Kite Runner †Religion Roles/How Political Events Effect Characters Essay

3. In the novel The Kite Runner, the author Khaled Hosseini rarely mentions religion, but in a way, it plays a big role in the growth of the main character, Amir. In the beginning of the novel, Amir first questions his religion. Either he can listen to a â€Å"mullah† who taught that drinking was a sin, or he can listen to his more westernized father who thinks that religion is meaningless and drinks for his enjoyment. As one works their way through the novel, religion at first appears as a minor role, and eventually evolves into a much greater role in the life of Amir. The first important instance of Religion, appears in chapter three when Amir learns about sin and drinking. â€Å"Mullah Fatiullah Khan†, a teacher who taught Amir about Islam, said that â€Å"Islam considered drinking a terrible sin†, and that drinkers would one day answer for this on â€Å"the day of Qiyamat, Judgment Day†. Amir tells Baba, Amir’s father, about what he learned and Baba responds by saying that Amir has â€Å"confused what [he’s] learning in school with actual education†, says that â€Å"no matter what the mullah teaches, there is only one sin†, and that one sin was theft. Killing, cheating, lying, were all variations of theft. Amir blames himself for killing his mother, and believed that Baba hated him for this. Many people seek forgiveness through religion, but at this point of the novel, Amir has no idea which religion he should turn to. This young Amir seems as if he is indifferent toward Religion, and maybe might not care for it as a traditional follower of Islam would. Even though it seems this way, he will carry religion with him throughout the novel and will become a greater part in his life as he matures. In chapter twenty-four of The Kite Runner, Amir talks to the American Embassy about adopting Sohrab, Hassan’s son that Amir rescues from a Taliban official, and a man says that Sohrab is going to need to go to an orphanage again. Sohrab did not like the idea of being in an orphanage again and tries to commit suicide by slitting his wrists. Amir is able to get Sohrab to the hospital, then finds a white bed sheet and locates west so that he could pray. When he puts his forehead to the ground, he remembers that he hasn’t â€Å"prayed for over fifteen years† and has â€Å"long forgotten the words† but it did not matter to him. He then speaks the words he still did remember. In his prayer he says that he can now see that â€Å"Baba was wrong† and prays for forgiveness of his sins, betrayal, and lies. Amir promises to become a good follower and for his last words he asks for one last thing and says, â€Å"My hands are stained with Hassan’s blood; I pray God doesn’t let them get stained with the blood of his boy too. † I stated previously that many people seek for forgiveness through religion. For most of Amir’s life, guilt was carried with him and was never able to forgive himself. When he was in times of need, like his father’s diagnosis or Sohrab’s suicide attempt, he sought to his faith. This shows that Amir unconsciously also carried his faith throughout his life. Amir is a very introverted main character, but when he turns to his faith, the reader is truly aware of his feelings. Amir needs to believe in god to provide an agent for forgiveness. His faith will finally allow him to forgive himself, and will ultimately make Amir become more mature, and a man like his father. Months later on a Sunday morning, Amir gets out of bed and prays the â€Å"morning namaz†, and did not â€Å"have to consult the prayer pamphlet†. He says that â€Å"the verses came naturally now†. This shows that Amir has now accepted his faith and has grown from it. Amir’s religion and guilt played hand in hand with another. By reconciling and coming to terms with his betrayal of Hassan, he can finally now embrace Islam. 2. In the years of 1978 and before, Afghanistan was a peaceful country. The citizens relatively had freedoms, but with the arrival of the Russians and Taliban, these freedoms were to diminish. These political changes in Afghanistan have a direct effect on the characters lives in The Kite Runner. In chapter five, one reads about the first shootings that Amir hears. There were gun shots and explosions in the streets that lasted less than an hour. Those were â€Å"foreign sounds† to the Afghan people then. â€Å"The generation of Afghan children whose ears would know nothing but the sounds of bombs and gunfire was not yet born. † Amir then states that â€Å"The end, the official end, would come first in April 1978 with the communist coup d’etat, and then in December 1979, when Russian tanks would roll into the very same streets where Hassan and I played, bringing the death of the Afghanistan I knew and marking the start of a still ongoing era of bloodletting. † This is the part of the story where everything begins to change for the characters in The Kite Runner. The communist takeover of Afghanistan would drive Baba and Amir, along with other privileged class, into exile. The political situation in Afghanistan had led to a point where â€Å"you couldn’t trust anyone in Kabul anymore† and â€Å"for a fee†¦ people told on each other†. Dead bodies would turn up on the sides of the streets with bullets in their heads. Baba had to then make arrangements for him and Amir to flee to Pakistan. Baba and Amir would have to leave their old life behind them. Baba would have to leave his life of luxury and wealth. Amir left behind his childhood life, and left his betrayal of Hassan in Kabul, which will carry with him throughout the novel. Amir states that â€Å"For me, America was a place to bury my memories. For Baba, a place to mourn his. † When they settled in Fremont, California, Baba has a hard time fitting in and would eventually become unhappy working at a gas station. Amir on the other hand will have the opportunity to go to school and graduate college. The move to America is a set back for Baba, but for Amir, it will allow him to grow as a man. Amir would eventually return to Kabul in search for his nephew Sohrab. When Amir sees the streets of Kabul, he noticed that they are flooded with beggars. â€Å"They squatted at every street corner, dressed in shredded burlap bags, mud-caked hands held out for a coin. † The shocking thing here is that these beggars are mostly children, no older than six or five sitting at the laps of their mothers. Amir states that â€Å"the wars had made fathers a rare commodity in Afghanistan. † Hosseini paints a picture of the living situation that Amir’s half-brother Hassan was stuck to live with. Hassan was not privileged enough to flee, and had to live in this war torn Afghanistan. Amir’s nephew Sohrab is one of the unfortunate children that is born into a life of gun fire, explosion, and poverty. It is up to Amir to become a man and find â€Å"a way to be good again. †

Financial Analysis and Forecast of Sweet Dreams Inc Essay

Sweet Dream Incorporated (SDI) is a manufacturing company focused on mattress and box spring production for large retailers and hotel chains. With two facilities at their disposal, SDI manufactures over 20 different styles of bedding for their consumers. SDI’s founder and president, Douglas May, has contacted our consulting firm with regards to current financial problems between himself and SDI’s bank, First International Bank. Due to the spike in bank failures in the early 1990’s First National has become extremely sensitive to problem loans (loans which show ratio performances below the industry standard). Unfortunately, SDI has had poor liquidity and debt ratios for the past three years which has caught the banks attention. After a phone call from the bank Doug has realized that SDI is in even worse trouble than the bank thinks. He has just signed a 9.5 million dollar contract to expand the business which was allegedly being loaned from the bank. Seeing as how the bank is debating closing Doug down it doesn’t look likely that they would want to front him another 9.5 million. Following a brief meeting with his senior managers, Doug and his team decided that this 9.5 million dollar loan from the bank is the only way to keep their business alive. They have decided to reverse their current policy of aggressive price drops and easy credit, reduce their administrative, selling and miscellaneous expenses, not acquire any new fixed assets or sell common stock, decrease accounts payable, stop paying dividends, and freeze executive salaries. All this is an attempt to prove to the bank that Sweet Dreams Inc. is taking their financial situation very seriously and that the bank should strongly consider giving SDI the 9.5 million dollar loan. Doug has asked us to verify the bank’s evaluation of his company, predict the expected performance of Sweet Dreams Inc. for 1996 and 1997, and prepare a list of SDI’s strengths an d weaknesses. All of these requests will be used to influence the bank to grant a 9.5 million dollar short-term loan to SDI as well as not forcing the bank to demand immediate re-payment of their loans. Sweet Dreams Incorporated (SDI) is struggling currently. With a current ratio of 1.9, SDI looks good up front. However the company’s inventory occupies close to 60 percent of its current assets. The quick ratio better shows SDI’s performance. With a ratio of .77, SDI cannot pay their short-term liabilities as they come due. This shows the first problem of Sweet Dreams Inc; Inventory Management. Also in Doug’s efforts to spin his recent losses he has decided to change his traditional dividend payout from 25% to 0. This symptom cuts to the core problem that SDI’s bottom line has suffered in the past years, partly because of economic downturns and partly because of management’s response to the economic downturn. Finally SDI’s Z score poses a problem with the banks’ standards. An Altman’s Z score is calculated by combining five different ratios of a company. First National claims that a Z score below the industry standard shows weakness in a firm and increases the likelihood of default. SDI’s Altman score is 3.07 which is not enough to worry the bank, but enough to put increased pressure on Sweet Dreams Inc. Therefore the problem here lies at minimizing costs and increasing revenues. To solve these problems SDI would need to focus their efforts on inventory management, company decisions, and effectiveness and efficiency. Regarding inventory SDI can lower the current level of mattress production to let inventory deplete to an acceptable percentage of current assets. As for company decisions when the economy is hurting companies should focus on cutting wages or hours to minimize costs, not reducing prices to increase sales. Finally the company needs to work on improving their ratios. Strong ratios come from more selling and less spending which in turn will lead to a better Altman’s Z score. 2) After finding the results of Question one, it is evident that SDI has more weaknesses than strengths as of 1995. If you look at the common size statements, Table 3, it shows that inventory increased as a percentage of sales, which indicates that a smaller percentage is being sold. All current liabilities increased as a percentage of total liabilities, which indicates that SDI is facing more debt. Figure one also clearly shows many of the weaknesses of SDI. Both liquidity ratios are below the industry average. Although the debt ratio appears to be above the industry average, it is actually a weakness because it indicates that SDI has more debt than equity. The only asset management ratio that is above industry average is the fixed asset turnover ratio, the rest are either equal to, or beneath their industry average. However, it’s not all bad; Figure one also shows that SDI has managed to hold a payout ratio on dividends that is 5 percent above the industry average. 3) Based on our analysis of historical data, I do not believe that the bank should lend the requested money to SDI. We believe SDI is unfit for the loan because they are below the industry average in a majority of financial ratios used to measure overall success in the company. These include liquidity ratios, leverage ratios, asset management ratios and profitability ratios, all shown in Table six. The fact that SDI Is facing decreased demand resulting from the recent depression also adds to their adversity they are facing to be a successful retailer. The current financial situation they are in makes them very sensitive to any unexpected economic event, making the risk of lending to them even greater. We firmly believe that it would not be beneficial to the bank to grant SDI this loan. 5) SDI has determined that its optimal cash balance will be 5 percent of total sales. In addition, all excess funds of this amount will be invested in marketable securities, which in turn will earn a 5 percent interest rate. Based on the forecasted financial statements, we have determined that SDI will be able to invest in marketable securities in 1996 and 1997. As shown in Table two, net sales for 1996 and 1997 are $330,386,000 and $371,684,000 respectively. Table one shows that in 1996, SKI had $55,276,000 in cash and marketable securities. With the optimal cash balance at 5 percent, only $16,519,300 of this amount will be in cash. The remaining $38,756,700 will go towards marketable securities. Likewise the figures in 1997, which exceeds $18,584,200, the 5 percent optimal cash balance. Therefore, SDI was able to invest $56,183,800 in marketable securities. A potential problem that our financial forecasts reveal is that we are investing a considerably larger amount of money into the marketable securities than we are holding in cash. While this money is earning interest, it may cause a future problem seeing as how there are so many loans that require cash to be paid off. With cash being the most liquid of all assets, it may be essential to keep more on hand in order to successfully pay off short and long term loans that will accumulate as a result of the $9,500,000 increase in capital from the plant expansion. 6) On the basis of previously developed forecasts, it does not appear that SDI will be able to retire all of its outstanding short-term loans by December 31, 1996. At this date, SDI’s short term SDI has on hand at this time is only $16,519,300, as the rest of their cash will be invested in marketable securities as a result of the 5 percent optimal cash balance. 7) Should the bank decide to withdraw the entire line of credit and demand payment immediately, a few alternative options would be available to Sweet Dreams Inc. The first option is that Sweet Dreams Inc. would immediately file for bankruptcy. Along with this they will file for protection under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Act. This will allow Sweet Dreams Inc. to run as a firm and raise new money under restricted circumstances. Sweet Dreams Inc. will also be able to sell off any liquid assets in order to cover operation expenses and legal fees involved in this process. However, filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy is not a n easy way out because more often than not the bank is unable to recover its initial investment. Along with this, employee productivity and morale descends, and the company will begin to have difficulty obtaining credit in the future because of their soiled credit history today. Another option is that Sweet Dreams Inc. would sell current assets at market value to pay off the requested amount from the bank. Their short-term bank loan is equal to $26,610,000 and their long-term bank loan is equal to $16,248,000 in 1995. Combined, this will equal a total of $42,858,000. This amount will need to be paid off as soon as possible. Due to the fact that they cannot sell total assets, Sweet Dreams Inc. needs to sell their current assets first at market value. For this example, we will use 28% as a fair market value. At 28% of face value, the $127,028,000 worth of current assets would be worth $91,460,160 to the creditors. First, Sweet Dreams Inc. would pay back the bank because they are requesting those funds immediately. After the loans are fully paid off, Sweet Dreams Inc. would be left with $48,602,160. The next action would be to pay off the stockholders who are still entitled to money. This amount would total to $2,660,000, with 7million shares valued at $.38. This would leave Since Sweet Dreams Inc. with $45,942,160. Although they still have money, Sweet Dreams Inc. took a major financial hit and will most likely need to default regardless. 8. There are several circumstances that would affect the validity of the comparative ratio analysis. For example the text quotes, â€Å"SDI’s problems began with the recession of the early 1990’s, which caused a drastic decrease in demand from its retail and hotel customers,† When outside sources such as a recession or an inflation occurs one can expect that the forecast would be altered. Unforeseeable events such as natural disasters can also affect the normality of the forecast, as these can affect potential sales. Also, if one makes a mistake in a forecast, and adds incorrectly or uses the wrong formula then the comparative ratio will be thrown off. When forecasting, one can only trust the facts of the past. For example, in this case study, SDI managers saw a decrease in demand from this recession. This caused many retail and hotel customers to steer away from purchasing new bedding. Although the sales from new homeowners were still there, hotels were not being built in the Southeast. Even though SDI responded by lowering prices and increasing production, people were still not buying and sales never increased. Hence, the management forecast was not accurate, and sales hardly improved. In most cases, forecasting is a very effective tool in predicting what will occur in the future, but there must be some room for managers to be flexible in order to account for discrepancies in the data or unknown events. 10) Based on the Altman’s Z-Score table we are confident that if a company is within 25% of expected sales they will still be close to the minimum Altman score of 3.2. Therefore the company would have strong enough ratios to not be flagged by the bank for, â€Å"Problem Loans.† Also Cost of Goods Sold as a percent of sales and the Altman Z score are inversely related. This shows that the end results are sensitive to Cost of Goods Sold. 11) While looking at the pro-forma financial statements, we believe Ingrid should give Sweet Dreams Inc. the 9.5 million dollar loan. All of the ratios are above the industry averages which hold strong signs for the future of the company. That being said SDI’s pro forma statements are of course, speculative. Ingrid should implement certain prevention systems to monitor SDI’s statements. For instance the bank should state in part of their indenture that SDI must keep 20% of their revenue in a savings account that the bank has access too. This serves the bank by holding 20% of their assets, but more importantly it lets the bank see how much money the company is making proportionately. The bank also has the right to use said assets as collateral until SDI is able to pay the bank back. With this contingency plan installed we believe that Ingrid would be justified in giving the loan to Sweet Dreams Incorporated.

In Gothic texts, women are either hopelessly submissive or significantly absent Essay

The novel Frankenstein is dominated with male characters amidst female characters often being used to fill minor roles. For a female character to be ‘hopelessly submissive’ we would expect the character was pre-determined to be passive with no chance of progressing from the ‘submissive’ role. However in Frankenstein we see female character such a Elizabeth Lavenza stand alone at points even when other are against her for example the persecution of Justine Moritz. The term ‘significantly absent’ implies the female to be absent in order to teach a lesson or convey a message, to have some primary objective. Within Frankenstein this is true in relation to Caroline who dies yet the absence is significant within the plot and Mary Shelley’s authorial message. In regards to women being ‘significantly absent’ we see the character of Margaret Saville, Robert Walton’s sister, follow this idea. Within the opening letters of the frame narrative of ‘Frankenstein’ we are made aware of ‘dear Margaret’ being the recipient of Roberts’s letters informing the reader of his whereabouts. We never hear from Margaret herself yet we know she’s disapproves of Robert’s excursion, Shelley intentionally provides the views of Margaret second handily; whatever we know about her is conveyed through Roberts writings. Throughout the novel any mention of women comes from either Robert or Victor and the reader is never made aware of the thoughts and feelings of the women directly and therefore a gender bias is apparent. The absence of a female narration also reflects the male dominance present at the time the novel was written mirroring the submissive woman. Similarly Elizabeth Lavenza, an orphan adopted by the Frankenstein’s, can also be seen as submissive due her passive role. Elizabeth is objectified from the moment we are introduced to her; she is presented as property of victor when described as a ‘pretty present’ for victor to play with. Here Mary Shelley is making a point of the unfair treatment of women and their objectification. Elizabeth represents a character much like Shelley herself she is aids the poor, respects all classes and supports Justine when wrongly accused. In this sense Elizabeth is neither ‘hopelessly submissive’ nor ‘significantly absent’ instead she expresses individualism in her actions which can be admired by the reader and run unconventional in the genre of gothic novels. Victor’s mother, Caroline Frankenstein, can be seen as both ‘hopelessly submissive’ and ‘significantly absent.’ After dying of ‘scarlet fever’ victor is absent of a mother figure and it may be questioned if this is an element of his disintegration of character. After bringing the monster to life Victor dreams he dreams he ‘held the corpse’ of his ‘dead mother’ creating some disturbance and upholding the genre of the gothic. In this case victors ‘absent’ mother is affecting him mentally and this can be seen as Shelley showing the power of females which is overlooked by men. Caroline can be related to the feminist theory of ‘the angel in the house.’ The angel in the house refers to a maternal, domestic female seen as an idealisation for men. Caroline is often portrayed as a weak vulnerable woman with a ‘soft and benevolent mind’ and therefore fits into the ‘submissiveâ⠂¬â„¢ female character. After her death it seems the ‘angel of the house’ is then shifted to Elizabeth who takes over the role of the mother and is devoted to the family becoming the maternal figure herself. The statement reduces the women within gothic novels to just two roles ‘hopelessly submissive’ or ‘significantly absent’ and therefore is very limiting towards the female characters of gothic novels. Although the women in Frankenstein do display these roles these are just two of many. We see both Margaret and Caroline to be significantly absent and Elizabeth is often submissive within her place in the family prior to Caroline’s death. However all the female characters within Frankenstein, other than Margaret (she is the only one to remain significantly absent throughout) display many more elements within their characters. Consequently when considering this statement in the light of the female characters in Frankenstein it fails to account for other character roles and therefore is only partially valid when applying to Frankenstein.

Renewable Energy Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Renewable Energy - Research Proposal Example The trend of FDI is common among developed countries of the world including the United States. In the US, technologies have been developed and utilized efficiently to meet the needs of renewable energy in the country (Nations, 2010). However, with the increasing population and their demands of daily use for home, businesses and transport, it has become important to secure basis for the USs future energy needs and so the need of FDI in the energy sector. In an official report by OCO Global (2012), it was stated that the United State is facing challenges and lack of opportunities in terms of Foreign Direct Investment. Though, during the government of former president Bill Clinton it was noticed that $1 billion were invested in coal plant and a great many improvements had been made in solar and wind turbines. It is evident from the fact, at that time 1900, jobs were opened in solar energy sector and 3,300 jobs were offered in wind turbine sectors of energy industry. FDI market reports have revealed that there is an exceptional form of political and social force that prop up the development and evolution of renewable energy sources. On the other hand, it has been evaluated by the researchers that political leaders of the US and other countries as well emphasize on clearer and more sustainable sources of renewable energy that can help the country to fulfill future needs of the population (Energy Politics, 2012). AEO (2012) report discusses that previous and present both governments has always targeted to have set goals, when it comes to alternatives for renewable energy sources. Likewise, in the United States the New Energy for American program has a 25 percent target for coming years particularly focusing 2025. Payne and Yu, (2011) report discusses that an increasing flow of FDI in the United State can potentially accelerate the economic growth and

Drinking Age in the United States Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Drinking Age in the United States - Essay Example Young adults seem to be bigger binge drinkers that those who are of age to legally drink. It seems to me that in our generation, partying is more and more acceptable which causes people to forget about their responsibilities. The U.S. Surgeon General’s office has reported that lowering the drinking age would cause more â€Å"death from injuries, will play a significant role in risky sexual behavior, and is associated with academic failure and illicit drug use† (Wallace, para. 3). Underage drinking is very common in today’s society. According to the article The Over/Under, the average teen starts experimenting with alcohol use as early as age 13. And that the statistic is that â€Å"nearly one out of every five teenagers has â€Å"blackout† spells in which he or she could not remember what happened the previous evening because of heavy binge drinking† (Wallace, para. 7). Many colleges today are pushing laws to lower the drinking age to 18 because they believe it will decrease binge drinking. However â€Å"the National Survey on Drug Use and Health finds that 36% of 18-20-year-olds reported one or more days of heavy drinking in the past month† (Barnett, 2008). However, over 130 college presidents and chancellors announced that they were fed up with the alcohol abuse taking place on the campus atmosphere. They want to lower the drinking age because they know 18-20-year-olds drink anyways and have to try to do it secretly. They believe if the drinking age was changed to 18, they would be able to monitor the drinking and make moderate drinking the norm (Binge Culture, 2008). The argument against this proposal is that having the age be 21, the fatality rates are lower than they would be if they were 18. In 1984 when the MLDA was raised to 21,  and about 25,000 lives were saved by reducing the alcohol-related traffic fatalities (Barnett, 2008).  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   People who are in a favor of lowering the drinking age also argue that if an 18-year-old can fight for there country they should be able to legally drink. Eighteen-year-olds can vote, buy cigarettes, and live on their own, so basically some people believe laws should lower the drinking age because 18 years old is considered to be adult.

Online shopping Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Online shopping - Research Paper Example The largest online retail companies include eBay, Amazon.com and Alibaba (BLUSCHKE 2011, pg8). The growing business and consumer demands a lot of creativity and this cannot be achieved through physical only. This is evident with the increasing number of retailers now offering online stores interface to consumers. With the enhancements in online shopping, there is an emergence of new market footprint coverage opportunities for stores that can appropriately cater to offshore market demands and service requirements (WINDWALKER 2002, pg19). Online shopping is an all-round benefiting process that does not only benefit buyers but also the sellers. Setting up a physical store comprises huge setup costs and recurring operational costs. Products that remain unsold can only occupy premium space, as opposed to resources required to manage them. Additionally, virtual stores ensure product movement based on orders. Physical shopping limits customers through factors such as distance, shopping time and time. These limitations do not exist when it comes to online (KÜHN 2010, pg77). Those who undertake online shopping argues that searching a product online is very easy and relatively less time consuming. Moreover, most of the time products are sold at a cheaper price online. Online customers must have access to the internet and a valid payment method so as to undertake a complete online purchase. Basically, high education levels and personal income is directly related to more favorable perceptions of online shopping (KÜHN 2 010, pg19). Online shoppers generally use a credit card or a PayPal account in order to make payments. Nevertheless, some methods such as debit cards, postal money order, wire transfer, cheque, cash on delivery and many others are also preferred. Financial part of online transaction may be processed in real time or may be done later as part of the fulfillment process (KÜHN 2010, pg31). Technological developments bring

Policing and Penal Services Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Policing and Penal Services - Essay Example Although this may sound an ideal way to deal with criminals, the ground realities are quite different from the expected results. As no solution is perfect and without flaws, the same goes with this problem of handling criminal behaviour and controlling uncivil citizens, thus increasing problems inside the prisons and penitentiaries. Imprisonment and jailing has been an effective way to protect the society from corrupt people and individuals with criminal tendencies (Baker, 2002). Prisons hold a complete new world inside them as the most dangerous people from all over the country or province/state are collected in a single space, the chances of different mishaps and unwanted happenings are increased a hundred fold (Baker, 2002). Therefore, the prison service or probation service should be capable of handling such situations. Furthermore, the prison service should competent enough to prevent any incidents from happening at all. Containing any undesirable situations, preventing jailbrea ks, controlling prisoner riots, thwarting murder attempts and violent attacks, halting drug trafficking, preventing any sexual harassment or assaults and frustrating any prison gangs from causing any harms are the primary tasks of a prison service. Further duties include the training of convicts to become a better citizen of society, provide them with adult education (if required), providing proper healthcare without any discrimination of race, class, colour, religion or creed and building the capacity of inmates to integrate with the society after they have completed their sentence (Great Britain Home Office, 1979). Education can be used for rehabilitation of prisoners. It is important to make them stand back on their feet and help them become a productive member of the society. Prisons serve this essential function in the society as well. This essay will attempt to shed a light on the present prison services, their current state, the methodologies which are used, and their compete ncy and provide further alternatives and recommendations to increase their performance and capabilities. It will also comment on education and how it can play a role in rehabilitation of prisoners. Theory behind Imprisonment: Bjerregaard and Lizotte (1995) concluded that there are actually four theories that formed the idea of incarcerating certain citizens. These can be listed as under: Punishment Deter Specifically Deter Generally Rehabilitation. Punishment: This is a very basic idea which follows the concept of punishing an individual for his/her wrong doing and preventing him/her from repeating the crime. Deter Specifically: Also known as incapacitation, the idea behind specific deterrence is to remove the criminal individual from the society, relying simply on the idea that if such a person would not be a part of the society, his/her criminal actions would not affect the society in any way whatsoever and population in general will stay safe (Cao, Zhao, & Van Dine, 1997). Deter Generally: This involves making someone an example for a serious crimes (Carlson, 2001). For instance, if there is death penalty for intentional homicide, then lesser people will do any such act. This idea has given way to many harsh punishments such as life imprisonments and capital punishments. Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation involves guiding the offenders and making them better citizens of the society (Jiang & Fisher-Giorlando, 2002). They are given education and awareness about being a productive member of the community and participating in building the society instead of tearing it down. Although this is the most productive

International fashion textiles Marketing Literature review

International fashion textiles Marketing - Literature review Example Internationalization Process Internationalization process is a particular brand development process considering from the local or domestic market place to international market place. This internationalization process used to provide international activity analysis depending upon the market penetration. International environment will generate valuable experience about the learning global strategy. For an example, an organization can gain valuable experiences in order to identify the social problems in various countries (Pride and Ferrell, 2011, p.248). Based on several literatures, internationalization process can be defined as the specific process to increase the involvement of a brand or an organization in global operations. Generally, this internationalization process comprises of a sensible planning perspective, which can help the organization to make effective strategic decisions in order to improve the organizational performance. It indicates that, the organization has internati onalized their business operations based on the strategy development (Hill and Jones, 2011, p.149). It generally supports the predefined long-term objectives of the organization. In a very much simple and similar attempt, the literatures have proposed s strategic planning process framework for the luxurious fast-fashion and textile organizations or brands that has internationalized their business operation around the globe. Exclusively, the initiative frameworks that have been proposed by the literatures depict the internationalization trend for the both born-global and gradual global luxurious fashion and textile organizations. An international strategic planning process allows several potential organizations to increase the incremental operation involvement in a very concrete manner (Behrens, 2009, p.71). These strategies only can be implemented after achieving significant success in the home or domestic market. It has been effectively revealed that the incremental process of inte rnationalization planning develops by the learning via commitment over longer period of times. In this way, the fashion and textile retailers used to construct a strong base in the domestic market (Etemed, 2005, p.62). Moreover, this strategy and process help the organiza6tions to focus on the expansion of business operations on other potential geographic areas either within the country or any other potential international area. The growth of business performance level in the domestic market used to motivate the organizations to make an international footprint around the globe. Therefore, an incremental planning structure can significantly provide the luxury fashion or the textile retail organizations an effective understanding about the competency and several aspects of a local market place (Kapferer, 2008, p.34). Moreover, it helps to identify various innovative strategies that can be effective enough to implement in the international business expansion process. There are several drawbacks that exist in the incremental planning structure. The fashion and textile retailers may not be able to execute the same strategy in terms of global market. In order to support this concept, Bell et al. (2003) has argued that, in the incrementa

Principles of Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Principles of Marketing - Essay Example The main reason behind market segmentation is to help a company understand the needs of a particular segment (Beane & Ennis, 1997, p. 31). Mass marketing mainly assumes that all customers have the same interests and consumption behaviour. Segmenting the market can also serve in identifying smaller groups of consumers who make their own subsets an aspect that improve the overall efficiency of the company’s marketing efforts (Dibb, Simpkin, Pride & Ferrell, 2001). Market segmentation enables the marketer to compare different marketing opportunities of different marketing segments through studying consumer needs and potential, their level of satisfaction etc. This helps the company in coming up with appropriate strategies to satisfy the needs of these different segments. There are different forms of segmentation. These include geographical segmentation, demographic segmentation, psychographic segmentation and behavioural segmentation. Geographical segmentation This is segmenting the market based on the location of the customers. Demand of goods can vary according to geographic location of the customers. Geographical segmentation therefore, focuses on prospective markets’ location and different attributes that are associated with each location. The marketer can therefore, focus on either a single location or many depending on the varying requirements of each region and the cost of serving these locations. Demographic segmentation This is division of the market according to demographic variables such as age, gender, individual occupation, education or even family size. The marketer uses these variables in making decisions and identifying the target market. In an example, a company may decide to segment the market according to age of the people. As a result, it can develop different products that meet different requirements of customers that belong to various age groups (Hunt and Arnett, 2004, p.23). Psychographic and behavioural segmentation Psychograp hic segmentation divides the market into different segments which have similar lifestyles. Lifestyle is an individual mode of living and mainly describes how a person conducts his/her daily activities. On the other hand, behavioural segmentation divides the market according to behavioural characteristics of the customers. Different customers have different behaviours which are used by a marketer to market the produce (Kotler & Armstrong, 2011). Market targeting Marketing targeting is a process of identifying different groups of consumers that exist in a market who are likely to purchase a certain good or service. Target marketing makes it easier to price, promote and distribute the product or service at a cost that is effective. When targeting the market, a marketer should ensure that the firm has adequate resources to meet the requirement of the target market. Targeting plays an important role of reducing market ambiguity as marketers are able to have an in-depth knowledge concerni ng the target consumers. There are different forms of targeting. One of the methods is referred to as broad or undifferentiated targeting. The concept that underlies this method is that a product or service has a broad appeal to all customers irrespective of their age, gender and location. Second method is referred to as selective or differentiated method. With this

Manac Plc. Models and concepts affecting the pricing decisions taken Essay

Manac Plc. Models and concepts affecting the pricing decisions taken by organizations, critically reflecting upon their usefulness - Essay Example The pricing policy of a firm is affected by a number of factors which contains the variable and fixed costs of the firm and the ecological factors which contains competitor analysis and legal analysis. Pricing models can be utilized to explain, forecast or explain pricing circumstances, or to prescribe pricing decisions. Irrespective of their planned use, however, models are basically abstractions of actuality. Even though they are less difficult than the real world, models should have relevant possessions of the realism they are calculated to represent. A number of more particular criteria served as the foundation for evaluating the pricing models are reviewed. Two criteria are valid to the assumptions on which the form is based. Such assumptions must be stated openly so that the user is cognizant of their existence and so able to assess their relevance and importance. Secondly, the assumptions must be realistic. â€Å"The pricing decision is a critical one for most marketers, yet the amount of attention given to this key area is often much less than is given to other marketing decisions. One reason for the lack of attention is that many believe price setting is a mechanical process requiring the marketer to utilize financial tools, such as spreadsheets, to build their case for setting price levels† (Pricing Decisions 1998). ... However, pricing decisions have vital consequences for the marketing organization and the concentration given by the dealer to pricing is just as significant as the concentration given to extra identifiable marketing actions. Some significant causes affect pricing include: Most Flexible Marketing Mix Variable: For dealers, price is the large amount variable of all marketing choices. Unlike distribution and product decisions, which can take years or months to change or several forms of promotion which may be time consuming to change, price can be changed very quickly. The elasticity of pricing choices is chiefly significant in times when the dealer seeks to rapidly stimulate demand or respond to contestant value actions. For instance, a marketer can get on a field salesperson’s request to lesser cost for a possible vision throughout a phone discussion. Similarly, a dealer in charge of online processes can raise costs on hot selling products with the click of a few website butto ns. Setting the Right Price: Pricing decisions made quickly without adequate research, analysis and planned evaluation can lead a losing income to the marketing organization. Prices set also may signify that the company is missing out on extra profits that could be earned if the target market is eager to spend extra to obtain the product. Furthermore, efforts to raise an originally low priced product to a higher cost can be met by consumer resistance as they can feel that the dealer is effecting to take benefit of their consumers. Setting of high prices can also impact on income as it prevents interested consumers from purchasing the manufactured goods. For setting the right price, substantial market knowledge is important and mostly, with new products testing of different

Benefits of transformational leadership vs other leadership models Essay

Benefits of transformational leadership vs other leadership models - Essay Example This has made it easier for us to identify which method to adopt in a particular situation or nature of business/profession. Within various leadership theories, one widely used leadership model is â€Å"transformational leadership theory†. This paper will discuss the importance of transformation leadership style and how it is better from other leadership models. Transformational Leadership Successful leadership is not only about limited set of traits and actions; it’s about having wide variety of skills, ideas, and approaches to attain a defined goal, and a transformational leader has it all. Such leaders have the following characteristics: Honesty Ability to set understandable and achievable goals Ability to effectively communicate vision Supportive Helps followers fulfill their needs Inspiring personality In simply words, transformational leadership is all about gaining your follower’s trust. This leads to motivation in the team which in turn results in positiv e outcomes. Transformational leader through charismatic methods attract his team members towards him. Transformational leader in addition to having a charismatic, smart and confident personality also realizes the needs of his team members. He clearly understands that in an organization every individual have certain needs which are important to be fulfilled in order for the employers to perform efficiently. James Burns further stated that a true leader is one who not only brings change within the organization and achieve his set goals but also bring positive change in people involved in the project. A leader is called a transformational leader because he has the ability to transform his followers by using the following ways: Effectively communicating the value and importance of the project Making his team members focus on project goal instead of their personal interest Comparison of Transformational Leadership model with other Leadership models The charismatic leaders are known to sp read out enthusiasm, positive energy and passion among their team members or followers. Such type of leaders possesses the ability to attract others towards them with their charisma. Their outstanding personality forces their followers to trust them blindly and have complete faith in them. Therefore, loosing such kind of individuals might lead to confusion within the organization as they make workers believe in their own vision and make them work accordingly. Charismatic leaders tend to be self-confident and principled as carrying out difficult mission requires such characteristics. Due to these characteristics of a charismatic leader, his team members or followers might feel discomfort and uneasiness while working with them. (Judge Bono, 2000) Another author further describes a charismatic leader as an attractive and emotional individual who has the ability to win the emotions of his fellow workers and fulfill their requirements and needs. In order to attract his follower, they nee d to formulate an attractive and smart vision and goals and take steps to achieve these goals. (Khatri, 2005) Charismatic leaders have the talent to easily communicate their thoughts, goals and vision which further strengthens their followers believes in them. This ability in them

James Dickey Essay Example for Free

James Dickey Essay James Dickey (1923 1997) is one of the outstanding modern American poets. His criticism provides a scope of ideas on what humanity has gained throughout the twentieth century. His viewpoint is likely to amaze an observer by constant critical notes on what is universally called â€Å"amenities of life.† Thus, the figure of James Dickey cannot be underestimated in terms of his poetical style and criticism of perpetually developing progressive life of the mankind during the twentieth century. His inclinations to make people understand the charms of primitivism and animalism were straightforward. He could put his reasoning over the entire life through the eyes of animals and nature. Thus, the environmental problem of humanity and morality worried him much. It is reflected in his poetry by making emphasis on the significance of return to the nature in order to think like a â€Å"child of nature.† Dickey’s main motivation for claiming the importance of return to primitivism was not spontaneous. He had got through participation in World War II and Korean War (Thesing and Wrede 151). In this respect the poet was highly depressed by losing his older brother. In fact, it turned into a cycle of poems on the main themes of family, survival, spiritual rebirth, love, war and some other (Vaughan 115). With multiple poems included in the compilation The Whole Motion, Dickey described war as the source for cruelty and disfigured estimation of humanity at large (Thesing and Wrede 153). In this very collection one embraces the evolution of Dickey as a poet. The author followed a specific for Modernism feature of the stream-of-consciousness technique. He introduced it in personal evaluation of human civilization, as a self-destructing unity of people. Moreover, Dickey was trying to make a set of interrelated topics interwoven in terms of their collision and approach toward the concept of a â€Å"natural man.† Attacking the problem of civilization, James Dickey is likely to blame world’s progress on the example of his best-known poem The Firebombing: The enemy-colored skin of families Determines to hold its color In sleep, as my hand turns whiter Than ever, clutches the toggle – The ship shakes bucks Fire hangs not yet fire In the air above Beppu For I am fulfilling An ‘anti-morale’ raid upon it (Kendall 511). Based on this single excerpt from the poem, Dickey brings the main problem of the mankind to notice. It is grounded on misunderstanding of where the edge between morality and violence takes place. The author perceives an enormous and ominous power of violence supported by humanity. He understands personal helplessness. Thus, he had no choice but to reflect his rumination in the form of a holistic criticism of the civilization and its consequences. Hence, Dickey is constantly critiquing civilization, and it feels like he never repeated the same theme colored by a banal estimation. It is also included into The Sheep Child. His poetic language was easy to comprehend. Thus, the readers and followers can easily take Dickey as he is. As a matter of fact, born in Atlanta, Georgia, Dickey was loosely related to the concept of nature as he lived, studied, and worked for some period of time in the south of the USA (OBriant 158). His â€Å"southern† origin and what he once experienced in person gave him motivation for teaching the audience being glowering toward what the civilized life had fallen into (James Dickey 1). In this respect the primitivism and the concept of the â€Å"natural man† are the paramount alternatives represented in his poetry.

Induction of Beta Galactosidase in E.Coli | Lab Report

Induction of Beta Galactosidase in E.Coli | Lab Report Aim: To study the effects of IPTG, lactose, glucose, chloramphenicol, rifampicin and streptomycin induction on the units of beta-galactosidase of E.coli Introduction In 1961, a special group of units that able to control its beginning and ending of transcription activities by undergoing induction process was discovered by Jacob and Monod. This special enzyme is known as Lac operon which is group of genes that arranged in sequences of promoter region, operated region and structural genes that found in the Escherichia Coli. Promoter region is the site where the RNA polymerases binds to and initiate the transcription process while the operated region in the operon is the site where the regulatory protein such as inducer and repressor bind to and stimulate the genes to turning on or off the transcription process. Lac operon made up of three specific lac genes; there are lac Z, lac Y and lac A and they can be found in the structural genes of the operon. At the end of the transcription process, Lac Z gene can be encoded into ÃŽÂ ²-galactosidase which is an enzyme that used to hydrolyze lactose molecules into allolactose molecules fist then further into glucose and galactose which are the monosaccharide molecules (Kathryn Grace Patterson, 2009). Allolactose is the intermediate product when ÃŽÂ ²-galactosidase used to catalyses the reaction of converting lactose to glucose and galactose. According to Miiller-Hill, Rickenberg Wallenfels, allolactose is a natural and effective inducer to trigger transcription process to occur (1964). lacY encodes into ÃŽÂ ²-galactoside permease which playing the role in transporting lactose molecules into the cell while lacA is converted into ÃŽÂ ²-galactoside transacetylase through transcription process which is an enzyme that involved in adding an ac etyl group (CH3) from acetyl coenzyme A to the 6 position of the ÃŽÂ ²-galactosidase (Xing Guo, Wang, Laurence R. OlsenSteven L. Roderick, 2002). As the inducer such as allolactose (natural inducer) or IPTG, Isopropyl ÃŽÂ ²-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside which is an artificial inducer binds to the operated region and deactivated the repressor protein. Hence, repressor protein generated by the lac I gene cannot binds to the operated region which stimulates the RNA polymerases to bind to the promoter region and start the transcription process which is positive control mechanism. On the other hand, negative control mechanism occurs when active repressor protein binds to the o-site (operated region), it blocks the RNA polymerases binds to the p-site (promoter region) and thus no transcription can take place. IPTG acts as the inducer due to its structure is similar to the allolactose. o-nitrophenol ÃŽÂ ²-galactosidase Isopropylthiogalactosidase (IPTG) ortho-Nitrophenyl-ÃŽÂ ²-galactosidase  which known as ONPG is used to measure the ÃŽÂ ²-galactosidase enzymatic activities in this experiment which show a yellow colour when ÃŽÂ ²-galactosidase  presence. ONPG has a similar structure as lactose which also catalyze by the beta-galactosidase enzyme to form galactose + O-nitrophenol whereas the O-niotrophenol responsible to the colour changes. When the intensity of yellow colour increases, the rate of enzymatic activity also increases. Hans Noll and Joseph Orlando also mentioned that o-nitrophenol-beta-galactosidase is hydrolyses by ÃŽÂ ²-galactosidase enzyme but not for IPTG molecules (Hans Noll Joseph Orlando, 1960). Hypothesis: a) IPTG activates beta-galactosidase enzyme at most effective effects. b) The rate of beta-galactosidase enzymatic activities depend on the time of induction. Materials and Methods: Part A: Time course of induction of ÃŽÂ ²-galactosidase by IPTG Induction of the ÃŽÂ ²-galactosidase enzyme. Two different sets of culture condition were investigated. One set in the condition with IPTG (5mM) and another set in the condition of adding water as the control experiment. 15 labeled microfuge tubes which contain 100  µl of the CTAB solution which used to kills the E. coli cells and lyses the cells to release the contents including ÃŽÂ ² -galactosidase were prepared and placed in the ice bath. 2.5ml of actively growing Escherichia Coli K12 was transferred into two separate 50ml conical flasks and covered with the foil immediately and then immersed in the temperature of 37  °C shaking water bath. 250 ÃŽÂ ¼l of water was added into the control flask and note the time as t=0 and then transferred 200 ÃŽÂ ¼l of the E. coli culture out immediately into the microfuge tube which labelled as 0c tube, mixed well and stored in the ice bath. The same procedure for another set of conical flask but 250 ÃŽÂ ¼l of IPTG was used inst ead of water. After that, two conical flasks were placed in the shaking water bath to maintain the temperature constant at 37 °C.The previous two steps were repeated for preparing the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 30 and 45 minute time points for the induction flask and 15 and 45 minutes time points for control flask. ÃŽÂ ²-galactosidase activity of each sample was ready to be observed after addition ONPG and Na2CO3 which used to stop the assay activity by changing the pH value to 11. (School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, 2012). ÃŽÂ ²-galactosidase Assay. 15 sample of microfuge tubes were placed in the 37 °C water bath for 5 minutes to reach thermal equilibrium. Addition of 200 ÃŽÂ ¼l of 3mM ONPG into each sample at every 30 intervals and addition of 300 ÃŽÂ ¼l of 1M Na2CO3 into the microfuge tube followed by order after exactly 5 minutes of time of ONPG induction to deactivate the ÃŽÂ ²-galactosidase enzyme activities. The time of ONPG induction was recorded. All samples were centrifuged for 5 minutes and then 300 ÃŽÂ ¼l of supernatant of each sample was taken out and read the absorbance under 414nm with 300 ÃŽÂ ¼l water used as the blank. (School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, 2012). Part B: Characteristics of the induction of ÃŽÂ ²-galactosidase Exactly same procedures in the Part A were carried out but several different of conditions were tested in this experiment following by: *A. 250 ÃŽÂ ¼l of IPTG (5 mM) and 250 ÃŽÂ ¼l of water (this is to keep the culture at close  to the same concentration for all alternatives) *B. 250 ÃŽÂ ¼l lactose (20 mM) + 250 ÃŽÂ ¼l H2O. *C. 250 ÃŽÂ ¼l IPTG (5 mM) + 250 ÃŽÂ ¼l glucose (20mM). *D. 250 ÃŽÂ ¼l IPTG (10 mM) + 250 ÃŽÂ ¼l glucose (20mM).. E. 250 ÃŽÂ ¼l IPTG (5 mM) then, after the 10 min sample is removed, add 250 ÃŽÂ ¼l  chloramphenicol (200ÃŽÂ ¼g/ml). F. 250 ÃŽÂ ¼l IPTG (5 mM) then, immediately after the 10 min. sample is removed,  add 250 ÃŽÂ ¼l rifampicin (250 ÃŽÂ ¼g/ml). G. 250 ÃŽÂ ¼l IPTG (5 mM) then, immediately after the 10 min. sample is removed,  add 250 ÃŽÂ ¼l streptomycin (500 ÃŽÂ ¼g/ml) . Note: At zero time point, all materials were added into set A, B, C and D while the antibiotic that used in the set E, F and G was added after 10 minutes time points sample has been taken out. (School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, 2012). Discussions: From the graph shown in the figure 2, it can clearly see that the units of beta-galactosidase per ml of bacterial culture show a positive results when IPTG used in the induction but no response when water used instead of IPTG. The longer the IPTG induction time, the greater the units of beta-galactosidase per ml of bacterial culture produced. It can be explained that, IPTG acts as the inducer which depressed the repressor protein into inactive form by undergoes conformational change in the shape of the repressor protein that prevent them from binding to the operator region. Thus, the RNA polymerases can bind to the promoter site without any obstacles, transcription of lac operon occurs. Therefore, it can be concluded that inducer is playing a significant role in inducing of beta-galactosidase enzyme. Model data provided by the coordinator was used instead of the raw data because there is induction timing error when transferred the sample which causes the failure of the group results as it can notice that there is a sudden decrease in the value of the beta-galactosidase per ml of bacterial culture produced during 12 minutes in the figure 1. Based on the information provided in the part B experiment, the highest value of unit of beta-galactosidase produced was observed when IPTG was presence in the culture environment. An increasing trend of response with lower efficiency of effect were shown in the lactose, IPTG (5mM)+glucose and IPTG (10mM)+ glucose induction. However, as rifampicin, streptomycin and chloramphenicol added into the culture samples, a increasing concentration of beta-galactosidase enzyme at the beginning of experiment until 10 minutes then the reactions started to maintain at the constant level. The observations can be elucidated that when both IPTG and lactose were used as the inducer, they play the similar mechanism but the only reason that causes lactose had lower performance is IPTG will not be broken down during reaction whereas lactose will be degraded or used by the cells. As the rate of lactose degradation increases, the concentration of inducer in the culture decreases. In addition, glucose and galactose were formed after hydrolysis of lactose molecule. Glucose molecule is more preferred than the lactose molecule by the E.coli. Hence, a lower performance was shown when lactose was used as the inducer and IPTG always the best choice of inducer to use in the experiment. Since the glucose molecules involved in the experiment, a mechanism named as catabolite repression can be used to illustrated the other two IPTG (5mM)+glucose and IPTG (10mM)+ glucose conditions. Catabolite repression is a mechanism that represses the transcription process by introducing glucose molecules into the reaction since E.coli is more preferred glucose than IPTG while IPTG is essential for switching on the reaction. When the concentration of glucose molecule increases, the level of cyclic-AMP becomes lower. CAMP is required to start the transcription process as it is needed to binds with the Catabolite activator protein (CAP protein) and form an active complex which promotes RNA polymerases binds to promote region. Therefore, if cAMP level is low, there is inactive complex produced it unable to deactivate the repressor protein so repressor protein will bind to o-site and inhibit the occurrence of the transcription process. On the other hand, if the glucose molecule is absence, the high level of cAMP permit the transcription process to take place due to the cAMP binds to the CAP protein to form cAMP.CAP complex and deactivated the repressor protein, transcription takes place. Since the glucose is the preference substrate so when concentration of IPTG increases, it also will not affect the result when glucose is supplied. CTAB solution which also defined as the cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide and used in the experiment to remove the E.coli cells and also destroyed the membrane of the E.coli cells in order to release ÃŽÂ ²-galactosidase enzyme that needed for the experiment from its content. E. coli is the source of the beta-galactosidase enzyme in the experiment. In the IPTG+ chloramphenicol culture condition, there was only IPTG inside the sample at the first 10 minutes and induction of enzyme was occurs but after Chloramphenicol was added the units of beta-galactosidase of bacterial culture remain constant due to the reason that Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic that inhibit the protein synthesis process and growth of E.coli (Ambrose,P.J,1984). The polypeptides synthesise of the RNA in the E.coli was hindered when added Rifampicin (Campbell, E. A et al, 2001). Rifampicin changes the shape and structure of the ribosomes which makes the lyses of the ribosomes (Sippel Hartmann, 1968) and also preven ts RNA polymerases from binding to promoter region. After streptomycin was added into the culture sample, Streptomycin inhibits growth of the E.coli by leading to misread the mRNA and protein synthesize disturbance when low amount of streptomycin provided (Modolell,  Juan, 1969). Hence, induction of beta-galactosidase activity was prohibited. Nevertheless, high quantity of Streptomycin added will even cause the death of E.coli.

The levels of organizational change readiness

The levels of organizational change readiness This chapter will show my devised framework of the transformation change model to assess the level of readiness for change at AFH,across departments and units; to answer the major and minor research questions; and to achieve the research objective. The devised framework will be examined and evaluated by the use of its different variables in this paper. This chapter will illustrate the research problem, sampling method, propositions and data analysis method. 3.2 Problem Statement Senior management decided to introduce new equipment into all departments across the hospital. This has been a major change project that started in 2007. The main advantages of this change include a reduction in the rate of human error and an increase in the production of patient reports. Despite the positive impact this change would have on the ways of working in the hospital, employees had not been informed of any change prior to it being introduced, and were therefore not ready to accept the new ways of working. Reasons for this lack of acceptance will be discussed later in this paper, including: No communication between senior management and their staff. (Kotter, 2007). Training not being made available to all staff. (Lehman et al, 2002). People resisting change due to both lack of ability and knowledge, and their competing commitment of the big assumptions they will have made regarding the change process. (Kegan and Lahey, 2001). Weak management style, for example, not involving employees in the decision-making process. (Garvin and Roberto, 2001). Weak leadership style such as not clearly explaining the new vision that would come from the change (Garvin and Roberto, 2001). The level of readiness for change at AFH will be assessed and evaluated by applying the change readiness model from the literature so that the organization can achieve its goal of a completing a successful transformation process. In addition, AFH is undergoing further organizational change replacing existing managers with new managers and a new structure, based on the decision of the Ministry of Defense Headquarters in 2010. This change has been implemented in the administration department at AFH as well as across other departments and units. Some of the departments have increased in size and other departments have had to raise staffing levels due to the increased number of patients each year. Goals of the Armed Forces Hospital (AFH): To gain competitive advantage through improving the quality of work-flow by meeting the patients needs through the use of highly specialized and up-to date equipment; to ensure the accuracy of results and to decrease the rate of human error; to produce an increased level of patient results more efficiently. 3.3 Research Objective: The main objective of the thesis is to study the level of organizational change readiness in different departments of the hospital. Creating an acceptance for the need to implement change in the different departments of the hospital will result in the organization achieving its goal of improving the quality of work to treat more patients in less time. which in turn will lead to greater patient and employee satisfaction. To make useful recommendations. To learn more about readiness for change at AFH. 3.4 Conceptual Framework The devised framework is a combination of the Transformational Change Model, John P. Kotter (2007) and the Model of Change Program, Simpson (2002). The conceptual framework has six factors that affect the level of readiness for change in our case study organization (AFH) in Kuwait. We will be using both qualitative (semi-structured interviews) and quantitative (surveys) methods of research to collect our data. Staff Empowerment Leadership Skills Communication Computer availability internet access Adequate qualified staff Adequate Budget Adequate space for each employee Teamwork Vision Organizational Resources Readiness for organizational change Figure 3.1 Conceptual Framework 3.4.1 Dependent Variable of the Model as the following Ready for Organizational Change Judge and Douglas (2009) have defined employee readiness for change as the extent to which an individual or individuals are cognitively and emotionally inclined to accept, embrace and adopt a particular plan to purposefully alter the status-quo. (Judge and Douglas, 2009, P. 637). Arlbjorn et al (2006) have defined change readiness in an organization that the participant gains an understanding of the need to make change in the organization and display a willingness to take part in the change. (Arlbjorn et al, 2006, P. 129). He refers to the importance of staff involvement in the whole journey of the change process (Arlbjorn et al, 2006). He also refers to the importance of organizational alignment where employees from different departments of the organization participate in the change process and discuss shared problems and issues during group exercises. (Arlbjorn et al, 2006, P. 133). An organization that involves its employees at all levels and which has organizational alignment during the change process has an adequate level of organization readiness for change. Our research will assess the organizational readiness for change through a survey of 20 questions to assess employees overall readiness for change, and 26 interviews to find the effect and the relation of the 6 different independent variables of our model on the organizational readiness for change. 3.4.2 Independent Variables of the Model as the following Empowerment: Organizations are currently facing tough competition in a turbulent external environment. In order to ensure their survival they need to have sustained competitive advantage perceived benefits and advantages over their competitors. Competitive advantage provides an organization with the ability to increase the value of the company for its stakeholders. There is a need to transform the way they function by moving away from the traditional hierarchal and bureaucratic model of organization to the delegation of responsibilities to employees and giving more accountability further down the hierarchy to the first-line employees (Beer et al, 1990). This is done by encouraging employees to make more independent decisions at work without the need to constantly refer to their supervisors. Menon (2001) defined employee empowerment as the transfer of organizational power, energizing followers through leadership, enhancing self-efficacy through reducing powerlessness and increasing intrinsic task motivation (Menon, 2001, P. 154). Empowerment has been used to donate the act of empowering others and also to describe the internal process of the individual being empowered i.e. psychological empowerment. Empowerment means the delegating of responsibilities to other employees in decision making that will not only motivate them but make them more innovative towards the new change project which will increase job autonomy and cause job enrichment (Menon, 2001, P. 155). A good leader always empowers their staff in order to perform their work and make independent decisions. Leadership: Leadership is a relationship through which one person influences the behavior or actions of other people (Crossman, 2007, P. 514). Another definition is the ability to influence a group toward the achievement of goals (Robbins, 2005, P. 332). Burns (1978) has characterized transformational leadership through the following characteristics: Changes the status-quo Able to transform the organization Based on creativity and innovation Purpose to engender commitment of the leader and the staff as well to the change process In a successful transformational process we need to acknowledge the importance of leadership skills, such as effective communication, delegation of responsibilities to other employees and commitment. Modern change theories have emphasized both the importance of and the role of a strategic change leader in an organization who enhances the participation and cooperation of their colleagues in the decision-making process. This is unlike the traditional change theories where the emphasis was on the manager for the day to day operation of the business (Almaraz, 1994). In addition there is a need to have senior management support and commitment towards the change process to create the required level of readiness in an organization. In a successful transformation process it is important to establish a change project by having competent employees and by having participative leaders that encourage specialised training for their staff rather than directive managers to acquire change (Arlbjorn et al, 2006). A change leader must know the process of transformation and know how to create and communicate a clear change message to employees. This message determines the nature of the change and shows how employees react differently to the transformation process (Armenakis and Harris. 2002). Change leaders must also know how to answer any questions or concerns staff have regarding the need for change in a proper, convincing way. They must be able to provide tangible evidence to gain the support of their employees and their commitment to the change process (Armenakis and Harris. 2002). Communication: Communication in an organization is the most effective source of learning and developing any transformation process. Regular meetings, conferences and educational programs can all facilitate learning and increase the competency levels of staffing in order to reach the organizational goal of having a successful transformation and adequate level of readiness for change (Beer et al, 1990). A change leader must communicate the change message to employees on a regular basis. They must know how to introduce them to, and convince them of the new change vision through regular meetings to discuss work-related issues, the new change plan and strategies on how to achieve it. Email is an effective communication tool using the internet to send out the most recent and updated information. Use of an organizations intranet is another communication tool where reports can be circulated to employees on a regular basis. A skilled leader must establish a simple plan for change very early on in the change process that ensures employee acceptance, resulting in favourable outcomes and ensures employee involvement in the change process (Garvin and Roberto, 2005). Having regular meetings ensures and enhances active participation from employees in the change process. Teleconferences of live presentations is another way of communicating the change vision and message to employees. Such a teleconference presentation is called readiness speech and so managers and their staff must use the change message component framework to guide the content of the speech. The change concept should be established by a need that is easily understood and circulated among the employees of an organization (Armenakis and Harris. 2002, P. 176). A change leader manager must know how to introduce and regularly communicate the new change vision and the change message with employees through different communication channels such as meetings, speeches and newsletters. Kotter (2007). Leadership by example in different organizational departments/units is highly appreciated. A change leader must walk the talk that is consistent with the organization goal in the workplace and provide support and commitment to the transformation process. Additionally a manager with an open management style provides staff with the opportunity of open discussion and criticism which will be of benefit to both employees as well as the organization. Vision: Leadership vision is designed to mobilize an organization towards the attainment of some future state that is expressed in terms that generate enthusiasm (Armenakis and Harris. 2002). It is important to have a new change vision in the organization and to find strategies to achieve it. Vision is to gain insight into the purpose and objectives with the organization vision whether it is (differentiation, responsiveness and cost-optimization) (Arlbjorn et al, 2006, P. 133). In order to reach an organizational target it is important to develop a shared visionof how to organize and manage for competitiveness (Beer et al, 1990, P. 162). A change leader manager must define and communicate the new change vision to employees and encourage everyone to work towards achieving this vision. The new change vision should define new roles and responsibilities and coordinate the flow of information and work across independent functions at all levels of the organization. There is a need to have strategies to show everyone how to achieve the organizations goals, as well as how to achieve and accomplish the vision. For example, having a simple vision set out in a five year plan that is easy to understand, that is communicated by different stakeholders within the organization e.g. employees, clients and management, and clearly states how to reach the goals and clarifies the direction of the organization. Having a simple vision that is easily communicated and understood by the organization staff within 5 minutes or less is a useful rule of thumb (Kotter, 2007). A successful leader must know how to achieve and accomplish the organizations goals by recognizing obstacles and removing them to overcome different forms of resistance to change such as: Enhancing and increasing employee knowledge and competencies by providing training courses, lectures and workshops on a regular basis to overcome resistance to change. Change and improve organization structure by improving staff performance appraisals to be able to assess change that is consistent with staff interests and develop a staff compensation system to achieve success in the transformation process. Know how to deal with the more rigid management who are against organization development. In brief, leader managers need to treat their staff fairly, delegate accountable responsibilities, provide credibility and motivate them to become involved in the new change project. Teamwork: A team is a small number of people with complementary skills who are committed to a common purpose, performance goals and approach for which they hold themselves mutually accountable (Katzenba ch, 1993). A team is a formal primary group of co-acting individuals who are dedicated and committed toward a common purpose to achieve the organizational goals. It is important to have collaborative, dedicated and cohesive teamwork after the establishment of the change plan as this will ensure the continuing and the accomplishing of the change plan. It will build the sense of employees ownership towards the change project to enhance their support and responsibilities towards the transformation process ((Armenakis and Harris. 2002). In order to have effective teamwork throughout the departments and across the different organizational departments, senior management must enhance employees active participation which is involving employees in activities that are designed to have them learn directly and enjoy the implementation of new issues to add value that is consistent with both employees and organization goals. This will provide opportunities to demonstrate and understand the change message and build the confidence and trust in their managers, supervisors and team based approach taken by their executives (Armenakis and Harris. 2002). In brief, teamwork without strong line leader managers will never achieve the success of the change process, and efforts without powerful guiding teams can make minor progress but will soon stop the change progress (Kotter, 2007, P. 7). Organizational Resources: Having different and adequate organizational resources is an important factor to successfully create readiness in an organization. Change requires adequate resources in various forms such as: competent employees, availability of computers and internet access and covering budget, and requires staff commitment to see the change process through to completion. Employees also need to see support of the change process from their departments (Armenakis and Harris. 2002). Organizational change might be highly desirable but unreachable due to the lack of the following resources: (Lehman et al, 2002) Open budget: in order to support and enhance the change project an organization must have a dedicated budget supported by senior management. This should be spent on having the right offices, furniture and equipment such as computers i.e. components of a healthy working environment, and spent on different specialised training courses, lectures and workshops on a regular basis to facilitate learning and to increase and develop the knowledge, skills and performance of employees (Lehman et al, 2002). Adequate and qualified staffing: an organization should have enough skilled employees to do the required job and must encourage learning to adopt the new ways of working in the transformation process. This is done by increasing the knowledge and competency levels of staff by having regular training courses, presentations and workshops to cope with change and to serve the increased number of patients at the hospital to serve more patients in less time. Providing adequate space/employees: it is important to have the right number of employees in each department section to ensure effective and efficient work-flow and to ensure monitoring and observing of the work process. Computer availability and internet access: an organization must ensure the availability of access to computers, to certain programs and e-communication between management and their staff via e-mails within departments and across departments to exchange useful information and share up to date knowledge regarding the change process. Having e-communication via e-mails and e-conferences is considered to be an effective and professional communication method. In brief, an organization that provides a dedicated budget, reported higher levels of staffing, adequate space and a healthy working environment with more I.T. resources, and that is open to effective communication will be more open to change than those organizations than those that do not. 3.4.3 Major Research Questions: To what extent are the different departments at the AFH ready for change? 3.4.4 Minor Research Questions: 1. Is the level of communication adequate in the different departments of AFH? 2. Is the level of empowerment adequate in the different departments of AFH? 3. Is the level of organizational resources appropriate in the different departments of AFH? 4. Is the level of leadership adequate in the different departments of AFH? 5. Is there a well known vision or strategic objective to the different departments of AFH? 6. Is the level of teamwork satisfactory in the different departments of AFH? 3.4.5 Propositions 1. It is proposed that management do not encourage open communication with their employees as they have seen no benefit from it during several meetings. 2. It is proposed that management do not consult other employees in the decision making process. 3. It is proposed that supervisors are unable to address issues from their staff due to low morale and a low work ethic. 4. It is proposed that management rarely communicate the new change vision during meetings, presentations or through the staff newsletters. 5. It is proposed that there is limited staff accountability and empowerment in the different AFH departments and units. The decision-making power is limited to management only. 6. It is proposed that there is are no risk taking as it is considered costly to both the organization and employees themselves. 7. It is proposed that employees did not receive the necessary training courses to improve their level of competence and readiness for change. 8. It is proposed that internet access is limited to those in more senior positions. 9. It is proposed that management did not fully involve their staff in the work produced. Only verbal guidance was given from behind their desks, showing lack of leadership by example. 10. It is proposed that management listened to employee suggestions and complaints but did not act on or implement them. 11. It is proposed that employees were not informed of the new change vision. 12. It is proposed that management in the different hospital departments did not develop strategies to meet the organization vision. 13. It is proposed that employees are not aware of teamwork. 14. It is proposed that employees lack the sense of ownership towards the change process. Relationship of the Minor Research Questions to the Proposition: Research minor questions Propositions Is the level of communication adequate in the different departments of AFH? 1. It is proposed that management do not encourage open communication with their employees because they have seen no benefit from it during several meetings. 2. It is proposed that management do not consult other employees before taking their decisions. 3. It is proposed that supervisors are unable to address issues from their staff due to low morale and a low work ethic. 4. It is proposed that management rarely communicate the new change vision during meetings, presentations or through staff newsletters. Is the level of empowerment adequate in the different departments of AFH? 5. It is proposed that there is limited staff accountability and empowerment in the different AFH department/unit. The decision-making power is limited to the management only. 6. It is proposed that there is no risk taking as it is considered costly to both the organization and employees themselves. Is the level of organizational resources adequate the different departments of AFH? 7. It is proposed that employees did not receive the necessary training courses to improve their level of competence and readiness for change. 8. It is proposed that internet access is limited to those in higher positions only. Is the level of leadership adequate in the different departments of AFH? 9. It is proposed that managers did not fully involve their staff in the work produced. Only verbal guidance was given from behind their desks, showing lack of leadership by example. 10. It is proposed that management listened to employee suggestions and complaints but did not act on them. Is there a well known vision or strategic objective to the different departments of AFH? 11. It is proposed that employees were not informed of the new change vision. 12. It is proposed that management in the different hospital departments did not develop strategies to meet the organization vision. Is the level of teamwork adequate in the different departments of AFH? 13. It is proposed that employees are not aware of teamwork. 14. It is proposed that employees lack the sense of ownership towards the change process. 3.5 Research Design: There are steps the researcher must follow to answer the research questions such as data collection, sampling, and analysis of interviews and the questionnaire. in order to be able as a researcher to examine the elements of the conceptual framework and how they impact the organizational readiness of change at AFH and to show how these elements can add value to the purpose of the research. We chose to use the qualitative and quantitative (see Appendix A) method and analysis of the data collected from my personal observations and from in-depth interviews as the rigid statistical analysis from quantitative data lacks creativity from the researchers perspective. By contrast, analysis of qualitative data deals with words and human expressions that will enrich the research paper with fewer standardized procedures and allows more creativity from the researcher. The research will be based on using semi-structured interviews with a sample of 26 interviewees. The interview questions are based on the literature and the devised model of transformational process to assess the organizations level of readiness for change. Each interview will last between 8-28 minutes. As mentioned by Sanders et al (2007) either unstructured interviews or semi-structured interviews should be used for exploratory research. As a researcher I decided to use a semi-structured interview as it provides more flexibility and convenience during data collection, as well as allowing deeper exploration of data from the answers given that would add value and credibility to the researcher itself. The research results will be supplemented by the quantitative research method, using a mini survey on a sample of 50 to measure the readiness for change level at AFH. 3.5.1 Research Sampling Methods: Sampling of 26 interviews from different departments / units, different hierarchal positions ranging from managers to front line employees with different working experiences, and different nationalities, to gain feedback on the implementation of the new change project, the establishment of new departments / units, the increase in number of employees, and restructuring of departments to assess the level of readiness towards the major change project / renewal program and new equipment . Mini survey sampling 50 employees (see Appendix B) to measure the readiness for change level at AFH. Interview Questions: For managers For employees 1. Do you encourage your staff to take independent decisions in work related issues? 1. Did your manager encourage you to take independent decisions in work related issues? 2. Did you involve your staff in the new change vision? 3. Did you know/hear about the new change vision? 2. Did your manager mention to you the new change vision? What was it? 3. Did you know/hear about the new change vision? 4. As a manager do you encourage team-work? 5. Did your staff have a sense of ownership for their project? 4. Did your manager encourage you to work as a team? 5. Did you have any sense of ownership towards the new change project? 6. How often do you meet with your staff to discuss work related issues? 6. Did your manager ask you to attend meetings? 7. Did your manager use any speeches or information boards to inform you about new work issues? 8. How often does your manager communicate with you on work related issues? 7. Can you answer your staff on reasons for the need for change? What do you say? 8. Do you encourage open-criticism when you meet with your staff? 9. Do you listen to your staff when making decisions (individualism, collectivism) 10. What do you do in order to convince people regarding change? 9. Did you ask your manager why change is needed? What did they say? 10. Did your manager encourage you to criticize their working style to improve the quality of work? 11. Did your manager listen to you when you gave your opinion on work related issues? 12. What do you learn from your manager (leadership by example)? 11. Do you attend any special training courses/lectures nationally and/or internationally? 12. Is there is any dedicated budget for training courses? 13. How often do you attend training courses/lectures/workshops? Organizational Change Readiness Assessment (Survey) -3=strongly disagree +1=slightly agree -2=disagree +2=agree -1=slightly disagree +3=strongly agree 0=not sure/dont knowIndicate your level of agreement with each statement using the following scale: Organizational Support: Level of agreement 1. The organizations visions are truly a shared vision in that employees at all levels understand, value, and work toward accomplishing this vision through their daily work. 2. Decision making and authority are decentralized (there are multiple levels of decision makers throughout the organization-decision making is not centralized at the top). 3. Employees have, in the past, actively participated in organizational decision making, goal setting, and organizational change initiatives. 4. Employee ideas and suggestions for improving their work and the organization are listened to. 5. Employees view the organizations training and development programmes as effective and supportive of change-driven training needs. 6. The organization is effective at setting and achieving measurable performance goals and targets. 7. The organization effectively uses multiple communication channels to routinely and effectively communicate with employees. Cultural: Level of agreement 8. Real teamwork and collaboration exist within and between organizational works unit/departments. 9. There is a high level of trust between leaders and employees. 10. Employees generally feel encouraged to innovate, offer ideas and take risks. 11. People here generally feel that they personally responsible for their own success. Change Environment: Level of agreement 12. The proposed change and its effects on all organizational dimensions (e.g., structure, strategy, processes, workflow, systems, etc.) are clearly defined and understood by those leading the change. 13. When the change is completed, we will be able to gauge our success with the change effort (there are clear measures to evaluate the change results). 14. The organization has successfully implemented change initiatives in the past. 15. The reason or the why of the coming change can easily be translated into tangible evidence that will get the attention of employees. Employee Attitudes: Level of agreement 16. Employees feel a sense of urgency- a felt need -for change. 17. Employees have a high level of job engagement (job engagement reflects employee commitment to their jobs and the organization). 18. Employees feel able to make decisions and act independently concerning their daily work. 19. Innovators and risk takers exist at all levels of the organization. 20. Employees have confidence in their managers ability to successfully guide them through the change. Readiness component Score Organizational support Cultural Change environment Employee attitudes Total overall change readiness

Marfan Syndrome Essay -- Health, Diseases

Marfan syndrome is a primarily an autosomal dominant disorder that affects 1 in 5000 people worldwide. Marfan syndrome is connective tissue disorder that results in a mutation in the Fibrillin 1 gene. The life expectancy of an individual with Marfan syndrome is close to normal with early detection, but Marfan syndrome still remains underestimated due in large part to characteristics similarities that are common in general public. This is compounded by the 25 percent of individuals with a new gene mutation on Fibrillin 1. It is imperative that nurses have a greater understanding of Marfan syndrome in order to facilitate a genetic referral for an early and accurate Marfan syndrome diagnosis. This should include the mechanism of how this genetic mutation manifests thought out the body, the presenting symptoms, the risk factors, treatment, and education needs of the patient. Marfan syndrome Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a fairly common inherited connective-tissue disorder. The syndrome can be found in 1 in every 5000 births worldwide (Giarelli, Bernhardt, & Pyeritz, 2010). MFS has been recognized for more than 100 years, in fact it was speculated that Abraham Lincoln had the disorder (Amado & Thomas, 2002). There is still no current cure, but early recognition and intervention can play a key role in the prevention of the sudden cardiac complications (Midla, 2008). For those Marfan patients diagnosed the life expectancy is close to normal, yet tends to be under diagnosed (Pyrietz, 2000). The nurse should have a broader understanding of MFS since recognition is essential for the diagnosis. Since MFS is primarily an inherited disorder, it of equal importance that the nurse understands that a referral to a geneticist is an imperative n... ...ssion, and anxiety can occur (Giarelli et al., 2010). Athletes who wish to play sports should have a clinical and cardiac evaluation before allowed to play. Women who are considering getting pregnant should be given have a cardiovascular risk assessment before conceiving and genetic counseling should be recommended to establish the patient’s risk of passing on the syndrome (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005). While significant advances have provided MFS patients with a greater life expectancy, the fact still remains that early detection is imperative in improving of care for the MFS patient . As MFS patients live longer and symptoms become evident. Nurses need to recognize that these patients will often present in a routine clinical setting, where their clinical expertise and genetic knowledge may open the door to early diagnosis and treatment.

Mono Lake :: Biology Science Papers

Mono Lake 1. Mono Lake Mono Lake is a unique body of water lying in the Eastern Sierra Nevadas. For decades its water sources were tapped by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) to use for farming because the lake's high elevation would allow them to easily transport the water to the city and because the water was so saline, people believed it was worthless. The normal traits by which people judge lakes were lacking in Mono: fish could not survive in the salty water, the water was harsh to swim in because of the chemicals and salinity, the scenery was unlike other lakes because there were no trees. Mono Lake appeared to be an isolated lake in the middle of the desert, which DWP could use as they wished. What they hadn't known at the time was the rich history of the lake and the important place it held in the biological world. The geological history of the Western United States has shaped Mono and given it the properties it has, while those properties have given it a specific role in the migration of birds. Plate Tectonics The geological processes that formed and continue to influence Mono Lake began approximately 215 million years ago when the Farallon sea floor plate began subducting, or pushing, under the North American plate. The North American plate was pushed over the sea floor plate by the force of the African and South American plates rifting apart. The friction from the North American plate rubbing against the Farallon plate melted some of the continental rocks, which then erupted in a long volcano chain, the Sierran Arc, stretching from Alaska to Mexico inland from the coast. Over time, the unerupted magma chambers from the Sierran Arc cooled into the granitic batholith that is the Sierra Nevadas (Tierney, 26-27). 2. Diagram of Subduction Zone About 20 million years ago the last part of the Farallon sea floor plate subducted under the North American plate. This put the North American plate and the Pacific plate into contact, but unlike the Farallon sea floor plate, the Pacific plate sheared against the side of the North American plate. Because there was no plate subducting, the North American plate was in direct contact with the mantle (Tierney, 29). Heat from the mantle made the continental crust more ductile, which allowed the crust to extend and thin.

International Migration

Around 70 million people migrate between countries each year. This type of migration is less common than internal migration such as rural to urban migration. There are two reasons why international migration is less common. Firstly the longer distance involved and political controls make it difficult for migrants to move freely between countries. The border between the USA and Mexico is more than an international frontier. It is a boundary where the rich are divided from the poor, Because of the economic contrast that exists on the other side of the border people are constantly attracted to the bright lights and big money that the USA holds. At least 1 million Mexicans try to cross the border every year most of them illegally although the USA has an elaborate security controls along the border, it is impossible to stop everyone. Those illegal immigrants who are caught are deported back to Mexico. Increasingly Mexican immigrants are unwelcome in the USA as they are seen to drain the nations social security and welfare system. In some places the scale of emigration is so high that population levels have fallen steeply. Santa Ines in NorthWest Mexico has lost two thirds of its population. But people leaving the village were not exactly poor. They left the country not out desperation but mainly to improve their quality of life. At one time only the men migrated and when they made enough money they would return home and share the wealth with their family. It is mainly young adults who migrate and so they leave ageing communities behind. With few children left, these communities will gradually die. Immigrants have a deep impact on America. There is an ideal of America as a destination of hope and opportunity where the poor and the oppressed can make a new life but they bring with them a trail of tension between natives and newcomers, hostility expressed in job discrimination and riots, and laws designed to keep immigrants out rather than welcome them in. These newcomers were the people who built America. They dug canals, cut the timber and laid down the foundations for the megacity. The greatest flow of immigrants took place between 1820-1920 when more than 30 million people poured into the USA. Around 8 million come from Mexico which created a mass overload on the country. One impact of the great diversity of people who have immigrated to the United States is frequent racial and cultural tensions. Clashes have forced America to confront the difficulties of accommodating such differences while remaining a democracy.