Professional Development for Strategic Managers - 1949 Words

ASSIGNMENT COVER SHEET | |FINAL - Unit 1 Assignment 3: Professional Development for Strategic Managers | | | | |Assignment Name: | | PLEASE NOTE: YOU SHOULD INCLUDE THIS INFORMATION with EVERY ASSIGNMENT. Unit 1 Assignment 3: Professional Development for Strategic Managers Section 1 Demonstrate how you would assess personal and professional skill sets required to achieve strategic goals: It is now widely perceived that there are many benefits†¦show more content†¦Section2 Demonstrate how you would conduct a skills audit to identify learning style: A learning style describes the subjective conditions in that that an individual is most likely to learn. There is no right or wrong set of conditions but if you are able to help someone learn by identifying their learning style it can aid development. With is in mind educationalists have established tests that help classify a learning style or rather a set of ideal learning conditions specific to an individual. In establishing a classification an individual can tailor their learning needs to that style and better understand their specific learning objectives. I would conduct a skills audit based on the Honey and Mumford model that has been adapted from a model first devised by Kolb (circa 1984). Under the classification headings Pragmatist, Theorist, Activist and Reflector you are asked to score from between one and ten a series of bullets/questions. As you score yourself the higher the score the more accurate you see the question is of your perceived personal profile. When you have completed the test and added up all the scores the categorisation with the highest score is your ideal learning style. From my results from this activity classified me as a Pragmatist. I can see many attributes in this classificationShow MoreRelatedProfessional Development for Strategic Managers4130 Words   |  17 PagesBTECH EXTENDED DIPLOMA IN STRATEGIC CHANGE MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR STRATEGIC MANAGERS (UNIT 2) EDEXCEL BTECH LEVEL 7 ZOHAIB HUSSAIN KAZI LCAM / PB / 10454 PRESENTED AS A PART OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF ADVANCE PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN MANAGEMENT LEVEL 7 SEPTEMBER 2010. TASK – 1 A. Identify the skills required for strategic management and leadership with supporting examples from your own experience and academic literature on management and leadershipRead MoreProfessional Development For Strategic Managers3426 Words   |  14 Pages BRIT COLLEGE BTEC Edexcel Level - 7 Extended Diploma in strategic Management and Leadership Unit 2: Professional Development for Strategic Managers Name: Md. Arifuzzaman Pk Course tutor: Shahidul Islam Student I D: 03112796 Introduction: Professional development allows a person to be part of the skills that are useful in achieving the development goals and personal goals are is the will of the professional and regulatory requirements. There are some of the skills that areRead MoreProfessional Development For Strategic Managers3726 Words   |  15 Pages Professional development for strategic managers. Company name: Heaven Valley. Student name: Prerana Joshi Student Id: 2512 Edexcel â€Å"Level 7† Introduction 2 Task 1 3 1.1 Strategic skills required of the leader to achieve the strategic ambitions. 4 1.2 Strategic direction of the organisation. 5 Task 2 6 2.1 Relationship between existing, required and future skills to achieve the strategic ambitions. 6 2.2 Opportunities to support leadership development. 7 Task 3 8 3.1 A personal developmentRead MoreProfessional Development For Strategic Managers2276 Words   |  10 Pagesin Strategic Management and Leadership (QCF) Learner Name Tam Ireland Class DP7MAS FE1A Assessor Name Miss Joanne McEvoy Unit Number(s) and Title(s) Unit : 2 Unit title: Professional Development for Strategic Managers Assessment Number Title Task : 1 2 Learning outcome (s) Covered LO1 Be able to assess personal and professional skills required to achieve strategic goals LO2 Be able to conduct a skills audit to identify learning style LO3 Be able to implement a personal development planRead MoreProfessional Development for Strategic Managers1843 Words   |  8 PagesPROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR STRATEGIC MANAGERS Introduction to APD:- Advanced professional development (APD) helps a person to develop certain skills which will be useful in achieving personal, professional and organizational goals and objectives. There are certain skills needed to be successful in life personally and professionally. ADP helps in understanding and sharpening these skills. APD helps in analyzing the current skills through skill audit, based on which personalRead MoreHuman Resource Management : Hr Professionals1528 Words   |  7 Pagesissue of whether Human Resource (HR) roles can be integrated into the new position by the HR function in companies. Human Resource Management (HRM) can be defined as â€Å"a strategic, integrated and coherent approach to the employment, development and well-being of the people working in organizations† (Armstrong, 2014, p.5). HR professionals’ works are regarded as employee training, recruitment, personnel administrative, reward management, service delivery, and organizational performance. It is typicallyRead MoreThe Key Functions Of Management Essay1651 Words   |  7 Pagesfunctional areas of HR affect small organisations. The main thrust behind strategic HR includes strengthening the impact of HR on the organisation. In other words, strategic HR attempts to place HR on equal footing with other functional areas of business. HR professionals who understand both operational indicators and their decisions on various financial metrics have greater focus and clarity when making decisions. HR professionals with such knowledge are also more likely to be viewed favourably by theirRead MoreHealth Care Human Resources Management1315 Words   |  6 Pagesthat may likely impact your hiring decision as HR manager. Provide support for your analysis. Two trends in health care affecting human resources management that may likely impact your hiring decision as an HR manager are recruitment and retention and technological change. Recruitment and retention of the appropriate staff who meet the job requirements is very important. Currently as we know, there is a shortage of qualified healthcare professionals, especially nurses. Health care is growing atRead MoreNovartis Case Essay1553 Words   |  7 Pagesby: Venus gupta 12/9/2009 1. Choose the top internal and top external issues from your SWOT and identify linkages, if any, to Novartis’ HR corporate strategies. Defend your perspective with a brief rationale. Write new organizational or HR strategic goals, as required. Ans. Outline of the situation and primary points/issues presented in the case: 1. Significant priority of the company was to implement a firm wide HRIS that would convert many of transaction-based HR core processes to an internet-based

Murder And A Meal Lab Report Essay - 1342 Words

Garrett Stewart Mr. Dinunzio Honors Biology 22 November 2016 Murder and a Meal Lab Report The purpose of this lab was to test different substances using various procedures to see what biomolecules were present and ultimately find out what restaurant Anna Lyza had eaten at before she died. For the first control test, we used vegetable oil to test for lipids. So, if the solution does not contain lipids, it does not become translucent when placed onto a paper bag square and held up to a light. So, it is a negative result. However, in the presence of lipids, the solution will become translucent when placed onto a paper bag square and held up to a light. Therefore in this case, the result is positive. On the other hand, we used albumin egg to test for proteins in another control test. If the solution does not contain proteins, it will not experience any color change and so it is a negative result. When there are proteins existing in the solution, it will turn bluish/purplish and for this reason it is a positive result. Furthermore in the third control test, we used dextros e to test for simple carbohydrates such as glucose. If the solution does not contain simple carbohydrates, it will not undergo any color change and will remain a blue color. So, it is a negative result in this circumstance. If there are simple carbohydrates present in the solution, the solution will turn reddish and so the result is positive. For the last control test, we used starch solution to testShow MoreRelatedSteven Truscotts Wrongful Conviction3272 Words   |  14 Pagesconsider any other suspects, even though there was no physical evidence linking him to the murder. He was arrested 24 hours later, and stood trial as an adult. (Steven Truscott | Murderpedia). The entire case was based on circumstantial evidence, and Truscott was found guilty and became the youngest person in Canada to be sentenced to death at the age of 14. The Crown’s theory was that Truscott committed the murder sometime between 7:15 and 7:45PM. The theory was supported by conflicting testimoniesRead MoreCommunity Health Assessment3638 Words   |  15 Pagesof hypertension. The rates of hypertension among Hispanics, Native Americans and Caucasians range from 24 - 27%, while the American Heart Association reports that the disease afflicts more than 40% of African Americans, a rate among the highest in the world. The center also provides safety tips, coping skills, tax assistance, daily nutritious meals, and social events. Since 1974, Northside Community Center has been active in the rehabilitation of vacant houses in the community for rental to low-incomeRead MoreEssay on Community Health and Population Focused Nursing7251 Words   |  30 PagesRailway Express - a commuter train, that takes passengers through many cities of Tarrant County, and Dallas County. This serves close to 2.1 million passengers annually, and is a quick and economical option to get across town. Crime Violent crime, (murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault) on a scale from 1 (low) to 100, is 48, compared to the US average of 41.1. Property crime, burglary, larceny, vehicle theft on a scale from 1 (low) to 100, is 52, compared to the US average of 43.5. (Crime inRead MoreTrial by Fire16438 Words   |  66 Pageshad killed his children. If the floor had been soaked with a liquid accelerant and the fire had burned low, as the evidence suggested, Willingham could not have run out of the house the way he had described without badly burning his feet. A medical report indicated that his feet had been unscathed. Willingham insisted that, when he left the house, the fire was still around the top of the walls and not on the floor. â€Å"I didn’t have to jump through any flames,† he said. Vasquez believed that this wasRead MoreTrial by Fire16445 Words   |  66 Pageshad killed his children. If the floor had been soaked with a liquid accelerant and the fire had burned low, as the evidence suggested, Willingham could not have run out of the house the way he had described without badly burning his feet. A medical report indicated that his feet had been unscathed. Willingham insisted that, when he left the house, the fire was still around the top of the walls and not on the floor. â€Å"I didn’t have to jump through any flames,† he said. Vasquez believed that this wasRead MoreThe Hot Zone9599 Words   |  39 Pagesdangerous situations call for smooth hand motion? Did her superiors criticize her performance during an emergency at an earlier time?). Jaax is extremely busy with her family and job. She tries to save time, for example, by pre-cooking and freezing meals. When she opens a can of beans for dinner, she cuts her right palm very badly. The Hot Zone Summary | Part 1, Chapter 4 A Woman and a Soldier Analysis This is a basic introduction to Major Nancy Jaax. She is a family woman who also cares deeply aboutRead MoreBhopal Gas Disaster84210 Words   |  337 Pagesindiaenvironmentportal.org.in/indepth/term/2542. A comprehensive collection of these up-to-date news clippings, research papers, lab studies, reports, documents, opinions and court judgments etc have now been made available by the Centre for Science and Environment at www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/taxonomy/term/2544. Links to selected CSE research papers and lab report. http://www.downtoearth.org.in/webexclusives/factsheet_1.htm http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/node/292685 http://www.downtoearthRead MoreProject Managment Case Studies214937 Words   |  860 PagesChallenger Disaster 403 The Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster 453 Packer Telecom 460 Luxor Technologies 462 Altex Corporation 466 Acme Corporation 470 12 CONFLICT MANAGEMENT 473 Facilities Scheduling at Mayer Manufacturing 475 Scheduling the Safety Lab 478 Telestar International 480 The Problem with Priorities 482 13 MORALITY AND ETHICS 485 The Tylenol Tragedies 487 14 MANAGING SCOPE CHANGES 515 Denver International Airport (DIA) 517 15 WAGE AND SALARY ADMINISTRATION Read MoreLogical Reasoning189930 Words   |  760 Pagessaid that his uncle died of a drug overdose, so his uncle must have died of a drug overdose. b. Davids uncle died of a drug overdose because we know that David predicted two years ago that this is how his uncle would die. c. Look, the coroners report specifically says that Davids uncle is dead. Also, everybody in the neighborhood knows that the uncle did drugs every day. So, his uncle died of a drug overdose. I don’t know what David thinks, though. ────3 Following the rules of logical reasoningRead MoreGp Essay Mainpoints24643 Words   |  99 Pageshardly be relied on to provide reliable information. The individual, on the other hand, has less hidden agendas. Mainstream GOOD: Use professional journalists (compared to citizen journalism) – content quality †¢ Citizen journalist â€Å"on-the ground† reports vs. professional whose sole purpose is to uncover each and every piece of information related to the news article they are writing †¢ Wider and deeper coverage †¢ Connections to a wider spectrum of professionals ( greater insight into issue

Negotiation Strategy Analysis Vendor Negotiations Free Essays

Most businesses incorporate strong negotiation skills, especially within the purchasing department. A company must be able to negotiate with vendors to ensure they receive the best price available on items both used and consumed by the business; this also includes hardware and software considerations. Regardless of the industry, building vendor relationships are necessary. We will write a custom essay sample on Negotiation Strategy Analysis: Vendor Negotiations or any similar topic only for you Order Now The writer will look at vendor negotiations from two different perspectives with one common goal; negotiate the best contract for all parties. The writer will then compare and contrast the different negotiation strategies as they apply to the oil and gas industry. Vendor Negotiation Process The first article is about Mark Carbrey; Chief Information Officer (CIO) for a Massachusetts-based automotive service organization. His negotiation strategies allow up and coming team members to gain valuable experience with the negotiation process (Overby, 2010). He teaches his team to treat the vendors like a partner. He also teaches them to sort out what is important for the business, and to fact check with contacts that have similar contracts to ensure a fair market price from the vendor. Carbrey also stresses the importance of acquiring the support from the board of directors down (Overby, 2010). The second article takes a slightly different approach to vendor negotiations than the first article. Joe Auer, Founder, and president of International Computer Negotiations (ICN), has over 35 years experience helping technology users do better and safer deals with vendors (ICN, 2011). Auer believes that attitude toward contract negotiation is one of the most important issues the negotiator faces. Auer’s article is a bulleted list of the â€Å"best practices† a negotiator should adhere to during the negotiation process. He uses the analogy of a pilot with 20 years experience still uses a checklist before take-off. So too should a negotiator. He reminds the negotiator that a supplier often places untimely stress on himself by telling his boss, â€Å"the deal is done† before he has confirmation from the negotiator. Negotiators must use this to their advantage. He also shows that wording is subjective such as using the word preferred instead of needed. Auer states the negotiation process begins the first time information transfers to a potential vendor. He also states the negotiator gains or loses power with every succeeding transaction (Auer, 2011). Application to Work Environment The oil and gas industry is very competitive. Entry into the market is easy but sustainability is difficult. The organization plagued by many of the same issues in information technology that most industries face. Using negotiating strategies is crucial to ensuring the best contract is both functional and valuable. The first article gave sound advice for setting the groundwork of negotiation strategy but did not explain the common pitfalls inexperienced negotiators face. The second article gave a clear checklist that a negotiator can refer to at any point during the negotiation process. Conclusion Negotiation skills are a necessary part of today’s highly competitive marketplace. Building vendor relationships through the negotiation process is a delicate process. Although there is no one way to negotiate the best contract, one can incorporate the expertise of those with experience to develop the skills necessary to negotiate a fair market price with terms that meet the expectations of both parties. The two articles featured in this paper show very different perspectives with one common goal; to educate the reader with tools used in past negotiations. Reference http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/01/30/urnidgns002570f3005978d8852576ba00729ce-idUS345057569120100130?pageNumber=2 How to cite Negotiation Strategy Analysis: Vendor Negotiations, Essay examples

Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to die! by Panic! at the Disco free essay sample

Whether you’re taking a run or laying your head to sleep, Panic! at the Disco’s newly September 30th streamed album Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to die! has something for the moments where we are craving a bite of pure sound and catchy rhythms. Panic! at the Disco, despite its band-sounding name, is a solo act, by the multi-talented Brendon Urie, who in this album, has once again made his listeners witness to brilliance. Panic! at the Disco’s pop punk style has led in many different directions throughout their everlasting success in the industry. Some of their albums are known for their harder rock sound, and some more melodic. Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to die’s sound is definitely an example of change in tone and dynamics. The album takes a turn towards upbeat pop, with steady beats to bop your head to and catchy hooks to sing in the shower. We will write a custom essay sample on Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to die! by Panic! at the Disco or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Two singles released prior to the streaming were â€Å"This is Gospel† and â€Å"Miss Jackson.† Both had gave many fans high expectations for the album, all of which were fulfilled. A song that definitely delivered poetic lyrics, something Brendon is known for, was â€Å"This is Gospel.† The song held lyrics such as â€Å"This is gospel for the vagabonds, never-do-wells and insufferable bastards, confessing their apostasies led away by imperfect impostors.† Songs that really led far on the pop side of the sound on this record was â€Å"Casual Affair† and â€Å"Vegas Lights.† Both of which had more artificial of sounds, but the harmonizer and synth add to the feel of the album as a whole. Another obvious theme amongst songs like â€Å"Collar Full† and â€Å"Girls/Girls/Boys† was an 80’s style influence. â€Å"Collar Full† especially had a beat that sounded straight from a montage in The Breakfast Club, while still staying true to the lead singer, Brenden Urie’s signature smooth like butter voice. The memorable uniqueness of Panic! rings through the entire album. A song that really stood out as the different in comparison to the rest was â€Å"The End Of All Things,† an appropriate name for the last track on the record. This song can best be described as a soft lullaby. It is satisfying to hear how Brendon Urie’s voice can be so versatile. He was succesful in hitting high notes on point while simultaneously staying euphonic. He delivered the lyrics passionately like you can imagine he’s rocking and singing you to sleep. An interesting fact about this song is that the lyrics were his private vows to his wife after their wedding. On â€Å"Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to die!† Brendon’s abilities as an artist are apparent, painting the picture with his mellifluous voice of a yet another prospected successful album. The album went on sale on October 8th, a highly anticipated date. This album is conjures feelings ranging from a sanguine energy to solemn and relaxing. The mix of the songs is a delicious treat for Panic! at the Disco fans, as well as new listeners, to indulge.

Movie Summary The Karate Kid (1984) Essay Example

Movie Summary The Karate Kid (1984) Essay In 1984, when the movie The Karate Kid was first shown in theaters, there were no indications it would launch three sequels and a remake in 2010.The story of a young man relocated with a single mother and struggling to fit in is as common a theme then as it is now.As he tries to adjust to a school where he’s attracted to a young girl while being the brunt of a gang of bullies, he finds an unlikely mentor in the handyman of his apartment building who happens to be a master in karate.Director John G. Avildsen cast actors Ralph Macchio in the lead, Pat Morita as his martial arts instructor, and Elisabeth Shue as the love interest (IMDb, 2016).As the storyline unfolds, a deeper lesson is presented than triumph over adversity and good over bad.One of the signs of maturity is the ability to control emotions, and Daniel is on the brink of becoming a man.He experiences anxiety, insecurity, and even fear when faced with physical violence and wants the revenge of retaliation.However, Mr . Miyagi teaches him that it is more important to practice dedication and self-control than vengeance.Set in the early 1980s, The Karate Kid continues to be an example for young people trying to cope with adolescence in any era. At the time the movie was released, America was in the throes of economic depression and cultural change (Phipps, 2015).Madonna wanted you to â€Å"Open Your Heart,† Michael Jackson was â€Å"Bad,† and Bon Jovi was â€Å"Slippery When Wet.†Joe Montana dominated football; Mike Tyson ruled the boxing ring, and Larry Holmes squared off against Magic Johnson on the basketball court.Dallas, Dynasty, and The Cosby Show were the top television programs while kids played with Cabbage Patch Kids, Transformers, and Care Bears.Canada gained official independence from the United Kingdom in 1982, Ronald Reagan was President, hair was big, and clothing was bright.Homes started to have computers, VCRs, Walkman’s, and boom box We will write a custom essay sample on Movie Summary The Karate Kid (1984) specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Movie Summary The Karate Kid (1984) specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Movie Summary The Karate Kid (1984) specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer

Campbells IQ Meals essays

Campbell's IQ Meals essays Founded in 1869 by Joseph Campbell, a fruit merchant, and Abraham Anderson, an icebox manufacturer, the Campbell Soup Company has since evolved into an internationally renowned enterprise, mostly recognized for its leadership in the soup market . In the early 1990s, despite their powerful leadership, the company realized the soup market had become mature and offered little growth opportunity. As a result, Campbell considered an entry in an emerging market mostly focusing on diet and disease prevention: the nutraceutical market. Stephen DeFelice, coiner of the term nutraceutical, defines the latter term as a food or part of a food that provides medical or health benefits, including the prevention and/or treatment of a disease. Based on the growing interest in health and disease prevention from the American population, the entry in the nutraceutical market was perceived to have an explosive potential by David W. Johnson, CEO of Campbell at the time. Campbell Soup then engaged in a five years development of mail-delivered clinically-proven meals, designed for people with cardiovascular problem, Type II diabetes and other health concerns. About $30 millions were invested in research and development (R as the meals were named just before the market test . Although product trials and taste tests yield positive and optimistic results, Campbell was forced to withdraw the product line from the market after 15 months of market testing in Ohio . Many unconstructive aspects of the IQ meals outweighed their apparent benefits, thus conducing to sales results discouragingly lower than the 200-million-a-year expectations. David W. Johnsons prediction of the products explosive potential could have originally turned out to be accurate since numerous product benefits could be highlighted. In fact, IQ meals were found to be the first and ...

From emigration to immigration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

From emigration to immigration - Essay Example The population of Ireland is 5.5 million at present, but had been over 8 million in 1841. It had augmented hastily from 4 or 5 million at the Act of Union with Britain in 1801. As the population was to be destroyed by the Famine of 1845 to1848, together by death and mass emigration, there had been elevated emigration well before the Famine. More than 1.5 million had emigrated between 1815 and 1840. One third of these left to Britain and of those who went west, half came towards Canada, and the other half to the United States in that period. This stage of emigration which was to rise swiftly in the stage instantly after the Famine was an extraordinary high proportion of the total population, unparalleled in other European states. The Famine directed to the death and emigration of over one million people. The population fell to 6.5 million by 1851 and by an additional million to 5.5 million by 1871. There was de-industrialization, as stated by the author (Crotty, R., 1986), in the 19th century in the majority of Ireland, with the exemption of the North East. Five million people emigrated between 1851 and 1921 and most of these were sole adults. The tough farmers left the farm to the eldest son and many siblings went abroad and so the honesty of their farms was preserved. People had far less children and those who had property were to become tough in their attitude to heritage. Emigration and transforms in productiveness permitted for augmented profits for those who stayed behind. The following table gives the net outflow each decade from 1850 up to the ending of the 20th century and in addition for the three years to 2003 inclusive. It shows a huge outflow of people from Ireland mainly given the small size of the population. (Crotty, R., 1986). The reasons for the continued growth of the Irish economy are difficult, yet

Mothers abusing prescrition drugs Research Paper

Mothers abusing prescrition drugs - Research Paper Example sociological perspective of drug reality is directly inverse in definition and explanation to what majority call â€Å"chemicalistic fallacy†, which explains that a certain drug causes a certain given behavior and that what we view as behavioral effects are linked with the drug mainly as a function of the drug’s biochemical functions reacting with the organism’s certain structure of its character (Barber 27). The effects of drug and related behavior are highly contingent, variable, and complicated basing more importantly on the social and contextual nature that a person is in as its easier to tell the effects of drug on a person compared to experimenting the drug on a rat which will have very little information on human behavior hence the importance of a social context comes out clear. In defining drugs the sociological aspects focuses on both the meaning of the drug and the meaning of drug experience although the definitions differ among societies, subgroups and subcultures existing within the same society. The society views drug differently according to its current use, in that a substance can be a drug in a specific social context and are something different in another. According to Barber (39), the sociological aspect on drug believes that anything can be termed as a drug not withstanding its biological or physical component. The society draws a clear line between drug addiction and dependence, it states that the addiction-dependence equation have two separable components: the direct drug’s physical action and the behavioral response of the people to the physical action of the drug. There is no automatic translation from one component into the other. Prescription drugs are mostly currently abused by women with a purpose of getting high as a means of relieving stress. The three classification of commonly abused prescribed drugs include: The Opioids including morphine prescribed mostly as pain relievers or pain killers, depressants of the central

Historic cost accounting Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Historic cost accounting - Case Study Example Unemployment in the UK has fallen to a twenty five year low and yet inflation has remained low. This shows that there has been an improvement in the trade-off between inflation and unemployment. The non accelerating inflation rate of unemployment (or NAIRU) has declined because of increased flexibility in the labour market and a reduction in structural unemployment. (Has the UK supply side improved') Estimates show that London has a higher level of wages than the North East (approximately 40 per cent higher, and approximately 30 per cent higher than the Great Britain average), and has seen the strongest wage growth between 1993 and 2003 in nearly all industry groups (especially in services industries). The North East, by comparison, has cheaper wage costs in all industries compared with the Great Britain average (approximately 10 per cent less), and has seen a lower wage growth in nearly all industry groups. 3 the big advantage of hca is that it leads to absolute certainty and it fits in perfectly with the cash flow statement. Hca tells us exactly what has been paid and what has been received and therefore there is no doubt about balance sheet amounts. The alternatives, where accountants attempt to take inflation into account, can lead to many problems. There have been several forms of current cost accounting, purchasing power accounting and so on since the mid 1970s that have been proposed as alternatives to hca. The reason the alternatives have not survived, and IAS 15 on inflation accounting is about to be replaced, if it hasn't been already, is that no one can agree on the best way to represent accounting values. Hca provides definite values, other methods don't! 4 the disadvantages of hca include the fact that hca values can relate to transactions that could be a year old, 10 years old and as much as 100 years old. It's true that some businesses have old equipment and old stocks (inventories) that are still working well but that were bought a long time ago: the problem is that the acquisition value may be out of date and so the balance sheet is showing out of date values. Taxation problems come with inflation accounting. In times of high levels of inflation, profits are inflated and therefore the tax bill tends to increase: this is the reason that inflation accounting was developed in the UK and elsewhere in the 1970s and onwards. Guess what, though' Accountants found solutions to the inflation accounting problem that led to lower taxation but the Inland Revenue didn't like what the accountants

Sense Of Horror In Monkeys Paw English Literature Essay

Sense Of Horror In Monkeys Paw English Literature Essay Jacobs creates a sense of horror in The Monkeys Paw by using a variety of literary techniques. As The Monkeys Paw was written in 1902, Jacobs makes the story scary in ways that are very different to modern horror films and books. We can tell that the story was written in the early twentieth century as it contains many details that would have been common in Victorian literature. One of the most obvious features from The Monkeys Paw that tells us that the story was written over a century ago, is the old-fashioned language that Jacobs uses. The language used throughout the story contains words such as rubicund and visage, which are not words that are commonly used today. Also, the fact that  £200 was considered to be a lot of money shows that the story was from a long time ago as  £200 is not seen as a large amount of money in the modern world. Other aspects of the story also show that The Monkeys Paw was written in the Victorian time period the fact that India was seen as a new, e xotic and unexplored country tells us that the story must have been written in a time when transport wasnt as easily available as it is today. In the story, when the Sergeant-Major tells the Whites about his exploration, they seem almost in awe of him as he is seen to be the bravest and most adventurous person that they have ever met because of his journey to India. The fact that Jacobs used a Sergeant-Major character is also another typical feature of Victorian literature. Finally, the household objects that the Whites use in The Monkeys Paw show that the story was not set in modern times. For example, the Whites use candles for light and heat their kettle on a fire as there was no electricity in Victorian times. As The Monkeys Paw was written over a century ago, Jacobs doesnt use explicit gory details to create horror like modern scary films and books. Instead, he uses subtle hints in most aspects of the story to build up an element of terror and one of these aspects is the way that Jacobs uses setting. The main way in which Jacobs uses setting to increase the tension in The Monkeys Paw, is the way that he creates contrast between the wild outside weather and the cosy atmosphere inside the Whites home. At the beginning of the story, Jacobs describes the night as cold and wet, whereas Jacobs describes the Whites home by writing the fire burned brightly. This contrast makes the reader associate the outside with dark, cold and bad while associating the inside with light, warm and good. There is one thing that is keeping the White family safe from the badness of the outside, and that is the blinds. The blinds are drawn in part 1 of The Monkeys Paw when the Whites are a cosy, normal family protec ted from grief and terror. However, in part 3 of the story when Mrs White is looking for Herbert to come back from the dead, Jacobs writes the old woman, with burning eyes, walked to the window and raised the blind. I think that the blind is a symbol for a barrier that protects the Whites from the danger of the outside and when Mrs White raises the blind to look for her son she lets some of that danger into her home. Also, the visitors bring some of the danger and badness from the outside into the Whites home when they visit. For example, when the Sergeant-Major visits, he brings the monkeys paw which changes the Whites lives forever and when the worker at Maw and Meggins visits, he brings the news of Herberts death. It is clear that throughout the story, Jacobs corresponds the outside atmosphere to the mood of the characters. For example, in part 3 of the story, the house is steeped in shadow and silence which is much like the couple, as there is no longer any banter or chatter bet ween them after Herberts death. For this reason, the reader is lulled into a false sense of security when they read about the wintry sun and prosaic wholesomeness at the beginning of part 2. The reader thinks that this sunny weather and ordinary atmosphere will correspond to the characters moods. However, a little later on, the Whites discover about Herberts death; this leaves the reader feeling shocked as they would have been expecting the Whites to have a normal day, when instead the Whites receive horrific news of their son passing away. Finally, we know that the house is very isolated as Mr White says at the beginning of the story thats the worst of living so far out. This adds to the suspense in part 3 of the story as we know that the Whites are alone and there is no one that can help them. Another way in which Jacobs creates horror is through his use of characterisation. Firstly, we get to see the happiness of the White family right from the beginning of the story. There are many examples of their close-knit, normal family life throughout part 1 of The Monkeys Paw such as Mr White and Herbert playing a family game of chess at the beginning of the story. The Whites are generally presented as pleasant and ordinary people. Therefore, when their first wish upon the monkeys paw comes true but at the price of their sons life, we are even more shocked at their misfortune as they seem to be just a normal family and not foolish people who have no common sense. The fact that Mr and Mrs White are elderly also adds to the sense of danger in the story as they are seen to be more vulnerable than younger people may be. In part 3 of the story, Jacobs uses contrast in the characters moods for a dramatic effect. At the beginning of the story, the couple are chatty and make jokes with ea ch other which makes a light family atmosphere. However, in part 3 of The Monkeys Paw, Mr and Mrs White have radically changed into uncommunicative couple who hardly exchange a word as they have nothing to talk about after their sons death. This huge contrast makes the reader realise the enormity of the effect that Herberts death has had on Mr and Mrs White. This effect is also portrayed through Mrs Whites newly irrational behaviour throughout part 3. She is constantly having mixed emotions she laughed and cried together which show that she is not in control of her feelings and she has wild ideas about bringing her son back from the dead. Finally, another way in which Jacobs creates drama through his use of characters is by showing that the Sergeant-Major is unwilling to talk about the paw. The Sergeant-Major is described as doughty which makes us think that that he is very brave, so his reluctance to talk about the paw shows us that if even an extremely courageous soldier is too scared to talk about the paw, then it must be an incredibly strange and frightening object that shouldnt be messed with. Jacobs also creates a sense of tension in The Monkeys Paw by building up the suspense throughout the different parts of the story. The structure of The Monkeys Paw is like many pieces of Victorian literature; it is separated into three short chapters. In part 1, we get to see how close the White family are, the monkeys paw is first introduced and the first wish is made. At this point in the story, we dont know the power of the paw so we arent as frightened as we are later on in the story. However, the Sergeant-Majors reluctance to talk about the paw leaves us with questions. We wonder if wishes on the paw do come true, why the Sergeant-Major is wary of the paw and we also wonder what wishes the Whites will make. These questions make us want continue reading the story to discover what happens. Part 2 of the story begins on a seemingly ordinary day there was an air of prosaic wholesomeness. This lulls the reader into a false sense of security because they think that they were foolish for having fears of the monkeys paw as it seems to be such an ordinary day. The tension then starts to build when Mrs White spots the suspicious and mysterious man from Maw and Meggins outside of the house. Then, when Herberts death is revealed, the reader is even more shocked because of the huge contrast to the seemingly normal start of the day. The news of Herberts death also leaves the reader with even more questions. We ask ourselves whether wishes on the monkeys paw do actually come true or if the compensation of  £200 was just a freakish coincidence. This, again, makes us want to read further into the story to find out the answer to our questions. The description at the beginning of part 3 sets the scene for the rest of the story; it is night time and Mrs White is weeping. We associate these details with badness and we therefore are expecting for something scary to happen in the next part of the story. From the moment that Mr White makes the second wish, the tension is built up throughout the rest of part 3 by the increasing speed of the knocks and Mrs Whites attempt to open the door. The suspense is only relieved right at the end of the story when Mr White makes the third wish. This way, the reader feels scared for the longest time possible which creates the greatest sense of fear. Another way that Jacobs creates a sense of horror in the story is by withholding the full information from the reader to create a sense of mystery. For example, the reader does not know if the  £200 compensation for Herberts death is related to the paw or whether it is just a coincidence. We never find this out, even at the end of the story, and so there creates an element of mystery about the whole story. We are also left wondering about other questions at the end of The Monkeys Paw, such as whether wishes on the monkeys paw actually do come true and whether Herbert did actually come back from the dead. These questions make us discuss and think about the story even after we have finished reading it, and this is a sign of a successful story. Also, Jacobs withholds information in another aspect of the story when he doesnt tell us what Herberts mangled body looks like. Jacobs writes that Mr White says I could only recognise him by his clothing when describing Herberts body. This is v ery powerful as it makes us imagine Herberts body being far more contorted and gory than Jacobs could possibly describe with words. Also, in part 3 of The Monkeys Paw, Jacobs doesnt give us any information about Herbert. Instead of writing something like Herbert the zombie approached the house, Jacobs is much cleverer in his use of language to build up the tension. He does not mention Herbert once; instead he increases the suspense by describing the fusillade of knocks on the door. This way, Jacobs keeps the mystery of the monkeys paw in tact as he does not state that the knocks are definitely coming from Herbert, for all we know, the knocking could just be a figment of the couples imagination. Finally, senses are another thing that Jacobs removes from the characters to increase the tension in the story. Depriving the characters of some of their senses in parts of the story increases the tension as the characters are having something that is vital to them removed; this increases the ir level of fear. For example, in part 3 when Mr White goes downstairs, it is very dark so he is deprived of his sight. He has to use touch and sound as his main senses to be able to get around. Jacobs writes that Mr White felt his way to the parlour before he lost the direction of the door. By removing one of his senses, he loses the direction of where he is going which shows just how fundamental senses are and what effect being deprived of them can have. Jacobs goes on to prove that that Mr White is scared at losing his direction by saying his brow cold with sweat. When Mr White is scared in this part of the story, we empathise with him which makes us feel frightened too. A reason why we empathise with the characters is the way that Jacobs uses of language. The Whites dialogue is very realistic and believable it makes the Whites seem like real people which makes the reader feel sympathetic towards them. Also, the Whites just seem like an ordinary family as they make jokes with each other and at the start of the story they are playing chess and knitting by the fire. They do not seem like greedy or foolish people so we empathise with them at their misfortune of having their wish come true but at the cost of their sons life. Another one of the main language tools that Jacobs uses in The Monkeys Paw is irony. Jacobs creates irony throughout the story which makes the eventual horror even more shocking. For example, in part 2 of the story, Mr and Mrs White seem happily contented with their lives as they are making jokes and seem to be a close couple. Then when they receive the news of Herberts death, the reader is taken aback at this news as the couple see med to have a perfectly good, normal life before Herberts death. Other examples of irony in the story are the way that Herbert says goodbye when he is going to work and the way that Mrs White makes comments about waiting for Herbert to come home. Herbert says before I come back and Mrs White says when he comes home which are both referring to Herberts return. This is ironic as they do not know that Herbert will not be returning. Another language technique that Jacobs uses to create horror is sentence structure. For example, when Jacobs is describing the Whites at the start of the story, he uses long sentences like Father and son were at chess, the former, who possessed the idea about the game involving radical changes, putting his king into such sharp and unnecessary perils that it even provoked comment from the white-haired old lady knitting placidly by the fire that go into a lot of detail to describe what is happening. However, when the story becomes more tense, Jacobs uses short sentences to show the change in pace of the story and to build up a sense of panic. For example, in part 3 when the couple hear the first knock, the suspense increases dramatically and Jacobs shows this by using a series of short, simple sentences such as A third knock sounded through the house. The final way that Jacobs uses language to create horror in The Monkeys Paw is simply through the choice of the words that he uses. The way that he describes things creates powerful, scary imagery. Jacobs can make even the most ordinary household objects seem terrifying. For example, when describing a candlestick he writes [the candle-end] was throwing pulsating shadows on the ceiling and walls, until, with a flicker larger than the rest, it expired. This description gives the most powerful sense of imagery as Jacobs makes the candle seem alive by saying that it has a pulse. The use of the word pulsating also makes the reader think of the Whites as they are very tense at this point of the s tory and their pulse rate is probably very high due to their nervous anticipation of seeing whether their wish has come true. I think that WW Jacobs is a very powerful and intelligent writer who has cleverly used every possible feature in the story of The Monkeys Paw to create a sense of horror. The literary techniques that he uses are very typical to those of most short stories written in Victorian times. Personally, I think that these techniques, such as the mystery of the unknown, are a great deal scarier and build up a much better sense of tension than present day horror stories. Modern horror films and books mainly use gore, wounds and blood to create the element of disgust that generates the most profit. However, I think that Jacobs cleverly uses subtle details and suggestion in The Monkeys Paw to develop a sense of throughout the story, and this is what creates a classic horror story that really plays with the readers mind.

Jessica Rodriguez Essay -- English Literature:

The Romanticism in Wordsworth Romantic poetry has very distinct details which set it apart from previous poetry. William Wordsworth’s poem, â€Å"I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud,† is full of the Romantic characteristics which were so different during that time. The poem begins with the speaker â€Å"floating† along, as though he or she were a cloud, when he or she spots a â€Å"crowd/ †¦, of golden daffodils† (Wordsworth, 3,4). The speaker goes on to describe the daffodils and the lake that is beside them. The images of the daffodils return to mind during a difficult time , and cheers him up. It is important to note that the speaker is speaking in first person. As this is a commonly used technique in romantic poetry, it is easy to assume that the speaker is also the poet. One key characteristic that is shown in this poem is optimism. The poem begins on a melancholic note with the use of the word â€Å"Lonely,† but takes an uplifting spirit soon after. There is an optimistic feeling through the rest of the poem. By using the adjective â€Å"golden† to describe the daffodils, one is caused to think that the daffodils are shining or are bright. The speaker continues by describing them as â€Å"Fluttering and dancing in the breeze† (6) and moving in a â€Å"sprightly dance† (12). These adjectives allow one to see them as joyous and happy. In the next stanza, the speaker states that although the waves beside the daffodils are â€Å"dancing,† the daffodils â€Å"out-did the sparkling waves in glee† (14). The poem ends happily, with the speaker’s heart being uplifted by the remembrance of the daffodils. There is much personification used in this poem. The daffodils, on several occasions, are referred to in a human sense. They are described as... ...oud† (1) he, â€Å"dances with the daffodils† (24). His imagination allows him an escape from the society and political strife that he is forced to live in. Although he physically cannot escape the everyday contention in his life, no element of society can cleave to his imagination. This poem offers much in the way of Romantic elements. Through the Romantic characteristics that are employed in this poem, one is able to fully understand the time in which the speaker was living. One is also able to truly feel and understand what the speaker is trying to convey. The emotion, with which the poem was written, provides one with a desire to pursue one’s own imagination. The ability to do so, while including so many of the Romantic components, causes this poem to be pleasant and enjoyable to read. Works Cited Wordsworth, William. â€Å"I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud.†

Harley Davidson Case Study

Harley Davidson Case Study Analysis Guidelines 1. Your analysis should be based on the question of â€Å"What is Harley Davidson doing today to deliver high levels of customer value? ’ The analysis should be related to the organization’s marketing strategy 2. Based on the company’s marketing strategy, how has Harley Davidson managed value through its product, pricing, promotion, placement, and people (five P’s) policies/strategies? 3.The analysis should be framed, as with our previous case studies, using the customer value concept within the value profit chain model. 4. Please use the case document only as a guide. To earn an A grade on the analysis, you must utilize external information to bring the case study up to date. That is, what the organization is doing today to deliver value. Such external information can be found in business journals, books, and in a variety of Internet information sources. The written case provides only a foundation for your a nalysis. . While previous case studies were framed in the contexts of what the companies did wrong, the Harley Davidson case should be considered in the context of what the company is doing right. 6. What is Harley Davidson’s current value proposition in the motorcycle market place? 7. Please include in your analysis a section on how Harley Davidson has positioned itself in the market relative to competitors. 8. The final section in your analysis should be a description of marketing lessons learned from Harley Davidson analysis.That is, what would you suggest to other business organizations based on lessons from Harley Davidson 9. Your final analysis document should be 8-10 pages, double spaced with one-inch margins, and contain appropriate headings and subheadings that form an outline of the analysis along with citations for external information used in your analysis. Your analysis should include a table of contents with page numbers. Additionally, you must use proper citati ons for external information used in your analysis and external reference should be in a reference list. Harley Davidson Case Study Harley Davidson Case Study Analysis Guidelines 1. Your analysis should be based on the question of â€Å"What is Harley Davidson doing today to deliver high levels of customer value? ’ The analysis should be related to the organization’s marketing strategy 2. Based on the company’s marketing strategy, how has Harley Davidson managed value through its product, pricing, promotion, placement, and people (five P’s) policies/strategies? 3.The analysis should be framed, as with our previous case studies, using the customer value concept within the value profit chain model. 4. Please use the case document only as a guide. To earn an A grade on the analysis, you must utilize external information to bring the case study up to date. That is, what the organization is doing today to deliver value. Such external information can be found in business journals, books, and in a variety of Internet information sources. The written case provides only a foundation for your a nalysis. . While previous case studies were framed in the contexts of what the companies did wrong, the Harley Davidson case should be considered in the context of what the company is doing right. 6. What is Harley Davidson’s current value proposition in the motorcycle market place? 7. Please include in your analysis a section on how Harley Davidson has positioned itself in the market relative to competitors. 8. The final section in your analysis should be a description of marketing lessons learned from Harley Davidson analysis.That is, what would you suggest to other business organizations based on lessons from Harley Davidson 9. Your final analysis document should be 8-10 pages, double spaced with one-inch margins, and contain appropriate headings and subheadings that form an outline of the analysis along with citations for external information used in your analysis. Your analysis should include a table of contents with page numbers. Additionally, you must use proper citati ons for external information used in your analysis and external reference should be in a reference list.

Phaedrus First Flick †Theology Essay

Phaedrus First Flick – Theology Essay Free Online Research Papers Somewhere off in a strange world similar to our own, Ted Briggs and Phaedrus are offered a one-time chance meeting. They are to watch Jocelyn Moorhouse’s film Proof, enjoy the atmosphere of a completely empty theater, and walk together, speaking about whatever it is that comes to their minds. Unusual you say, perhaps, but no more time for haste, the movie has just ended†¦ Ted: Hello there friend, I am not sure that we have met, my name is Ted Briggs. Phaedrus: I am Phaedrus, and I do not recognize my surroundings, quite strange! Could you tell me what I have just witnessed? Ted: What you just witnessed? You just saw some crazy movie with Russell Crowe and that guy from the Matrix. Phaedrus: Matrix, I do not understand, what language am I speaking. Ted: Yes I know that it is strange, but due to our limited time here together I can only give you the abridged version. That was a motion picture and although I know that you were quite taken aback by it, they are not new, nor are they small in number. In fact, you would be amazed at how many have been made that have just been garbage. Anyway, I also know that Greek is a little more familiar to you but somebody more powerful than us has had their way so for the time being and so that I can understand you, we are speaking English. After that it gets really complicated so just don’t ask any more questions. Phaedrus: Fair enough I suppose, may I inquire as to why your leg is damaged as so? Ted: An injury, incurred in battle, you know war. Phaedrus: Yes, war is a term that is common in any language. Ted: No big deal really, I have learned to live accordingly, but enough about me, how about you, I hear that you are an intellectual. Phaedrus: Oh yes, more of a self proclaimed philosopher I would say. Ted: Philosophy, I see, well what did you think of the film that we just saw? Phaedrus: That was beautiful, yet it was sad, it really made no sense to me, why would Martin act as he did? Ted: Martin, what did he do? If anything could be said it would be that Andy let himself get caught up with his desires. Phaedrus: Those are foolish desires; they mean next to nothing, it was for pleasures sake only, nothing more. Ted: Oh I bet there was more, if you know what I mean, it just doesn’t happen once, not with a woman like Celia, it will only be more and more. Phaedrus: But that is not important, not at all, Martin is the loser here. Celia shall lose as well, but not as badly as Martin. Ted: Sure Martin’s losing, but Celia, I think that she did all right for herself, for she got what she wanted. Phaedrus: She did not get what she wanted. And because of that very fact Martin shall never get what she was giving. Ted: Why all the talk about Martin, he has his chance, he passed on it and Andy stepped right in, a shame really if you ask me. Martin seemed like a nice guy but didn’t come across as being that social, he should have been grateful for what he could get. Phaedrus: You perplex me with this talk of what one can get, as if the physical involvement with someone is the most important thing to have. I see no reason for your emphasis upon it. Ted: No reason, have you ever had it, or even felt it, that feeling inside, when you are in a state of total bliss, time stands still, you forget who you are, where you are and for just one moment you feel like the only two people in existence. Phaedrus: Yes, love, exactly what I am saying, know you are beginning to make sense. Ted: Love, no, no, not love, Sex, you know, sex, the act of coitus, two people throwing inhibitions aside and indulging in the ultimate act of affection. Phaedrus: No I do not understand, love is the ultimate goal, it is love to which I am referring. Love is what Celia was offering Martin. Martin felt it, perhaps he was unaware of what it was or how it felt, but he knew deep down that he was the loved one and that Celia was the lover. That she felt strong enough to do anything, even things she would not normally do in order to express her love. Martin simply pushed it away; he shunned the very thing that would bring him happiness, and virtue and all of the best in life. Ted: I just think that he pushed away any chance of getting laid, and for that I brand him a fool, it’s not everyday somebody gets an offer like that. Phaedrus: Why such a dependence upon the physical and not the emotional. I presume that you are afraid of it as well, is that right Ted? Have you ever been in love? Ted: In love, of course, tons of times, I have been in love more times than I can remember. Phaedrus: More times than you can remember, I have never heard of such audacity. No one can be in love as often as that. Were you in love, true love? Ted: What the hell does that mean, true love? I don’t know, so I slept with some women, and then I talked with them and I spent time with them, they made me happy for a while, but it never lasted long. Maybe it was just me, I don’t know. Phaedrus: Love is not that, love is the most beautiful of all the gods. To be in love, and to be the loved one, to know that you would do anything for the affection of that one person, that they would do the same for you, they would give their life to be with you or to honor the way they felt. The act in which all good things follow, that is love Ted, nothing more and certainly nothing less. That is what that film was about. Martin did not know how to handle Celia’s love, perhaps he was afraid of it, and so it removed it from his life. As for Andy, he did not receive Celia’s love, for it had been growing in her for Martin, not him. Andy was the recipient of the outlet of Celia’s frustration with Martin and his rejection of her love. Ted: That thought never crossed my mind, I just thought it odd that he turned her away when he knew that she was all over him, he didn’t have to see to know that. Phaedrus: Not lust Ted, love, and the one thing that the gods truly intended for us all. The beautiful way that two people know each other and find harmony through one another. Find it Ted, if you haven’t yet. Only that love, that feeling will make you happy. Ted: I wish it were that easy, to open up your door one day and find that someone. Yet I haven’t been looking, maybe I have never looked. Phaedrus: I am afraid that I must be on my way; I must head back on the path that brought me here. To you Ted I bid you farewell and I wish you luck and happiness and I encourage you to look beyond your ambitions to find the one thing that you lack. Ted: Goodbye and thank you for some of that philosophy. I used to only think of it as useless chatter. Ted: Yeah, a philosophy, maybe that is what I need, a philosophy. I need love. I need a wife. Research Papers on Phaedrus’ First Flick - Theology EssayWhere Wild and West MeetQuebec and CanadaComparison: Letter from Birmingham and CritoMind TravelBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm X19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraAnalysis Of A Cosmetics AdvertisementCapital PunishmentAssess the importance of Nationalism 1815-1850 EuropeEffects of Television Violence on Children

150 Million Years of Marsupial Evolution

150 Million Years of Marsupial Evolution You wouldnt know it from their relatively paltry numbers today, but marsupials (the kangaroos, koalas, wombats, etc. of Australia, as well as the opossums of the western hemisphere) have a rich evolutionary history. As far as paleontologists can tell, the distant ancestors of modern opossums diverged from the distant ancestors of modern placental mammals about 160 million years ago, during the late Jurassic period (when pretty much all mammals were the size of mice), and the first true marsupial appeared during the early Cretaceous, about 35 million years later. (See a gallery of prehistoric marsupial pictures and profiles and a list of recently extinct marsupials.) Before we go any further, its worthwhile to review what sets marsupials apart from the mainstream of mammalian evolution. The vast majority of mammals on earth today are placental: fetuses are nurtured in their mothers wombs, by means of a placenta, and theyre born in a relatively advanced state of development. Marsupials, by contrast, give birth to undeveloped, fetus-like young, which then must spend helpless months suckling milk in their mothers pouches. (Theres also a third, much smaller group of mammals, the egg-laying monotremes, typified by platypuses and echidnas.) The First Marsupials Because the mammals of the Mesozoic Era were so smalland because soft tissues dont preserve well in the fossil recordscientists cant directly examine the reproductive systems of animals from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. What they can do, though, is examine and compare these mammals teeth, and by that criterion, the earliest identified marsupial was Sinodelphys, from early Cretaceous Asia. The giveaway is that prehistoric marsupials possessed four pairs of molars in each of their upper and lower jaws, while placental mammals had no more than three. For tens of millions of years after Sinodelphys, the marsupial fossil record is frustratingly scattered and incomplete. We do know that early marsupials (or metatherians, as theyre sometimes called by paleontologists) spread from Asia to North and South America, and then from South America to Australia, by way of Antarctica (which was much more temperate at the end of the Mesozoic Era). By the time the evolutionary dust had cleared, by the end of the Eocene epoch, marsupials had disappeared from North America and Eurasia  but prospered in South America and Australia. The Marsupials of South America For most of the Cenozoic Era, South America was a gigantic island continent, completely separated from North America until the emergence of the Central American isthmus about three million years ago. During these eons, South Americas marsupialstechnically known as sparassodonts, and technically classified as a sister group to the true marsupialsevolved to fill every available mammalian ecological niche, in ways that uncannily mimicked the lifestyles of their placental cousins elsewhere in the world. Examples? Consider Borhyaena, a slouching, 200-pound predatory marsupial that looked and acted like an African hyena; Cladosictis, a small, sleek metatherian that resembled a slippery otter; Necrolestes, the grave robber, which behaved a bit like an anteater; and, last but not least, Thylacosmilus, the marsupial equivalent of the Saber-Tooth Tiger (and equipped with even bigger canines). Unfortunately, the opening of the Central American isthmus during the Pliocene epoch spelled the doom of these marsupials, as they were completely displaced by better-adapted placental mammals from up north. The Giant Marsupials of Australia In one respect, the marsupials of South America have long since disappearedbut in another, they continue to live on in Australia. Its likely that all of the kangaroos, wombats, and wallabies Down Under are descendants of a single marsupial species that inadvertently rafted over from Antarctica about 55 million years ago, during the early Eocene epoch. (One candidate is a distant ancestor of the Monito del Monte, or little bush monkey, a tiny, nocturnal, tree-dwelling marsupial that today lives in the bamboo forests of the southern Andes mountains.) From such unprepossessing origins, a mighty race grew. A few million years ago, Australia was home to such monstrous marsupials as Diprotodon, aka the Giant Wombat, which weighed upwards of two tons; Procoptodon, the Giant Short-Faced Kangaroo, which stood 10 feet tall and weighed twice as much as an NFL linebacker; Thylacoleo, the 200-pound marsupial lion; and the Tasmanian Tiger (genus Thylacinus), a fierce, wolf-like predator that only went extinct in the 20th century. Sadly, like most megafauna mammals worldwide, the giant marsupials of Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand went extinct after the last Ice Age, survived by their much more petite descendants.

Strategy in the World Package Delivery Business Essay

Strategy in the World Package Delivery Business - Essay Example The essay "Strategy in the World Package Delivery Business" discusses the relationship between the planning and strategy in the world package delivery business. There is a direct relationship between planning and strategy since plans are made to identify goals (organizational or functional) and strategies are designed to achieve these identified goals. In this case scenario (Jones & George, 2007), FedEx planned to address competition from UPS by identifying an opportunity in the overnight delivery niche even by charging a premium price. As emphasized in Operations Strategy and Competitiveness, â€Å"the business strategy of FedEx, the world’s largest provider of expedited delivery services, is to compete on time and dependability of deliveries. The operations strategy of FedEx developed a plan for resources to support its business strategy. To provide the speed of delivery, FedEx acquired its own fleet of airplanes. To provide dependability of deliveries, FedEx invested in a sophisticated bar code technology to track all packages†. To compete with FedEx and DHL, UPS must review and evaluate the strategies of both organizations to gauge their strengths and weaknesses. Using this information as inputs, UPS must then identify opportunities and threats in the world package delivery business to enable them to tap the opportunities and address the threats or risks, as required. Using their core competencies in using their tracking and information system; as well as in logistics, specifically in meeting delivery schedules faster.

Bibliography of the history of the world football cup Annotated

Of the history of the world football cup - Annotated Bibliography Example The first world cup was held in Uruguay in 1930. Since it was a turbulent period in international politics, many countries which initially planned to participate could not do so. Austria, for example was set to play the world cup, but it was annexed into Germany. The first trophy was called the Jules Rimet Cup. It was awarded to Brazil after they won the competition three times (the trophy was stolen in 1983 and has never been found since). Since 1930 the world cup has been held 19 times. Italy has won the competition four times, Germany thrice and Argentina twice. Brazil have won it a record 5 times. Spain, France, England and Uruguay have all won the world cup once. The 1974 Holland team is often cited as their best. Johan Cruyff, their star player, was one of the greatest in the history of football. He put into practice â€Å"Total Football†, which back then was a novel philosophy of playing football. This style is still practiced by some teams (notably, FC Barcelona). In 1978 the same core of players that impressed the world in 1974, put on a great show once again. That year they also showed the ability to threaten their opponents with some dangerous long shots, and this skill won them a lot of success. The 1978 team beat an excellent Austrian side by the decisive margin of 5-1, owing mainly to superb performances from their star wingers Rob Rensenbrink and Johnny Rep. The author believes that performance was one of the finest he has ever seen at a world cup. Similarly in 1994 (in the US) they would have performed a lot better.... The 1974 Holland team is often cited as their best. Johan Cruyff, their star player, was one of the greatest in the history of football. He put into practice â€Å"Total Football†, which back then was a novel philosophy of playing football. This style is still practiced by some teams (notably, FC Barcelona). In 1978 the same core of players that impressed the world in 1974, put on a great show once again. That year they also showed the ability to threaten their opponents with some dangerous long shots, and this skill won them a lot of success. The 1978 team beat an excellent Austrian side by the decisive margin of 5-1, owing mainly to superb performances from their star wingers Rob Rensenbrink and Johnny Rep. The author believes that performance was one of the finest he has ever seen at a world cup. Clearly, the absence of Johan Cruyff from their side in Argentina contributed to their failure to win the cup. In 1988 they again failed to win in Italy. The author believes that h ad they used the services of the 37-year-old Arnold Muhren, the graceful, talented midfielder, their team would have performed a lot better. Similarly in 1994 (in the US) they would have performed a lot better (and might have come back from 2-0 down against Brazil) if their star player Ruud Gullit was part of the squad. It is worth noting that Brazil’s second goal was clearly the result of an offside, which the linesman failed to spot. However, the author feels, the most unfortunate incident in Holland’s world cup history was their elimination in the 1998 world cup in France. They had strikers like Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Kluvert. In midfield they had the likes of Edgar Davids, Ronald de Boer, Phillip Cocu and Wim Jonk. Ronald’s penalty

Effectiveness in the global organisation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Effectiveness in the global organisation - Essay Example This study evaluates fundamental functions and concepts of management and the challenges that global organisations face with respect to management function. Leadership as the essence of management has defined or determined the fate of many organisations, at local and global levels. However, leadership at global levels is greatly influenced by factors such as behaviour, perception, attitudes, and knowledge impacted by sociocultural aspects. An awareness of challenges to leadership through ground-breaking principles proposed by Hofstede and Trompenaars is necessary to understand how leadership can contribute to the success of global organisations. Management has been defined in many ways by various people. Earlier, management was defined as ‘getting things done through other people’; currently, management is referred to as ‘working with and through other people to accomplish the objectives of both the organisation and its members’ (Montana & Charnov, 2000; p.2). Evolution of this concept is traced back to Frederick Taylor’s scientific management, also known as Taylorism; later refined by Henry Ford, known as Fordism. However, the foundation for management principles is said to have been laid by Henry Fayol in the form of five elements or functions of management: planning, organising, commanding, coordinating and controlling. Fayol also developed 14 management principles from these functions (see appendix 2.1). These management practices were framed to direct workers to follow specific steps that will help in achieving the larger organisational goal, driven through managers (Lucey, 2004). The process of trans-migration of humans from one place to another for food, eventually trade and business solidified attributed to the huge monetary gains; this process further intensified with increasing needs, development of means of transportation, technology, communication; further reinforced by increasing population, demand for

Externship at Riddle Hospital Essay Example for Free

Externship at Riddle Hospital Essay During my externship at Riddle Hospital I’ve endured a great experience of what an Medical Assistant duties consist of on a daily basis. These duties are mainly multi-tasked oriented, which requires you to sometimes be able and flexible to perform your duties in a quick pace. You basically have to be on point at all times, but never overdo because this will cause you to exert yourself. Most of my duties consisted of performing EKG’s throughout the day. It became very easy and more comfortable after applying the leads and placing them in different directions that suited me to obtain a perfect reading. I’ve also had the chance to administer injections; the influenza and the pneumonia vaccines. I replaced old charts with new ones. Retrieved and wrote messages off the office voice-mail. I faxed medical documents, such as prescriptions and correspondence letters. I called patients advising them of their insurance company conducting an audit for mammograms and colonoscopy testing. I’d filed and pulled charts, I did referrals, took patient’s weight and blood pressures. I did appointment verifications and made appointments for patients. I was able to view patient’s charts to better familiarize myself with medical terms and abbrievations. I inserted documents into charts and learned how to properly arrange the documents in the charts. I was also advised about universal precautions. The others nurse’s in the office were most helpful and showed a great deal of patience whenever questions were asked and took the time to explain the faithful duties of an Medical Assistant. And without hesitating, they were always pleased with my helpful hands and always willingly to share information, advice and experiences. The Doctor’s in the office were extremely professional at all times and appreciated the help that I was to their assistant’s. The patients were also nice and understanding that I was in training and allowed me to practice on them. They were always greeting me with a warm and pleasant attitude. For the short time I was on the job I’ve began to feel like I was part of their family. Overall this was an experience I had the pleasure of being involved in and took great heed to this advancement to expand my knowledge as to becoming an Medical Assistant. I can’t begin to express the overwhelm feeling this was as I’m about to take a new journey of success in the world of healthcare. Without this experience none of this information would have been grateful to me then it is now. Because of the knowledge I’ve gained I’m able to grow in this profession with strength and stability that it takes to succeed in this business, that I can always love and enjoy by taking care of others.

Full Kinetic Chain Manipulative Therapy on the Knee

Full Kinetic Chain Manipulative Therapy on the Knee The relative effectiveness of full kinetic chain manipulative therapy and full kinetic chain rehabilitation in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Brief Synopsis of the Research Therefore in this study we aim to establish the effect of the KFC manipulative therapy alone, FKC rehabilitation alone and the combination of the two interventions on osteoarthritis of the knee. This will be done by means of a quantitative randomised comparative clinical trial. 60 patients will have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and will be randomly divided into 3 groups. The first group will receive 6 treatments using FKC manipulative therapy alone, the second will receive 6 treatments using FKC rehabilitation alone, and the third group will receive 6 treatments using FKC manipulative therapy combined with FKC rehabilitation. Subjective (Beck Depression Inventory, McMaster Overall Therapy Effectiveness Tool, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and Berg Balance Scale) and objective (Inclinometer) measures will be taken at baseline, 1 week and 1 month follow up. These results will be recorded and the data analysed using SPSS statistical package at a 95% confidence interval. Section B: To be typed in Arial 12-point font in one and half line spacing (expand sections to fit contents, but keep within the specified maximum lengths) 1. Field of Research and Provisional Title The relative effectiveness of full kinetic chain manipulative therapy and rehabilitation in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. 2. Context of the Research 1. Osteoarthritis is a very common condition, affects 9.6% of men and 18% of women aged >60 years worldwide (Woolf and Pfleger, 2003). 2. Although multi-factorial, falls cause nearly two-thirds of all non-intentional injury related deaths in older adults (Hawk et al., 2006). One of the causative factors is loss of hip and knee proprioception secondary to increased joint degeneration, thus by addressing these problems with the rehabilitation and/or adjustment there may be a decreased risk of fall. 3. There is research to suggest that applying manipulative therapy and rehabilitation to the full kinetic chain yields greater benefits for KOA patients than at home rehabilitation alone (Deyle et al., 2005), however this combination of treatments has never been compared against full kinetic chain manipulative therapy alone. 4. KOA stiffness, pain and dysfunction was shown by Deyle et al., (2000) and Deyle et al., (2005) to improve better when adding manipulative therapy to a rehabilitation program as compared to placebo and exercise alone, respectively. 3. Research Problem and Aims Aim: The relative effectiveness of full kinetic chain manipulative therapy and rehabilitation in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Objectives: i) To determine whether manipulative therapy alone is effective in the short term treatment of KOA in terms of subjective and objective measurements. ii) To determine whether manipulative therapy alone is effective in the intermediate term treatment of KOA in terms of subjective and objective measurements. iii) To determine whether rehabilitation alone is effective in the short term treatment of KOA in terms of subjective and objective measurements. iv) To determine whether rehabilitation alone is effective in the intermediate term treatment of KOA in terms of subjective and objective measurements. v) To determine whether manipulative therapy combined with rehabilitation is effective in the short term treatment of KOA in terms of subjective and objective measurements. vi) To determine whether manipulative therapy combined with rehabilitation is effective in the intermediate term treatment of KOA in terms of subjective and objective measurements. vii) To compare short term results and intermediate results, respectively. viii) To determine whether manipulative therapy combined with rehabilitation is effective in decreasing the risk of fall according to the Berg Balance Scale. ix) To determine whether rehabilitation alone is effective in decreasing the risk of fall according to the Berg Balance Scale. x) To determine which treatment method is more effective in decreasing the risk of fall according to the Berg Balance Scale. 4. Literature review Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disorder with a complex aetiology (Felson, 2000). It is characterized by focal loss of articular cartilage within synovial joints, associated with hypertrophy of bone (osteophytes and subchondral bone sclerosis) and thickening of the capsule, resulting in alterations in biomechanical properties (Woolf and Pfleger, 2003). It is a very common joint disorder, affecting mostly those above the age of 60 and can occur in any joint but is most common in the hip; knee; and the joints of the hand, foot, and spine (Symmons, Mathers and Pfleger, 2003). As many as 40% of people over the age of 65 suffering symptoms associated with knee or hip OA (Zhang et al., 2008), resulting in OA becoming the fourth leading cause of disability in the years 2000 (Symmons, Mathers and Pfleger, 2003). Although no cure exists, a number of treatment options exist to provide symptomatic relief as well as improvement of joint function. Amongst these are non-pharmacological in terventions, such as rehabilitation, manual therapies, acupuncture and electromodalities, as well as pharmacological measures such as oral medication and intra-articular injections. In severe cases, where nonsurgical interventions have failed, more invasive approaches may be needed (Scher and Pillinger, 2007). McCarthy (2004) compared the effectiveness of an at home exercise program on its own or when supplemented with a class-based exercise program. There was found to be a greater improvement in WOMAC score in the class-based exercise group (20.6%) than the at home group (8.8%). These relatively modest effects may be owed to inability of exercise to address a number of factors that prevent patients from maximising results from their exercise program. Fitzgerald (2005) identified quadriceps inhibition or activation failure, obesity, passive knee laxity, knee misalignment, fear or physical activity and self-efficacy as examples of such factors. The necessity for additional interventions to address these factors therefore becomes apparent. Tucker et al. (2003) compared the relative effectiveness of knee joint manipulation versus a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and found manipulation to be just as effective as NSAIDs in the treatment on KOA. Fish et al., (2008) had similar results when comparing the effectiveness of knee joint mobilisation against Topical Capsaicin Cream. Capsaicin has been previously demonstrated superior to placebo in many painful disorders including knee and general osteoarthritis. Pollard, Ward, Hoskins and Hardy (2008) applied a manipulative therapy protocol, consisting of soft tissue mobilisation and an impulse thrust to the symptomatic knee joint complex. This was found to have a statistically significant improvement in knee pain, mobility, crepitus and function when compared to the control group (interferential current set at zero). Pollard et al. (2008) also noted that knee treatment had a significant improvement in hip movement of those in the intervention group compared to the control group. This may be owing to the effect that treatment to a single joint may have on the full kinetic chain (hereafter FKC). A number of studies have been conducted on various joints of the full kinetic chain of the lower extremity to determine their effect on the knee. Cliborne et al., (2004) aimed to determine the short-term effect of hip mobilization on pain and range of motion (ROM) measurement in patient with knee osteoarthritis (OA). It was demonstrated that the presence of hip pain and pain on squatting, restricted hip flexion and/or a positive scouring test predicts a better knee OA outcome. Currier et al., (2007) suggest that pain over the hip, groin or anterior thigh; limitations in passive knee flexion and internal rotation of the hip; as well as pain with hip distraction predicts a favourable short-term response to hip mobilizations. In fact it was found that, based on the presence of one variable, the probability of a successful response was 92% at 48-hour follow-up, which increased to 97% if 2 variables were present. Iverson et al., (2008) suggest that the strongest predictor of whether adjus ting the lumbopelvic spine will decrease knee pain (in patellofemoral pain syndrome) is if there is a side-to-side difference in hip internal rotation greater than 14 °. The presence of this variable increased the likelihood of a successful outcome from 45% to 80%. These studies collectively show that correcting the various dysfunctions within the kinetic chain will have a favourable effect on knee joint dysfunction. However, there has yet to be a study that seeks to improve knee osteoarthritis by treating all indicated joints in the full kinetic chain. Few studies have looked at what effect combining manipulation and rehabilitation would have in the treatment of KOA. Deyle et al., (2000) applied manual therapy to the knee as well as to the lumber spine, hip and ankle as required. Additionally patients where given to knee exercise program to perform in the clinic on treatment days and at home. WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) scores are used to detect changes in the patients perception of function and quality of life, specifically related to the disease process. In this study, there was a 55.8% improvement in the treatment group as compared to a 14.6% improvement in those patients receiving placebo (subtherapeutic ultrasound), thus proving the effectiveness of combining manipulation and rehabilitation. Using similar methodologies, Deyle et al., (2005) compared an at home versus in clinic physical therapy program. Those being treated in clinic received supervised exercise, manual therapy to the F KC and a home exercise program, while a second group received at home exercise only. Significant improvements where seen in both groups, however the clinic treatment group had an improvement in WOMAC scores of 52% and only a 26% improvement was seen in the home exercise group. The author attributed this difference between groups to the application of manual therapy to the full kinetic chain. However, the clinic group performed the exercises under supervision and where corrected where necessary while the home group were largely unsupervised and may have performed the exercises incorrectly as a result, thus decreasing the benefit such exercises would have. One should therefore not consider the difference in group performance to be solely due to the addition of manual therapy. To date there is no study which compares the effect of manual therapy alone versus the above mentioned treatment combinations. Therefore there is a need for a study to determine whether FKC manual therapy combined with a standardised rehabilitation program is more effective than either intervention alone in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. 5. Research Methodology Design type: Quantitative comparative clinical trial conducted at the Durban University of Technology Chiropractic Day Clinic (hereafter DUT CDC). Advertising: [Appendix A] Old age homes and retirement villages throughout the greater Durban region will be approached, as well as advertisements placed on notice boards of DUT, community halls, shopping centres and places of worship. Sampling procedure: A sample size of 60 (n=60) will be selected by means of convenience sampling (Brink, 2006). Those individuals responding to the advertisements will be screened and accepted based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Telephonic interview: Patients are required to contact the DUT CDC telephonically to determine whether they meet the requirements of the study. This will be determined by asking the patient the following questions; * Are you between the ages of 38 and 80? * Have you had knee pain for longer than 1 year? * Do you have a history of trauma or surgery to the lumbar spine or lower limb? * Are you able to stand and walk on your own, with minimal need and/or without significant dependence on canes and walkers? * Do you suffer from a chronic medical condition that would require you to take regular medication? * Would you be prepared to have radiographs taken of your lower limb? If the patient meets the criteria for the study, a consultation will be made, at which they will be presented with a letter of information and informed consent form [Appendix B], which they will be required to sign. The following inclusion and exclusion criteria will be assess using a case history [Appendix C]; physical exam [Appendix D]; lumbar and pelvis [Appendix E]; hip [Appendix F]; knee[Appendix G] and; ankle and foot [Appendix H] regional examinations. Inclusion Criteria: A. Criteria, as developed by Altman (1991), requires a minimum of one of the first three clinical criteria below (#1, 2 or 3) for diagnosis of KOA (sensitivity 89 % and specificity 88%). 1. Knee pain and crepitus with active motion and morning stiffness ≠¤ 30 min (with age 38 ≠¤ 80 years of age). 2. Knee pain and crepitus with active motion and morning stiffness >30 minutes and bony enlargement (with age 38 ≠¤ 80 years of age). 3. Knee pain and no crepitus and bony enlargement (with age 38 ≠¤ 80 years of age). B. The following 4 criteria are all required: 4. Knee pain of ≠¥ 1 year duration and able to stand and walk without severe varus/valgus deformity and/or severe instability (Kellgren and Lawrence, 1957). 5. Diagnosis of concurrent subluxation/or joint dysfunction (S/JD) complex: a. Diagnosis of S/JD will be supported throughout using the PART(S) system. 6. A patient must have a score of ≠¥720 mm (≠¥30%) on the WOMAC scale to be included (Tubach et al., 2005). 7. No history of meniscal or other knee surgery in the past 6 months (Pollard et al., 2008). 8. A diary will be kept to monitor whether medication consumption is increased, decreased or stays the same. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Significant visual disorders, severe vestibular disorders, neurological and peripheral sensory disorders which may be a contra-indication to exercise 2. History of knee or hip joint replacement, severe varus or valgus deformity, instability, fracture and severe osteoporosis, Rheumatoid arthritis, or frank avascular necrosis with or without moderate or severe deformity, 3. History of significant lumbar herniated disc injury with sequela, 4. Severe balance and proprioception problems (i.e. inability to stand with and/or without marked spinal or hip deformity) 5. Symptoms of moderate to severe osteoarthritis in both knees and/or hips: Note: both knees can be treated if there is KOA or joint dysfunction in the opposite knee and otherwise no other severe complications as noted above. However, only data collected from the worst knee will be used for the purpose of the study. 6. Long term chronicity combined with multiple treatment failure especially multiple failure with previous physical treatment (≠¥ 3), with and/or long term severe pain, and/or a severely complicated or complex disorder (such as multiple co-morbidities combined with KOA such as a mix of: knee, hip and lumbosacral OA, and/or cardiovascular and/or auto-immune disease), or a severely disabled and/or a patient with severe and decreased functional ability and/or a severe clinical depression, may lead on a case by case basis, to exclusion. A basic guide for #6 to be used on a case by case basis: I. Pain: The patient gives a history that can be interpreted as having stayed constantly or chronically at a high level of an estimated verbal analogue score (VAS) of ≠¥ 7 or WOMAC score of 1680-1920mm (70-80%) (out of a maximum worst score of 2400mm) for 3 to 5 years or longer. II. Complicated or complex: 3 or more disorders at one time in the same patient (with KOA) as listed from #1-5 above. III. Severely disabled: dependent on a cane, brace or walker 75 to 100% of the time when ambulating; severe cardiovascular disease; severe instability in the knee or other joints or possibly less than, or markedly less than half the normal ROM. IV. Clinically depressed: determined by history and use the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The BDI has been validated for measuring depression in clinical and nonclinical settings (Beck et al., 1961). Radiological analysis: Although diagnosis of KOA will be made primarily through clinical examination, knee x-rays will be taken on patients who qualify and consent to participate in the clinical trial. The purpose is to determine the grade of osteoarthritic change (according to the Kellgren-Lawrence scale (reference)), to confirm suspicions of contra-indications to treatment, or to rule out a pathology outside of OA. Additionally, the subjects history and physical examination may indicate the need for lumbosacral/pelvic, hip, ankle and/or foot x-rays (see exclusion criteria below). Procedure: Time Baseline 2 weeks 4 weeks 6 weeks 1 week F/U 1 month F/U # Rx 2 2 2 Outcome measurement WOMAC ROM BBS BDI WOMAC OTE ROM BBS BDI WOMAC OTE ROM BBS BDI Once accepted into the study, patients will be randomly allocated into 3 (three) groups using a randomised allocation chart (reference). Interventions: Group A will be treated with only manipulative therapy of the FKC. Group B will be treated with only rehabilitation of the FKC. Group C will be treated with manipulative therapy combined with rehabilitation of the FKC. Manipulative therapy: [Appendix I] FKC manipulative therapy (manipulative therapy to the knee, and any indicated axial or appendicular joint dysfunction, such as to the spine, hip, ankle, and foot) for KOA has been hypothesized as superior to localised manipulative therapy (Deyle et al., 2005). Treatment will focus on carefully restoring knee flexion and extension by lesser grades of mobilization as recommended by Deyle et al., (2005) and Fish et al., (2008), and patellar mobilization as per Pollard et al., (2008), along with careful high velocity low amplitude axial elongation of the knee joint as per Fish et al., (2008). Additionally, manipulative therapy will be applied where needed to the full kinetic chain using other diversified techniques, such as HVLA manipulation or mobilization as outlined in Shafer and Faye (1990), and/or Peterson and Bergman (2002). Also, the hip technique, as outlined by Hoeksma et al., (2004) and the use of HVLA knee manipulation methods from Tucker et al., (2005) will also be utilized when indicated. The particular joint dysfunction also known as the subluxation complex or manipulable lesion will be chosen based upon findings in the regional examinations. Rehabilitation: [Appendix J] Rehabilitative therapy will include exercises, focused soft tissue treatment and stretch to the knee and elsewhere along the full kinetic chain where needed based upon functional assessment (Deyle et al., 2005). Also included in rehabilitation will be patient advice, education and home exercise recommendations for managing their KOA. The rehabilitation protocol will be standardised across groups B and C, with minor case by case variations. Intervention frequency: All patient will receive: 6 treatments in the first three (3) weeks (2x treatments/week). Training in a rehabilitation program, to be completed daily. Regular telephonic communication (every 1-2 weeks) following the completion of the 6th treatment. All groups will be required to return to the clinic no more than one (1) week after the 6th treatment and at the one (1) month follow up to have readings taken. Measurement Tools: All data will be collected previsit 1, no more than 1 week after 6th treatment and at 1 month follow up, with the exception of OTE which will not be collected at previsit 1. Subjective data will b obtained by means of; Beck Depression Inventory [Appendix K] The McMaster Overall Therapy Effectiveness (OTE) Tool [Appendix L] will be used to assess patient satisfaction and general improvement. o The OTE is a valid and reliable questionnaire that allows the patient to classify the change in their health status: whether their KOA symptoms, or overall quality of life has improved, remained the same, or worsened since the last visit (Chan et al., 2006) The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) [Appendix M] detects change in function and quality of life in patients suffering from KOA using multiple questions with the visual analogy scale (VAS). o The WOMAC is valid and reliable for KOA, and has a long history of being broadly and frequently utilized to assess knee and hip OA, thus allowing comparison to a large number of studies and trials (Bellamy et al., 1988). Berg Balance Scale (BBS) questionnaire [Appendix N] is a predictor of fall risk and will be delivered if the one legged standing test is failed (Hawk et al., 2006)). KOA patients who are +ve for the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) will be monitored as a subgroup (with a + OLST and BBS) at all clinic assessments Objective data will be obtained by means of: Inclinometer [Appendix O] readings for knee flexion and extension only to evaluate the patients range of motion (ROM) (reference). Statistics: The latest version of SPSS will be used to analyse the data. 6. Plan of Research Activities Provide a summarised work plan for each year of the project giving information for each research activity per year, under the following headings: Activity Timeframes (target dates for the duration of the project) 7. Structure of Dissertation / Thesis Chapters 1. Introduction 2. Review of the related literature 3. Subjects and methods 4. Results 5. Discussion 6. Recommendations and conclusions 7. References 8. Potential Outputs  § Provide details on envisaged measurable outputs (e.g. publications, patents, students, etc.);  § Expected national and/or international acclaim for the research and contribution of research outputs to building the knowledge base;  § Exploitability of outputs, e.g. applicability to community development, improved products, processes, services in SA, region and/or continent;  § Expected effects of research results. 9. Key References Brink, H. 2006. Fundamentals of research methodologies for health care professional. 2nd edition. Juta and co. Cape Town. Cliborne, A., Wainner, R., Rhon, D., Judd, C., Fee, T., Matekel, R., and Whiteman, J. 2004. Clinical hip tests and a functional squat test in patients with knee osteoarthritis: reliability, prevalence of positive test findings, and short-term response to hip mobilization. Journal of Orthopaedic Sports Physical Therapy, November; 34(11): 676-685. Currier, L., Froehlich, P., Carow, S., McAndrew, R., Cliborne, A, Boyles, R., Mansfield, L., and Wainner, R. 2007. Development of a clinical prediction rule to identify patients with knee pain and clinical evidence of knee osteoarthritis who demonstrate a favourable short-term response to hip mobilization. Physical Therapy, September; 87(9): 1106-1119. Deyle, G., Allison, S., Matekel, R., Ryder, M., Stang, J., Gohdes,D., Hutton, J., Henderson, N., and Garber, M. 2005. Physical Therapy Treatment Effectiveness for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Randomised Comparison of Supervised Clinical Exercise and Manual Therapy Procedures versus a Home Exercise Program. Physical Therapy, 85(12): 1301-1317. Deyle, G., Henderson, N., Matekel, R., Ryder, M., Garber, M., and Allison, S. 2000. Effectiveness of Manual Physical Therapies and Exercise in Osteoarthritis of the Knee. Annals of Internal Medicine, 132(3): 173-181. Felson, D. 2000.Osteoarthritis: New Insights Part 2: Treatment Approaches. In: National Iinstitute of Health Conference, Annals of Internal Medicine; 133: 726-737. Hawk, C., Hyland, J.K., Rupert, R., Colonvega, M. and Hall, S. 2006. Assessment of balance and risk for falls in a sample of community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older. Chiropractic and Osteopathy, 14(3). Haynes, S. and Gemmell, H. 2007. Topical treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee. Clinical Chiropractic; 10: 126-138. Iverson. C., Sutlive, T., Crowell, M., Morrell, R., Perkins, M., Garber, M., Moore, J., and Wainner, R. 2008. Lumbopelvic manipulation for the treatment of patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: development of a clinical prediction rule. Journal of Orthopaedic Sports Physical Therapy, June; 38(6): 297-312. McCarthy, C., Mills, P., Pullen, R., Roberts, C., Silman, A., and Oldman, J. 2004. Supplementing a home exercise programme with a class-based exercise programme is more effective than home exercise alone in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Rheumatology; 43: 880-886. Pollard, H., Ward, G., Hoskins, W. and Hardy, K. 2008. The effect of a manual therapy knee protocol on osteoarthritic knee pain: a randomised controlled trial. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, December; 52(4): 229-242. Symmons D, Mathers C, Pfleger B. 2003. Global burden of osteoarthritis in the year 2000 [online]. Geneva: World Health Organization. Available at: URL: http://www3.who.int/whosis/menu.cfm?path=evidence,burden,burden_gbd2000docslanguage=english Tucker, M., Brantingham, J., Myburg, C. 2003. Relative effectiveness of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (Meloxicam) versus manipulation in the treatment of osteo-arthritis of the knee. European Journal of Chiropractic, 50: 163-183. Woolf, A.D. and Pfleger, B. 2003. Burden of major musculoskeletal conditions. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 81 (9). Zhang, W., Moskowitz, R. W., Nuki, G., Abramson, S., Altman, R. D., Arden, N., Bierma-Zeinstra, S., Brandt, K. D., Croft, P., Doherty, M., Dougados, M., Hochberg, M., Hunter, D. J., Kwoh, K., Lohmander, L. S. and Tugwell, P. 2008. OARSI recommendations for the management of hip and knee osteoarthritis, Part II: OARSI evidence-based, expert consensus guidelines. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 16:137-162. Appendix L The McMaster Overall Therapy Effectiveness (OTE) Tool (for general improvement and patient satisfaction) Patient No.â‚ ¬Ã…’â‚ ¬Ã…’â‚ ¬Ã…’â‚ ¬Ã…’ Visit No. Page No. . Overall Treatment Evaluation KOA We would like to find out if there are any changes in the way you have been feeling since treatment started: after 6 treatments, and also at the 1st week and 1st month follow ups. Since treatment started, has there been any change in your ACTIVITY LIMITATION, SYMPTOMS AND/OR FEELINGS related to your knee osteoarthritis? Please indicate if there has been any change by checking ONE of the three boxes below (Better/About the same/Worse): Better About the Same Worse ⇓ ⇓ If you have checked ABOUT THE SAME, ⇓ Please stop here. ⇓ If you have checked the box If you have checked the box BETTER: WORSE: How much BETTER would you say How much WORSE would you say your ACTIVITY LIMITATION, your ACTIVITY LIMITATION, SYMPTOMS AND/OR FEELINGS SYMPTOMS AND/OR FEELINGS have been since treatment started? Have been since treatment started? Please choose ONE of the options Please choose ONE of the options below: below: Almost the same, hardly better at all Almost the same, hardly worse at all A little better A little worse Somewhat better Somewhat worse Moderately better Moderately worse A good deal better A good deal worse A great deal better A great deal worse A very great deal better A very great deal worse Patient No.â‚ ¬Ã…’â‚ ¬Ã…’â‚ ¬Ã…’â‚ ¬Ã…’ Visit No. Page No. . Overall Treatment Effect CHF, continued Answer the following question whether or not you answered BETTER or WORSE and what your response was. Note if you have improved, the change will be important since you likely will be able to carry out your responsibilities with greater ease and comfort compared to before the study. If on the other hand you are worse, then you will have more difficulty carrying out your responsibilities; this will also be important for you as you have more difficulty with your activities. Is this change (BETTER/WORSE) important to you in carrying out your daily activities? Not important Slightly important Somewhat important Moderately important Important Very important Extremely important THANKS FOR YOUR COOPERATION! Description of scales and how they will be assessed: * Pages one and two are graded separately. * Page one is graded on a 15 point scale. Scored from +7 to -7 * If the answer to the first question is Better then you have a + integer * If the answer to the first question is About the Same the score is 0 * If the answer to the first question is Worse then you have a integer * With a + or integer, the answers below the better or worse response are numbered sequentially from top to bottom. Almost the same, hardly better is a 1 and A very great deal better is a 7. * Page two is graded on a 7 point scale. Scored from 1 to 7 * The answers are numbered sequentially from top to bottom. Not important is a 1 and Extremely important is a 7 Later we will dichotomize the scores on page one between scores > 1 (improved) and Appendix M The WOMAC Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS Name:_________________________________________________ Date:___/___/______DOB:___/___/_____ In Sections A, B and C questions will be asked in the following format and you should give your answers by putting a straight vertical (up-and-down) mark on the horizontal line. Note: 1. If make a straight vertical (up-and-down) mark on the line, at the left-hand end of the line, i.e. NO PAIN EXTREME PAIN Then you are indicating that you have no pain. Note: 2. If make a straight vertical (up-and-down) mark on the line, at the Right-hand end of the line, i.e. NO PAIN EXTREME PAIN Then you are indicating that you have extreme pain. 3. Please Note: a) that the further to the right-hand end you place your straight vertical (up-and-down) mark on the line, the more pain you are experiencing b) that the further to the left-hand end you place your straight vertical (up-and-down) mark on the line, the less pain you are experiencing c) Please do not place your straight vertical (up-and-down) mark on the line outside the markers. You will be asked to indicate on this type of scale the amount of pain, s