most efficient and effective way. As Beane and Ennis (1987) eloquently commented, a company with limited resources needs to pick only the best opportunities to pursue. The concept of market segmentation was first proposed as an alternative market development technique in imperfectly competitive markets, that is, in markets where there are relatively few competitors selling an identical product. Where there are lots of competitors selling identical products, market segmentation and product differentiation produce similar results as competitors imitate your strategic approach more quickly and product differentiation approaches meet market segment needs more closely. With an increasing proliferation of tastes in modern society, consumers have increased disposable incomes. As a result, marketers have sought to design product and service offerings around consumer demand (market segmentation) more than around their own production needs (product differentiation) and they use market research to inform this process Objective Of Study 1. To understand market segmentation and consider why it is used. 2. To examine how companies segment markets. 3. To explore different targeting strategies. 4. To learn about the role and process of positioning in segmentation strategies. 5. To consider how marketers can achieve the most from market segmentation. The Process of Market Segmentation The intricacies involved in market segmentation are said to make it an exacting activity. Griffith and Pol (1994) argue this point on the basis of multiple product applications, greater customer variability, and problems associated with the identification of the key differences between groups of customers. However, there have been numerous attempts to define and describe business segmentation, using a variety of variables and ranging from the severely product-based to customer needs-based orientation. There are two main approaches to segmenting markets. The first adopts the view that the market is considered to consist of customers which are essentially the same, so the task is to identify groups which share particular differences. This is referred to as the breakdown method. The second approach considers a market to consist of customers that are all different, so here the task is to find similarities. This is known as the build-up method. The breakdown approach is perhaps the most established and well recognized and is the main method used for segmenting consumer markets. The build-up approach seeks to move from the individual level where all customers are different, to a more general level of analysis based on the identification of similarities (Freytag and Clarke, 2001). The build-up method is customer oriented as it seeks to determine common customer needs. The aim of both methods is to identify segments in the market where identifiable differences exist between segments (segment heterogeneity) and similarities exist between members within each segment (member homogeneity). Market segmentation and positioning are key determinants of successful marketing. They are fundamental to the matching process which is the raison dà ªtre of marketers. It is marketers who are responsible for ensuring that the offer made by the company in the marketplace satisfies the wants and needs of the target market of customers and consumers. Segmentation and positioning analyses enable the marketer to make informed choices about what to offer, to whom, and in what way. Customer and consumer are often used interchangeably. The term consumer generally means the final consumer, who is not necessarily the customer. For example, a parent buying lunch box snacks is probably acting as an agent on behalf of school-age children. The parent can therefore be described as the intermediate customer and the child as the end nsumer. To market such snacks effectively, the marketer must differentiate the wants and needs of each party influencing the purchase process. He or she must also be clear about which actors in the process are to be the subject of any segmentation exercise. The term market must be defined unequivocally. For example, Mark Warner and Saga are both holiday companies but they are not in the same market. The former offers holidays for families, young couples and groups in Alpine and sunshine resorts, while Saga caters for the more mature traveller who may be looking for holidays involving leisure pursuits such as sightseeing, bridge or walking. We need a definition so that we can Measure market share and market growth; Specify target customers; Recognize relevant competitors; Formulate marketing objectives and strategies. As a rule of thumb, a market should be defined in terms of a consumer need, and in a way that covers the aggregation of all the alternative products and services which consumers regard as being capable of satisfying that need. For example, a brand of instant coffee not only competes with other brands in the same product category, but also with alternative hot drinks such as tea and chocolate. Consumers may even see cold drinks such as colas and water as substitutes for it. Needs-based definitions evolve over time as trends emerge in the marketplace, and companies must be prepared to revise their definitions accordingly. Nevertheless, they need to devise a definition that is manageable. At the extreme end of the range, micromarketing is about marketing to the individual as a segment of one. However, companies must be able to meet the needs of individual segments in a way that is commercially viable. They therefore concentrate their efforts on groups of many customers who share approximately the same needs. Market segmentation allows companies to gain advantage over their competitors in the marketplace by enabling them to concentrate resources on clearly identified opportunities. It is based on the assumption that birds of a feather flock together. In many cases, the segments form separate markets in their own right, and they can often be of considerable size. There are number of criteria that make a market segment of commercial interest, including the following : The segments should be large enough to provide an adequate return on investment. The requirements of segment members should be very similar, but the members should be distinct from the rest of the market. Segments must be reachable, that is, the channels, or routes to market (where people buy), must be accessible. Methods of Market Segmentation 1) Geographical segmentation-Chronologically, this kind of segmentation appeared first . For planning and administrative purposes ,the marketer will often find it convenient to subdivide the market into areas such as nations, states, regions, cities ,etc. In systematic way .The great advantage of adopting this scheme is that standards regions are widely used government and its facilitates collection of statistics .Most of the national manufactures split up their sales areas into sales territories either state wise or district wise . 2) Demographic segmentation-Under this method ,the consumers are grouped into homogenous groups in terms of demographic similarities such as age, sex, education standard ,income level, etc .This is considered to be more purposeful since the emphasis ultimately rest on the customers . Age group are considered by manufactures of certain special products , for example ,toys. Even in the purchase made by parents ,children exert a profound influence .The market segmented on the basis of the age groups is as follows :children ,teen agers ,adults and grown up . Anti Aging products Anti-aging products were originally designed for the baby-boomer generation, however in the recent report, the analysts (global cosmetic industry, 2008) revealed that the Future growth will be fuelled by the expansion of the consumer base into younger age Groups aged 25 to 30 which seem to be increasingly interested in applying anti-aging Products, particularly topical skin treatments. This shift is leading to an increase of Spending on anti-aging products which and is likely to result in improved market Opportunities for producers seeking continuous expansion of their operations. The growing potential of the anti-aging skincare segment along with its menacing Competition spurs cosmetic market players to design and launch new products in order to stay in the game. Unilever, the worlds eighth biggest cosmetics manufacturer (cosmetic design, 2008) regularly updates their skincare product line. The company Launched ponds age miracle anti-aging skincare cream specifically for the Asian market In the late 2006 early 2007 in an attempt to capitalize on the markets huge potential. And to tactically respond to the life-long rival pgs earlier launch of Olay total effect, Globally in 1998 (Olay, 2008) and Vietnam 2005, a multifunctional anti-aging products. In Vietnam, ponds age miracle was launched in January 2007. Designed and manufactured using a breakthrough cla (conjugated linoleum acid) technology, ponds Age miracle was claimed to be a new solution for the aging skin capable of visibly reducing wrinkles in seven days. Its launch by unilever Vietnam was marked as strategic and must-win stressing its significance for the manufacturer. Initially, ponds age Miracle received a friendly welcome and shot up to capture a substantial share of Vietnam anti-aging skincare market. IDENTIFIED ATTRIBUTES OF ANTI-AGING SKINCARE Eight interviews returned us a total of thirty product attributes that the respondents consider when selecting an anti-aging skincare. There were found no significant differences between the interviewees responses as almost all of them shared the same view of anti-aging products regardless of being Olay, Ponds Age Miracle, third-party users or potential ones. The two attributes classes beneficial and image rather than characteristic, drew most interest of the interviewees. Another important aspect of the interviewees responses is an expectation of something more than just wrinkle reduction, the main function of anti-aging skincare; some even respondents didnt even mention this attribute at all. Olay Total Effect Olay is a PG skincare brand line which offers a range of products with different functions in two main categories cleanser and cream with the aim of meeting the full range of skincare needs, whatever the users age or skin type. In March 2005, PG entered Indias anti-aging skincare market with their Olay Total Effects brand line extension in the footsteps of its launch in Indian market. The India launch was a first mover strategy to tap into the premium skincare segment before the arrival of the major competitors. Olay Total Effect successful market entry also allowed PG to make inroads into other skincare categories like whitening, moisturizing and cleansing in 2006 and 2007. The product is claimed to offer multi-effects including reducing fine lines and wrinkles, smoothening skin texture visibly and to the touch, evening skin tone for younger looking, more balanced color, improving surface dullness, giving skin a radiant, healthy glow, minimizing pores, visibly reducing the appearance of blotches and age spots and smoothening dry skin. Olay Total Effects is sold at the price of 190,000 VND (equivalent of 7.6 EUR) and in one suits all size of 50g both through modern channels like supermarkets, shopping centers and traditional channels like street shops and wet-markets. Olay is tapping the premium slice of the Rs 2100 crore Indian skin care market. Olay has launched its first product in the anti-ageing segment with its Total Effects sub brand. Anti-ageing segment is still a niche with a market size of Rs 60 crore. The segment is but growing very fast. Olay has launched its Total Effects anti ageing solution after much consumer research. It had conducted research on over 6000 ladies of age between 30-69 years from three continents and identified 7 signs of ageing. 1. Fine ines and Wrinkles 2.Sagging skin 3.Uneven skin tones. 4. Age spots 5. Appearance of pores 6. Dull skin 7.Dryness Total Effects is differentiating itself through the presence of the ingredient Vita Niacin. Vita Niacin is a patented formulation that contains Niacin amide Vitamin B3 ,Vitamin E and Provitamin B5 Pathenol + sunscreen protection. Olay true to the concept of Global Brand and Local strategy has launched itself with a series of promotional campaigns. The brand has the bollywood diva Sushmita Sen as the brand ambassador. Currently Olay is running two campaigns in the visual media. One campaign is th Olay brand building campaign featuring Sushmita Sen and another is for the Total Effects moisturizing lotion. Watch the Tvc : Total Effects For the Total Effects range, the company uses a testimonial type of campaign featuring a Model/TV Anchor. The focus is more on the functional benefits of the product rather than harping on any emotional benefits. The brand is positioned as a brand that celebrates beauty within and outside. The brand worldwide uses the tagline Love the skin you are in . The brand believes that Looking Good and Feeling Good are inseparable. Loving the skin we are in is the most beautiful feeling of all. Olay Total Effects is priced at Rs 599 for a 50 gm bottle. By Indian standards, this accounts for a premium category. Olay Total Effects is targeting ladies between the age 30 60. Besides this anti-ageing product, Olay has introduced cleansers, face pack and moisturizing lotions. The brand is expected to introduce its blockbuster range of products in India in a phased manner. The premium skincare segment was in a vacuum ever since HUL decided to cater to the masstige segment by repositioning Lakme and Ponds. Now with PG and ITC seriously looking at premium segment, the market is going to witness a marketing war in days to come Ponds Age Miracle Ponds is Unilevers skincare brand line. Introduced to Indian market in 1996, Ponds quickly became a leader in mass skincare, the main market segment in India at the time. Ponds product range focuses on whitening segment including moisturizers and facial foams. As a part of their counter-offensive to an ongoing expansion of Olay Total Effect, in January 2007 Unilever launched Ponds Age Miracle, an upper tier anti-aging skincare extension of the existing Ponds range also supposed to reinforce Ponds overall image in the mass market. Its launch campaign was based on a vox pop format: It had people from various walks of life giving their feedback on the products. This was followed by Romance Revival, a heartwarming television commercial of a husband-turned-chef trying to bring romance back into his married life. These campaigns continued to be aired for the first six months of the brands launch. An endorsement campaign on television wherein celebrities such as Mehr Jesia Rampal, former Miss India and model, and Rina Dhaka, fashion designer, talk about how Ponds Age Miracle has changed their lives, is also seen off and on. Currently, a television campaign, Satisfaction amongst Millions, is being screened. ` With players like LOreal and Olay, in addition to Ponds, the anti-aging market in India stands at Rs 60 crore today, according to Nielsen figures for 2007, and it is growing at a rate of 30-40 per cent per annum, Ponds Age Miracle line includes cream, serum, facial foam, lotion and eye cream toner in which the cream is a flagship product that secures 80% of sales of the whole range. It is claimed to offer solution to wrinkles and dark spots effective in 7 days. Ponds Age Miracle cream is offered into two pack sizes: 50g priced at 190,000 VND (7.6EUR), and 30g priced at 129,000 VND (5 EUR). As a part of the strategy to fight against Olay Total Effect, Unilever ensured equally extensive distribution network for Ponds Age Miracle and its availability to end-consumers through every possible channel (Unilever,2008). The successful launch in early 2007 allowed Ponds Age Miracle to gain a substantial share of nearly 50 % in the anti-aging skincare category a few months later. However, soon after the product experienced a sharp decline of its sales and market share. The bottom line the product profitability was also breached, resulting in Unilever Vietnam considering the decision of withdrawing Ponds Age Miracle from the markets. Conclusion The underlying principle of market segmentation is that the product and services needs of individual customers differ. Market segmentation involves the grouping of customers together with the aim of better satisfying their needs whilst maintaining economies of scale. It consists of three stages and if properly executed should deliver more satisfy customers, few direct confrontations with competitors, and better designed marketing programmers.

A Book Review on Northern Lights :: English Literature

A Book Review on Northern Lights Northern Lights is an adventure and a fantasy story written by Phillip Pullman in the third person. The story takes place in Jordan College, which is in Oxford. The Master rules Jordan College and the other place is in the North. In the North, armoured bears rule the ice and witches fly in the skies. These places are in another world than that we live in. In this world, people have daemons, a sort of pet, which is attached to them by an invisible force. Daemons can also change into different animals. Lyra is a young girl who goes on an adventure with some gypsies, to try and stop some people called Gobblers from kidnapping children to see what happens to the child if their daemons are cut away. The Gobbler who started this criminal action was Mrs Coulter, whose daemon is a golden monkey. First of all, Lyra was going to go to the North with her Uncle, Sir Asriel, when she just saves him from poison. When they are debating about it, one of the people there is Mrs Coulter who asks for the child and is given her. Just before Lyra leaves, she is given an alethiometer, which is like a compass, but you can ask it questions by matching up symbols and then the needle swings round and points to a symbol as a reply. When Lyra finds out who she is at a party, she runs away to find some gypsies who agree to take her with them to the North. The leader is called John Faa. Unfortunately, Lyra is kidnapped by the workers of Mrs Coulter and is taken to their hospital where they perform the slicing, but Lyra finds a plan to escape from there, just before it is too late. Before she rescues the other children and escapes, she sets all the daemons free from their glass jars. The gypsies send the children home and Lyra walks off into the sunset as the book ends. The three main characters featured in Northern Lights are Lyra, her daemon Pantalaimon, and Mrs Coulter. Lyra was brought up in Oxford at Jordan University, where she spent most of her time causing mischief with a boy called Roger. She is a very determined girl who is prepared to risk her life for what she thinks is right. She never gives up, always ready to go. Lyra never complains about anything, she just goes along with everyone else. She is also very caring and secretive. She is a tomboy, who does not mind getting dirty. She is also very nosy and inquisitive, because she goes

The Motivational Self Fear of a Poe Narrator Essay -- Tell Tale Heart

Poe has given his narrator in â€Å"The Tell Tale Heart† multiple currently diagnosable psychological disorders: bipolarity, obsessive compulsive disorder, psychopathy, paranoia. Although he is a psychopath by Hare’s definition, among the disorders, the narrator’s sense of fear is overwhelmingly the most motivating. On a first reading, it might seem that the narrator committed murder because of his unjustified hatred towards the victim, or more specifically, the victim’s â€Å"evil eye.† And later, he confesses to his crime because of the overwhelming guilt he feels which causes him to hear the beating of the dead man’s heart. However, as a psychopath, the narrator is incapable of feeling guilt. I will demonstrate that it is not hatred toward what is outside of the self that drove the narrator to murder and confession but the hatred and the immense fear of the insane side of himself that drove him to such irrational actions. After the burying the corpse beneath the floorboards, the narrator, being proud of his work, states that â€Å"no human eye – not even his – could have detected anything wrong.† To the narrator, the old man is able to see beyond what the average person can see. One might assume that it was the fear of the eye’s judgement that caused the narrator to resort to murder. Although this is true, a stronger motivation was the fear of his own insanity. The fact that he feared the eye made him see the irrational side of himself. In refusal to acknowledge his mental disorder, the narrator gives an alternative name to his paranoia, characterized by an oversensitivity to sound: â€Å"nervousness.† The phrase â€Å"I have nothing to fear† right after the murder as well as in the presence of the police is repeated because he’s trying to convince... ... but the torment of being labelled insane. The eventual anxiety attack, characterized by irrational behaviour such speaking frequently, and later foaming, raving, swearing and violent actions towards his chair, which is, ironically, the typical behaviour of the insane. Works Cited Haycock, Dean. â€Å"Hare Psychopathy Checklist.† Healthonline. 2003. http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/hare-psychopathy-checklist/3 Jerga, Josh. â€Å"Accused Chainsaw Murderer Had 'Shark' Eyes.† News.smh. 11/15/2010. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/accused-chainsaw-murderer-had-shark -eyes-20101115-17u4c.html. Merriam-Webster. 2010. http://www.merriam- webster.com/dictionary/antisocial%20personality%20disorder Poe, Edgar Allan. â€Å"The Tell Tale Heart.† The Norton Anthology of American Literature. 7th ed. vol. B. Ed. Baym, Nina. New York: Norton, 2007. Print. The Motivational Self Fear of a Poe Narrator Essay -- Tell Tale Heart Poe has given his narrator in â€Å"The Tell Tale Heart† multiple currently diagnosable psychological disorders: bipolarity, obsessive compulsive disorder, psychopathy, paranoia. Although he is a psychopath by Hare’s definition, among the disorders, the narrator’s sense of fear is overwhelmingly the most motivating. On a first reading, it might seem that the narrator committed murder because of his unjustified hatred towards the victim, or more specifically, the victim’s â€Å"evil eye.† And later, he confesses to his crime because of the overwhelming guilt he feels which causes him to hear the beating of the dead man’s heart. However, as a psychopath, the narrator is incapable of feeling guilt. I will demonstrate that it is not hatred toward what is outside of the self that drove the narrator to murder and confession but the hatred and the immense fear of the insane side of himself that drove him to such irrational actions. After the burying the corpse beneath the floorboards, the narrator, being proud of his work, states that â€Å"no human eye – not even his – could have detected anything wrong.† To the narrator, the old man is able to see beyond what the average person can see. One might assume that it was the fear of the eye’s judgement that caused the narrator to resort to murder. Although this is true, a stronger motivation was the fear of his own insanity. The fact that he feared the eye made him see the irrational side of himself. In refusal to acknowledge his mental disorder, the narrator gives an alternative name to his paranoia, characterized by an oversensitivity to sound: â€Å"nervousness.† The phrase â€Å"I have nothing to fear† right after the murder as well as in the presence of the police is repeated because he’s trying to convince... ... but the torment of being labelled insane. The eventual anxiety attack, characterized by irrational behaviour such speaking frequently, and later foaming, raving, swearing and violent actions towards his chair, which is, ironically, the typical behaviour of the insane. Works Cited Haycock, Dean. â€Å"Hare Psychopathy Checklist.† Healthonline. 2003. http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/hare-psychopathy-checklist/3 Jerga, Josh. â€Å"Accused Chainsaw Murderer Had 'Shark' Eyes.† News.smh. 11/15/2010. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/accused-chainsaw-murderer-had-shark -eyes-20101115-17u4c.html. Merriam-Webster. 2010. http://www.merriam- webster.com/dictionary/antisocial%20personality%20disorder Poe, Edgar Allan. â€Å"The Tell Tale Heart.† The Norton Anthology of American Literature. 7th ed. vol. B. Ed. Baym, Nina. New York: Norton, 2007. Print.

Cinematography in Godfather the Movie Essay examples -- Film Mario Puz

Mario Puzo’s "The Godfather" was the first and most influential gangster movie that paved the way for gangster movies of the future. The movie was directed by Frances Ford Copolla, who made many different ingenious ways to portray this gangster classic. The movie was a very subversive movie, and one of the first of all time.The Godfather has a many different uses of light settings through the whole movie, in which the movie can be interpreted on. The lighting in "The Godfather," is very dim and is often said to be compared with a Rembrant. The lighting suggest many things throughout the film like a painting. The light scenes in the movie are to portray the Corleone family as good people, someone you could relate to not look down upon. Such as the wedding scene. The scene is very happy and bright, to make you start off to think that the Corleone’s are loving family, and family minded people. The dim light in the film is used to induce fear and death. Such as the scene where Don Corleone gets shot, or when Mike is going to kill the two people in the restaurant. The scene that contradicts the lighting theory is the heart attack of Don Corleone, but it could be look at as a happy time, a time of rebirth, Michael’s coming into power. "The Godfather," shows a tremendous amount of family values throughout the film. I think the best line in the film is when Don says to Mike " A man who does not spend time with his family is not a man." A good example of the Corleone’s family value...

Ashford Week 1 Quiz Eng225: Intro Film Essay

1. Question : How many acts does the most basic narrative structure in film consists of? Two CORRECT Three Five Seven 2. Question : Which setting seems most appropriate for a film about emotional isolation? A crowded city A small town CORRECT An abandoned outpost A college campus 3. Question : Which character in a movie is the audience meant to identify with? CORRECT The protagonist The antagonist The love interest The straight man 4. Question : What is the most likely reason that theatrical movies have survived competition from television and various home video formats? CORRECT They are communal experiences They are less expensive to distribute They are less expensive to attend They are easier to access 5. Question : Which film would qualify as a small-budget film? CORRECT Paranormal Activity Titanic Avatar 6. Question : Who is primarily responsible for the visual representation of a film’s story? CORRECT The cinematographer The editor The director 7. Question : A good film critic is likely to do which of the following? Student Answer: CORRECT Examine a film on many levels Rely on personal impressions Express opinions Make superficial observations 8. Question : Why are there fewer professional film critics in print media now than there once were? There are fewer movies being made Movies are becoming less popular with print audiences CORRECT Media outlets are increasingly hiring wire-service critics 9. Question : In a scene from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the title characters are holed up inside a building discussing their plans for future bank robberies while the audience is shown the entire Bolivian army gathering outside to kill them. The filmmakers are making use of what literary element in this scene? CORRECT Dramatic irony Metaphor Allegory 10. Question : Which of the following is a demonstration of media literacy? Knowing the names of the actors and director of a movie CORRECT Recognizing how a movie manipulates the audience’s reactions to it Enjoying a movie as simple entertainment

The Four Noble Truths in Buddhism

There are many things that can be found in a religion. The idea of a religion is to give hope for life after death and to give peace of mind during life and a reason to live in a morally â€Å"right† way. There are so many religions in the world and so many questions that are answered within each religion. Buddha was born a prince but he continuously looked at many things that were going on outside of the palace and the lives that the commoners lived. While doing this he decided to start changing how he lived his own life.During this time he began practicing meditation in an attempt to find a reason for his behaviors. Later he changed his name to Buddha and then he began to minister and speak to the people. Buddha spoke about a continual peace and interconnection with those who were around them (Palmer, Cooper, and Corcoran 2001, pp 1-4). One of the main foundations in the religion of Buddhism is the idea of the four noble truths. There are four noble truths in the practice of Buddhism. The four noble truths are the qualification of life.These truths are that there is life that is â€Å"qualified by suffering, that suffering has a cause, that there is a state beyond suffering, and that there is a path to the state† (Lopez 2001, p. 15). In the Dali Lama’s teachings on the four noble truths he talks about the general desire for all to have happiness and for them to not have suffering. He also talks about how these truths are â€Å"all encompassing† (1981 p. 1). The first noble truth is the truth that there will be suffering in life.In his talks on the noble truths, the Dali Lama states that all people experience various types of suffering. He also divides suffering into three categories. These categories are â€Å"the suffering of suffering, the suffering of change, and the all-pervasive suffering. † The suffering of suffering can be described as something like a headache. Some type of thing that inflicts suffering on someone an d that there is no reason for the suffering and there is nothing to come from the suffering so the suffering is purely suffering.This type of suffering is not only experienced in humans but also in animals and this type of suffering is also troublesome in animals as it is in humans and they too wish to be freed from this type of suffering. Since there is a fear of these types of suffering and a desire to eliminate the suffering there is a strong desire to find ways to end this suffering and there are many different ways that individuals can choose to end this type of suffering. This type of suffering can also be described in the types of suffering that occurs when people are found to be living in poverty or having to suffer in this way.The Dali Lama reminds that everyone is able to tell that this type of suffering is suffering and that a relief of some sort is needed (1981, p. 1). The second type of suffering can only be described s the suffering of change. This type of suffering is something that is experienced when someone becomes â€Å"restless† and wants some type of change. There are so many things that can occur as well. The way that the Dali Lama describes this type of suffering is that â€Å"we are sitting comfortably relaxed and at first, everything seems all right, but after a while we lose that feeling and get restless and uncomfortable.† Unlike the suffering of suffering when someone experiences the suffering of change it can ultimately come in the form of something that could have previously been thought of as great or wonderful. For instance if someone is able to begin earning money and seemingly get out of the situation of poverty as described in the previous paragraph then they might believe that life is going to be better. The disappointment that money is unable to buy happiness through things that could now be owned is what could be known as the disappointment of change (1981, p. 1). The third type of suffering is all pervasive suffering.This type of suffering is the basis of the first two types of suffering. The Dali Lama speaks about this type of suffering as the type of suffering that contains the main principles of things like karma. This type of suffering is that there is simply suffering in life because there is suffering in human life. This is the type of suffering that causes some people to take their own lives and commit suicide and is the all pervasive suffering that these people do not feel they will ever be able to escape from. This is also what is behind the â€Å"disturbing minds† that are part of the human existence.With this type of suffering there are many things that the follower of Buddhism can learn and learning about this type of suffering can only cause there to be a more intense and better life. The Dali Lama encourages that â€Å"killing yourself isn’t going to solve your problems† and therefore works with the followers and those for whom he is speaking to be ab le to better manage their feelings and not feel that the act of suicide is necessary. This is the final type of suffering for which the Dali Lama speaks about and the final type of suffering in the first noble truth which is the truth of suffering (1981, pp.1-2). The second of the noble truths is the truth of the cause of suffering. The Dali Lama first talks about how the true Buddhists believe that â€Å"there is no external creator and that even though a Buddha is the highest being, even the Buddha does not have the power to create new life. † Through Buddhism it is taught that the â€Å"ultimate cause† for most suffering is the mind. This is meaning that the mind has the power to control the thought process and many of the feelings that occur which are negative. These negative feelings can include many different and various forms of negative thought.The idea behind this truth is that if one has the power to control their mind then they are able to control their thou ght process and by thinking fewer negative thoughts then the benefit to the person will be that they will be more enlightened and feel better overall. The Dali Lama states that one should work hard to not try to â€Å"grasp a true existence† and this is what is behind many of the negative thoughts. With the negative thoughts and the negative karma that is used. It is also thought that the negative actions that are there involved are also what is behind all negative actions.This is the reason for which the middle way is encouraged (1981, pp. 2-3). The third of the four noble truths are that there is the truth of the cessation of suffering. The Dali Lama speaks about how there are many things that are grasped by the mind and how to train the mind to not grasp certain things will help the mind to be able to manage certain feelings and issues through this if one is able to end the â€Å"disturbing negative minds, the cause of all suffering, then we will end the suffering as well .† This is important as it proposes that each person is in charge of ending their own suffering through being able to rid themselves of all of the negative things that are available. This truth is further taught when practicing the middle way and that by practicing the middle way one is able to end his/her suffering (1981, p. 3). The fourth of the four noble truths is the truth to the path of cessation. This is that the path to being able to find the middle way is a journey that each must take. The Dali Lama speaks of the thirty seven things that are needed to reach enlightenment.This is the path that those who are motivated to liberate themselves from suffering. These thirty seven factors to enlightenment are through the five paths. The five paths being the â€Å"four close placements of mindfulness, the four miraculous powers, the four pure abandonments, the five powers and the five forces, the seven factors of enlightenment, and the eightfold path. † The other way th at one is to travel through the paths of the cessation of suffering was through the six â€Å"transcendent perfections. † This way is through practicing both the methods and wisdom.Through these types of journeys it is said that one can end all suffering and find his/her way to enlightenment (1981, p. 4). The middle way is what the Buddha taught as the end to all suffering. This middle way is the belief that there is good neither through extreme indulgence or through depravation. The middle way is the belief that there is a great way for things to be thought of for the middle of life. This is that one should live in the middle realms of things and that each person should attempt to work on how they can find the perfect â€Å"middle† life for themselves (Lopez 2001, pp.28-29). The Eightfold Path is thought to be another way to end all suffering in the practice of Buddhism. The Eightfold Path is the overall ways that Buddha taught that one could reach enlightenment. The beginning of the Eightfold Path is understanding. There is having a knowledge and understanding of the four noble truths. The way that is described in the fourth noble truth is in itself the way of the Eightfold Path. These also include that there is a â€Å"Truth of Change† and the â€Å"Truth of No Self. † The Eightfold Path is uses the understanding and acceptance.The understanding is that one is able to do. The acceptance is that there is an overall acceptance that there are things that we could not change (MacPhillamy 2001, pp. 1-3). The Eightfold Path also teaches that there needs to be a place of thought. This place of thought is where one is able to introvert into his/her mind and is able to therefore create and control the thoughts that he/she has. In his article on the Eightfold Path, MacPhillamy is talking about the things that can keep one from being able to reach enlightenment.These things being that there are â€Å"little lies, deceptions and fantasies t hat we tell ourselves inside our heads all day long. † Thus meaning that the things that one might tell him/herself in order to be able to manage their feelings are really one of the biggest things that will keep them from enlightenment (2001, p. 3). The next three parts of the Eightfold Path are speech, action and livelihood and they form their own group. With these things it is overall the process of changing them to where their main focus is on inner peace.By acting right and in the moral manner for these things can change the overall issues. There are also â€Å"Three Treasures Precepts. † These are that â€Å"I take refuge in the Buddha. I take refuge in the Dharma. I take refuge in the Sangha. † These are all things that are a part of the unified way of life that includes these three things if they are not all included then it is impossible for one to be able to stand on the issues within him/herself. There are also the â€Å"Three Pure Precepts. † T hese are that â€Å"I will cease from evil. I will do only good. I will do good for others.† The idea behind these three things is that if we continue to do these three things then our lives will be easier and there can be a reassurance and knowledge that all is well through these things (MacPhillamy 2001, pp. 3-6). The next part of the Eightfold Path are the â€Å"Ten Great Precepts. † These precepts are: â€Å"I will refrain from killing. I will refrain from stealing. I will refrain from abusing sexuality. I will refrain from speaking untruthfully. I will refrain from selling the wine of delusion. I will refrain from speaking against others.I will refrain from being proud of myself and belittling others. I will refrain from holding back in giving either Dharma or wealth. I will refrain from indulging anger. I will refrain from defaming the Three Treasures. † There are also the forty eight less grave precepts that should be followed however the top ones have be en listed. The next parts of the Eightfold Path are the ideas of effort, mindfulness, and mediation. With the idea of mindfulness there are some things to keep in mind. With mindfulness it is necessary to â€Å"Do one thing at a time. Pay full attention to what you are doing.When your mind wanders to something else, bring it back. Repeat step number three a few hundred thousand times. And, when your mind keeps wandering to the same thing over and over again, stop for a minute and pay ‘attention’ to the distraction ‘: maybe it is trying to tell you something. † Pure meditation is required in being able to maintain ones beliefs and the issues of one being able to manage his/her overall journey through the Eightfold Path (MacPhillamy 2001, pp. 6-15). Also when studying the four noble truths it is essential to study the overall experience and belief in Nirvana.The idea of Nirvana is the idea of â€Å"absolute truth† (Lebiniz 1999, p. 4). Nirvana can also be described as the overall goal for one who is practicing the four noble truths as the idea of Nirvana is a place where there is an end to all suffering and end of all other types of frustration and other problems (Buddhism†¦ p. 1). Being able to know that Nirvana is achievable and being able to believe in that is the faith that many Buddhists need in order to be able to manage how things are going and to be able to encourage appropriate actions from others and within themselves.Being able to reach a state where there is no pain and no suffering is a dream come true to many. This is in the end the way that happiness can be achieved. In studying the four noble truths of Buddhism many different parts of the religions and beliefs of Buddhism need to be followed and understood and in the end reaching the point of Nirvana or the end of all suffering will help others to be able to be more motivated.These overall steps to reaching enlightenment were formed by the Buddha from his own experiences in â€Å"awakening† what he was to become (Eckel 89). References Buddhism: The Search for Enlightenmentl, Retrieved on 26 April 2009 from http://plaza. ufl. edu/cp9470r/project2/beliefs. html Dali Lama 1981, The Four Noble Truths, Retrieved on 27 April 2009 from http://www. lamayeshe. com/index. php? sect=article&id=380 Eckel, MD 2002, Buddhism, 1st ed, Oxford University Press, New York, NY. Lebiniz 1999. Buddha-Buddhism Religion, Retrieved on 26 April from