Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Project Manager Being an effective project manager Essay

Task Manager Being a viable undertaking director - Essay Example In reality, we figured out how to actualize the framework yet this was not a simple errand given that there were such a large number of issues that were experienced right from the task commencement process up to the end. Nonetheless, I understood that the achievement of such a venture fundamentally depends with the leader’s ability to manage individuals associated with the task in a positive way. It isn't anything but difficult to persuade individuals to purchase the possibility of another task without disclosing to them the primary thought behind such an activity. When stood up to with such a circumstance, a powerful pioneer should connect all the individuals who will be associated with the venture in order to be in a situation to pick up their help towards the thought. As indicated by Fox (2008), the most significant thing while starting an undertaking is to guarantee that there is understanding and accord among all the partners who will be associated with such a task. Indiv iduals frequently see something very similar in various manners and their feelings vary because of different components. In any case, I understood that so as to turn into a viable task supervisor, there is have to include all individuals who will execute the venture with the goal that they can be in a situation to communicate their perspectives and thoughts openly. Common comprehension can be made if all individuals from the group share similar thoughts towards something. For our situation, we possibly figured out how to arrive at accord when we examined the thought as a group given that a portion of the representatives were against the thought in any case. A thought that is shared by most of individuals in a gathering is probably going to succeed and extend pioneers ought to be accommodative to various perspectives recommended by others. At the point when the undertaking thought has been endorsed and an understanding has been reached, the venture chief should play a main job in the execution of that venture. Nonetheless, being a pioneer doesn't intend to state that an undertaking director has the self-rule to direct everything to different individuals associated with the task. A viable venture chief is consistently on the ground to screen all errands and exercises being performed by various individuals from the group. The administrator ought to likewise be in a situation to get input from the colleagues to be in a situation to make fundamental changes in accordance with various parts of the work being attempted. As a pioneer, I saw that it is basic to associate with various colleagues so all individuals included offer a similar vision as expressed in the task plan. All task stages must be actualized by plan to guarantee that the set objectives are feasible. Viable administrators cautiously consider all parts of a task and they ensure that all exercises are performed by set plans. Another significant component that decides the viability of venture chiefs is id entified with group correspondence. It is very unimaginable for any undertaking to be a triumph without appropriate correspondence set up. Kritzinger, Bowler and Goliath (2003) recommend that there is no undertaking which can be a triumph without a decent correspondence framework set up. Fundamentally, correspondence should be opportune and it ought to be successful so all individuals engaged with the task share a similar vision towards the undertaking objectives. A successful chief for this situation has the duty of planning all correspondence activities and he ought to likewise ensure that open correspondence channels are put it place so as to guarantee that he can get

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Training and Developing Environment for BHP- myassignmenthelp

Question: Examine about theTraining and Developing Environment for BHP Billiton. Answer: Presentation Overhauling and propelling the abilities and capacities of the workforce has been considered as one of the observational undertakings for any of the business association. This procedure has been given as the most elevated need as the workers are considered as one of the most important resources of the business company. Preparing and advancement is the procedure through which the venture can raise degrees in the abilities and capability of a person so as to improve their presentation level coming about because of an expansion in the profitability of the association (Arnold, 2016). This component is one of the greatest administration apparatuses for progressing and carrying development to the business firm. The underneath introduced report has been centered around one of the Australian global enterprises of the accommodation business. BHP Billiton is one of the greatest brand names in the segment and the underneath introduced report is focused on the preparation and advancement procedu re of this organization. Powers necessary to the association As indicated by the examination, it has been assessed that there is the changed scope of components that are animating the way toward preparing and improvement inside the business condition and the equivalent is with BHP Billiton. What's more, according to the given situation, globalization is the picked factor that is influencing the way toward preparing and improvement of the firm (Asfaw, Argaw Bayissa, 2015). As the venture is a worldwide brand and is executing the procedure on the universal level and subsequently the idea of globalization has been considered as a colossal term that will affect the affiliation. What's more, moreover, the path toward preparing and improvement inside the working environment is similarly affected by globalization. Getting ready and improvement are one of the crucial endeavors that are required to be executed essentially and suitable for the progress of the workforce. A portion of the essential segments of this procedure are auspicious and normal inst ructional courses for refreshing the information and empowering an open correspondence process for spurring workers. This will help the substance in getting an expansion efficiency and productivity. Globalization Globalization implies mix and cooperation of procedures and procedure because of a merger of limits of two distinct countries or locales. This progressive idea offers wide presentation to the business associations as far as headways in advancements and methods. Besides, it likewise makes incorporation of social angles and different components, trade of thoughts, and so forth. This will be demonstrated particularly helpful for the business on different grounds (Adotel 2016). For example, the web is perhaps the best development of globalization and this has driven huge worldwide consolidation and advancement to exchange and different parts of organization and legislative issues. For example, distributed computing can be utilized by BHP Billiton for putting away the secret information of the visitors. This framework makes the element capable in putting away the information in an exact and precise way and makes accessible at whatever point required (Ingram 2018). The business firm will e ngage them in developing the business to the new districts and markets. What's more, impacting trades with substitute nations to will in like manner help the component as new developments, resources will be gotten to and that will be exhibited especially valuable for the firm on the quantity of points (Danev 2017). Headway of relational abilities via preparing and advancement rehearses Based on the exploration executed on the given situation, it has been seen that BHP Billiton can make usage of preparing and advancement meetings for propelling the relational abilities of the workforce (Hrcouncil 2018). As relational abilities are one of the fundamental expertise and capacity that is required by the workforce for executing all the tasks and functionalities. Correspondence has been considered as a basic portion of the legitimate and managerial execution and thriving of any of the endeavors and same is for the flying industry. There are different activities that are required to be performed and relational abilities are one of the fundamental thing components in the equivalent. There are two types of correspondence that are utilized by the workforce in accommodation part (ieeexplore.ieee 2006). Preparing and advancement for both the structures will acquire a climb the exhibition and efficiency. Composed correspondence: This type of correspondence involves different tasks and exercises, for example, imparting through composed letters, updates, reports, work applications and resumes, exhibiting composing, sees on staff noticeboards sheets, delegate handbooks, restricted time signs, supper orders, enlistment application shapes, coast resource reports. Electronic correspondence as the web and email and likewise content illuminating has ended up being fundamental procedures for correspondence in the workplace (Kapadia 2016). What's more, subsequently making arrangement for the preparation and advancement of this type of correspondence is required to consider as a need. Verbal correspondence: This type of correspondence assumes a necessary job in the strategic policies and tasks executed by the business enterprise. There are different tasks, for example, inviting the visitors, tuning in to the necessities and satisfying them, going to calls and returning according to the interest and so on. The referenced practices are required to be acted in an expert and fitting way and for which BHP Billiton is required to sort out important instructional meetings. Purpose behind picking refreshing relational abilities The procedure of correspondence assumes an experimental job in the activities and routine work f the business company. This instrument empowers the firm in trading the thoughts, contemplations,, required information and other data that will be demonstrated invaluable for the business undertaking. Furthermore, subsequently it is one of the fundamental necessities for any of the firm to keep up a refreshed correspondence process with the expert arrangement of abilities in the concerned staff. The business element will encounter different changes that will be demonstrated gainful for the BHP Billiton. The positive changes are the reasons because of which this zone has been picked according to the situation and the equivalent is clarified underneath: The solid relationship with the visitors: The staff with the arrangement of expert relational abilities and capacities will empower the business enterprise in trust of visitors and solid connections will be created. Explain: Appropriate correspondence procedure will permit a progression of pertinent data and suitable information will be traded (Opentextbc 2018). This will create lucidity among the administration and the staff individuals. Coordinated effort: BHP Billiton is a multination and global brand name that works business everywhere throughout the world and subsequently refreshing the procedure of correspondence will be demonstrated invaluable for the firm. The procedure of correspondence has a crucial impact in the smoothing out the method and make changes to the last items (Knight, 2015). Exactly when the staff is exchanging considerations and examinations energetically then there will be less chances of conflictive conditions and issues. From now on suitable correspondence process has been normal a basic part in working up a sentiment of joint exertion inside the business affiliation and for doing as such the organization is required to make the course of action of planning and improvement meetings concerning the progress of a correspondence method Preparing and improvement plan Leading the Needs evaluation Assets Required Who will I have to counsel Who will I have to Inform Start Date Fruition Date Notes Guarantee workers availability for Training Composed inputs, returns to messages The board staff Group pioneers 23-03-2018 30-03-2018 Follow Up at ordinary interims is must for guaranteeing congruity on criticisms Make the Learning Environment Separate territory for instructional courses, current innovation. Group pioneers Colleagues 1-04-2018 08-04-2018 Guaranteeing Transfer of Training Assets will contrast according to the profile of the staff Concerned groups lead Concerned groups individuals 10-04-2018 15-04-2018 The assets are required to kept up and made accessible according to the profiles of the staff that are required to get instructional meetings Creating and Evaluation Plan Checking and managing staff The board specialists Group pioneers and other staff 16-04-2018 30-04-2018 Select Training Method Accessibility of alternatives of preparing strategies and the staff. Experts and preparing heads Group leads and individuals 01-05-2018 07-04-2018 Create and Deliver the Program The executives staff, and the group leads Preparing heads and HODs Venture plan creating group 08-04-2018 15-04-2018 Screen and Evaluate the Program. Checking and regulating staff The board specialists Group pioneers and other staff 16-04-2018 30-04-2018 End In the wake of summarizing the above investigation it has been examined that correspondence procedure is a basic part for progress and development of the business association and thus preparing and improvement of same is required to be done essentially in BHP Billiton. Subsequent to breaking down the given situation the term globalization has been picked as it impactsly affects the preparation and improvement procedure of a substance. References Adotel, L, (2016). How globalization influenced authoritative correspondence? Recovered from https://www.bayt.com/en/strengths/q/271045/how-has-globalization-affecte

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Are Human Rights Universal Example

Are Human Rights Universal Example Are Human Rights Universal â€" Essay Example > @2010 Introduction The transformation of the nature of war in contemporary society and its impacts on interstate relations is a greatly debatable notion. George (1986) highlights that war involves two forces that stand opposed to each other, whereby each force tries to compel the enemy side to do its will. Jones, etal, (1996) assert that War as an organized activity can best be described by the nature of the communities or states that wage it, rather than the weaponry and tactics applied in fighting the war. In the wage of advancement in the possession of nuclear weapons among certain states and increased terrorist activities, it is evident that the change on the nature of war in modern has impacted inter- state relations. This particular presentation seeks to analyze the impacts of the changing nature of war and how it affects inter-state relations. It begins by evaluating the basic changes on the nature of war in modern society, and further analyzes how the transformation has im pacted inter-state relations. SignificantChanges on the Nature of War Historical classification of war was established in 1648, it was characterized by Napoleonic wars and the two world wars, and this period lasted up to the end of the 1990 Cold War. Historians assert that the central concept of war within 1990 up to the 21 century has been revolutionized by social, political and economic factors which continue to change as time progresses. Clausewitz (1948) agreed to the fact that the essence of war is political; he described historical war as a means of resolving disputes among political groups. Rivalry among states can be perceived as the major products of war. He further acknowledged that wars basically differ from one another across aspects of space and time. Clausewitz describes war as a chameleon that slowly adapts to the characteristics of a particular social, political environment. As a phenomenon it is dominated by tendencies such as violence, enmity and hatred (Lind 199 7). One of the schools of thought advocates that the economic rationale has influenced the changing nature of war. Here the main argument is that incentives based on the economy usually determine the conduct of war. The linkage of the nature of war to the economy does not imply that most wars are caused by economic shortcomings but rather the continuation and conduct of war is determined by shortcomings within the economic framework. Globalization has greatly influenced the war trends to great extents, for instance the 1978-1988 Iran- Iraq war shepherded by conflict based oil reserves, the Iraq invasion of Kuwait in the 1990’s with claims that the Kuwait was one of its provinces was due to the presence of oil. Most of such notable conflicts were caused by economic incentives that are linked to wealth and also power. Clausewitz’s argued that the rising importance in warfare is also reflected by the technology and culture of the existing age. Kagan (1995) also highlighted the co ntribution of the economy to the nature of war by stating that the manner in which a society organizes its war reflects on the manner in which it makes wealth, thus the capacity of a state to tactfully organize warfare will influence economic strength. Starting with industrial advancement every revolution that occurs within the state system basically triggers a corresponding revolution in the war making system. As a result the emergence of new information economic and economic advancement within states results to a parallel or an equivalent revelation in the system of warfare.

Saturday, May 23, 2020

Criminal Behavior And The Criminal Acts - 1115 Words

It is not an easy task to try and figure out why people commit criminal acts. Criminal behavior has been studied for many years and theories have been suggested as to this very topic. Criminal behavior is when an individual commits a criminal act. A criminal act constitutes the violation of breaking the law. Criminal behavior can be linked to many crimes like organized crime along with misdemeanors and felonies (Jones, 2005). Burglaries are no exception when it comes to criminal behavior. Burglaries consist of either violent or non-violent and crimes against property. Burglaries can occur with or without the use of a weapon. Burglary is defined as â€Å"a breaking and entering of a dwelling house of another in the nighttime with the intent to commit a felony therein† (Culp, Kopp, McCoy, 2015, p. vii-viii). There are certain criminological theories that are associated with burglary. These theories are Rational Choice Theory, Social Learning Theory, and Strain Theory. These criminological theories can explain the concepts of why individuals commit criminal acts. Criminological theories can be similar in some ways. They are expanded from other scientist’s theories thus branching off into new criminological theories. Criminological theories started in the classical school in the 1700’s, the positivist school in the 1800’s, and the Chicago school in the early 1900’s. From the mid 1900’s until today came theories such as labeling, deterrence, Marxist, rational choice as well as manyShow MoreRelatedCriminal Behavior Is Defined As An Act That Violates The Public Law Essay2122 Words   |  9 Pages Criminal behavior is defined as an act that violates the public law established by the government. Individuals exhibiting criminal behavior may be subjected to negative consequences such as imprisonment or death penalty. Criminal behavior is normally associated with deviance, which is the violation of norms (Henslin, 2017). The factors which influence the criminal behavior is often debated by researchers, whether they are acquired or inborn. Specifically, scientists who study sociobiology believeRead MoreEssay on Theory of Criminal Behavior1000 Words   |  4 Pages1.0 Introduction Crime depicts any act or omission that is prohibited by the public law. On the same note, behavior is a function which has measurable differences in psychological characteristics among individuals (Brennan-Galvin, 2002). Such characteristics may be influenced by constitutional, personality attributes, and neurophysiologic or genetics factors. Likewise, criminal behavior is the commission of acts which in their situational and social settings are considered crimes due to the factRead MoreEssay on Crime and Delinquency1407 Words   |  6 Pagesthat criminal behavior is learned behavior. Sutherland along with Richard Cloward, and Lloyd Ohlin attempted to explain this phenomenon by emphasizing the role of learning. To become a criminal, a person must not only be inclined toward illegal activity, he or she must also learn how to commit criminal acts. Sutherland’s differential association theory contends that people whose environment provides the opportunity to associate with crim inals will learn these skills and will become criminals in responseRead MoreCriminal Behavior And Strict Liability1448 Words   |  6 PagesWhen studying criminal behavior and strict liability, exploring the possible causations that may contribute to criminal behavior is important. Examining family backgrounds, genetic make ups and parenting are some factors that influence criminal behavior. Understand the possible risk factors of criminal behavior helps us to better understand why people commit crimes. This paper will attempt to critically analyze two articles on the concept of criminal behavior and law as it pertains to strict liabilityRead MoreThe Rational Choice and Biological Trait Theories Essay1748 Words   |  7 PagesCriminals have been committing crimes for centuries, and they are always fooling the police detectives and federal agencies sometimes. If the justice departments would actually look at the persons thought processes and reasoning before a crime is committed, t he justice departments will be able to answer the reason for the crime. The different departments could possibly figure out why the criminal did what they did in the first. For instance, they should use a couple of criminology theories to helpRead MoreThe Theory Of Crime And Deviance1248 Words   |  5 Pagesthey are raised in or even psychological troubles that can affect their day to day living. A child raised with an abrupt childhood and a child raised in a well-educated family are both likely to become future incarcerated individuals due to deviant behavior. Genetics has no role in determining criminality however social interaction with the world and individuals can be a leading factor in a person’s criminogenic nature. Crime within the world is indeed prevalent everywhere and is just as common as itRead More The Development of a Criminal Mind Essay1334 Words   |  6 PagesThe Development of a Criminal Mind In today’s society, one will find that there are many different factors that go into the development of a criminal mind, and it is impossible to single out one particular cause of criminal behavior. Criminal behavior often stems from both biological and environmental factors. In many cases criminals share similar physical traits which the general population do not usually have. For example criminals have smaller brains than properly adjusted individualsRead MoreCriminial Acts and Choices848 Words   |  4 PagesCriminal Acts and Choices Victoria Hopkins University of Phoenix Society uses common models to determine what a criminal act is. The Justice System has two models: Consensus Model and Conflict Model. The consensus model is used by the Criminal Justice System (CJS) and it shows that the majority of society shares the same values and beliefs. This model works on the assumption that when people form as a society they will have the same morals and beliefs. They come to an agreement of what areRead MoreCrime : The Lack Of Crime And Poverty1654 Words   |  7 Pages Paucity compels numerous people to live under the approved standards that a person should live in. Lack of money to address the demands of people and households compels many of the members in the society into criminal behavior. It has been evidenced that criminal behavior has the likelihood of making quick, easy money yet it is clear that it comes at a price (William, 2017). Poverty stands as the greatest indicator of societal disparities and vulnerable populations; those who live in poverty experienceRead MoreThe Theories Of Criminal Behavior893 Words   |  4 PagesCriminal behavior can be defined as any type of disruptive behavior or antisocial behavior that violates a law and is punishable by society. The three main causes of criminal behavior are psychological impacts, sociological influences, and biological factors. Although there are many more factors that can trigger criminal behaviors, they can all be summed up into the never-ending question, nature versus nature? The psychological approach to criminal behavior is categorized into the nurture side

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

The Information Technology Services Project Management...

Definition of methodology Project methodology provides the Information Technology Services project teams with group of rules to manage projects. Methodology is a tool provider to make every one s job easier, mainly who manages the project, which contains the description, steps and templates to various project activities that require delivering successful projects. Project Management Methodology is a factually defined sequence of logically related practices, methods and processes that determine how best to plan, develop and deliver a project throughout the continuous implementation process until the completion. It is a scientifically-proven that systematic and disciplined approach project execution, design and completion of project. A methodology provides a skeleton for describing every step in depth, so that a project manager will know what to do to deliver and implement the work according to the budget, schedule and client specification. Role of methodology in the Project Management The primary challenge of project management is to achieve all the project goals within the given conditions. These requirements are usually described in a user or project manual, which is created at the beginning of the development process of the project. The primary conditions are time, scope, budget and quality. The secondary challenge is to optimize the allocation of necessary inputs given and integrate them to meet pre-defined objectives in the project. What is the waterfall modelShow MoreRelatedOrganization Planning, Project Management, and Information Technology1319 Words   |  6 PagesApplication: Organization Planning, Project Management, and Information Technology The successful implementation and subsequent meaningful use of information technology solutions within a health care organization is a challenging and iterative process. The organization must engage in careful and ongoing strategic and tactical planning to ensure that the implemented technology will ultimately be effective and beneficial for its practitioners, staff, and patients. To prepare for this ApplicationRead MoreSystems Analysis Design And Project Management Individual Assignment1371 Words   |  6 Pages Systems analysis design and project management Individual Assignment Raad Alteimeh University of North Alabama CIS 625-I03 Enterprise Systems Analysis Design Professor David Nickels System analysis and design Information system analysis and design is a complex, challenging, and stimulating organizational process that a team of business and systems professionals uses to develop and maintain computer-based information systems (Valacich, J. S., George, J. F. (2017). It is a process thatRead MoreAgile Project Management : Shanaz Sithara Mohamed Samsudeen1212 Words   |  5 PagesAGILE METHODOLOGY CITF 120 – IT PROJECT MANAGEMENT - Shanaz Sithara Mohamed Samsudeen Agile movement as it applies to software development and other types of projects. The world is a global village. Change is the only constant that prevails. This has increased the need to be more adaptive to the challenges (changes) that are put forth. In project management, the need to be flexible has grown than ever before to turn the project successful. They have to meet with several constraints at differentRead MoreSoftware Development Life Cycle ( Sdlc )1196 Words   |  5 PagesSoftware engineering process collects and translates business requirements into technology solutions, by developing software applications. Different departments have various software applications in companies. Software development life cycle (SDLC) is a structured step-by-step approach for developing information systems. It includes below major 7 steps 1. PLANNING – In this phase, solid plan to be created for developing information system. 2. ANALYSIS – This phase involves end users and IT specialists workingRead MoreDesign Management And Modern Project Management Essay1656 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Project management is ovary found in many scenarios. It is a universal practice that comprises few basic concepts. In essence, every project in the world will require project management. Project management has different sides and variations. Nonetheless, the basic principles are the same for the different varieties. It is important to note that each variation has unique features. These features are used to address unique problems and conditions as specified by each domain. Two typesRead MoreA Detailed Look Into The System Implementation1640 Words   |  7 Pagesdetailed look into the system implementation, methodologies, tools used, test-plan and feasibility study of the proposed system. 2.2 Definition of Terms Throughout this document various technical terms have been used as initials to specific technologies or professional and government bodies and also to describe procedures. Below are the terms and their descriptions: LR. NO Land reference number. LIMS Land information system. NLMIS National land information system. KENREF Kenya Reference FrameRead MoreControlling Triple Constraints Of Scope, Time And Budget1425 Words   |  6 Pagescontrolling triple constraints of scope, time and budget. Project managers need measurements to manage a project’s outcome and in my view, we cannot manage anything if we cannot measure. The measurements like cost and time are easy to measure using quantitative technique. It is a challenge to measure intangible benefits and need qualitative method or mixed method. Project Management Methodologies There are many proven project management methodologies are available today for organizations to achieve theirRead MoreRelated Cost Leadership And Customer Needs1628 Words   |  7 Pages Cover page Cover mainly – related Cost leadership and Customer needs Questions : 1. We have many other services in each of the services.... But their description is not related to the services.. Shud i include them not included here... :( 2. Can imaged be inserted into the sections 3. Should I mention au.nec.com only or different urls need to be included at respective instances 4. If I get more than 7 pages for only info †¦ what are the ways to trim the content in the file CorrectionsRead MoreStatement of Purpose Engineering Business Management842 Words   |  4 Pagesof my national service, I set my eyes on gaining more work experience and then pursuing a Msc degree. I am excited to now be on the cusp of making that dream a reality. I have come a long way from the reserved college freshman who dreaded the thought of being a student class leader because it involved public speaking, to a flamboyant leader and colleague. I conquered those fears to now become the Project Coordinator for the GRA (Ghana Revenue Authority) and GCNET E-Government project. My engineeringRead MoreStages Of The Software Development Life Cycle1218 Words   |  5 Pages 1. Identify 4 different stages of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and explain how requirements are used in each stage of the SDLC. Design, build, test and deploy are four stages that are used in the SDLC methodology of software development. Business, technical and security requirements are a part of these four phases and used for the system’s development. In the design phase, the requirements are used by the IT staff to form the exact specifications and details on how the system is

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Serious Case Reviews in Childcare Sector Free Essays

Unit 25Understand how to Safeguard the Wellbeing of Children and Young People Outcome 1. 4 Explain when and why inquiries and serious case reviews are required and how the sharing of the findings informs practice. Serious Case Reviews (SCR’s) are undertaken when a child dies (including death by suspected suicide), by a local authority (and more often than not by the Local Children’s Safeguarding Board) if abuse or neglect is known or suspected to be a factor in the death. We will write a custom essay sample on Serious Case Reviews in Childcare Sector or any similar topic only for you Order Now SCR’s are not enquiries into how a child died or who was responsible; that is a matter for the Coroner’s and Criminal Courts to determine. Instead the purpose of Serious Case Reviews is to: †¢ Establish whether there are lessons to be learned from the case about the way in which local professionals and organisations work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. †¢ Identify clearly what those lessons are, how they will be acted on and what is expected to change as a result. †¢ Improve inter-agency working and better safeguard and promote the welfare of children. Additionally, LSCB’s may decide to conduct a SCR whenever a child has been seriously harmed in any of the following situations and the case gives rise to concerns about the way in which local professionals and services worked together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children (including inter-agency and inter-disciplinary working). The two most popular deaths in recent years to be highlighted by the media which highlighted public concern about safeguarding concerns within the children are undoubtedly the deaths of Victoria Climbie and Peter Connelly (Baby P). In both of these cases there was public outrage, especially at the magnitude of Peter’s injuries, and partly because Peter had lived in the London Borough of Haringey, North London, under the same child care authorities that had already failed ten years earlier in the case of Victoria Climbie. Her tragic circumstances had led to a public enquiry which resulted in measures being put in place in an effort to prevent similar cases happening. The child protection services of Haringey and other agencies were widely criticised following Baby P’s death. Following the conviction, three inquiries and a nationwide review of social service care were launched, and the Head of Children’s Services at Haringey removed from post. Another nationwide review was conducted by Lord Laming into his own recommendations concerning Victoria Climbie’s killing in 2000. The death was also the subject of debate in the House of Commons of the United Kingdom. The public’s viewpoint on the tragedy of Baby P was that it should never have happened as he was already known to social services and was seen as many as sixty times by social services, but still died horrifically at the hands of his carers. All of these incidents have resulted in a distinct lack of confidence in the work that social workers do and the children’s sector overall, and it will take a long time to rebuild that trust. The Baby P case in particular has damaged social work’s public image, led to fewer people entering the profession and made it harder to retain experienced staff. It is certainly the case that social work has a rather poor public image and that it seemingly can do no right whatever it does. At times, the profession is castigated for putting children at risk by failing to intervene early enough into family life, whilst on other occasions it is criticised for undermining parental authority by interfering too readily. Partnership working increased and tightened after the death of Victoria Climbie and included the implementation of the Children Act 2004 and the public enquiry into the circumstances surrounding her death. The inquiry, chaired by Lord Laming, found massive failings on the part of as many as twelve agencies with a role to play in protecting children. The findings led to recommendations for a radical reform of services, particularly in the areas of better joined up working and information sharing. Following this, several programmes and frameworks were later implemented into all establishments that worked with children, and these included â€Å"Every Child Matters† services, planned around children’s and young people’s needs and the improvement of the five key outcomes which contribute to their well-being: be healthy, stay safe, enjoy achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well-being. There was also the implementation of the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) system which enables multi agencies to access and add information about a child’s needs. The CAF is used at the earliest opportunity when it is highlighted that a baby, child or young person may need help in their lives in order to progress. It is used when there is concern about a child, or agencies have recognised a child has additional needs, that require further exploration and a multi-agency response. The assessment provides further information and understanding of the child’s circumstances. Another more recently publicised incident, included the review into â€Å"Little Teds† nursery whereby a member of staff, Vanessa George abused toddlers at the nursery, photographed it and publicised it on the internet, showed a lack of staff supervision and training within the setting, which again caused public outrage. The serious case review for this incident report detailed a number of lessons learned, which included the danger of mobile phones within day care settings. As a result locally the use of mobile phones is now prohibited in any children’s centre within the Wakefield district, however it is recognised that this alone will not prevent abuse or transmission of images on the internet from taking place. Other lessons learned is that staff at Little Ted’s Nursery did not recognise the escalation of George’s sexualised behaviour as a warning sign and there is an urgent need for staff working in early years settings to receive training to help recognise potential signs of abuse and become confident in responding to a fellow staff member’s behaviour. As a result, training on â€Å"whistle blowing† and the need for policies and procedures to be in place has become a more urgent need in the childcare sector. Other recommendations set out by the Little Teds SCR include the need for The Early Years Foundation Stage to set out specific requirements for child protection training which considers sexual abuse and the recognition of abuse within the workplace; also the need for the Government to review and consider changing the status of day care settings operating as unincorporated bodies to ensure that governance and accountability arrangements are fit for purpose and are sufficiently clear to enable parents and professionals to raise concerns and challenge poor practice. How to cite Serious Case Reviews in Childcare Sector, Essay examples

Sunday, May 3, 2020

Evaluating The New Line of Production

Question: Describe about the Evaluating of The New Line of Production. Answer: 1. Analyzing these two I would say it would be wise to venture into the new line of production of organic cosmetics. Norton points the fact that they are supposed to work on moving into organic cosmetics quickly as she sees that they could become the leader of the universe in a short while (Berle, 1993). She backs this up by the fact that the company has a good reputation and an excellent brand recognition Norton believes that the continued trajectory in the market and the launch of the new cosmetic line could increase Seasides revenues by 75% by the coming year. She estimates that if the company would raise prices on seasides skincare line of production by 10% and lower line by 5% then the company would be at an absolute position to fund the development of the proposal suggested by Suriala. She supports this after doing some rudimentary business plan provided they maintain their yearly growth rate (Houben, Lenie and Vanhoof, 1999). Mackintosh weighing the options of launching the new proposed line of production could prove disastrous. She believes that the current market for organic personal care is fragmented as shown by the research they did last January (Robinson, 2006). However she forgets that the market for organic foods in the 1990s wasnt so much appreciated by the consumers but as the years went by as the consumers realized the dangers associated with continuous exposure to chemicals in the non-organic products they started shifting their preference to the organic ones and there has been a continuous growth of roughly 10% on the organic product market since then (Berle, 1993). The same can happen people will start realizing the dangers of inorganic cosmetics and shift their interest to the organic ones and if the company will have engaged in its production then there will be a tremendous growth in revenue and Nortons 75% target of revenue could be realized rate (Houben, Lenie and Vanhoof, 1999). The res earch also revealed that the slightest price increase would make the company lose their existing customers and they really can't afford that. Mackintosh supports her opinion by saying that raising the prices of their current product could be dangerous especially now that they have to catch up to the growth of the last couple of years and do some planning (Hargroves and Smith, 2013).However, Mackintosh provides a better plan that if they could increase the coming years revenue by 25% by channeling their focus on increasing their retail distribution of the current products. He claims that by increasing their retail distribution they have a better chance of expanding internationally unlike starting a cosmetic line of production which could drain their resources and even affect the existing brand (Hargroves and Smith, 2013). This fact provides a clear proof that Norton is an entrepreneur and sees an opportunity, a potential market gap and wants to use the resources of her company to fill the gap. Mackintosh, however, provides an opposition, she clearly is not ready to take a risk ( Mircea, Ghilic-Micu and Stoica, 2011). She bases her claims on how currently the companys financial situation is. She goes ahead to support her arguments with a research done to determine the consumers take on the proposed line of production that Norton wants to venture in saying it proves very risky (Bloisi and Hunsaker, 2007). However, Norton already did analysis on how the business is going to come up with the capital to finance the new line of production. She sets hers focus on the reward of a 75% increase in revenue. The company is definitely poised for future success. If they are to conduct several market research then they would have a better and clear vision of the consumers wants. Given the recent trend of a shift of preference from inorganic to organic products and the statics giving the facts that although the organic skin care growth is much higher than that of organic cosmetics but their growth forecast as per the year 2020 are similar ( Mircea, Ghilic-Micu and Stoica, 2011). Although the market research also revealed that that the slightest price increase would make the company lose their existing customers but if the two are to settle on a middle ground and Norton accepts Mackintoshs suggest that they increase the coming years revenue by 25% by focusing on increasing their retail distribution of the current products then they could have enough capital to start the new line of production that Norton proposes. By increasing their retail distribution they have a better chance of expanding internationally and this will give the absolute financial basis in which they can start and run the new line of production (Bloisi and Hunsaker, 2007). 2. Sarah Norton should deal with her difference with Mackintosh by accepting to expand the line of production and establish new distribution links into new areas (Baron, 2006). By so doing they would increase the income revenue by 25% as Mackintosh suggested then at the very time convince Mackintosh into venturing into the new line of production and because they now have the capital they will be no need of trying to maintain their yearly growth rate and raise prices on seasides skincare line of production by 10% and lower line by 5% since they will have the capital with them. Just like in the years before 2010 Norton had a vision of expanding Seashore into a new customer segment and still Mackintosh was in contrast. Although the company did undergo some challenges and decided to give off the project to Roland they finally emerged very successful as the risk was taken and the rewards were realized (Drummond, 2009). 3. If Sarah Norton isnt able to persuade Mackintosh of her business opportunity. Then she will have an option of using her personal saving and venture into the business (Drummond, 2009). She can also team up with people like Roland who founded a manufacturing of organic personal care commodities and also who happens to be so good in the entrepreneurial drive in resolving manufacturing challenges and together they can start the production of organic cosmetics. Another option since Norton is the majority shareholder she can just endorse her plan and put everything in action by trying to maintain their yearly growth rate and raise prices on Seasides skincare line of production by 10% and lower line by 5% and get enough capital and start the production of organic cosmetics as she desires then drive the company towards her 75% revenue increase goal (Baron, 2006). References Baron, R.A., 2006. Opportunity recognition as pattern recognition: How entrepreneurs connect the dots to identify new business opportunities. The Academy of Management Perspectives, 20(1), pp.104-119. Berle, G., 1993. The green entrepreneur: Business opportunities that can save the Earth make you money. Bloisi, W., Cook, C.W. and Hunsaker, P.L., 2007. Management organisational behaviour (2nd European edition). Berkshire: McGraw-Hill Education. Crilly, D. (2012). STAKEHOLDERS: THREAT OR OPPORTUNITY. Business Strategy Review, 23(4), pp.59-61. Drummond, H. (2009). How to be a successful entrepreneur. London: Kogan Page. Hargroves, K. and Smith, M.H., 2013. The natural advantage of nations: business opportunities, innovation and governance in the 21st century. Earthscan. Houben, G., Lenie, K. and Vanhoof, K., 1999. A knowledge-based SWOT-analysis system as an instrument for strategic planning in small and medium sized enterprises. Decision support systems, 26(2), pp.125-135. Mircea, M., Ghilic-Micu, B. and Stoica, M., 2011. Combining business intelligence with cloud computing to delivery agility in actual economy. Journal of Economic Computation and Economic Cybernetics Studies, 45(1), pp.39-54. Robinson, J., 2006. Navigating social and institutional barriers to markets: How social entrepreneurs identify and evaluate opportunities. In Social entrepreneurship (pp. 95-120). Palgrave Macmillan UK.

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Marketing Plan Cocacola Vietnam free essay sample

It consists of examining market research, auditing situation analysis and carefully scrutinizing the soft drink industry and possibilities for Coca Cola in the market. We have carefully analyzed the internal and external business environments and critically examined the industry in general, considering all external threats and opportunities. 2. Introduction In  1886,  Coca-Cola  was first  introduced  to the public, which  attracted  the attention  of most people  who enjoy the  colorful and unique beverage. Today, the  name Coca-Cola  soft drinks  is regarded as  a symbol  of America,  not  just in America but almost  200  countries around the world. Demographic analysis Vietnams population is currently around 86 million people, an average annual increase of 947 thousand people. Vietnam is a country of many races: there are 54 ethnic groups, in which the Vietnamese are the most numerous. The Vietnamese account for about 86% of the population throughout the country and people live in the delta, while most other ethnic group living mainly in midland areas and mountainous areas. We will write a custom essay sample on Marketing Plan Cocacola Vietnam or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Results from a sample  survey figures showed today, Vietnam is in a period of demographic bonus, the period that the population of working age more than twice that age groups population depends. However, our country also began to enter the period of aging. In addition to the youth market factors, consumer incomes in urban Vietnam have increased significantly in recent years. In a certain extent, this will continue to affect consumer habits and lifestyles of the people of Vietnam. Large population and increasing every year, the population concentrated in the plains, and large cities, so this area is the primary market. Population structure of gold will bring opportunities for companies in the industry have been the source of child labor, skilled. 2. SWOT Analysis: Coca-Cola contains caffeine and caramel which can adverse effects on the teeth (if prolonged) which is an issue for health care. It also has got sugar by which continuous drinking of Coca-Cola may cause health problems. Being addicted to Coca-Cola also is a health problem, because drinking of Coca-Cola daily has an effect on your body after few years. . c) Opportunities: Brand recognition is an important factor in affecting Cokes competitive position. Coca-Colas brand name is known well throughout 94% of the world today. The main concern of Coca Cola Marketing Strategies has been just to improvise its system and make it even more recognizable. The bottling system of Coca Cola allows the company to take advantage of its growth opportunities. d)Threats: The main threat is Price. A small increase in price, let’s say just 1 rupee will have a drastic effect on sales. Only because people will go for the next available substitute i. e. Pepsi so price change is a major factor in affecting Sales of coca cola and in marginal profits. Coca Cola can face major losses if it goes for a sudden increase or decrease in price. 4. Market objectives Cocacola_tap maker the worlds largest fresh water it has been successful in many countries around the world so as to penetrate into Vietnam market cocacola has chosen a strategy to serve the entire market. Initially, cocacola focus on market segments that demand characteristics and population density have higher rates. In the period of market access in Vietnam based coacola respectively north (Hanoi), central Da Nang), south (Ho Chi Minh) and gradually expand to the neighboring city. After having studied the Vietnam market, cocacola identified these cities that are capable of very high consumption of their products Overall beverage market in Vietnam is considered high potential. So, that Coca Cola has begun to penetrate from 1960, and until December 2 / 1994 shall continue to come back (after the embargo on American trade. ) Estimated market will continue to grow significantly  in the coming years (2012 will increase 46% over 2007). Coca Cola assessment Vietnam will grow dramatically in the next 10 years, maybe the top 25 markets most of its potential. So make coacacola market segments primarily by geography (focus on large cities where the population density and high frequency of use) and demographic (primarily youth-type objects  demand for high). It is also a target market of cocacola. Coca-Cola only works in the field of beverages, including drinking water, drinking alcohol and carbonated drinks. The company has created a lot of drinks with flavor, different models to meet the diverse needs of customers, such as low gas Coke, Sprite, Fanta, Coke and Vanilla flavor, Coke, juice,. In recent years, the company has research and development constantly adding new products to serve consumers Vietnam Joy as bottled water, energy drink Samurai, Sunfill fruit pulp, and add more flavor  new position for the traditional products to meet the tastes and the tastes of Vietnam as Fanta Lemon, Fanta Strawberry, Lemon Soda, etc. Coca-Cola Company continues to do long-term commitment in Vietnam and innovation to meet the increasing demand in the beverage market dynamics and potential in Vietnam 5. Price strategy Cocacola product price is based on buyer perceptions of value. They see the buyers perception of value rather than the sellers cost which is an important basis for pricing. They use the cost factor prices in the marketing mix to build perceived value in the minds of buyers. Rates are set also based on the perceived value. Cocacola pricing has strategy of market penetration: unlike the high pricing strategy to refine market strategy, business valuation cocacola new products to the relatively low market penetration, in the hope that will attract  a large number of customers and gain a large market share. Discount pricing: most enterprises cocacola will adjust its prices to commercial customers who prepay, buying large quantities of cash payment discount. In other words, a discount is given to customers who buy products in bulk. The price of the product regardless of the form: according to models and the product of Cocacola items are priced differently, but the rate of stocking differs. Price may depend on product category: cocacola enterprises often produce many types of products and goods. They vary in brand, form, size, and signal power so that they are priced at different scales. Currently, the price of Coke products in the market is higher than that of same products, respectively, but the difference in price is not high. 6. Distribution The  products  Coca-Cola  are produced in  three  bottling plants  located in  Ho  Chi Minh  City, Hanoi  and Danang. In 2001,  Vietnam government  agreed to allow  three  bottling plants  merged  under  the centralized management  structure,  in which  the  Coca-Colabottling plants were built  in Vietnam . Two  bottling plants  in Hanoi and  Da  Nang  are operating  as  two branches  of  Coca-Cola  Company  in northern and in middle part of Vietnam. With  three  manufacturing plants  in the  north, central and south  enabling  companies  to expand  the distribution network  in the  area,  to provide adequate  product  for  the  subsidiaries  in  this area. For  beverage products,  the distribution  is important,  the  Pepsi  on  the Vietnamese owns more than  Coca  distributors, so  Coca  continues to  expand  distribution network through  cafes, restaurant,  and  attract  dealers  by increasing  the  support of  agents  such as accompanying gifts ,  decorating  shop  support,  financial support†¦ 7. Advertising One of the secrets for the success of Coca-cola is advertising activities. Everyone knows that the quality and taste of Coca-Cola has not changed for more than 100 years. However, they take advantage of advertising activities, marketing to build a popular brand. Coca-Cola is one of the few companies spend an amount equivalent to the cost of production to polish brand right from the start. In addition, the confidence of the Coca-cola is what makes the brand today, which is expressed in their advertising slogans. The motto such as The great national temperance beverage (1906), 6 million a day (1925), The only thing like Coca-Cola is Coca-Cola itself (1942), What you want is a Coke (1952)  Coke is it (1982) and Always Coca-Cola (1993) have demonstrated ambition and confidence of the brand. Coca Cola has always invested in the advertising strategies of its products. At the retail stores and in supermarkets, Coca Cola products are always eye-catching. To obtain this privilege, Coca Cola has to pay a huge amount of money. They always take an active priority for advertising their products to people through television, newspapers, activities and games. According to media companies and market research TNS Vietnam, Coca-Cola in Vietnam has spent about U. S. $ 1. 5 million for product advertisements on television and in newspapers in 2008. The advertising of Coca really attracts the attention of people with unique ideas, creativity. New commercials of Coca came up with Mr BRRRRRRRrrrr, the Happiness Factory and most recently with ad ideas on how to celebrate the victory of the famous football star with the official song of World Cup 2010. 8. Promotion For the success of Coca-cola on the Vietnam market today, these marketers have taken advantages of communication tools. Understanding the psychology of consumers, Coca-cola is aware that promotional activities are one of the best tools to promote the image of the product to consumers. Coca-Cola Company has recently launch promotions across the country for young dynamic â€Å"Flip Win.   The difference of this program with other promotions is that they consider group rather than an individual. This spirit is reflected from a winning formula: pair of cans to bottle caps or rings to win prizes that young people are interested in . Customers purchasing the product bottles and beverage cans produced by Coca-Cola Vietnam, such as Coca-Cola, Fanta Orange, Sprite, Samurai, Thums Up will have a chance to win the attractive prize Piaggio LXV  125, mobile phone Sony Ericsson W700i, T-shirts, clocks and Coca-Cola The awards are not merely objects but also show how to use young people as well as expressing the personality style of life they enjoy. Young people drinking bottles or cans of Coca-Cola products will have bottle cap ring shaped half of the prize. If they put together 2 cans lids or two rings to make a prize sign they will win. So chances of winning will be higher if the customer are together to coordinate and collect information of luck. The use of other forms of promotion not only allows the companys sales increase, but it captures the value that the company gives its customers. This is a powerful communication tool not only for Coca-cola but most companies to grow its market share. 9. Multi-strategies Coca-Cola Vietnam often organizes interesting activities and meaningful to customers, especially for the youth. These activities create an innovative, dynamic, optimistic, happy image. These activities can enhance the relationship between Coca-Cola and consumers. One of the successful campaigns is Happiness Factory campaign: to show the world is full of passion and a bottle of Coca-Cola can inspire consumers, which are held in many creative activities. On this occasion, Coca-Cola also spent nearly a million of trial products to consumers in big cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho. Another one is Sing with Coca-Cola the opportunity for young people to sing and discover new talents. As one of the celebrated series of operations of the campaign is BRRRR drink Coca-Cola is being implemented nationwide contest  SUMMER BRRRR-KOOL is organized to encourage the spirit of experiencing new things in life which is full of joy and inspiration. Coca-Cola would like to bring a fresh and entirely new, unique and like no other experience to consumers. Coca-Cola campaign organization Coca-Cola There are always delicious dishes: to promote the culinary culture of Vietnam through many fun activities including reality TV program cooking competition  . Meal is an opportunity for people to gather, chat and enjoy delicious food together. A delicious meal with a fun atmosphere increases the emotional bond between family members, friends, colleagues Thus, Coca-Cola made the Coca-Cola There are always delicious dishes to promote and enrich the cultural cuisine Vietnam as well as combine food and enjoy a mix to bring your appetite and bringing people closer together. Coca-Cola has sponsored the reality TV showcooking competition: 9 am Sunday aired weekly on Channel HTV9 starting 18/10, replay at 10h20 on Saturday  HN1 channels and Friday 20h30, 10h30 Saturdays on Channel HTV3. This is not just an entertaining program, but also a knowledge of food supplements, to help you have more information to choose foods that are good for your health, know how to prepare favorite dishes, as well  as there are exciting moments with friends and family. Coca-Cola also provides professional culinary sites with useful information on Channel 14 at: http://duataiamthuc. kenh14. vn/: Here, the young participants can register and update about the cuisine compete with Coca-Cola, answer questions to win weekly prizes and share with friends about the delicious food, the specialty of each region along  addresses the national cuisine. On this occasion, Coca-Cola also provides 300,000 free trial samples at restaurants, cafes in two urban areas of Hanoi and HCMC. The program Sharing the same one the best? For Coca-Cola beginning in the people you love : send hundreds, thousands of good wishes to the people all over the country. Special programs beginning in Coca-Cola will spend the same amount of 233,420,000 corresponding to 46,684 words of love you have given the close friends during the time of the program to support community programs for Clean Water  the same. With this significant program, this years New Years clients not only share the love with coca, but also contributes to the community. Cokes new campaign inspired, especially the activities celebrating winning a complete improvisation. Fans can share the joy of victory through music, interactive events. In addition, the programs parade trophy World Cup (Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour) will be the focal point in this chain of events. The message of this activity is: Together Coca-Cola Celebrate South Africa win the World Cup.   Gold Cup through the journey through 86 countries before handing the championship team in South Africa in the summer. Vietnam is the 2nd stop of the official journey around the world, after the departure earlier this month in India, 1 / 2010. Coca-Cola to bring our customers and also football fans the chance to see firsthand and take photo with the most prestigious gold trophy this planet. The activities of the festival called on fans to express the spirit of optimism and passion for football to harmony with the spirit of sports enthusiasts worldwide. With this event, fans have  opportunity to see firsthand the most prestigious gold trophy planet, also participate in recreational activities such excitement: take photo with the gold trophy, watch 3D movies on the exciting moments of  FIFA World Cup, a battle of the game exciting challenge, Coca-Cola is served free of charge and many other exciting activities. As World Cup approaching, Coca-Cola Vietnam for fans Vietnam contest Celebrate Endless fun with attractive award final. Thereby, on 15 / 3 until 31 / 5, fans will post the clip to celebrate goals penned http://www. coca-cola. zing. vn/ website. Persons with impressive clips celebrating goal have highest number of votes on this web page will be rewarded to South Africa with a capacity of 12 young football talent in The Global Football Camp Coca-Cola  South Africa 2010 in June. TV viewers will decide which 12 will face South Africa won the power to participate in The Global Football Camp Coca-Cola South Africa 2010 in June to come through the reality television program by VTV  implementation, training records images, challenges and competition of 24 applicants and broadcast on VTV3. All recruitment activities, training, and daily challenges of the children in The Global Football Camp Coca-Cola South Africa 2010 as well as in 4-day training will be focused this broadcaster  Vietnam and the recording into a 12 episode reality TV, broadcast on VTV3 each week at 7 pm, and again on Thursday next three weeks on VTV6 at 20h45 with time approximately 30 minutes per file. Over 12 episodes, outside activities and challenging training, viewers will see the story with the emotional and happy and sad memories of the children throughout the program. Team with highest number of votes from viewers during the broadcast will win South Africas capacity to participate in The Global Football Camp Coca-Cola South Africa 2010 in June to come. Through the program, they meet and exchange with brand ambassador of Coca-Cola is the field of music singer Phuong Vy. In addition, they also see the video clip celebrating goals of the players, the team known for creating a way to celebrate the unique goals of the individual and the team. In four days of training under the guidance of coach Trieu Quang Ha, professional groups and two representatives of VFF brand ambassador of the sport in the Coca-Cola is the national players and the football players of Binh Duong club player Philani South African, 24 children were divided into two teams (each team 12 children) to be trained in basic professional football, pass the loopchallenge and compete directly antagonistic. Conclusions After completing our project we have come up with following recommendations for the Coca Cola Company, which are following: †¢ So the Coca-Cola Company should think about bringing innovations in their products for example new diet flavors or maybe more juices so as to fulfill the need of local market. †¢ Marketing team should try to increase the availability of Coke in rural areas. †¢ Coca Cola Company should think about producing Coke Can locally. Because currently coke Cans are only smuggled from abroad and sold at high prices. The Coca Cola Company can capitalize on this factor.

Friday, March 6, 2020

Free Essays on The White Mans Infuluence on the Indian Lifestyle

The Indian lifestyle was undoubtedly influenced and almost controlled by white men after the founding of the New World. White Men over powered Indian tribes and pushed them out of their sacred homeland in order for them to establish a new land of opportunity. The expansion of white settlements not only pushed Indians out of their original homes, the expansion continued to the extent that it created a downward spiral of Indian culture. This downward spiral was also affected by the white men’s desire to philosophically change the religious ideas of the Indians. Initially, expansion and American outlooks caused great conflict in the interactions of white men and Indians due to both sides uncanny inability to see the other side of an issue. Both the Black Robe and Tecumseh portrayed the vast differences of ideals and culture between the Euro-Americans and Indians and how it related to their ability to interact. Much of the conflict with the white men in Tecumseh was related to home land, hunting land, and trade issues. As Indians accepted the fact that America was now becoming an established nation, they did not accept the fact that white settlers were beginning to move into their designated areas. The Indians gave ground and backed off in order not to cause a disturbance, but were continually pushed out of the lands promised to them by the American government. The pollution of white people on their land caused more than just a stir over home lands; it also affected the quality of hunting on the Indians land. With more people on and around the land, there were more people to feed; naturally the Indian’s land was over hunted causing a major problem, especially for the Indians ability to provide food for their families. This especially infuriated the Indian’s because the white men were not supposed to be hunting on their given property. Finally, much of the reason for Euro- American and Indian interaction was due to the great ... Free Essays on The White Mans Infuluence on the Indian Lifestyle Free Essays on The White Mans Infuluence on the Indian Lifestyle The Indian lifestyle was undoubtedly influenced and almost controlled by white men after the founding of the New World. White Men over powered Indian tribes and pushed them out of their sacred homeland in order for them to establish a new land of opportunity. The expansion of white settlements not only pushed Indians out of their original homes, the expansion continued to the extent that it created a downward spiral of Indian culture. This downward spiral was also affected by the white men’s desire to philosophically change the religious ideas of the Indians. Initially, expansion and American outlooks caused great conflict in the interactions of white men and Indians due to both sides uncanny inability to see the other side of an issue. Both the Black Robe and Tecumseh portrayed the vast differences of ideals and culture between the Euro-Americans and Indians and how it related to their ability to interact. Much of the conflict with the white men in Tecumseh was related to home land, hunting land, and trade issues. As Indians accepted the fact that America was now becoming an established nation, they did not accept the fact that white settlers were beginning to move into their designated areas. The Indians gave ground and backed off in order not to cause a disturbance, but were continually pushed out of the lands promised to them by the American government. The pollution of white people on their land caused more than just a stir over home lands; it also affected the quality of hunting on the Indians land. With more people on and around the land, there were more people to feed; naturally the Indian’s land was over hunted causing a major problem, especially for the Indians ability to provide food for their families. This especially infuriated the Indian’s because the white men were not supposed to be hunting on their given property. Finally, much of the reason for Euro- American and Indian interaction was due to the great ...

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Etiology and Treatment of Schizophrenia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Etiology and Treatment of Schizophrenia - Essay Example This essay demonstrates a discussion, that represents the symptoms of the disorder, and of its etiology and treatment. Schizophrenia is a disorder that is distinguished by a major disruption in cognition and emotion, influencing the primary areas of language, thought, perception, affect, and self-concept. The range of symptoms, while various and extensive, usually includes psychotic manifestations, such as hearing internal voices or experiencing other sensations of unconventional importance to normal events or upholding fixed false personal beliefs. There is no one single symptom that makes diagnosis conclusive; instead, such diagnosis covers a pattern or an aggregate of signs and symptoms, that concurrently occur with occupational or social malfunction. Treatment options are frequently related to the clinical phases of schizophrenia, namely the acute phase, stabilizing phase, stable phase, and recovery phase. When possible, this essay links available information to these treatment p hases. Although the Schizophrenia PORT study recommendations are based in research, it may be worth noting that treatment practices fail to comply with these recommendations. The troubling gap between knowledge and practice are attributed to the many barriers that exist in the transfer of information about treatment practice to clinicians, family members, and service users. And yet, the most effective interventions remain to be those that prove to be potent combinations of biological and behavioral treatment approaches.

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Professionalism in Aviation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Professionalism in Aviation - Essay Example n the highest levels of professionalism and account for personal decisions and actions, all the while remaining aware of the way every individual contributes towards the organization’s and industry’s overall safety. Essentially, professionalism is the maintenance of the right conduct, attitude and qualities and this paper will discuss professionalism in relation to aviation. Compared to other industries, aviation has unique complexities mainly because of the long history of federal regulations that bound it and, equally importantly, the emphasis it places on safety (Gill & Shergill, 2004). Professionalism in aviation is the knowledge possessed by stakeholders about their industry and it dictates that dedicated and international-class aircraft and passenger handling services are provided by personnel who have the necessary skills and experience. Among others, that translates to efficiency in customer service, always adhering to safety and security trends, generation of business and growth opportunities, continuously upgrading human resources and knowledge, providing specialized tools and equipment and committing to corporate social responsibility. When passengers get aboard aircraft, they will first encounter the airline attendants and possibly the pilots. But most of the time, their professionalism may not be as obvious to the passengers as is their pre sence, although without it the industry would be lost in politics, ethical issues, blame games and mind games (Gill & Shergill, 2004). Therefore, being a flight attendant, pilot or any other personnel in the aviation industry calls for the joint responsibility for the comfort and safety of customers. That means that even the most basic tasks such as greeting passengers are conducted professionally. Therefore, everyone who handles aircraft as well as passengers must be mentally fit for their duties. Mental fitness for duty may be a personal and ethical initiative, but the management in the aviation industry must

Sunday, January 26, 2020

Monochromatic and Dichromatic Light Wavelength Measurement

Monochromatic and Dichromatic Light Wavelength Measurement Monochromatic and Dichromatic Light Wavelength Measurement using Michelson Interferometer Alireza Safaripour[1] The current paper studies the theory, operation and applications of Michelson interferometer. After the introduction of the working concepts of the interferometer, the theory behind measuring the wavelength of monochromatic and dichromatic light using this interferometer is presented as two samples of its application. Furthermore, these measurements are performed on a simple Michelson interferometer using a Mercury lamp as the monochromatic light source and a Sodium lamp as the dichromatic one, and the results are compared to the actual values. The sources of errors are introduced and analyzed and finally, some sample results of Michelson interferometer are compared with the equivalent ones from Fabry-Perot interferometer. Keywords: Michelson Interferometer, Interference, Monochromatic Light, Dichromatic light, Wavelength Measurement, PACS: 95.55.Sh, 93.90.+y, 13.15.+g Introduction Interferometers are basic optical tools used to precisely measure wavelength, distance, index of refraction, and temporal coherence of optical beams. The Michelson interferometer causes interference by splitting a beam of light into two parts. Each part is made to travel a different path and brought back together where they interfere according to their path length difference. The Michelson interferometer, developed by Albert Michelson in 1881, the first American to win a Nobel Prize for science, is one of the best known of optical instruments used by physicists and astronomers [1]. It was developed to measure the standard meter in units of the wavelength of the red line in the cadmium spectrum [2]. Some of the parameters that can be measured using this instrument are: 1) the wavelength of a light source, 2) the index of refraction of a material, 3) the width of a spectral line, and 4) the Earth’s motion through the â€Å"aether†. The last item refers to the Michelson-Morley experiment, a failed attempt to demonstrate the effect of the hypothetical aether wind on the speed of light, which along with other experiments, showed that ether does not exist and that electromagnetic waves can propagate in a vacuum [3]. Their experiment left theories of light based on the existence of an aether without experimental support, and served ultimately as an inspiration for special relativity [4]. Michelson interferometer has also been used in Fourier transform spectroscopy, detection of gravitational waves and as a narrow band filter. The current paper first goes over the working principals and background theory of the Michelson interferometer and as a sample of its application, some details regarding wavelength measurements are explained. In the next sections, the procedure and results of monochromatic and dichromatic light wavelength measurement performed by the author in Optics Laboratory of Department of Physics and Astronomy at Michigan State University are presented and discussed. Theory A simplified diagram of a Michelson interferometer is shown in the FIG. 1. Light rays coming from a monochromatic source S are incident with a 45 ° angle on a beam splitter (BS) and produces two beams of equal intensity. The transmitted fraction of the beam (T) travels to mirror M1 and reflects back to BS. Half of this incoming beam is again reflected by BS and hits the screen, E. The reflected half of the original beam (R) reflects from mirror M2, and likewise, half of this ray goes through BS and reaches the screen. It is worth mentioning that since the beam splitter reflects the beams from its farther surface from the source, the portion of the rays that reflect from M2 passes through the BS three times, while the lights going towards M1 only pass through BS once. This difference can cause an unwanted optical path difference between the two rays, and to compensate for this effect, a glass surface of the same thickness and index of refraction (CP) is placed between M1 and BS. The two portions of the original beam meet at the surface and their interference produces interference fringes at the screen. The angles of M1 and M2 ­ can be adjusted to create circular, curved or straight fringes. Interference of Waves With a Single Frequency As shown in FIG. 2, looking at the screen, one beam comes from M2 and another beam seems to come from the virtual image of M1, which can be called M1. When there is a difference between the distances of the two mirrors, there would appear to be the same distance, d, between M1 and M2. Considering a beam coming from a source point S, the reflections form M1 and M2 appear to come from the points S1 and S2 respectively. The optical path difference between these two points can be found to be: where Δx is the optical path difference, d the distance between the two mirrors and ÃŽ ¸ the angle of observation. When the light that comes from M1 undergoes reflection at BS, a phase change of Ï€ occurs, which corresponds to an additional phase difference of Ï€. Therefore, the total phase difference between the two beams is where Δà Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ is the phase difference, k the wavenumber and ÃŽ » the wavelength of the light. The condition for destructive interference or dark fringes is then When the mirror separation and light wavelength remain constant, for a specific order m, the angle of inclination stays constant which results in circular fringes that are called fringes of equal inclination, or Haidinger fringes. If the two mirrors have the same distance from the beam splitter, the phase difference between the interfering beams will be equal to Ï€ because of the phase change due to reflection, and this causes destructive interference or dark fringes at the center of the field. According to equation (5), an increase in the separation distance of the mirrors, results in new rings appearing from the center at a faster rate the rings going out of the field of view, and this makes the field of view more crowded and the rings become thinner as they go outward. Similarly, when the separation is decreased the rings appear to move towards the center and as they do, they become wider and sparser. Since appearance or disappearance of a fringe means that a distance of ÃŽ »/2 has been moved, if the mirror is moved a distance d, and the number of fringes that appear or disappear is counted, N, the wavelength of the light can be found. Interference of Waves with Two Frequencies Considering the case for when there are two wavelengths, ÃŽ »1 and ÃŽ »2 present in a dichromatic light source, the two interference patterns are dictated by equation (5) and are superimposed at the detector. The maxima in the combined interference patterns then, occur at displacements when each separate interference pattern is maximized, that is, when the optical path difference is an integer multiple of both ÃŽ »1 and ÃŽ »2. The minima of the combined interference patterns occur directly between the maxima for symmetry reasons. Supposing d1 is a displacement which gives maximal (or minimal) fringe visibility in the field of view, then the next displacement which gives maximal fringe visibility occurs when for some integer n. In words, it is required that the shorter wavelength wave shift one fringe more than the more slowly varying long wavelength in the course of a full period of beats. This can be solved for n as and subsequent substitution of equation (8) back into equation (7) gives By donating ÃŽ »ave as the average wavelength, if the wavelength separation is small, the small quantities à Ã‚ µ and ÃŽ ´ are defined [5] Assuming the intensities of the two wavelengths are equal Then, And finally This gives a way of determining the wavelength separation given the average of the wavelength. If it is assumed that the intensities are approximately the same, then the average is centered between ÃŽ »1 and ÃŽ »2. Procedure A schematic of the experimental setup is presented in Fig. 3. The first light source of the experiment was a Mercury lamp with a wavelength of 546.1 nm and a green color. The angle of the stationary mirror was constantly adjusted during the experiment to ensure that the center point was in the field of view. In the first part of the experiment it was attempted to measure the wavelength of the green light produced by the mercury lamp. In order to do that, the movable mirror was slowly moved from a starting position and the number of fringes coming in or going out was counted. The position where the 50th fringe was counted was recorded as the distance d and equation (6) was used to estimate the wavelength of the light. It was noted that the micrometer was attached to a 5:1 lever which meant that the readings of the micrometer should be divided by 5 to show the actual displacement of the mirror. Since the accuracy of the micrometer was 5 micrometers, the accuracy of displacement readings was 1 micrometer. As the last part of the experiment a yellow Sodium lamp was used that emitted two very closely spaced yellow lines at 589.0 nm and 589.6 nm. A similar procedure to the Hg lamp was used to estimate the average wavelength of the light by counting 50 fringes and measuring the distance. The beating phenomenon resulting from these two close wavelengths were observed and the distance between two consecutive minima points (where the fringes were very blurry an almost unrecognizable) was measured. The number of fringes that would happen during this distance was estimated by extrapolating the distance that the 50 fringes were measured for and equations (8) and (14) were used to calculate the difference between the two present wavelengths. The uncertainties in calculating this difference was also estimated. Results and Discussion In order to measure the wavelength of the green light produced by the Hg lamp, the displacement that caused 50 fringes between them was measured. The micrometer was set at 11.00 mm as the starting point and after counting 50 fringes entering the field of view, the reading of the micrometer was 11.07 mm. Since the smallest unit of measurements was 0.01 mm or 10  µm, the uncertainty of this readings was assumed to be 5  µm. It was noted that since the micrometer was connected to the mirror through a 5:1 lever, the actual displacement of the mirror was one fifth of this reading. Then, equation (6) was used to calculate the wavelength To calculate the uncertainties The known value of the wavelength of this green light, 546.1 nm is within the errors of this measurement and a 2.5% difference was seen between the known and measured values which is a relatively small error. A similar procedure was carried out to measure the average wavelength of the dichromatic light. Once again, the point of 11.00 mm was selected as the starting point and after counting 50 fringes, the finishing point was again very close to 11.07 mm. Then, by applying the same calculation method the value for measured wavelength and its uncertainty were found. Similarly, the actual known values for this light, 589.0 nm and 589.6, are within the bounds of uncertainty and show a 5% difference from the measured value. As the next step, in order to find the difference between the two present wavelengths in the light, the distance between two minima points in the beating phenomenon was measured. The point of minima was found by looking at the fringes and choosing the point that the fringes were the least visible. The two consecutive readings from the micrometer for the minima points were 15.15 mm and 16.62 mm. Using equation (14) and putting the measured value for wavelength The uncertainty in this calculation can be found from And the known value of this difference, 0.6 nm, is within the range of uncertainty. Some of the sources of error in this measurements include the accuracy of the micrometer, the backlash of the micrometer, the quality of the mirrors and their respective reflection coefficient. Another issue with the Michelson interferometer is that the width of the fringes are relatively broad and that makes this device less accurate. Using a similar concept, Fabrey and Perot introduced a new interferometric device in 1897 that could improve some of the issues observed in Michelson interferometer. Simply, in Fabrey-Perot interferometer the light passes through a pair of parallel mirrors and undergoes multiple reflection and the interference of these light rays creates highly well-defined interference fringes. The main advantage of this new interferometer was that the fringes were significantly thinner and this meant higher accuracy in measurement and resolving ability. As an example, FIG. 4 compares the monochromatic and dichromatic fringes observed each of the Michelson and Fabrey-Perot interferometers. It is evident that the broader fringes in Michelson interferometer results in the dichromatic fringes in (b) being undistinguishable. Conclusions The Michelson interferometer was investigated and its working concept and two sample applications of this device were practically examined. The wavelength of the green light produced by the Hg lamp was measured using this interferometer to be 560.0 ±40.4 nm which was close to the actual value of the wavelength, 546.1 nm, and with only a 2.5% difference between the experimental and known value. As another example application, the difference in the two present wavelengths in a yellow light produced by a Na lamp were measured and the beat phenomenon was observed. The difference was found to be 0.533 ±0.077 nm and was very close to known value of 0.6 nm. The accuracy of the micrometer, the backlash in micrometer, the quality of the mirrors and the splitters were discussed as some of the possible sources of error in measurements. It was also pointed out the breadth of the fringes in Michelson interferometer is one of the inherent causes of limited accuracy of this interferometer. Finally some sample results from Michelson and Fabry-Perot interferometer were compared to further show the inaccuracy of Michelson interferometer in measuring two very close wavelength in a dichromatic light. References [1] Electronic mail: [emailprotected] [2] http://www.egr.msu.edu/me/

Saturday, January 18, 2020

The Stupidest Angel Chapter 4

Chapter 4 HAVE YOURSELF A NASTY LITTLE CHRISTMAS Josh wiped the tears off his face, took a deep breath, and headed up the walk to his house. He was still shaking from having seen Santa take a shovel in the throat, but now it occurred to him that it might not be enough to get him out of trouble. The first thing his mom would say was, Well, what were you doing out so late anyway? And dumb Brian, who was not Josh's real dad but Mom's dumb boyfriend, would say, â€Å"Yeah, Santa would probably still be alive if you hadn't stayed so long at Sam's house.† So, there on the front step, he decided to go with total hysteria. He started breathing hard, pumping up some tears, got a good whimpering sob going, then opened the door with a dieseling back sniffle. He fell onto the welcome mat and let loose with a full fire-truck-siren wail. And nothing happened. No one said a word. No one came running. So Josh crawled into the living room, trailing a nice fiber-optic string of drool from his lower lip to the carpet as he chanted a mucusy â€Å"Momma,† knowing that it would completely disarm her temper and get her all fired up to protect him from dumb Brian, for whom he had no magic manipulation chant. But nobody called him, nobody came running, dumb Brian was not sprawled across the couch like the great sleepy slug that he was. Josh wound it down. â€Å"Mom?† Just the hint of a sob there, ready to go full bore again when she answered. He went into the kitchen, where the memo light was blinking on Mom's machine. Josh wiped his nose on his sleeve and hit the button. â€Å"Hi, Joshy,† his mom said, her cheerful overtired voice. â€Å"Brian and I had to go out to eat with some buyers. There's a Stouffer's mac and cheese in the freezer. We should be home before eight. Do your homework. Call my cell if you get scared.† Josh couldn't believe the luck. He checked the clock on the microwave. Only seven-thirty. Excellent! Latch-keyed loose like a magic elf. Yes! Dumb Brian had come through with a business dinner. He grabbed the Stouffer's out of the freezer, popped it – box and all – into the microwave, and hit the preset time. You didn't really have to peel the plastic back like they said. If you just nuke it in the box, the cardboard will keep it from exploding all over the microwave when the plastic goes. Josh didn't know why they didn't just put that in the instructions. He went back into the living room, turned on the TV, and plopped down on the floor in front of it to wait for the microwave to beep. Maybe he should call Sam, he thought. Tell him about Santa. But Sam didn't believe in Santa. He said that Santa was just something the goys made up to make them feel better about not having a menorah. That was crap, of course. Goys (a Jewish word for girls and boys, Sam had explained) didn't want a menorah. They wanted toys. Sam was just saying that because he was mad because instead of Christmas they had snipped the tip of his penis off and said mazel tov. â€Å"Wow, sucks to be you,† said Josh. â€Å"We're the Chosen,† said Sam. â€Å"Not for kickball† â€Å"Shut up.† â€Å"No, you shut up.† â€Å"No, you shut up.† Sam was Josh's best friend and they understood each other, but would Sam know what to do about a murder? Especially a murder of an important person? You were supposed to go to an adult in these situations, Josh was pretty sure of it. Fire, an injured friend, a bad touch, you were supposed to tell an adult, a parent, a teacher, or a policeman, and no one would be mad at you. (But if you found your mom's boyfriend lighting a giant chili-dog-and-beer fart in the garage workshop, the police absolutely did not want to know about it. Josh had learned that lesson the hard way.) A commercial came on, and Josh's mac and cheese was still surfing the microwaves, so he debated calling 911 or praying, and decided to go with the prayer. Like calling 911, you weren't supposed to pray for just anything. For instance, God did not care whether or not you got your bandicoot through the fire level on PlayStation, and if you asked for help there, there was a good chance that he would ignore you when you really needed help, like for a spelling test or if your mom got cancer. Josh reckoned it was sort of like cell-phone minutes, but this seemed like a real emergency. â€Å"Our Heavenly Father,† Josh began. You never used God's first name – that was like a commandment or something. â€Å"This is Josh Barker, six-seventy-one Worchester Street, Pine Cove, California nine-three-seven, five-four. I saw Santa tonight, which was great, and thank you for that, but then, right after I saw him, he got killed with a shovel, and so, I'm afraid that there's not going to be any Christmas and I've been good, which I'm sure you'll see if you check Santa's list, so if you don't mind could you please make Santa come back to life and make everything okay for Christmas?† No, no, no, that sounded really selfish. Quickly he added: â€Å"And a Happy Hanukkah to you and all the Jewish people like Sam and his family. Mazel tov.† There. Perfect. He felt a lot better. The microwave beeped and Josh ran to the kitchen, right into the legs of a really tall man in a long black coat who was standing by the counter. Josh screamed and the man took him by the arms, picked him up, and looked him over like he was a gemstone or a really tasty dessert. Josh kicked and squirmed, but the blond man held him fast. â€Å"You're a child,† said the blond man. Josh stopped kicking for a second and looked into the impossibly blue eyes of the stranger, who was now studying him in much the same way a bear might examine a portable television while wondering how to get all those tasty little people out of it. â€Å"Well, duh,† said Josh. The Christmas tree took a wide left onto Cypress Street. Finding that somewhat suspicious, Constable Theophilus Crowe pulled in behind it as he dug the little blue light out of the glove compartment of his Volvo and stuck it on the roof. Theo was relatively sure that there was a vehicle under the Christmas tree somewhere, but all he could see right now were the taillights shining through the branches in the back. As he followed the tree up Cypress, past the burger stand and Brine's Bait, Tackle, and Fine Wines, a pinecone the size of a Nerf football broke loose and rolled off to the side of the street, bouncing and thumping into one of the gas pumps. Theo hit the siren one time, just a chirp, thinking he'd better stop this before someone got hurt. There was no way that the driver under the Christmas tree could see the road clearly. The tree was driving trunk first, so the widest, thickest branches were covering the front of the vehicle. The tree's tires chirped with a downshift. It killed the lights and screeched around the corner on Worchester Street, leaving a trail of rolling pinecones and pine-fresh exhaust. Under normal circumstances, if a suspect tried to elude Theo, he would have called it into the county sheriff's immediately, hoping a deputy in the area might provide backup, but he'd be damned if he was going to call in that he was in hot pursuit of a fugitive Christmas tree. Theo turned the siren onto full shriek and took off up the hill after the fleeing conifer, thinking for the fiftieth time that day that life had seemed a lot easier when he'd smoked pot. â€Å"Boy, you don't see that every day,† said Tucker Case, who was sitting at a window table at H.P.'s Caf, waiting for Lena to come back from freshening up in the rest-room. H.P.'s – a mix of pseudo Tudor and Country Kitchen Cute – was Pine Cove's most popular restaurant, and tonight it was completely packed. The waitress, a pretty redhead in her forties, glanced up from the tray of drinks she was delivering and said, â€Å"Yeah, Theo hardly ever chases anyone.† â€Å"That Volvo was chasing a pine tree,† Tuck said. â€Å"Could be,† said the waitress. â€Å"Theo used to do a lot of drugs.† â€Å"No, really – † Tuck tried to explain, but she had headed back to the kitchen. Lena was returning to the table. She was still in the black tank top under an open flannel shirt, but she had washed the streaks of mud from her face and her dark hair was brushed out around her shoulders. To Tuck she looked like the sexy but tough Indian guide chick in the movies, who always leads the group of nerdy businessmen into the wilderness where they are assaulted by vicious rednecks, bears gone mutant from exposure to phosphate laundry detergent, or ancient Indian spirits with a grudge. â€Å"You look great,† Tuck said. â€Å"Are you Native American?† â€Å"What was the siren about?† Lena asked, sliding into the seat across from him. â€Å"Nothing. A traffic thing.† â€Å"This is just so wrong.† She looked around, as if everyone knew how wrong it was. â€Å"Wrong.† â€Å"No, it's good,† Tuck said with a big smile, trying to make his blue eyes twinkle in the candlelight, but forgetting where exactly his twinkle muscles were located. â€Å"We'll have a nice meal, get to know each other a little.† She leaned over the table and whispered harshly, â€Å"There's a dead man out there. A man I used to be married to.† â€Å"Shh, shh, shh,† Tuck shushed, gently placing a finger against her lip, trying to sound comforting and maybe a little European. â€Å"Now is not the time to talk of this, my sweet.† She grabbed his finger and bent it back. â€Å"I don't know what to do.† Tuck was twisted in his seat, leaning back to relieve the unnatural angle in which his finger was pointing. â€Å"Appetizer?† he suggested. â€Å"Salad?† Lena let go of his finger and covered her face with her hands. â€Å"I can't do this.† â€Å"What? It's just dinner,† said Tuck. â€Å"No pressure.† He had never really dated much – gone on dates, that is. He'd met and seduced a lot of women, but it was never over a series of evenings with dinner and conversation – usually just some drinks and vulgarity at an airport hotel lounge had done the trick. He felt it was time he behaved like a grown-up – get to know a woman before he slept with her. His therapist had suggested it right before she'd stopped treating him, right after he'd hit on her. It wasn't going to be easy. In his experience things went a lot better with women before they got to know him, when they could still project hope and potential on him. â€Å"We just buried my ex-husband,† Lena said. â€Å"Sure, sure, but then we delivered Christmas trees to the poor. A little perspective, huh? A lot of people have buried their spouses.† â€Å"Not personally. With the shovel they killed him with.† â€Å"You may want to keep it down a little.† Tuck checked the diners at the nearby tables to see if they were listening, but they all seemed to be discussing the pine tree that had just driven by. â€Å"Let's talk about something else. Interests? Hobbies? Movies?† Lena tossed her head as if she didn't hear him right, then stared as if to say, Are you nuts? â€Å"Well, for instance,† he pressed on, â€Å"I rented the strangest movie last night. Did you know that Babes in Toyland was a Christmas movie?† â€Å"Of course, what did you think it was?† â€Å"Well, I thought, well – now it's your turn. What's your favorite movie?† Lena leaned close to Tuck and searched his eyes to see if he might be joking. Tuck batted his eyelashes, trying to look innocent. â€Å"Who are you?† Lena finally asked. â€Å"I told you.† â€Å"But, what's wrong with you? You shouldn't be so – so calm, while I'm a nervous wreck. Have you done this kind of thing before?† â€Å"Sure. Are you kidding? I'm a pilot, I've eaten in restaurants all over the world.† â€Å"Not dinner, you idiot! I know you've had dinner before! What, are you retarded?† â€Å"Okay, now everybody is looking. You can't just say ‘retarded' in public like that – people take offense because, you know, many of them are. You're supposed to say ‘developmentally disabled. â€Å" Lena stood up and threw her napkin on the table. â€Å"Tucker, thank you for helping me, but I can't do this. I'm going to go talk to the police.† She turned and stormed through the restaurant toward the door. â€Å"We'll be back,† Tuck called to the waitress. He nodded to the nearby tables. â€Å"Sorry. She's a little high-strung. She didn't mean to say ‘retarded. † Then he went after Lena, snatching his leather jacket off the back of his chair as he went. He caught up with her as she was rounding the corner of the building into the parking lot. He caught her by the shoulder and spun her around, making sure that she saw that he was smiling when she completed the turn. Blinking Christmas lights played red and green highlights across her dark hair, making the scowl she was aiming at him seem festive. â€Å"Leave me alone, Tucker. I'm going to the police. I'll just explain that it was just an accident.† â€Å"No. I won't let you. You can't.† â€Å"Why can't I?† â€Å"Because I'm your alibi.† â€Å"If I turn myself in, I won't need an alibi.† â€Å"I know.† â€Å"Well?† â€Å"I want to spend Christmas with you.† Lena softened, her eyes going wide, the swell of a tear watering up in one eye. â€Å"Really?† â€Å"Really.† Tuck was more than a little uncomfortable with his own honesty – he was standing like someone had just poured hot coffee in his lap and he was trying to keep the front of his pants from touching him. Lena held out her arms and Tuck walked into them, guiding her hands inside his jacket and around his ribs. He rested his cheek against her hair and took a deep breath, enjoying the smell of her shampoo and the residual pine scent picked up from handling the Christmas trees. She didn't smell like a murderer – she smelled like a woman. â€Å"Okay,† she whispered. â€Å"I don't know who you are, Tucker Case, but I think I'd like to spend Christmas with you, too.† She buried her face in his chest and held him until there was a thump against his back, followed by a loud scratching noise on his jacket. She pushed him back just as the fruit bat peeked his little doggie face over the pilot's shoulder and barked. Lena leaped back and screamed like a bunny in a blender. â€Å"What in the hell is that?† she asked, backing across the parking lot. â€Å"Roberto,† Tuck said. â€Å"I mentioned him before.† â€Å"This is too weird. Too weird.† Lena began to chant and pace in a circle, glancing up at Tuck and his bat every couple of seconds. She paused. â€Å"He's wearing sunglasses.† â€Å"Yeah, and don't think it's easy finding Ray-Bans in a fruit-bat medium.† Meanwhile, up at the Santa Rosa Chapel, Constable Theophilus Crowe had finally caught up to the fugitive Christmas tree. He trained the headlights of the Volvo on the suspect evergreen and stood behind the car door for cover. If he'd had a public-address system he would have used it to issue commands, but since the county had never given him one, he shouted. â€Å"Get out of the vehicle, hands first, and turn and face me!† If he'd had a weapon he would have drawn it, but he'd left his Glock on the top shelf of his closet next to Molly's old nicked-up broadsword. He realized that the car door was actually only providing cover to the lower third of his body, and he reached down and rolled up the window. Then, feeling awkward, he slammed the door and loped toward the Christmas tree. â€Å"Goddammit, come out of the tree. Right now!† He heard a car window whiz down and then a voice. â€Å"Oh my, Officer, you are so forceful.† A familiar voice. Somewhere under there was a Honda CRV – and the woman he had married. â€Å"Molly?† He should have known. Even when she stayed on her meds, as she had promised she would, she could still be â€Å"artistic.† Her term. The branches of the big pine tree shuffled and out stepped his wife, wearing a green Santa hat, jeans, red sneakers, and a jean jacket with studs down the sleeves. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail that trailed down her back. She might have been a biker elf. She rushed out of the branches as if she were ducking the blades of a helicopter, then ran to his side. â€Å"Look at this magnificent son of a bitch!† She gestured to the tree, put her arm around his waist, pulled him close, humped his leg a little. â€Å"Isn't it great?† â€Å"It certainly is – uh, large. How'd you get it on the car? â€Å"Took some time. I hoisted it up on some ropes, then drove under it. Do you think there'll be a flat spot where it dragged on the road?† Theo looked the tree up and down, back and forth, watched the car exhaust boiling out of the branches. He wasn't sure he wanted to know, but he had to ask. â€Å"You didn't buy this at the hardware store, did you?† â€Å"No, there was a problem with that. But I saved a ton of money. Cut it myself. Completely totaled my broadsword, but look at this son of a bitch. Look at this glorious bastard!† â€Å"You cut it down with your sword?† Theo wasn't so worried about what she had cut it down with, but from where she'd cut it. He had a secret in the forest near their cabin. â€Å"Yeah. We don't have a chain saw that I don't know about, do we?† â€Å"No.† Actually they did, in the garage, hidden behind some paint cans. He'd hidden it when her  «artistic » moments had been more frequent. â€Å"That's not the problem, sweetie. I think the problem is that it's too big.† â€Å"No,† she said, walking the length of the tree now, pausing to jump through the branches and turn off the Honda's engine. â€Å"That's where you're wrong. Observe, double doors into the chapel.† Theo observed. The chapel did, indeed, have double doors. There was a single mercury lamp illuminating the gravel parking lot, but he could clearly see the little white chapel, the shadows of gravestones showing dimly behind it – a graveyard where they'd been planting Pine Covers for a hundred years. â€Å"And the ceiling in the main room is thirty feet tall at the peak. This tree is only twenty-nine feet tall. We pull it through the doors backward and stand that baby up. I'll need your help, but, you know, you don't mind.† â€Å"I don't?† Molly pulled open her jean jacket and flashed Theo, exposing his favorite breasts, right down to the shiny scar that ran across the top of the right one, cocked up like a curious purple eyebrow. It was like unexpectedly running into two tender friends, both a little pale from being out of the sun, a tad humbled by time, but with alert pink noses upturned by the night chill. And as quickly as they appeared, the jacket was pulled shut and Theo felt like he'd been shut out in the cold. â€Å"Okay, I don't mind,† he said, trying to buy time for the blood to return to his brain. â€Å"How do you know the ceiling is thirty feet tall?† â€Å"From our wedding pictures. I cut you out and used you to measure the whole building. It was just under five Theos tall.† â€Å"You cut up our wedding pictures?† â€Å"Not the good ones. Come on, help me get the tree off the car.† She turned quickly and her jacket fanned out behind her. â€Å"Molly, I wish you wouldn't go out like that.† â€Å"You mean like this?† She turned, lapels in hand. And there they were again, his pink-nosed friends. â€Å"Let's get the tree set up and then do it in the graveyard, okay?† She jumped a little for emphasis and Theo nodded, following the recoil. He suspected that he was being manipulated, enslaved by his own sexual weakness, but he couldn't quite figure out why that was a bad thing. After all, he was among friends. â€Å"Sweetheart, I'm a peace officer, I can't –  » â€Å"Come on, it will be nasty.† She said nasty like it meant delicious, which is what she meant. â€Å"Molly, after five years together, I'm not sure we're supposed to be nasty.† But even as he said it, Theo was moving toward the big evergreen, looking for the ropes that secured it to the Honda. Over in the graveyard, the dead, who had been listening all along, began to murmur anxiously about the new Christmas tree and the impending sex show. They'd heard it all, the dead: crying children, wailing widows, confessions, condemnations, questions that they could never answer; Halloween dares, raving drunks-invoking the ghosts or just apologizing for drawing breath; would-be witches, chanting at indifferent spirits, tourists rubbing the old tombstones with paper and charcoal like curious dogs scratching at the grave to get in. Funerals, confirmations, communions, weddings, square dances, heart attacks, junior-high hand jobs, wakes gone awry, vandalism, Handel's Messiah, a birth, a murder, eighty-three Passion plays, eighty-five Christmas pageants, a dozen brides barking over tombstones like taffeta sea lions as the best man gave it to them dog style, and now and again, couples who needed something dark and smelling of damp earth to give their sex life a jolt: the dead had heard it. â€Å"Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah!† Molly cried from her seat astraddle the town constable, who was squirming on an uncomfortable bed of plastic roses a few feet above a dead schoolteacher. â€Å"They always think they're the first ones. Ooooo, let's do it in the graveyard,† said Bess Leander, whose husband had served her foxglove tea with her last breakfast. â€Å"I know, there are three used condoms on my grave from this week alone,† said Arthur Tannbeau, citrus farmer, deceased five years. â€Å"How can you tell?† They heard everything, but their vision was limited. â€Å"The smell.† â€Å"That's disgusting,† said Esther, the schoolteacher. It's hard to shock the dead. Esther was feigning disgust. â€Å"What's all the racket? I was sleeping.† Malcolm Cowley, antique book dealer, myocardial infarction over Dickens. â€Å"Theo Crowe, the constable, and his crazy wife doing it on Esther's grave,† said Arthur. â€Å"I'll bet she's off her meds.† â€Å"Five years they've been married and they're still at this kind of thing?† Since her death, Bess had taken a strong antirelationship stance. â€Å"Postmarital sex is so pedestrian.† Malcolm again, ever bored with provincial, small-town death. â€Å"Some postmortem sex, that's what I could use,† said the late Marty in the Morning, KGOB radio's top DJ with a bullet – a pioneer carjack victim back when hair bands ruled the airwaves. â€Å"A rave in the grave, if you get my meaning.† â€Å"Listen to her. I'd like to slip the bone to her,† said Jimmy Antalvo, who'd kissed a pole on his Kawasaki to remain ever nineteen. â€Å"Which one?† Marty cackled. â€Å"The new Christmas tree sounds lovely,† said Esther. â€Å"I do hope they sing ‘Good King Wenceslas' this year.† â€Å"If they do,† spouted the moldy book dealer, â€Å"you'll find me justly spinning in my grave.† â€Å"You wish,† said Jimmy Antalvo. â€Å"Hell, I wish.† The dead did not spin in their graves, they did not move – nor could they speak, except to one another, voices without air. What they did was sleep, awakening to listen, to chat a bit, then, eventually, to never wake again. Sometimes it took twenty years, sometimes as long as forty before they took the big sleep, but no one could remember hearing a voice from longer ago than that. Six feet above them, Molly punctuated her last few convulsive climactic bucks with, â€Å"I – AM – SO – GOING – TO – WASH – YOUR – VOLVO – WHEN – WE – GET – HOME! YES! YES! YES!† Then she sighed and fell forward to nuzzle Theo's chest as she caught her breath. â€Å"I don't know what that means,† Theo said. â€Å"It means I'm going to wash your car for you.† â€Å"Oh, it's not a euphemism, like, wash the old Volvo. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge?† â€Å"Nope. It's your reward.† Now that they were finished, Theo was having a hard time ignoring the plastic flowers that were impressed in his bare backside. â€Å"I thought this was my reward.† He gestured to her bare thighs on either side of him, the divots her knees had made in the dirt, her hair played out across his chest. Molly pushed up and looked down at him. â€Å"No, this was your reward for helping me with the Christmas tree. Washing your car is your reward for this.† â€Å"Oh,† Theo said. â€Å"I love you.† â€Å"Oh, I think I'm going to be sick,† said a newly dead voice from across the woods. â€Å"Who's the new guy?† asked Marty in the Morning. The radio on Theo's belt, which was down around his knees, crackled. â€Å"Pine Cove Constable, come in. Theo?† Theo did an awkward sit-up and grabbed the radio. â€Å"Go ahead, Dispatch.† â€Å"Theo, we have a two-oh-seven-A at six-seven-one Worchester Street. The victim is alone and the suspect may still be in the area. I've dispatched two units, but they're twenty minutes out.† â€Å"I can be there in five minutes,† Theo said. â€Å"Suspect is a white male, over six feet, long blond hair, wearing a long black raincoat or overcoat.† â€Å"Roger, Dispatch. I'm on my way.† Theo was trying to pull his pants up with one hand while working the radio with the other. Molly was on her feet already, naked from the waist down, holding her jeans and sneakers rolled up under her left arm. She extended a hand to help Theo up. â€Å"What's a two-oh-seven?† â€Å"Not sure,† said Theo, letting her lever him to his feet. â€Å"Either an attempted kidnapping or a possum with a handgun.† â€Å"You have plastic flowers stuck to your butt.† â€Å"Probably the former, she didn't say anything about shots fired.† â€Å"No, leave them. They're cute.†