Developing a Shared Vision Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Developing a Shared Vision - Essay Example g the healthcare industry, healthcare leaders are changing and adjusting to new measures to enable them lead the healthcare organizations they are leading. Healthcare leaders in the modern healthcare industry face a vast array of challenges, from layoffs because of reducing revenues, staff shortages, re - organization in response to merging of consolidation services, poor job satisfaction rates resulting in Turnover to poor performance outcomes leading to a reduction in Medicare Reimbursement Dollars. In the past, healthcare leaders have not faced so many issues as now. Due to these issues, healthcare leaders have resulted to certain skills, individual features and leadership features to enable them mitigate the challenges faced. As the manger of an ancillary service department at a large, 500 + bed hospital, several challenges have affected the ancillary service department. These challenges include staff shortage and layoffs due to declining revenues. This paper describes a proposal directed to staff to address the two issues. Staffs are a vital component of a healthcare’s system unit. Hence, it is important to keep them informed regarding issues that are affecting the hospital so that they are not caught off guard on mitigation measures put in place by the hospital’s management to solve the challenges. Informing staff makes them feel part of the hospital. It boosts their morale in spite of the challenges. The hospital faces two challenges that are staff shortage and layoffs due to reducing revenues. These challenges are not a call to panic or give up. However, they are a call to unity, cohesiveness and adaptation in order to overcome them as valuable contributors to the day-to-day running of the hospital and healthcare in the country. As you all know, both of these challenges are not unique to the hospital. They are nationwide issues. However, as a hospital, the management would like to take its own initiative to mitigate these issues. Staff shortage in

Road Accidents as a Health Issue in Australia Essay Example for Free

Road Accidents as a Health Issue in Australia Essay Exploration and Analysis of a Health Issue Affecting Australian Population [Name of Student] [Name of Affiliate Institution] [Date] Introduction Australia, just like other countries in the world, faces various health issues that are widely spread all over the country. The country has to come up with initiatives on how to improve the current Public Health Care services to address these health issues. Accident is one of the several pertinent health issues currently affecting Australia. Particularly road traffic accidents are on the record for causing massive deaths in Australia. W.H.O ranks Australia at number 162 world wide contributing to 1.29% of total death resulting from road accidents in the country (W.H.O, 2005). This essay explores analysis and discusses the issue of road accidents and how it impacts the Australian population and the proposed initiatives to address it. Analysis of the affected population/community Road accident has claimed many lives and caused severe injuries in Australia in the recent past. World Health Organization has put road accidents at position two in the most significant cause of death for 10 to 46 year oldies. The death toll resulting from road carnage has been on the rise in the recent years (National Health Survey, 2006). The Australian Transport Safety Bureau released a report indicating 1465 deaths resulting from road accidents in Australia in 2006, 1603 in 2007 and 1464 deaths in 2008 as shown in the table. | |2006 |2007 |2008 | |No. Of Accidents |1456 |1453 |1342 | |Deaths |1601 |1603 |1464 | The graph below shows the summary of the number of accidents and deaths from 2006 to 2008. [pic] In the year 2005-2006, 18623 persons were involved in the tragic road accidents where most of them died while others escaped with minor and severe injuries. A survey conducted in the year 2006 showed that persons between the ages of 15-24 years experienced a higher rate of injury as a result of road accidents as compared to 35 years old and above (A.B.S, 2010). 1601 people were killed in 2006, (Transport Safety Bureau, 2007). This implies that over 130 people lose their lives in crashes every month. 22,500 people escaped death with serious injuries. The number of accidents in Australia has been consistent for the past 3 years and suspected to be higher than in Europe (car-accidents.com). Number of accidents per region in 2007 and 2008 (A.B.S, 2010). |NSW |Vic. |Qld |SA |WA |Tas. |NT |ACT |TOTAL | |2007 |405 |289 |338 |107 |214 |39 |47 |14 |1 453 | |2008 |376 |278 |293 |87 |189 |38 |67 |14 |1 342 | | Number of deaths caused by road accidents by regions in 2007 and 2008 (A.B.S, 2010). |NSW |Vic. |Qld |SA |WA |Tas. |NT |ACT |TOTAL | |2007 |435 |332 |360 |124 |235 |45 |58 |14 |1 603 | |2008 |397 |303 |327 |99 |209 |40 |75 |14 |1 464 | |NSW- New South Wales Vic -Victoria Qld -Queensland SA -Southern Australia WA-Western Australia Tas- Tasmania NT-Northern Territory ACT- Australian Capital territory Determinants influencing the health issue of road traffic accidents Many factors contribute to deaths from road accidents among them drunk driving, over speeding, unroadworthy vehicles and careless driving. The motorists and passengers have been on the record for violating the laid down traffic regulations. For instance, seat belts are installed in all passenger vehicles for a purpose. Many passengers are aware of this and yet they go  around ignoring their importance (Gozias, 2007). Drunk driving is another crucial factor contributing to the high rate of road accidents in Australia. To curb these incidences, the drivers must change their mindsets and the way of thinking. Many truck drivers believe that they are most armed and cautious while drunk (Worley, 2006). The health authorities concerned with PHC can address this aspect through initiating and running public education and awareness programs. Driver’s attention is extremely crucial in safe driving. Research shows that driver’s attention and concentration are affected by distraction for instance, using a mobile phone while driving. Music playing in the car stereo plays a significant part in the mental and physical attention. These incidences can be avoidable if only the drivers and the passengers are responsible enough. Passengers should not just sit calm while the vehicle is driven around carelessly or under the influence of alcohol. Collective responsibility from the passengers, drivers, traffic departments and pedestrians can go a long way in saving innocent lives (Major Causes Of Fatal Road Accidents, 2010). Studies show that most determinants of road accidents are at the individual levels, for instance, how an individual’s income influences his or her driving behavior. A population’s income status in an important issue in Primary Health Care. Different individuals respond differently to dif ferent instances, situations, laws and forms of enforcement. Different drivers have different capabilities, visual acuity, auditory acuity and different response speeds. Another factor that may contribute to road accident is the other road users other than the drivers. These include walking pedestrians, cyclists and physically challenged road users. A report based on Australian accidents data found driver errors, drunk driving, and other human factors contribute to 90% of all accidents. The authorities have are answerable in most accidents involving pedestrians. For instance, there are few separate tracks and pathways for walking pedestrians and those on wheelchairs (Major Causes Of Fatal Road Accidents, 2010). The social status, age and gender are significant social determinants for road crashes. A Danish National Travel Survey conducted in 2001 showed that driving speed decreases with the driver’s age. Youthful drivers have a passion for high speed where they deduce a lot of fun while at higher speeds. Elderly drivers have been noted to drive at relatively lower speeds (Fosgerau, 2005). Over speeding is a prime cause of road accidents in Australia. Men have been observed to drive faster than women while the unmarried drivers drive slightly slower than the married individuals. Driving too fast or slightly above the posted limit contributes to about 40% of road accidents in Australia. The chances and severity of a road crash is influenced by the driving speed (NSW Road and Traffic Authority, 2007). Fosgerau argues that an individual’s income has positive and highly statistically significant influence on the driving speed. A driver with higher income will tend to drive at higher speeds than drivers with lower incomes. Higher income decreases the value or real costs of fines and other speed related user costs while it increases the perceived value of time (Fosgerau, 2005). Implications of the health issue to the affected population The main effects and implications of road accidents are medical, legal, social and economic. Family and society dynamics are altered after the demise of a relative. If a family’s breadwinner passes away, the whole family is severely affected and may take forever to recover. The family’s income goes down lowering the living standards and quality of life. Death brings about grief, devastation and emotional problem where one cannot come to term with the departure of a loved one (Worley, 2006). Huge medical resources are utilized in caring and treating the accident casualties. These resources are used at the expense of caring for patients suffering from other illnesses. Some accident victims fail to recover fully from injuries sustained being left with a permanent disability. Injuries to the musculoskeletal system may lead to restriction of movement to the victim. A survivor’s life may be filled with persistence pain and psychological sequelae. These disabilities result into neurological deficits like hemiplegia, paraplegia or tetraplegia (Khalaf AI Moutaery, 1998). There are immense and serious economical implications of road accidents in Australia. A lot of money is spent on accident victims every year. Many victims lose their jobs due to long sick leaves (Bishai, 2006). This negatively impacts the country’s economic growth and development. First, there is the decrease in national income when a taxpayer dies and secondly, a significant amount of money is set aside to cater for accident victims. An estimate by World Bank show that injuries sustained from road accidents cost 1% to 2% of the GNP of the country (World Health Organization, 2005). There are legal implications of road accidents among them prosecution for drunk driving, man slaughter and even murder. The penalty for drunk driving may be imprisonment, loss of license and fines (Road Traffic Accidents in Australia, 2012). Conclusion In conclusion, we have seen how any why road traffic accident is a serious health issue and how it is affecting the Australian population. Road accidents and resulting deaths have been explored and analyzed in this essay. Several physical, environmental and social determinants of road accidents among them individual’s age, income, mental status among others have been discussed in this essay. There are current primary health care services that are put into place to address this issue of road traffic accidents. However, these PHC services need some advancements and improvements in order to address the issue more effectively. The next assignment will focus on the existing PHC services including their strengths and weaknesses and the various proposals and initiatives that should be taken to address this persistent issue health issue of road traffic accidents in Australia. References A.B.S. (2010, 06 04). Accidents, Injuries And Fatalities. Retrieved August 16, 2012, from abs: http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[emailprotected]/Lookup/D18CA4EA930FF0D2CA25773700169CE5.htm. Bishai, D. A. (2006). National Road Casualties and Economic Development. Health Economics, 65-81. Country Health Profile-Australia. (n.d.). Retrieved 08 15, 2012, from worldlifeexpectancy.com: http://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/country-health-profile/australia Duckett, S. (2011). Australian Health Care System. Oxford University Press: Australia. Fosgerau, M. (2005). Speed and Income. Journal of Transport Economics and Policy, Vol. 39( No 2), 225-240. Gozias, J. M. (2007). An Analysis of Factors Affecting Road Safety: The Greek Experience. Journal of Transportation Geography, 325-316. Khalaf AI Moutaery, F. A. (1998, October). Implication Of Road Accidents. Retrieved August 17, 2012, from Pan Arab Neurosurgery : http://panarabneurosurgery.org.sa/journal/oct1998/ImplicationOfRoadAccidents.htm Major Causes Of Fatal Road Accidents. (2010, 11 12). Retrieved August 17, 2012, from Study mode: Major Causes of Fatal Road Accidents. (2010, November 12). StudyMode.com. Retrieved from http://www.studymode.com/essays/Major-Causes-Of-Fatal-Road-Accidents-474289.html McKenzie, J.F, Pinger, R.R. (2012). An introduction to Community Health. 7th ed. Jones and Barlett Publishers: Sudbury. Road Traffic Accidents in Australia. (2012). Retrieved August 16, 2012, from Australia Angloinfo: http://australia.angloinfo.com/transport/driving/Road Traffic Accidents in Australia _ Australia.htm Sasser, S., Vargheses, M., Kellermann, A., Lormand, J.D. (2005). Pre-hospital Trauma care Systems. World Health Organization: Geneva. Schneider, M.J. (2011). An introduction to public health. Jones and Barlett Publishers: Sudbury. W.H.O. (2005). World report on road traffic injury prevention. World Health Organization: Geneva. Worley, H. (2006, March). Road Traffic Accidents Increase Dramatically. Retrieved August 15, 2012, from Population Reference Bureau :

Probabilist - Deductive Inference in Gassendis Logic Essay -- Philoso

‘Probabilist’ Deductive Inference in Gassendi's Logic* ABSTRACT: In his Logic, Pierre Gassendi proposes that our inductive inferences lack the information we would need to be certain of the claims that they suggest. Not even deductivist inference can insure certainty about empirical claims because the experientially attained premises with which we adduce support for such claims are no greater than probable. While something is surely amiss in calling deductivist inference "probabilistic," it seems Gassendi has hit upon a now-familiar, sensible point—namely, the use of deductive reasoning in empirical contexts, while providing certain formal guarantees, does not insulate empirical arguments from judgment by the measure of belief which we invest in their premises. The more general point, which distinguishes Gassendi among his contemporaries, is that the strength shared by all empirical claims consists in the warrant from experience for those claims we introduce in their support. In Book IV (On method) of his Institutio Logica, Pierre Gassendi proposes an unusual venue for probable and nondeductive inference in empirical reasoning: demonstrative syllogism. Thus, in 'resolution'—the seeking of a thing's causes given the evidence of its effects—he recognizes the critical role of inferring general claims from the particulars of empirical data, not least from what he calls 'the evidence of signs'. And intriguingly, he construes resolution-based claims as merely probable, though we attain them through classically deductive syllogism, because they represent merely possible claims among a field of alternatives—perhaps in the manner of Descartes's method. In the preceding book (On the syllogism), Gassendi presents a relatively tradit... .... Garber, Daniel. "Descartes and Experiment in the Discourse and Essays," in Stephen Voss, Essays on the Philosophy and Science of Rene Descartes. New York and Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1993. Gassendi, Pierre. Institutio Logica, 1658. Hacking, Ian. The Emergence of Probability. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1985. Hatfield, Gary. "Science, Certainty, and Descartes", in PSA 1988: Proceedings of the Biennial Meeting of the Philosophy of Science Association. Volume Two. 249-262. East Lansing, Michigan: Philosophy of Science Association, 1988. Hintikka, Jakko. "Aristotelian Induction," in Revue Internationale de Philosophie 34 (1980): 422-40. Milton, J. R. "Induction before Hume," British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 38 (1987): 49-74. Urbach, Peter. Francis Bacon's Philosophy of Science. La Salle, Illinois: Open Court, 1987.

Barriers in Classrom Communication Essay

1. Listening Barriers * Effective listening is one of the most important factors in classroom communication. Take the time to listen to what the other person is saying. When someone is speaking, you should not be thinking of your next response. Negative emotions may occur when certain words or body language is used. A teacher must also take care to keep emotional reactions to a minimum and focus on what the speaker is saying. Outside noise such as telephones, email or construction noise can sometimes make listening difficult. This outside noise should be minimized in the classroom. Perception Barriers * Perception may be a barrier to effective communication in the classroom. Different people may receive and hear the same message but interpret it differently. Paying attention to detail is also important. Important aspects can be missed by not covering a subject in depth. A teacher should also learn to focus on both positive and negative aspects of a conversation. By having a distorted focus, a teacher may only focus on the negative aspects of a conversation. * Sponsored Links * Communication Define a clear and efficient media strategy with Capgemini Consulting www.capgemini-consulting.com Oral Barriers * Communication barriers in the classroom may exist if oral communication is not clear. Communication only occurs when the listener hears and understands your message in the way you meant for it to be received. Some problems in oral communications include using words with ambiguous meanings. The teacher must make sure the students clearly understand the meanings of words. Another problem in oral communications is using generalizations and stereotypes. Classroom communication should be specific to the topic and without bias. A teacher must also take caution not to make a premature conclusion before she has all the facts about a topic or situation. Finally, a teacher must overcome any lack of self-confidence and deliver the message with assertiveness and clarity. Cultural Barriers * Cultural differences can be a barrier to effective communications in the classroom. It is possible for both a teacher and a student to have predisposed ideas about behavior based on what the other person’s culture is. Messages are often misunderstood if they are delivered in a way that is unfamiliar to the student’s culture. It is important to dispel assumptions or biases based on cultural differences in a classroom . Sponsored Links Read more: Barriers to Effective Communication in the Classroom | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_7350208_barriers-effective-communication-classroom.html#ixzz2JLH5z6cY

Comparative Study of Wuthering Heights, Translations, and I’M No Scared

The texts that I have studied and prepared for my comparative course are: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, Translations by Brian Friel, and I’m not scared directed by Gabriel Salvatores. When I address the cultural context of a text I refer to the worlds of the texts, the circumstances which face the plots and the characters of the texts. Some elements of the cultural context of each and every text are the world’s attitudes, social rituals, and structures. Coming to grips with the general norm of the society with in each texts and how the characters behave enables me to enjoy each text all the more.Understanding the world in which each text is set in and thus being able to compare the aspects of their society and what is involved in their material and spiritual lives ostentatiously influences the resolution of the narratives which gave a better impact and added to my enjoyment. I greatly enjoyed seeing the connections between the texts and how their worlds were intert wined in their similarities and differences. Particularly these connections were more vivid to me in the areas of Role of Women in Society, Setting, and Class Structure, within the Cultural context of each text.All three texts revolve around a patriarchal system where the men were the primary authority figure and were central to society. They hold the central roles of political leadership, moral authority, and control of property. The entailment of female subordination is most apparent in Wuthering Heights where only through marriage is a woman able to gain recognition, position, and a place in society. Being compelled by this, Catherine Earnshaw betrays Heathcliff and really herself as well due to her love for him.Unable to cope with marrying a slave and an outcast in her patriarchal world she accepts Edgar Linton’s proposal for marriage. Edgar’s family were the most elite family in the novel thus giving Catherine a better future than what circumstance she might be in if she marries Heathcliff. Catherine: â€Å"It would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now. † In the same way, Maire doesn’t marry Manus in Translations due to his lack of position, property and his inability to provide for a family. Maire sees that the man that she marries will dictate her position in society and so decides that marriage with Manus was not the foremost option.Maire: â€Å"You talk to me about getting married – with neither a roof over your head nor a sod of ground under your foot. † In both circumstances, a society where men hold prestige constrains women to be only able to aspire to be a wife. Marriage, in their patriarchal world, seems to be the only possible way to be able to make a living. The subservient role of women is further illustrated by Wuthering Heights’ patrilineal system which inhibits the property and title of a family to be inherited by the female lineage.Heathcliff effectively utilises this system for his benefit. Knowing that the wealth of a family can only be inherited by the male lineage, he arranges the marriage of young Cathy and his son Linton. Since Edgar died with no son to carry on his family name, his family’s inheritance would therefore be handed to whoever young Cathy marries. The male is dominant and is clearly seen as the head of the family. Similarly to I’m not scared, we see a macho world where power and strength are valued and power rest with the males.Pino tells his son to do his press-ups and they arm-wrestle. Anna, Michele’s mother, is physically assaulted by Felice, one of the gang. In his household, Pino is very much in charge and his wife is obedient to him. Even though in each text, women were inferior to men we also see in some cases where the text subverts the traditional or stereotypical idea of women and their place in society. In translations Bridget shows control when she directs Doalty to hide the animals when the army threatens to kill them .Maire is described as: â€Å"†¦a strong minded, strong bodied woman†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She works as hard as any man in the community at the hay harvesting and plans to go to America in order to provide for her household in which she the head. Maire: â€Å"The best harvest in living memory,†¦ (Showing Jimmy her hands. ) Look at these blisters. † Maire: â€Å"There are ten below me to be raised and no man in the house†¦. † During the Victorian era in Wuthering Heights, women were expected to be obedient, disciplined and faithful. Catherine does not conform to these expectations.There is also a subtle reversal of roles in young Cathy’s marriages where, contrary to traditional norms, she appears to be the dominant partner. She tended to Linton who was a spoilt, sickly weakling. Later Hareton also needs help and encouragement to develop after years of degradation at the hands of Heathcliff. Comparing the cultural context of the narratives heightened my en joyment and helped me have a better experience and insight into the role of women and how they lived their lives subservient under men in a patriarchal society.One of the aspects of cultural context I enjoyed covering on my comparative course is how the class structure in each narrative is divided up. Social class is not solely dependent on the amount of money one has. Rather, the source of income, birth, and family connections plays a major role in determining one’s position in society. England in the nineteenth century was an extremely class-conscious society and social class is an important element in Wuthering Heights. We see the distinction between the two families in Emily Bronte’s novel and their rank on the social ladder.At the top of the locality’s social class, one finds the rich and refined Linton family who live in the sumptuous surroundings of Thruscross Grange. The Lintons were superior to the Earnshaw family and live in Wuthering heights. Within t hese ranks we also see how the cultured from the rustics and those higher up the social scale from those lower down are separated. Speech patterns and accents distinguish the servants such as Zillah, Joseph and Nelly Dean from their masters. An example of this would be Joseph’s Yorkshire dialect and young Heathcliff’s outsider accent which he spoke when he was brought from Liverpool.Equally noticeable in Brian Friel’s Translations is the subtle class diversity between the more educated who were able to speak English as well as Irish and the less educated who only speak Irish. Also noticeable is the feeling of social superiority felt by the English to the Gaelic community of Baile Beag as reflected in Captain Lancey’s condescending attitude. This parallels with Hindley’s deprivation of Heathcliff to a servant. Hindley is a well-educated man who has an outstanding stand in society while Heathcliff was seen as an illiterate vagabond brought in from Li verpool by Mr Earnshaw.Turning to I’m not scared we see how the village of Acqua Traverse is in keeping with the film’s premise that Southern Italy was a deprived place where the people, out of desperation, could understandably turn to crime. The buildings are shabby and clustered around a dusty courtyard. It is reminiscent of Baile Beag with its hedge school in a dusty barn and Hugh’s description of the place with its Hugh: â€Å"Mud cabins and a diet of potatoes. † The people’s aspirations in I’m not scared are simple. Anna dreams of visiting the seaside and eating in a restaurant. The people in Southern Italy were poor and run-down.The difference between the social standing of Southern Italy and Northern Italy lead to the country experiencing spate of kidnappings hence the kidnapping of Filippo. Filippo is from a family among the ranks of the higher hierarchy of Italy at that time. This caused him to be held against his will to be held fo r ransom by the people of Acqua Traverse in hopes that their lives might change for the better and for them to be able to climb higher in their social ladder. Similar to the situation in Translations, Maire desires to go to America in order to acquire a better subsistence.In each text, class structure plays an important role and affects the behaviour of the characters in how they respond to society and the norm and in what choices they make in connection with their rank the class system. Studying the significance of class structure in the cultural context of each narrative benefitted me in my understanding of each text which made my study all the more pleasurable. The setting in the cultural context of a text is definitely important when looking at character development, conflict, and the overall plot.It's the setting for all that is to come; it can convey so much about whom the people are and the way they live. The setting of a narrative can be a character of its own. In all three narratives, the setting is conveyed in a remote, rural location far from any centre of population. I’m not scared shows scenes depicting children romping through the endless fields of golden corn under a blue sky or cycling along dirt-track roads baked solid by the sweltering sun. The entire plot of I’m not scared unfolds over a few days of scorching sunshine near harvest time.This parallels with Translations where Baile Beag is experiencing an unusual heat wave, and similarly just after the hay harvest. We see Owen tell Yolland that it is†¦ Owen: â€Å"The first hot summer in fifty years and you think it’s Eden. † This reminds us in Wuthering Heights where Catherine stays at the Lintons for a few weeks after being bitten by a dog. Cathy receives a taste of luxury and she is drawn to it and is deceived to think that she desires to marry Edgar due to the luxury which she relishes.In the end, both Yolland and Cathy have to face the consequences of the pursuit of their vain desires. Wuthering Heights, however, is in opposition to Translations and I’m not scared. Bronte has placed her novel in a variety of ambience. Ranging from the opening scenes of snowfalls and lashing gales, to blooming springs, radiant summers, and drowsy autumns. In Salvatore’s film, as we see the camera pan across the rolling hill and valleys and sweep over the fields of waving grain, one is struck by the beauty and the emptiness of the landscape.The only sounds are of animals, birds, and insects. Our eyes take in the vivid colours of the red and orange poppies. Then we trace the horizon dividing the golden corn and the purple petals of other flowers from the blue sky to create a wonderfully rich effect. This countryside reminds us of Bronte’s descriptions of the moors. Young Cathy: â€Å"†¦with the bees humming dreamily about among the bloom, and the larks singing high up overhead, and the blue sky and bright sun shining steadily and cloudlessly. †Whether in I’m not scared, Wuthering heights, or Translations, one should not be fooled by mere appearances. The cawing of a crow and the hissing of insects create an ominous effect suggesting all is not well. For underneath the beauty of the landscape lies a terrible secret. In the country side near the tiny village of Acqua Traverse, a young boy named Filippo is being kept hostage in a hole in the ground. In the same way the potatoes in Baile Beag gives a deceiving sweet smell. As Maire says: Maire: â€Å"Sweet smell! Sweet smell!Every year at this time somebody comes back with stories of the sweet smell. Sweet God, did the potatoes ever fail in Baile Beag?†¦ † The sweet smell became the blight of the potatoes in the Great Famine of Ireland. Likewise in Wuthering Heights, Mr Lockwood perceived Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange to be quite a lovely place to be from seeing the beauty of its landscape. Only until later in the novel do es he come to realize that the landscape had a different story to tell with its storms and prevailing winds which reflect the turmoil the families of the landscape endures.Gathering together all that I have learned from my study of the cultural context of Wuthering Heights, Translations, and I’m Not Scared in reference to Role of Women in Society, Class Structure, and Setting, I was able to compare and differentiate the cultural context of these texts for my comparative course. In doing so it further enhanced my understanding and enjoyment of the narratives and made my experience more real and gave a greater impact.

Raw Institutions Effects on Individuals Essays

Raw Institutions Effects on Individuals Essays Raw Institutions Effects on Individuals Essay Raw Institutions Effects on Individuals Essay Institutions may have varying effects on individuals. Discuss this statement with reference to Raw. The novel Raw, written by Scott Monk, shows that an institution may have varying effects on an individual. In this case the institution being The Farm. The aim of the institution, being to transform the bad ways/behaviours of the individual. The individuals are expected to be in compliance of the rules and expectations of the caretakers, Mary Sam. If the individuals protest to these, they can expect the consequences. The institution can have positive effects on the individuals, they can learn to trust respect, and treat people the right way. This can also backfire in some cases. The Farm is an institution run by Sam and Mary, referred to more as caretakers rather than wardens. It can have varying effects on individuals, as you can see with Josh, compared to Tyson, the outcome and effect on the different individuals is noticeably diverse. The Farm is not like a typical juvenile centre, it gives individuals an opportunity to make changes in themselves. The setup is a lot different, there are no gates, no cells, no bars on the windows, no guards. But there are rules that apply to all people staying at The Farm, which include, no fighting, no leaving the property, Sams decision is final, and no drugs. These rules are enforced with the consequences, if any of these rules are broken, not only will the person breaking them suffer the consequences, but the whole group of individuals will suffer from these actions as well. Whether the individuals choose to comply or protest against these, it will decide their future. So there are expectations to conform, as there is group pressure to obey the rules through the certain consequences. Sam also has an impact on the effect The Farm has on the individuals. He gives them advice, and believes in them, and if they use it and are respectful of him, it will only work to their advantage. The Farm has had a major impact on the key character, Brett Dalton. It has given him an opportunity to change his attitude to life and society. Bretts initial attitude was very cynical. He was a rude person, blames the world for everything, and doesnt consider the fact that it is his own fault for what happens to him. He refers to police as pigs on various occasions, he calls Sam the caretaker an old fool, and refers to The Farm as a pushover. Brett has a carefree attitude, and is always looking for a fight, especially when he first moved to The Farm. He thinks everyone is a joke and has no idea why everyone has so much respect and looks up to Sam, Sam this, Sam that, the were treating the guy like a king(pg. 69). He was the enemy, and you never got friendly with the enemy (pg. 20), Brett sees Sam as the enemy and is unwilling to change his attitude. Brett picks fights with Josh and other characters, as though he is just looking for trouble. He is constantly rude to Sam, and isnt bothered by what anyone else thinks of him. Throughout the novel, we see slight changes in Bretts behaviours and attitudes. We first see signs of this when Brett first decides to run away from The Farm. After catching him running away and driving Brett to Mungindi, as he is about to drive off and leave Brett, Sam reminds him by saying, just remember Brett, only you can change your life (pg. 86), in hopes Brett will think about what he says and return back to The Farm. Sam also tells Brett that he believes in giving people second chances. As Brett comes to realise what the consequence of him running away would be (going to jail), he decides to return back to The Farm. This is the first sign of change taking place in Brett. We begin to see more change in Bretts attitude when he is asked to help out building the stable, Brett is willing to take on Sams offer, as woodwork is something he enjoys. Another moment is when Brett saves Robbie (frog) from the drug dealer and sticks up for him. He was willing to fight to help Robbie, as he is almost like a little brother to him, and wants to set a good example. Brett sets a good example when he tells Smiling Joe, I dont want to fight, just let me take the kid. Brett continues to show his changing attitudes throughout the course of the novel. Towards the end, Brett finally has given up his old ways, when he was fighting with Caitlyns dad. Suddenly, Brett realised he was tired. Tired of fighting. Tired of the pain. He couldnt keep solving his problems with his fists. He wanted out. He wanted a normal life, (pg. 332). This is Bretts breaking point in the novel. It reveals his realisation for a normal life, and doesnt want to have to keeping fighting to solve all of his problems. Even though Brett ended up in jail, he was still changed by The Farm in a positive way, he learned how to trust, make friends, he learned not everyone hates him even though he may think so, and he learned that violence it not always the answer and there are other ways to solve problems rather than using his fists. Josh Collins has been living at The Farm for three years, and works as a stable hand. Josh is a good example that an institution can have varying effects on individuals, in Joshs case a positive one. Josh respects Sam and follows his instructions, because he knows if he does this, he will then be rewarded. Josh originally came to The Farm for breaking into cars and other criminal acts, the reason for this behaviour being he was sexually abused by his stepfather, although we do not learn this until the near end of the novel. Josh has a strong dislike for Tyson as he dislikes people who dont make any effort to change their lives. Josh tells Brett that if he can put his life back together than anyone can. Even though Josh seems strong and positive on the outside, he has become extremely reliant on The Farm and its resources, he has no where else to go. In the real world Josh wouldnt cope. This can be a negative effect on him. But overall The Farm has had a positive impact on Josh. Tyson is quite the opposite of Josh, he is considered as a thug and believes he is the king of The Farm, the only person in this place who does own anything is me (pg. 115). Tyson has no willingness to conform or change his attitude in any way, shape or form, as he has been through loads of detention centres, which have made no impact on him whatsoever. Tysons tough guy attitude, is his barrier stopping him from making any change in his attitude. He is constantly looking for a fights, and frequently picks on Brett, always calling him pretty boy. Although we dont see what Tyson is like when he is first brought into The Farm, we can tell that he has not been effected by the institution at all, as he has no willingness to do so. Robbie Scully, often called Frog, is a 12 year old boy who was sent to The Farm for stealing from a local store. Because he is only young and is constantly surrounded by older and more intimidating inmates, Robbie is considered a tadpole. Robbie is very compliant with all the rules and respects Sam and his rules. Robbie never wants any trouble and begins to grow a good relationship with Brett, who some what acts as an older brother figure. We can tell that Robbie is scared by the other inmates when he asks Brett if he can teach him to fight, because he wants to learn how to defend himself if he ever gets into any trouble. Even though The Farm has taught Robbie a lesson, I dont think it was the right institution for Robbie to be sent for what he did, as he is too young. Robbie has learnt from his mistakes, and knows what he did was wrong. So The Farm has had a positive effect on Robbies attitude and ways. The statement, institutions can have varying effects on individuals, I believe is true. An institution such as The Farm, can have a positive effect if you are willing to make the change yourself, such as Brett, Josh and Robbie, these individuals learnt from their mistakes and came to trust and respect Sam, especially Brett, who learned that Sam is no old fool after all. Whereas Tyson, is the complete opposite, he is unwilling to throw away his ego, and do what is best for him, He is not willing to change, therefore The Farm will not have any effect on him at all.

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buy custom Psychological Disorders essay Schizophrenia refers to a psychotic disorder, in which patients experience loss of contact with their environment, detectable deterioration in the degree of functioning, and disintegration of personality, whose characteristics include disorder of feeling, behavior, thought, and perception (Birchwood, and Jackson 47). Individuals start to show this kind of psychotic disorder in their early adulthood. According to Birchwood and Jackson, about 1 percent of the population across the world is suffering from schizophrenic disorders (51). There is evidence that genetic factors contribute substantially to the development of schizophrenia. The current treatments of schizophrenia include supportive interpersonal therapy, and antipsychotic medication (Barrett 36). Currently, the prognosis is good, with about 60 percent of the patients recovering fully. In this discussion, I will consider the behavioral changes that the schizophrenics experience under various conditions, and the significance of the behavioral changes. It has always been simple to identify a person suffering from schizophrenia, because of some unique behaviors that he/she exhibits in various situations. There is a wide range of behaviors that schizophrenics display under certain conditions. Some of the behaviors, which I have found common with schizophrenics, include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized behavior, disordered speech, and tendency of harming oneself (Birchwood, and Jackson 49). In most cases, schizophrenics exhibit their psychotic problems by becoming withdrawn socially, loss of interest in various fields, acting unmotivated, use of odd language structures, jumping from one topic to another, giving irrational, or strange statements (Fink 41). Therefore, I strongly believe that a close study of a persons behaviors can be very significant in diagnosing schizophrenia among human beings. A delusion refers to a firmly held thought that an individual has, despite obvious and clear evidence that it is not true (Birchwood, and Jackson 47). This kind of behavior is very common in schizophrenia, because it occurs in about 90 percent of the schizophrenics. Often, the delusions involve bizarre or illogical fantasies, or ideas. Common types of delusions that schizophrenics exhibit include delusions of reference, delusions of persecution, delusions of control, and delusions of grandeur (Fink 43). I believe that most schizophrenics exhibit delusions of reference, as they believe that neutral environmental events are special, and have a significant personal meaning. For instance, a schizophrenic may believe a person or billboard in the TV advertisement is delivering a message that specifically involves their lives. A person, suffering from schizophrenia, may relate the signs and symptoms of a different disease to thoseof a disease he or she is suffering from, which can make them nervous that the other disease is terminal (Birchwood, and Jackson 52). A schizophrenic can exhibit delusions of grandeur by believing that he or she is an important and famous figure in the society. I have personally seen people vying for seats in the government without knowing that they cannot win, because they are not famous. Some schizophrenics develop delusions of persecution, through which they believe that someone wants to kill them. Such beliefs can lead to self-defense, by becoming watchful and carrying deadly weapons. Schizophrenics, who possess delusions of control, believe that an alien force is controlling his or her actions and thoughts (Barrett 36). They appear to be afraid of doing things openly, because people can copy and rob them of their ideas. Hallucinations refer to those sensations that an individual experiences as real, when they exist in the individuals mind only. Hallucinations are very common in schizophrenia, and they usually involve the sense of hearing and seeing. Research has shown that auditory hallucinations take place when individuals misinterpret their own talk, as coming from other people (Fink 43). A hallucination is very significant in diagnosing schizophrenia, because individuals appear to be very disturbed in their environment. A schizophrenic can accuse other people of having malicious intents, when he or she hears the hallucinated voices behind the back. Personally I have witnessed people exhibiting schizophrenic hallucinations as they accuse others falsely. Schizophrenics commonly exhibit disorganized behavior, which appears in various ways. Daily functioning declines, individuals lack impulse control and inhibition, exhibit inappropriate or unpredictable emotional responses, and their behaviors appear to be unusual and without purpose (Fink 41). Therefore, individuals suffering from schizophrenia develop impairments in their abilities to take care of themselves, to work, and socialize with other people. Some schizophrenics develop disorganized speech, due to fragmented thinking. Externally, people identify individuals, who possess fragmented thinking, by hearing their speeches. Schizophrenics tend to have difficulties in concentrating, and maintaining organized thoughts. They may provide irrelevant solutions to some queries, start a sentence with one topic, and conclude it with a different topic, say illogical things, or speak incoherently. Late detection and treatment of schizophrenia can lead to exhibition of some behaviors, such as committing suicide among the schizophrenics. Though not very common, personally I have noticed some cases of suicide with schizophrenics. This happens when individuals stay with schizophrenic disorders, such as delusions, for a number of days until they undergo deppression. Individuals with depression are likely to develop feelings of committing suicide. I have not noticed any case where schizophrenics intend to harm other people around them. However, when they feel that people are mistreating them, schizophrenics can revenge severely, especially through murder (Fink 51). Therefore, early detection and treatment of schizophrenia is extremely crucial in avoiding harmful consequences. SIGNIFICANCE OF BEHAVIORAL CHANGES I believe that behavioral changes that occur in schizophrenics are very significant in number of ways. Diagnosis depends on the abnormal behaviors that schizophrenics express outwardly. Once a psychiatrist diagnoses an individual with schizophrenia, he or she should employ immediate treatment strategies to ensure that the schizophrenic do not develop other complications that have a close relationship with schizophrenia (Fink 53). Studies have shown that the introduction of treatment at the earliest stages of schizophrenia brings significant health improvement. If psychiatrists fail to detect the symptoms of schizophrenia earlier, the schizophrenics may not recover fully after the late medical or psychological interventions; thus, most of the symptoms will persist throughout their lives (Barrett 44). Behavioral changes due to schizophrenia can also make other people aware of those who are suffering from schizophrenia, and thus treat them well. I have personally experienced that mistreatment can encourage schizophrenics to cause serious crimes, such as murder. However, when they experience mistreatment, schizophrenics tend to hide away from other people. It is important to take care of schizophrenics, once their schizophrenic conditions have become apparent, because their behaviors and actions are unpredictable. According to Fink (55), it is always hard to understand the intentions of those people, whose behaviors and actions are unpredictable. Schizophrenia is a disturbing and harmful psychological disorder. Individuals suffering from schizophrenia exhibit a number of symptoms that enable psychologists to detect the schizophrenic conditions. Most of the schizophrenic symptoms are observable. Some of the schizophrenic symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized behavior, and disordered speech. These outward behaviors are significant, because they enable psychologists to diagnose people with schizophrenia, thus timely treatment. I strongly believe that timely detection and treatment of schizophrenia can result in improved outcomes. Behaviors changes of schizophrenics are also significant, because they can make people aware of those suffering from schizophrenia, thus treat them well. I have proved that the mistreatment of such individuals is very dangerous, because schizophrenics possess unpredictable behaviors Buy custom Psychological Disorders essay

3 Faulty Constructions of In-Line Lists

3 Faulty Constructions of In-Line Lists 3 Faulty Constructions of In-Line Lists 3 Faulty Constructions of In-Line Lists By Mark Nichol The interrelationship of words or phrases in a list of things set out in a sentence (known as an in-line list, as opposed to a vertical list) is often obscured by erroneous syntax. For each of the following examples, discussion and revision point out the errors of equivalency. 1. The average large project runs 45 percent over budget, 7 percent past deadline, and delivers 56 percent less value than expected. The verb runs pertains to the first two figures but not to the last, so the first two list items must be connected by a conjunction to share it, and because doing so reduces the number of list items from three to two, no commas are necessary: â€Å"The average large project runs 45 percent over budget and 7 percent past deadline and delivers 56 percent less value than expected.† 2. Cybersecurity is a critical organizational priority in the boardroom, C-suite, information technology department, and every area of the business. Each of the first three items in this list, to be parallel with the final item, should have their own iteration of the: â€Å"Cybersecurity is a critical organizational priority in the boardroom, the C-suite, the information technology department, and every area of the business.† Alternately, the structure of the sentence can be altered so that the first three items constitute one larger item, which requires a couple of revisions to the sentence so that it and the final item are equivalent: â€Å"Cybersecurity is a critical organizational priority in the boardroom, C-suite, and information technology department and in every area of the business.† 3. Over the years, Jones would also master piano, bass guitar, clarinet, alto and tenor saxophone. Alto is not a distinct list item- it is part of the item â€Å"alto and tenor saxophone†- so that phrase must be preceded by a conjunction: â€Å"Over the years, Jones would also master piano, bass guitar, clarinet, and alto and tenor saxophone.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Style category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:50 Idioms About Talking25 Russian Words Used in English (and 25 More That Should Be)6 Foreign Expressions You Should Know

How Individual Beliefs About Illness Affect Health and Treatment Essay

How Individual Beliefs About Illness Affect Health and Treatment - Essay Example Psychology is used to study the mental processes and behavior of individuals, and differs from subjects such as biology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, and neuroscience in many ways. Mainly - and perhaps most importantly - it differs in that it is primarily concerned with not only the biological or neural processes, but more so with the interaction of mental processes and behavior and the overall processes of a system. Psychology can be framed in terms of two particular theories: phenomenological and information processing. An understanding of the brain and its functions are also included in the psychological theory and practice, and the idea of psychology is connected with a vast amount of subjects in the general society of today. Health psychology is similar to basic psychology in many ways, but the differences are more crucial; it is the use of psychological principles to promote health and prevent illness. Health psychology seriously considers the biological, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, social, psychosomatic and environmental factors and how they relate to health and illness. The objective of this form of psychology is to determine the connections between psychological factors and how they relate to a person's health. There are specific behaviors which may lead a person to illness, ... The objective of this form of psychology is to determine the connections between psychological factors and how they relate to a person's health. There are specific behaviors which may lead a person to illness, and the primary purpose of health psychology is to determine these causations and to attempt to understand why a person would behave in this way. "There are many examples of this. Smoking, diet, and regular exercise all contribute to the formation of disease. Individuals with thrill seeking personalities are more likely to drive fast, making them more likely to injure themselves in car accidents." ("Wikipedia", 2006). How can Individual Beliefs About Illness Affect Health and Treatment In the health and treatment of a person, there are many factors which are undeniably involved. The psychology of a person and the matter in which it affects their well being is a crucial factor in this discussion, and must be properly understood and addressed. The Health Belief Model (HBM) was originally developed by Godfrey Hochbaum, Stephen Kegels and Irwin Rosenstock, and its initial purpose was to be "a systematic methodusedto explain and predict preventive health behavior." (McCormack Brown, 1999). In rather relative terms, the HBM focused on the relationship of health behaviors, practices and the utilization of health services. It was a rather intricate tool at the time it was created, but as of then has been revised to include general health motivation for the purpose of distinguishing illness and sick-role behavior from health behavior. In other words, the HBM studies the being of a person's motivation to undertake a health behavior and all the categories which this includes: individual perceptions, modifying behaviors, and

Computer systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Computer systems - Essay Example Software enables the computer to perform the computing functionalities and performing numerous tasks. Computer software entails system software (the operating system and all utilities that enable computing functionalities), applications software (these are programs that assist the users to perform specific tasks such as word processors, spreadsheets, database management system).Computer systems handle the execution of instruction through selection, iteration and sequencing a set of instructions. They execute binary instructions; hence, any kind of instructions given to the computer must be first converted into binary form (number base 2) before any computing action takes place (Blundell, Khan, Lasebae, and Jabbar, 2007). The advancement of digital technology has enabled the development of complex computing systems in the recent decades to encounter the changing and dynamic needs of the processing and dissemination of information in various organizations. There has been an improvement in the functionality and processing powers of computing machines lately and this has enabled vast quantities of information processing and storage. Computer systems have evolved from the older mainframes, which were bigger in size with low processing speeds, to now personal computers, which are smaller, cheaper, efficient, and easily portable. The tasks performed by the humans have been taken by computer systems that have increased the speed and efficiency of performing various tasks within a short period due to their multitasking nature (computers can perform various tasks at the same time). The operating systems of computers have been designed in a way that allows numerous tasks to be accomplished, and individuals can switch between tasks without waiting for any of the tasks to be completed (Dhotre, 2009). Monitoring The medical field has employed computer-monitoring technology on the functionality of the human body. The human body produces heat because of the metabolic activitie s that take place in the living cells. Modern thermograph machines are used to detect heat changes in the body; they convert such pulses to thermo grams fed into the computers, which are used to give images of the body parts that are unusually hot and cold. The images are used to investigate such defects as arthritis, breast cancer. Medical imaging is a technique that is used by physicians to observe the internal organs and functioning of the body. Imaging enables detection of causes of illness; such techniques include X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and tomography. They send beams of waves into the body and later receive the reflections from the body. Computerized tomography uses extensive scans from different angles and sends to the computer, which arranges the images. Magnetic resonance imaging uses magnets and radio waves to form images. A computer analyzes the radio waves coming from the patient to produce a detailed image. Ultrasound scans pressed against the b ody, relay waves into the body and receive back the waves, sends them to the computer, which processes an image on the screen, is used especially on pregnant mothers to detect the position and the overall development of the baby in the womb. Electrocardiographs are used to record signals originating

Managing in public and private sector Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Managing in public and private sector - Essay Example It is imperative to relate the inherent differences and similarities between private and public sectors based on their primary objectives as aforementioned. The paper explores similarities and differences in strategic management between the private and public sector. There are significant strategic administrative similarities between the public sector and private sector. It is imperative that both the sectors greatly relies on common business administration techniques including planning, budgeting, organization, delegation, and control in conducting daily activities. The aforementioned administration techniques are imperious for all business entities and consequently, both private and public sectors have to apply them in strategic management. For instance, budgeting for business involvement in specific functions remains as a vital activity in both public and private management activities. Both the sectors require budgeting techniques to ensure minimal use of resources and exploitation of business finances. Furthermore, both the public and private sectors require use of planning techniques in remaining relevant to market trends and developments. Planning is an imperious activity for all business entities and managers who aim at success and achiev ement of organizations goals. In addition, planning is of central importance for strategic managers who aim at overcoming competition in the market. Apparently, both the private and public sectors require comprehensive planning techniques in strategic management to enable them achieve their objectives (Desmarais & Abord de Chatillon, 2010). Corporate social responsibility relates to business organizations’ involvement in non-profit activities within the society. Majority of organizations engages in corporate social responsibility to enable them create a good public image within the community that they operate. It is the responsibility of a business entity to attract interest from the public

Encounter Between Christianity And Other Religions During The 19th And Essay

Encounter Between Christianity And Other Religions During The 19th And 20th Century - Essay Example Christianity is considered as a proselytizing religion. This translates that the followers of these religions have a belief that it is their responsibility to share their religion and try to bring others to their religion. Early Christians emanated from the Jewish tradition, however,   they had a belief that the message and teaching of Jesus Christ were supposed to be for all people in the world. They used the transportation networks such as shipping routes, roads in spreading the message of Jesus throughout the Roman empire and areas of the Mediterranean region of North Africa, Western Asia, Southern Europe and the Mediterranean sea. Looking at the map of Christianity in Africa, it is apparent that Palestine, where Christianity first emerged is quite close to Africa in proximity. Owing to this aspect, there is no doubt that Christianity spread to North Africa and Egypt during the first century, especially in Alexandria, which later became a crucial center for the new religion. Pre sently, among Christian scholars and theologians of comparative religion, a great extent of ink has been spilled in an attempt of defining the relationship between Christianity and other non-Christian religions around the world. The fact that majority, if not all non-Christians religions are existing in proximity to the Christian religion, has lent the task of research a new urgency. Today, it is not a surprise to find churches among Buddhist, Hindu, Sick temples or synagogue.

REC, Inc. and seatle coffee products Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

REC, Inc. and seatle coffee products - Essay Example On the basis of the previous results the company prepares projected income statement for the next accounting period in order to estimate the likely outcome of its operations and sales. This also helps the company to determine variances observed in the actual financial results of the company. The company’s expectations from its business for the complete year 2004 are given as budgeted income statement in Exhibit 2 which indicate that the company expects a monthly average profit of $60,000 (Profit Before Taxes: $720,000/12). These projections are based on the expected number of sales of equivalent units for the year 2004 i.e. the company estimated sale of 10,000 equivalent units which implies an average monthly sale of 830 or 840 units. Based on the comparison between the actual financial results of REC, Inc. and its budgeted income statement it could be ascertained that the company’s profit results for the month January 2004 have felt short by $78,000. This has been against the expectation of the company’s management as the business followed the trend that it has experienced in the last few years related to the market conditions and business cycle. The variation in the actual financial results from the budgeted income statement can be evaluated by examining every element of the actual income statement and comparing it to the budgeted figures for these elements. One of the limitations of the above presented budgeted financials on a monthly basis is that it does not take into account the changes in the business cycle and market conditions which may occur during the financial period. For example, sales of the business could be affected due to the seasonal downturn in a particular month. Therefore, better analysis would have been possible if the company was preparing budgeted income statement on a monthly basis. The table above indicates that the

Personal Profile Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Personal Profile Paper - Essay Example eflection and friendliness, enjoy a low profile as well as quiet independence, are independent, dislike being controlled and are motivated by the desires of other people. Contrariwise, Reds tend to be hungry for power, seek to be engaged productively, want approval ratings from others, enjoy a good power play and pursue leadership opportunities. As a White, I tend to be a peace keeper, always staying calm and balanced even in the context of conflict; I am generally tolerant, kind, adaptable and good at listening. Red personality type, my roommate is motivated by the need to get things done and he is endowed with leadership vision, apart from being responsible, decisive, as well as hands-on and self-assured. There are great differences between my roommate and me; firstly, whereas I can accommodate other people’s ideas, my roommate is a control freak and always wants to be in control. Similarly, while I am patient and tolerant, that I would do anything including compromise to avoid confrontation, my roommate is often impatient and strong-willed, thus, always confrontational. Part from that, my roommate always craves approval for intelligence and insights while I prefer to keep a low profile and would not easily volunteer opinions unless I am coaxed to talk about my hobbies or interests. My roommate and I have something in common, despite the main differences in our personality types; precisely, both of us are independent and do not like being controlled by others; we like to be independent in our work and do not like to be pushed around. Our different and nearly opposed personality types have greatly influenced communication between us, and our relationship has often been riddled by numerous misunderstandings. Nonetheless, with the knowledge of our different personality types and personality characteristics, my roommate and I have learnt to by-pass our misunderstandings thereby avoiding conflicts. As a white, I am motivated by peace, even if it means

REC, Inc. and seatle coffee products Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

REC, Inc. and seatle coffee products - Essay Example On the basis of the previous results the company prepares projected income statement for the next accounting period in order to estimate the likely outcome of its operations and sales. This also helps the company to determine variances observed in the actual financial results of the company. The company’s expectations from its business for the complete year 2004 are given as budgeted income statement in Exhibit 2 which indicate that the company expects a monthly average profit of $60,000 (Profit Before Taxes: $720,000/12). These projections are based on the expected number of sales of equivalent units for the year 2004 i.e. the company estimated sale of 10,000 equivalent units which implies an average monthly sale of 830 or 840 units. Based on the comparison between the actual financial results of REC, Inc. and its budgeted income statement it could be ascertained that the company’s profit results for the month January 2004 have felt short by $78,000. This has been against the expectation of the company’s management as the business followed the trend that it has experienced in the last few years related to the market conditions and business cycle. The variation in the actual financial results from the budgeted income statement can be evaluated by examining every element of the actual income statement and comparing it to the budgeted figures for these elements. One of the limitations of the above presented budgeted financials on a monthly basis is that it does not take into account the changes in the business cycle and market conditions which may occur during the financial period. For example, sales of the business could be affected due to the seasonal downturn in a particular month. Therefore, better analysis would have been possible if the company was preparing budgeted income statement on a monthly basis. The table above indicates that the

Management Compensation Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Management Compensation - Research Paper Example Compensation is an essential component of human resource management, which aids in motivation of employees, besides enhancing organizational effectiveness. Types of Management Compensation Management compensation encompasses both intrinsic and extrinsic components in the form of monetary benefits and non-monetary benefits such as paid holiday. Compensation incorporates salary, as well as other rewards and allowances given to employees in return for their outstanding services. Compensation can be depicted as representing base pay, long-term incentives, bonuses, stock options, and benefits (Davis and Edge 2). The goal based incentive (stock options, bonuses, and long-term incentives) is fashioned at aligning the corporation’s interests (financial success) with those of top managers. Description Management compensation is an effective means of enhancing the productivity of the employees and ensuring that deserving employees feel appreciated for their efforts. Some companies utili ze management compensation as a tool for fostering a performance-oriented culture where the employees focus on the company’s overall strategic goals. Management compensation is meant to motivate the employees, especially the top management within a company. The motivation of management compensation is to align the employee performance with the business goals, besides enhancing employee satisfaction and retention. ... Management compensation also enhances self-confidence, leading to self actualization. Management Compensation: An Incentive to Manipulate Accounting Reports Managers commit fraud because of the resultant economic benefits flowing from it. Given management’s self interest, executives may manipulate accounting earnings in pursuit of personal agenda, such as bonuses (Armstrong, Jagolinzer & Larcker 225). Income smoothing tends to be dominant in corporations applying internal performance standards compared to those using external standards. The downside of goal based incentives is that, besides encouraging managers to work smarter to deliver positive results (desired results), they also induce executives to manipulate financial results such as profit and share prices. This is an attempt to enhance their pay, which is itself a violation of executive’s fiduciary duty and a fraud (Laux and Laux 870). In most cases, companies design equity-based compensation contracts in order to provide executives with incentives meant to enhance stock prices via legitimate means. However, the contracts may also generate enhanced incentives to produce fraudulent financial statements or engage in actions geared at misleading analysts and investors on the stock value of the company. The incentives to engage in fraudulent activities may be serious in occasions where the executives believe that competition or other constrains limit their ability to enhance the value of the firm legitimately, and consequently reduce the incentives. Some studies show a likelihood of fraud in relation to incentives from unrestricted stock holdings compared to incentives from restricted stock. Managers at fraud firms tend to exercise larger portions of their vested options and are

Tourism in Malaysia Essay Example for Free

Tourism in Malaysia Essay Tourism, including Malaysian tourism, is a big industry worldwide and many countries have already cashed in on its potential. This article seeks to assess the performance of tourism in Malaysia, its development, impacts and future. Implications for students will also be discussed. Tourism success in any country begins from the priority placed on it by the government. The Malaysian government through its Ministry of Tourism Malaysia (hereafter referred to as Tourism Malaysia) plans develops and oversees tourism policies, projects and other activities to realize its vision of making Malaysia an international tourism destination. The activities of this agency are discussed in more details. Overview of Malaysian Tourism International tourist arrivals and international tourism receipts are the popular indicators used in measuringtourism performance. According to the 2010 United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Report, Malaysia ranked 9th in international tourist arrivals, welcoming 24. 6 million visitors through its doors. This good performance represents a 3. 9% increase over 2009 performance. Malaysia achieved a third place in the Asian region after China and Turkey respectively in the world’s top ten country lists of international tourist arrivals. This performance was realized by the governments’ tourism training, incentives and promotional programs. Government incentives include tourism infrastructure fund and special tourism fund to support tourism-related development and projects. Promotional programs include the popular ‘Malaysia my second home’, student tourism programs for secondary schools and education tourism among others. Provision of tourism services according to MS ISO 9001:2000 by the Ministry is an indication of the ministry’s international quality benchmark. The impact of these efforts resulted in international tourism receipt of RM 56. 5 billion in 2010. Therefore, in order to complement this achievement, the government is stepping up efforts in its plan to boost the tourism industry. This was reflected in the 2011 budget where more tourism destinations in various parts of the country will be developed (some are already under construction as of writing), ban of import duties on certain tourism-related products, education promotions and part-funding of tourism related projects with the private sector. Highlights of Tourim sites in Malaysia The developmental efforts of the governments’ tourism agency resulting in the recognition of threeattractions as world heritage sites by UNESCO are truly commendable. Theseattractions are: 1. Gunung Mulu National Park (Sarawak) 2. Kinabalu Park (Sabah) 3. Melaka and Georgetown, historic sites of the Straits of Malacca Potential sites already submitted for inclusion by UNESCO includes: 1. Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary (LEWS) and Ai national Park (BANP)   2.  Prehistoric Archeological Heritage of Lenggong Valley 3. The Taman Negara National Park of Peninsular Malaysia Consequently, increased tourism benefits other sectors such as increasing hotel development, training of tourism related courses in tertiary institutions, manufacturing, transportation and the aviation industry only to mention a few. Future of Malaysian tourism and implications for students As Malaysia inches closer to its vision of becoming a developed country by 2020, the race is on to ensure its tourism industry is not left behind. Continued liberalization of some government controlled sectors, increased incentives, development of more tourism destinations where possible, increased involvement of the private sector are some of the key strides that will continue to improve Malaysia tourism performance into the future. This has a huge implication for students especially students of Hospitality and Tourism management. As populations increase in Malaysia and in the world and the Malaysian government makes its tourism industry more attractive, more skilled personnel will be required to manage the increasing government functions and private businesses resulting from it. One key recommendation for the Malaysian government will be to factor in the projected skilled workforce and skill sets required to realize its future tourism ambitions while making plans for those skills and workforce today. Students interested in the tourism industry will focus on developing additional skills sets more than a passing grade that will provide the distinction to ensure a place in the ever growing Malaysian tourism industry. Conclusion This article investigated Malaysian tourism in terms of its performance, impact, development, future and implications for students.  It was found that Malaysia ranks in the world’s top ten countries in international tourist arrivals, achieved recognition for three UNESCO world heritage sites, and has a coordinated promotion, incentive and program to propel its tourism industry into the future. The implication for students especially student of the Hospitality and tourism industry werediscussed. Finally, it was recommended that a holistic tourism plan must include the projected skill set and workforce required to manage the increasing tourism projects of the future.

Land Use And Land Cover In Ethiopia Environmental Sciences Essay

Land Use And Land Cover In Ethiopia Environmental Sciences Essay This research will focus on population dynamics and effects on the state of natural resources and processes of degradation in the lowlands of Ethiopia. Many developing countries are using their natural resources at rates faster than the natural rate of replacement to sustain their rapid population growth; to generate foreign exchange; and to produce raw materials for industries. Millions of poor farmers destroy vast tracts of forest lands to make room for agricultural activities that will provide sufficient food for their household, community or country (Bartelmus, 1986; Drechsel et al., 2001; McNeill, 2006; Appiah et al., 2007). Agriculture, which dominates most of the African economies, has been the main focus of national development plans of governments. In line with this, a variety of land policies and reforms have been instituted in many African countries in an effort to improve the performance of the agricultural sector, but not always with success. In most countries, traditional agricultural practices and low productivity still persist despite major reforms and large monetary investments to transform the sector. Where agricultural innovations have been introduced, short-term successes have often been followed by long- term environmental problems (Miay, 1976; Drechsel et al., 2001; Appiah et al., 2007). The most frequently occurring and rapidly accelerating problem related to agricultural activities is environmental degradation. In practice, most agricultural programs tend to place a heavy emphasis on increasing production and less on resource management and conservation. As a result, the social and environmental implications of population and land-use and land cover changes are overlooked until a serious physical deterioration occurs (Miay, 1976; Fischer, 1993; Davol, 1998; Makhanya, 2004; Long et al., 2006). In Ethiopia, agriculture is the largest source of employment and foreign exchange: it supports some 85% of the working force, produces about 50% of the gross domestic product and generates over 90% of the countrys export earnings. Because the sector is overwhelmingly dominated by subsistence endeavors land degradation is widely prevalent (Dejene, 1990). This problem is further exacerbated by the heavy concentration of population and economic activities on climatically-favored highland areas of the country. The highland areas (defined as lands above 1,500 meters above sea level) constitute 40% of the total area of the country, 66% of the total cultivated land, 90 % of its arable land and nearly 45% of the grazing land, and support about 80% of the livestock and 88% of human population. As a result, these areas happen to be the most vulnerable and degraded physiographic regions in the country (Bruene, 1990; Woldemariam, 1990; McCann, 1995). As a consequence of population growth and hea vy economic activities, land suitable for cultivation is running short in much of the highland regions of the country. As a result, recent years have seen population relocation to the lowland areas where population size and densities are relatively low. However, this has brought about complex changes in the socio-cultural, economic and ecological conditions in the Beles valley of Metekel, northwest Ethiopia (Abute, 2002), one of the areas to which population shifts have taken place. Yntiso (2003) and Abute (2002) document these changes by indicating how massive resettlements in the 1980s have impoverished the indigenous population and created hostility among ethnic groups in Beles valley, Metekel. These studies, however, give much less emphasis to population dynamics and land use and land cover changes resulting from these changes. Assessing ongoing changes in population dynamics and land use and land cover in this region is vital given the fact that more development endeavors (for example, hydropower generation, irrigation, and mechanized agriculture) are being undertaken by the government. At three percent, this area also has one of the fastest population growth rates in the country (CSA, 2008). The consequences of all this on natural resources degradation and management need further investigations. Review of Related Literature This section reviews existing literature on population and environment interactions and the effects of these interactions. In doing so various perspectives on how population dynamics affects the environment are reviewed. Views on Population Dynamics and the Environment The study of the size, growth and characteristics of human population has a long history. Yet, there is no consensus pertaining to its consequential effects on the environment and the ways to solve the resultant problems (Jolly, 1994; Stock, 1995). Population experts offer four different perspectives (models) regarding population dynamics, consequences and ways of overcoming its effects. These perspectives include the models of classical economists, neo-classical economists, dependency and intermediate variables (Jolly, 1994; Stock, 1995; Kalipeni, 1996). Classical economists argue that high population growth results in environmental degradation. Their theory is grounded on the work of economist Thomas Robert Malthus (1873) who argued that population grows faster than food supply. Furthermore, he suggests that humans have to take actions to reduce fertility. Consequently he suggested abstention from sexual intercourse and chastity. If population growth is left unchecked, he argued, natural checks such as famine, pestilence, and war will reduce population growth. Today, neo-Malthusian population experts like Paul Ehrlich and Garrett Hardin (cited in Sherbinin et al., 2007) and others believe that Malthus prophecy is currently happening in Africa where the pace at which population is growing is higher than the rate at which the economy is growing (Jolly, 1994; Stock, 1995; Muriithi, 1996; Panayotou, 2000; Drechsel et al., 2001; Perz et al., 2005). These experts suggest fertility reduction as the key to preventing environmental destructi on and to improve living standards (Jolly, 1994:72; Sherbinin et al., 2007). Neo-classical economists, on the other hand, stress that inefficient market and inappropriate pricing policy as the causes of environmental degradation (Jolly, 1994; Sherbinin et al., 2007). In other words, inept government policies are responsible for this problem. Jolly (1994:66) and Panayotou (2000) suggest a course of actions like reducing subsidies that encourage over exploitation of resources, make people to pay full costs of using common resources that make the market more efficient and effective as the best way to overcome this problem. The proponents of the dependency model, on the other hand, argue that uneven distribution and consumption of resources is more culpable than population size and growth. In this case equitable distribution and consumption of resources is the obvious solution to tackle the problem (Jolly, 1994; Stock, 1995; Kalipeni, 1996; Perz et al., 2005; Sherbinin et al., 2007). Proximate causes Proximate causes Other Factors Environmental Factors Soil quality, topography, etc Biophysical Drivers Fires, droughts, floods, etc Social Events Social disorder, sudden displacement, abrupt policy shifts, etc Wood extraction Fuel wood Charcoal Production Infrastructure Expansion Transport Market Settlements Public Service Private Company Agricultural Expansion Permanent Cultivation Shifting Cultivation Cattle Ranching Colonization Demographic factors Natural increase Migration Population density Population distribution Cultural Factors Public attitudes and beliefs Individual household behavior (unconcerned about resources, rent-seeking) Policy and Institutional Factors Formal Policies (economic development, credit) Policy climate (Mismanagement) Property rights Technological Factors Agro Technical Change ( Intensification) Agricultural production factor Economic Factors Market growth Commercialization Economic structure Urbanization Price increases, etc Proximate and Underlying Causes of deforestation (Source: Geist Lambin, 2002, figure 1, p. 3) Underlying Causes Figure 1.1: Conceptual framework of Proximate and Underlying Causes of land use and land cover changes (Source: Geist Lambin, 2002, figure 1, p. 3) Theorists known as the proximate determinists argue that high population growth alone does not cause environmental degradation. They contend that population increase should be linked to other factors to result in environmental degradation. In other words, high population increase aggravates resource loss in conjunction with other factors like level of technology, consumption, institutions, poverty and policies (Jolly, 1994; Turner, Meyer and Skole, 1994; Barrow, 1995; Lambin et al., 2001Carr et al., 2005; Perz et al., 2005; Harte, 2007; Pabi, 2007; Sherbinin et al., 2007). In sum, there is no simple co-relation between population dynamics and environmental degradation. It is, however, very important to consider critically the relationship between environment and population and the resultant impact from demographic and non-demographic variables as indicated in the conceptual framework below (Figure 1.1). Causes of Land Use and Land Cover Changes This section reviews existing literature on causes of land use and land cover changes. In doing so, various empirical findings on causes of land use and land cover changes worldwide including Ethiopia are reviewed. Land use and land cover changes are the results of the interplay of many factors. The simple assumption that land use and land cover changes have been caused by few factors do not hold true. Rather, many interrelated complex factors best explain the processes of land use and land cover changes (Lambin et al., 2001; Lambin et al., 2003; Liverman et al., 2008). The same authors further contend that Identifying the causes of land-use change requires an understanding of how people make land-use decisions and how various factors interact in specific contexts to influence decision making on land use (Lambin et al., 2003:216). Decision making processes in turn are affected by different factors prevailing at local, regional and global level. Different researchers have put the reasons for land use and land cover changes in two broad categories as proximate (direct) and underlying (indirect or root causes) (Geist Lambin, 2002; Liverman et al., 2008). Lambin et al., (2003) further contend that proximate factors occur at local or household/farm level whereas underlying factors emanate from regional, country or even global level. As a consequence, proximate variables are context and region specific while the root causes on the other hand will be the result of complex political, economic and social conditions occurring at a distance. Farm level analysis allows to address proximate causes and to interpret them in reference to underlying causes (Mottet et al., 2006). Long, et al., (2007) identify industrialization, urbanization, population growth, and Chinas economic reforms as major factors of land use changes in Kunshan. Another study in Zimbabwe also recognized that pressure for agricultural land, building materials and fuel wood triggered land use and land cover changes (Mapedza et al., 2003). The study by Brink and Eva (2009) also reveals that there is a significant degree of land use /cover change in Sub-Saharan Africa. These changes have resulted due to manmade and natural drivers related to high rate of population increase, economic development and globalization on one hand and natural hazards such as floods, landslides, drought and climate change on the other end of the spectrum (Brink and Eva, 2009). The study conducted in Afar, Ethiopia, identified more than fifteen factors that cause land use and land cover changes (Tsegaye et al., 2010). The driving forces documented in the study include migration from nearby highlands triggered by drought, land tenure and government policy changes only to mention some (Tsegaye et al., 2010). Another study in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia reveals that population growth, decline in agricultural productivity, land tenure change and erratic rainfall have the major drivers of land use and land cover in the area (Garedew et al., 2009). The land use and land cover dynamics study in the northwestern Ethiopia suggests that population dynamics, exiting land tenure, institutional and socioeconomic conditions should be critically examined to put in place any land related policy (Zeleke Hurni, 2001). In sum, the factors that affect land use and land cover changes are complex and at time interrelated. Thus, the study of land use and land cover changes demands a careful investigation into these complex and interrelated factors at local, national and global level as indicated in the conceptual framework above (Figure 1.1). Statement of the Problem The impact of population dynamics, especially the absolute increase in human numbers each year due to natural increase and/or mobility, plays a crucial role in resource degradation. As population continues to expand in number, it exerts increased pressure on eco-system and natural resource stocks. One of the reasons for the shrinking size of land holdings as well as the degradation of forest, soil, and water resources in many areas of the developing world is the direct result of rapid population growth (Arnon, 1987; UNFPA, 1991; Drechsel et al., 2001; Etter et al., 2006; Pabi, 2007, Boone et al., 2007, Nguyen, 2008). Resources have to be created to meet the changing and rising demands of the people. The larger the number of people, the greater the density and the more will be the pressure on resources (Onwuka, 2006). Various studies indicate that there is a marked resource loss because of population pressure in Sub-Saharan Africa (Drechsel et al., 2001), Eastern Madagascar (Kull, 199 8), China (Long et al., 2006) and Dominican Republic (Sambrook et al., 1999). Turner et al. (1994) also contend that land cover change stemming from human land uses represents a major source and a major element of global environmental change. The same authors underscore that human actions are altering the terrestrial environment at unprecedented rates, magnitudes, and spatial scales (1994). In Ethiopia, too, fast population growth and uneven spatial distribution of population have been affecting resource use, leading to its gradual deterioration. Rapid population growth (currently exceeding 2.6 % per annum) is resulting in increased demands for additional arable land which is surely not adequately available (Mamo, 1990; CSA, 2008, Teferra, 2009). As Mamo and Teferra (1990, 2009) argue population growth leads further to unnecessary natural resource exploitation such as forest clearing both for farming and settlement purposes, short fallow periods, and land fragmentation which has a direct adverse effect on agricultural output. Most of the population of Ethiopia is settled on the highlands, with the northern and central highlands being the oldest settled regions of the country. These regions are the most exploited and environmentally degraded areas in the entire country. Due to the shortage of arable land, land is continuously utilized year after year, thus giving diminishing yields (Kebede and Jacob, 1988; Assefa and Zegeye, 2003). This condition, coupled with the occurrence of recurrent drought and famine, has forced people from the northern and central highlands to move to the southern, southwestern and northwestern parts of the country for resettlement in both planned and spontaneous ways. These resettlements have resulted in population increase and consequent environmental and of natural resources depletion or degradation (Assefa and Zegeye, 2003; Paterson, 2007). Resulting from the north-south move, a noticeable population change has gradually prevailed in the Metekel region, leading to increased pressure on existing resources. According to Yntiso (2003), resettlement has caused rapid changes in both the distribution and types of land cover and land-use in Metekel zone. Due to increased population resulting from the resettlement program, vegetation cover has been cleared and replaced by crop lands, the length of fallow period has been reduced and, more importantly, land degradation, deforestation and cultivation of marginal lands have become the order of the day (Dejene, 1990; Mamo, 1994; Yntiso, 2003). Furthermore, the livelihoods of the indigenous people (hunting, gathering, shifting cultivation and fishing) have substantially decreased due to significant land use and land cover changes (Abute, 2002; Yntiso, 2003). Recent studies have also revealed that due to improvements in socio-economic conditions (for example, new construction of an all-weather road and government-led development programs), population size has increased in the northwest lowlands of Metekel. Land-use patterns have shown changes in this area as well. Migration from highland to lowland areas, voluntary as well as involuntary, has caused changes in the socioeconomic relations between migrants and the indigenous people by increasing conflict between them (Pender, 2001; Taddese, 2001; Yntiso, 2003; Patterson, 2007). Over the past several years, a number of studies related to resource degradation have been carried out in many places of the Ethiopian highlands. However, similar studies related to population dynamics and land use and land cover changes in lowland areas are either scanty or non-existent. The above discussions testify that there is a significant land use and land cover changes in the study area since the 1980s. An assessment of the processes and factors leading to population dynamics and the resultant land use and land cover change becomes indispensable and timely to promote sustainable economic, social and ecological development in the study area in particular and the country in general. Such a study would also serve as a basis to influence development interventions and policy discussions related to population changes and natural resources degradation and management. Objectives of the Study The main objective of this thesis research is to investigate the impact that demographic and non-demographic variables have on land use and land cover and their effects on population and natural resources in Mandura district, northwest lowland of Ethiopia. The study also intends to suggest plausible policy option(s) to address the consequential problems in the study area. The study would include the following specific objectives: To analyze the extent and patterns of population dynamics since the 1950s; To investigate land use and land cover changes since the 1950s in the study area; To examine the perception of people on trends and drivers of land use /cover changes and population dynamics in the study area; To investigate the effects of policy changes on land use and land cover changes and population Dynamics; To analyze livelihood changes since the 1950s in the study area. Research Questions Based on the stated objectives above, the principal research questions of this study, therefore, are: how have demographic and non-demographic factors heighten land use and land cover changes in Mandura district since the 1950s? What are the effects of such changes on the population and the natural resources of the study area? Other sub-research questions will include: What demographic changes had been taken place since the 1950s? What are the extents of land use and land cover changes since the 1950s? What are the major drivers of land use and land cover changes? How do major actors at different levels perceive the changes in land use land cover and population? How have government policies (during the three regimes) intensified land use and land cover changes population dynamics? How have land use and land cover and population dynamics contributed to livelihood changes since the 1950s? Development Relevance for Ethiopia/Africa In the recent past, planned and spontaneous population relocation has taken place in the Ethiopian lowlands where population size and densities are relatively low, including the study area of this research. Such relocations have undoubtedly brought about complex changes in the local economic, socio-cultural and ecological conditions. These complex changes in the study area have motivated me to undertake this research. The study will contribute to the development efforts in Ethiopia in particular and in Africa in general on the ground that: Many African countries are experiencing rapid and accelerating population growth which has induced adverse effects on the environment. This study will thoroughly assess the degree and extent of population-induced adverse environmental changes and will attempts to provide possible solutions to address the problem. Future development endeavourers in Ethiopia are shifting from the highlands to the lowlands where there exists low population pressure and ample agricultural land. This study will generate relevant information that will contributes to the development plans of the country. The lowland areas of Ethiopia are the least studied parts as compared to highlands. The knowledge gained from this study could serve as a guide for future research/development activities. Methodology Description of the Study Area The study will be conducted in Mandura district, Metekel zone of Benshangul-Gumuz Regional state. Mandura is situated between 100.50.743 N and 110.10.766 N and 360.02.48E and 360.32.42E longitude, about 546 kilometers away from Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. The total area of the district is about 1,045 square kilometer. Physiologically it is part of the northwestern lowlands where many development endeavors are currently taking place. The study will be undertaken in the district where the land use and land cover change is significantly high (Figure 1. 2). According to the third Ethiopian national census, Metekel Zone has a total population of 235, 638 of which Mandura district constituted 15.52 % (36,568 people) (CSA, 2008). Climatically the study area is characterized by the following features. It receives rainfall from March to September. The mean annual maximum and minimum temperatures are 320C and 160C respectively (Kebede, 2006). With regard to some bio-physical information, the study area has different types of woodlands and the soil is broadly classified as vertisols (black clay soils), Nitisols (red or reddish brown laterite soils) and intermediate soils of a blackish brown (Kebede, 2006). Data Collection and Analysis The triangulation mixed method specifically the concurrent triangulation approach is selected as research design. The concurrent mixed approach is a kind of research design where quantitative and qualitative data are gathered at the same time (Creswell, 2003; Gay et al., 2009). Creswell (2003)) and Gay et al., (2009) further contend that this method is used by the researcher in an attempt to substantiate, cross-validate, or confirm findings within a single study. The rationale behind selecting this approach is the research under consideration (population-environment interaction and identifying factors driving land use and land cover changes) is complex and needs to be examined from various angles. In addition, it demands the employment of diverse data collection instruments to capture as many factors as possible that explain land use and land cover changes in the study area. Furthermore, this strategy enables the researcher to collect data in a short time period (Creswell, 2003; Gay et al., 2009). To this end, both quantitative and qualitative data will be collected simultaneously using questionnaire survey, focus group discussion, intensive personal interviews, and field observations. Details are given below Data for this study will be obtained through questionnaire survey, interpreting remotely sensed images, and aerial photograph interpretation to generate information on land use and land cover changes over time in the study area. Other researchers have used similar techniques (Tegene, 2002; Makhanya, 2004; Appiah et al., 2007 Rain et al., 2007; Sherbinin et al., 2007; Ningal et al., 2008; Salehi et al., 2008, Garedew et al., 2009). Also data pertaining to population dynamics, livelihood changes over time, causes and consequences of land use and land cover changes will be obtained using questionnaire survey, intensive interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations. Inherently, a study of resource- population interactions and land use and land cover changes need the employment of diverse methods so as to find out the many factors that involve in land use and land cover changes (Ewel, 2001; Tegene, 2002; Bewket, 2003; McCusker, 2004; Campbell et al., 2005:; Long et al., 2006 ). Published and unpublished documents produced by governmental and non-governmental organizations will provide secondary data at different jurisdictional levels. For instance, the Central Statistical Agency (CSA), various regional state documents and FAO/UNDP provide information on land resources and land-use patterns. The SPSS software will be used for statistical analysis. Below are details of data collection and methods of analysis for each objective of the research. Objective 1: Analysis of population dynamics over time Data related to population dynamics are obtained from publications generated by the Central Statistical Agency (CSA). These publications provide information on population size, growth, density, migration and urbanization over time at zonal and district levels. The national census results of the 1984, 1996 and 2007 are relevant in this regard. In depth interviews and focus group discussions will supplement this information. Three study sites will be selected for this investigation. The sites selection is based on the degree of human interference assessed in terms of high degree of land use and land cover changes in comparison with other sites in the region. A Stratified random sampling technique will be used to select households for the survey. The selection involves two steps: First, households will be categorized into two strata: indigenous households and migrant or settler households. Second, household heads to be interviewed will be randomly selected from each stratum. A total of 210 households (70 from each study sites; 35 for each stratum) will be randomly selected and surveyed using structured and pre-tested questionnaire. A sample size of 35 is believed to be adequate for analysis because with a sample size of 30 or more observations, it is possible to have estimates of accuracy from the mean (Clark and Hosking, 1986; Cohen, Manion and Morrison, 2000). Simple frequency and contingency tables will be used to analyze the data. A group containing 8-10 elderly people with deep knowledge of the study sites will be selected for an in-depth interview and focus group discussions. Qualitative data will be analyzed following procedures given below. First the data collected will be described and classified. Then the data will be connected with each other depending upon their similarities and differences. Classification is concerned with identifying coherent classes and connection on the other hand involves the identification and understanding of the relat ionships and association between different classes (Kitchin Tate, 2000:235). Objective 2: Land use and land cover changes Land use and land cover changes will be assessed by analyzing aerial photographs of different time periods (1950s and 1980s) using ArcGIS. Field visits will be carried out to reinforce the accuracy of the interpretation. Remotely sensed images will also be used to assess the current land use and land cover changes. Questionnaire surveys, in depth interview and focus group discussions will be arranged to generate additional information and to strengthen data generated from aerial photographs and remotely sensed images. To properly understand land use and land cover dynamics, identification of independent (explanatory) and dependent variable is crucial. Accordingly, the independent (explanatory) variables will be population dynamics expressed as change in population size, growth rates, density, migration and settlement expansion. Additionally, government policies, existence of an all-weather road famine and drought will also be used as non-demographic explanatory variables. On the other hand, changes in proportion of cultivated land, changes in forest cover (bamboo and thickets), grasslands, and expansions of arable land will be dependent variables used to analyze land use and land cover dynamics. The data will be analyzed using simple frequency tables, cross tabulation and correlation coefficient to see whether or not there exists a relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Multivariate regression analysis is chosen (a) to determine the existence of significant relationships bet ween demographic and non demographic factors and land use and land cover changes and (b) to assess the possibility of obtaining predictions from the equation. In addition, the identified variables mean are compared using the cross tabulation method. Correlation coefficients will be employed to figure out the existence of a relationship between demographic and non-demographic variables and land use and land cover changes. Multivariate analysis by way of discriminate analysis will be employed to ascertain the key factors determining land use and land cover changes in the study area. Focus group discussion, mapping, Semi-structured interview and other participatory methods will be employed to ascertain information gained from aerial photograph interpretation. These methods can give deep understanding about the timing and causes of land use and land cover changes than aerial photo analysis alone (Mapedza et al., 2003). Objective 3: Investigating perception of people on trends and drivers of land use /cover changes and population dynamics; This objective attempts to figure out peoples perception of the possible causes of land use and land cover changes. This can be attained by generating information through questionnaire surveys, in depth interviews and focus group discussions with, indigenous people, migrants, local experts and policy makers at different jurisdictional levels. The data will be analyzed using simple frequency tables, cross tabulation and correlation coefficient to find out if differences exist between the views of different actors on land use and land cover changes and population dynamics. Qualitative data will be analyzed following procedures given below. First the data collected will be described and classified. Then the data will be connected with each other depending upon their similarities and differences. Classification is concerned with identifying coherent classes and connection on the other hand involves the identification and understanding of the relationships and association between differen t classes (Kitchin Tate, 2000:235). Objective 4: Investigating effects of policy changes on land use and land cover and population dynamics One of the issues this study will try to investigate is effects of go