Benefits of Stretching

Almost any athlete will tell you that they have had to stretch while playing for their coach; most prominently static stretching. Do these stretches help athletes perform at a higher level? Do they keep athletes from injury? Several researchers are out to prove that these stretches maybe don’t have the impact that coaches and trainers have been thinking that they do. Although upon hearing that the pre workout, pre exercise routine of millions of athletes might be for nothing is pretty hard to believe considering the impact that it has obviously made in the sport world.There have been thousands of studies on the benefits of stretching. Many people feel that stretching is a necessity. With more and more studies though it’s been hard to find evidence proving these ideas. â€Å"When a muscle is lengthening, the muscle fibers and connective tissues are elongated because of the application of external forces. † (Pornratshanee, Hume, Kolt). When these fibers are extende d it allows the muscle to experience a fuller range of motion. There are two main factors in most injuries, Lack of ROM (range of motion) and muscle stiffness.Most would think that this evidence proves that stretching indeed would help prevent injuries. Not necessarily, in the research done in the article, â€Å"STRETCHING REVIEW: A Scientific Review of the Benefits, Or Lack Thereof, Of Stretching†Ã‚  the author feels that, â€Å"just because a stiff muscle is related to a sports injury, and stretching can lessen a muscle’s stiffness, this does not mean that stretching prevents injury (STRETCHING REVIEW). † Different types of stretching include: ballistic stretching, dynamic stretching, and static stretching.Static stretching is the most commonly used type of stretching. After seeing that static stretching didn’t improve injury resistance, researchers then wonder if there are benefits in static stretching at all. Does static stretching help with performan ce levels? The research done by David G. Behn in his article, â€Å"Short Durations Of Static Stretching When Combined With Dynamic Stretching Do Not Impair Repeated Sprints And Agility. † Set out to find the answer to this question.Participants in the study were tested by level of flexibility followed by stretching and then put in Repeated-sprint Ability (RSA) and Change of Direction (COD) Tests. The results of this study showed that time length of stretching had no significant effect on the performance levels of the study group. Also the study found that there is no satisfactory evidence to prove that stretching would increase performance (Behm). While some researchers say that there isn’t any proof of stretching, others such as Peter McNair say that these researchers are missing something.Where the research gets complicated starts at the realization; maybe it’s not that stretching doesn’t have benefits but actually there are certain activities that fle xibility can be used as a benefit and others that less flexibility should be sought after. Some Researchers say that a certain level of being less flexible might actually help certain types of athletes. Whereas other activities a fuller range of motion is beneficial (McNair). In conclusion it is noticed that researchers aren’t completely sure of the benefits. Several factors are involved in the research of these benefits.The many factors make it hard to fully understand the advantage or disadvantage of stretching. People should consider the sport they are playing also, and even the position. It’s hard to think that stretching doesn’t have the impact that we once thought, but it’s a concept that might start grasping the world of sports as we know it. Works Cited Weerapong, Pornratshanee, Patria A. Hume, and Gregory S. Kolt. â€Å"Stretching: Mechanisms And Benefits For Sport Performance And Injury Prevention. â€Å"Physical Therapy Reviews  9. 4 (2004) : 189-206. Academic Search Complete. Web. 18 Nov. 2012. STRETCHING REVIEW: A Scientific Review Of The Benefits, Or Lack Thereof, Of Stretching. †Ã‚  Journal Of Pure Power  4. 1 (2009): 68-70. Academic Search Complete. Web. 18 Nov. 2012. David G. Behm, et al. â€Å"Short Durations Of Static Stretching When Combined With Dynamic Stretching Do Not Impair Repeated Sprints And Agility. †Ã‚  Journal Of Sports Science & Medicine  10. 2 (2011): 408-416. Academic Search Complete. Web. 18 Nov. 2012. Peter McNair, et al. â€Å"Stretching And Injury Prevention: An Obscure Relationship. †Ã‚  Sports Medicine  34. 7 (2004): 443-449. Academic Search Complete. Web. 18 Nov. 2012

Brand ‘You’

Every person in this world has some abilities which make him unique and make him distinguishable from everyone else. That’s the main idea behind brand ‘You’. I have some abilities which make me different and add to my value in the market. This feature of distinctiveness is observed by many HRD’s when they induct fresh workforce from the market. There are so many ways to promote oneself and that’s how the demand for brand ‘You’ builds up in the market. In order to promote oneself, first step is to analyze one’s abilities and capabilities.This can be done by regular sessions of intra-personal communication. A person should know what he is good at and he should list down his unique features and ponder over them once in a while. For example, I have good communication skills, therefore I would capitalize on this particular skill of mine. Similarly if I am good at teaching, I would publicize teaching as my special feature. If I am good at communication skills, I would take part in discussions. If I am good at influencing people around me, I would promote my leadership skills.These qualities can be found out by one’s self-feedback and the results obtained from self-feedback should be compared to the actual prospective outcome to keep at a check at reality. â€Å"If you don't take control of your brand, you'll be forever stuck with how the world judges you† (Brandy, 2007). Knowing about oneself is the key to success in brand ‘You’. A brand is always unique because of its style, its organizational culture, its adjustment with its environment.Same applies to brand You, a person should have a unique style of his own, he should have his unique ways of carrying out his work and he should commensurate with the external environment as well. To increase the value of my brand ‘You’, I would analyze my abilities, publicize my unique capabilities and capitalize on it. This is how I will create my own position in the market. References Brandy, D. (2007). Creating Brand You. Bloomberg Businessweek. Retrieved August 22, 2010 from http://www. businessweek. com/magazine/content/07_34/b4047419. htm

Crowdfunding

Grounding is a virtual phenomenon that aims to promote the realization of projects as varied as possible through the financial contribution of people who are interested in the implementation of such initiatives, motivated by several factors. To better understand the concept, we can break down the name in that crowd, in English, means â€Å"crowd†; and funding, ‘financing† Thus, it can be considered that are projects carried out by financing of a crowd of an audience. But is not based on â€Å"public† in â€Å"public money†, but money invested by the public itself.The various projects such as, for example, ultra nature, such as the production of a CD of a band or the publication of a book, are hosted on a site geared to attract collective donations towards the realization of the submitted work. â€Å"(OCTET , Fluvial – Libber – So Paulo v 15, n 29, p 135-144, June 2012) The history Of Grounding in the Brazilian market: The pioneering the use grounding in Brazil was the Vagina site, which enables any type of project, from cultural to staff personal projects, such as buying a mobile phone or even a car.This idea has been widespread and well accepted by the domestic market, is a new way of achieving a project, wrought the collective funding, the taxpayer donates because there is an identification with the project, and there are various forms of return, for example, an audiovisual production company is in need of 40,000 areas for the post production of a documentary on Iris's velars January, from that are created various mechanisms for attraction of such a taxpayer as videos of the creators of the project inviting people to donate and be part of the project, establish quotas, up to a certain value the taxpayer can download the documentary before the release, the other value win tickets to watch the commentary in theaters, finally there are several ways to attract that donor. Reception: My perception is that the Groundi ng is only a reflection of the new project finance models, drawing a parallel with the current state of the music industry, where there are 10, 20 years ago the artist was completely dependent on a record company to manage to get a album released on the market, recording studios were very expensive, and with the evolution of technology that has changed, anyone can pay your own album with little investment or even at home recordings. Grounding is only a new way, a espouse to former entertainment chain in which the artist was dependent on labels or sponsors today with people who identify with the project, there is a good chance enables you through the collective funding. Example Grounding: catharsis: The Catharsis is an exchange space between individuals that together enable the realization of creative projects. We believe that connecting people who share value as to a cause, an idea, a project is one of the best ways to make them come true. Be very welcome!This space is as yours as o urs, after all, Catharsis happens every day the adhering of people looking for new ways to give life to more initiatives of society itself. We understand that this is a alternative to government resources, by sponsors and not the banks. Legal barriers: Another point to be discussed are the legal barriers that grounding can face, as is a new method, there are no laws regulating the practice in the Brazilian market, same problem faced by group buying sites. One example is that all capital made by donors can not leave the country, the project has to happen in the domestic market, many foreign companies grounding can not enter our market because of this barrier.

Business and Society Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business and Society - Assignment Example 80). This report discusses the organizational codes of conduct that a company should possess with analytical conduct through benchmarking and implicative proceedings that ensure the sustainable relevance of such codes in the years ahead. Eventually, a conclusive section will be drawn, covering the generic scope of the focal idea of the study. 2.0a Company Background The company in this section refers to an entity that centers on manufacturing building products and services. As such, stipulations have been made to formulate the codes of conduct of the company through benchmarking the Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, Skanska, and Simpson Manufacturing Corporation’s codes of conduct. Simpson’s codes of conduct have been adopted, e.g., workplace health and safety, product and service quality, confidentiality, and the encouragement of reporting an illicit and unethical behavior (Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc., 2011). Skanska's personnel development, employment terms, proper d isclosure of information, and environmental concerns are also instilled (Skanska, 2012). Finally, adopting LP’s proposition of having an honest and truthful means of communications and compliance with laws, rules and regulations (Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, 2012) will complete the codes of conduct for the company. 2.0b Rationale of Choice of the Code of Conduct Numerous companies of today have codes of conduct that implicate a developing organizational norm and the infringement of which might entangle cost and risk. The cost is the one which melts the opportunity to use a contingently efficient management scheme, and the risk is the one which pertains to not having a solemn code of conduct (White & Montgomery, 1980, p. 86). Abiding by the legal matters can help the organization sustain its operations in the long term. Provisions should be given to ensure the safety of workers in the workplace. Because of the technological developments, the labor environment is altering as well, and the company should implement policies that further protect its workers. One of them may pertain to employment terms such as age, gender, race and other employee’s personal matters. The social and cultural aspects are altered because of the workforce variations such as oversea workers. An honest and truthful means of communication would further uphold proper disclosure of information among the stakeholders of the organization. This notion is governed by the political concerns such as regulatory policies that emerge to be mandatory in all types of organizations. Confidentiality and discouragement of unethical conducts within the company can help the business achieve its corporate goals. When all of the internal facets of the operations are well-suited to the attainments of goals, quality service will then be the next target of the company. That is a manifestation of the quality product offerings of the business. Lastly, it should not omit the importance of environment in the codes of conduct. In the first place, the environment is where everything takes place, and it should be preserved well for the next generation. The economic issues are by far the most crucial factor in developing the codes of conduct because this can affect the entire industry if the violation is proven by the

Differentiation and Brand Positioning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Differentiation and Brand Positioning - Essay Example This information is highly crucial to a business since it assists to give it an overall breakthrough and to plan itself well. If I was developing a research design, I would ensure that I include these components in my design in order to ensure that I handle all the required issues. While considering the demographics, I would tackle such factors as age of the targeted population. Evaluation of the age component is indeed crucial since; different age groups will have different needs and wants. Taking for instance, most of the individuals in the young generation are interested in the latest technology. Therefore, in order to know where to position itself, a business will need to evaluate the age of the population. Another issue that I would evaluate under demographics is gender. This is because; a business will have to decide whether to target the female group or the male group. Other demographic factors that I would evaluate include; the income and ethnicity. Assessment of the ethnicit y is mainly relevant to the business since it helps in segmentation of the market. This is because; different ethnic groups will have different preferences and choices which might affect the overall demand market. Behavior components are also extremely pertinent to the business since they help it to make predictions about the reactions of the consumers towards different actions taken by the business. It also helps in understanding the consumer preferences and thus, helps the business in differentiation and branding. Some of the behaviour components to be included in the research design include; consumer reactions towards price changes, reactions towards entry of new products and effect of environmental changes (Blythe, 2008). Lifestyle components are crucial in helping the business to set its prices and position itself in the market. This is whereby if the business deals with luxurious items it will need to position itself close to consumers who lead a high lifestyle. Saxonvilleâ₠¬â„¢s approach was indeed appropriate for this task. This is because; it considered all these issues in a detailed and an organized manner. 2) Which positioning do you recommend, and why? Brand positioning is a strategy applied by many businesses to shape the way in which consumers view the products of the business. Once a firm has already chosen its target market, it will need to define or shape the way in which the consumers view its product in their minds. Different positioning strategies have been applied by different businesses, some of which include; strengthening the current position, repositioning, out-designing and out-innovating everyone, and finding your niche in the market (Ferrell & Hartline, 2010). However, among all these, the best positioning strategy that I would recommend for all businesses is the out-innovating and out-designing of all other businesses. This is because; all consumers usually use the concept of ‘BEST’. Therefore, the commodity that the y choose to buy will be that which appears to be the best according to them. For this reason, the business should seek to be more innovative in coming up with different ideas of creating unique and appealing products. In this way, it will be remarkably easy to create consumer loyalty since the consumers will have fixed in their minds that the products of that business are unique and of high

Returns to an Asset Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Returns to an Asset - Essay Example Having knowledge of the statistical properties also makes it easier to evaluate the efficiency of the financial assets. The financial assets are then modelled for better knowledge of the returns. Background to the Data Sample There are many concepts that are adopted in the finance to make the concept of finance management more clear. Some of the concepts are considered to the appropriate for other branches and some are altered to suite the financial setup. Interest is considered as one of the fundamental concepts incorporated in finance and related organizations. Interest is termed as the fixed profit over an investment in a particular time frame. Mostly, it is calculated in terms of percentage, like if a person invests ?100 and the rate of interest is 5% in a year, the organization that deposited the amount will have to pay ?105 in a year (Wang, Lecture 1, n.d.,). Sometimes the rate of interest is divided into monthly basis like if the interest rate of 5% is divided into monthly ins talments, the person that deposited the sum will be given 0.4% per month. Interest has two types; compound interest and simple interest. The simple interest is only applied to the original amount. Like if a person deposited ?100 in bank at the rate of 5% simple interest annually, he will be given interest on ?100 every year. The compound interest in applied on the original amount plus the interest amount. ... The probability of 1 is about 1/6, as the die has six sides. The probability of each side is 1/6. On the other hand, the coin has two sides and if it is tossed ones, the probability of each side is ?. Thus, it can be said that the probability of a certain event remains between 0 and 1. The probability depicts the risk factor (Wang, Lecture 2, n.d.,). Discrete returns are liked most due to the fact that the calculation based on the discrete returns is simpler and the rate of profit represents the real profit. There is less formulation required to evaluate the discrete returns. For example, Mr. X buy a stock share for ?10, the very next day, he wanted to sell the share and sold it in ?11. Thus the profit, he attained while selling the stock share is about ?1, which is about 10% of the ?10 or original investment. On the other hand, the logarithmic value of the whole scenario give the percentage profit of about 9.53%, which is less than the original profit. Thus, the discrete returns hav e remained to be correct in the given scenario but the log returns proved to be incorrect. Log returns are regarded as to be most likely to generate statistical information and thus, the financial modellers like the concept of the log returns. It shows the statistical information for some period of time and thus the financial efficiency of the financial asset can be modelled. It creates an approximation of the true value of the financial asset. The log normal distribution creates a financial value over a period of time regarding the total financial asset. Log normal distributions do not generate a negative value. The two images above show the difference between the Normal Density and Log normal density. Value at Risk (VAR) Value at risk is a Statistical

Exclusive interview with E. H. Sutherland Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Exclusive interview with E. H. Sutherland - Essay Example The theory also had a structural element positing that conflict and social disorganization are the underlying causes of crime because they determine the patterns of people associated with. This latter element was dropped when the fourth edition was published in 1947. But he remained convinced that social class was a relevant factor, coining the phrase white-collar criminal in a speech to the American Sociological Association on December 27, 1939. In his 1949 monograph White-Collar Crime he defined a white-collar crime as approximately as a crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of his occupation. Sutherland's Response. Criminology is a fascinating field and because of my curious nature and natural passion for intrigue. I joined this profession and as you are already aware that the distinctive feature of criminology since the 1930s has been the dominance of sociology among the various disciplines studying crime and criminal justice. My humble contributions to the sociology of crime and delinquency came from his teaching, scholarship, and involvement in criminal justice policy and this field has helped me to pioneer, innovate and provide significant contributions to the study of organized crime, prisons, and criminological theory. I have also made central and lasting contributions to the sociology of criminal law and white collar crime and my ideas in each of these areas are reviewed to produce a portrait or profile of what he added to criminology, to remind those who know it already and also to those who have no knowledge about this field. Q2 Being an expert criminologist do you think that money and greed are the reasons w

Critical review of paper Literature Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Critical of paper - Literature review Example In the study of Attitudes Towards Transferable Skills in Medical Undergraduates, there is an understanding of how the attitudes and perspectives of medical students are built. The concept applied with this study was to define whether medical undergraduate students believed that transferable skills were important in obtaining their education and degree. The attitudes which were revealed were expected to be used as a challenge to educators to decide whether there needed to be a change with the curriculum and learning styles that are offered in medical schools as well as how this continues to affect the results of students. The subjects of this study included first year students that were enrolled in traditional style courses in graduate school. There was a division in gender as well, specifically to decipher any distinct differences between demographic groups. The questions which were asked included how important the undergraduate students believed transferable skills were. This was followed by questions about one’s own ability with transferable skills as well as the influences of their first year courses in creating more skills to prepare for the me dical profession (Whittle, Eaton, 2001). The analysis of the specific subjects led to the same attitude among almost all first year students. Each believed that transferable skills were important in moving into the right career field and achieving the needed goals as medial students. It was also noted that all of the participants believed that organizational skills and self – learning skills were the most important in building the correct transferable skills for the profession. Most of the students had a high level of confidence in their own skills with male students having a significantly higher amount of confidence than women. It was also noted that male students had more confidence in terms of self – learning, technical skills and the ability to handle

Greek Civil War Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Greek Civil War - Research Paper Example The Communist Party found this opportunity to grab power by creating National Liberation Front, called the EAM. The other group opposing the communist viewpoint belonged to the EDES. The EDES got support from the Britain as Britain was against the expansion of communism. Winston Churchill, the then Prime-Minister of Britain met with Joseph Stalin of Germany in 1944. In a political and diplomatic bargain it was decided between both the premiers that Germany would get a stronghold in Romania if Germany supported the United Kingdom’s hold in Greece. The Germans had been there in Greece since the World War II, started to recede back from Greece without providing any concrete assistance to communists to remain in power although communists were quite powerful politically and militarily at that time. It started a battle between the British forces and the EAM on December 2, 1944 resulting in a win for the nationalists and reduction of the communist stronghold on Greece (Leonard par. 1 ). The first stage of civil war started some months before the Germany forces were evacuating Greece in October 1944. Parties to the Civil War in Greece were two leading guerrilla forces, the communist-supported EAM-ELAS (National Liberation Front–National Popular Liberation Army) and the EDES (Greek Democratic National Army).The EAM-ELAS overpowered all opposing guerrilla and political enemies except the EDES in early 1944 and established its rule in the Greek mountains, which meant end of the rule of the Greek King and his government in exile. With the withdrawal of troops by Germany, the British government supported the communists and the royal Greek guerrillas to make a coalition government in Athens but was unable to dissolve the guerrilla forces, which resulted in a bitter civil war in Athens on December 3 (Encyclopedia Britannica, â€Å"Greek Civil War,† par. 2). One of the reasons of the war was that the communists were against the British proposal of disarming the ELAS, therefore, declared a general strike in Athens on December, 1944. It led to a conflict between the police and the ELAS. A ceasefire was announced when Winston Churchill came to Athens resulting in withdrawal of ELAS guerrillas from Athens. An accord was made on February 12, 1945 according to which ELAS was supposed to surrender its weapons in fourteen days (ThinkQuest par. 2). This fierce battle brought the EAM-ELAM in a winning position everywhere in Greece except Athens and Thessaloniki, where the British military controlled the deteriorating situation with great difficulty (Encyclopedia Britannica, â€Å"Greek Civil War,† par. 2). In February 1945, the communists announced the disseverment of their forces in a conference but did not participate in the general election in Greece in March 1946 resulting in a royalist majority (Encyclopedia Britannica, â€Å"Greek Civil War,† par. 3). The March 1946 elections were biased towards EDES to which the communists reacted by forming the Democratic Party of Greece (DA), and issued a statement that they would continue fighting until democratic forces prevail upon and rule Greece. Initially, Communists were leading ahead because of support from the neighboring Yugoslavia and communists’ strong presence in the Northern Greece (Leonard par. 2). Other important political happening included plebiscite in September 1946 establishing the rule of the Greek King once again. Communists who had gone hidden earlier once again waged

Writting paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Writting paper - Essay Example Even the terrible thought of getting beheaded by the king does not let down the protagonist in the beginning. And even in such a terrible situation the protagonist is brave enough to face the king who is going to behead him. But here also the fate of the protagonist works and the king’s heart melts. The hero then goes through many unexpected journeys of life in which he is also sold as a slave. He is treated inferior to other individuals because of the race to he belongs. And moreover he is conned by many of his fellow beings. The hero is seen as a person who has strong faith in his God because of which he cannot see foul play in this world. He is unaware of the thoughts which the people have in this world about him. And even though he has many opportunities to revenge from the individuals that have done bad to him, he does not take revenge. He rather believes in the notion that he would get a better life hereafter if he lets go these individuals. The hero is seen to be very innocent too as when it is seen that he trusts people too easily. And because of this trust he loses a great amount of property that he has made in his life. The story depicts the life of an innocent individual who is seen to be bestowed with mercy at many instances by the God. It is seen that the individua l at lot of instances has been helped by God. In situations in which he has no one God provides him a path through which he can be able to survive. The story gives a platform for the believers to learn that usually the hardcore believers of God are shown paths by themselves and these believers should not lose hope no matter how harsh the situation is. It depicts that the world is full of individuals who are both nice and ugly. But it is not necessary that the ugly people should be given a bad

Islamic Philosophy Essay Example for Free

Islamic Philosophy Essay * Ibn Sina Philosophy is the exercise of intellect, enabling man to know Being as it is in itself. It is incumbent upon man to do this by the exercise of his intellect, so that he may ennoble his soul and make it perfect, and may become a rational scientist, and get the capacity of eternal bliss in hereafter. * It is not necessarily concerned with religious issues. They have the following: HADITH(the traditional sayings of the Prophet) SUNNA(the practices of their community). FIQH(Islamic law, which discusses particular problems concerning how Muslims ought to behave) * It is not exclusively produced by Muslims. * Philosophy helps the Muslim to understand the truth using different techniques from those directly provided through Islam * It is the continuous search for Hikma(Wisdom) Nature and Origin * Philosophy in its fullest sense began in the third century of hijra(The hijra was in 622 ad; it is the first year according to the Muslim calendar) * The main sources of early Islamic philosophy are the religion of Islam and Greek philosophy. Greek philosophy because most their works on philosophy like logic, medicine mathematics and so forth were translated into Arabic. During the middle ages, both Muslims and Christian philosophers relied upon the Greek Philosophy, their main resources are the works of Aristotle and Plato along with few others. Hikma and Falsafa * Hikma (wisdom) -Philosophy as hikma has the advantage of referring to a wide range of conceptual issues within Islam. * Falsafa-an Arabic expression designed to represent the Greek philosophia. Islamic Philosophy of Education. Islamic education is an essential need derived from Islam as a religion or way of life, as Allah wanted. Thus Islam sources are the same for Islamic education. The Quran is the main source of Islam, which contains every principles of Islamic thought. Islamic education also is uniquely different from other types of educational theory and practice largely because of the all-encompassing influence of the Quran. The Quran serves as a comprehensive blueprint for both the individual and society and as the primary source of knowledge. Some examples of the proof that the importance of education is repeatedly emphasized in the Quran: Al-Quran * â€Å" †¦ Say: â€Å"are those equal, those who know and those who do not know? It is those who are endued with understanding that receive admonition† (Az-Zumar : 9) Sunnah * â€Å"Who so walks in path seeking for knowledge therein, God will thereby make easy to him the path of paradise† (Abu Hurairah and Muslim) The aims of Islamic Education * Imam Al-Ghazali * Education should make a child aware of the laws though the study of Qu’ran and Hadith. * Education should make the child firm in religious beliefs otherwise he will be led astray. * Ibn Khaldun * Knowledge of God and faith in Islamic laws will make Muslims know the reality which in turn will lead to good and possession of good character. * Ibn Sina * Education as the overall growth of the individual: physical, mental, and moral; followed by the preparation of this by individual to live in a society through a chosen chose trade according to his aptitudes. * According to Contemporary Perspectives * To provide the teachings of Holy Quran as the first step of education. * To provide experiences which are based on fundamentals of Islam as embodied in Holy Quran and Sunnah which cannot be changed * To develop such qualities of a good man which are universally accepted by the societies which have faith in religion * To bring man nearer to an understanding of God and of the relation in which man stands to his creator * To produce man who has faith as well as knowledge in spiritual development These aims and objectives of Islamic education distinguish clearly from the modern system of education which is based on Western philosophy of life. This approach of Islamic education was endorsed in the First World Conference on Muslim Education held at Mecca in 1977 in the following words: â€Å"Education should aim at the balanced growth of the total personality of man through the training of Man’s spirit, intellect, his rational self, feelings and bodily senses. Education should cater therefore for the growth of man in all aspects: spiritual, intellectual, imaginative, physical, scientific, linguistic, both individually and collectively and motivate all aspects towards goodness and the attainment of perfection. The ultimate aim of Muslim education lies in the realization of complete submission to Allah on the level of the individual, the community and humanity at large. † Mohamad Johdi (2009) synchronizes that Islamic education aims at the balanced growth of the total balanced-personality of human, acronym JERISAH – Jasmani- physical Emosi- emotional Rohani- spiritual Intelek- intellectual Sosialisasi- social Alam- environment Hamba Allah- humbleness towards Allah.

Preferential Hiring in the North Essay Example for Free

Preferential Hiring in the North Essay Inuit in the north, specifically in Nunavut, have an agreement with the government that they receive special benefits to help with day-to-day problems because of what happened to their people in the past. It is common knowledge that when explorers and traders first went to the north, they mistreated the aboriginals up there. They introduce alcohol and tobacco, they forced them to become sedentary by killing off their sled dogs and setting up trading booths for fur trades and such, and they quickly made them become â€Å"Europeanized†. This is not a proud part of Canadian history, and there have been measures taken to try and make up for the wrongs that were done. One of these measures is preferential hiring for Inuit. Although preferential hiring may seem like a fair arrangement given all that has happened, it is incredibly unjust and creates unnecessary problems. It is a fact that in the north the government has to hire a certain percent of Inuit when they are filling job positions. I do not agree with this because what ends up happening is that to be able to meet the agreed amount of beneficiaries hired, the government then has to employ people who may not have the qualifications necessary for the job, or who aren’t as trained and competent as other candidates. What also happens in many cases is that the requirements necessary to apply for a position get watered down until they are simple enough to target a larger crowd. This results in a slow-moving government with poor decision-making skills and no proficiency nor productivity. For example, a couple of years ago, in Iqaluit, there was a position as a secretary of a school that needed to be filled. However, there were no Inuit who applied that had enough qualifications for the job, so the school board then had to change the contract, saying that the minimum education requirement was a grade 10 education. A secretary of a school has many responsibilities, and I feel that it is needless to say that a pers on working in a learning facility should have a minimum of a high school diploma. That example was not an uncommon occurrence, it happens far too regularly in the north. It is a huge part of the reason why there is no motivation for a higher education in the youth of the north. These individuals know that if they can at least graduate high school, then they are almost guaranteed a job, and often a six digit salary (or very close to  it). They become lazy, and do not want to waste their time going to get a post-secondary education when they can easily get a job without one. This leads to my next point. There are many people who apply for the government jobs who have all the necessary qualifications and have the proper training and experience for the job, who don’t even get considered simply because of their nationality; if they aren’t Inuit, they aren’t wanted. This is borderline racism. The most qualified person should receive the job; all other factors (within reason) should be irrelevant. It is unfair towards all those who take the time and spend their money going through university, to be overlooked because there was a beneficiary with a high school diploma who also applied for the job. My final point is that there is no reason whatsoever for an Inuit not to have the proper credentials for a job apart from pure laziness. They are given all the opportunities imaginable, and it is their own fault if they do not take them. There is no excuse anymore for them not to have an education, because the government pays for their entire schooling. In fact, Inuit students get paid to go to university and other educational facilities. They are actually making money instead of going in to debt like most students. Therefore, one might wonder, why would someone not want to go to university and get a higher education if they are being paid for it? And the answer is because they do not need an education to get well-respected and well-paid jobs. There are plenty of examples why preferential hiring for Inuit is in fact handicapping them instead of helping them. The efficiency of the government in the north is nowhere near the same as the rest of Canada, and it is due to a lack of qualifications of those who are preferentially hired. By eliminating preferential hiring, you would be increasing motivation for a higher education and a better working society.

Wilson Disease Genetic Tests

Wilson Disease Genetic Tests Clinical Features in Patients with Wilson Disease Hepatic Asymptomatic hepatomegaly Isolated splenomegaly Persistently elevated serum aminotransferase activity (AST, ALT) Fatty liver, Acute hepatitis, Resembling autoimmune hepatitis Cirrhosis: compensated or decompensated Acute liver failure Neurological Movement disorders (tremor, involuntary movements) Drooling, dysarthria, Rigid dystonia Pseudobulbar palsy, Dysautonomia, Migraine headaches, Insomnia, Seizures Psychiatric Depression, Neurotic behaviours, Personality changes, Psychosis Other Systems Ocular: Kayser-Fleischer rings, sunflower cataracts Cutaneous: lunulae ceruleae  · Renal abnormalities: aminoaciduria and nephrolithiasis Skeletal abnormalities: premature osteoporosis and arthritis  · Cardiomyopathy, dysrhythmias  · Pancreatitis  · Hypoparathyroidism Menstrual irregularities; infertility, repeated miscarriages How is Wilson disease diagnosed? The diagnosis of Wilson disease is made by relatively simple tests. The tests can diagnose the disease in both symptomatic patients and people who show no signs of the disease. These tests can include: Opthalmalogic slit lamp examination for Kayser-Fleischer rings Serum ceruloplasmin test 24-hour urine copper test Liver biopsy for histology and histochemistry and copper quantification Genetic testing, haplotype analysis for siblings and mutation analysis. It is important to diagnose Wilson disease as early as possible, since severe liver damage can occur before there are any signs of the disease. Individuals with Wilson disease may falsely appear to be in excellent health. Treatment of Wilson disease Wilson disease is a very treatable condition. With proper therapy, disease progress can be halted and oftentimes symptoms can be improved. Treatment is aimed at removing excess accumulated copper and preventing its reaccumulation. Treatment for Wilson disease is a lifelong process. Patients may become progressively sicker from day to day, so immediate treatment can be critical. Treatment delays may cause irreversible damage. Chelation therapy drugs approved for treating Wilson disease include penicillamine (Cuprimine ® and Depen ®) and trientine (Syprine ® and Trientine Dihydrochloride) Both of these drugs act by chelation or binding of copper, causing its increased urinary excretion. Mettalothionein inducer drugs approved for treating Wilson disease are (Galzinâ„ ¢) in the U.S. and (Wilzin ®)in Europe.Zinc acts by blocking the absorption of copper in the intestinal tract. This action both depletes accumulated copper and prevents its reaccumulation. Zincs effectiveness has been shown by more than 30 years of considerable experience overseas. A major advantage of zinc therapy is its lack of side effects. Patients with severe hepatitis or liver failure may require liver transplant. Patients being investigated or treated for Wilson disease should be cared for by specialists in Wilson disease or by specialists in consultation with their primary physicians. Stopping treatment completely will result in death, sometimes as quickly as within three months. Decreasing dosage of medications also can result in unnecessary disease progression. How is Wilson disease inherited? Wilson disease is an autosomal recessive disease, which means it occurs equally in men and women. In order to inherit Wilson disease, both parents must carry one genetic mutation (abnormal alteration in the gene) that each parent passes to the affected child. At least one in 30,000 people of all known races and nationalities has the disease. Of the 23 different human chromosomes, the gene responsible for Wilson disease is located on chromosome 13. The gene is called ATP7B and it contains the genetic information necessary to make a copper transport protein that plays a key role in incorporating copper into ceruloplasmin and moving excess copper out of the liver. Mutations in the gene lead to an abnormal copper transporter that cannot move copper effectively or at all. More than 300 genes of the ATB7B have been identified thus far.This excess copper accumulates in the liver and other organs. Most patients have no family history of Wilson disease. People with only one abnormal gene are called carriers. Carriers (heterozygotes) may have mild, but medically insignificant, abnormalities of copper metabolism. Carriers do not become ill and should not be treated. Wilson disease patients (homozygotes) do become ill and must receive treatment lifelong or eventually they will develop severe lethal disease. One in 100 individuals in the general population carries one abnormal copy of the Wilson disease gene. Carriers have one normal and one abnormal gene. All (100%) children of those afflicted with Wilson disease receive at least one abnormal copy of the Wilson disease gene. One half (50%) of a carriers children receive at least one abnormal copy of the Wilson disease gene. A genetic counselor can provide a more detailed pedigree of specific family relationships. Family Screening All siblings and children of Wilson disease patients should be tested for Wilson disease. Other relatives who have had symptoms or laboratory tests that indicate liver or neurological disease also should be tested for Wilson disease. Biochemical Testing Children of patient: Begin at age 2 if asymptomatic, repeat once in 5 years unless reasontopursue further. Siblings of patient: Physical examination and brief history of any liver or neurological symptoms. Liver Function Tests: ALT, AST, Albumin, Bilirubin. Ceruloplasmin and Serum Copper. 24 hour urine copper Slit-lamp exam of the eyes for Kayser-Fleischer rings. If no K-F rings, abnormal liver functions tests, and low ceruloplasmin: liver bio Information about Molecular Genetic Testing All siblings and children of Wilson disease patients should be tested for Wilson disease. Other relatives who have had symptoms or laboratory tests that indicate liver or neurological disease also should be tested for Wilson disease. More than 300 different mutations of the ATP7B gene have been identified thus far. Testing Methods Available: Linkage analysis (Haplotype analysis) Molecular genetic testing to identify a set of closely linked segments of DNA (a marker or set of markers), comparing the markers of family members to those of an affected patient. Useful for: screening siblings of an identified patient Gene sequencing (mutation screening of the entire ATP7B gene) Analysis of the entire ATP7B gene to detect and identify disease causing mutations. An individual with confirmed Wilson disease needs to be tested first. If both mutations are identified, other family members can then be offered testing. Gene sequencing will identify both mutations in most but not all cases of Wilson disease. Useful for: confirmation of the diagnosis in suspected patients, family members to learn if they could be affected but do not yet have symptoms, to learn they are carriers, or to allow for prenatal testing for confirmed carriers. Analysis of a specific location in the ATP7B gene for a known particular mutation. Useful for: specific populations of patients where the common mutations are known; for screening siblings of patients with two identified mutations. Genetic testing is best coordinated through a genetic counselor who can carefully discuss the best method of testing to perform and the benefits, limitations, and implications of each method. Genetic testing is best coordinated though a genetic counselor who can carefully discuss the best method of testing to perform and the benefits, limitations, and implications of each method. Your physician should be able to direct you to a qualified genetic counselor and genetic testing facility. Definition: Kayser-Fleischer Ring: Clinical sign. Brownish-yellow ring visible around the corneo-scleral junction (limbus). Consists of copper deposits in Descemet’s membrane, extending into the trabecular meshwork. Sign of Wilson’s disease. Description and Location: Golden to greenish-brown annular deposition of copper located in the periphery (limbus) of the cornea (Descemet’s membrane). First appears as a superior crescent, then develops inferiorly and ultimately becomes circumferential. Usually requires a slit-lamp examination to detect rings in their early stage of formation. Prevalence: Approximately 95% of WD patients presenting with neurological signs will have a K-F ring. Whereas approximately 65% of WD patients presenting with hepatic signs will present with a ring. Copper chelation therapy may cause fading and even disappearance of the corneal copper over time.

The Apprenticeship Of Duddy Kravitz Essay -- essays research papers

The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz by Mordecai Richler is the tale of a young greedy boy who feels that money is his path to happiness and pride. Duddy simply stomps all over his friends and his family as well (to a certain extent). Richler feels unreserved sympathy towards Duddy because, in essence, Duddy is Richler written down and diversified. Duddy is a character based on Mordecai’s own personality. Duddy Kravitz is a crook, a blackmailer and a cheat. However, Duddy Kravitz is Richler’ s crook and Duddy will never be abandoned. In The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, everyone but the Richler himself shuns Duddy. The entire concept of the novel was for Duddy to learn an important lesson, what makes someone significant. The following is an instance where Richler does force pity on the reader through his writing: â€Å"We betrayed you I suppose.† â€Å"Yes you did.† He had spoken with such quiet and certainty that she began to doubt herself. â€Å"You’ll come crawling,† he said. â€Å" I want you to know something. I’d sue you. I’d even get Irwin Shubert to take the case. But Virgil won’t let me. He doesn’t even want to hear about it any more.† â€Å"You hate me,† Duddy dais. â€Å"Is that possible?† â€Å"I think you’re rotten. I wish you were dead.† â€Å"You don’t understand, Yvette. Why can’t I make you understand? Listen, Yvette, I—â€Å" But she turned away from him. The paragraph above does show how the readers’ emotions are in turmoil because of the sort of double standard created when the story is t... The Apprenticeship Of Duddy Kravitz Essay -- essays research papers The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz by Mordecai Richler is the tale of a young greedy boy who feels that money is his path to happiness and pride. Duddy simply stomps all over his friends and his family as well (to a certain extent). Richler feels unreserved sympathy towards Duddy because, in essence, Duddy is Richler written down and diversified. Duddy is a character based on Mordecai’s own personality. Duddy Kravitz is a crook, a blackmailer and a cheat. However, Duddy Kravitz is Richler’ s crook and Duddy will never be abandoned. In The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, everyone but the Richler himself shuns Duddy. The entire concept of the novel was for Duddy to learn an important lesson, what makes someone significant. The following is an instance where Richler does force pity on the reader through his writing: â€Å"We betrayed you I suppose.† â€Å"Yes you did.† He had spoken with such quiet and certainty that she began to doubt herself. â€Å"You’ll come crawling,† he said. â€Å" I want you to know something. I’d sue you. I’d even get Irwin Shubert to take the case. But Virgil won’t let me. He doesn’t even want to hear about it any more.† â€Å"You hate me,† Duddy dais. â€Å"Is that possible?† â€Å"I think you’re rotten. I wish you were dead.† â€Å"You don’t understand, Yvette. Why can’t I make you understand? Listen, Yvette, I—â€Å" But she turned away from him. The paragraph above does show how the readers’ emotions are in turmoil because of the sort of double standard created when the story is t...

Intent as a dichotomic agent between folk psychology and identity theory :: essays research papers

The framework of choice for the contemporary philosophers of mind is physicalism, a position that integrates the study of mind within the ‘scientific’ human knowledge regulated by the laws of matter and energy. In this paper, I will provide arguments that support the incompatibility between two different theories of mind, namely mind-brain identity theory (IT) and folk psychology (FP) on logical grounds. The first part of the essay will familiarize the reader with the basic concepts, definitions and some of the key arguments employed by IT and FP. Let us begin with a summary about identity theory. Simply put this theory holds that states and processes of the mind are identical to states and processes of the brain. To make use of an example, our experience of pain it is exactly reflected by a corresponding neurological state in the brain, i.e. C-fibres firing. From this point of view, the mind is the brain – they are identical. However, this identity is only contingent, i.e. its confirmation relies upon ulterior scientifical advancements. There are two types of identity theories: type-identity theory and token-identity theory. The later is just a moderate derivation of the former, by proposing a not so radical claim, i.e. that supports the identity of particular instances (tokens) of mental states (e.g. a particular pain ) with correspondent particular brain states. Type-identity theory on the other hand, assumes a stronger position of strict identity, i.e. that pain as a type of mental state, is identical with a particul ar brain state. In this paper I refer to identity theory as type-identity theory (IT). The initiator of this theory was U.T. Place, and his innovative essay “Is Counsciousness a Brain Process'; (1956) greatly influenced J.J.C. Smart. Consequently, in “Sensations and Brain Processes'; (1959) Smart asserts that “processes reported in sensation statements are in fact processes in the brain';. IT theorists object against the “physical irreducibility'; of mental states, i.e. that they are something misterious and eluding physical laws, and so they deny the existence of the soul or counsciousness as something irreducible physical. Smart, a converted IT from behaviorist theory, doesn’t consider sensations or mental states as behaviors or dispositions, but type-identical with brain states; so pain, belief, desire are nothing else but neural firing, chemical release and whatever else might happen in the brain at that moment. Therefore, just as lightning is nothing but an electrical discharge, so pain just is C-fibers firing in the brain. Intent as a dichotomic agent between folk psychology and identity theory :: essays research papers The framework of choice for the contemporary philosophers of mind is physicalism, a position that integrates the study of mind within the ‘scientific’ human knowledge regulated by the laws of matter and energy. In this paper, I will provide arguments that support the incompatibility between two different theories of mind, namely mind-brain identity theory (IT) and folk psychology (FP) on logical grounds. The first part of the essay will familiarize the reader with the basic concepts, definitions and some of the key arguments employed by IT and FP. Let us begin with a summary about identity theory. Simply put this theory holds that states and processes of the mind are identical to states and processes of the brain. To make use of an example, our experience of pain it is exactly reflected by a corresponding neurological state in the brain, i.e. C-fibres firing. From this point of view, the mind is the brain – they are identical. However, this identity is only contingent, i.e. its confirmation relies upon ulterior scientifical advancements. There are two types of identity theories: type-identity theory and token-identity theory. The later is just a moderate derivation of the former, by proposing a not so radical claim, i.e. that supports the identity of particular instances (tokens) of mental states (e.g. a particular pain ) with correspondent particular brain states. Type-identity theory on the other hand, assumes a stronger position of strict identity, i.e. that pain as a type of mental state, is identical with a particul ar brain state. In this paper I refer to identity theory as type-identity theory (IT). The initiator of this theory was U.T. Place, and his innovative essay “Is Counsciousness a Brain Process'; (1956) greatly influenced J.J.C. Smart. Consequently, in “Sensations and Brain Processes'; (1959) Smart asserts that “processes reported in sensation statements are in fact processes in the brain';. IT theorists object against the “physical irreducibility'; of mental states, i.e. that they are something misterious and eluding physical laws, and so they deny the existence of the soul or counsciousness as something irreducible physical. Smart, a converted IT from behaviorist theory, doesn’t consider sensations or mental states as behaviors or dispositions, but type-identical with brain states; so pain, belief, desire are nothing else but neural firing, chemical release and whatever else might happen in the brain at that moment. Therefore, just as lightning is nothing but an electrical discharge, so pain just is C-fibers firing in the brain.

crime and punishment Essay -- essays research papers

Critical thought #1 Compare and contrast the philosophies of punishment. In the philosophies of punishment, we have retribution, deterrence, rehabilitation, isolation, incapacitation, reintegration, restitution, and restoration. I’ll define these philosophies of punishment. Retribution: It refers to revenge or retaliation for harm or wrong done to another individual. This was an unearthed written code dated back more than 3500 years that clearly spell out a retribution approach by the Archaeologists. â€Å"If a man destroy destroys the eye of another man, they shall destroy his eye. If he breaks a man’s bone, they shall break his bone. If a man knocks out a tooth of a man of his own rank, they shall knock out his tooth. Deterrence: This philosophy is made to discourage criminals from committing future crimes. Deterrence include prisons, or execution. If you send a criminal to prison, or executing them, this will discourage the other criminals from committing the same crime. Rehabilitation: In rehabilitation, we provide psychological or educational assistance or job training to offenders to make them less likely to engage in future criminality. This philosophy says that these offenders are human being, no matter what, they are changeable. This means that we could change them from being criminal. Isolation: This philosophy is a very old correctional philosophy that really had served two purposes throughout recorded history. This first is the simple incarceration of people in...

Individualism and Happiness

Pursuit of Happiness Happiness is not one thing; it means different things in different places, different societies, and different cultural contexts. There are multiple â€Å"pursuits of happiness†. It's impossible to define â€Å"happiness†. It's left to each of us to define what â€Å"happiness† is. Happiness cannot be achieved in minutes it comes from the pursuit of happiness, Working towards and achieving goals. Pursuit of happiness differs from person to person and from culture to culture. Diener and his colleagues (Diener et al. 2003) believe life evaluations are important to the quality of life in all societies because it is hard to imagine either a good life or a good society without a positive sense of SWB (positive psychology pg114). However, they argue that every culture has set values, and goals that people use to evaluate their happiness. Culture refers to beliefs, social norms, religious background, these characteristics shared by people in a place and time for everyday existence. Understanding the culture differences will allow you to understand the differences in of happiness.For the most part each culture has certain values and goals that are looked upon to be the acceptable norm for happiness and that is how happiness is measures. The media, parents, schools, peers influence the way people think, act, and feel towards a successful life. The general population that surrounds you influences people's ideas about the meaning of happiness and how to achieve it. Comparing the traditional American perspective on happiness with the traditional Asian perspective on happiness, by cultural and historical factors that contribute to happiness.Americans are individualistic culture which means the people are primary focus is that of themselves and their immediate families. In contrast to Asians, which are, collectivistic cultures, where the members are concerned more with the well being of the group rather then their own well-being. On a verage, people living in wealthy nations are happier than those living in less wealthy nations. The untied States is near the top of the income measure, 6th in life satisfaction. Japanese like and have high income, but only moderate in subjective well-being.China ranks very low on income measure and higher then Japanese in subjective well being measure. Over the past 25 years, history of international surveys have not changed the ranking have been quite stable. | Asia collectivist culture characteristics traits: * Each person is encouraged to be an active player in society, to do what is best for society as a whole rather than themselves. * The rights of families, communities, and the collective supersede those of the individual. * Rules promote unity, brotherhood, and selflessness. Working with others and cooperating is the norm; everyone supports each other. * As a community, family or nation more than as an individual. * United States Individualism cultures characteristics traits : * â€Å"I† identity. * Promotes individual goals, initiative and achievement. * Individual rights are seen as being the most important. Rules attempt to ensure self-importance and individualism. * Independence is valued; there is much less of a drive to help other citizens or communities than in collectivism. * Relying or being dependent on others is frequently seen as shameful. People are encouraged to do things on their own, to rely on themselves. * The stereotype of a ‘good person' in collectivist cultures is trustworthy, honest, generous, and sensitive, all characteristics that are helpful to people working in groups. In contrast, a ‘good person' in individualist cultures is more assertive and strong, characteristics helpful for competing. Asian members rate happiness and life satisfaction on the lower end of the scale. They do not think of their life as being happy or sad, satisfying or dissatisfying it just is what it is.Believing emotional feelings are te mporary they live in the now rather then wanting more for tomorrow. In Asian cultures, regard how others view you and necessary related to how they view themselves. Positive feelings occur when pleasing others, fulfilling social expectations. Achieving goals that enhance interdependence is directly related to happiness in collectivist cultures. For Americans positive feelings are strongly related to goal achievement. Achieving goals enhances our independence giving us a sense of pride and accomplishment.That feeling is important to Americans in reaching happiness promoting mutual trust and support in relationships is directly related to happiness and well being within the Asian culture. In individualistic cultures, a shared belief in the importance of feeling good about oneself promotes self-enhancement and social exchanges characterized by mutual approval and praise. Considering the wide ranging influence of culture on peoples feelings, thought, and behaviors (Markus ;amp; Kitayama , 1991), different types of persuasive messages may very well influence people differently in cultures as distinct as north America and east Asia.

Nationalism and its key factors Essay

Nationalism is the belief that people should be loyal to their nation rather than their king. The six bonds that create a nation-state are nationality, language, culture, history, religion, and territory. While the United States does not share all of these same features, I still believe it is a nation-state. Nationality is a belief in a common ethnic ancestry. I believe that the United States does not have a common ancestry. Almost everyone is not a true American and has had ancestors immigrate here from another country. We are not all from the same place. Although there are many bi-lingual people in the US, almost everyone speaks a common language, English. It is our national language and it is standardized just about everywhere. Culture is another area where the US fits into Nationalism. Almost everyone follows the American styles of clothing. We also all, for the most part, eat all of the same foods and behave in the same ways. I believe the US also has a common history. Even though almost everyone has an ancestor that immigrated from another country at one time or another, most Americans believe that the history of the United States is their own. There is not one single religion in the United States. One of the United States’ selling points was its freedom of religion. While there are some more popular religions, there is not one that is shared by mostly all Americans. While most of these points can be argued, I believe that the issue on territory cannot. The United States has its own borders and areas that belong to it. This land is known to the world as United States territory and is considered by everyone to be its land. While the United States does not hold all of the bonds to be true, I still believe it to be a Nation-State. It cannot be argued that almost every  citizen of the United States is loyal to the country itself.

Counselling Skills Essay

1. Briefly describe in your own words what is meant by the term ‘counselling’. Counselling is a type of therapy offered to people who is experiencing any difficulties or troubles in life. Counselling gives them a chance to explore and address their problems and to figure out and decide how to deal with these problems emotionally and move on in their life. 2. What factors may make it difficult for a client to commit to counselling? What could you do to help overcome these barriers? Quite often, some people find it difficult or awkward talking to their family and friends about personal issues and are able when talking to a counsellor lay all their cards out on a table. However some people may find it daunting about telling a complete stranger what’s happening in their lives or perhaps worried about how they are going to be perceived by other people by seeking help. It might simply be because they are a closed person emotionally and is unable to open up. I would try to overcome these barriers by first establishing a lot of trust in my relationship as counsellor and client. When established the trust between my client I would then encourage them to talk openly about their issues and reassure them about the importance of confidentiality and absolutely no-one would have to know that they have been for counselling. 3. What are the ‘Core Counselling skills’? Briefly describe each one. 1. Genuineness – Being true, honest, authentic and completely non fake. 2. Acceptance – Completely accepting the client for who they are and not judging them in any way. Being impartial. 3. Empathy – Putting yourself in the client’s shoes, being able to identify with and understand their problems. 4. In your opinion, what are the most important skills required for effective counselling? Justify your answer. I believe the most important skills that are effective for counselling are Empathy, Acceptance, Compassion and genuineness. I think that if you cannot empathize with somebody then it is almost impossible to counsel them. If you cannot imagine what it is like to be their position then you cannot try to help them. I believe acceptance is important because if you allow your own  personal views and opinions get in the way then this will affect how well your therapy sessions go and what the result will be in the end. I believe it is important to be impartial. This is a principle that I use as a volunteer up the Citizens Advice Bureau. I believe compassion and genuineness are important skills because if the client thinks that you are not a compassionate, caring genuine person then they will not want you to counsel them. It will be almost impossible to gain any trust between the client and they will not open up and talk about their problems. Thus therapy will be a complete and utter waste of time for them. For example if somebody wants counselling for depression and are having suicidal thoughts, and you appear uncaring, then this might add to their own feelings of worthlessness and could potentially make the client worse. 5. Think about a time when you helped someone. Write a transcript of what happened and identify any particular counselling skills you employed. You should also make a reference to SOLER within your answer. I’m a big fan of the social networking site known as ‘Facebook’ and over time I noticed that someone who I’m friends with on there which I am only going to refer to as ‘M’ seemed very depressed and down in the dumps. Nearly everything she posted on Facebook was dark and depressing. At the time I didn’t know her that well and had only seen her around the area which I live. I eventually decided that I would Message M to see if she fancied a chat sometime and that I had noticed from the things that she had been saying that she seemed very unhappy. Over a period of time we started talking regularly, general chit chat mostly, and eventually she told me that she suffered from a mental illness called BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) and that she is Bipolar. I decided to research BPD and to try to find out more about it. I learnt that BPD sufferers can have extreme mood swings, going from feeling wonderful one minute to suicidal the next. During our chats online I told M that if she ever wanted someone to talk to then I would always be there to listen. She told me of her feelings of lack of self worth and that in her opinion nobody really cared about her, or wanted to listen, not even her friends would make that much of an effort. She assumed that because of her mental health condition, not many people would be willing to get to know her. I was very persistent with M, reassuring her that I wanted to listen to her problems. I established a lot of trust with M because otherwise she  would not of told me these things. After a while I suggested to M about going for a coffee and a chat. I sat opposite her in the cafà ©, maintaining eye contact with her and leaning towards her slightly, interested in everything she had to say. As we talked I noticed that there was deep slash marks on both of her wrists. I asked her about them and She told me that she had tried to kill herself many times and that it made her feel better by cutting herself. That was when I decided that my own personal goal was to try and inject some positivity into this girls life and maybe over time she would not cut herself anymore? This girl needed to know that people did care about her and she wasn’t the horrible person she thought she was. After that we met up several times and even to this day we talk online, she has often thanked me for listening to her and has made me feel very good about myself. I think she is very appreciative to have someone who is genuinely interested in her thoughts and feelings. I can definitely empathize with M because in the past I have personally suffered from Anxiety and Paranoia, thus making me feel very down in the dumps and I also believed at the time nobody wanted to listen to me either. Iv accepted M for who she is, not letting her mental illness deter me whatsoever. I’ve learnt something new and find mental health very interesting. I think for some people that if they do not understand something then they treat it with ignorance. Hopefully over time I will help to build up her confidence but there is some very serious underlying problems as to why she cuts herself. This is an ongoing progress but I am determined to get there one day.

Puppu

You know I have been wanting a puppy for almost a year now!!! I have been working my butt off to try and earn one, I have tried everything but you wont budge I Just don't know what I need to do. Whenever mom is gone I'm the one that takes care of the pets and I am responsible and you both know it I put a lot of effort into things I love. For example, I am doing a lot better in soccer now that I love it, and eating food and a lot more. I know puppies are a lot of work especially since we already have a dog. When I have to get up in the middle of the night to take it out to go potty.I know u think I wont do that cause I never get up for school, but I don't enjoy school that much so why would you want to interrupt your sleeping to do something that you don't LOVE I mea school Is k I always get up right away when we have to leave should be able to get one The dog will help me to be more responsible The dog can be a companion for the whole family Taking the dog on walks will give me more exercise and be able to get outdoors more Dogs are therapeutic, especially during sad or lonely times. A dog is a friend that will always be there to cheer you up.And I know our family needs that a lot when you guys yell or I do something wrong They are Like people who understand what you're saying and they know when Just to lick you and lay down right next to you and Just sit there and let you pet them until you feel better. I will clean up after It and teach It tricks and train it I wont be on my phone or watching T. V. Or on the computer because I will be busy with the dog I would stop nagging on you and arguing with you I will try and pay for it Now that we are moving we have a backyard with a fence and I still remember to this ay that you said that â€Å"once we get a fence you can have another dog'.The fence will keep him and we can easily watch it while it runs around and plays and goes potty. I did some research and this is what I learned. The Golden Retrievers' intelligenc e makes them versatile, allowing them to fill a variety of roles, Including gulled dog for the blind, hearing dog for the deaf, hunting dog,illegal drug detector, and search and rescue participant. Because of their loyal and gentle temperament, Golden Retrievers are also popular family pets. Golden Retrievers possess friendly, eager-to-pleaseUnited States, the fifth most popular in Australia and the eighth most popular in the United Kingdom The temperament of the Golden Retriever is a hallmark of the breed, and is described in the standard as â€Å"kindly, friendly and confident†. Golden Retrievers make good family pets, particularly as they are patient with children. They are not â€Å"one man dogs† and are generally equally amiable with both strangers and those familiar to them. Their trusting, gentle disposition makes them a poor guard dog.Any form of unprovoked aggression or hostility towards either people, dogs or there animals, whether in the show ring or communi ty, is considered unacceptable in a Golden Retriever and is not in keeping with the character of the breed. Nor should a Golden Retriever be unduly timid or nervous. The typical Golden Retriever is calm, naturally intelligent and biddable, with an exceptional eagerness to please. One of the brightest dogs ranked by obedience-command tractability. ) Other characteristics related to their hunting heritage are a size suited for scrambling in and out of boats and an inordinate love for water. Golden Retrievers are exceptionally trainable?due to their intelligence, athleticism and desire to please their handlers?and excel in obedience trials. They are also very competitive in agility and other performance events. Harsh training methods are unnecessary, as Golden Retrievers often respond very well to positive and upbeat training styles. Golden Retrievers require regular grooming and an occasional bath.They should be groomed at least once a week, and every day during heavy shedding. They s hould be bathed every two months. Their coats shed somewhat during the year, but are known to heed profusely twice a year. They also need to have their ears cleaned regularly, or ear infections might occur. While shedding is unavoidable, frequent grooming (daily to weekly) lessens the amount of hair shed by the animal. Severe shedding resulting in bald patches can be indicative of stress or sickness in a Golden Retriever.That was my research but I did a lot more ask me any question and I will answer it correctly. Now that we are moving into this new house there is more room for two dogs. I know taking care of a puppy is a lot of responsibility but I need that challenge. I have been reading a lot about how to train and how to potty train your new puppy I have read books and researched it too and I know it will poop and pee on the carpet but I will potty train it, heck it might even come potty trained but I am dead set on getting a golden retriever I will do anything.This dog will be mine, my responsibility mine to train, feed ,give it love,take for walks,provide and care for. I need something a pet pr Just something like this dog that will love me for what I am and when I am in trouble or did something very wrong, have a bad day at school and need it to love me hen I'm sad. Maybe my puppy will be the glue for all the broken pieces in our family , it will mend the family back into one like it used to be.I know we are in the process of moving right now and I would be able to take care of it AND actually help move pack everything up help organize do chores outside WITHOUT arguing or sassing back or being disrespectful and doing everything the first time you guys ask. If I really want something I can have the right mind set and I can get it done. I know you both feel you will end up having to take care of it but I will take care of it f my own to call it mine and have my puppy love me a lot. I have found a couple people that we can get them from in our price range. It would really mean a lot to me if I got one I will trade my phone, pad and T. V. In for a puppy I will never let you guys down and I will never not care for it. 🙂 All I want is a puppy a golden retriever puppy to call my own. I know they don't stay puppies forever, they will grow up to become dogs and I promise always to take care of it. I will sleep on the floor with only a blanket for the rest of the I live here. Every mourning I will wake up take it out to go to he bathroom brush it give it exercise and go to school come home and take it out for a walk do my homework then play with it more.I know I will need both of you guys help to take it out to go to the bathroom when at school and that does take a lot, but know that school is almost over I will have all summer to train it and keep it company and do everything. I know right now isn't the time to ask for a puppy but I have good grades but I have been very disrespectful and mean and Just not a good child and you guys probably feel like you shouldn't do anything for me right now which is exactly how you should feel but think of the good things I have AR points good grades am doing good in soccer and have been VERY responsible.I will do anything for this puppy I really will and it would mean everything to me it would show how much you love me and care and have confidence in me. I have showed that I am responsible with dogs when I fostered Rocco and Rudy and I tried very hard to do everything I could for them. Thank you very much for reading this I really hope you know how much this means to me truly and I love you. 🙂

Company Law 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Company Law 2 - Essay Example 5. Regulation 66 of Table A is amended by replacing 'but shall not be entitled to receive any remuneration from the company for his services as an alternate director' with the following sentence: 'An alternate director shall not be entitled to remuneration from the company for his services as an alternate director except that he may be paid by the company such part of the remuneration otherwise payable to his appointor as the appointor specifies by notice to the company'. 6. Regulation 72 of Table A is amended by replacing the first sentence with the following: 'The directors may delegate any of their powers to a committee consisting of such persons as they think fit provided that a majority of the members of the committee are directors'. 7. Regulation 81 of Table A is amended by replacing paragraph (e) with: 'he fails to attend three successive board meetings despite a notice being given to him prior to the third meeting that the provisions of this paragraph might apply and all the other directors (excluding the director concerned and, in his capacity as such, any alternate director appointed by the director) resolve that his office should be vacated'. (b) The 2006 annual general meeting of Vunce Ltd... s despite a notice being given to him prior to the third meeting that the provisions of this paragraph might apply and all the other directors (excluding the director concerned and, in his capacity as such, any alternate director appointed by the director) resolve that his office should be vacated'. PROCEEDINGS OF DIRECTORS 8. Regulation 89 of Table A is amended by adding after 'unless so fixed at any other number shall be two' the words 'except when there is a sole director in which event he shall constitute a quorum'. Please answer the following questions on the meaning and effect of the articles of association. (a) The directors wish to sign a unanimous written resolution instead of holding a board meeting. Which resolution, if any, allows them to do this This can be done via an ordinary resolution of a simple majority, which is fine because it is unanimous. (b) The 2006 annual general meeting of Vunce Ltd is due to start in the Islington Business Design Centre at 9.00 am, Monday 15 May 2006. After 33 minutes there is still no quorum. The directors are prepared to follow the articles for arranging the adjourned meeting except that they have decided that the meeting shall start at 10.30 am to allow for possible transport delays in the morning. State the actual time, date and place of the adjourned meeting: Islington Business Design Centre at 10:30am Monday 15th May 2006 (c) What is the quorum for general meetings according to the articles of association Three persons entitled to vote on the business to be transacted, being a member or a proxy for a member or a duly authorized representative of a corporation, shall be a quorum'. (d) Apart from members, who may attend and speak at separate class meetings The persons entitled to attend and speak at general meetings

Interactive Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Interactive Marketing - Essay Example From this study it is clear that  the understanding of the needs of the customer is extremely important as this will only allow the company to deliver what the customer expects of the company. Only based on this understanding the company will be able to design its products such that the use of these products results in experiences which surpass initial expectations of the customers. The root of successful value proposition lies in the ability of the supplier company to constantly communicate about the value of its products to the customers and obtaining effective feedback from the customers. The value creation by a travel company is somewhat different and it cannot be compared to the other supplier based companies.This paper highlights that  the primary reason behind this is the fact that travel companies have very little control on the products they sell and they mainly act as intermediaries selling products of third party suppliers and producers like airlines and hotels. Moreov er the products of travel and tourism are considered to be services rather than tangible goods.  Product differentiation is a way of attracting consumers for travel agency. Product differentiation is a strategy in which travel agencies attempt to create and exploit differences between their products and those offered by competitors.  Based on this theoretical understanding the product and price proposition of Gap 360 will be interesting to formulate.

The American civil war. Arms and Equipment of the Civil War Essay

The American civil war. Arms and Equipment of the Civil War - Essay Example Lee who served as the confederate commander surrendered. In western civilizations, wars, such as the American Civil War, are usually characterized by five essential features. These include: Technology The Armed Forces of the West have always relied on superior technology, usually to compensate for inferior numbers. In the American Civil war, there were technologies that made this conflict more lethal than other past wars that had been conducted in the United States. This was the last war in which ancient artifacts such as wooden ships were used during hostilities. It also saw the introduction of weapons such as torpedoes, Gatling Guns, ironclads, and submarines, into modern warfare. When the war first broke out, the soldiers from both the Union and Confederate sides used old smoothbore muskets.1 These weapons allowed only for slow reloading and had a firing range of approximately eighty yards. Soon the Union soldiers were outfitted with rifles, which allowed for quick reloading of bu llets and had better accuracy and a wider firing range. The Confederate army would also start utilizing these types of rifles for more effectiveness. Both armies also began to make use of a new bullet known as the ‘Minnie ball’. The Minnie ball was much easier to reload than the older bullets. While these new types of weapons were more efficient, they also caused many more casualties within a shorter time period. Minnie balls resulted in many soldiers who were not effectively killed by this contraption sustaining deep tissue damage. Unfortunately, the surgeons did not know how to effectively combat such wounds and would often cut off limbs of the affected patient in order to save his life. Another weapon that gained widespread use during the civil war is the Gatling gun- which was essentially a machine gun that was positioned on wheels. This weapon could kills tens of men while being fired and rotated to cover all sides. Discipline More in the Western civilization relie d heavily on discipline, Western military practice has always exulted discipline, rather than kinship, religion or patriotism as the primary instrument that turns bands of men as individuals into soldiers fighting as part of an organized unit.2 In the American civil war, the soldiers had to live in a structured society which had privates at the lowest rank, followed by corporals and then sergeants, second lieutenants, lieutenants, captains, majors, lieutenant colonels, and finally colonels. To keep the men in top fighting condition, there was strict discipline. Offenses as minor as disregarding camp duty and not taking good care of one’s rifle was punished by hard labor such as digging latrines and uprooting large trees. More serious offenses such as theft, insubordination, or even cowardice in the time of action were punished by forcing the errant soldier to perform activities that would humiliate them before their colleagues. For instance, men were forced to carry logs, or wear signs that proclaimed their mistakes to all. There were also offenses such as performing acts of treason, murder, and desertion for which the errant soldier would be killed by hanging or by a firing squad. These punishments would be administered by the army’s Provost Marshal. Aggressive Military Tradition Shared military theories and doctrines help soldiers to understand how to conduct major operations as well as campaigns while preparing them for service in the fields. In the American civil war, the armies utilized Jomini's war theories. Baron Jomini’s theory on war was based on major European wars such as took place in the

Marketing practices Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Marketing practices - Essay Example Marketing of services is a bigger challenge than marketing of products. Products have well defined parameters and the customer can base his decision to some extent on that. Services on the other hand are intangible and relies totally on customer’s needs and finally satisfaction. Hence, the definition of marketing would include customer relationship marketing. The key to success in customer relationship marketing lies on information. Marketing concept has changed in the past decade. It includes market research, brand/product management, public relations, and customer service (Chaffey et al., 2006). It is not more restricted to advertising and sales. Marketing activities have to be designed in coherence with the other activities of the firm for attaining profitability. Today internet marketing and e marketing are the emerging trends, which add to the definition of marketing. Marketing has to be done within the framework of business ethics and the parameters laid down by the local government. Nestle indulged in unethical marketing practices and can hence be called an unsuccessful marketing practice (CEM, 1997). They wanted to market Cerelac while the World Health Assembly emphasized breast feeding upto six months of age. Nestle ignored warnings by Gabon’s government not to advertise Cerelac on the television. They had also been trying to market their products directly through private and government hospitals by offering incentives to the staff. This is an unsuccessful and unethical marketing practice. Market segmentation is important for successful marketing. Consideration has to be given to the age, gender, demographics to derive maximum customer and organizational satisfaction. To provide customer satisfaction, their needs have to be analyzed. Communication and branding are important specially to reach the customers through direct means. Hence, customer orientation is essential. Kotler too defines

Volunteer activity review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Volunteer activity review - Essay Example In addition to the six of us, the event also attracted other volunteers including nonnative volunteers. The event involved a number of environmental protection activities. All the participants were divided into two groups. One group was in charge of shoveling the dirt. I joined the second group. This paper therefore provides a comprehensive discussion of the activities we undertook in our group during the environmental volunteer activity. Before embarking on the four-hour activity session, all of us had to be in the right apparels. One of the most important apparel recommendations were closed shoes and long pants. Since the activities would involve going through small thickets, the logs pants and closed shoes would be imperative in protecting the skin against harm from the shrubs or small insects that might live in the thickets. A rain jacket was also recommended just in case it rained during the four-hour session. There was also a special provision for participants who were under the age of eighteen (Noss, Westra, & Pimentel, 2000). They were required to bring a Youth Waiver Form just to prove the consent of their parents or guardians. Participants did not have to carry with them the tools needed to execute their mandates because all the tools required for the services would be provided. The overall activities for the session were to continue with the preparation of the planting beds with assistance from the KCD Grants that was awarded to Lewis Park. This preparation needed participants to trim back and relocate plants in the areas that were selected for coming up with the new community implementation planting beds. It is worth noting that the new community implementation planting beds are found on the upper part of Lewis Park just along the Golf Dr. S and 15th Avenue. At the end of the sessions, there would be a complete amendment of the indigenous soil and restoration of the park using native plants (Hay, Stavins, & Vietor, 2004). Each group was required

Preventing Noise Induced Hearing Loss in Children Essay

Preventing Noise Induced Hearing Loss in Children - Essay Example The loss is fairly gradual, so it may not be noticed immediately. The amount of hearing lost depends on the intensity of the sound, the duration of the sound, and how often the person experiences the sound. Hearing loss can be long term, or short term, depending on the above three instances. Once hearing loss has happened, however, there is no way to cure what has happened. In "Noise Induced Hearing Loss in Children: what Educators Need to Know", by Anne Kathryn Haller and Judy K. Montgomery, they describe the effect that noise induced hearing loss has had on American society. Nearly one third of Americans with hearing loss can link their decreased hearing ability to noise (Haller 29). Over time, it has moved to the number two cause of hearing loss, after age-related hearing loss. According to Haller, "nearly thirty million people are estimated to be exposed to injurious levels of noise each day" (30). What is worse is that many of these people are children. For children, loss of hearing carries a greater penalty then loss of hearing for adults has. Children are still learning how to use language, and a loss of hearing can negatively impact their ability to communicate, understand and learn language (Holler 2004). In the article, to prevent these problems in schools, Holler suggests having regular assessments of noise in schools, keeping noise in cafet erias and gymnasiums as low as possible, encouraging students to use personal hearing protectors, and regular screening of students for hearing loss, so that it can be caught and treated early (Holler 2004). In "The Effectiveness of an Interactive Hearing Conservation Program for Children," by Gail D. Chermak, Lori Curtis and J. Anthony Seikel, the researchers looked at recent increases in hearing loss in children and possible causes and solutions. They determined that of children with hearing loss, the majority of them are boys ages ten and older who have diminished their hearing in leisure activity (Chermok 1). Their study primarily looked at the effectiveness of hearing education for children in elementary school, and its long term effect on the children's responses to situations involving excessive noise. They presented to children two one hour sessions in which they were asked first what they knew about hearing and hearing loss in a questionnaire, and then were taught how to recognize situations of excessive noise, and how to protect their own hearing in those situations. Results suggested that this education significantly increased the children's knowledge of hearing and hearing l oss, and also increased the children's likelihood to use preventive and protective measures when around excessive noise. In the third article, "Hearing Conservation Education Programs for Children: A Review," by Robert L. Folmar, Susan E. Griest, and William Hal Martin, current efforts to protect children's hearing are reviewed, in order to provide a comprehensive source for educators. They found twelve programs whose primary goal was to educate about hearing loss, and an additional seventeen whose specifically looked at children and

Accounting writing assignments Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Accounting writing assignments - Essay Example In order to obtain detailed financial information about the company, it is necessary to analyse consolidated balance sheet and other financial statements of the company. The company’s financial data clearly indicates that Ford has achieved $128,954 million in sales for the fiscal year 2010. The company could effectively survive the impacts of 2009 global financial crisis and it attained a net income of $6,561 million in 2010. The annual report 2011 shows that the company’s earnings per share is $1.66 although it has not issued dividends to shareholders. The consolidated balance sheet of the company illustrates that Ford’s total assets/total liabilities for the fiscal 2010 were $164,687 million. In addition, total shareholders’ equity of Ford was $-642 million. According to the â€Å"management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations†, most powerful feature of the Ford is its flexibility to integrate with various market situations (Ford Motor Company). The company distributes its costs and expenses under two categories such as cost of sales and selling, administrative and other expenses. This section clearly reflects that effective cost monitoring and control mechanisms have assisted the company to improve its profitability. The management report indicates that the ongoing global economic recovery has greatly benefited the company to improve its financial condition, which was very weak in the previous year (Ford Motor Company). In addition, the Ford possesses an efficient management team that effectively forecasts changing consumer tastes and specifications and thereby greatly aids R&D team to design innovative car models. The general tone of the management’s comments points that the company is passing through an economic recovery phase, and the micro-macro environments of the Ford offers potential opportunities to the company for the upcoming years (Ford Motor Company). At the same time, intense market competition is

The Role of The CCTV Surveillance Systems in Reducing Crime in City Coursework

The Role of The CCTV Surveillance Systems in Reducing Crime in City Centers - Coursework Example It has been observed that CCTV helps police and security personnel to fight against terrorism. According Abhishek Agarwal CCTV is an integral in the protection of people and their homes. With all the innovations and technology of this world CCTV is among the most important electronic innovations which has brought dramatic change in people lives. As these system works on more sensitive and sophisticated electronic maneuverings which has made its overall more effective explained by Agarwal. â€Å"CCTV’s are funded by partnerships consisting of local authorities and businesses† (qtd.in Staffordshire police).In the last decade the propagation of CCTV has been observed in town centers. Britain is among the most extensive CCTV coverage country in the world. This is due to the proactive approach which was carried by central government with an investment of 38Million pounds to support 585 local CCTVs explained by Coretta Phillips. CCTV has been located in town centers, shops, shopping centers, hospital, building societies but very few of them are installed in housing projects (Coretta Phillips; Crime prevention studies). In addition to the funds from central government , European government and other local bodies have also invested in installation of CCTV with the major aim is to provide deterrence of crime and disorder. It has also explained by many experts that because of its surveillance capability it has become easy to deploy police and other security perso nnel appropriately. It also reduces public’s fear of crime which in return increases the use of public spaces. These cameras can be installed anywhere within the public areas of these systems noticeably or secretly explained by Michael Greenberger,J.D The ability of basic modern cameras includes zoom, pivot, rotate and focus on objects and people upto 300feet away (Ready;2005).also the video output of these cameras can be monitored , recorded and reviewed at a later time or

iTunes and the Future of Music Essay Example for Free

iTunes and the Future of Music Essay Through its iTunes, iPod, and proprietary music software, Apple dominates the legal music download industry. But with the iPod contributing half of all the firm’s revenues, Apple faces intensifying competition posed by imitators such as the joint venture between Microsoft and MTV, and Samsung’s Helix. In addition to the competitive pressures, iPod also faces legal challenges. In France for example, legal enactments that compel firms with proprietary music management software to open their code to others are about to be passed. Such a law will also standardize formats across the industry so that songs from one vendor could be played on a digital player from any other system. Apple has also had to stare down the four largest record labels as far as pricing is concerned. While the four largest record labels preferred variable pricing in order to maximize earnings, Apple successfully argued for the flat 99 cents price which is more competitive (Boone and Kurtz, 2008, ch. 4). The success of Apple illustrates how commitment to the marketing orientation philosophy is useful in ensuring organizational success. Unlike the major record labels which insisted on selling music packaged in CDs, Apple realized that music consumers’ tastes and preferences had shifted in favour of the more convenient digital format, and developed a product around such needs. Through the strategy of product development as identified by the Ansoff Matrix, we see Apple adding on to its product line music videos, popular TV shows, and short movies (Mercer, 1996). Apart from the product, Apple also got other elements of its marketing mix right. In particular, its adoption of the flat $0. 99 price rather than the variable pricing pushed by major record labels ensures that the product remains competitive. Its ability to bundle together its three products the iPod, iTunes and proprietary music software is also a smart marketing gimmick that has enabled it to lock in customers (Boone and Kurtz, 2008, ch. 4). Apple derives its sustainable competitive advantage from its proprietary music software as well as its unique player iPod. By enacting laws that allow Apple’s rivals access to its code, and by standardizing formats across the industry so that songs from other vendors could play from the iPod and vice versa, the new regulations will in essence be eroding the source of the competitive advantage enjoyed by Apple in the digital music industry. For that reason, should the French legislation succeed, it would be better for Apple to pull iTunes out of the French market (Boone and Kurtz, 2008, ch. 4).