Benefits of immigration Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Benefits of immigration - Research Paper Example ds that may lead to influx of population, additional spending on the welfare in order to provide them housing, employment, education and other basic facilities. Coppel, Dumont and Visco (7) mentioned that United States is the major country that is receiving immigrants in huge numbers among the OECD countries. Most of migration policies accept immigrants in form of visitors, family reunion allowing the family members to stay permanently, asylum seekers; skill based migration and on the basis of naturalization rules. The policies defined by the nations not only allow migration of people but also benefits the host country economically and culturally which is analyzed in the present paper. Most of the policy makers debate upon the role of immigration that can ease the economic and budgetary impacts of declining and ageing OECD populations and addressing skilled labor shortages in various sectors (Coppel, Dumont and Visco, 4). Most of the nations would benefit from the immigration as it will lead to inflow of people into the market benefiting the native born population. Immigrants will buy goods and services from the native industries resulting in increased profit to the native firms and people (Novelguide.com, 14). According to recent report by Dr. Raul Hinojosa-Ojeda, it is found that comprehensive immigration reform will enable future flow of legal workers resulting in large economic benefit of $1.5 trillion in US GDP over the next 10 years (Immigration Policy Center, 1).The benefits of additional GDP growth would be spread throughout the US economy and higher earning power of newly legalized workers will result in the increase of tax revenues of $4.5 to 5.4 billion and will stimulate the economy giving rise to services in banking sector, housing and business. United Kingdom, too, witnessed growth in its GDP due to immigration and allowing the employers greater choice in a wider labour market and to find better match between vacancies and available labour (UK

Directing Hamlet Essay Example for Free

Directing Hamlet Essay If I were to have the pleasure of directing Hamlet I would first think about how and where the scene would be set. I would have the scene set in the suburbs of Italy where the gangsters are, because the portrayal of gangster Italy, on television (which the audience may be familiar with) is like the situation in Hamlet. Where revenge must be taken by the son, also upholding the family honour and such family situations. Also the portrayal of Italians is that they are very religious and that they tend to be Catholics, so the religious aspect of this scene (trying to pray and having the need to be forgiven by god) would fit in with my version and Shakespeares. I would have this scene set in a Roman Catholic Church to support the fact that Claudius wishes to pray here and that he is Catholic. I would like the church to echo the voices to show that Claudius heart must be empty for him to have committed this evil crime, so all he hears is the voices of his head, telling him what he thinks is the right thing to do, for example to pray for forgiveness. However his heart would be telling him to give up the things that he killed for, which Claudius himself mentions, since I am still possessd of those effects for which I did the murder. I would like the lighting to be an orangey afternoon colour, like when the sun sets. I imagine churches to be empty around early sunset time and if Claudius really felt guilty he would not want people o see that he is unable to pray I would not have any sound effects as the church would echo and I would like the audience to focus on what the actors were saying. Also silence between lines tends to create a sense of atmosphere. It would make the audience feel tense as though something was about to happen. I would like Claudius to look into the mirror when he is talking to himself throughout most of the scene. Except when it is inappropriate, for instance when he goes to pray. I would like the audience to feel more relaxed by this, as Claudius does not seem to be very emotionally at thins. I would like the audience to feel quite angry with Claudius. I would like them to feel this as they can see that he is not mentally disturbed by the goings on. However when Hamlet goes to talk to himself I would like to have him talking to the audience to show that although Hamlet said in an earlier scene that he would pretend to go mad, How strange or odd someer I bear myself-As perchance hereafter shall think meet to put an antic disposition on all the frustration about getting revenge and his fathers murder may have actually driven him mad. I feel that having Hamlet talk to the audience shows this, as the other members of the play do not seem to be able to see the audience (King Claudius talking to himself in the mirror). I would like the audience to be shocked, by this and feel on edge as this scene is all about whether Hamlet will kill the king or not which is very tense. Since Claudius is a King in Shakespeares Hamlet I would like him to play someone of high importance, so I would have him being played as a gangster leader. The outfit I would like him to wear would be a grey Armani suit, a waistcoat, blue collared shirt, and patent leather shoes. I would like him to have square framed glasses and for him to wear lots of gold jewellery, but especially a gold signant ring to symbolise that he is the leader of a gang, which has resemblance to the fact that he is a king (monarchs wear a ring to show that they are married to their country). I would like Hamlet to be wearing rather informal clothes to show that he may have gone slightly mad. I would have him wearing a plain black shirt, which would be reasonably tight. I would then have him wearing a black Hawaiian shirt with a thatched pattern on it. I would also like him to be wearing dark blue jeans. The dark clothes would be symbolising that Hamlet is still in mourning for his fathers death. I would like Hamlet to be wearing a silver Saint Christopher around his neck, to show that Hamlet may need guidance for the revenge of his fathers death. I would like to keep the language the same as I feel that if the text were to be converted into modern language the impact of the rhythm and words would be lost. Such as when Claudius says, It hath the primal eldest curse upont, means Its like when the first murder happened in the bible. These words do not have nearly as much effect as the original line. The original line provides some atmosphere. The word curse suggests evil, as witches were thought in Shakespeares time to send curses. Also as people were more religious in Shakespeares time the fact that Claudius has committed the worst sin n the bible they may have been horrified by Claudius crime. This wouldnt have as much effect on a modern day audience however I feel that the words too tend to portray that Claudius shows disgust towards himself. Some of the words in this scene are quite difficult to interpret so I would have to make some sort of gesture in order to make it more obvious what the two actors mean. I think that obvious hand or body gestures would make it more obvious. For example when Hamlet says, Up, sword, and know thou a more horrid hent I think that Hamlet should, lift his sword and then approach Claudius. This would make the true meaning of the sentence clearer. A few lines in this scene make it so enjoyable to watch, but it all depends on the actors interpretation and delivery of the line. When Claudius says, O, my offence is rank This line needs to be emphasised as it shows that Claudius may be feeling regret for what he did. So he could show this by shouting the line, which displays the anger that he may be feeling with himself. Also a brothers murder must be emphasised as this is the reason to Claudius guilt, and why he is so angry with himself. He could portray this to the audience by saying it slowly, and going into an audible whisper as if someone may hear. Claudius should also emphasise when he says, Forgive me my foul murder! as this shows that maybe he does truly repent and feel guilt. He could shout this line to the ceiling as if he were talking to god. When Claudius talks of the things he does not wish to give up, My crown, mine own ambition, and my queen. The should be said in a low husky tone, to show that Claudius although in this scene he may seem to be wanting forgiveness, he does not truly want it as he would give up these items that he killed his brother for. When Claudius is describing how in the criminal world he can buy himself out of trouble, In the corrupted currents of this world. This line and the following three lines should also be delivered in the same low husky tone to show that Claudius is still evil as to mix himself with criminals, who were also known as sinners in Shakespeares time. Also when Claudius talks to his knees, telling them to, Bow stubborn knees he should speak softly as though here were speaking to a child. This would emphasise the line and show that Claudius is encouraging himself to pray; just a children are encouraged when spoken to in a soft voice. The line he says, All may be well should also be softly as he trying to convince himself that everything will be all right. It is the final two lines that should be emphasised the most as this show the true irony of the whole scene. Hamlet decides not to kill Claudius, as he believes that Claudius is praying and would go straight to heaven. Here when Claudius says, My words fly up, my thoughts remain below. Words without thought never to heaven go. We learn that he was unable to pray anyway so Hamlet could have killed Claudius, only Hamlet did not know this. His line could be emphasised with pauses in between up and my, and in-between thought and never. When Hamlet says And now Ill do it. I think here the actor should raise his sword above his head and increase the volume of his voice to a shout. Hamlet should then approach Claudius and let out a war like cry to emphasise this line. This I feel is effective as it emphasises this line and the silence that would follow would also emphasise the next line, and so a goes to heaven. I think that those two lines are very important as they show that Hamlet is about to kill Claudius until he decides that hell wait. I also think that when Hamlet is talking about the death of his father, A took my father grossly, he should speak through his teeth, in a low tone. I feel that Hamlet would be feeling very angry, as he cannot yet revenge his fathers death. So I feel that that talking through his teeth would portray that anger to the audience. This also emphasises the line as the audience would listen to what he was saying as him talking through his teeth would be obvious to them. Hamlet, however should speak with joy when he talks about what kind if thing Claudius will be doing when Hamlet could kill him, When he is drunk asleep, or in rage; Or in th incestuous pleasure of his bed; At game, a-swearing, or about some act. I feel that Hamlet would be imagining Claudius being killed and going straight to hell, which would make him very happy. I then think that when Hamlet delivers this last line, this physic but prolongs thy sickly days. It must be emphasised as Hamlet would be feeling quite sad and angry that he has Claudius in very vulnerable position yet he feels that he cannot kill him, as that would not give him true revenge. I feel that sadness and anger can be portrayed by Hamlet having a pause between physic and but. Also the actor should speak in a low tone to get the audience attention as this line displays the irony as Claudius is unable to pray. This scene is only effective because the audience knows what happened in the previous scene. They know that Claudius has portrayed his true guilt to Hamlet, confirming Hamlets beliefs that Claudius killed his father. The way in which he did show his guilt, (When the players put on a play with a murder committed the same way that he killed his brother) would be more effective in Shakespeares time as then all people who committed murder were believed to go mad, and be affected by the site of their crime. When Claudius views his crime he horrified by himself and feels the need to be forgiven which explains his sudden desperate need to pray. I feel that this scene gives Hamlet its edge of tenseness. The rest of the play is an unwinding tale leaving the audience wondering right until the last scene, will Hamlet kill Claudius?

Alain Robbe-Grillet and The Secret Room :: essays research papers fc

Alain Robbe-Grillet and The Secret Room   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  On page 2032 of the class’s anthology, there is a work by Alain Robbe-Grillet entitled â€Å"The Secret Room†. What interests me about this work is that I thought that this topic or story is deep and hard to get the idea. So, I wanted to know about Alain Robbe-Grillet and wanted to get the idea. In this connection, the question that I want to research is who Alain Robbe-Grillet is and what is this story about.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  First of all, Robbe-grillet, he was born in Brittany, France, where was the place for scientists and engineers. At first, he was not a writer. He earned the degree in mathematics and natural science. He started working at National Institute of Statistics and published an article on livestock possibilities before deciding to work part time in his sister’s biology laboratory and write a novel. The first novel he wrote was â€Å"A Regicide† in 1949. But, it didn’t published until 1978 which was the time after he became a successful novelist. Robbe-Grillet was one of the foremost filmmakers and the novelists of the French new novel, of the twentieth century. Frustrated about the lack of progress and innovation in the art of the novel since the nineteenth century, Robbe-Grillet and Nathalie Saurrate began to write complex novels that interrogated and challenged conventional narrative modes, novels that altered or abolished fictional elements such as character, plot, setting, point of view, and chronological time in favor of repetitions, an absence of emotion, minute objective and sometimes geometric descriptions, the lack of authorial analysis, and the deconstruction of time. His films also reflect his desire to challenge the conventions of filmmaking, but he is recognized principally as a novelist. The novels of Robbe-Grillet all challenge their readers to reevaluate the way they read, the way they think, and the way they visualize the world around them. The novels are vastly different from each other. â€Å"The Erasersâ€Å" concerns a police inspector, Wallas, and his search for a man who has supposedly killed another man who, in actuality, was not killed. The novel is set in a small Belgian city, a city with a considerable network of canals and bridges and boulevards that all look the same; throughout the novel, the city becomes a type of labyrinth, adding an ambiguous complexity of space to the novel's non linear chronology.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"The Erasers† is more accessible than his later novels like â€Å"Jealousyâ€Å" and â€Å"In The Labyrinth†, both penultimate examples of the New Novel.

Revenue Assessment Essay

Thank you for the opportunity to assess your sales data in order to provide recommendations for increasing your sales. The analysis and recommendations below are based on the data you provided, which covers a period from May 2004 through June 2006. The analysis below is based on this data alone. Therefore, our recommendations should be tempered by your knowledge of business realities and your market. Please let us know if we can answer any questions concerning the analysis or the recommendations provided. ANALYSIS 1: Total Sales by Country Analysis As an American based country one expects the highest income to be within a company’s home country. Well, in the case of Northwind Traders, that is the case. The USA has the highest gross net sales, to be followed closely by Germany and then Austria and Brazil. Sales are above 100,000 over the past two years. If you notice, all of the top selling companies are offered a discount whereas the lower selling countries are offered now discount at all. Graphic Recommendation Based on my analysis I think it would be wise to entice lower income countries to buy more products by offering a discount if they reach a certain amount of product ordered. I also recommend sending surveys to the largest purchasing companies to see what products they would like to see discounts offered on if larger volumes are purchased. Also taking special care to cater to the products higher volume countries are requiring. ANALYSIS 2 : Net Income by Sales Rep Analysis I was given two full years of sales data, and took a look at the net revenue of each of your sales representatives. At first glance it looks like 2005 might have been a more profitable year, but bear in mind that 2005 is the only year we all four quarters accounted for. Keeping that information in mind, it looks like 2006 is getting off to an amazing start, as several of your sales reps have already passed their totals from 2005 in the first quarters. Also take careful attention to notice the difference in the two quarters from 2004 and 2006. It looks like a majority of your sales representatives are making solid revenue for the company. Graphic Recommendation My recommendation would be for starters, enroll every sales rep in a sales training class. Upon completion of I would set a goal that each sales rep must contribute at least 10% of the net income for the company. Since there are 9 sales reps this leaves some room for extra. This will not only force the sales reps to work together, and encourage friendly competition. I also recommend you elect a sales representative team leader (for example Miss Peacock who is consistently your top sales person) and empower her to encourage, coach and teacher the other sales reps in her methods and tricks. ANALYSIS 3: Total Revenues by Month in 2005 Analysis After careful consideration, I decided to look at the yearly trend of just 2005 since we have all the data from that year. If you will notice, October is by far the biggest selling month, whereas July is the lowest, but mostly the trend is pretty consistent across the year. Graphic Recommendation I recommend that we find out what about October spikes sales, and try to apply it to the rest of the year. Also, I’d consider adding special sales and discounts in March and April, the lowest sales months of the year, that should help perk up sales in the slower months. SELF ASSESSMENT From completing the Excel project, I learned so much about excel. At the beginning of this class I was very confident and nearly cocky about my knowledge in excel, but boy oh boy have I learned a LOT of neat new tools to add to my bag of tricks. I learned specifically about pivot tables which are beyond helpful for organizing data in a more readable way, and see the things that you want to see. I also learned a lot of new ways to sort and organize information in clean and easily read ways. This was a tough project to tackle at first, but I feel a lot better about the things I have learned in excel since finishing it.

Baby-boomers and the U.S. Health Care System

For the past few decades the term â€Å"baby-boomers† has never left the headlines. There are many reasons why this generation of Americans always attract the spotlight. First of all this generation comprises a significant chunk of the U. S. population. Furthermore, children born to this group were the ones who grew up and became involved in the cultural-changing events of the 1960s. This is the same generation that provided volunteers and soldiers to the infamous Vietnam War.In order to fully appreciate the impact of this generation to current history it must be noted that former president Bill Clinton as well as incumbent president George W. Bush belong to this demographic. In recent times the baby-boomers are again in the glare of publicity because this segment of the population is threatening to negatively impact the U. S. health care system. The following four articles provide differing views on the said subject matter. This paper will take a closer look at the baby-boome r generation and its impact on the healthcare system.This can be achieved by comparing and contrasting four articles taken from New York Times and MSNBC News. The four articles reveal important information about this demographic while at the same time supply necessary data that will help readers get an overview of the problem as well as possible solutions. The world’s media is painting a grim picture of the future, that baby-boomers are to blame for the impending crisis that will wallop the U. S. health care system. Is there truth to the claim or is there another way to read the facts?The following articles provide different perspectives on the subject of baby-boomers in relation to the health care system. For the first article that will be examined, MSNBC’s Tracie Potts wrote a report entitled â€Å"Boomers to flood medical care system. † There is simply no way to misinterpret what she meant by that. For a long time now the United States of America is bracing f or a coming storm. In a few more years there will be a significant number of aging Americans who will retire and come looking for the long promised retirement benefits and a major part of it is access to quality health care services.Tracie Potts asserts that there is a strong possibility that many of those who will retire is in for a big disappointment and she even declared that if things will not be corrected in the near future then America should be ready for an impending crisis. Michelle York on the other hand wrote that aside from the usual problems of lacking proper medical insurance and the impact due to sheer numbers of baby-boomers that will be needing health care there is another related problem – the lack of medical practitioners that will be able to take care of them.Aside from facilities and medical supplies the most important part of the equation are the doctors. Now, everyone knows that doctors are in the business of providing care and just like other profession als they will not work for free. There maybe some rare instances where a doctor will be driven by compassion but even the most generous will realize that they have to pay back that huge loan incurred to pay tuition fees in medical school. They cannot be forced to go where there is greatest need; they will only consider moving into an area where they can also get the most out of their time and hard work.Now there is a problem when it comes to retirees. A person finally quitting the work force in order to enjoy doing the finer things in life will have to settle in areas where the cost of living is lower in order to stretch their retirement funds. That is a good plan the only problem is that in these places doctors are hard to find. The third piece that will be examined was written for the New York Times. O’Neill entitled the article this way, â€Å"Want to Retire Early and Hang a Shingle? It’ll Cost You.† In this report O’Neil discussed that baby-boomers ar e not stupid and that they work hard during their youth and pre-retirement years to save enough money so that they can afford not to work and yet lead quality lives. But O’Neil cautions that for those who will opt out of the work force before the age of 65, there is one more thing left to do and it is to set aside $100,000 or more to cover health insurance until they qualify for Medicare. Suddenly retirement is not as fun as one would think, especially for those who did not do their homework when it comes to long-term care insurance.There are just so many things that Medicare will not cover. Rick Lyman’s article significantly differs from the three already mentioned. His piece is the silver lining behind the clouds. He admits that baby-boomers will create a deep impact in American society but he believes that the doomsayers are exaggerating and therefore Lyman declared, â€Å"Census Report Foresees No Crisis Over Aging Generation’s Health. † The following pages will take a closer look at the said four articles. Boomers Tracie Potts warns that in the coming years there will be millions of baby-boomers that will flood the U.S. medical system. The problem according to her is that the health care system in this country is not yet ready for a sudden rise in the numbers of retirees. In order to understand the seriousness of the problem Potts reminded her readers that there are about 78 million Americans that will turn 65 years old soon. Seventy-eight million is already the population of a small country and realizing the size of this demographic can easily scare anyone especially if the one reading the report belongs to the younger generation tasked to work in order to sustain America’s current health care system.Potts reiterated her concerns, â€Å"We face an impending crisis as the growing number of older patients, who are living longer with more complex health needs, increasingly outpaces the number of health care providers with the knowledge and skills to take care for them capably† (2008). The report listed the following common problems associated with senior citizens who had a misplaced trust in Medicare and retiring without sufficient knowledge that having Medicare will not be enough as seen in the following facts: 1. There aren’t enough specialists in geriatric medicine; 2. Insufficient training is available;3. The specialists that do exist are underpaid; 4. Medicare fails to provide for team care that many elderly needs; and 5. Medicare may even hinder seniors from getting the best care because of its low reimbursement rates (Potts, 2008). Included in this report is another piece of bad news coming from the American Medical Association who provided the heads-up, â€Å"This July, the government will begin steep cuts in Medicare physician payments, and 60 percent of physicians say this cut will force them to limit the number of new Medicare patients they can treat† (Potts, 2008).In this article one can see the problems the great influx of senior citizens needing quality healthcare and the inability of the U. S. Federal government to provide for that need. This article is an important contribution in any study regarding boomers and their impact on the U. S. medical system. Potts was able to go into the nitty-gritty of the main issue. It was informative and well-balanced reporting. The reader can finish evaluating the article and come away with key points such as the inability of Medicare to cover all medical needs even if the person is already 65 years old and eligible for this type of medical insurance.Another major contribution of this article is in addressing the need for more trained specialists. The lack of trained specialists can easily increase the cost of health care expenses. Medical Professionals In a related article Michelle York focuses on the medical problems of baby-boomers living in the State of New York and she wrote, â€Å"At a time when the a ging baby-boomer population finds itself in need of more medical services, fewer young doctors want to work in many of the distressed cities and towns throughout New York State (2007).This is understandable because a medical professional has to earn a living too and there is no incentive that will entice them to choose to work in distressed cities and towns in dire need of medical professionals. The following figures describe a disturbing trend that although there is an increase in the number of licensed physicians this rise in numbers will not solve the problem outright and here are the explanations:†¢ In New York there is a 6 percent growth in the number of doctors practicing medicine from 2001-2005 – for a total of about 77,000 doctors – but the way they are spread throughout the state means there are many who will not have access to their expertise; †¢ There is a glut of doctors in richer areas like New York, Long Island, and Westchester and far few chose to practice in the upstate region. For instance in the Essex County in the Adirondacks, they lost 22 percent of its doctors as of latest count;†¢ The remaining doctors who chose to stay in distressed areas are also ready to retire – some are already 55 or older – but the problem is recruiting replacement is extremely difficult. Young medical practitioners find these areas non-viable and unattractive (York, 2007). This article is also very informative. It allows the reader to see the boomer issue from another angle. The usual points for discussion when it comes this topic usually centers on medical bills, expensive treatments, and expensive drugs. As a result there are laws that were passed specifically addressing the said problems.Lawmakers will continually strive hard to lower prices of medicines and find ways to build better hospitals. But York’s article diverts attention to these common problems and instead focuses on something that is far more challeng ing – there are no doctors in distressed areas. Now how can the federal government solve this problem? Lowering the price medicine can be considered a very easy feat as compared to convincing a very driven young doctor to live in areas where he knows he will not be able to pull as much money as he would have if he decides to live in the big city.Suddenly York made everyone sit-up and realize that this is a problem that requires a complex set of solutions and that the government should start working on it now because time will come when even old doctors serving in upstate regions and far flung counties will have to hang-up their hats and say adieu to the medical profession. High Cost of Retirement For John O’Neil the explanation for the impending crisis is simple. It is simply too expensive to pay for health care. There are so many factors that contribute to this reality.As mentioned earlier there are a limited number of specialists focusing on geriatric treatment. In s ome areas the problem is much simpler to identify – there are no doctors in sight. O’Neil adds another reason why it will be much harder for baby-boomers to immediately decide to hang their work clothes and go straight to their favorite fishing hole and he wrote, â€Å"The percentage of companies offering retirees health benefits has plummeted in the last decade, according to a recent report by the Employee Benefit Research Institute.From 1997 to 2002, the most recent year for which figures are available, the drop was especially steep†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (2006). This means that even if baby boomers are still in the workplace they are no longer contributing to their healthcare plans. O’Neill cited Paul Fronstin, director of the institute’s health research and education program, who said that future retirees are not assured of medical insurance coverage unless they fall into one of the following categories: 1. high-level executive; 2. union worker in a large man ufacturing company; or 3. civil servant (O’Neil, 2006).There are those who did not belong to any of the categories mentioned above but they have spouses willing to keep working until they qualify for Medicare but there are many who are not as fortunate. O’Neil also pointed out that the saddest part is that many Americans, especially those who are going to retire soon are unaware that such problems exist. Many thought that they are covered and yet when they are out their on their own with no other means of support they will be in for a rude awakening because health care cost is not what they expect it to be.O’Neil’s article is a wake-up call for those who may have thought that retirement is the answer to all their problems. No more back-breaking work and all the money needed to spend for the things that one truly loves doing. O’Neil splashed cold water into the faces of those daydreaming about fly-fishing and endless hours at the golf course. No sir , retirement before the age of 65 means no access to Medicare and if the new retiree figures in an accident, long-term care insurance is way too expensive. It is also a good thing that O’Neill pointed out a fact that more and more companies are reducing their offer of retiree health benefits.It is high time to check if a potential retiree’s company is offering retiree health benefits or not before deciding to retire. No Crisis over Aging Rick Lyman’s article offers an alternative view. Although Lyman concedes that baby boomers will still tax the U. S. medical system because the following figures is undeniable, â€Å"In July 2003, there were 35. 9 million Americans over the age of 65, about 12 percent of the population. By 2030, federal officials predict, there will be 72 million older people, about 20 percent of Americans† (Lyman, 2006).Yet Lyman predicted that the outcome will not be as devastating because baby-boomers are aging well with fewer disabilit ies even as they turn 65. Lyman cited Richard J. Hodes – director of the National Institute on Aging – who asserts that this positive trend is due to an improved quality of life; today’s older Americans are better educated and more wealthy than previous generations which accounts for their ability to take care of themselves (Lyman, 2006). Yet Lyman also made a caveat that the growing obesity rate may neutralize the positive trend.This article by Lyman is not only significant because it offers a positive outlook of the current health care debacle but it also encourages many future retirees to be more vigilant when it comes to taking care of their health especially those that are prone to diabetes and obesity. It must be noted that Lyman’s assertions are based on the significant reduction in the number of senior citizens suffering from a form of disability. Due to the fact that many of the baby-boomers are enjoying great health there is a possibility that t he impact will be less disastrous.Yet it is also good to know that diabetes and obesity can easily reverse the trend because these two medical conditions can easily transform a perfectly healthy individual into an invalid irregardless if he a boomer or not. Compare/Contrast The four articles are in agreement on the following areas: 1. The significant number of baby-boomers will greatly impact the U. S. medical system. 2. Health care cost is rising. 3. There are other factors that contribute to the health care problem and not merely due to the size of the baby-boomer generation.Authors, Potts, York, and O’Neil are also in agreement that boomers will break the bank. It is only Lyman who offered a more positive outlook. Although Lyman acknowledges there is a problem he is sure that doomsayers are exaggerating and that actual figure show that boomers are adapting well. Lyman argues that due to the fact that boomers have a higher literary rate as compared to previous generations t his generation will be able to quickly understand and assimilate information regarding health issues and as a result they will be able to incorporate into their lifestyle practices that will ensure longevity and good health.On the other hand all four authors are unanimous when it comes to the idea of retaining the services of retirees and instead of pushing them out the door. There are a number of industries that require more experienced workers especially when it comes to the medical field it is very expensive to train specialists. So if a retired medical professional decides to work a few more years after retirement his expertise can be used without having to undergo further training. In this way more people will benefit from his services. ConclusionThere is no need to elaborate on the fact that baby-boomers comprise a significant percentage of the American population. Figures vary but it is estimated that there are at least 72 million boomers living in this country. This demograp hic can easily command the attention of various businesses but in the past few years it has gripped the attention of health care experts who are predicting a crisis if some issue will not be resolved soon. There is a good reason to be alarmed, 70 million people is roughly the size of a small country.Imagine a group this big and all of its members suddenly turning gray and opts to exit the workplace and as a consequence of age and other factors begin taxing the U. S. healthcare system. The four articles reveal at least three glaring facts as to why the aging of the boomer will create a force that will wallop America’s medical system. First of all, even without considering the boomers the U. S. health care system is already in shambles, meaning not everyone can afford medical insurance simply because it is downright expensive.It is expensive to pay for doctors, it is expensive to pay for specialists and it is even expensive to pay for caregivers that do not have any form of med ical degree. Secondly, there are simply not enough health workers that will be able to do the job. In the case of the boomers there is an added problem of needing more specialists especially those that specialize in geriatric medicine. Finally, the most disturbing fact of all is that there are many boomers who are unaware that they need to have more money in order to pay for their health care related expenses.It must be noted that those who retire before 65 will not be eligible for Medicare. And yet even if they have Medicare this type of health insurance will not be able to cover everything. All three articles agree that there is an impending crisis unless desperate measures are taken up. This includes enticing retirees not to become idle and instead allow themselves to be reabsorbed into the workforce. There is now an added bonus because retirees with their years of experience can ask for part time work or can choose only to do things that they love doing.There is only one author who disagree with the doomsayers. But even he gave some sort of tempered optimism because even with a wealthier and more educated boomer generation the rising rate of obesity can still offset the positive trend. All in all the four articles are informative and it allows the reader to get a good overview to one of the hottest social issue in America today. References Lyman, R. (2006). â€Å"Census Report Foresees No Crisis Over Aging Generations Health. † Retrieved 05 June 2008 from http://www. nytimes. com/2006/03/10/national/ 10aging. html?_r=1&sq=baby%20boomer&st=nyt&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&scp=4&adxnnlx=1213085688-UwMCjf6VJB3QAKV4jZVJ9A O’Neil, J. (2006). â€Å"Want to Retire Early and Hang a Shingle? It’ll Cost You. † Retrieved 04 June 2008 from http://www. nytimes. com/2006/04/11/business/retirement/ 11gap. html? _r=1&scp=21&sq=baby%20boomer&st=nyt Potts, T. (2008). â€Å"Boomers to Flood Medical Care System. † Retrieved 04 June 2008 from http:// www. msnbc. msn. com/id/24107916/ York, M. (2007). â€Å"Few Young Doctors Step in as Upstate Population Ages. † Retrieved 05 June 2008 from http://www. nytimes. com/2007/07/23/nyregion/ 23docs. html? scp=5&sq=baby+boomer&st=nyt

Industrialization Essays - Great Plains, Free Essays, Term Papers

Industrialization Essays - Great Plains, Free Essays, Term Papers Industrialization a. Why were the Indians treated so unjustly? (12) The American settlers greed was the basis for the injustice forced upon the Indians. At first the Americans simply wanted the land that could be used to grow or create products. Then the Indians were viewed as hostile enemies. This was unfair because the Americans were too greedy to give the Indians the supplies they were promised; therefore, the Indians attacked. The Indians also attacked because the Americans put them on reservations so the settlers could have the rest of the land. The hunters of the West were also forced serious injustice on the Indians. They killed the buffalo by the millions for their hides. The buffalo were the Indians source of food, consequently the Indians were forced to move to reservations. b. Why was the evolving cattle industry so profitable? (10) The low cost and high output of the cattle industry made it extremely profitable. Buffalo grass, which grew year round and through droughts, grew on the Great Plains, which made it unnecessary for ranchers to buy food for the cattle. Cattle could be used as food or a labor force. They could also be sold to the Indians who had no choices for food because they were stuck on the reservations. Cattle could be raised cheaply in the Plains and sold to the railroad workers and the troops guarding the workers. c. Why did farmers and sheep ranchers create problems in the West? (12) d. Why was the railroad essential there? (10) The lack of natural

7 Dos for Dangling Modifiers

7 Dos for Dangling Modifiers 7 Dos for Dangling Modifiers 7 Dos for Dangling Modifiers By Mark Nichol In each of the sentences below, the noun phrase immediately following the introductory phrase is not the referent for that phrase; you have to keep working through the sentence and locate another noun, or, sometimes, surgically separate a â€Å"(noun)’s (noun)† phrase to isolate the correct one. 1. â€Å"If asked what will reverse the trend, my first response would be cynical but probably accurate.† In this sentence, â€Å"my first response† is being asked a question. The person, not their response, is the target of the query. In this case, introduce a subject into the introductory phrase: â€Å"If I were asked what will reverse the trend, my first response would be cynical but probably accurate.† 2. â€Å"Seen mainly as the brainchild of frontman Jack White, the band’s breakthrough came at the start of the new millennium.† The band’s breakthrough, rather than the band itself, is identified as the brainchild. Here, introduce the subject, follow with the introductory phrase as a parenthesis, and conclude by referring to the details of the breakthrough: â€Å"The breakthrough for the band, seen mainly as the brainchild of frontman Jack White, came at the start of the new millennium.† 3. â€Å"For a representative of a country that is one of the United States’s most important allies in Asia, her language is notably candid.† This sentence suffers from an almost identical problem, except that, instead of a noun with a possessive, it features a possessive pronoun: The solution, however, is different: Convert the possessive pronoun to an ordinary one and attach a pertinent verb: â€Å"For a representative of a country that is one of the United States’s most important allies in Asia, she used language that is notably candid.† 4. As a longtime holiday city, hotel options range widely in Luna Azul. This sentence identifies â€Å"hotel options,† not â€Å"Luna Azul,† the longtime holiday city. To correct this error, reverse the order of these phrases and revise the intervening wording: â€Å"As a longtime holiday city, Luna Azul features a wide range of hotel options.† 5. â€Å"Created in 1972 by the United Nations to stimulate awareness of the environment, San Francisco will be the first North American city to host World Environment Day.† According to this sentence, San Francisco was created by the United Nations in 1972: Depending on the emphasis, start with the city’s name as the subject or recast the sentence to emphasize the observance: â€Å"San Francisco will be the first North American city to host†; â€Å"World Environment Day, created in 1972 by the United Nations to stimulate awareness of the environment, will be celebrated in San Francisco, the first North American city to host the festivities.† 6. â€Å"Clearly organized, each tree receives its own entry in the book that includes its cultivation requirements, uses in its native land, historical anecdotes, and more.† Here, the writer credits each tree with being clearly organized, but the book is the subject, so make it the subject: â€Å"The book is clearly organized, and each tree receives its own entry, which includes its cultivation requirements, uses in its native land, historical anecdotes, and more.† 7. â€Å"Based on a play, you can see its theatrical, neatly formed vignettes unfolding right in front of you.† Art imitates life, and vice versa, but to my knowledge, I’m not based on a play: But it in this case, a movie is: â€Å"It’s based on a play, and you can see its theatrical, neatly formed vignettes unfolding right in front of you.† 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 Grammar category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Coordinating vs. Subordinating Conjunctions"Owing to" vs "Due to"5 Examples of Misplaced Modifiers

How Spelling Diverges Between American and British English

How Spelling Diverges Between American and British English How Spelling Diverges Between American and British English How Spelling Diverges Between American and British English By Mark Nichol As George Bernard Shaw is said to have said, â€Å"England and America are two countries separated by the same language.† It’s easy enough to find books and Web sites that provide evidence to back the old boy up, detailing such transoceanic translations as elevator/lift and critical divergences such as the relative meanings of â€Å"knocked up† (British English: â€Å"called on,† â€Å"woke up,† or â€Å"worn out†: American English: â€Å"impregnated†). What you’ll find here, however, is a discussion of differences not in vocabulary but in spelling between the English language’s two primary variants. The blame for the ornery orthography of American English (which is even more annoying to its users than to those who speak other variants of the language, because we actually have to, you know, use it) is primary laid at the oft-pedestal-mounted feet of Noah Webster, a nineteenth-century writer, editor, and lexicographer who almost single-handedly created the dialect I will hereafter in this post abbreviate as AE (as opposed to BE, or British English). Webster’s impetus was nationalistic he desired a distinct language for Americans that they could feel they owned, and one that represented democratic ideals as well. The problem is, for all his meticulousness, he was maddeningly inconsistent, and the myriad successors who have added to the American word-hoard have followed suit. Here, to do my part to make amends, is a brief guide to the major distinctions in AE and BE spelling (and within AE spelling itself), with one or more examples: -ae (encyclopaedia, mediaeval) AE usually deletes the a from the diphthong ae, which is unfortunate, because the words look so cool with it. It is retained, however, in such words as aesthetic (though that word is also spelled esthetic). -ed (fitted, forecasted, knitted) AE usually drops the past-tense ending in these words. However, exceptions are made in such usages as â€Å"The tailor fitted him for a tuxedo.† -ed [irregular] (lighted, strived) AE prefers forms such as lit and strove, though the BE forms are often employed. -ement (acknowledgement, arguement, judgement) AE omits the first e from the suffix, though some writers of AE remain unaware as far as the first and third examples are concerned. -ence (defence, licence, offence) AE spells these words with an s in place of a c. -ise/-yse (analyse, criticise, memorise, realise) AE favors -ize/-yze endings. -l (enrol, fulfil, skilful) AE doubles the l that is not part of -ful/ful-; the l in that syllable is never doubled (except in inflected forms of full). -lled/-lling (cancelled/cancelling, levelled/levelling, travelled/travelling) AE omits one l in this form; some writers of AE still haven’t received the memo. -mme (diagramme, programme, telegramme) AE omits the second m and the e at the end of these words. -ogue (analogue, catalogue, dialogue, epilogue) In AE, catalog is clipped, though the full form is preferred for all its analogues. (See?) -our (colour, favour, honour, labour) In AE, the u is jettisoned in most words with -our; glamour is an exception. -oeuvre (manoeuvre) AE simplifies this ending to -euver (maneuver). -que (banque, checque) In AE, the French-influenced -que is replaced by a Germanic k. -re (centre, litre, metre, theatre) In AE, the letters in the -re ending are reversed, though the BE spelling for the first and last examples is sometimes employed in proper names for facilities to convey Old World class. -st (amidst, amongst) In AE, amid and among are preferred, though many writers of AE, professionals and amateurs alike, retain the -st ending. -t (dreamt, leapt, learnt) AE replaces -t with -ed, though some writers of AE, out of ignorance or because they prefer the more poetically pleasing appearances, use the BE form. -wards (backwards, inwards, upwards) AE omits the -s, though many writers of AE retain it (often inconsistently from one word to another). -xion (complexion, connexion) This suffix is unique to complexion, spelled identically in AE and BE, and connexion, now almost obsolete in the United Kingdom. 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 Spelling category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:100 Whimsical WordsRound vs. Around5 Keys to Better Sentence Flow

ARCADIA GROUP -TOPSHOP Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

ARCADIA GROUP -TOPSHOP - Essay Example This paper examines the current strategic position, strategic audit and review systems within the firm. In addition, it also considers environmental influence by evaluating the political, economical, sociological and technological aspects that define the nature and scope of their operations. Introduction: Top Shop, as an international retailer, focuses on fashion clothing, cosmetics, shoes and other accessories. It has about 440 shops across 37 countries and online processes in a quantity of its markets. Top Shop was established in 1964 as Peter Robinson's Top Shop, in the Sheffield division of Peter Robinson, a now defunct British area store series. The first separate Top Shop store was established in 1970. It is the single largest supporter of rising design talent in the United Kingdom. The company has sponsored a scheme for New Generation at Fashion Week of London for a decade, one of the most globally accepted talent schemes of fashion designing, besides sponsoring Fashion East s ince 2003. This shop is also the only high street brand to demonstrate on schedule at London Fashion Week with in-house unique designs, thus it becomes clear that the firm is inseparable from London Fashion Week. ... Ranging from the petite and tall ranges to that of vintage treasure as well as boutique classics, the firm’s keen interest for scintillating design is what keeps it one step ahead of other competitors in the market. It is pertinent to quote â€Å"A formal education nowadays can make a difference when applying for and landing fashion design jobs† (My Five Goal Career Path to Becoming a Fashion Designer, n.d., p.2). Strategic Review: Aspiring fashion designers must use imaginative techniques to barge into the business, while getting citizens thrilled about buying their clothes. Soliciting online swapping and reviews links with like-minded traders are two of the well-liked strategies. Mission: The Mission of the Arcadia Group (Top Shop) is to provide business solutions, identify and execute management models for new business enterprises and create global connections for investors and innovators. Goals: Construct a strong basis of experience, skills and knowledge in fashion , stitching, and creativity. Build a solid system of citizens and companies in the industry. Enhance instructional supply funds. Secure software programs widely used in industry. Acquire financial support for upgrading and technology. Build up, expand and hold a consistent successful fashion design business. Objectives: Top Shop is a subsidiary company of the Arcadia Group. The particular objectives of a company are frequently not made public as it could help competitor companies. The Arcadia group though does have an obvious code of conduct which they follow. Dealers to the company are also inclined to obey this code of conduct. Construct Brand Presence in key metropolitan cities of the nation within 6 months to a year To start 8 outlets

Midterm exam Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Midterm exam - Coursework Example Accordingly, the following analysis will specifically focus on these changes with respect to workforce and illustrate the means by which different scholarly articles have engaged this issue and determines how it might be addressed in the near future. Accordingly, the following response will be broken down into four distinct sections. The first of these will be with respect to a summary of the major arguments presented within each article (a literature review in a sense). The second section will be with respect to an assessment of the contribution each article makes. Thirdly, a discussion that connects significant developments and trends with respect to strategic human capital management will be provided and lastly a discussion with respect to recommendations of articles that should be included in the course reading list will be made based upon the recommendations that have been analyzed and contributions that these respective authors have provided. Yarnall’s (2014) article illustrates the changing dynamics and employer’s face with respect to engaging an increasingly diverse workforce that oftentimes understands direction, metrics, and deliverables, in a variety of different ways. As a function of this new dynamic and hardship, the article focuses upon the approaches that human resource management must take as a function of engaging the stakeholders to a more effective and complete degree. Whereas a great deal of literature has been directed towards the need for diversity and inclusion within human resource departments around the world, the article in question denotes the fact that inclusionary tactics in and of themselves are insufficient with regard to dealing with the changing dynamics of the current workforce. Instead, analysis of the way in which direction is given and third-party recommendations with

Rhetorical analysis of Alicias Keys song If I Ain't Got You Essay

Rhetorical analysis of Alicias Keys song If I Ain't Got You - Essay Example The researcher states that the lyrics of a song are almost told in complete sentences and they are told in figures of speeches to better narrate what the artist wanted to tell in the song.   The first paragraph meant that people are now getting materialistic and vain that they only live for fortune, fame, power, game and physical things. The artist had been there and realized that these are empty endeavors because what matter is how beautiful the person is inside. This means that the artist only wanted the person that she loves because it is all that really matters in this world. The diamond rings are only symbolic of the superficiality that the song already detest that it really meant nothing. Alicia Keys only meant beauty as a vain basis for love when she wrote about the fountain that promises forever young. The roses and the silver platter are only a way to impress her but it is meaningless when it cannot be shared with the person she loves. The music video is the visual narrati ve of the song. In the opening scene of the video, there were men carrying a big piano which seems to have been bought by Alicia Keys fiancà © (while alternating with her playing the piano). The choice of piano and not other material things is symbolic that what matters most are what is inside which in this case, music and love as represented by the piano. Of course, she was delighted when she saw it and they kissed manifesting their love for each other. It can be observed that the apartment was empty except for the piano which figuratively explains that material things were not that important as told in the lyrics. Scenes displaying money and diamonds in a drawer were shown later inside a regular clothing drawer against the background â€Å"so full of superficial†. The succeeding scenes showed alternate of Alicia Keys singing and the lovers expressing their love for each other and how happy they are being together. It also showed the struggle of couples in the scene in the kitchen where they eventually argued with the man leaving.

Critical Response Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Critical Response - Research Paper Example The music and sound combination was very influential and ideal for building the mood for what was happening or what is about to happen. Of all the general suppositions that we discussed and argued about in the class regarding the movie’s sound and music, I guess the other most important thing is that the illustration of the bond of blood relations especially that of a mother and daughter that has been portrayed very differently in a motion picture (Williams 30). Although they, as a bottom line, convey the natural purity and unavoidable magnetism of this relation, yet, there projection has been done very differently. As we discussed the term didactic in detail, it can be seen how the didactic theme of the movie puts on to the viewers what to believe and what not to believe. I can confidently use the term didactic about the movies since the movie made me think about it for quite some time after watching it- of a brilliancy that is equally sad and somewhat disturbing. As far as t he story is concerned, it is a dry run mother daughter relationship through an unusual depiction of astounding acting and a splendidly full, melodramatic and emotional score. Glamour radiates in full swing from the scenes of this movie. The use of heighted emotions for revenge and internal emptiness extends till the last scene with some suspense during the mid scenes. The characters look rich and they are tracked by media. It mainly tells a love story about three characters, who are not actually in love. In fact, they are all together for some purpose, hate and revenge (Shaw 60). The two ladies, Rebecca and Becky, the former the daughter and latter the mother, are competing for the same man. Rebecca marries her mother’s boyfriend Manuel, to revenge against her insecurities that she had developed as a child, since her mother stayed more occupied with her romantic life during her childhood, rather than attending to her needs (Shaw 61). The mother gets back her old days feelings when she sees her daughter’s husband. The husband, Manuel, enjoys the attention and adjusts his interests between both the ladies. I have greatly hated the role of the mother in this movie and every time I watch the movie, I develop a hate for the ladies who are ignorant about their kids. The main motif of the movie is the relationship between the mother and the daughter that bounces through many different phases of love, hate, jealousy, rivalry, competition, aggression and frustration and finally gets settled the most natural way- the mother takes up the blame of her daughter’s crime of murdering her husband (Shaw 59). Throughout the movie the mother daughter shows no common areas or resemblances which depict the tension in their relationship. Although filled with negative feelings and sessions of court attempts, murder scenes and social unjust, the movie yet has been highly acclaimed and progressive with the viewers for a number of reasons. The mother daughter relat ionship is way different from the common movies approach. By the end scenes, it gets clearer how the story is intertwined with multiple versions of characters (Williams 33). The film in all is full of magnificent and superlative flourishes. The story does not portray the feeling that world is fake like any other family love based movies. It rather suggests that people in

Labor relations-An Anti nepotism Policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Labor relations-An Anti nepotism Policy - Essay Example Management is the most sensitive area in regard to nepotism. Budd (2010) argues that managers should strike a balance by not supervising their relatives, employing them in the same department or try to use their influence to employ them so as to have great output. Anti- nepotism policy favors unions in protecting their members. They ensure that all their members are given equal opportunity in job application. Finlay (2011) supports this part of the policy as a motivation tool. The policy also ensures fairness in work as it prohibits workers to be supervised by close relatives. Workers are also protected from loss of job if companies enforce anti- nepotism policies but were employed before they are implemented. Management is also favored by the anti- nepotism policies. The policy does not prohibit your relatives from working in the same company as long are not working in the same department and they were employed on merit. Managements are allowed to make independent policies as long as they are in good faith as argued by Rose (2008). Family businesses are exempted from these policies if members of the family volunteer services. Unions have a right to ask the adaptation of anti- nepotism policies by any organization their members are working. Lawrence (2005) argued, in order to reduce some of white collar crimes organization should not employ close relatives or supervise them. Managements are bound to follow anti- nepotism policies. They are obligated to create anti- nepotism rules that are favorable. In order to avoid conflict between unions and management, the management should include the union and legal experts when drafting their anti- nepotism policy. Budd (2004) proposed that the management should also clearly define the term relative in the policy to balance equality. Since anti- nepotism policies are different in each state, entrepreneurs should consider the implication of marriage as it is regarded as

Critical Response Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Critical Response - Research Paper Example The music and sound combination was very influential and ideal for building the mood for what was happening or what is about to happen. Of all the general suppositions that we discussed and argued about in the class regarding the movie’s sound and music, I guess the other most important thing is that the illustration of the bond of blood relations especially that of a mother and daughter that has been portrayed very differently in a motion picture (Williams 30). Although they, as a bottom line, convey the natural purity and unavoidable magnetism of this relation, yet, there projection has been done very differently. As we discussed the term didactic in detail, it can be seen how the didactic theme of the movie puts on to the viewers what to believe and what not to believe. I can confidently use the term didactic about the movies since the movie made me think about it for quite some time after watching it- of a brilliancy that is equally sad and somewhat disturbing. As far as t he story is concerned, it is a dry run mother daughter relationship through an unusual depiction of astounding acting and a splendidly full, melodramatic and emotional score. Glamour radiates in full swing from the scenes of this movie. The use of heighted emotions for revenge and internal emptiness extends till the last scene with some suspense during the mid scenes. The characters look rich and they are tracked by media. It mainly tells a love story about three characters, who are not actually in love. In fact, they are all together for some purpose, hate and revenge (Shaw 60). The two ladies, Rebecca and Becky, the former the daughter and latter the mother, are competing for the same man. Rebecca marries her mother’s boyfriend Manuel, to revenge against her insecurities that she had developed as a child, since her mother stayed more occupied with her romantic life during her childhood, rather than attending to her needs (Shaw 61). The mother gets back her old days feelings when she sees her daughter’s husband. The husband, Manuel, enjoys the attention and adjusts his interests between both the ladies. I have greatly hated the role of the mother in this movie and every time I watch the movie, I develop a hate for the ladies who are ignorant about their kids. The main motif of the movie is the relationship between the mother and the daughter that bounces through many different phases of love, hate, jealousy, rivalry, competition, aggression and frustration and finally gets settled the most natural way- the mother takes up the blame of her daughter’s crime of murdering her husband (Shaw 59). Throughout the movie the mother daughter shows no common areas or resemblances which depict the tension in their relationship. Although filled with negative feelings and sessions of court attempts, murder scenes and social unjust, the movie yet has been highly acclaimed and progressive with the viewers for a number of reasons. The mother daughter relat ionship is way different from the common movies approach. By the end scenes, it gets clearer how the story is intertwined with multiple versions of characters (Williams 33). The film in all is full of magnificent and superlative flourishes. The story does not portray the feeling that world is fake like any other family love based movies. It rather suggests that people in

Analysis of the mondus operandi of a manager Essay

Analysis of the mondus operandi of a manager - Essay Example It includeÃ'• all Ã'•yÃ'•temÃ'• where groupÃ'• of people are involved to achieve a Ã'•pecific Ã'•et of goalÃ'•â€  (Weihrich-&-Kootz,-1994). To bring about theÃ'•e aimÃ'•, aÃ'• defined and created by each individual buÃ'•ineÃ'•Ã'• to reach itÃ'• goalÃ'•, there are three main management roleÃ'• aÃ'• defined by Mintzberg, which include the InterperÃ'•onal, information roleÃ'• and the deciÃ'•ional roleÃ'•. TheÃ'•e in-turn encompaÃ'•Ã'• more Ã'•pecific dutieÃ'• which will be diÃ'•cuÃ'•Ã'•ed later. Manager CaÃ'•e-Ð…tudy:BuÃ'•ineÃ'•Ã'• Name – Playtec Pty LtdName – Matthew Ð…tewartAge – 29Phone No – *******PoÃ'•ition Held – General ManagerBuÃ'•ineÃ'•Ã'• Ð…ize – Ð…mall (approximately 20-employeeÃ'•)BuÃ'•ineÃ'•Ã'• DeÃ'•cription – Playtec Pty Ltd iÃ'• a manufacturer of indoor Ã'•oftplay equiptment, diÃ'•tributed nationwide and occaÃ'•ionally overÃ'•eaÃ'•. AÃ'• a General Manager of a Ã'•mall buÃ'•ineÃ'•Ã'•, MatthewÃ'•â€™Ã'• management roleÃ'• conÃ'•iÃ'•t of interdependent-factorÃ'• coordinated into an organiÃ'•ed ‘Ã'•yÃ'•tem’ to allow efficient allocation of reÃ'•ourceÃ'• through well-planned adminiÃ'•tration, complimenting D.A HoltÃ'• definition of "defining organizational objectiveÃ'• and then articulating Ã'•trategieÃ'•, tacticÃ'• and objectiveÃ'• that are neceÃ'•Ã'•ary to achieve theÃ'•e objectiveÃ'•." (Holt,-1987,-p.793). TheÃ'•e are divided into the three main Ã'•egmentÃ'• of reÃ'•ponÃ'•ibility, collectively known aÃ'• the Mintzberg’Ã'• Management roleÃ'•. Under InterperÃ'•onal management roleÃ'•, Matthew iÃ'• Ã'•een aÃ'• a ‘figurehead’ in playtec, Ã'•ometimeÃ'• being referred to aÃ'• the â€Å"heart’n’Ã'•oul† of the company. Although not the buÃ'•ineÃ'•Ã'• owner, the role of a leader iÃ'• one he haÃ'• aÃ'•Ã'•umed, taking-on the reÃ'•ponÃ'•ibility of planning and providing future growth under one’Ã'• ‘umbrella’ of reÃ'•ponÃ'•ibility for operationÃ'• and employeeÃ'•. Taking a large amount of reÃ'•ponÃ'•ibility for

Maketing Process Various Element Essay Example for Free

Maketing Process Various Element Essay The focus is the mass production. A business orientated around production believes that the economies of scale generated by mass production will reduce costs and maximise profits. In this process there is less focus on product design and packaging and even to be special or unique look, at the end customer are paying for the product and you pay for what you get. So for this is a plain marketing in my opinion. Product Orientation This approach is almost opposite to the previous one. This type of companies believes that its products high quality make it a superior product. Neglecting sometimes about the customer’s wants and needs. Sales Orientation Make the product, and then sell it to the target market. However as we know sales usually arent this simple. An effective marketing strategy requires market and marketing research. Market Orientation This type of strategy puts every effort to understand the customer and his needs. Market research is the key to launching new products or services, every single step. Jack Cohen started his business in a very critical period for the UK there where a food shortage after the First World War and a big crisis just got to its top Situation was very difficult! Jack Cohen applied a strategy of ‘pile it high and sell it cheap’. His strategy was a great success because he knew exactly what customer’s need and so for all his focus is to make sure there enough food for everyone. In London space is limited he went outside to bigger space this step was a great success. Jack Cohen did adapt to this problem of space by giving Tesco bigger place to promote its products. As he was focused on sales and customer needs he should have been on top of it all time but it did come a period where he didn’t realise that people after 2nd world war are changing and needs are not simple are very variable and complex, customers are looking for more than just what would satisfy their basic needs! And that’s where Tesco life cycle got into its down or decline that’s where Tesco did face problem. After a good few years of hardship Tesco managers have had another way of sorting all in once getting help from local authorities this was the key door to a new era Tesco newly born and adapting to the market needs segmentation of the market through offering different stores in size and product will make Tesco the though number1 of stores as different ages and categories is attracted, he had the price already in good and successful strategy low enough to attract individuals from low household income and the loyalty cards that offers more saving. According to (Kotler, Marketing management) marketing should be dealt with and visualised around minimum 4 elements, product, place, price, and promotion and in further editions of his book he added other elements to those as politic, public†¦ I think Tesco have a good name and long history and that needs to be highlighted more and more, a good marketing strategy needs on top of pricing as well positioning the product and make it unique in satisfying that group of people’s needs, so for sibling a group of people and making a product to satisfy their needs and give it the price that makes them happy and promoting this product. Sale is the outcome or a result but don’t forget to make them come back by giving after sale service, where the customer will be secure and happy knowing he has been backed up by you the seller. Your supermarket or place of shopping, it’s not only where you buy your food supply from as well as the name that you trust and adhere to, as a business focusing on your existing customers it’s a better strategy than trying always to win more customers. By listening to your customers and knowing their needs and the after sales service will give the company a longer life cycle.

Alternative Communication Intervention In Children Health And Social Care Essay

Alternative Communication Intervention In Children Health And Social Care Essay Children and youth who sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and/or spinal cord injury (SCI) may have temporary or permanent disabilities that affect their speech, language and communication abilities. Having a way to communicate can help reduce a childs confusion and anxiety, as well as enable them to participate more actively in the rehabilitation process and thus, recover from their injuries. In addition, effective communication with family, care staff, peers, teachers and friends is essential to long-term recovery and positive outcomes as children with TBI and SCI are integrated back into their communities. This article describes how rehabilitation teams can use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and assistive technologies (AT) to support the communication of children recovering from TBI and SCI over time. 1. Introduction Children and youth who sustain a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and/or a spinal cord injury (SCI) often experience sequealae that can affect their ability to communicate effectively. In early phases of recovery, many children with TBI and SCI are unable to use their speech or gestures for a variety of medical reasons related to their injuries. As a result, they can benefit from augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions that specifically address their ability to communicate basic needs and feelings to medical personnel and family members and ask and respond to questions. AAC approaches may include having access to a nurses call signal; strategies to establish a consistent yes no response; techniques that help a child eye point to simple messages; low-tech boards and books that encourage interaction with family members and staff; communication boards with pictures or words; and speech generating devices (SGDs) with preprogrammed messages, such as I hurt Come h ere, Help me please! Whens mom coming? As children with TBI and SCI recover from their injuries, many no longer will need AAC. However, some children face residual motor, speech, language and cognitive impairments that affect their ability to communicate face-to-face, write or use mainstream communication technologies (e.g., computers, email, phones, etc.). A few may require AAC and assistive technology (AT) throughout their lives. Having access to communication through AAC and AT enables these children to participate actively in the rehabilitation process and ultimately, in their families and communities. Without an ability to communicate effectively, children with TBI and SCI will face insurmountable barriers to education, employment, as well as establishing and maintaining relationships and taking on preferred social roles as adults. All AAC interventions aim to support a childs current communication needs while planning for the future (Beukelman and Mirenda, 2005). However, the course of AAC treatment for children who sustain TBIs and SCIs is different because of the nature of their injuries is different. In addition, the focus of AAC interventions will differ for very young children (e.g., shaken baby syndrome) who are just developing speech and language and for those who were literate and have some knowledge of the world prior to their injuries (e.g., 16 year-old involved injured in a motor vehicle accident). For young children, the AAC team will focus on developing their language, literacy, academic, emotional, and social skills, as well as ensuring that they have a way to communicate with family members and rehabilitation staff. For older children, AAC interventions build on residual skills and abilities to help remediate speech, language and communication impairments as well as provide compensatory strategi es that support face-to-face interactions and ultimately communication across distances (phone, email) with team members, family and friends. AAC intervention goals seek to promote a childs active participation in family, education, community and leisure activities and aim to support the establishment and maintenance of robust social networks (Blackstone, Williams, and Wilkins, 2007; Light and Drager, 2007; Smith, 2005). While a variety of AAC tools, strategies and techniques are available that offer communication access, successful AAC interventions for children with TBI and SCI also require that medical staff, family members and ultimately community personnel know how to support the use of AAC strategies and technologies because the needs of these children change over time. Speech-language pathologists, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, physiatrists, pediatricians, and rehabilitation engineers work collaboratively with the childs family and community-based professionals to establish, maintain and update effective communication systems. Ultimately, the goal is for children to take on desired adult roles; AAC can help them realize these goals. 2. Pediatric TBI and AAC AAC intervention for pediatric patients with TBI and severe communication challenges is an essential, complex, ongoing and dynamic process. AAC is essential to support the unique communication needs of children who are unable to communicate effectively. It is complex because of the residual cognitive deficits that often persist and because many children with TBI have co-existing speech, language, visual, and motor control deficits (Fager and Karantounis, 2010; Fager and Beukelman, 2005). AAC interventions are ongoing and dynamic (Fager, Doyle, and Karantounis, 2007) because children with TBI experience many changes over time and undergo multiple transitions. Light et al. (1988) described the ongoing, three-year AAC intervention of an adolescent who progressed through several AAC systems and ultimately regained functional speech. DeRuyter and Donoghue (1989) described an individual who used many simple devices and a sophisticated AAC system over a seven month period. Additional report s describe the recovery of natural speech up to 13 years post onset (Jordan, 1994; Workinger and Netsell, 1992). 2.1. AAC Assessment and Intervention Assessment tools can help identify and describe the cognitive, language and motor deficits of patients with TBI and provide a framework for AAC interventions. The Pediatric Rancho Scale of Cognitive Functioning (adapted by staff at Denver Childrens Hospital in 1989) is based on the Ranchos Los Amigos Scale of Cognitive Functioning (Hagan, 1982). Table 1 describes general levels of recovery, based on the Pediatric Rancho Lost Amigos Scale, and gives examples of AAC intervention strategies that rehabilitation teams can employ across the levels as described below. Levels IV and V. AAC Goal: Shaping responses into communication In the early phase of recovery, pediatric patients at Levels IV and V on the Pediatric Rancho Scale are often in the PICU, the ICU, acute hospital or acute rehabilitation environment. At Level V (no response to stimuli) or Level IV (generalized response to stimuli) AAC interventions focus on identifying modalities that children can use to provide consistent and reliable responses. For example, staff can use simple switches (e.g., Jelly Bean ®, Big Red ® and Buddy Button from AbleNet), latch-timers (e.g., PowerLink ® from AbleNet) and single message devices (e.g. BIGmack ® and Step Communicator ® from AbleNet) to support early communication (see Table 1 for some examples). Because childrens early responses may be reflexive rather than intentional, the family and medical/rehabilitation team can also use AAC technologies to encourage more consistent responses. Families provide valuable input about the kinds of music, games and favorite toys a child finds motivating. The team c an then use these items to evoke physical responses from the child. For example, if the family identified the battery-operated toy Elmo ® from Sesame Street ®, the rehabilitation team might present Elmo singing a Sesame Street song and then observe to see if the childs responds. If the child begins to turn her head when Elmo ® sings, the team might attach a switch with a battery interrupter to the toy and ask the child to hit the button and play the Elmo ® song. In doing so, the team can learn several things. For example, the team may note that a child is able to follow commands, indicating cognitive recovery. The team may also begin to consider alternative access methods for children with severe physical impairments, i.e., head movement may become a reliable way to operate an AAC device or computer in the future. It is difficult to predict whether a child will recover natural speech during early stages of recovery. 2.2. Middle Levels II and III: AAC Goals: Increase ability to communicate with staff, family and friends and support active participation in treatment Pediatric patients at Levels III (localized response to sensory stimuli) and II (responsive to environment) become more engaged in their rehabilitation programs as they recover some cognitive, language and physical abilities. During this phase, long-term deficits that affect communication become apparent (e.g., dysarthria, apraxia, aphasia, attention, initiation, memory, vision, spasticity). Dongilli, Hakel, and Beukelman (1992) and Ladtkow and Culp (1992) also report natural speech recovery in adults after TBI at the middle stages of recovery. Continued reliance on AAC strategies and technologies is typically due to persistent motor speech and/or severe cognitive-language deficits resulting from the injury (Fager, Doyle, and Karantounis, 2007). AAC interventions at these levels focus on using a childs most consistent and reliable response to communicate messages, encourage active participation in the rehabilitation process and increase interactions with family and staff. AAC interventions always take into account the childs developmental level and interests. Table 1 gives some examples of AAC technologies employed during these Levels III and II. For example, Jessica was admitted to the hospital at 18-months with shaken baby syndrome. At Level II, she began responding to her parents by smiling and laughing and also began to manipulate toys with her non-paralyzed hand when staff placed a toy within her intact field of vision. However, she did not exhibit any speech or imitative vocal behaviors and her speech-language pathologist noted a severe verbal apraxia. Nursing staff and family members noted that Jessica seemed frustrated by her inability to express herself. Prior to her injury, she could name over 30 objects (toys, pet s, favorite cartoon characters) and was beginning to put two word sentences together (Momma bye-bye, Daddy home). AAC interventions included the introduction of a BIGmack ®, a single-message speech generating device (SGD) that enabled the staff and family members to record a message that Jessica could then speak during her daily activities(e.g., more, bye-bye, turn page). Because the BIGmack ® is a colorful, large and easy to access SGD, Jessica was able to press the button despite her upper extremity spasticity and significant visual field cut. Within a month, Jessica had progressed to using a MACAW by Zygo ®, an SGD with eight-location overlay that staff programmed with words she had used prior to her injury (e.g., mommy, daddy, more, bottle, book, bye-bye). Staff also designed additional overlays to encourage her language development by providing vocabulary that enabled her to construct two-word combinations (e.g., more crackers). Jessica began to express herself at a developmentally appropriate level, but she had residual memory deficits that required cuing and support from her communi cation partners. For example, initially, she did not recall how to use her AAC system from session to session so staff needed to reintroduce it each time. However, after several months, Jessica began to search for her SGD to communicate. Jessica, like many children with TBI at this level, was able to learn procedures and strategies with repetition and support (Ylvisaker and Feeney, 1998). 2.3. Level II and Level I. AAC Goals: Support transitions, recommend AAC strategies and technologies for use at home and in the community As pediatric patients transition from Level II (responsive to environment) to Level I (oriented to self and surroundings), they often move from an acute rehabilitation facility to an outpatient setting, home or a care facility. Thus, before discharge, AAC teams will conduct a formal AAC assessment and provide long-term recommendations for AAC strategies and technologies that can enable children to be integrated successfully back into community environments. Table 1 illustrates the types of AAC technologies and strategies employed at Levels II and I, as described below. For children who continue to use AAC and AT when they return to their communities, the rehabilitation team identifies a long-term communication advocate. This person, often a family member, becomes actively involved in AAC training and collaborates with rehabilitation staff to prepare the childs educational staff, extended family and other caregivers (Fager, 2003). Having a link between the rehabilitation team and community professionals is essential because most teachers and community-based clinicians have limited experience working with children with TBI and may need support to manage the cognitive and physical deficits often associated with TBI. For example, McKenzie, a 12 year-old with a severe TBI secondary to a car accident, was quadriplegic with severe spasticity and no upper extremity control. She also had cortical blindness and significant communication and cognitive impairments. As she recovered, McKenzie used a variety of AAC systems (e.g., thumbs up/down for yes no, two B IGmacks ® to communicate choices, and a scanning Cheap Talk by Enabling Devices with four messages to participate in structured activities). Prior to discharge, the rehabilitation team conducted a formal SGD evaluation and recommended the Vmax by DynaVox Mayer-Johnson, a voice output device. McKenzie was able to access the device via a head switch mounted to the side of the head rest on her wheelchair. Using auditory scanning, she could create and retrieve messages. Because she was literate prior to her injury and could still spell, the staff set up her device to include an alphabet page as well as several pages with pre-programmed messages containing basic/urgent care needs, jokes and social comments. Family and friends participated in her rehabilitation and learned to use tactile and verbal prompts to help her participate in conversational exchanges. Due to her residual cognitive deficits, however, McKenzie had difficulty initiating conversations and remembering where pre-stored messages were in her device. When prompted, she would respond and initiate questions and could engage in conversations over multiple turns. Over time, she began to participate in meaningful, social interactions, often spelling out two-three word novel phrases using her alphabet page While her parents were renovating their home to handle her wheelchair, McKenzie transitioned to a regional care facility that specialized in working with young people with TBI. The acute rehabilitation team identified McKenzies aunt as her AAC advocate because she had participated actively in earlier phases of McKenzies recovery, was proficient with the maintenance (charging, set-up and basic trouble-shooting) of the Vmax and could customize and program new messages into the system. The care facility staff met with McKenzies aunt weekly so they could learn how to support McKenzies use of the SGD. Specific training objectives included maintenance and basic trouble-shooting, set up, switch-placement and how to program new messages to use in specific and motivating activities. Staff learned how to modify the placement of her switch when McKenzie became fatigued or her spasticity increased. Additionally, McKenzies school staff (special education coordinator, speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, and one of her regular classroom teachers) visited McKenzie at the rehabilitation and the care facilities to help prepare for her return home and learned how to support her in school, given her physical and cognitive limitations. 2.4. AAC themes in TBI When working with pediatric patients with TBI, three AAC themes emerge. 1. Recovery from TBI is dynamic and takes place over time. In early stages of recovery, most children with TBI have physical, speech, language and cognitive deficits that affect their communication skills. Depending on the nature and severity of their injuries, however, most recover functional speech, although some will have life-long residual speech, language and communication deficits. Acute rehabilitation teams can employ AAC interventions to support communication, as well as monitor the childs changing communication abilities and needs over time. 2. The cognitive-linguistic challenges associated with TBI make AAC interventions particularly challenging for rehabilitation staff, as well as for families, friends and school personnel. Because of the complex nature of the residual disabilities caused by TBI, collaborations among rehabilitation specialists, family members and community-based professionals are essential. Some children with TBI require AAC supports throughout their lives. Family members, friends and school personnel rarely know how to manage their severe memory, attention and/or initiation deficits that can affect long-term communication outcomes. 3. There is a need to plan carefully for transitions. Children with TBI will undergo many transitions. While research describing these transitions in children is not available, reports of the experiences of adults with TBI describe multiple transitions over time. Penna et al. (2010) noted that adults with TBI undergo a significant number of residence transitions particularly in the first year following injury and Fager (2003) described the different transitions (acute care hospital, outpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing facility, home with adult daycare services, and eventually assisted living) for an adult with severe TBI experienced over a decade, documenting significant changes in his cognitive abilities, as well as his communication partners and support staff. Children with TBI are likely to experience even more transitions over their lifetimes. 3. Pediatric SCI and AAC Pediatric patients with SCI often have intact cognitive skills and severe physical disabilities that can interfere with their ability to speak. In addition, they often have significant medical complications and may be left with severe motor impairments that make it difficult, if not impossible, for them to write, access a computer or participate in the gaming, online and remote social networking activities embraced by todays youth (e.g., texting, email). A subgroup may also present with a concomitant TBI sustained as a result of the fall, car accident or other traumatic event that has changed their lives. For them, AAC treatment must reflect guidelines that take into account both SCI and TBI. As with TBI, the growth and development inherent in childhood and adolescence and the unique manifestations and complications associated with SCI require that management be both developmentally based and directed to the individuals special needs (Vogel, 1997). Initially, AAC interventions typically focus on ensuring face-to-face communication when speech is unavailable or very difficult; over the long term, however, enabling children to write and engage in educational, recreational and pre-vocational activities using computers and other mainstream technologies becomes the focus. 3.1. AAC Assessment and Intervention The ASIA standard neurological classification of SCI from the American Spinal Injury Association and International Medical Society of Paraplegia (2000) is a tool that rehabilitation teams frequently use to assess patients with SCI because it identifies the level of injury and associated deficits at each level. This can help guide the rehabilitation teams clinical decision-making process for AAC interventions. As shown in Table 2, children with high tetraplegia (C1-C4 SCI) have limited head control and are often ventilator dependent. They often require eye, head, and/or voice control of AAC devices and mainstream technologies to communicate. While switch scanning is an option for some, it requires higher-level cognitive abilities, endurance, and vigilance and may be inappropriate for very young children and those who are medically fragile (Wagner and Jackson, 2006; McCarthy et al., 2006; Peterson, Reichle, and Johnston, 2000; Horn and Jones, 1996). Children with low tetraplegia (C5-T1 SCI) demonstrate limited proximal and distal upper extremity control. If fitted with splints that support their arm and hand, some are able to use specially adapted mouse options (e.g., joystick mouse, switch-adapted mouse, trackball mouse), large button or light touch keyboards and switches to control technology. These children are also candidates for head tracking and voice control of AAC devices due to the fatigue and physical effort involved in using their upper extremities. For example, a multi-modal access method to AAC technology and computers may include voice control to dictate text, hand control of the cursor with an adaptive mouse to perform other computer functions (e.g., open programs), and an adaptive keyboard to correct errors that are generated while dictating text. This multi-modal approach can be more efficient and less frustrating than using voice control alone for these children. Table 2 provides examples of appropriate access options to AAC and mainstream techn ologies. 3.2. Supporting face-to-face communication For children with high tetraplegia, being dependent on mechanical ventilation is frightening especially when they are unable to tolerate a talking valve (Padman, Alexander, Thorogood, and Porth, 2003). Thus, providing these children with a way to communicate is essential to their recovery and sense of well-being. As children with lower levels of injury are weaned from a ventilator, they may experience reduced respiratory control and be unable to speak (Britton and Baarslag-Benson, 2007). Medical specialists can provide access to AAC strategies and technologies, which enable these children to communicate their wants, needs and feelings throughout the day. This allows them to interact with direct care staff, participate in their rehabilitation process, and maintain relationships with family and friends. Pediatric rehabilitation teams may use a range of AAC strategies and technologies to support face-to-face communication in children with SCI. Some examples include low tech communication boards used with eye gaze or eye pointing, partner-dependent scanning, an electro larynx with intra-oral adaptor, or laser light pointing to a target message or letter on a communication board (Britton and Baarslag-Benson, 2007; Beukelman and Mirenda, 2005). Introducing AAC and AT technologies early in the recovery process, particularly for children who demonstrate high tetraplegia, will also begin to familiarize them with approaches they may need to rely on extensively throughout their lives, even after speech returns. For example, Jared, a 17-year-old high school senior, sustained a SCI in a skiing accident at the C2 level. In addition to his injuries, he developed pneumonia and a severe coccyx wound during his hospitalization, which lengthened his hospital stay. He was unable to tolerate a one-way speaking valve due to the severity of his pneumonia and decreased oxygenation during valve trials. Although Jared had minimal head movement, he was able to control an AccuPointà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ head tracker to access his home laptop computer and spell out messages he could then speak aloud using speech synthesis software. He used his AAC system to indicate his medical needs to caregivers and later reported that having the ability to communicate helped alleviate some of the anxiety he experienced due to his condition and extended hospitalization. After Jared recovered the ability to use a talking valve, his work with the AccuPointà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ focused on computer access to meet written and social communi cation needs. Once his wound had healed, he was able to return home 11 months later. At that time, all of his classmates had graduated. Using the AccuPointà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢, Jared was able to complete his GED at home and enrolled in online classes at the local community college. 3.3. Supporting written communication and education At the time of their injury, some pediatric patients with SCI are pre-literate, others are developing literacy skills, and others have highly developed literacy skills. However, most children with tetraplegia will require the use of assistive technologies to support written communication because their injuries preclude them from using a pencil and/or typing on a traditional computer keyboard. In a report describing the educational participation of children with spinal cord injury, 89% of the children with tetraplegia relied on AAC to support written communication needs (Dudgeon, Massagli, and Ross, 1996). For example, Max, a 6 year-old boy who suffered a C6 SCI after an All Terrain Vehicle accident, was reading age-appropriate sight words and developing his ability to write single words prior to his injury. After the initial recovery period, formal testing revealed that Max had no residual cognitive or language impairments. However, he faced significant barriers not only to his continued development of age-appropriate reading and writing skills, but also to his ability to learn and do math, social studies, science, play games, use a cell phone, etc. Due to his tetraplegia, he needed ways to access text and write, calculate, draw and so on. Max learned to access a computer using a large button keyboard, joystick mouse, and adaptive hand-typers (cuffs with an attached stylus that fit on the ulnar side of the hand and allow the user to press the keys of a keyboard) to support writing activities and computer access. During rehabilitation, he was able to continue with his schoolwork by dev eloping the skills to use the technology and keep up with his classmates. He returned home during the summer and participated in an intense home tutoring program. By the fall, he was able to join his classmates and was able to perform at grade level in all classes. Essential to Maxs future educational success and development, as well as his future employment, may well depend on his ability to write, calculate and perhaps even draw using a variety of assistive technologies that support communication. 3.4. Support social participation and pre-vocational activities Access to assistive and mainstream technologies not only facilitates participation in education, but also has implications for future employment as these children transition into adulthood. Assistive and mainstream technologies are now available at modest cost that can help individuals with SCI to compensate for functional limitations, overcome barriers to employability, enhance technical capacities and computer utilization, and improve ability to compete for gainful employment In addition, these technologies also provide access to life-long learning, recreational activities and social networking activities. Specifically, computers are described as great equalizers for individuals with SCI to engage in employment opportunities and distant communication (McKinley, TewksBury, Sitter, Reed, and Floyd, 2004). Social participation in the current technological age includes more than face-to-face communication. Social participation has expanded with the popularity of social networking sites (e.g., Facebook à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢and MySpaceà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢), video web-based communication (e.g., Skypeà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢) and instant communication and messaging (e.g., Twitterà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢). Advances in the field of AAC have allowed individuals with the most severe injuries access computer technologies to engage in these social communication activities. For example, Crystal was a 10-year-old who sustained a C1 SCI due to a fall. Crystals injury left her with no head/neck control and her only consistent access method to computerized technology was through eye tracking. With an ERICA eye gaze system from DynaVox Mayer-Johnson, Crystal quickly became independent with computer access. She emailed and texted her friends and family daily, communicated via her Facebookà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ account, and engaged in onli ne gaming programs with her friends and siblings. This technology allowed her to begin to communicate again with her school friends while she was still undergoing acute rehabilitation. Maintaining these social networks is an essential component to emotional adjustment children with SCI go through after sustaining a severe injury (Dudgeon, Massagli, and Ross, 1997). Additionally, Crystals friends began to understand that while her impairments were severe, she was essentially the same person with the same interests, humor, goals, and expectations as before her injury. 3.5. AT/AAC themes in SCI When working with pediatric patients with SCI, three AAC themes emerge. 1. For those with high tetraplegia, AAC may facilitate face-to-face as well as distant and written communication needs, depending on the developmental level of the child. Introducing AAC technology early, when face-to-face communication support is needed, helps the child become familiar with the technology they will need to rely on after natural speech has recovered. 2. Return to an educational environment is a primary goal with many children with tetraplegia returning to school within an average of 62 days post discharge (Sandford, Falk-Palec, and Spears, 1999). Development of written communication skills is an essential component to successful educational completion and future vocational opportunities (McKinley, Tewksbury, Sitter, Reed, and Floyd, 2004). 3. Introduction to methods of written and electronic communication provides an opportunity for patients with SCI to engage in social networks through email, texting, and social networking sites. As these children with severe physical disabilities face a life time of potential medical complications (Capoor and Stein, 2005), the ability to maintain and develop new social connections via electronic media allow them to stay connected during times when their medical conditions require them to be house or hospital-bound. 4. Conclusion Communication is essential for continued development of cognitive, language, social, and emotional skills. Children with TBI and SCI have physical and/or cognitive-language deficits that interfere with typical communication abilities. Their communication needs are supported through AAC strategies and technologies. A myriad of technology options are available that not only support face-to-face interactions, but equally important distant social networking and educational activities. AAC interventions in the medical setting that not only support communication of basic medical needs, but also facilitate engagement in social, educational, and pre-vocational activities will result in successful transition to home, school and community environments for these children.