Genetically Modified Foods Essay

In the world, many people are not getting the balanced amount of nutrition-needed daily. There are many vitamin deficiencies that can lead to illnesses, malnutrition, and death. However, biotechnology has made this pandemic decrease through genetically modified foods. Many people think that these foods are unhealthy for people, and they are harmful. They think that this type of food is untraditional. I believe that genetically modified foods are good for countries that have high malnutrition rates. They are also good to help preserve food against pesticides. The purpose of this essay is to show how genetically modified foods are good for countries with malnutrition. Genetically modified foods are food that has received a segment of DNA or genes from another organism through biotechnology engineering. Biotechnology is the exploitation of biological processes for industrial and other purposes, especially the genetic manipulation of microorganisms for the production of antibiotics, hormones, and etc. The most commonly known genetically modified food is golden rice. Golden rice is engineered to contain a higher amount of vitamin A to improve the health of unskilled laborers in undeveloped countries. Golden rice is mainly used in Asian countries or countries whose staple food is rice. Originally, rice doesn’t have a high amount of vitamin A, and in those countries there are high amounts of deficiency in Vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a significant role for healthy vision, strong bones, supple skin, normal cell regeneration, reproduction, and helps the immune system fend off infections. A deficiency in Vitamin A can result in eye diseases such as Nyctalopia (night blindness), Xerophthalmia (dry eye syndrome) , and/or total blindness. Golden rice is enhanced with multiple DNA, including DNA from daffodils. Also, this rice has a higher amount of beta-carotene. In my opinion, golden rice is good for undeveloped countries whose staple is rice because this rice contains DNA from another plant. Therefore, it doesn’t have a lot of chemicals that could eventually be harmful to people’s body. There are more foods that are genetically modified such as corn, potatoes, soybeans, squash, canola, flax, and tomatoes. Corn and potatoes are modified with a gene to produce an endotoxin. An endotoxin is a toxic substance produced and stored within the plant tissue. This endotoxin protects these vegetables from corn-borer pest and the potato beetle. Likewise, soybeans can be modified with a gene from a bacterium to make it herbicide resistant. A herbicide is a type of pesticide that is used to kill unwanted plants, such as weeds. This can keep vegetables safe from harmful insects. These insects can destroy or make the vegetable harmful for digestion. Some people may say that genetically modified foods are untraditional. However, many foods that are used today are modified. The genes of many plants have been modified so much over the years that they are embedded into the DNA of the plant. Cross breeding was the first forms of modifying food through genetics. Since cross breeding was discovered, it was a large part of agricultural processes. Therefore, many vegetables, whether organic or not, have been modified somewhere down the history line of that vegetable. In conclusion, many people feel that genetically modified foods are not a traditional or healthy way to eat. However, genetically modified foods can help undeveloped countries become healthier and prevent some vitamin deficiencies, such as Vitamin A deficiency. Many vegetables are modified to help prevent them from their common pest and enemy-like plants. Also, throughout the years many plants have undergone minor genetic changes. These changes are used in vegetables today to help make them healthier and keep them fresher longer. This can make the world a healthier and better place.

Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Essay

Scientific research has come a long way since the first use of human embryos to treat and prevent diseases. The polio vaccine was invented in the 1950’s from the use of human fetal kidney cells, fetuses in uteri were used to develop techniques like amniocenteses and improving knowledge about congenital heart disease in the 1970’s, and in the 1980’s the transplantation of fetal tissue into adults to help with serious conditions like, diabetes or Parkinson’s (Gold, 2004). While there has always been concern and controversy over the use of human embryonic cells, today the debate is ethical. This ethical debate lies within the destruction of human embryos in order to use them for medical research. This paper will talk about how two different theories; utilitarianism and relativism view this ethical issue and the problem it presents, as well as my personal views on use of embryonic stem cell research. The theory of utilitarianism determines what is best by looking at the results of an act. According to Mosser (2010, section 1. 7), â€Å"utilitarianism argues that, given a set of choices, the act we should choose is that which produces the best results for the greatest number affected by that choice. When looking at the use of embryonic stem cells for research, utilitarianism looks at the end result. Embryonic stem cells have the potential to save lives by curing diseases and through the use of transplantation. While some utilitarianism’s may still view the destruction of these cells as the destruction of human life they recognize that their potential is a far better choice, being that this research can potentially help save many lives. The opposition to embryonic stem cell research may have a relativists view. Although one person may see embryonic stem cell research as right, another may see it as wrong based on their own ethical standards that have been provided by their culture or background (Mosser, 2010). The opposition of embryonic stem cell research view the embryo as a person from the day it is conceived, although it does not have any characteristics of a person, it will one day become a person. The thought of destroying human life has raised many important questions that cannot be answered by science. When does life begin? Is a human embryo equivalent to a human child? Does a human embryo have any rights? Might the destruction of a single embryo be justified if it provides a cure for countless number of patients? Since ES cells can grow indefinitely in a dish can, in theory, still grow into a human being, is the embryo really destroyed. (The University of Utah, 2012, para. 5) So what moral status does the human embryo have? To the relativist opposition, the question can only be answered by their personal moral views. To better understand the debate about embryonic stem cell research one must first understand the importance of embryonic stem cell research. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cells that are derived from the inner cell mass of the human blastocyst (early embryo) (Hynes, 2008). Many wonder why the use of these cells is so important in scientific breakthroughs. Embryonic stem cells are capable of differentiating into all types of cells in the body. This allows researchers to use ES cells to create any type of cell needed for any patient. Many ask why the use of adult stem cells is not good enough. Adult stem cells are undifferentiated cells found within the body. These cells only have the ability to â€Å"divide or self-renew indefinitely and generate all the cell types of the organ from which they originate† (Science, 2012, para. 1). Adult stem cell research is not controversial, as it does not require the destruction of human life to acquire them. While adult stem cells have been used to successfully treat things like leukemia and related bone/blood cancers, embryonic stem cells offer a wider variety of treatment options because they have the ability to develop into more than 200 cell types in the body as long as they are specified to do so (Science, 2012). Both sides of this debate may be influenced by religion. There are some religions that regard a human embryo as having human status from the time of conception while others say that an embryo does not have full human status before 40 days (EuroStemCell, 2011). The Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and conservative Protestant Churches are against human embryonic stem cell research, where Judaism and Islam look at and emphasize the importance of the outcome that embryonic stem cell research can bring (EuroStemCell, 2011). As with any debate those who have the same theory may still believe differently based upon their culture, upbringing, and religious background. I find that one could be of a certain religion (Catholic) and still view embryonic stem cell research as a better solution than just discarding unused embryos. The Catholic utilitarian may argue that the it is better to utilize the embryonic stem cells from an infertility clinic for research to potentially save many lives than to discard the cells as if they were. On the other hand the Catholic relativist/utilitarian might argue that this goes against their religious beliefs and is not what is best for the common good. As one can see in this example a person may exercise more than one theory in their lives. One may have been raised to view embryonic stem cell research, as wrong because it destroys human life, but they may also view it is a way to help the common good. This is when these types of decisions, to be for or against something, become a personal struggle. Does one go against what they were raised and taught to believe or do they do what they think is right for the common good of society? Mosser (2010, Section 1. 7) states that, â€Å"utilitarianism gives us what seems to be a clear and fairly easy principle to apply to ethical problems and so determine the right thing to do in specific cases. † This may be the case when it comes to simple decisions that are easy to explain and justify, but when it comes to a moral decision between right and wrong utilitarianism can merely guide us and help clarify these ethical problems (Mosser, 2010). Unfortunately this is why there is such a heated debate with embryonic stem cell research. What one sees as morally right another sees as morally wrong? The reasons may be different, but the end result may be the same. In this case one believes the act of using human embryos for research will help the common good where the other side believes not using human embryos for research will help the common good in value of morals and what status they view the human embryo. Relativism allows one the opportunity to go along with what their culture believes is right or wrong. It keeps one safe, as many people are afraid to express their own opinions and views against anothers views (Mosser, 2010). As with any ethical issue, this theory allows those who do not know enough about it to stay safe and build their views and opinions based on those around them. This allows one to judge another based on a view that has been acquired by commonality rather than facts. This can go both ways with embryonic stem cell research. Although the relativist view can be regarded as the â€Å"popular† view it can be very powerful if one bases their view on facts and knowledge and not just the cultural view. While their will always be disagreements about the use of embryonic stem cell research I find that their use if more beneficial than it is destructive. While everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, is it selfish to oppose the use of embryonic cells, which will be discarded anyway, because it is seen as the destruction of life? I think so. If there is a way to help another in the future through the use of embryonic stem cells, why not? I find myself in agreement with the utilitarianism theory on this matter. It is important for researchers to continue their research to help the common good. The research and researchers must have limitations though.

Personnel Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Personnel Management - Assignment Example Personnel management requires a sound management since we need to evaluate the status of the personnel activities. This is because there are a number of functions carried out in the personnel department that include: recruitment, training, rewarding, appraising, dismissing etc. To run the personnel department, the concerned individuals need to know the entire organisation and all the employees qualifications needed for various positions. Hence, understanding of personnel management models and theories is very essential. Models and theories of personnel management assist our understanding of the role of personnel management in an organisation. Legge (1978) characterises four models of personnel management. The four models of personnel management includes: Normative, Descriptive-functional, Critical-evaluative and Descriptive-behavioural. In normative framework, the personnel manager speaks about employees in the context of teams, quality, empowerment and creativity. The underpinning of the manager's opinion, norms and values about the people who work for them are reflected in McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y. (Storey, 1995) In a cold or harsh organisation, the firm's manager may be distant, erratic, and negative or cod. Their value may be coercive or exploitive as far as their behaviours are concerned. In such circumstances the personnel department: Keep salaries, wages and terms and conditions of employment very low They hire casual labourers only They behave with insensitivity towards employees The employees are supervised thoroughly as they work The employees do not develop deep seated trust in management because of the management behaviours. These norms and behaviours fall outside the welfare, participation and empowerment norms of the neo-human relations school which include: the welfare, participation and empowerment norms of the neo-human relations school which might include the following: Encouraging people to be part of a team Responding to the aspirations of individual members of the organisation Having employment policies that reflect broad societal needs for fairness and equity By seeking secure optimum utilisation of the human resources of the organisation by fitting the right people into the right jobs with the right rewards Putting emphasise on getting results through people by securing their commitment not by coercive or demanding means. The mangers behaving consistently and with sensitivity to the needs of others by applying sound planning, organisation, communication, motivation and controlling activities to acquire, develop, maintain and use the workforce effectively and economically. Normative emphasis may be pluralistic rather than unitary. Management's role and functional human resource management policies are emphasised even more where are different vested interests and a potential for conflict between groups whose objectives are different. Managers must manage conflict in professional ways being primarily responsible for taking the initiative, developing institutional relationships and mechanisms to anticipate problems and minimise the potential for damaging conflicts of right and interest, consulting and negotiating,

CROSS-CULTURAL MANAGEMENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

CROSS-CULTURAL MANAGEMENT - Essay Example Every company across the world is trying to maximize the profitability from the opportunity it has in the global world economy. Companies are looking for the opportunities to expand their businesses and serve the international markets. International markets on one hand provide lucrative opportunities and on the other hand poses different challenges for the international business managers. Much of these challenges come due to the differences of the cultures of the target market places. Every market differs with each other in geographic specifications, customer demographics, consumer choices and preferences, taste, culture and traditions and in various different aspects. It is very important for the international businesses to cater the needs of different markets by responding to different environmental factors. One of the most important issues for the business organisations’ in the present business scenario is ‘Culture’. Culture has been defined in different ways by academicians, sociologists, researchers and various experts from different fields. Hofstede (1980) has regarded it as ‘collective programming of the mind’. This collective programming allows people to distinguish the members of one group from the other. Maanen and Schein (1979) has defined culture as values, beliefs, and expectations that members of a group come to share. Success and failure of any project of organisation is subject to its culture and culture of the people working in/with it. Organization culture allows its employee certain degree of freedom, innovativeness and support. It depends on leadership for the mission, vision and approach. Employees of any organization must follow the vision of management in order to achieve desired results. The components of organization’s culture are as follows: Mooij and Marieke (2004) state â€Å"Organization culture is collection of vision, values, norms, beliefs and attitude of an organization.† Organisation culture is one

Critically evaluate three different political ideologies. Consider the Essay

Critically evaluate three different political ideologies. Consider the origins of each ideology and make links to Education in practice - Essay Example Primarily the political ideologies of the late 18th century were the basis of modern political science. This paper deals the three political ideologies that are communism, socialism, and fascism. The paper states the basic theme behind these ideologies as well as it discusses the historical background and origin of socialism, communism and fascism in different parts of the world. The important feature of this paper is to critically analyze the working of educational systems under above mentioned school of thoughts. Communism is actually a political ideology that deals with the common control of control of economy in the society. Communism is derived from French word â€Å"commun† means common or general. Communism can be stated as a revolutionary socialism based on the theories of the political philosophers Karl Marx and Friedrich Engel emphasizing common ownership of the means of production and a planned economy (Hutchinson Encyclopedia, 1996). Communism is a contemporary political movement that focuses to defeat the capitalism through revolution and therefore, create an egalitarian culture in which the entire financial system is owned by the general public. Karl Marx declared it as the last phase of human society that would be succeeded through a grassroots revolution (Walicki, 1995). The principle held is that each should work according to its capacity and receive according to their needs. The difference between â€Å"communism† itself and working towards communism is same as the difference between constructing and living in a house. In fact, the ideal communist state of USSR never claimed of achieving the communism in true sense. Practically what ever had been done in Russian state that was an endeavor to do the work required to establish a communist culture. In political point of view, communism pursues to bring down the capitalism via proletarian revolution. After the revolution of 1917, the first communist state was

Leadership Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Leadership - Coursework Example As opposed to these, there are modern theories and these are; style, trait and situational leadership theories. Style theory focuses on the adoption of one style of management. This is based upon the manager’s position as far as initiating consideration and structures are concerned. There were three styles of leadership brought forward under this, laissez-fair, democratic and autocratic leadership styles. Trait theory, on the other hand, is said to have been highly popular in the 1900s. Up to the 1950s, this theory formed the major factor when it came to the persons who would become leaders as regards the organization of criminal justice. The theory forms its basis on a major assumption that all good leaders have particular traits that poor leaders lack. The third and the last theory is that of situational leadership. This theory recognizes that a work place is a form of complex setting, which is faced with various rapid changes. Thus, it would be inadequate and ineffective if one style of management is applied in these differing situations. Therefore, the most apt way to lead is reliant on the current situation. (McKinney, 2008) There are three different modern strategies. These are; style, trait and situational leadership theories. Style theory focuses on the adoption of one style of management. This is based upon the manager’s position as far as initiating consideration and structures are concerned. There were three styles of leadership brought forward under this, laissez-fair, democratic and autocratic leadership styles. Trait theory, on the other hand, is said to have been highly popular in the 1900s. Up to the 1950s, this theory formed the major factor when it came to the persons who would become leaders as regards the organization of criminal justice. The theory forms its basis on a major assumption that all good leaders have particular traits that poor leaders lack. The third and the last theory is that of situational

Business Formal report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Business Formal report - Essay Example Memo of Transmittal DATE: October XX, XXXX. TO: FROM: XXXX SUBJECT: Business In response to the request made by you on October XX, 2012, I have completed writing the project report after undergoing a detailed research using both primary and secondary sources regarding the various factors related to intercultural communication. I am pleased to present you the project report as asked by you. Please find the report attached herewith. The problem statement in this research study is to develop best practices of intercultural communication for the assigned company. The study has selected United Kingdom as target market for the company. The study used case study of a Polish manufacturer in order to understand existing best practices in the business environment. Based on the findings and analysis of the research study, it is recommended that the company needs to adopt British culture and recruit local people to overcome linguistics barrier in the United Kingdom. Detailed recommendations are illustrated in last section of the study. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions associated with the project report or if you need any kind of additional information. I will try to assist you in every possible way. Enc. Project Report Table of Contents Table of Contents 4 Scenario 3 6 PESTLE of UK 6 Political 6 Economical 6 Social 6 Technological 7 Environmental 7 Legal 7 Porter’s Diamond Model 8 Chance Factor 8 Factor Condition 8 Firm’s Strategy 8 Demand 8 Supporting Facility 9 Government 9 PIMLICO 9 Strategic Initiative 9 Phases of PIMLICO 10 Case Study on Industry Best Practices 11 Recommendation 12 Conclusion 14 Works Cited 15 Scenario 3 United Kingdom has been selected for the company to open their first international division. A macro environment auditing is needed to be done in order to understand business opportunities present in the country (Henry 52-58). PESTLE of UK Political The political issues represent the ongoing political situation of the country. It indicates the factors such as tax policies, political changes and issues regarding trade restriction, tariffs and the constancy of the government. The political design of United Kingdom is a legal monarchy and also a parliamentary system. The country is very much politically stable. Economical The economic contributors include gross domestic product, interest rates, unemployment rates, inflation rate and growth rate of the economy. The economy of UK is one of the strongest economies around the globe. UK is regards as highly manufacturing country. The other significant sectors of UK include fishing, tourism, agricultural and finance. The official currency of United Kingdom is British pound sterling. Social The social issues include patterns in demographics such as size, population, cultural factors and consumer behavior. The culture of UK regards the idiosyncratic cultural inheritance. British people generally speak English as the local language. It is classified by the existence of dissimilar types of consumers in the market. Technological Factors comprise rate of new product development, increase in process automation and other technical infrastructures such as technology transfer, technology inducements, internet application and research & development. In United Kingdom technology plays central parts of any business.

The Mendoza community Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Mendoza community - Essay Example In addition, living and associating with colleagues in a manner that promotes the mission and vision of the school is vital, as this is an indication of exemplification of the community’s values. For a professional, organizational excellence remains equally critical as an individual tenet that can as well be exemplified in different ways. Adapting well to the organizational culture is highly critical. It is also important that professionals adhere to all the organizational rules and standards in order to promote the attainment of the organizational objectives. In my previous work experience, I contributed significantly to organizational objectives. For instance, my input to the Linda firm contributed to the company’s 20 percent increase in the volume of tax return compared to the previous year. My input in an organization, therefore, counts and contributes to organizational excellence. First is by having a positive influence on the people that one interacts with in scho ol and at work. A concern for common good ensures that a person works on the collective interests and not on personal interests only. In this regard, self-centeredness is a major hindrance to the exemplification of this individual tenet. As a student, participating in academic group discussions and offering academic assistance to any needful colleague is an exemplification of concern for common good. Apart from being beneficial to the individual, concern for the common good has a positive influence on other people and generally the community.

Miss Essay Example for Free

Miss Essay Marketing Management Individual Assignment 1. The definition of EPRG orientation and its practice in international companies/local companies * ethnocentric (home-country oriented) An ethnocentric firm views the business from the perspective and values of the home country. Policies and practices are likely to be designed by home-country nationals with little or no variation for international operations. Ethnocentric oriented international companies believe that anything worked at home must also work abroad. For example: Nissan using ethnocentric orientation during its first few years of exporting cars and trucks to the U. S. market. Nissan’s cars were designed for mild Japanese winter, the vehicle were difficult to start in many parts of the U. S. during winter there. In northern Japan many car owners would put blankets over the hoods of their cars. Nissan’s assume that Americans would do the same. * Polycentric (host country-oriented) In contrast with ethnocentric, a polycentric firm operates according to the principle that each country of operation is different. Polycentric is a highly market-oriented. Each market is considered unique, that’s why the marketing mix, product strategies, pricing strategies etc is different for each country. Example: Citicorp’s financial services around the world operated on a polycentric basis. James Bailey, one Citicorp executive, offered this description of the company: â€Å"we were like in a medieval state. There was a king and his court, are they in charge? No. The land barons are who were in charge. King and his court may declare this or that, but the lord barons who went and did their thing to their appointed land. With that statement we can interpret that even the owner of company in headquarter stating this and that, but each country has some differences, and we should makes some changes in order to make our company succeed in other country. * Regiocentric (regionally-oriented) Firm treats a region as a uniform market segment and adapts a similar marketing strategy within region but not across region. For examole: Mc Donald not serving pork and slaughter animals through Halal process only in Middle East and some muslim-dominated countries. * Geocentric (world-oriented) The geocentric approach considers the whole world as a single market and attempts to formulate integrated marketing strategies. The firm recognizes both similarities and differences in cultures and markets. Best practices are adopted on a global basis and adapted for local conditions where necessary. Nestle and other multinational company is using geocentric orientation. Colgate Palmolive is an example for a company which using geocentric approach. It has been operating internationally for 50 years and its products are households in more than 170 countries. 2. The practice of each of the entry modes (exporting, licensing, franchising, contract manufacturing, strategic alliances, joint ventures and foreign directt investment) please provide example for each entry strategy done by each local company and international company * Exporting The home company exports their product to host country company/distributor. It is the safest entry strategy to start expanding company overseas. By exporting we would learn the market situation in overseas market. And it is less risky and less cost than to manufactures the goods in host country. The example of exporting is kecap Bango and bumbu Bamboe in European market, especially French. Kecap Bango and bumbu Bamboe export their goods to Indian and Asian store in France. The target market is of course Indonesian consumer who lives there. Another example is Teh Botol in carton pack, it sells its product by helping of Indonesian embassy in Paris, France. * Licensing In licensing the home firm agrees to permit a company in host country to use the manufacturing, processing, trademark, know-how or some other skill provided by the licensor. For example, Coca Cola give license to United Bottlers to make Coke in Zimbabwe. Franchising A home company which using franchising (franchisor), grants another ( a company or individual) the rights to distribute goods or services using franchisor’s brand and system in exchange for fees. Mc Donalds is known to use franchise as its market strategies through the world. In Indonesia, alfamart and indomaret are using franchising as their strategy. But they still using it within Indonesia not overseas. * contract manufacturing In contract manufacturing the firm decide to enter by contracting a manufacture of its product in target market. In example GAP contract manufacture in developing countries to manufacture and sells them. The products can be made to the conditions and specific requirements of the local market * strategic alliances Strategic alliances firm unite with competitor to pursue a set of assented goals remain independent after the formation of the alliance. The partner firms share the benefits of the alliance and the control of the performance of assigned tasks and the partner firms contribute on a continuing basis to one or more key strategic areas. For example, in 2005 Adidas (a German company) announced its acquisition of Reebok. Mr. Herbert Hainer, the CEO of Adidas, expected to cut costs by 125 million Euros in the next three years by sharing information technology, synergies in sales and distribution, and cheaper sourcing. However, the new combined company will continue to run separate headquarters and sales forces, and keep most distribution centers apart * joint ventures In joint ventures the firms in which two or more investors share ownership and control over property rights and operation. In Zimbabwe, Olivine industries have a joint venture agreement with HJ Heinz in food processing. * foreign direct investment The firm makes a direct investment in a production unit in a foreign market. It is the greatest commitment since there is a 100% ownership. The international firm can obtain wholly foreign production facilities in two primary ways; It can make a direct acquisition or merger in the host market and It can also develop its own facilities from the ground up. Multinational company are already using foreign direct investment, like Nestle in many countries in the world including Indonesia, Unilever, etc

The strategic international human resource management Essay Example for Free

The strategic international human resource management Essay In order to explore the role of strategic international Human Resource management in making multi-national organisations competitive, this assignment reflects the strategic international human resource management issues that the branch of the Vietnamese Pha Lai glass company has to face through human resource process: (Polycentric approach). Some introduction about Pha Lai glass manufactory Some introduction about Laos and PEST analysis Issues relating to Human resource process in Laos: + Forecasting labour demand and supply + Recruitment + Selection and placement + Training + Appraisal performance + Remuneration and benefit + Compensation + Occupational health and safety Issues relating to Vietnam expatriate managers : + Cross-culture suitability (Geert Hofstede (1984) in cross culture study) + Family requirement + Language + Host environment in Laos Some best examples for other Vietnamese organisations have success in operations in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Introduction: In the new background, as Vietnam became an official member of international organisations such as Asean, Apec, Afta and along with the integration trend of Vietnamese economy into the Asean economy and the world economy, the business environment will be opened up with a lot of new factors, more opportunities accompany by more challenges. Therefore, competition becomes fiercer and fiercer. This situation requires Vietnamese enterprises have to a more long-term prospect as well as more effectiveness about their development. Engaging in international operations is one of the most suitable strategies that many Vietnamese organisations choose for their existence and development. The Pha Lai Glass company is one of the typical examples for that. The company has successful performed in the domestic market over the past five years, and now it is in the early stages of a feasibility study for expanding its manufacturing capacity, and as part of the strategic plan is considering establishing a plant in a foreign country, Laos, which is the neighbour country of Vietnam. The branch will be located in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Some introduction about the Pha Lai Glass factory Pha Lai glass factory, one of Vietnamese famous manufactory, is in the early stages of a feasibility study for expanding its manufacturing capacity in a foreign country after success over the past five years. The factory is located on Pha Lai Town, Chi Linh District, Hai Hung province in Vietnam. The products of the manufactory include glass products. The initial capital is 6753 million Vietnam dongs; total revenue now is 9758 million Vietnam dongs. The total manufactorys labour is 587 people. Some introduction about Laos Lao is bordered to the north by the Peoples Republic of China (505 kilometers), to the south by Cambodia (435 kilometers), to the east by Vietnam (2,069 kilometers), to the northwest by Myanmar (236 kilometers), and to the west by Thailand (1,835 kilometers). Laos has a total area of 236,800 square kilometres, stretching a distance of approximately 1,000 kilometers form north to south. The Lao political system is run as a peoples democracy with the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party at its head. The nations political policy can be simply stated as a democratic government empowered by the people to work for the people. The total population of the country is approximately 6 million people. Of the total number, 2965300 are male and 3034700 female. (Source: http://www.business-in-laos.com/laos.htm) PEST analysis An analysis of the new environment is important because it increases in the quality of the operation of the manufactorys branch in Laos by considering a range of relevant features well before making a suitable strategic decision. It is necessary to identify the threats that the branch have to face as well as the opportunities it can be get in the Laos invest environment by applying PEST analysis. Political/legal The Laos Government allows a great deal of flexibility, particularly welcomes foreign investors who wish to operate business in Laos. Laos is perfectly prepared for every type of investment, it is ready for development and, by its membership of ASEAN in July 1997, and it intends to participate with other countries in the development of the region to keep pace with the changing world. The branchs property and investments in Laos shall be protected by the laws and regulations of the Lao PDR. Such property and investment may not be requisitioned, confiscated or nationalized except for a public purpose and upon payment of prompt, adequate and effective compensation. Economic The countrys trading policy has varied from to period according to economic policy. Trade occurred with other socialist countries, that is, Viet Nam, Cambodia and the Soviet Union. Public enterprises began to play a role in foreign trade. With the advent of the policy of New Thinking, the nations economic development has steadily been liberalized and is moving towards a market economy. Due to the natural expansion of the economy, Lao achieved a high growth rate. Laos opened its doors to foreign investors, total investments from both the local and foreign investors was nearly US$ 8 million for total 636 projects. Socio-cultural Population and labour force According to Laoss statistics, the population of Laos is nearly 6 million in which the labour force represents 48% (approximately 2800000 people) of the total population of the country. That is considerable labour force for the development of the branchs human resource. The employment rate was slightly higher for male than for female, 52% and 48% respectively. The labour force is aged 10 years and above. It is an important issue that the branch must to be interest first because that is too young labour force. Health Life expectancy rate is appreciated about 51 years. Education and Literacy About 72% of men and 53% of women have access to education in Laos. Educational quantity has been increased. This advantage will lead the branch have a suitable human resource plan. Technological Economic development in Laos is aimed mainly at the development of its infrastructure. Another focus is on such unique opportunities as being an electricity-exporting centre for neighboring country, particularly Thailand and Vietnam. Thus, technological applications to help in the development of the country current tend to learn towards those areas of knowledge and management rather than more varied and complicated machinery. (Source: http://www.business-in-laos.com/laos.htm) After fulfilling PEST analysis in order to assess the investment opportunities in Laos, it is recognized obviously that this is potential investment environment for Pha Lai glass factory expanding the branch in this fully potential neighbour country. The Functional Organisation for the manufacturing branch in Laos includes as follows: One President One Vice President of Production One Vice President of Marketing One Vice President of Human Resources One Vice President of Finance Polycentric approach for the organisation structure The Organisation structure for the branch in Laos is applied the polycentric approach. It means: The President is from the PCNs, Vietnam. The Vice President of Production and the Vice President of Finance are also from Vietnam in order to assure that operations are supervised under PCNs policy. The Vice President of Marketing and Human Resource are HCNs (Laoss) because they are local people in Laos so they understand deeply about politics, economy, socio-culture and technology environment in Laos, they will achieve their mission better. 585 Laos employees (99% of total labour force of the branch). A polycentric staffing policy is one in which HCNs are recruited to manage subsidiaries in their own country and PCNs occupy positions at corporate headquarters (Dowling, Welch and Schuler, 1999). The branch does not recruit from TCNs. As a role of the president of the branchs operations in Laos, the International Human resource management model will be applied by Ralobbins and Coulters model (2003), p 283. Part 1: Issues to Vietnamese expatriate managers in Laos Selecting Managers The advantages and Disadvantages of using Parent-country Nationals Advantages * Organizational control and coordination is maintained and facilitated * Promising managers are given international experience * Vietnamese managers may be the best people for the job because of special skills and experiences. * There is assurance that subsidiary will comply with company objectives, policies, and so on Disadvantages * The promotional opportunities of Laos staff are limited * Adaptation to Laos staff may take a long time * Vietnamese managers may impose an inappropriate HQ style * Compensation for Vietnamese and Laos managers may differ Cross-culture Suitability According to Geert Hofstede (1984) in cross cultural study, there are four kinds of culture as follows: Power distance (PD) is the extent to which an unequal distribution of power is accepted by members of a society. Uncertainty avoidance (UA) is how much members of a society are threatened by uncertain and ambiguous situations. Individualism collectivism (I) is the tendency to take care of oneself and ones family versus the tendency to work together for the collective good. Masculinity-femininity (M) is the extent to which highly assertive masculine values predominate (acquisition of money at the expense of others) versus showing sensitivity and concern for others welfare. (source: Geert Hofstede (1984) cross cultural study) The cultural environment in which Vietnamese managers operate is an important factor in determining successful performance. Laos has some features of the uncertainty-avoidance culture that will be convenient for Vietnamese managers in Laos. Because Laos has a good traditional culture for long-time ago, and up to now, it is still kept and developed more brilliantly. A good cultural environment will assist Vietnamese managers avoid the culture sock as well as stress at work. Family Requirements The contribution that the family, particular the spouse, makes to the success of the international assignment is now well-documented. However, there are other issues that the planners needs to concern due to a spouse or partners difficulties with adapting to life in Laos as well as covering all of the Vietnamese expatriate familys living cost. Language The ability to speak a second language is an aspect often linked with crosscultural ability (Dowling, Welch and Schuler, 1999). Language skills may be regarded as of critical importance for managerial positions. Tung (1986) suggested knowledge of the host-countrys language is an important aspect of expatriate performance, regardless of the level of position. Differences in language are recognised as a major barrier to effective crosscultural communication. Thus, Vietnamese expatriate managers must be good speaking Laoss language people in order to perform operations of the branch effectively. Host Environment The environment in Laos also has an impact on Vietnamese expatriatess operation capability. According to Gregresen et all, nd, the international context with its differing societal, legal, economic, technical, and physical demands can be a major determinant of expatriate performance. However, the environment in Laos is likely to have positive impact on Vietnamese expatriate because Laos and Vietnam have had a good relationship for long time ago as well as have a certain neighbourhood. Part 2: issues relate to Laos human resource staff. The Human resource management process includes following steps: Step 1: Human resource planning Step 2: Recruitment Step 3: Selection and placement (identification, selection, and placement of competent employees) Step 4: Training Step 5: Performance appraisal Step 6: Remuneration and benefits Step 7: Compensation Step 8: Occupational health and safety Human resource planning After PEST analysis in the new investment environment, the branch needs to have an appropriate Human resource planning. Human resource planning includes forecasts of labour demand, forecasts of labour supply, forecasts of labour surplus or shortage, goal setting and strategic planning. The main advantages of a polycentric policy identified above, are: + Employing Laoss staff eliminates language barriers, avoids the adjustment problems of Vietnamese managers and their families, and removes the need for expensive cultural awareness training programs. + Employment of Laos allows the branch to take a lower profile in sensitive political situations. + Employment of Laos is less expensive than that of Vietnam, even if a premium is paid to attract high-quality applicants. + Employing Laoss employees gives continuity to the management of the branchs operation in Laos. This approach avoids the turnover of key managers that, by its very nature, results from an ethnocentric approach. Forecasting, on both the supply and demand sides were used by judgemental method. Forecasts of labour demand: Total labour force in the Pha Lai glass company is 587. So the labour demand at Vientiane will be similar to 587 including one Vietnamese President, two Vietnamese vice presidents of Production and Finance; two local vice directors of Marketing and Humance Resource and 582 local human resource employees. Forecasts of labour supply: The labour force in Laos is about 2800000 people that the percentage of men and women are 52% and 48%, respectively. Particularly Laos has the young labour force from 10 and above. This is an abundant, strong labour supply force for the project. Determining labour surplus or shortage: According to two forecasts of labour demand and supply, the labour force is surplus and this issue is determined, the branch can determine the next issue for potential problems. Goal setting and strategic planning The second step in human resource planning is goal setting and strategic planning. The goal directly comes from the analysis of labour supply and demand The labour force can be appreciated satisfactorily for the current and future of the branchs operation targets. Recruitment Recruitment is a complex process, generally defined as searching for, and obtaining, potential job candidates in sufficient numbers and quality, and at the right cost, for the branch to select the most appropriate people to fills its jobs. The questions for recruitment process will be as follows: + How many people does the branch need? + Where can the branch recruit? + Who are sufficient for jobs? For these issues, the responses will be: According to determining labour demand, the branch needs 582 workers within sufficient skills, competence and knowledge for it targets and goals. * Methods for recruitment can be either internal methods such as posting skills, inventory or external methods such as radio, television, newspaper, trade journals, computerised services and so on. * Sources for recruitment can be external sources such as referrals, walk-ins, agencies, schools, CES, trade unions. Selection and placement Selection is the process of gathering legally defensible information about job applicants in order to determine who should be hired for long or short-term positions. Interviews and test are applied for selection process. This includes questions about the following: * Age, sex, religion and national origin * Number of children and who will care for them * Height and weight, unless job related * Marital status * Conviction record unless strongly related to job * Credit status * Relatives and friends working for the employer. At the end of selection, every potential candidate is identified and placed their appropriate positions. Training Only by examining the skills and competence for a job (as defined in manufacturing glass, for example), managers can identify training requirements and select the training programs that be based on job-related criteria (Holton and Bailey 1995; Hong and Lin 1995; Piskurich 1994). Required skills and competence will be transferred from Vietnamese major manufactory to Laoss staff in order to adapt business operation requirement in Laos. Performance appraisal Although Laos employees may learn about how well they are performing through informal means, such as co-workers telling them what a great job they are doing or their supervisors giving them an occasional pat on the back. Performance appraisal will be defined here as a formal, structured system of measuring, evaluating and influencing an employees job-related attributes, behaviours and outcomes to discover at what level she or he is going to perform in his or her job: That is, how productive he or she is and whether he or she can perform more effectively in the future. It is a dynamic and multidimensional process (Latham and Wexley 1981; Carroll and Schneier 1982). Remuneration and benefits Another important issue is to motivate employees and the way which is used to motivate employees to perform more effectively is based on distribution salaries and benefits. For the growth and development of the branch, Laos employees need to express satisfaction with their salary and benefits. Compensation All Laos employees in the branch must be covered by workers compensation insurance by compensation policies of the branch. The insurance provides a scale of benefits for employees who are injured at work or who incur a work-related illness. The aim of the legislation is to maintain employees income and employment benefits for the period that the employees is unable to perform his or her usual work Occupational health and safety One of important issue is occupational health and safety for labours force. If the branch can reduce the rates and severity of its occupational accidents, diseases, and work-related stress levels and improve the quality of work life for its employees, it can become more effective. Line directors must have a large responsibility in ensuring that program intervention is implemented, demonstrated to Laoss workers that occupational health and safety objectives are supported at all levels. Conclusion The ability to manage Human resources on an international basis is one of the first important issues that any manufactory must assess before expanding its operations abroad. With fully detailed analysis about the opportunities as well as the challenges that the branch will have to face in Laos, I, as a role of the Human resource manager in the factory, believe that applying International human resource management strategy above can help the branch of Pha Lai glass factory have many prospects for further sustainable development in Laos as well as in other countries in the future. Current examples of best practices suitable to the company There are many Vietnamese enterprise have operations successfully in Laos, some examples below are the most obviously detailed evidences that are realistic and feasible to illustrate. Dien Quang Lamp Company had already set up a distributorship and agency in Vientiane. Now it was looking to expand. Dien Quang products are exported to 18 countries all over the world, including in Asia and the Middle East. In 2002, we aimed at breaking into the Lao market and this year, we had an advertising plan to take our trade name to Lao consumers Mr Phan Ngoc Huy, Assistant General Director of Dien Quang Lamp Company said. Mr Dam Van Hong, from the Sales and Marketing Department of Saigon Plastic Company said the company was planning to build a factory in Laos. Our factory will be located at Km 7 and will be 4,000 sq m in Area. The Vietnam trade representative office in Laos said almost all the Vietnamese business that joined the That Luang Trade Fair on this occasion met their targets to penetrate the local market, to find partners to establish agencies or become distributors and to introduce high quality products to the Laos consumer. (Source: http://www.mot.gov.vn/Laowebsite/News.asp?id=65kind=1) References Books 1. Dowling Peter J, Welch Denice, Schuler Randall S, P 1999, International Human Resource Management Managing People in a Multinational Context, third edition. 2. Brewster Chris and Harris Hilary, P. 2000, International Human Resource Management Contemporary issues in Europe, second edition. 3. Kramar Robin, Mcgraw Peter and Schuler Randall, P. 1998, Human resource Management in Australia, third edition. 4. Sisson Keith and Storey Storey, P. 2001, The realities of Human resource Management Managing the Employment Relationship. 5. Geert Hofstede, P. 1984, Cross Cultural Study 116000 employees 40 countries. 6. Stoner James A.F, R. Edward Freeman, Gilbert Daniel R, Jr, P. 2000, Management, sixth edition. Webs 1. http://www.thuonghieuviet.com.vn/index 2. http://www.business-in-laos.com/laos.htm 3. http://www.hanover.park.org/Thailand/MoreAboutAisa/vninfo/companies/cty2451.html 4. http://www.mot.gov.vn/Laowebsite/News.asp?id=65kind=1 Bibliography Books 1. Dowling Peter J, Welch Denice E and Schuler Randall S, P. 1999, International Human Resource Management Management People in a Multinational Context, third edition. 2. Sisson Keith, Storey John, P. 2001, The realities of Human Resource Management Managing the Employment Relationship, second edition. 3. Brewster Chris and Harris Hilary, P. 2000, International Human Resource Management Contemporary issues in Europe. 4. Lewis Pamela S, Goodman Stephen H and Fandt Patricia M, P. 2001, Management: Challenges in the 21st century, third edition. 5. Kramar Robin, Graw Peter Mc and Schuler Randall S, P. 1998, Human Resource Management in Australia. 6. Robbins Stephen P and Coulter Mary, P. 2004, Management, eighth edition, Pearson, Prentice Hall. 7. Geert Hofstede, P. 1984, Cross Cultural Study 116000 employees 40 countries. 8. Stoner James A.F, R. Edward Freeman, Gilbert Daniel R, Jr, P. 2000, Management, sixth edition. Webs 1. http://www.handover.park.org/Thailand/MoreAboutAsia/vninfo/companies/cty2451.html 2. http://www.drc.com.vn/index.php 3. http://www.business-in-laos.com/laos.htm 4. http://www.thuonghieuviet.com.vn/index 5. http://www.bitis_vn.com/ 6. http://userwww.sfsu.edu/~jnichols/clas-618.htm 7. http://www.mot.gov.vn/Laowebsite/News.asp?id=65kind=1 8. http://www.ilir.uiuc.edu/courses/Non-current/lir490b/Lectures/6_IntroToCulture/Sld010.htm

Benefits of Music Therapy for Autism Disorder

Benefits of Music Therapy for Autism Disorder Using relevant theories and examples, analyse how music therapy can help to treat autism disorder Outline Introduction: Music therapy is rooted in the work of psychoanalysts (Freud, Jung, and Watzalwick), music teachers (Willems, Dalcroze) allied with in-depth music studies (Schaeffer, Sachs). Definition Although there are different conceptual models in music therapy, it is possible to distinguish the music practices intended only for sick patients from music practices used as a tool for personal development and are therefore accessible to all. Music therapy is a â€Å"non-verbal psychotherapy that uses corporo sonoro nonverbal expressions to develop a relationship between the therapist and those who need support to improve the quality of their lives and reintegrate into society. It also aims to produce social, cultural and educational changes in the ecosystem and to act on the primary prevention of community health. â€Å"(The Benenzon model). Music therapy comes against psychoanalytic theory which conceives language as essential to the revelation of the unconscious. It is based in fact on the development of the relationship and the therapeutic process through non-verbal communication called analogue communication by Watzalwick. Music therapy is conceived as psychotherapy, that is to say a relationship between two individuals, one of whom, by his knowledge and experience, will try to transform the other by influencing him. -The development of music therapy (historical perspectives) Most traditions all over the world in a way or another say: In the beginning was the Word. If science speaks of a big bang theory to describe the birth of the universe, it is not pure coincidence. In the Egyptian history, the god Thoth had created the world with a loud cry. In the Old Testament, it is the sound of trumpets that destroyed Jericho. From the earliest times, the sound is described as a creative or destructive element. Some of Plato and Pythagoras ideas had created a real focus on a system based on philosophical harmony. In their concept, music was part of integrated mathematics. In the Greek civilization, music therapists already existed and they were suggesting various instruments to influence the mood of people. According to the evil, they chose the aulos (old musical instrument) in an ecstatic and moving game or the sweet and harmonious lyre. Patrick Alderman (1981) Music and Medicine Stock Music. In Chinese philosophy, Confucius stated: Enjoy music, it is the formation of inner harmony.† This practice is still used by the Tibetan lamas. In Africa, traditional music, very rhythmic and loud, is used for ceremonies but also to generate altered states of mind. And since World War 1, science is having a new look at the effects of music. This research is shown mainly in the works of Anglo -Saxon authors such as Schoen and Gatewood (1927), Hevner (1936) , Carpuco (1952) and Cattell ( 1953). In parallel, several French authors focused on the meaning of music and some of them attempted to develop a theory. These include Frances, Imberty, Jost, Pratt, Simon and Werbick. Music therapy and mental illness (music as a special way of communication can help to explore the inner world of people with mental disorder?) In hospitals and retirement homes, we approach more and more people losing their autonomy with methods of music therapy. Musical instruments have a power of attraction on real people and are used more frequently to encourage older people to break their isolation by participating in musical activities in a group. People suffering from severe psychological problems respond very well to music too. Often aggressive behaviours are absorbed through music. Children with intellectual disabilities have shown to develop, it seems that music arouses in them an unexpected receptivity and currently science is exploring all avenues to develop its curative powers. -Music therapy and autism Music therapy is a relatively new method of treatment for autistic patients, but often forgotten when different options are discussed. Music therapy Patients often show improvements in temperament and learning. Music connects to the non- verbal part of our brain, making it an ideal treatment for disorders in which the patient has difficulty communicating, such as autism. Music therapy is effective because it can be used in conjunction with social skills training. Many games can be made using music to help improve the social and behavioural skills. By encouraging eye contact while singing or using instruments, music therapy can help autistic children to break down social barriers with people. Music therapy can help children and older autistic patients to develop speech skills. Music is a way to connect verbal and nonverbal functions in the brain. Autism may have various forms of speech disorders. Some can only hum, grunt, or make other noises, while others are carried to repeat absurd sentences, babbling and screaming. Others again come to develop sentences to communicate with the world, although they generally lack emotion. People with autism are known to speak in a monotone. However, no matter how the individual behaves with speech, he or she can participate in a music therapy, tapping rhythms or humming. Autism patients are generally considered particularly suitable for music therapy. Some, for example, have a very high pitch. Others may play very well a particular instrument, with little instruction. Even if your child shows no capacity to be a musical genius, you will often find that the autistic person has musical abilities beyond his other abilities. A music therapist can use music as a way to link this type of learning with other types of learning, not only for the development of language and social behavioural development as previously discussed, but also as a means to communicate their emotions and develop memory. Using these techniques in conjunction with other therapies, music therapy can do wonders with autism. Skilled professionals can use music to teach children and others how to communicate non-verbally, which makes learning easier for patients. Therapeutical approaches to autism: Music Therapy Studies have reported positive effects of music therapy with children and adolescents in the treatment of autism. The reported benefits include increased vocalizations, verbalizations, and gestures, understanding vocabulary, and attention-related task, acts of communication, symbolic play skills and personal care, as well as decreased echolalia (automatic repetition of phrases as we understand them). Researchers also observed improved body awareness and coordination, and decreased anxiety. However, results have been inconclusive in respect of the effect on the behaviour problems. It also remains important to clearly define the long-term benefits. To plan an intervention, music therapists choose their activities from a myriad of approaches and possible musical experiences (improvisation, listening to music, instrumental performance, cognitive learning through music, etc. . .) according to the autism patient. With respect to the material used, the therapist can compose music or songs himself, or draw on the repertoire of music for children; it is rich in simple ditties, has regular repeats that facilitate teaching exercises. As for musical instruments available to the participants, it can be, in addition to those used by the therapist, synthesizer, various percussion, wooden xylophone, flutes, a â€Å"rain stick â€Å"etc. . . Once the person is comfortable, the therapist can include various instruments in the exploration of the environment made by the child. Gradually, once there is a non-verbal communication through instruments, the speaker can begin to encourage a form of verbal communication directly related to the music, if the case is suitable. Favourite music can be used for a wide range of cooperation activities in order to work on social behaviour. In a group, to get a ball from one child to another, the sound of music or playing the drum set would be, for example, the means used to generate interaction. We can also practice problem solving using a dotted history of sound effects and music, etc. . . . Gradually, new measures are introduced (walking, sitting, sleeping, etc. . .) And the speaker gradually decreases its own participation. Once the music is completely eliminated, the child has been able to construct sentences in response to questions What is it? and what is the doll doing ? this learning was probably facilitated by the presence of music and the view of another associated object . Note also that, even if the words of some songs do not always appear important for everyday use, the simple fact of the match is an important step in teaching some children. According to Myra J. Staum (1997), following an interve ntion, if a student forgets the words or sentences acquired, it is conceivable to remind him by making him hear the song again. The discovery of his own body and the space around it is another aspect in which music therapy can be useful in the autistic individual. Some therapists use e.g. marches and bring the children to walk to the beat of the latter; music and a different rate is then used to ensure that subjects develop a repeating pattern when walking . Many autistic children are also invited to dance: by doing so, they are encouraged to trust the speaker, to develop a better eye contact and a greater awareness of physical contact. Similarly, dancing to different styles of music, the individual can learn to become familiar with change and synchronization, etc. . . . As a sum-up, we can see there are dozens of ways in which music can be used for therapeutic purposes for children with autism. Many aspects, from the birth of a collaboration till extended periods of attention through language acquisition or socially acceptable behaviour, are likely to be among the objectives achieved in a music therapy program ; To achieve this, you just need patience, time and a skilled speaker. improvising (group and individual) With music therapy in autism, It is not just about â€Å"playing a tune† to entertain the patient. It is a work on the sound, the waves and the vibration. It should have a large array of improvisation in all its forms, and include the greatest possible number of musical aesthetics. This includes Western and non-European modes , rhythms and varied tempos, classical sounds of the instrument and voice or sounds using harmonics, different noises , many major keys , minor , traditional , pentatonic modes , exatoniques , atonal music, a wide range of frequencies of the most serious to the most acute of the instrument etc. Active musical therapy consists of expressions with suitable music instruments. It can be self-expression or specific exercises that each has a function. We can thus work on the exchange and communication, frustration, recovery of personal image, memory and concentration improvement in cognitive abilities, body awareness, imagination and creativity, fine motor skills and body address, autonomy. dance and movement Reflection in and on the physical, emotional and subtle body is an essential element of dance therapy and movement. Through improvisation and creation, it determines new body experiences in a wider field of motion perception by more precise specificities. This practice promotes the direct expression, preverbal, nonverbal and verbal communication and the environment. It manages the senses problems and diseases based on experience, stimulating the capacity to act and personal creativity. The dance therapy and movement brings the person to a healthy dynamic. As explained Nicole Harbonnier-Topin, Professor of motion study and director of senior cycle programs of the Department of Dance at the University of Quebec at Montreal, dance therapy involves several systems of neurological function: the awakening and rest, emotional regulation, implicit and explicit memory, the mirror system and the integration of the right brain versus left brain. As the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems are involved in the process of movement, resulting in regulation of emotions that can help counteract the anxiety and some types of depression. There is indeed a body consciousness that brings us into intimate relationship with ourselves. So when we dance, there is a release of tensions and pressures which are in our body’s memory. Autism: Individuals with autism, when they apply the instructions in dance therapy sessions, find the concentration needed and make the right moves, and with an assurance that they do not necessarily have daily life. (Please use relevant theories and example to explain why these musical interventions are effective treatment for autism disorder) Criticism of music therapy So far, music therapy proved to be beneficial. It did not show any harm or any recession of the patients. Dance therapy can approach our problems gently and carefully. It is a powerful for physical and mental wellness tool. Talent is secondary to take pleasure to dance. Dance therapy Figures are diverse and this therapy has been one of the methods used in taking care of sick people and has multiple indications: the ordinary neurosis with autism, through anxiety, depression, addictions, psychosomatic diseases, psychiatric disorders, light and deep, motor and mental disabilities. All dance genres are possible. Including: bio-dance gestures based on touch and feel, reviving the notion of tenderness primitive dance succession of repetitive movements promoting relaxation of the mind. shamanic dance inspired from rituals of primitive societies. Conclusion: Music is a versatile tool for intervention with autism Music therapy has been proven beneficial in several areas: in the past it has shown its positive influence on blood pressure, pain perception, respiratory problems, stress, etc. . In the specific case of autism and people with pervasive developmental disorders, music is certainly an interesting option for several reasons. First, the music is a form of nonverbal communication; it is an ideal way to get in contact with children experiencing difficulties in communicating, which is a very common feature in autism. Non-verbal and non-threatening nature of the medium is also an asset. On the other hand, the music acts as a natural reinforcer, which can help students develop skills that are not musical; almost everyone is likely to respond positively to at least one kind of music. It is a versatile tool that can reflect the individual skills of each individual. In another area, it has been noted repeatedly that autistic individuals often have a particular sensitivity to music. Some will react to certain sounds; others however have an â€Å"absolute† ear for music, a property that would make many musicians envious! In summary, several reasons make music an interesting therapeutic tool for autism. Music captivates and holds attention- it stimulates and uses several areas of the brain. Music structures time in a clear and understandable way (â€Å"this is the song of goodbye, the session is almost over!) It provides a pleasant and meaningful context for rehearsals necessary for some learning It creates a safe and structured social context for the verbal and nonverbal communication This is a very effective memory aid It supports and encourages movement It facilitates interaction and promotes self-expression It embeds itself in memory and emotions It often promotes a sense of community since it unites people of all skill levels, all able to participate in a way or another. Bunt, L. (1994) Music Therapy: An Art beyond Words. London: Routledge.

A Comparison of Seamus Heaneys Mid-Term Break and Digging Essay

A Comparison of Seamus Heaney's Mid-Term Break and Digging I am comparing two poems by Seamus Heaney- `Mid-Term Break` and `Digging`. Both of the poems are written about his childhood and his family. The first poem I analysed was `Mid-Term Break`, where the simple and straight forward title `Break` caught my attention suggesting to me that this poem is going to be a positive experience, a break from work, a time to relax. The commencing stanza, the first line reads, ?I sat all morning in the college sick bay?, which has connotation of depression, illness and suffering suggested from the word `sick`. Also with the reference to college the reader gathers that the boy is in his late teens. Second line, ?Counting bells knelling classes to a close?, the word `knelling` in that line is associated with funerals and death so we get the feeling that something might be wrong and gather a sense of foreboding at what is to come. The final line, ?At two o?clock our neighbours drove me home?, is unusual, why are his neighbours driving him home and not his parents? The question why are his parents driving him home this increases the sense of foreboding. Also there is falling rhythm in this stanza. In the second stanza, the line begins, ?In the porch I met my father crying?, and this confirms to the reader that something is wrong, that something tragic has happened. The second line mentions that he takes `funerals` in his stride, so that says to me that he?s attended quite a lot of funerals even though he?s not that old. The final line, ?And Big Jim Evans saying it was a hard blow?, leads me to believe that Big Jim Evans is a close friend and also that he is quite large suggested by the adjective `Big` to descri... ...o poems `Mid-Term Break` and `Digging` are both good poems, which are both about families. `Mid-Term Break` is about when he leaves college and returns home to find out the news about his little brother. `Digging` is about his grandfather and how he?s getting old and finding work difficult, so both poems are about family, but quite different circumstances. The layout of the two poems is very different. `Mid-Term Break` being very straight forward, just having three lines to each stanza and `Digging` being completely opposite and following no strategic pattern. Overall I think that `Mid-Term Break` is a better poem, as I find it more serious and was personally more effective by this poem due to it being quite sad talking about his brother and that last line, ?A four foot box, a foot for every year?, which is a very emotional last line to finish a poem.

Secularism Essay -- essays research papers

Secularism The world today is filled with a variety of religions. Different religions cause conflict because of the dissimilar beliefs as with secularism. Secularism is the indifference to or rejection or exclusion of religion and religious considerations according to the dictionary. The religious civilization acknowledges secularism as any movement in society directed away from the otherworldliness to life on earth. No matter which way it is defined the main point is that God is excluded from all human affairs. There is no God in secularism. It is just the world and nothing else. If there is some form of a God, then it is perceived to be too far for our understanding. Modern cultures have changed a lot in the world in which we stand, but secularism can be found everywhere in the past, the present, and it will be there in the future.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Secularism has been around for over five hundred years and the process of science and psychology is slowly picking up speed along with development. Science and psychology play a big role in how we view things including our religious beliefs and our views of God. God created this beautiful world around us, and he watches over us and speaks to us. Unfortunately, science has become very popular and scientists are constantly searching for the â€Å"truth†. God created the world and put Adam on it with Eve, yet science will state that the Big Bang created the world and constantly search for inconsistency in everything from Jesus to the Bible. Science is distorting our view of the modern world. This has become a big problem because it seems as though secularism has become a political movement, instead of a philosophy or religious belief. It is more serious because our view of the world has changed as well as our view of God and what he did and didn’t do. T he scientific move towards the world develops into a problem because it is now a philosophy or ideology that contradicts the truth of morality and faith. The beliefs and claims of secularism is â€Å"a form of opinion which concerns itself only with questions, the issues of which can be tested by the experience of this life. More explicitly, secularism is that which seeks the development of the physical, moral, and intellectual nature of man to the highest possible point, as the immediate duty of life – which selects as its methods of procedure the promotion o... ...ses down and down and became more secularized then ever. It is hard to try to separate or compare a religion to secularism. Islam can be interpreted harshly or liberally. If Islam was very open-minded then there would be no problem with it being secular. The Qur’an can actually be quoted as having strong supports for secularism. However, one must remember that it only supports liberal secularism not atheistic secularism. Liberal secularism does not believe in atheism; furthermore, it only promotes pluralism. There is no doubt that today in modern society there is a big emphasis on human rights and the freedom of the conscience. Secularism can be viewed as good or bad. One thing is certain, and that is that many people fear secularism will take over. Instead of everyone being conservative they will have a secular view. It is much easier for society to understand secularism. Civilization wants to be free and they want the right to have their own beliefs. No one is going to agree with everyone and no one is going to have or follow the same God or beliefs. Unfortunately, religion will be what separates and divides us as individuals and as a nation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

Markting Mix

Marketing Mix Activity 2. Zara's Objectives, Strategies and Problems. 2. 1 Objectives The first objective for Zara is to continue their expansion in countries like Switzerland, Italy, and Czech Republic and also on other continents: Latin America and Asia. A second objective is to continue their stores' growth in the countries where already exists in order to consolidate its position and increase its market share. By the accomplishment of the two objectives Zara is looking to create enduring profitable growth. 2. 2 StrategiesI will start with the product market penetration used by Zara and more precisely with the product line stretching (one of the tactics allowed by the product market penetration) and we can see in OUR MISSION STATEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY Through Zara’s business model, we aim to contribute to the sustainable development of society and that of the environment with which we interacts. The company's commitment to the environment is included in Inditex Groupà ¢â‚¬â„¢s Corporate Responsibility Statement, published on our website: www. inditex. com.The following are some of the objectives and actions included in the framework of the group's environmental commitment and have a direct impact on our shops and customers: AT THE STORE * – We save energy. * – The eco-friendly shop. * – We produce less waste, and recycle. * – Our commitment extends to all our staff. * – An environmentally aware team. We save energy. The eco-friendly store.? We are implementing an eco-friendly management model in our shops in order to reduce energy consumption by 20%, introducing sustainability and efficiency criteria.This management model sets out measures to be applied to all processes, including the design of the shop itself, the lighting, heating and cooling systems and the possibility of recycling furniture and decoration. We produce less waste and recycle. Recycling hangers and alarms, which are picked up from our shops and processed into other plastic elements, is an example of our waste management policy. Millions of hangers and alarms are processed each year and both the cardboard and plastic used for packaging are also recycled. Our commitment extends to all our staff.Increased awareness among our team members.? We hold In-company awareness campaigns and specific multimedia-based training programmes to educate our staff in sustainable practices, such as limiting energy consumption, using sustainable transport and modifying behaviour patterns. WITH THE PRODUCT * – We use ecological fabrics. * – Organic cotton. * – We manufacture PVC-free footwear. We use ecological fabrics. Organic cotton.? Zara supports organic farming and makes some of its garments out of organic cotton (100% cotton, completely free of pesticides, chemicals and bleach).They have specific labels and are easy to spot in our shops. We produce PVC-free footwear. No petroleum derivatives or non-biodegradable mater ials are used in the production of our footwear (PVC free). IN TRANSPORT We use biodiesel fuel.? Zara's fleet of lorries, which transport more than 200 million items of clothing a year, use 5% biodiesel fuel. This allows us to reduce our CO2 emissions by 500 tons. Zara’s Marketing Strategy Posted on September 16, 2011 by Conrad Chan The fashion company Zara has a marketing strategy that is quite unique. Zara only spends about 0. % of their revenue on promotion. This would be the reason Zara does not appear on television or poster advertisements. Zara focuses heavily on their product, place and pricing as opposed to promotion. Zara rarely advertises any store sales or   have sales promotions other than sale items unlike other retailers. It is also interesting to note that Zara never places their brand or logo on their products. In contrast to local retailers like J2 Clothing, Zara’s sales associates do not need to focus on personal selling. Their customer service with in the store is rather weak.It is their innovative products and affordable pricing that keeps customers returning to their store. Their products seemingly advertises itself. In addition, Zara has remarkable logistics and they are able to get a product from design to the shelf in just two weeks. With such efficiency, they are able to produce thousands of new designs a year. In fact, Zara produces new products every week as said on their website. Zara is known for their fast fashion, which means popular products may disappear off the shelf within days, forcing customers to constantly check for new items.Zara also markets it’s brand through rapid expansion. With more than 1,500 stores around the world in over 70 countries, they open around 150 new stores every year. With the brand becoming world renown, the company is also focusing on sustainable marketing by opening stores which consume 30% less energy compared to the average conventional store. The new stores also save 50% of water consumption and maintains their CO2 emissions below 150 toms a year. It is no wonder  a  Louis Vuitton  spokesperson described Zara as â€Å"possibly the most innovative and  devastating  retailer in the world†.Zara’s Success Strategy for Dummies Zara, or more precisely its parent company Inditex, has become the world’s largest retailer. Here is how they did it in 3 steps! But first, just a few impressive numbers†¦ * Annual sales: â‚ ¬13. 8 billion (? 11. 2 billion) * Garments produced in one year: 840 million * 5,900 stores in 85 countries * Zara has become a renowned fashion phenomenon with its ability to provide stylish interpretations of catwalk trends at a reasonable price and at exceptional speed. So how do they do it? STEP ONE: Find out what customers wantIt all starts with the store staff†¦ â€Å"What if this dress was a little shorter? Would you like this jumper in another colour? What if we added zippers at the ankles? â⠂¬ Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ These are questions you often hear at Zara. This is because Zara’s store staff has been trained to find out what you want. Store managers are really motivated to do this because as much as 70% of their salaries can come from commissions. When the day is over and the store is closed, the staff turns into a sort of investigation unit, searching for clues in the pile of unsold items that customers tried on.They look for any evidence of colour, style and fabric trends. Geeky computer stuff†¦ Then, armed with Digital Assistants, they store their report on a very intelligent information system and combine it with the hard data captured at the cash register. Zara’s Headquarters in Spain can then access this information to find out current trends in what customers want. STEP TWO: Offer what customers want Designing†¦ From their Headquarters in La Coruna (Spain), designers and product developers look at all the data collected from the stores to create clot hes we have shown interest for.By the way, they design over 30,000 items a year versus only 4,000 by H;M†¦ WOW! Zara has often been accused of copying high-end brands, but always got away with it because they always change their design just enough to escape copyright laws. Producing†¦ The average time for a Zara concept to go from idea to appearance in store is 15 days, while it takes H;M about 3 to 5 months! This is because Inditex runs a vertical supply chain, which means that it possesses its own manufacturing and distribution capabilities.A Dolce ; Gabbana dress photographed on fashion week takes months to arrive on the shop floor, but Zara manages to produce something awfully similar in just a couple of weeks! How infuriating for designers?! By making roughly 40% of its own fabric and purchasing most of its dyes from its own subsidiaries, Zara gains a lot of flexibility and saves a lot of time. It actually dyes its cloth in its own factories as late as possible so it can react more quickly to any trend shift that might occur mid season. ? STEP THREE: Attracting customersFrequent and limited production†¦ Zara stores receive deliveries of new clothes twice a week. This constant arrival of new, limited-run items encourages us to visit Zara much more often and has created an urgency to buy. I definitely feel this. If I see a jacket I really like from Zara, I know I have to buy it now, or it will probably be gone by next week. No advertising†¦ it’s all about location! You will never see a Zara flashy campaign, that’s because Inditex doesn’t advertise. In fact, it barely even has a marketing department!As Mark Tungate describes it, â€Å"The secret to Zara’s appeal is that, although shopping there is cheap, it doesn’t feel cheap†. This phenomenon is due to Inditex’s heavy investments on the beauty and historical appeal of it’s stores. It wants its stores to look and feel like a luxury s hop. Zara will place its store very close to luxury brands, targeting each city’s smartest shopping areas, and then buy a grand, modern and spacious store. In fact, Zara bought the most expensive building ever sold in Manhattan: 666, 5th Avenue for the modest sum of $324 million!

Maggie: a Girl of the Streets

Stephen Crane wrote many short stories, one of which was Maggie: A Girl of the Streets. His stories contained various aspects of Naturalism, a literary movement that sought to replicate a believable everyday reality, as opposed to Romanticism or Surrealism, in which subjects may receive highly symbolic, idealistic, or even supernatural treatment. Poverty, abuse and a survival of the fittest way of life created an environment which Maggie was negatively influenced by. Her environment is made up of many circumstances that affect her, one of which is poverty. Maggie grew up in poverty, living out her childhood in a shabby apartment in Rum Alley.This poverty influenced her beliefs. The story says â€Å"when Pete arrived Maggie, in a worn black dress, was waiting†¦,† (18). In comparison, Pete was said to wear nice clothes such as â€Å"his blue double-breasted coat, edged with black braid, buttoned close to a res puff tie, and his patent-leather shoes,† (14). Maggie has her â€Å"worn dress† and as such she sees herself as lowly. The effect of the poverty is emphasized when Maggie, while observing Pete, ponders â€Å"She vaguely tried to calculate the altitude of the pinnacle from which he must have looked down upon her,† (16).This statement shows how, at this point in her life she sees other people above her. The poverty caused her to think this way- it influenced her in ways so subtle and yet so big. It was this thinking caused by the poverty which led to her seeking out Pete’s strength. The poverty stricken environment in which Maggie lived is one in which only the strong survive or one who adapts. The women are described as â€Å"formidable women, with uncombed hair and disordered dress,† (4). They are survivors. They have no time for looking nice, they are working to be strong and survive.Maggie, on the other hand, â€Å"grew to be a most rare and wonderful production of a tenement district, a pretty girl,† (13). She is not strong in that aspect and as such she sought out a strong person, Pete. When seeing him she thinks â€Å"Here was a formidable man who disdained the strength of a world full of fists. Here was one who had contempt for brass-clothed power; one whose knuckles could defiantly ring against the granite of law. He was a knight,† (16). She became enamored with his strength and defiance. He proclaims how great of a fighter he is and as a result she gravitates towards him so he can be her knight.He could protect her. This thinking that she needed a strong man was a result of her environment. It was survival of the fittest and her attempt at survival was attaching herself to a strong man. Another time in which she had to adapt in order to survive was when she was walking down the streets â€Å"Soon the girl discovered that if she walked with such apparent aimlessness, some men looked at her with calculating eyes. She quickened her step, frightened. As a protection, sh e adopted a demeanor of intentness as if going somewhere,† (47). This quote emphasizes the fact that in order to survive she needed to adapt to the streets.Throughout all of Maggie’s life there was, on top of the poverty and the primal instinct for survival, violence and abuse in her home. Violence and abuse was a constant in Maggie’s life. The violence and abuse affected her psychology. Both the physical beatings and the lack of parental figures as a result of the abuse cause her to act differently than she would if she had a mother who loved her and a stable household life. Maggie repeatedly refers to her mother as ‘the woman’ or ‘the mother’ such as in the quotes â€Å"the eyes of both were drawn, by some force, to stare at the woman’s face,† (10).She does not talk of Mary as her mother; instead Maggie refers to her as another woman. This happened as a result of the violence shown to her from Mary; she does not trust her mother. Her mother then proceeds to, later on in Maggie’s life, kick Maggie out of the apartment because she does not like Maggie’s boyfriend, Pete. Mary tells Maggie â€Å"Yeh’ve gone the deh devil, Mag Johnson, yehs knows yehs have gone the deh devil. Yer a disgrace the yer people, damn yeh. An’ now, git out an’ go ahn wid dat doe-faced jude of yours.Go the hell wid him, damn yeh, an’ good riddance. Go the hell an’ see how yeh likes it,† (27). This verbal abuse is something which Maggie has lived with all her life. This quote is the climax in Maggie’s life. The abuse from her mother pushes her out of the apartment and to her subsequent death. All of the abuse and violence influenced Maggie and caused her to have a messed up life. Ultimately throughout Maggie’s life, she was influenced by her environment. Her life would have evolved in a completely different way than in Maggie: A girl of the Streets.The environm ent in which one grows up in is crucial in life. The environment is one where children learn from and it influences who they will be. For some people their environment influences them for the better, and in other cases, like with Maggie, it is for the worse. All abuse, the poverty and survival of the fittest environment lead to her early death. Had those factors not been there she most likely would have lived a long and great life. But, those factors where there in her environment and that is the reality of life, not everything is perfect.

Key aspects of legislation Essay

Summarise key aspects of legislation, regulatory requirements and codes of practice relating to own role and responsibilities. (7.1.1) The BTEC PTLLS award is necessary before a person can teach at a Further Education institution such as Aylesbury College. To support this qualification Lifelong Learning UK has published a new set of overarching professional standards 1 that any teachers in this sector will need to adhere to. This describes in generic terms, the skills knowledge and attributes for those that perform roles in this sector. It is disconcerting to hear that the qualification will soon be replaced following the Lingfield review. Other areas of legislation, that is important in the teaching context is the Health and Safety at Work act 1974, which states how all employers and employees need to take responsibility for their own safety needs. Key legislation that also needs to be considered for the learning environment is the Data Protection Act 1998. The collection and analysis of personal data is intrinsic to any learning institution and this act defines UK law on the processing of data on identifiable living people. It is the main piece of legislation that governs the protection of personal data in the UK and in practice it provides a way for individuals to control information about themselves. It is not just in the IT area but for all systems and paperwork when dealing with personal data, within the IT area it is especially important to consider when teaching the design of systems security and access procedures. Another area relevant to teaching IT are the Display Screen Regulations 1992/2002 which is an amendment to the Health and Safety act, this requires all employers who require their employees to use display screens to ensure that the seating position and lighting is properly adjusted and that the employee can take regular breaks from the screen. Other blanket legislation that applies in the workplace but not specifically to a learning institution are: * Race Relations Act 2000. * Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and 2005 (DDA). * Equality Act 2010. This brought together the numerous array of Acts and Regulations, which formed the basis of anti-discrimination law in Great Britain. This was, primarily, the Equal Pay Act 1970, the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, the Race Relations Act 1976, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and three major statutory instruments protecting discrimination in  employment on grounds of religion or belief, sexual orientation and age. Regulations more specific to the teaching environment are the following: * Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001. The act required education providers to make reasonable provisions to ensure people with disabilities or special needs were provided with the same opportunities as those who were not disabled. * Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. A key point here is that only about 10% of any published document can be copied and circulated for educational purposes before copyright is infringed. * IfL Code of Practice for Teachers (2008). This is a straightforward code of practice for teachers to gives boundaries on their professional integrity, behaviour etc. * Safer practice, safer learning (2007) – responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults in the learning and skills sector – published by NIACE and DES. Analyse own responsibilities for promoting equality and valuing diversity. (7.1.2) In the class discussion on this topic, we discussed that equality is not treating everyone the same, it is rather treating everyone as unique to enable them as far as possible to have equal opportunities to learn, this is what myself as a teacher will have to work to achieve. Promoting equality should remove discrimination in all of the areas covered by the Equality act. Bullying, harassment and victimization are also considered as equality and diversity issues. Diversity aims to recognise, respect and value people’s differences, and their ability to contribute. A teacher should aim to help them reach their full potential by promoting an inclusive culture for all students (and staff). Equality and diversity is becoming more important in all aspects of our lives and work for a number of reasons. Where I was previously working, the employees were recruited globally and could be posted anywhere, they were selected because they showed potential. Inclusivity and diversity was heavily promoted as it was recognised that having a diverse workforce enhanced the company commercially. People with different backgrounds bring different approaches to solving problems or commercial negotiations which is reflected in the company’s performance. In a college, recognising, embracing and valuing difference will lead to improvements for everyone, including: * A more vibrant staff and student  population; * A better working and studying environment; * Attracting and retaining the very best staff and students; As a teacher I can promote equality and diversity by: * Treating all learners fairly. * Creating an inclusive culture for all learners. * Ensuring equal access to opportunities to enable learners to fully participate in the learning process. * Enabling the learners to develop to their full potential. * Equipping learners with the skills to challenge inequality and discrimination in their work/study environment * Making certain that any learning materials do not discriminate against any individuals or groups * Ensuring sure policies, procedures and processes don’t discriminate It was discussed in class that equality can be promoted in different ways, such as discussing privately with a student if they have problems with dyslexia, which could be helped by the simple use of different coloured backgrounds to the powerpoints or handouts. A teacher must be aware of continually promoting inclusivity in all the course material and class discussions, some actions that can be positive are for instance, prior to the class, check the names, ages and any other details of the learners and if possible try to find photos or material that will hopefully be more relevant to their background. Although this shouldn’t be done to such an extreme to alienate others, it’s a fine balance. Also it is good to make sure that different types of learners are covered in the lesson plan by differentiating for learning styles. This also helps to keep the lesson interesting as one form of lesson delivery could get fairly dull. One key point would be to be careful of my language, jokes about stereotypes and casual comments could easily cause alienation. It is also necessary to have a plan on how to deal with inappropriate remarks and behaviour by the learners. Within a college there will also be other internal organisations available to meet the potential needs of learners such as : * Student services / welfare / financial aid / student support * Careers services / advice and guidance * Learning mentors / teaching assistants * Learning difficulties and disabilities assessment and support * International office for overseas learners * Chaplaincy or medical services including sexual and mental health Tutors will be the main point of contact for anything for a learner so it is important to understand how to get in touch with the various people working in the roles for my organisation. Evaluate your own responsibilities in lifelong learning (7.1.3) In class we discussed the role and responsibilities of a tutor in lifelong learning, a number of key roles were identified, such as a tutor needs to be knowledgeable about the subject, but not necessarily an expert, they need to be confident and communicate their points well, they need to be well organised with planned lessons and good timekeeping. The tutor must set an example with their behaviour, and direct the learners, but in further education, as opposed to compulsory education, you will not be acting as a leader and counsellor, rather a facilitator. Of key importance is establishing a contract with the learners at the start of the course, so that they understand the boundaries that are set and what my expectations of them are. In the FE sector this is more important with young adults (16-18 years) than in adult education. Bearing in mind that all learners will be slightly different and work at different levels and may have different needs, it is important for me as a tutor to understand this and if necessary give additional help and guidance as required. Without regurgitating the full list of responsibilities, some key ones to additionally pick out are: * Keeping up to date with developments in the core subject as well as keeping up to date with any new teaching guidelines or changes to the curriculum. * Encouraging the learners to progress and develop their careers by giving constructive feedback. * Continually reflect on my teaching performance and evaluate each session taught and change if necessary. Review own role and responsibilities in identifying and meeting the needs of learners. (7.1.4) A key responsibility would be to get to know the learners in the class as individuals, and to understand their different abilities and learning styles. The techniques already used in the first lesson would be a  very good start, such as the learning styles questionnaire (although interpretation of the results is very subjective.), the basic skills testing, and the group introductions. The group introductions and the personal interview prior to starting the course was a way of understanding the motivation of the learners, and why they are undertaking the training. With this knowledge the tutor can aim to ensure that the lesson delivery is varied to suit the different needs of the learners and give personal help if necessary. These activities are part of the ‘Identifying Needs’ stage of the Teaching and Leaning Cycle and are documented by Gravells 2, although she has the roles and responsibilities a little confused. As the course progresses, the tutors understanding of the needs of the individual learners will become clearer as they get to know them, changes and adjustments can be made to the lesson delivery. This is an application of Kolb’s Reflective Cycle, to put it simply – Planning, Doing, Reviewing, Learning and back to planning. References 1 Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) New overarching professional standards for teachers, tutors and trainers in the lifelong learning sector. 2 Gravells, A., (2011) Preparing to teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector Websites www.excellencegateway.org www.ptllsresource.co.uk http://www.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/equalityanddiversity/