Lessons from Gorbachev's Doomed U.S.S.R and America's current Path Research Paper

Lessons from Gorbachev's Doomed U.S.S.R and America's current Path - Research Paper Example The relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union has been characterized by the interplay of economic, ideological and political factors that largely resulted in supper power rivalry throughout the cold war period. One of the remarkable similarities shared by the current United States and the former Soviet Union is a serious foreign debt crisis and a looming bankruptcy. Prior to its collapse Gorbachev's Doomed U.S.S.R was taking on foreign debt at unsustainable rates. A peak in the Russian oil production, as well as low world prices at the time, later sealed the fate of Soviet Union under Gorbachev. For example, his two main policies of Perestroika and glasnost significantly resulted in a political instability that eventually gave way to the dissolution of the Union (Service, 13).On the other hand, just like the former USSR, United States is also now facing similar economic problems and the current outstanding US national debt stands at over $16 trillion and is one of t he largest debts owed by a single country in the world. Even before the current economic crisis, the US grew by nearly 50% and the fact that the US debt to GDP ratio now stands at more than 100% is a serious alarm to both the policymakers and the investors. According to many analysts, the high US national debt resulted from an accumulation of federal budget deficits with the largest contributor being President Obama through his tax cuts, economic stimulus package (bailout) and increased military spending.

Abuse & Fraud Essay Example for Free

Abuse Fraud Essay In the present health care system, hospital practitioner joint ventures make all the interested parties subject to a complex network of regulations and law and to the scrutiny by many federal agencies including:  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The United States Department of Health and Human services (HHS)  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Office of the Inspector General (OIG)  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the General Accounting Office (GAO)  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The department of Justice (DOJ)  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) In addition to this, many hospital financial managers must thoroughly understand the complex laws and regulations that normally affect their relationship with the physicians or doctors. The Medicaid and Medicare abuse and fraud statute provides that a person who willfully and knowingly pays, offers, receives or solicits any remuneration in exchange of referring a person to the for the furnishing of any service or item, or recommending any facility paid for in whole by Medicare shall be guilty of a felony (Goldsmith, 2010). In most cases, this provision is referred to as the ‘anti kickback statute’. Compensation is defined in this statute as including bribes, rebates, kickbacks whether made indirectly or directly, covertly or overtly, in kind or in cash (McWay, 2003). The penalties for violating the anti-kickback statute are quite severe and include criminal penalties, imprisonment for up to five years and fines of up to twenty five thousand dollars (Morrison, 2009). Additionally, the office of the Inspector General, which is the investigative agent for the HHS, has the authority to enforce money penalties on any violators and to prohibit them from participating in any medical programs (Bauman, 2002). Given the extent of the abuse and fraud statute, there are many details of the law that have been stipulated in the courts that have broadly interpreted the statute (Bauman, 2002). According to the Center for Medicare Medicaid services (2005), the leading cases indicate that if one several objectives of payments is to stimulate referrals, it is a violation of the abuse and fraud statute. Furthermore, when referrals must be the main reason of a transaction in orders to amount to a breach, referrals still need to be the sole purpose. In the year 1991, HHS released the safe harbor regulations that described eleven exemptions from the abuse and fraud statute (Altshuler, Creekpaum Fang, 2008). Furthermore, the arrangements that satisfy the safe harbor provisions are normally protected from the scrutiny. The vast majority of arrangements between different providers, suppliers and practitioners will normally fall outside of the safe harbors because it is somewhat difficult to structure the arrangements that comply with all the conditions of the drawn provisions (Bauman, 2002). For the medial practitioners who are unfamiliar with abuse and fraud law, the practical effect of the rules may hamper the development of some innovative arrangements and practices that can be beneficial to medical programs such as Medicaid and Medicare enrollees. In addition to this, the infinite majority of health providers, suppliers and physicians who serve people with Medicare are committed to providing high quality care to their patients as well as billing the medical program only for the payments that the physicians have earned (Bauman, 2002) Many health practitioners in the health industry are of the view that any kinds of arrangements that fall outside the safe harbor provisions are illegitimate (Altshuler, Creekpaum Fang, 2008). On the other hand, the failure to comply with these safe harbor provisions may signify that: The arrangement is not intended at all to stimulate the referral of business reimbursable under medical programs such as Medicaid or Medicare. The arrangement infringes the statute and does not meet the criteria for safe harbor protection. The arrangement may breach the statute in a less serious way. Discussion based on the applicable statutes, the Feldstein case and other cases The most known safe harbors mainly deal with investments by practitioners and providers. There are two safe harbors for investment interests: one for investments in large businesses and one for small businesses. In the large business safe harbor, the entity possesses over fifty million dollars in undepreciated net tangible assets, which are related to certain medical programs such as Medicaid. In the Feldstein’s case, there is an issue of whether physician or doctor recruitment can be immune from any legal attack because of a possible violation of abuse of laws and federal fraud. Unlike other abuse opinions and federal fraud cases, the facts of this case did not involve any kind of corruption. In addition to this, the facts of the Feldstein case are significant because they are a common occurrence in the medical field. Additionally, in this case, when the defendants acquired the control of the hospital, they had attempted to terminate the doctor’s contract because they were of the view that the doctor’s physician recruitment agreements had violated the federal fraud stipulations as well as abuse law. The doctor had refused to come to a settlement with the defendants and he then sued them for a breach of contract. In the court’s ruling, the court decided to decline all the recruitment arrangements illegal and stated that some arrangements may be permissible at some point. The issue of safe harbors arises in this point.

Care in the Community

Care in the Community Care in the Community United Kingdom has many legislations in place, these legislations are in place to protect and give appropriate help to all residents of the country. Four of these legislations/acts will be discussed in this writing. The acts are, Mental Health Act 2007, Direct payments Act 2007, Mental Health Capacity Act 2007 and also Independence,Well being and choice green paper. In addition to this, it will also look at Community Care Act 1990. In each of these 4 main legislations , it will underline the advantages and disadvantages and then it will indentify the moral, financial, political and social policy,which will all be relevant to the legislations. Community Care Act 1990 will indentify and explain why it has been put in to place and what is Community Care Act 1990 all about. Community Care Act is a piece of legislation which governs health and social care in the United Kingdom. It sets out how the National Health Service should assess and provide for patients based on their needs, requirements and circumstances. This legislation gives measures for Social Services Departments to provide care and support services in the community, rather than in institutions. Covers duties for each local authority to produce a community care plan and to carry out assessments of those who may be in need. According to many researches it has shown that the Community Care Act has been put into place as a cost cutting measure and the Conservatives have been accused of failing to adequately fund the NHS.( http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/442807.stm) Since the Mental Health Act 2007 has been amended from the 1983 Mental Health Act it has shown many positive factors such as the changes in professionals roles. The role of Approved Mental Health Professional was introduced as a result of the Mental Health Act 2007 which amended the Mental Health Act 1983. This type of role is opened to anyone with a nursing background such as: registered social workers ,first level nurses whose field of practice is mental health or learning disabilities, registered occupational therapists; and Chartered psychologist (http://209.85.229.132/search?q=cache:ko7D0JWfI30J:www.basw.co.uk/Portals/0/Chris%2520Southworth.ppt+amhp+rolecd=3hl=enct=clnkgl=uk). With relevant and sufficient training all these professionals listed above could become an Approved Mental Health Professional, and will be approved for the next 5 years and if they wish to continue in this role they will have additional training to atend. These professional bodies have to be approved by their local authority. Once the professional worker becomes an Approved Mental Health Professional they have the right to make decisions about people well being and give people with any health or social needs appropriate help. It would be also good to point out that the Approved Mental Health Professional has a lot of power in their role and will have to give correct and proffesional treatment and help t those who need certain care. This may be a very positive factor however what we have to look at and examine is this, ‘is it morally right to become AMPH from being an ASW. Into some extend we can say that this is not morally correct as this does not have enough training. And al so in many situations we could say that this is a cost cutting measure, as the NHS is in need of Approved Mental Health Professionals. Another advantages and disadvantages were brought in by the Direct Payments Act 1996, this brought in a lot of positives factors to many people lives. The Direct Payments Act 1996 advantages concentrates on giving people mainly back their social life, it gives them more control of their life which is very important to everyone. Direct Payments gives patients more independent and more control of their lives , therefore they will feel more relaxed and happier and mainly be less overwhelmed by financial demands. They will have the freedom to pick their own care staff and be in control. This will give them moral empowerment. However Direct Payments Act 1996 has brought in lot of disadvantages such the care managers are reluctant to use direct payments and do not have enough knowledge about this. And also it brings in a lot of responsibilities such as paperwork and hiring new staff. Which then opens a whole new responsibility and lot of people dont want to get involved in that as this mea ns more work for a lot of people. However this is not the correct way to be responding as a proffesional person and all care managers and care staff should be fully knowledgeable about this legislations, as this means that many service users will be missing out on something that could make a large positive impact on their lives. Direct Payments Act 1996 has brought in positives and negatives. But does this suit everyone. After researching the Direct Payments Act and what do direct payments users think we can say that this suit the majority of its users. Next legislation that this piece of writing will concentrate on is Mental Health Capacity Act 2007 this act states that everyone should be treated as able to make their own decisions until it is shown that they are not. It also aims to enable people to make their own decisions for as long as they are capableof doing so. A persons capacity to make a decision will be established at the time that a decision needs to be made. A lack of capacity could be because of a severe learning disability, dementia, mental health problems, a brain injury, a stroke or unconsciousness due to an anesthetic or a sudden accident. (http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/HealthAndSupport/YourRightsInHealth/DG_10016888) The positives of this act are that a person will be able to make their own decisions unless it is proven that they no longer can, once the cant make their own decisions, the decisions will be made for them. This is very positive as mainly this will protect vulnerable adults who cant no longer make decisions for them selfs. This act will give them power and freedom unless proven that the person is no longer able to make decisions. The negative outcome of this act would be that people will not feel free and for some it wont be morally right for someone to make decisions on their behalf. Into some cases some people may feel as if their dignity has gone due to the lack of power, once they cant make decisions.( http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/SocialCare/Deliveringadultsocialcare/MentalCapacity/MentalCapacityAct2005/index.htm) This Act will also help people make financial decisions once they cant make that decisions themselves. From November 9 2009 direct payments will be available to people who l ack capacity who meet the criteria laid out in regulations and guidance issued earlier this month. (http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/SocialCare/Deliveringadultsocialcare/MentalCapacity/MentalCapacityAct2005/index.htm) Once Direct Payments are available to people who lack capacity this will make things more smoother for people and will give them more freedom and more control of their lives. Last legislation in this writing will talk about is the Independence, Weill being and Choice Green Paper. This Green Paper gives a clear picture for adult social care for the next 10 to 15 years and how this may work. It gives all people the chance to everyone to give their ideas,views and opinion and lets them have their own sa on the matter and then it will be considered. They way that this should work is that if people give their opinions and views this should make smoother and easier legislations for the future. However this is a very long process as this is first open to the public that is what is called the green paper, once the government has decided it wants to go ahead with a specific area it then becomes a white paper. The white paper then, is presented to the parliament to be voted on, once it has the majority of votes it then becomes an Act. So this will be a very long process. However if this will be done it will give people more control of their finances and their moral s. The last part of this writing will evaluate the main provisions of community legislation and their implications. As writen about in the previous paragraphs, four legislation were discussed along with positives and negatives of each one. It can be said that all four legislations ome with advantages and disadvantages. Positive factors are the ones that mainly all service users are interested in. However the negatives are something that needs more interest put to it. For example the Direct Payments Act, and the fact that Care managers do not want to get involved with because their arent so knowledgeable about it. In the research that have been carried out during this writing, it can be acknowledged that mainly all legislations do concentrate on changing service users lifes for a better future. It also highlights that the legislations are in place so that service users get control of their lives back and making sure that service users have the freedom and do not loose ther dignity and morals. References: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/442807.stm [Assessed 9th November 2009] http://209.85.229.132/search?q=cache:ko7D0JWfI30J:www.basw.co.uk/Portals/0/Chris%2520Southworth.ppt+amhp+rolecd=3hl=enct=clnkgl=uk [Assesed 11th November 2009] http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/HealthAndSupport/YourRightsInHealth/DG_10016888 [Assessed 12th November 2009] http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/SocialCare/Deliveringadultsocialcare/MentalCapacity/MentalCapacityAct2005/index.htm [Assessed 14th November 2009] http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/publicationsandstatistics/publications/publicationspolicyandguidance/dh_4106477 [Assessed 15th November 2009] http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/SocialCare/Deliveringadultsocialcare/MentalCapacity/MentalCapacityAct2005/index.htm [Assessed 17th November 2009]

Show how these poets illustrate different aspects of love in their Essa

Show how these poets illustrate different aspects of love in their poems. How do the poets communicate thoughts and feelings by the words and the images they use? The poems I have read are: Porphyria's Lover; by Robert Browning, The Lady Of Shalott; by Alfred Lord Tennyson, The Eve Of St. Agnes; by John Keats, A Trampwoman's Tragedy; by Thomas Hardy. A. - It is evident that in the four poems I have read, there are different aspects of love shown in each. In 'Porphyria's Lover', Browning puts across some rather dark kinds of love; obsessive, jealous and possessive love. I use the word dark, because in the poem, a clearly insane man kills his lover Porphyria, to secure all her love for himself, "And give herself to me forever". The man is besotted with Porphyria, but in an extremely selfish way. He thinks that she is seeing someone else, so he kills her to preserve her love for him forever, "That moment she was mine, mine, fair, Perfectly pure and good: I found A thing to do, and all her hair In one long yellow string I wound Three times her little throat around, And strangled her." This theme of tainted love is continued in 'A Trampwoman's Tragedy', with jealous love also occurring in this poem. The trampwoman's boyfriend became jealous after she started to flirt with 'jeering' John. Consequently, the boyfriend stabbed and killed John. "Then up he sprung, and with his knife - And with his knife He let out jeering Johnny's life," In this poem, the jealous love is basically the same as in the last. A character is worried about their lover betraying them for someone else. In 'A T. 's Tragedy', this is shown by the line, "my lover's dark distress." Teasing about love is also addressed... ..., "Burned like one burning flame together". Keats, in 'The E. Of St. A.', uses a metaphor, "Music's golden tongue", to describe how loud and far reaching the music is to the beadsman. You can tell he feels sad that he is out in the cold, and people nearby are dancing and having fun. Keats also uses alliteration in describing the food Porphyro gets for Madeline, making it sound tasty, "jellies soother than the creamy curd". In 'A T.'s T.', Hardy blends in some symbolism, which adds an extra sense of sadness to the end of the poem. It helps to describe the trampwoman's unhappiness and loneliness, after losing all of her friends, "The red moon low declined". Although all the poems are based around love, and most have this linked with death, they are all subtly different. Each highlights a different aspect of love, which affect people in different ways.

The Formal Education System Of Pakistan Education Essay

Education is the run manner of scholar on where he can confront the challenges of the universe every bit good as the society. It plays a critical function to put moral, societal and economic criterions of any state and has a really strong consequence on ideas, believes and planning of future constabularies of a state. Education is a state edifice and globally inter-related activity that unlocks the door to modernisation. Education is the right of every kid and it is the duty of the State to supply educational installations to each and every kid. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948 ( as cited in National Education Policy, 1998-2010 ) provinces, â€Å" Everyone has the right to instruction † . The quality instruction is a necessary and inevitable agent for alteration as instruction is a procedure of civilisation and development. Recent grounds of a significant nexus between quality of schooling and single productiveness suggests that, from an economic efficiency position, quality facets of instruction deserve attending. Harmonizing to the Imran ( 2011 ) , the construct of quality in every field is complex in nature, elements, constituents, and in every regard. Quality is the most respectable but the slipperiest term in the field of instruction. Sometimes it is used in appraising sense, for illustration as a graduated table of goodness. Sometimes it is implied to seek some alone features. The quality in instruction refers to the criterion of direction, educational installations, course of study, methods of instruction, pupils, exanimation system, learning staff etc. Secondary instruction holds cardinal place in an educational system of every state, as it is a terminal phase for most of pupils and it besides serves as a linkage between simple phase and higher instruction. As it provides input for higher instruction and hence quality of higher instruction is dependent upon secondary instruction ( AIOU, 1997 ) . Secondary instruction ( IXXII ) is an of import sub-sector of the full educational system. It provides the in-between degree work force for the economic system on one manus and on the other it acts as a feeder for the higher degree of instruction. Higher instruction, which produces quality professionals in different Fieldss, is based on the quality of secondary instruction. Therefore, this degree of instruction demands to be revamped in such a manner that it may fix immature work forces and adult females for the chase of higher instruction every bit good as may besides fix them to set in their practical lives meaningfully and fruitfully ( GOP, 1998 ) Developed states have economic and political stability due to their organized construction for instruction. On the other manus, quality of instruction is hapless at all degrees in developing and under developed states. Developing states like Pakistan need proper alterations in their educational systems harmonizing to the demands of their society and to accomplish their national aims. The criterion of instruction or quality of instruction is really low in Pakistan. Without bettering quality of instruction, we can non maintain gait with the modern epoch. Keeping this issue in position it was the demand of the twenty-four hours to compare the quality of secondary school instruction in public and in private managed schools to the factual place. Iqbal ( 1987 ) reported that pupils in developing states have a low average degree of accomplishment compared to industrial states and their public presentation shows a much greater fluctuation around the mean. Harmonizing to a study of the World Bank ( 1999 ) , the chief things which authoritiess can make to better the quality of instruction are puting criterions, back uping inputs to better, accomplishments, following flexible schemes for the acquisition and usage of inputs, and supervising public presentation. By and large the stairss are non taken because of the weight of the bing instruction hurrying and direction patterns. Learning procedure requires five inputs: the pupil with larning capableness, capable or information to be transferred, teacher holding bid on the topic, clip for acquisition, and tools for learning and acquisition. Secondary instruction holds a cardinal place as it is the terminal phase for the bulk of pupils. The largest figure of educated work force in Pakistan is available at this phase. The economic experts believe the secondary instruction to be a anchor of the economic system while the sociologists consider it is an effectual arm of societal reforms. It can be said that the secondary instruction is strongly related with the economic advancement and societal public assistance of the state ( Ali, 1970 ) . Two chief sectors working side by side in the field of secondary instruction are private and authorities sector in Pakistan. National Education Policy ( 1979 ) identified that private sector plays an of import function in the development of instruction in a state. It helps both in the qualitative betterment and enlargement. Private sector bears a good trade of outgos burden on this of import societal cause even in the most advanced states. In a state like Pakistan where the population growing rate is about 3 per centum, yearly and merely approximately 20 per centum of the bing kids are in the secondary schools, the support of the private sector is severely needed to portion this immense load. Government entirely can non construct and run all the schools required for this intentAims of the surveyThis survey seeks to compare the quality of instruction of public and private schools of Gujranwala and the aims of survey were as: To compare the consequences of their pupils who appeared in boards ‘ scrutiny. To compare the quality of instruction in footings of physical installations and substructure qualities. To compare the ability of instructors. To compare their fee and salary construction. To compare their educational procedures.Significance of the surveyQuality instruction includes iˆ Learners, Environments, Content, Processes and Outcomes ( UNICEF, 2000 ) . Government sector is unable to suit the demands of quickly turning population. No 1 can deny the importance of private sector. Different surveies have highlighted the lacking quality of private sector. This survey endeavors to place the quality of larning environment and substructure in public and private schools. The consequences of this survey will be huge aid to the parents, pupils and general populace in the designation of the quality of public and private schools. This survey will besides be imperative for contrivers and policy shapers to heighten the quality of instruction and supply footing for reforms in instruction to get the better of all failings of public and private schools by integrating all the superior facets of both sectors.Problem statementThe research worker aims to pull the comparing the criterions of public and private secondary schools of Gujranwala in footings of quality of instruction.Research Questions or HypothesisQ1: How can we compare quality of instruction in footings of quality of physical installations and substructure? Q2: What is the difference of fee construction of public and private schools? Q3: What is the difference of salary bundle of the instructors of public and private schools? Q4: What is the difference of making of instructors of public and private schools? Q 5: What is the difference of difference of occupation term of office of public and private schools? Q6: What is the difference of making of principals of public and private schools? Q7: What is the difference of professional making of instructors and principals of public and private schools?Chapter IILITERATURE REVIEWIn this chapter, a elaborate reappraisal of accessible literature on the quality of secondary instruction in Pakistan has been presented along with a critical reappraisal of the related research has besides been presented at the terminal.Role of EducationEducation is a powerful drive force which drives mental, physical, ideological and moral readying of an person, so at the same clip it ease them to hold full consciousness of an instrument for their religious development along with the material fulfilment of human existences. With- in the context of Islamic – perceptual experience, instruction is an instrument for developing the attitude of persons in conformity with the value of righteousness which helps to construct a sound Islamic society ( Govt. of Pakistan, 1998 ) . Education plays an of import function in human resource development as it increases the end product, competency of persons and produces adept work force that is capable of taking the economic development. Importance of Education for human resource development does non necessitate any justification. The developed states give highest precedence to instruction ; same is the instance with the developing states. The fundamental law of Pakistan defines instruction as one of the cardinal rights of a citizen every bit good as constitutional committedness of the authorities accepts to supply entree to instruction to every citizen ( Govt. of Pakistan, 2000 ) .Formal Education System of Pakistanâ€Å" The Government of Pakistan shall supply free and mandatory instruction to maximal kids of the province. It might be determined by jurisprudence. † ( Govt. of Pakistan, 1972 ) . The intent of instruction is to extinguish the poorness and to better the societal behaviour. Education enhances the societal and ethical development. In formal instruction system, there are figure of phases.Pre-schoolingThe age-group for the pre-schooling is 3 to 5 old ages ( before one category, in Public schools Kachi category and in private schools. Play group /nursery/ homework ) .Primary SchoolingThe age-group for primary is 5 to 9 old ages ( Class 1 to 5 ) .Middle SchoolingThe age-group is 10 to 12years ( Class 6 to 8 ) .Secondary EducationBoard of Intermediate and Secondary Education [ BISE ] conducts the scrutiny ( Class 9 & A ; 10 ) .Higher Secondary/Intermediate EducationBISE awards the certification of Higher Secondary School Education ( HSSC ) ( Class 11 & A ; 12 ) .Higher EducationFour old ages instruction after Higher Secondary Education is considered as higher instruction. Two old ages for Bachelor ‘s grade and farther 2 old ages for Master ‘s grade. BS aw ards is besides equal to this grade. M. Phil and PhD plans are besides farther promotion after the completion of maestro grade. Academy of Educational Planning and Management ( 2010-11 ) reported the elaborate analysis of instruction system in Pakistan. Beginning: Academy of Educational Planning and Management, Govt. of Pakistan ( 2010 ) Figure 2.1: Structure of instruction Sector in Pakistan Education system of Pakistan is comprised of 270,825 establishments and is easing 40,926,661 pupils with the aid of 1,507,100 instructors. The system is composed of 194,151 public establishments and 76,674 private establishments. The public sector is functioning 26.63 million pupils to finish their instruction while the staying 13.96 million pupils are in private sector of instruction ( AEPM, 2010-11 ) .Importance of Secondary EducationIt is a true fact that fate of a state is shaped in the schoolrooms which implies that instruction is the chief beginning of advancement and development. It can be said without any vacillation that instruction can be largely responsible for the hereafter of Pakistan. Through instruction, state edifice procedure for the hereafter citizens of the state can take topographic point. As shortly the instruction molds pupils, state will be molded. From this point of position, a batch of duties lie with the educationalist for quality instruction. Therefore, the instruction must be qualitative so that the pupils may develop necessary cognition, attitude and accomplishments to execute their responsibilities efficaciously. It is in this context that quality instruction becomes the most of import component to heighten the quality of life in any state. It is so worthwhile to raise some issues in this respect and think of their solution ( AEPM, 2010-11 ) . In the earlier period of Pakistan, the highest precedences were literacy and numeracy in the schools. But subsequently, personal growing with the communicating accomplishment, accomplishment for societal life, problem-solving accomplishment and co-ordination of physical and mental accomplishments got attending and importance by the society. Schools contribute its function in a vivacious manner through the course of study. Secondary schools develop the ability of logical thinking, proper usage of linguistic communication, societal and emotional stability in the pupils. Secondary instruction plays a major function to bring forth realistic and adept pupils. Secondary instruction in all over the universe recognized as an of import degree. The quality of higher instruction is depended upon the quality of this phase. This is the important age of adolescence for young person ( AEPM, 2010-11 ) . In Italy higher secondary schools ware called â€Å" tribunal schools † . In England these types of schools were named â€Å" Grammar Schools † in1510.In USA foremost junior â€Å" Inter montage † came into being in California in 1907. In Pakistan, secondary instruction consists of four categories IX to XII. These are called secondary and higher secondary. In Pakistan higher secondary schools were established in 1954-55 ( Shahzad, 2007 ) . Harmonizing to the National Education Policy ( 1979 ) , the instruction system consists of three degrees as: Elementary Education: I to VIII Secondary Education: IX to XII Higher Education: Thirteen and so on ( Govt. of Pakistan, 1979 ) .Five Year Plans and Secondary EducationEight Five Old ages programs were presented by Government of Pakistan for the improvement of instruction in Pakistan.The First Five-Year Plan ( 1955-60 )Harmonizing to the First Five-Year Plan ( 1955-60 ) , the chief aims of secondary instruction were to present diversified classs in commercialism, agribusiness and proficient topics, to better the quality and to increase the figure of secondary schools. With the aid of repeat of history and political orientation of Pakistan, character edifice can be possible at secondary degree. Mathematicss and scientific discipline are mandatory topics for person ‘s calling. 15 schools will be upgraded to high degree. 75 new public schools will be opened. Grants-in-aid will be given to 100 privateschools.500 center and 100 high schools will be improved by adding scientific discipline classs. Registration in high schools increased from 0.10 9 million in 1955 to 0.149 million in 1960 ( Memon, 1986 ) .In this program the more accent on the measure instead than quality. The Second Five Year Plan ( 1960-65 ) The chief aims of the 2nd five twelvemonth program are integrating of in-between categories in higher secondary schools, variegation of classs, counsel coders, gap of residential schools, and increase of registration of secondary instruction ( Iqbal, 1993 ) . During the Plan 160 high schools were opened with all physical installations. 103 in-between schools were up-graded to high schools. Harmonizing to Hussain ( 2003 ) , â€Å" the plan for secondary instruction proposed in the program will increase the registration by 430.000 pupils at this degree. † The program shapers emphasized on measure merely and cipher was concerned about the quality of instruction provided to the pupils.The Third Five-Year Plan ( 1965-70 )Iqbal ( 1993 ) defines the aims of the 3rd five twelvemonth program. The chief aims of secondary instruction are in-between phase would be mandatory, development of educational installations, upgrading of in-between schools to high schools, accent on scientific discipline and mathematics, to bring forth adept state, and alter the course of study from general instruction to development of agricultural, commercial and administrative accomplishments. Policy shaper did non concentrate the quality of instruction. Student ‘s registration was the Centre of attending.Non- Plan Period ( 1970-78 )Harmonizing to the Iqbal ( 1993 ) that during non-plan per iod, the chief aims of secondary instruction were to contract down the difference between schools with the aid of comprehensive course of study, to accomplish an registration ratio of 40:60 between scientific discipline and humanistic disciplines programmes and consolidation of go outing secondary schools. Harmonizing to Govt. of Pakistan ( 1970 ) , â€Å" At the high phase ( Class IX and X ) registration is proposed to be increased by: 35 million against an registration of 77 million at the terminal of 3rd Plan. †Fifth Five-Year Plan ( 1978-83 )The 5th program is really of import in the respect of secondary instruction. There was a outstanding alteration in instruction of measure to quality. Curricula reform aimed at add-on of occupation orient preparation in secondary instruction. 195 Science research labs were constructed. The program provides the agro- proficient classs in 874 schools ( Memon, 1986 ) . Care and betterment of installations in all secondary schools would be mandatory. Although the necessity and importance of secondary instruction was accepted in all stakeholders, but subsequently decision makers neglected the said steps.The Sixth Five-Year Plan ( 1983-88 )Education is really necessary for the development of a society. Without instruction, no 1 has of all time been uplift himself and ne'er assist supply economically benefits to his state. In harmonizing to 6th program Mathematics, Urdu, Islamiyat, Pakistan Studies and Science topics were the mandatory topics. Particular focal point on mathematics and scientific discipline was indispensable for all pupils at secondary instruction ( Govt. of Pakistan, 1983 ) . Measure of high schools would be increased to 5530 and 1073 in-between schools to be up-graded ( Memon, 1986 ) .The Seventh Five-Year Plan ( 1988-93 )The instruction system suffers from critical status. Forty per centum of the kids do non hold entree to instruction. Harmonizing to Govt. of Pakistan ( 1988 ) , â€Å" The 7th program scheme was to increase the literacy rate through betterment and enlargement of primary instruction every bit good as to actuate the private sector to play an active function. While it was estimated that the literacy rate will lift to about 40 per centum by 1992-93, the substructure created during the 7th p rogram was expected to give a literacy rate of 80 per centum by terminal of the century. † The 7th program will be spread out the secondary instruction installations. The course of study at secondary degree will be changed. For the betterment of quality of instruction in secondary schools, Bachelor of Education ( B.Ed. ) grade holder instructors will be appointed. A little inn for pupils will be provided to secondary schools. One theoretical account school for male childs and one for misss will be launched in each territory for the betterment of quality ( Hussain, 2003 ) .Eighth Five Year Plan ( 1993-98 )Education is cardinal right of every kid. To carry through the demand of measure, schools ignored the quality and a big figure of educational establishments were opened without proper substructure. Harmonizing to Govt. of Pakistan ( 1993 ) , â€Å" Facilities for secondary instruction will be extended to absorb the increased end product from primary schools. For this intent, about 2.4 million extra seats in categories VI to X will be created by upgrading primary and in-be tween schools, set uping new high schools and adding schoolrooms in the bing schools. Construction of extra schoolrooms and betterment of the bing edifices of schools will besides be carried out. In urban countries, 2nd displacement will be introduced in secondary schools wherever executable. † Private sector will be appreciated for the partnership to raise the registration at the secondary degree. Curriculum will be revised for better quality. Science laboratories will be provided with better-trained instructors ( Govt. of Pakistan, 1993 ) . Hussain ( 2003 ) evaluated that â€Å" The 8th national five twelvemonth program will promote in spread of quality educational establishments to the distant countries of the state. Till the terminal of the Eighth program, each territory will hold a theoretical account school for male childs and each division will hold such an establishment for misss in the populace or private sector. Private sector will be encouraged to set up the quality instruction establishments. Government will set up theoretical account schools merely in territories where such establishments do non be under public or private sector †National Education Policies in PakistanSecondary instruction was discussed in all National Policies of Pakistan.Report of Commission on National Education ( 1959 )On 30th December, 1958 the Government of Pakistan appointed a committee. The map of this committee is to analyse all the old studies and all on-going educational motions of the state. The committee recognized seconda ry instruction as a separate academic unit. The committee besides suggested that the secondary instruction should be divided into three phases ( 6 to 12 ) . Urdu, scientific discipline and mathematics should be taught as mandatory topics. Consequences should be complied on the public presentation of the pupils. Science labs and libraries should be provided in all secondary schools ( Govt. of Pakistan, 1959 ) .The Education Policy ( 1972-1980 )On 15th March, 1972 the president of Pakistan Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto presented the Educational policy 1972-1980. He expressed that the instruction system was rendered by the pick of the harvest in Pakistan. The authorities allocated really low budget for the instruction. The intent of instruction should bring forth the state with spiritual positions, traditions and civilization. Education system divided into four phases of primary secondary, college and university. Harmonizing to Memon ( 1986 ) , â€Å" Secondary Education should non be abstract enterprise but must associate to the employment chances. The secondary instruction may supply for progressive integrating of general and proficient instruction. The registration in humanistic disciplines topics may be restricted to the bing degree and important addition should be made in scientific discipline and agro proficient instruction †National Education Policy, 1979Secondary instruction was recognized as a terminal phase of pupils in the National Education Policy, 1979. The quality of higher instruction is based on the quality of secondary instruction. Elementary, secondary and university instruction are three degrees of Pakistan ‘s instruction system s. Physical installations such as scientific discipline labs, and libraries would be provided to the secondary schools. Curriculum should be upgraded. Mathematicss would be mandatory capable. One 1000 center schools will be upgraded to high schools and 200 new schools would be opened. New instructors would be appointed ( Ghaffar, 2003 ) . Board of Intermediate and Secondary would be held the scrutiny system at secondary degree. Estimated needed budget was Rs. 8,073 million for secondary instruction ( Govt. of Pakistan, 1979 ) .National Education Policy 1998-2010In the position of National Education Policy 1998-2010, secondary instruction has played important function in the whole instruction system. It enhances the work force for the economic system and bring forth feeder the higher degrees of instruction. The quality of higher instruction is based upon the quality of secondary instruction ( Govt. of Pakistan, 1998 ) . The policy shapers had pointed out some failing in the secondary instruction such as: No attractive force for the investor. Unplanned enlargement and irrational distribution of schools. Being of scientific discipline and mathematics instructors had non been valued. Technical and vocational instruction at secondary degree remained a controversial issue. Physical installations and text editions were deficient. The undermentioned stairss were identified in the policy for the accomplishment of the aims of secondary instruction in the state: New theoretical account secondary school would be opened. Definite career at secondary degree would be introduced. Revision of course of study would be compulsory. Multiple text books would be introduced at secondary degree. In-service and pre-service instructors developing programmes would be arranged. Project method of learning would be initiated at secondary degree. Education service committee would be established Salary constructions of instructors would be based on making. Education card would be provided to destitute pupils ( Ghaffar, 2003 ) . The secondary degree input rate is 32 per centum which will be raised to 48 per centum. Harmonizing to Govt. of Pakistan ( 1998 ) , â€Å" Course of study at secondary phase will be based on two rules. First, at it will supply a compulsory nucleus of topics give every student the cognition utile for a underdeveloped society. Second, it will include extra topics and developing to fix the pupils of a definite calling. Curricula for secondary phase ( IX- XII ) shall be revised with a position to excite job resolution, independent thought and in the visible radiation of other aims outlined above.National Plan of Action 2001-2005Technical instruction was offered in Matriculation as capable. Its chief intent was to fix pupils for the practical life. After finishing their secondary instruction, they could take the work. National Plan of Action [ NPA ] had mark to set up 1,100 proficient high schools in the state. The chief aims of NPA were to emphasis on instruction of adult females, to he ighten engagement of society and to advance the quality instruction. Quality betterment and school effectivity had been given cardinal importance. The chief quality inputs were besides pointed out in the National Plan of Action 2001-2005. National Education Assessment System ( NEAS ) was introduced ( Govt. of Pakistan, 2003 ) .National Education Policy 2009The reviewed procedure for the National Education Policy 1998-2010 was shaped in 2005 named â€Å" White Paper † . This White Paper became the footing of New Policy and finalized in March 2007.The secondary school system prepares immature people for life. Supplying accomplishments to the labour market and supplying input to the higher instruction are two of import functions of secondary instruction. Access at secondary schools in Pakistan is low in comparing to other states. Average ratio of secondary to primary school is 1: 6 in Pakistan, but in different parts of the state, it is 1:13 ( Govt. of Pakistan, 2009 ) . Following stairss will be taken for the betterment of secondary instruction in Pakistan: Provision shall be expanded specially in those locations where the ratio of Secondary schools is low. Student fiscal support shall be increased. Students shall present more student-centre teaching methods. Handiness of reding installations for the pupils. Life Skills-Based Education ( LSBE ) shall be promoted.

Ranbaxy Case Project Essay

Eli Lilly Ranbaxy is an example of a joint venture that was pursued with the right strategy, which was a result due to a changing US pharmaceutical market and a rapidly expanding India market. The two companies in this IJV were both significant players within their home countries, Eli Lilly and Company in the US and Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited from India. When the possibility of establishing a joint venture was approached in 1992, the Indian market for pharmaceuticals was becoming more open to foreign direct investment. Also India at the time was putting a limit on the amount of foreign ownership, from 40 percent to 51 percent, creating less foreign competition in the region. With numerous of opportunities opening up within the Indian market, Eli Lilly saw this as a stepping-stone for future clinical testing. Both companies having common backgrounds and goals of being a research oriented international pharmaceutical company, embarking on a joint venture seemed ideal. Eli Lilly would establish a presence in the region and gain access to the distribution network enjoyed by Ranbaxy. Furthermore, this JV would result in lower costs in production as well as basic research, which are considerable factors in their broad strategy. The evolution of the international joint venture was strategically handled with early success, starting off with the name of the company, Eli Lilly Ranbaxy; it was strategically named for future success within the region. Mascarenhas stated, â€Å"The reason for this was based on my earlier experience in India, where ‘good quality’ rightly or wrongly, was associated with foreign imported goods. Eli Lilly Ranbaxy sounded foreign enough! † With Ranbaxy being the largest manufacturer of bulk pharmaceuticals in India, and with a domestic market share of 15 percent, they provided the knowledge needed for the local market and helped establish a name in the region for Lilly. Mascarenhas and Gulati had a good working and personal relationship; they had good interdependent communication, which was a crucial factor in the JV implementation and because Ranbaxy provided Eli Lilly with easy entrance and networks to the Indian market. After the establishment of the joint venture the two companies focused on creating an organization where there was strong support from both sides. Many employees had an opportunity to establish a legitimate career within the Eli Lilly Ranbaxy Corporation. Indeed, this was refreshing considering the high turnover rate within the industry, where the union served as a crutch. Within a year after building the infrastructure from the ground up, the JV was able to launch different products and had more than 200 employees. The joint venture provided product and marketing strategies, in which they employed successful corporate social responsibility of providing the physicians with relevant medical information Ranbaxy and Lilly were two companies that were successful in establishing a joint venture because they had a lot of the same common values. They both had high ethical standards, when presenting their products to doctors within the market; they would answer all questions correctly and to the best of their knowledge. Since their products were not known within the local market, Eli Lilly used a strong sense of honesty called the â€Å"Red book values†, with local doctors and began to gain their respect and trust. Andrew Mascarenhas, from Eli Lilly and Company was the first successful managing director for the joint venture. Throughout his tenure he helped shape and build the joint venture from the ground up. With a driven initiative and was responsible for the hiring of the sales force and recruitment of medical doctors. As a leader, Mascarenhas was faced with unique challenges; he had to deal with cash flow constraints, limitations on pricing and other government regulations. Also within the Indian market there was low recognition and high turnover rates for sales jobs. Mascarenhas and his team had to strategize on how to appeal to a wider range of employees through future opportunities amongst the company. Eli Lilly Ranbaxy invested in a training program. The program was created for the employees to hold strong values for the positions they were hired for and the positions were customized to Indian standards. Mascarenhas brought Eli Lilly’s values to the joint venture; he was instrumental in the training program and made sure those values were shared. When Mascarenhas was promoted in 1996, the new managing director was Chris Shaw. Having a significant background in operations, Shaw helped the company focus on establishing stability through new systems and processes. He expanded the product line and organized a team to make sure there were standard operating procedures (SOPs). These procedures would help the joint venture maintain a productive flow. Aided by his knowledge in marketing, the JV saw an improved growth in sales. Rajiv Gulati was shortly promoted after Chris Shaw. Already having history with the joint venture Gulati was initially the director of marketing and sales. He saw his time as the director an opportunity for growth, which was achieved by implementing medical and regulatory units which helped the company exceed the average growth rate in the Indian pharmaceutical industry. One of the challenges faced by Gulati was Lilly’s name was not commonly known amongst doctors in the market. Gulati and his team came up with the idea of using Ranbaxy’s name to lead as a foot in the door, and helped the company gain brand recognition. Also Gulati faced the challenge of trying to distribute a product that was already being sold amongst manufacturers. Through marketing and establishing trust with the doctors the company was able to establish their presence in India. The initial start up of the joint venture was faced with constant challenges, many in the form of government regulations but because of the functional working relationships between Mascarenhas and Gulati, the JV reached their break-even point in 1996 and soon realized profitability. With the growth of the pharmaceutical market the company also went through significant changes to keep up with innovations. New managers were introduced during the course of these changes and launched multiple new successful units, which saw a steady annual growth rate of 8 percent. The joint venture also became the world’s 12th leading pharmaceutical supplier in over 150 countries by 2001, and continuously developed new drugs through extensive research and development. Overall the performance of the IJV was a success. Each company learned from the joint venture that marketing network was important to have in order to enter the market in India. They also learned the importance of patent protection and how much a role the government can play in the protecting that proprietary knowledge. A patent is needed in order to price their products, and to protect their innovation for a certain time. When they learned the patent laws changed in India, it encouraged them to establish a joint venture there. The experience brought about by the international joint venture helped both companies enhance its overall market line and its potential of innovation and discovery. Eli Lilly and Company gained experience in the market perspective of Asian countries while establishing India as their hub. Also they gained significant experience in how to introduce their products within a market where they were not commonly known. Overall Eli Lilly Ranbaxy gained vital cooperation and communication amongst each other. Establishing a very accessible management staff contributed to the early on success of the joint venture. The commonality of the two companies also created ease within the company and allowed the company to grow in profits and outputs without any disruption or disagreements. Though the two companies have established a very successful lucrative company amongst the pharmaceutical industry the action that would be wise to do is to establish a 100% wholly owned subsidiary for Eli Lilly. The main reason for the they separation, is that each company started to focus on different objectives when the industry started to grow, Ranbaxy focusing on generics and Lilly focusing on research and development. To implement this action Eli Lilly would have to buy out Ranbaxy’s stake within the company. With Indian regulations favoring towards a more foreign owned market, this strategy would allow Eli Lilly total ownership and control over their present and future products specifically because of enhanced patent protection for the pharmaceutical industry. Though this is action could lead to potential profits in research and development for Lilly, the implications of these actions could come with potential losses, not factoring in the cost of the buyout. If the IJV were to break apart there is no clear explanation on the future financial outlooks of their company. Furthermore, it can create an unforeseen competition. However, it would allow each company to focus on their own agendas and it would also inject much needed cash flow for Ranbaxy and allow them to concentrate on the generic market. In order keep up with success a company must keep up with the market, and the market was clearly leading Lilly into the path of a fully owned subsidiary. There are risks associated with this but because the JV was already in such a strong position and aided by the new laws, the potential profits of this action is well worth the consideration.

A four page paper about Spider Monkeys

A four page paper about Spider Monkeys The Spider monkey is a primate with the scientific name Ateles geoffroyi. There are nine subspecies under this name, three of which are endangered. They are found in a wide range of places, extending from Mexico to Brazil. Spider monkeys are very interesting animals.Spider monkeys put into subspecies based on appearance. They can move through the trees very quickly and efficiently. They have long arms and long legs, but a very slender body. They have a small head and a prehensile tail, which is longer than the rest of the body and can be used as a fifth limb. Their tail can support their whole body weight. Spider monkeys have no thumbs, but they have very strong fingers. An adult usually weighs between thirteen and twenty-five pounds and is about nineteen to twenty inches in length. Females are usually larger and heavier than the males.Spider monkeys are found in lowland rainforests from Mexico to South America, along the coasts and banks of the amazon, and the mountain forest slopes the Andes.1Wild Geoffroy's Spider Monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi),...They depend mainly on fruit. Spider monkeys are very territorial. They mark their territory with secretion from glands in their chest. If their territory is wandered upon, they will make loud screeching noises, rattle branches, and throw objects like sticks or feces.2 A spider monkey's diet consists mainly of fruit. They supplement this with flowers and leaves. Occasionally, they can make use of nuts, eggs, and insects. When there is a poor fruit season, they might even wander into a nearby camp and try to steal food.Spider monkeys live in groups. Group sizes vary with the subspecies and location. They usually range from ten to forty monkeys, but sometimes groups of more than one hundred will be spotted. They break up into subgroups to forage but...

American Oligarchy essays

American Oligarchy essays The American Oligarchy America: The Pretense of Democracy The Aristotelian view of democracy showed democracy as a supreme state of being, promoting equality more than anything. It allowed every person to have as much say in a government as any other person, and yet still allowed individuality to reign. To follow this path of true democracy is to follow the path to a perfect country. Yet America, which prides itself on being a truly democratic nation, is filled with corruption and extortion, nothing like the Utopia Aristotle portrayed. America is in the hands of a select few. A tiny fraction of the population holds any real political power, while the rest simply sit idly by. This goes against the very principle of democracy. Aristotle said of this Any one man [of the many] may be inferior [to a man of excellence], but the city-state is made up of many men. Just as a meal done by many is better than a single and simple one, for this reason a mass (ochlos) can judge many things better than any one man. In addition, that which is many is less likely to be corrupted. So, although an individual's judgment can be corrupted when he is overcome by anger or some other emotion, it is difficult for all to become angry and make erroneous judgments simultaneously. If all the men are good men and good citizens, they are less corruptible than one man. However, seldom is this the case with American politics. There are far fewer politicians then there are low class workers or unemployed, and yet these politicians decide upon most all of the important decisions the country is faced with. The only time the rest of the people are involved is when these politicians spew out money and promises in an attempt to gain the popularity of the public whom they are so far from. Although the majority of the United States is low to middle class, the only people in high political positions are those who spend millions of dollars to get where they are. Equa...

Nixon's Counterterrorism Policies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Nixon's Counterterrorism Policies - Essay Example It also looked into the implementation of these activities effectively. It consisted of the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, the Attorney General, Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Treasury, the Ambassador of the United Nations, the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, director of the Central Intelligence Agency and Assistant to the President for National Security affairs (Crenshaw n.p.). Two incidents which triggered the formation of this committee took place in the early 1970’s which led to the development of the modern counterterrorism policies. One occurred at the Munich Olympics in September 1972 by the Black September Organization, killing approximately 11 Israeli athletes. Another case of terrorism conducted by the same organization occurred in the form of kidnapping which took place in Khartoum and the immediate assassination of US Ambassador and his Deputy Chief Commission along with a Belgian diplomat (Naftali 33). This was the ultimate c ase which convinced President Nixon to take strong action against terrorism. The tangible threats to the US national security were the main focus of Nixon’s policy. ... By the time it got down to Clinton, he ensured his policies stood out from his predecessors. Another aim was to reduce the tension in the Middle East between the Israeli and Arab world. Nixon had assigned the responsibilities of counterterrorism to his old friend William Roger (Alexander xix). Arabs were in a natural conflict with the United States for its support for the Israel cause. Ever since the Six Day War of 1967, the Palestinians’ resentment grew stronger and they took wild measures in the form of terrorist acts. The case of Jordan in 1970 was one of great concern for the Western world. The defeat of the Fatah-led Palestinians gave rise to the emergence of the organization of Black September which split away from PLO by its own choice and continued to involve in radical acts across the globe. The main concern while fighting against these terrorists forces for the US was the elaborate network which could capture their Embassy in Jordan. The US paratroopers were brought to alert positions and seize the International Airport if necessary. This was the first lesson they got in dealing with the terrorists (Naftali 54). The presidents were pressurized to maintain their complete attention on the issue of terrorism. Although they did their best, their resolutions and initiatives were never entirely implemented by the concerned bureaucracies. In 1981 the call to establish a clearinghouse of intelligence by Vice President George H.W. Bush went unheard. The National Security Decision Directive 138 was issued by Reagan’s administration in 1984 strongly condemning any act of terrorism stating that such activities would not be tolerated by the United States (Crenshaw 2005). Nixon employed several steps as a move towards counterterrorism which

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World war II powerpoint - Essay Example At the same time, the involvement in the war was been influenced by the conduct of the Japanese. Similar to Hitler, Japan also launched the quest to invade smaller countries in East Asia. In addition, it captured the United States naval base in Pearl Harbor which increased the call to the United States to enter the war. The United States was facing difficulties in creating a large army that would venture into Europe. The size of its army would only grantee the protection of the United States. For this reason, the army was reluctant to venture into war against Hitler and Japan. The declaration of war on the United States by Hitler depicted that was inevitable. However, with the collaboration of the French and British armies, the manpower was enough to war against the huge German army. After the declaration of war the United States had to launch attacks that would serve as a protection to the nation.Williams (2006) points out that the protection of the United States was only ensured if the army would attack Hitler before he could venture full army attacks on the United States. The defeat of Hitler became the first priority of the United States. The invasion of Japan on U.S naval bases also steered the nation towards entering the World War (Williams, 2006). President Roosevelt was allowed to have a joint partnership with French and the British and rage war on Hitler and Japan. The United States had an objective to secure the nations army bases taken over by Japan in Pearl Harbor. In addition, the British and French were allies to the United States. This prompted the nation to military and ammunition support. At the same time, the Americans understood the risks they would be faced with if the war escalated. They were fears of invasion through the Panama Canal and ae rial attacks. This also prompted the rush towards entering the war. In an argument by Williams (2006) the United also

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Religion in the U.S. workplace Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Religion in the U.S. workplace - Essay Example This is also designed to reduce the number of cases when people would ask for a religious holiday leave even though no being known as active religious practitioners. 2. If there are disputes over the distribution of the religious holiday leaves, they should be resolved in the following manner. The priority will be given to a person who applied for a leave first, i.e. First come first served rule. Secondly, a person who is known to perform active religious practice before has the priority over a person who has just taken up it. The communication in these cases should be polite and tolerant, trying not to hurt any person or cast any kind of shadow on the religious feeling of an individual. 3. One of the most effective ways to communicate the policy to the employees would be to call for a meeting and present them with a printed out version of the main provision. It is particularly important that they have those printed out as the employees will be able to refer to them any time when they have question about the distribution of religious holiday leaves. Another point about communication is that it should promote the feeling of justice: since the matter in question is rather difficult to regulate, the employees should agree on at least some kind of rule that might be suitable for that. 2. Personally, I do not think that it is a good idea to protect the individuals who are obese in case it is not conditioned by an illness. It is true that managing one’s weight might be incredible difficult, but still it is possible. If a company gives certain preference for obese people, others who are different in someway might raise a question why obesity is taking into account and other abnormalities are not. In addition to that, fair treatment of the obese people might be viewed as an additional stimulus for them. 3. The Weight law involves many issues, such as an effective way to determine the presence of obesity; the grounds upon which

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LITERARY ANALYSIS OF THE TELL-TALE HEART OF EDGAR ELLEN POE Essay

LITERARY ANALYSIS OF THE TELL-TALE HEART OF EDGAR ELLEN POE - Essay Example In the very start of the story, the narrator accepts that he has grown nervous and oversensitive to the environment around him. He considers it a disease but is happy that it has made his senses more responsive. He says, â€Å"Above all was the sense of hearing acute. I heard all things in the heaven and in the earth† (Poe). The narrator explains that his hearing is too much sharp. He uses elaborative remarks to express the sharpness of his hearing. He further informs that this proves that he is not mad. However, being sharp in hearing does not prove him to be not mad as there is no association between being mad or excellent hearing power. He is not mad, but he has some kind of psyche issue, which encourages him to kill an innocent person. He is disturbed by the stare of the old man and starts considering himself in danger due to which, he decides to eradicate this threat (Ki 30). He regards himself witty but he is bothered by the staring eye of the old man. He considers him s trong because of his eye. He narrates the whole story as to how he visits the old man at midnight and moves so slowly and cautiously that he makes no noise at all. However, he continuously monitors the sleeping routine of the old man but every time, he gets disappointed and is unable to attack because he is unable to see the old man’s eye opened (Ki 31). Eighth day when he was judging the old man sleeping, he made a slight noise unintentionally that made the old man frightened. He was unable to sleep again. The narrator enjoyed the threat felt by the old man and acted as a wild beast waiting for the victim to be fully terrorized. The old man was aware of his coming death, which intimidated him. The narrator took a long time analyzing the old man’s situation. He only allowed a minute beam of lamp light directed towards the old man’s eye. During his noticing the old man’s eye, he started hearing intense heart beat and according to

Religion in the U.S. workplace Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Religion in the U.S. workplace - Essay Example This is also designed to reduce the number of cases when people would ask for a religious holiday leave even though no being known as active religious practitioners. 2. If there are disputes over the distribution of the religious holiday leaves, they should be resolved in the following manner. The priority will be given to a person who applied for a leave first, i.e. First come first served rule. Secondly, a person who is known to perform active religious practice before has the priority over a person who has just taken up it. The communication in these cases should be polite and tolerant, trying not to hurt any person or cast any kind of shadow on the religious feeling of an individual. 3. One of the most effective ways to communicate the policy to the employees would be to call for a meeting and present them with a printed out version of the main provision. It is particularly important that they have those printed out as the employees will be able to refer to them any time when they have question about the distribution of religious holiday leaves. Another point about communication is that it should promote the feeling of justice: since the matter in question is rather difficult to regulate, the employees should agree on at least some kind of rule that might be suitable for that. 2. Personally, I do not think that it is a good idea to protect the individuals who are obese in case it is not conditioned by an illness. It is true that managing one’s weight might be incredible difficult, but still it is possible. If a company gives certain preference for obese people, others who are different in someway might raise a question why obesity is taking into account and other abnormalities are not. In addition to that, fair treatment of the obese people might be viewed as an additional stimulus for them. 3. The Weight law involves many issues, such as an effective way to determine the presence of obesity; the grounds upon which

LITERARY ANALYSIS OF THE TELL-TALE HEART OF EDGAR ELLEN POE Essay

LITERARY ANALYSIS OF THE TELL-TALE HEART OF EDGAR ELLEN POE - Essay Example In the very start of the story, the narrator accepts that he has grown nervous and oversensitive to the environment around him. He considers it a disease but is happy that it has made his senses more responsive. He says, â€Å"Above all was the sense of hearing acute. I heard all things in the heaven and in the earth† (Poe). The narrator explains that his hearing is too much sharp. He uses elaborative remarks to express the sharpness of his hearing. He further informs that this proves that he is not mad. However, being sharp in hearing does not prove him to be not mad as there is no association between being mad or excellent hearing power. He is not mad, but he has some kind of psyche issue, which encourages him to kill an innocent person. He is disturbed by the stare of the old man and starts considering himself in danger due to which, he decides to eradicate this threat (Ki 30). He regards himself witty but he is bothered by the staring eye of the old man. He considers him s trong because of his eye. He narrates the whole story as to how he visits the old man at midnight and moves so slowly and cautiously that he makes no noise at all. However, he continuously monitors the sleeping routine of the old man but every time, he gets disappointed and is unable to attack because he is unable to see the old man’s eye opened (Ki 31). Eighth day when he was judging the old man sleeping, he made a slight noise unintentionally that made the old man frightened. He was unable to sleep again. The narrator enjoyed the threat felt by the old man and acted as a wild beast waiting for the victim to be fully terrorized. The old man was aware of his coming death, which intimidated him. The narrator took a long time analyzing the old man’s situation. He only allowed a minute beam of lamp light directed towards the old man’s eye. During his noticing the old man’s eye, he started hearing intense heart beat and according to

Watch Jack Neos Homerun Essay Example for Free

Watch Jack Neos Homerun Essay These two shows are very Singaporean. By this I mean that they contain many elements which are unique to my country, elements which only within the paradigm of our society will resonate with local viewers. Homerun, an Asian remake of the internationally acclaimed Iranian movie Children of Heaven is a movie directed by Jack Neo, who is a local celebrity best known for his comedic prowess and the many comedy shows under his name. Police and Thief is a relatively new weekly half-hour sitcom shown on Channel 5 which has yet to set a foothold in the heart of local audiences. These locally produced shows use, essentially different techniques in many areas to present the story to us while making use of our experiences as Singaporeans to help us understand and appreciate the shows from their story/plot to the surprises and nuances contained within. I will proceed to show you how the techniques used are also more different than similar. A distinction between the two shows is the element of narration. Cause and effect is employed to effectively present the story or stories in the shows. It is not uncommon to find secondary stories in an episode of a situation comedy or sitcom. These are often inserted into the plot and often come together in conclusion at the end of the episode. In Police and Thief, the show starts off on this episode with Lee Tok Kong the main character of the show wanting to get under the blanket with his wife and due to common reasons of tiredness and falling asleep quickly, has his pleas ignored. This scene is related to how Tok Kong later reacts to the wiles of a less than archetypical femme fatale. There is another story inserted in between, which shows how the neighbours sons, Rudy and Rafi having an unspoken conflict over a common love interest. This plot development has no explicit and implicit impact on the main story mentioned earlier. It almost feels like tokenism has taken place, either to fill up the half hour of screen time or to give emphasis to the other characters in the sitcom. In Homerun, it is quickly established that poverty leads to a lack of options and hence with the losing of shoes early into the movie, we see the main cause in the show that explains later effects. The show revolves around how the main characters are thwarted at every attempt to obtain a new pair of shoes or retrieve the old pair. We do not see scenes that have no relation to any other. In fact the entire narration of Homerun is about a search for a cause-shoes. Both the shows have different range of stories. There is less suspense buildup in Police and Thief and this is probably due to restricted narration where both the audience and the characters in the show know the same information at relatively equal times. The only example of unrestricted narration in the recent episode was when Rudy cheated on his promise to his brother Rafi behind his back to get a chance to go out with the girl, Cecilia, they both like. Rafi only found it out in another scene when Cecilia whom similarly does not know of the conflict called their home. In this case, we know more than several characters in the show at a particular time. In Homerun, during the opening sequence of Chew Kiat Kun running errands for his family, it is quickly established that a rag-and-bone man had taken away the pair of shoes which Kiat Kun had put down. Kiat Kun has no idea how the shoes had mysteriously disappeared and hence his sister Seow Fang too. In this scene alone, a beautiful play on camera angle suffices to keep us in suspense till much later in the show. This seemingly passing top down close up scene of the gnarled hands removing the shoes helps to tug hard at our heart strings when we later realize the rag-and-bone man is blind. The above is a good example of how both restricted and unrestricted narration can be developed from one scene. We know who had taken away the shoes (unrestricted narration) but like the characters in the show we have no idea he was blind (restricted narration). These two shows belong to the 2 commonest genres in Singapore. Police and Thief can be classified as belonging to the HDB genre. In fact this plot of this particular sitcom revolves around the conflict faced by two men who live in close proximity. It has an appeal particular to local viewers who are able to appreciate the familiar settings. One example which we can relate to is the scene of Lily, Tok Kongs wife who repeats a punch line in a scene where her face is framed in the center of our common older HDB window panes. It is common to see neighbours walking and talking from the same angle for those who have lived in HDB flats. Homerun is a social commentary and even as it is based in 1965, the year Singapore became independent, it reflects on socio-political situations which were prevalent during the time of filming i. e. the water issue between Malaysia and Singapore. Another genre which is mixed into both these shows is the coffee shop genre, featuring many scenes of meeting and interactions at local coffee shops. We see this in Police and Thief where Tok Kong was being interviewed by a lady near the beginning of the show and in Homerun, Kiat Kun helps out his teacher from school who is close to collapsing from shortness of breath at a roadside coffee shop. There is obvious stereotyping in Police and Thief. Tok Kong is your typical gangster or Ah Beng in colloquial terms. He has wild, pointy gelled hair and wears colourful clothing, even for sleeping attire (Opening scenes). His heavily accented Singapore Colloquial English (SCE) (Dont play with my heart) and his love for techno music scream Ah Beng. He is put in direct contrast with his neighbour and antagonist in the show Sergeant Dollah who is a policeman. Dollah is characterized with short hair, very neat and righteous. These stereotypes alone set the premise for tension and conflict as neighbours. It is akin to Phua Chu Kang versus his sister-in-law Margaret. The stereotypes in Homerun broadly differentiate the rich and the poor. A simple comparison can be made between Beng Soon and Kiat Kun, friends of opposite ends of the economic spectrum whose relationship sours then mends in the course of the show. Beng Soon is cast in shirts, clean with well-gelled hair (in school) and stands at a good head taller than Kiat Kun. His friend however is almost always dirty, with smudges on his singlet and/or face. Even during a game of soccer, Beng Soon provides the soccer boots and he is the only one on the field with soccer socks. Tok Kong as the gangster also becomes an icon easily associated with local shows of similar genres. There is no obvious icon in Homerun. It uses a motif rather, to play out the story. There were multiple scenes of close ups of your Bata white or dirty shoes (in the shops or in the background with Seow Fangs face in the focus). Many scenes of tension started because of shoes e. g.the shoes slipping off and into a canal full of rushing water and even in the scene where Seow Fangs teacher paces as the children are exercising). These scenes feature changes in music, close ups with dialogue in the background, all to draw attention to the motif in the show. During the scene at the well with the confrontation between the two groups of boys, we see wealth being equated with power, that Beng Soon who was the rich one could actually decide who got to use the well. This is perhaps the directors ideology portraying the way Malaysia hordes over us in the water issue. The premise of Homerun revolved around three things: shoes, intelligence and power being associated with wealth. Jack Neo parodies the socio-political situation between Singapore and Malaysia using the three elements with shoes being the water, Singapore being the more intelligent country and power that Malaysia holds over us due to their superior water resource. The two shows end differently too. The end of the sitcom is close without answered questions while the cryptic ending of Homerun leaves us pondering what the director would have us think as we leave the cinema. There is no element of suspense left in Police and Thief to entice the audience to look out for the next episode, unlike a soap opera. Even as both shows make use of our experience to enhance our appreciation and understanding of the shows, they obviously use several different techniques and some similar ones to bring forth the essence of each individual story. These different methods highlight certain elements essential to the plot of the stories and ultimately help us to enjoy the shows as Singaporeans. Word Count: 1512.

Literature Review Of Forecasting And Definitions Business Essay

Literature Review Of Forecasting And Definitions Business Essay Forecasting is supposed to be one of the oldest management activities. In biblical times there were frequent allusions to clairvoyants and prophets. Nowadays it is becoming increasingly necessary for companies to make forecasts; those that do not give the prospect to their competitors a clear advantage. No forecasting is a main cause of most of todays business failures. In the past, goods could be sold on company reputation alone and forecasting was not too important. In todays more competitive times, sentiment does not apply, and firms that do not challenge their selves to make an accurate forecast on which to base their future production will find it increasingly difficult to survive (Lancaster G.A. Lomas R.A., 1985). Forecasting is important for many aspects of the modern business. Organisations make plans which become effective at some point in the future so they need information about prevailing circumstances (Waters, 2003). This information must be forecast; but unfortunately forecasting is a difficult situation and despite its importance, progress in many areas has been limited (Waters, 2003). According to literature forecasting can be defined: Forecasting is predicting, projecting, or estimating some future event or condition which is outside an organizations control and provides a basis for managerial planning (Golden J. et.al, 1994, p.33) Forecasting is generally used to predict or describe what will happen (for example to sales demand, cash flow, or employment levels) given a set of circumstances or assumptions (Waddell D., et.al, 1994, p.41) Forecasting is a projection into the future of expected demand, given a stated set of environmental conditions (Mentzer J.T. Moon M.A., 2005, p.9) 2.3 Importance of Forecasting Todays globalized business market, the systematic move from push to pull manufacturing, and the rise in consumer oriented economies, have led to a much more complex forecasting world (Lapide, 2006). Forecasters are being asked to create plans for expanding geographies, increased numbers of sales channels, and broader, more diverse, and shorter life cycle product lines. This complexity means that markets are more dynamic and the business environment is not stable (Lapide, 2006). The importance of forecasting is finding in a great range of planning and decision making circumstances. It is essential to mention those perspectives that forecasting can become a useful tool for management in many departments of an organization. In marketing, a great amount of decisions can be improved significantly by connect them with dependable forecasts of market size and market characteristics (Makridakis and Wheelwright, 1989). Having this in mind for example, a company that produces and sells electrical devices should be able to forecast what the demand will be for each of its products by geographic region and type of consumer (Makridakis and Wheelwright, 1989). In production an essential need of forecasting is the area of product demand. This relates with the both prediction of volumes mix so as the organization can plan its production schedule and organize appropriate its inventories (Makridakis and Wheelwright, 1989). Another area that the recent years have linked a lot with forecasting is finance and accounting. These departments must forecast cash flows and the rates at which various expenses and revenues will occur if they are to maintain company liquidity and operating efficiiency (Makridakis and Wheelwright, 1989). Due to the nowadays difficult economic conditions that the whole business markets face up the importance of forecasting has become more imperative than ever. Marketing practitioners regard forecasting as an important part of their jobs. For example, in Dalrymple (1975), 93% of the companies sampled pointed out that sales forecasting was one of the most critical aspects, or a very important aspect of their companys success. Also Jobber, Hooley and Sanderson (1985), in a survey of 353 marketing directors from British textile firms, found that sales forecasting was the most common of nine activities on which they reported (Armostrong J. S. et. al, 2005). Moreover Dalrymple (1987), in a survey among 134 US companies, found that 99% prepared formal forecasts when they developed written marketing plans. Winklhofer et. al (1996) notes some basic factors that the importance of forecasting has become widely essential for the organizations in recent years: The increasing complexity of organizations and their environments led to difficulties for decision makers to take account of all the factors relating to the future growth of the organization into account; Organizations have moved towards more systematic decision making that contains explicit justifications for individual actions, and formalized forecasting is one way that these actions can be maintained; The development of the forecasting methods has enables not only forecasting experts but also managers to become familiar with these techniques. 2.4 Forecasting Methods Moving on, the next step is to present and to analyze the forecasting methods. Forecasting methods can be divided in three basic categories: a) Quantitative or Statistical b) Qualitative or Judgmental c) Time Horizon 2.5 Quantitative or Statistical Quantitative Forecasts base on mathematical models and suppose that past data and other relevant factors can be combined into reliable predictions of the future (The Journal of Business Forecasting, fall 2000). In preparing a quantitative forecast it should begin with a number of observed values, past data, or observations (Makridakis and Wheelwright, 1989). These observations may represent many things, from the actual number of units sold to the cost of producing each unit to the number of people employed (Makridakis and Wheelwright, 1989). Quantitative Forecasts can be divided into two alternative options; projective and casual. 2.5.1 Projective Methods These methods rely on historical data and they are known as time-series. These can be used to discover systematic, seasonal deviations in the data, cyclical patterns, trends and growth rates of the trends (Korpela J. et.al, 1996, p.162). Time-series analyze the data to find out which patterns exist and then develop a suitable forecast equation (Mentzer T. and Mark A.M., 2005). The main forecasting techniques included in this category are moving averages, exponential smoothing and a model for trend and seasonality. A short review of these methods follows. Moving Average Moving average takes account of the calculation of the average of the sample and then forecast the next period having as a driver this average. This is a proper method in order to predict from a series of data which has shown regular historical patterns and where there is a long series. Also they are suitable of predicting seasonal sales but they cant predict accurate rapid modifications in markets. Exponential Smoothing Exponential smoothing is the most popular and cost effective of the statistical methods. It bases on the principle that the latest data should be weighted more heavily and smoothers out cyclical variations to forecast the trend (Armostrong J. S. et. al, 2005). It relies on the idea that as data gets older it becomes less relevant and should be given less weight (Waters, 2003). In order to make this calculation it is needed the old average, the actual new demand and a weighting factor (Wild, 2002). Model for seasonality and trend The techniques that have been discussed so far have assumed that the basic underlying pattern of the past sales data has been horizontal. Waters (2003) proposes a model for use under some specific circumstances such as seasonality and trend in the demand. Demand can be divided in separate parts and more specifically: a) underlying value, which characterizes the main demand that should be adjusted for seasonality and trend b) trend which is the change in demand, c) seasonality which is the cyclical variation around the trend and finally d) noise which is a random effect. 2.5.2 Casual Methods The core assumption behind the casual methods is to use refined and specific information concerning variables to develop a correlation between a lead event and the event being forecasted (Korpela J. et.al, 1996, p.162). The idea based on the hypothesis that there is a discernible relationship between the forecasted variable and a measurable independent variable (Lancaster G.A. Lomas R.A., 1985). A typical example of casual methods is regression method. Regression Method By using a regression method the demand forecast is based on a relationship of one event to another. The use of regression method requires a large amount of data for the forecast variable and the casual variables. 2.6 Qualitative or Judgmental Qualitative Forecasts (The Journal of Business Forecasting, fall 2000) are based on opinions, knowledge and skills rather than more formal analysis. They are used where there is no historical data. These types of forecasts are one of the simplest and widely used forecasting approaches available (Makridakis and Wheelwright, 1989). Its core idea rely on the corporation of the executives by discussing and deciding as a group what their best estimate for is for the item to be forecast (Makridakis and Wheelwright, 1989). The most important judgmental methods are Delphi, Market Surveys and Historical Analogy. Delphi In the Delphi method at least two rounds of forecasts are obtained independently from a small group of experts. This group can be between five and twenty experienced and suitable experts and poll them for their forecasts and reasons (Armstrong J.S, et.al, 2005). The experts never actually meet and typically do not know who the other panel members are (Wisniewski, 2006). After each round, the experts forecasts summed up and reported back to the experts (Armstrong J.S., 2006). The cycle can go on from a second to a third round and so on if appropriate (Lancaster G.A. Lomas R.A., 1985). Typically the Delphi method is used to produce a narrow range of forecasts rather than a single view of the future (Wisniewski, 2006). Market surveys Logic dictates that the most sensible approach to preparing a sales forecast might be ask ones customers (Lancaster G.A. Lomas R.A., 1985). It is a simple matter to ask customers what their likely purchases will be for the period it is desired to forecast. So companies make surveys in order to collect these data from customers and then by analysing their answers produce the forecasts. This method is best used when the number of users is small, when they are likely to state their purchasing intention with reasonable accuracy and when the forecaster knows the extent of competition in the market-place and the companys likely share of the total market (Lancaster G.A. Lomas R.A., 1985, p. 131). Historical Analogy Under limited circumstances it may be possible to produce forecasts based on observed patterns of some similar variable in the past (Wisniewski, 2006).The concept of this method based on the product life-cycle which assumes that the most of the products follow the reasonable stages of introduction, growth, maturity, decline (Lancaster G.A. Lomas R.A., 1985) as the figure 2.1 shows. The product life-cycle theory has been applied in many industries and has proved useful in identifying future strategies for products and services (Lancaster G.A. Lomas R.A., 1985). Maturity Sales/Profit Decline Growth Introduction Time Figure 2.1: Product life cycle Source: (Wisniewski M. (2006), Quantitative Methods for Decision Makers (4th Edition), Prentice Hall, p. 295) 2.7 Time Horizon Forecasts can be classified in terms of time span they cover in the future. The basic types of time horizon forecasts are long-term, medium-term and short-term (Korpela J. et.al, 1996, p.161). The long-term forecasts cover a time span of 3-10 years and they are used in the analysis of standard commitments and can be characterized as strategic decisions. The medium-term forecasts are made for one year to support production planning in the face of highly cyclical demand and can be characterized as tactical decisions. Finally short-term forecasts cover a time of one week to three months and they are used to control manufacturing levels and stock replenishment in the face of short demand variation. Short-term forecasts are concerned for operational decisions (Korpela J. et.al, 1996; Waters, 2003). 2.8 Forecast Error Inaccurate forecasts are the single most common problem that every company faces. Nowadays due to the rise of the technology there are many events or areas that can be predicted such as 1) seasonality, 2) average relationships, 3) average cyclical patterns, 4) emerging technological trends and their influence and many other factors. But on the other hand because future is something unknown there are always situations that are very difficult to predict such as 1) special events, 2) competitive actions or reactions, 3) sales of new products, 4) the start and depth of recessions, 5) changes in trends, 6) changes in relationships or attitudes, 7) and technological innovations (Makridakis and Wheelwright, 1989). Golden J. et.al, 1994, points out three ways-aspects that can reduce the forecast error by taking into consideration the followings: Knowing the market: take the pulse of those who will actually buy and use the product. Be independent. Deflate forecasts for a margin of safety. It is generally known that every forecaster knows that he/she should measure forecast errors. Most of them do it however only for the reason to see how well they are doing. The important is to measure forecasting errors for two primary reasons: to learn from them and to manage demand risk (Lapide L., 2007). Regarding learning from them, forecasts errors should be analyzed to access where errors are too high or have gotten to large so that more focus can be placed in those areas for improvement (Lapide L., 2007). Regarding managing for demand risk, users of the forecast need to know how accurate they are in order to leverage risk management strategies designed to mitigate the risk (Lapide L., 2007). 2.9 Forecasting methods criteria When carrying out market demand forecasts, one often confronts with the problem of the inappropriate selection of a forecast method. It should be noted that in every actual forecast situation methods have their advantages and disadvantages, hence, it is important to define and analyse forecast method selection criteria (Pilinkiene, 2008). In order to select the appropriate method several criteria should be considered such as a) forecast accuracy degree, b) time span, c) amount of necessary initial data, d) forecast costs, e) result implementation and applicability level (Pilinkiene, 2008). According to Cox and Mentzer study (Table 2.1) (1984;cited by Mentzer and Kahn,1995) identified accuracy (92%) and credibility (92%) as top criteria for choosing a forecast technique. Criteria Sample Size % Important Accuracy 205 92 Credibility 206 92 Customer Service Performance 199 77 Ease of Use 206 75 Inventory Turns 198 55 Amount of Data Required 205 46 Cost 205 41 Return on Investment 199 35 Table 2.1: Top criteria for choosing a forecast technique (Source: Mentzer J.T Kahn K.B., (1995) Forecasting Technique Familiarity, Satisfaction, Usage, and Application, Journal of Forecasting, vol.14, p.474) Moreover another important research made by Yokum and Armstrong (1995) (Table 2.2) which based in a survey among 322 experts in forecasting identified the most important criteria. There were 94 researchers, 55 educators, 133 practitioners (i.e. forecast preparers) and 40 decision makers (i.e. forecast users). From this study accuracy was the dominant criterion -rated 6.2 on average-, next was timeliness in providing forecasts, and cost savings resulting from improved decisions. After that five other criteria rated based on ease such as ease of use. Mean agreement rating Question Avg. Decision Maker (DM) Practitioner (PR) Educator (ED) Researcher (RS) Accuracy 6.20 6.20 6.10 6.09 6.39*DM,PR,ED Timeliness in providing forecasts 5.89 5.97 5.92 5.82 5.87 Cost savings resulting from improved decisions 5.75 5.97 5.62 5.66 5.89 Ease of interpretation 5.69 5.82 5.67 5.89 5.54 Flexibility 5.58 5.85*PR,ED,RS 5.63 5.35 5.54 Ease in using available data 5.54 5.79 5.44 5.52 5.59 Ease of use 5.54 5.84*PR,RS 5.39 5.77*PR, RS 5.47 Ease of implementation 5.41 5.80*PR,ED,RS 5.36 5.55 5.24 Incorporating judgmental input 5.11 5.15 5.19 5.12 4.98 Reliability of confidence int. 4.90 5.05 4.81 4.70 5.09 Development cost(computer, human resources) 4.86 5.10 4.83 5.02 4.70 Maintenance cost (data storage, modifications) 4.73 4.72 4.73 4.75 4.71 Theoretical relevance 4.40 3.72 4.43*DM 4.20*DM 4.81*DM *denotes significantly higher ratings (p Table 2.2: Importance of criteria in selecting a forecasting technique (scale- 1 unimportant to 7 important) (Source: Yokum, J. J.S. Armstrong (1995) Beyond Accuracy: Comparison of criteria Used to Select Forecasting Methods, International Journal of Forecasting, 11, p. 593) 2.10 Planning Practices for Improving Forecasting After the analysis of the available forecasting methods and their selection criteria the next step is to propose some planning practices that can improve forecasting, It is known that these practices are not necessary best fit with every company and before someone wants to implement them an evaluation of companys core practices should be made. That can help a company to identify its advantages and disadvantages in order to survive in todays tough market environment and with the help of these practices can become the leader of the market. The complexity and uncertainty that exist in the todays business environment creates many problems to every function of a company. This also affects supply chain management which its initial target is to meet the needs of the final consumer by supplying the right product at the right place, time and price (Helms et.al, 2000). This complexity elevates forecasting accuracy and effectiveness as an elusive target. Many companies are, however, making significant, improvements by using an approach that supports and facilitates the concept of supply chain management by improving the forecasting practices (Helms et.al, 2000). So the planning practices that can improve forecasting are: a) Sales and Operation Planning (SOP) and b) Collaborative Planning Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR). These practices will be analyzed and explained in the following subchapters. 2.10.1 Sales and Operation Planning****FRAMEWORKS*** Sales and Operating Planning (SOP), is a cross-functional process that brings together teams of individuals on a routine basis to plan for where businesses are going on a operational/tactical basis and is considered a supply chain best practice (The Journal of Business Forecasting, 2005; Lapide, 2006). Sales and Operations Planning (SOP) has emerged as a powerful decision-making tool for executives and managers (Wallace et.al, 2005). It is a set of decision making process that 1) balances demand and supply, 2) links a companys day-to-day operations with its strategic and business plans and 3) integrates operational planning with financial planning (Wallace et.al, 2005). ***ÃŽâ„ ¢ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ £ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ©ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ £ ÃŽÂ ÃƒÅ½Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ ÃŽÅ ¡ÃƒÅ½Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ © ÃŽÂ £ÃƒÅ½ÃƒÅ½-ΜΑ ÃŽâ€Å"ÃŽâ„ ¢ÃƒÅ½Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ ÃŽÂ ¤ÃƒÅ½Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ 1,2,3** Each team member brings to the process a specific perspective during the development of supply and demand plans/forecasts (Lapide, 2006). Each SOP team member may have to generate, review and revise demand forecasts that reflect the aspects of a business with which they are most familiar (Lapide, 2006). SOP, leverages Supply-Demand Matching, an operating principle that involves balancing supply and demand over time in order to satisfy demand, optimize operations, and minimize wasted resources (The Journal of Business Forecasting, 2005). Under an SOP process, a companys sales and marketing plans are aligned with the plans of operations, logistics, manufacturing, and procurement in order to jointly optimize future demand-supply operations. It is a process from which the final constrained and unconstrained demand forecasts are developed and then used to drive operational planning activities (The Journal of Business Forecasting, 2005). ***Ά¢ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ £ÃƒÅ½Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ÃƒÅ½-ÃŽÂ £ÃƒÅ½Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ ÃŽÂ ¤ÃƒÅ½Ã… ¸ ÃŽâ„ ¢ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¤ÃƒÅ½Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¡ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¤, ÃŽÂ ÃƒÅ½Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ ÃŽâ€Å"ÃŽÂ ¡ÃƒÅ½Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¨ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ©*** The major input for the implementation of SP is the behavioural change of the people inside the organisation and is regarded to be as the most difficult element (Wallace, 2010). Other elements such as software tools, data and the specifics of the process may be essential, but theyre of far less significance. Taking this as a standard the point is that a successful implementation of SOP is a matter of change management. The amount of change is significant. Its not a matter of doing something better; its about doing things differently-to be better (Wallace, 2010). In order to understand SOP process in is important to present and explain the four fundamentals which are demand and supply, volume and mix figure 2.2. Volume (How much?, Rates, Product families) Supply Demand Mix (Which ones?, Timing/Sequence, Products/SKUs) Figure 2.2: The Four Fundamentals Source: Wallace T. Stahl B., (2005), Sales Operation Planning- The Next Generation, pp.6) SOP is a tool to balance demand and supply at the volume level. It deals with rates of sales and production, aggregate inventories and backlogs. It is typically expressed in product families or other aggregate groupings; it answers the question how much. At the mix level the matter is about with which individual products run first, second, third and which customer orders will ship when. It answers the question which ones giving the details (Wallace et.al, 2005). Another important mission for SOP is to tie together the companys operational plans with its financial plans. The financial plans represent, critically essential evident, to deliver X amount of revenue and profit dollars for a specific period of the year. These commitments are made to some very important people such as the corporate office, the board of the directors, the Wall Street and ultimately to owners of the business: the stockholders (Wallace et.al, 2005). On the other hand, the operational plans focus on things like procurement, production, sales, inventories and so on. When these operational plans are not aligned with the business and financial plans, there is a detach. (Wallace et.al, 2005). 2.10.1.1 Sales and Operation Planning Benefits Implementing SOP in a business the benefits will be essential and immediate. These benefits can be categorized into two groups, the hard benefits and the soft benefits. As far as it concerns the hard benefits these can be the following (Wallace et.al, 2005): Higher Customer Service, by developing the ability to ship on time and complete at a higher rate than before SOP. Lower Finished Goods Inventories, by doing a better job of shipping to customers with lower, not higher, inventories. Shorter Customer Lead Times, through an enhanced ability to manage the customer order backlog and keep it at a low level. More Stable Production Rates, due to the ability to predict the future shifts in customer demand sooner and thus make smaller adjustments to production rates. Higher Productivity, by avoiding extreme fluctuations in production volumes with their attendant layoffs and rehiring. Moving on to the soft benefits these include (Wallace et.al, 2005): Enhanced Teamwork, at both the executive and operating management levels, resulting from the holistic view of the business that SOP provides. Better Decisions, by decreasing effort and time. SOP offers, increases effectiveness which improves the quality and the structure of decisions on demand and supply issues. Greater Accountability and Control, due to the backward and forward visibility that SOP provides. 2.10.1.2 Examples of Implementing Sales and Operation Planning a) Coca-Cola Midi (CCM): In France there is a manufacturing regional plant that produces -over 700 SKUs, encompassing 79,000 tons- soft drinks concentrates and juice beverages bases for Europe, Asia and Africa. SOP was implemented at CCM when the plant was started in 1991. SOP is for CCM the backbone for planning, manufacturing and supply-chain activities. SOP enables disciplined and formalized communications across the company, and between all the suppliers, partners and customers. Continuous improvement in customer service, inventory management, obsolete products, and freight costs were some of SOP benefits after the implementation. (www.partnersforexcellence.com). b) ***ÃŽÂ ÃƒÅ½Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ ΒΑΆºÃƒÅ½Ã‚ © ΑΆºÃƒÅ½Ã¢â‚¬ ºÃƒÅ½Ã… ¸ ÃŽÂ  ÃƒÅ½Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¡ÃƒÅ½Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃƒÅ½Ã¢â‚¬ ÃƒÅ½Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ÃƒÅ½Ã¢â€ž ¢ÃƒÅ½Ã¢â‚¬Å"ΜΑ*** 2.10.2 Collaborative Planning Forecasting Replenishment (CPFR) Collaborative planning forecasting and replenishment (CPFR), is a revolutionary business practices where in trading partners use technology and a standard set of business processes for Internet-based collaboration on forecasts and plans for replenishment (KJR Consulting, 2002). CPFR can be categorized into these collaborative business practices that enabled trading partners to have visibility into ones other critical demand, order forecasts and promotional forecasts. The objective of CPFR is to improve efficiencies across the extended supply chain, reducing inventories, improving service levels and increasing sales (KJR Consulting, 2002). Wal-Mart and Warner-Lambert embarked on the first CPFR pilot, involving Listerine products, in 1991. In their pilot, Wal-Mart and Warner-Lambert used special CPFR software to exchange forecasts. Supportive data, such as past sales trends, promotion plans, and even the weather, were often transferred in an iterative fashion to allow them to converge on a single forecast in case their original forecast differed (Avin Y., 2001). As a result of CPFR implementation Warner-Lamberts service levels increased from 87% to 98%, while the lead times to deliver the product decreased from 21 to 11 days (Boone T. et.al, 2000).***ÃŽÂ ÃƒÅ½Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ ΆÃƒÅ½Ã‚ © ÃŽ-ΜΆ¢ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¡ÃƒÅ½Ã… ¸ÃƒÅ½Ã…“ÃŽ-ÃŽÂ ÃƒÅ½Ã¢â€ž ¢ÃƒÅ½Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ** Also this pilot was very successful, having as a result an increase in Listerine sales and better fill rates, having also a reduction on inventory investment (Avin Y., 2001). The key idea behind CPRF is that the trading partners (retailer and manufacturer), work together in order to produce a common forecast. Both the retailer and the manufacturer collect market intelligence on product information, store programs etc., and share it in real-time over the Internet. In most cases, the retailer owns the sales forecast; if the manufacturer agrees with the forecast, automatic replenishments are made to the retailer via predetermined business contracts so that a specific level of inventory or customer service is maintained (Boone T. et.al, 2000). In the case that the retailer and the manufacturer cant agree on the forecasts or if there are exceptions, such as unusual demand season or a store opening, the forecasts are reconciled manually. An important point is before the implementation of CPFR when the partners should agree on several key questions such as how to measure service levels and stock-out, how to set inventory and service targets (Boone T. et.al, 2000). The difference between CPFR and other business process tools and initiatives, such as Efficient Consumer Response (ECR), is that the other models require critical mass before any benefits are realized. Promotional plans and the business goals are the most famous areas of collaboration between the trading partners. After that order/replenishment plans, inventory status and sales forecast seems to be very critical themes for this relationship. 2.10.2.1 CPFR Process Model ***ÃŽÂ ÃƒÅ½Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ ÃŽÂ ¤ÃƒÅ½Ã… ¸ ÃŽÅ ¾ÃƒÅ½Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃƒÅ½Ã¢â‚¬ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ © ΑН ΒΠ¡ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ © ÃŽÅ ¡ÃƒÅ½Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¤ÃƒÅ½Ã¢â€ž ¢*** 2.10.2.2 CPFR Benefits There have been recorded and identified many benefits of CPFR. The CPFR documents that are available on the VICS Committee sites show that there is a 30%-40% improvement in forecast accuracy, significant increases in customer service, sales increase between 15% and 60% and reduction in days of supply 15%-20% (Sheffi Y., 2002). AMR Research (2001) reported a range of benefits that came through CPFR implementation in many companies and there are divided into retailer benefits and manufacturer benefits as it is shown in table 2.3. Retailer Benefits Typical Improvement Better store shelf stock rates 2% to 8% Lower inventory levels 10% to 40% Higher sales 5% to 20% Lower logistics costs 3% to 4% Manufacturer Benefits Typical Improvement Lower inventory levels 10% to 40% Faster replenishment cycles 12% to 30% Higher sales 2% to 10% Better customer service 5% to 10% Table 2.3: Typical CPFR Benefits Source: Sheffi Y.,(2002), The value of CPFR, RIRL Conference Proceedings As far as it concerns the retailers benefits the highest is the reduction in inventory levels which has a drop from 10% to 40%. After that the increase in sales from 5% to 20% is another essential benefit. On the other hand the manufacturers benefits relate again with a elimination in inventory levels from 10% to 40% and also it offers a faster replenishment cycles from 12% to 30%. In accordance with a questionnaire constructed by KJR Consulting and sent via e-mail to 130 GMA (Grocery Manufacturers of America) companies that have implement CPFR best practice a great range of benefits raised that can indicate the importance of CPRF for the modern complexity businesses. These benefits have been categorized in the following Figure 2.1. Figure 2.4: Anticipated Benefits of CPFR Sou