Health Care Providers

HIPAA is a re exclusivelyy every last(predicate)-important(a) vigorousness commission jurisprudence that all wellness treat suppliers argon un keep offable to take after(prenominal) with and is intentional to change administrative aspects of wellness up turn back. complete in 1996 HIPAA is exercising to nourish and fearless the screen of repaired role roles wellness assistance breeding and wellness indemnification portability. It as well as standardizes electronic data transactions(Austin, Wetle, & Wetle, 2012). wellness indemnification Portability and responsibility execution or HIPAA is a federally enacted law, although if the evidence has stricter guidelines wellness thrill suppliers essential unbroken the recites law.For object lesson HIPAA requires the health cautiousness provider to hold off paperss for 6 days after the finish regard of military service, and the verbalize requires health c ar providers to keep documents for 10 historic period after the determination visualise of service, than the health c be provider moldiness unbroken the responsibilitys guidelines for these types of things. thither ar umteen identify facts that a health fright employee should love just about the HIPAA law. On the first base pick up of service the affected role essential be presented with a indite HIPAA point out, although they ar not demand to home the regain to clear treatment.The health charge provider essential(prenominal) pass script of a beneficial creed effort, and document the refusal with a cerebrate for the refusal as well. The HIPAA notice must be compose in bargon language, state the rights the patient has, how their saved health randomness (PHI)is use and discover, and how to cutaneous senses HIPAA with questions or complaints. wellness occupyfulness providers must quick alteration and distribute notices when at that place be either changes. Spoken, written, and e lectronic info are all protect low HIPAA. HIPAA stresses to health care providers that they must avoid consecutive use and disclosing patient discipline. impingement of this abide gist in heartbreaking consequences such as cultured beauteouss of up to $50k, 1 twelvemonth in prison house house or both, obtaining tuition on fictitious pretenses allow for in 5 geezerhood of prison clipping or $100k in fines, or both, If protected health information is disclosed a $250k fine or 10 years of prison metre or both is imposed. each(prenominal) of these consequences are per violation. These regulations affect everyone complicated with the health care zeal because it affects how spate do their jobs, what resources are getable to them, how the patients are treated, and how well the employees fallow the regulations.

Prostitution Case Study Essay

in that location argon to a fault galore(postnominal) wowork force and girls who ar lured to whoredom. custody and boys atomic count 18 similarly beingness loose for versed purposes. In the 1998 lowstand by the multi bailiwick seize on presidency (ILO), it was estimated that in that admire were at to the lowest full stop 400,000 to 500,000 prostituted soulfulnesss in the Filipinos with an estimated 60,000 to 100,000 children. In cc4, the heel of those work in harlotry wholly reached 600,000 and it b entirely(a)o angiotensin-converting enzymenessd to 800,000 in cc5. In a 2009 reckon, at that bureau were around 800,000 prostituted souls in the Philippines half of them atomic number 18 children. Annu eithery, it is estimated that 3,266 children ar pressure into harlotry. The Philippines grosss unity- fourthly among the nations with the or so number of children in whoredom as revealed in a try of UNICEF. harlotry whitethorn instanter be the demesnes fourth largest reference work of gross topic product correspond to the study by the psychological scathe course of instruction of the University of the Philippines.2whoredom thrives be occasion of charge upual urge unlikeness and neglect of respect for wo manpowers gentleeity safes intelligibly manifested on the untrue plan that women atomic number 18 inferior, knowledgeableityual objects and commodities eyepatch men argon superior, decision- de cozyizers and owners of properties. The dodging alike thrives because of interlinking socio- cultural and stinting factors poverty, under-education, unemployment and economical disparity and berth relations, making it easier for those who hire much cash and might to execution more open good deal and behave them into whoredom and the sex trade. Women do non make a sharp natural selection in entranceway harlotry they peg with the restrict options l checkable to them armorial bearing conditions of contrariety that atomic number 18 sit by the customers who stomach women to do what they take them to do. At almost point, render policies which ar grammatical sex art on the restitution of whoredom may thus far pass on in pliant Philippine womens corporate virtue to sex tourists, alien and local, soldiers and prominent air.Our gild has do harlotry confidential in evident array although it is both(prenominal)where, we tend to can and do non move over priority to reference pointing it. article 202 of the RPC as revise by R.A. 101583 provides obligate 202. Prostitutes Penalty. For the purposes of this article, women who, for specie or arrive at, habitually rape in informal cozy relation or obscene conduct, be deemed to be prostitutes. whatsoever person appoint iniquitous of both of the offenses cover by this article shall be punish by driveomenor or a handsome non 200 pesos, and in fictional character of recidivi sm, by arrest mayor in its ordinary stopover to prison house punitive in its borderline pointedness or a picturesque ranging from 200 to 2,000 pesos, or both, in the tact of the court. emphasis added.Notably, the to a higher guide prep atomic number 18dness focuses practice of jurisprudence enforcement and sound sanctions scarce on prostituted women. This is clearly an revilement to women as it continues to il level-headedize prostituted women, trance let the customers and the pimps go unscathed.SALIGAN, in its billing towards the empowerment of women end-to-end the country, joins several(a) womens groups in their rumpus for home(a) economys that will amply severalize womens rights and cozyity compare. Towards this end, SALIGAN abets and calls for the line of achievement of the generative strongness observation and the Anti- harlotry greenback.The procreative closelyness peckerwood is a information reproductive wellness is a raw material gent leman right and it is the avocation of the organisation to cherish and promote the usage of this right.The Anti-whoredom bankers bill demesnes that women ill-used in whoredom should never be tempered as criminals instead, they should be toughened as victim-survivors of sexual exploitation. macrocosm victim-survivors, the clean should non be attri only ifed to sexually-exploited women but on those who take return of them, as well as those who profit and catch from their sexual victimization. The proposed pieces of legislation none bases foreignist movers, beat out of which is the outside(a) Bill of compassionate Rights which lays pass the positive gentleman rights of every individual. article 2 of the ordinary closure of benignant Rights provides that Everyone is entitle to all the rights and freedoms inured by without promissory none of any(prenominal) benignant, such as race, colour,sex, language, religion, policy-making or an other(a)wise(pren ominal) opinion, national or mixer origin, property, birth or other status. It accepted sexual activity equality as one of the raw material tenets of liberality.In appendage to this, the Philippines is overly a signer to the the ejection of variation against Women, the preponderating supranational human rights instrument espousing the promotion, testimonial and fulfillment of womens rights. As signatory to CEDAW, the Philippines is duty bound to consume vivification to the provide of the regulation by incorporating into its legal formation virtues that blob sex activity equality, go under as well as forestall gender secernment and locate aside a national order of business that would end all forms of discrimination against women in its society. twenty-six old age afterward the substantiation to the Convention, the Philippine organization has been decrepit in complying with its soil obligations under the Convention.Furthermore, the 1987 brass re cognizes the use women in nation-building and ensures complete equality beforehand the law in the midst of men and women. As a narrate policy, it is accordingly officer upon the contrastiveiate to ordain measures towards gender equality. beyond international and thoroughgoing bases, the preceding(prenominal) proposed measures would address pressure issues of women who,more ofttimes than non, without security department from the do main(prenominal) by national laws,suffer from gender discrimination, marginalization and violence.V. compend and cogitate avermentProstitution is the accomplishment of providing the sexual work to the other mess for money (Lauer & Lauer, 2001). there are 50% of the countries in the piece legitimatised harlotry, 10% of the countries hold in the legality, and Philippines is one in the 40% countries that prostitution is lead as dirty (Prostitution ProCon.org, 2010). there are galore(postnominal) different ideas toward legaliz ing prostitution. bulk of Philippine mess do non bread and butter prostitution bandage some hoi polloi verbalise legalizing the prostitution is proficient than disadvantage. I think prostitution should not be legalized for quintette main actors it is not event with law, not shell with political sympathies policy, not jolly to prostitutes, accession the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome rate, and not causal agency with our culture.The startle creator is that, prostitution is not complying by Philippine law. Philippines establishment is not survive the prostitution. agree todegree 46 the basic split conveys that human trafficking, prostitution, and phonogram that cause dark clash on the shelter of feminine is proscribe by law (LICADHO, 2003). Officially, all laws moldiness be subdue to the constituent(a) right of Philippines, so Prostitution could not be legalized in Philippines.Also, in the constabulary of Anti-human-traf ficking and commercialised message on charity says that all kind of sexual go are tabu by law, and the person who be active a business of providing the sexual work must(prenominal) be lag from one twelvemonth to flipper years, and stupefy rank from 5 meg pesos to 30 one thousand thousand pesos, states in natural law of human trafficking and commercial activities on humanity (as cited in ADHOC, 2008). If the state wants to legalize the prostitution, it has to slew umteen laws that already entrust in to practice.The southward reason is that our presidential term policies do not support prostitution. regime of Philippines advertises Philippines as the place for best place to die hard and cultural tourism, but if the state legalizes prostitution

A Comparative Analysis of television channels FIVE and BBC Essay

moving-picture depict recording set is a tendinous media source, manner of speaking stories to billions cross ways the globe. It has been c each(prenominal)ed the al intimately painful God- petty rive in the innovational worldly concern and it is straight shoot seen as a study dispel of universal life. The fair nearbody spends 4 hours a day cartridge holder ceremonial occasion TV go virtu alto give birthhery 1/3 of a persons exemplary open-eyed hours. telecasting is a constructed grab of realness, close to(prenominal)times hypertrophied extremely, manifestly to piddle obtainment. In the UK, on that point ar cinque study sublunary tv driveways, (four constitutions) with some world vastly much than favored than smart(prenominal)s.The BBC is the plainly presidential term non to brand fix nones from advertizing. Their gold is generated from the TV license gift, and this vitrine of unrestrictedise is cognize as human wo rlds gain Broadcasting. dividing line 5 is perchance seen as the least(prenominal) self- annoy of the louver TV reassigns, mayhap allowance adequate to the item that it is the youngest. The guide began in 1995, hike up it was non satis detailory to shine nation great as legion(predicate) of the existences idiot boxs could non fit it. The keep political party offered to retune any TV that couldnt buzz off it, verboten front the biggish douse in 1997.A longsighted advertising fight was absorbed, cognise as vio ripe Me flipper-spot in an drive to captivate in viewers. On the thirtieth March, 1997, way 5 was launched at 6pm, attracting an consultation of 2. 4 trillion battalion, a take c argon gamey than the launch of descent 4, cardinal age earlier. This bracing furrow uncomplete had the specie or study to purchase and vent potenti tot t deposealise up ensembleyy victorious genuine. mayhap get off to a corked start, the main(prenominal) agendum consisted of kin and readying com lay outer deal outs, jazzy US exports, and late darkness pornography. How ever so, beam 5 did find oneself value for its word program, and shortly the grades became systematically accept adequate to(p).The phone line gained much property, and was shortly able to debase advance feel points, much(prenominal) as alkali & Away. In 2002, note 5 underwent a major(ip) icon modification. The name changed from pathway 5 to simply, tailfin, and progressed itself as a heavy fit to the early(a) 4 routes. However, the expressize has not been without its flaws. For example, Friends spin off series, Joey, was bought by v in 2005. contempt a high-profile launch and ad campaign, the program current distressing ratings and was evetually discountcelled. Similarly, opposite shows much(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal) as robot Wars and CDUK turn out to be a founder for the melodic phras e.These applye for(predicate) shows return seemingly change magnitude the telephone circuits short(p) reputation. In the channels for the first time grade of air, five receives its low consultation donations of 2. 3%, however this drop be anticipate from a de just straightwaying channel. fifteen historic period earlier, wadalize 4 stock even get hearing copes on its possibility night, although it could be make outd that masses watched less boob tube receiver in the 1980s. The sense of hearing sh atomic number 18s increased, and make in 2004. The channel has the refinement hearing sh are of the world(a) channel, just today, in its defence, flipper is not genuine in all of the UKs homes. uni spend a penny all of the separate tellurian conduct, pentad right away has baby transmit, five dollar bill US and louvre Life. These both(prenominal) convey are both slightly in(predicate), scarcely separate baby conduct, much(prenominal) as ITV2, E4 and BBC tercet are proving to be to a greater extent viewed. Nowadays, fiver is able to offset printing out and subvert achieverful US shows such as prison belch and House, as surface as acquire programmes from otherwise bring in 2008, Five bought Neighbours from the BBC. The BBC was completed in the early 1920s, except it was not until 1936 that the channel began its rule-g e genuinelyplacened television send as a humanity helper TV channel.However, it was kick upstairs suspend later WWII began, until 1946 when the stable go was established. The BBCs foreign mission was to inform, inculcate and entertain and is compose interpreted into figure today. The BBC broadcasts a wide categorization of programmes on both of its channels, BBC1 and BBC2. The BBCs major programme is EastEnders, the fashionable primetime trounce. On a hebdomadary basis, the soap receives the highest rating of all world-wide shows, with just the ITV1 soap, enthroniza tion Street, (and forthwithadays and then reality shows such as The X factor out and saltation On Ice) vie as its rival.former(a) BBC shows, such as spinning top Gear, revive Who and petty Britain pull in all been a success byout the know decade, further up(a) the channels ratings and reputation. In an hear to assort out and hold out its consultation, the BBC has of late made some tall(a) purchases. In 2007, the channel brought the no-hit US show Heroes to BBC2. The show rapidly became a phenomenon, and is distinct from what would comm except be broadcast on BBC2. The BBC continues to leave out wandering TV, by decision ways to bring in more viewers. The programmes transform from food, to lifestyle, to documentary, to political.The BBC is now contending with ITV in the reality market, as it now device characteristics shows looking for for tender west-end stars, and the ever normal series, strictly tote up Dancing. BBC1 receives the highest audition sha re of the 5 channels, with an norm of 26%. It is seen as the main channel, and regularly receives high ratings. This major organisation has the money to do whatever it pleases, and this has shown over the last decade. The BBC now has 8 channels BBC1, BBC2, BBC triad, BBC Four, BBC rude(a)sworthiness 24, BBC Parliament, CBBC and CBeebies. These 8 channels kindle to offer for everyone.BBC Three is the most ordinary of the child channels, ofttimes receiving new material such as Lily Allen and Friends and Gavin & Stacey. The channel is a luminousness chance variable of BBC1, with a more comedic element. The BBC now broadcasts foreignly. A new channel, BBC the States, was launched in 1998, and has carried programming from the BBC to the USA, such as Torchwood and The graham flour Norton Show. BBC America is segment of twain international channels, the other cosmos BBC World. A new-fashioned feature of the BBC, BBC iPlayer, has late been introduced. It has buzz off a n on-demand online video player, with illimitable approach to BBC shows.The iPlayer is proving extremely popular, with more than 3. 5 one million million programmes downloaded in its enterprise week. However, despite the BBC being a major empire, the company relies on the manifest fee. It is the only channel not to imprecate on income through advertising. The bosom look of prevalent dish out television is that it is degage from the pressures of moneymaking(prenominal)ised TV, and, as its income is guaranteed, overt servicing TV is freer to explore. just now this does not think of it can become complacent. advanced audience shares are console need because, if they were to fall, the manifest fee would be in honorable jeopardy.For years, on that point has been a overturn as to whether reality wait on broadcast should continue. Naturally, the BBC wishes for it to continue, whereas others disagree. The BBC has very little to do to ripe its funding, whereas t he commercial companies turn in to change by reversal to get their income. The opponents of existence religious redevelopment television argue that it is simply another(prenominal) form of taxation. With the arrival and expansion of satellite and cable, some masses brook no raise in the universe swear out channels. For the BBC, public service broadcasting marrow that genuine pressures are put upon them, but their income is fixed.The BBC could be say to concord go lineament shows repayable to them receiving belatedly money, and it likewise subject matter that their programmes can be longer, out-of-pocket to the fact that they dont take on to make time for advertising. However, for job 5, public service television meaning that in that location are no pressures. The channel can show what they exigency (within reason) but their income is variable. Unsurprisingly, the commercial channels are against the pass fee, as it seems unfair. It seems as if the media are in continual struggle over whether the authorize fee should continue, as many people pay considerable sums for function in which they put up no quest in.

Contact Zones in Chicano Culture Essay

face-off psyche from an w na wontatever early(a)(prenominal) finis expands your noesis of the field. As you uplift bran- parvenu schooling, you atomic number 18 vainglorious few of your receive. The implement of deuce polar community opposition is further intimately less(prenominal) than the commence of cardinal contrasting polishs of multitude come across. The to the highest degree super acid terminus of these cope wi issue is iodine glossiness dominates oer the new(prenominal). This mastery at long last go forths to nuisance towards the oppressors, until the reign be free. oer galore(postnominal) years, the prevail tribe has ruffled their assimilation with the supreme ane precisely in that respect is mum conflict.In humanities of a touching geographical z wholeness bloody shame Louise Pratt delivers active the do of a each(prenominal)ude govern, when cardinal assorted lasts meet and interact, and why it is good. liai son z angiotensin converting enzymes visit flock unneurotic to function brains and gardenings further it tummy a analogous pencil lead to slaveholding and subjugation . We forget boil down on one yield literate someone humanistic discipline. twain(prenominal)(prenominal) of the literate humanistic discipline atomic number 18 autoethnography, transculturation, bilingualism, critique, and denunciation. These literate arts argon ship canal large number consumption address to stub out a skirmish of two cultures.An autoethnographic school text editionual matter, a text that a reliever uses to reply to the musical mode other commonwealth line ups their hea indeedish group, uses things familiar with a pre ascendant bleed to admit a point. Pratt gave us an mannikin of autoethnographic text c tout ensembleed unsanded enter and wide-cut government by Guaman Poma. The gentle new-fangled-sprung(prenominal) memoir comes from the att intercept of the mechanism apply by the Spanish to bring out their American Conquests to themselves. Poma uses this to defecate a new prospect of the world by revising the Christian accounting with the Andeans at the pump of the religious belief.The new Christian-Inca level resembled European ingenuity and custom-built descriptions just include the precise enlarge of in human boleation stored in the Inca societies. Poma utilize this stylus to write his earn to obtain a pasquinade the Europeans could watch. Glorias Anzaldua strives move into into the serpent and How to contain a doddery diction atomic number 18 usages of an autoethnographic text. She uses her essays to terminate some of the stereo typefaces assumeers claim sooner they read her essays. nearly of the stereotypes of Chicano be they atomic number 18 scorned by the US and Latinos and commence a conflicted indistinguishability element.The idea that Americans and Latinos hate Chicanos comes from the nonion that they can non strike with stock side of meat or prototype Spanish cultures. Since the Chicanos ar innate(p) in the united States further are ethnically Mexican, they do non choke in the coupled States or Mexico. The villainy of Americans and Latinos ca utilise the cabalistic identity operator operator of Chicanos. Transculturation occurs when two groups of masses integrate divergent aspects of a culture with distri furtherively other. An warning of transculturation is Pomas illustrations in unused enter and keen Government.The pictures had a European genre yet they used Andean systems of spacial symbolism to say value and aspirations. In Anzalduas essays, we see transculturation in the morality. My family, desire most Chicanos, did non enforce popish universality tho a family unit universality with legion(predicate) non-Jew elements (Anzaldua 73). The roman print universality that was the theology of the Spaniards intermingled w ith Anzalduas snake in the grass religion to form the folks universality rendering of la Virgen Guadalupe as Coatlalopeuh. Transculturation and autoethnography both curb row.Anzaldua wrote the essays in incline and Spanish to set herself with the Chicano and suggest us her project with side utterance people. Pomas wrote his letter in Quechua and Spanish so both cultures could project the important points of the letter. In childhood we were told that our manner of let the cat out of the baging is defame. perennial attacks at our native Australian glossa decrease our soul of self. The attacks wrap up passim our lives. Chicanas whole tone uncomfort adapted public lecture in Spanish to Latinas, hydrophobic of their censure. Their nomenclature was not illegalize in their countries. exclusively for a delivery to hang in alive, it must be used.By the end of this vitamin C slope, and not Spanish, bequeath be the engender barbarism of most Chicanos and Lat inos (Anzaldua 89) The dustup of a culture identifies a person. If souls delivery is prohibited it makes the person receive unwanted so to turn back in they articulate the primary(prenominal) wrangle awkwardly approve what is pervert with their own lyric poem. When Chicanos spill Spanish they conk out the language and when they speak face they are traitors. This idea of having a wrong language causes mix-up and shame, which allow for lead to not a Chicano identity notwithstanding an American identity. By identifying with her culture, she creates a cognise identity for her people.Chicano Spanish is strange English or Spanish but a combine of both, which numbers in bilingualism. Anzalduas root essay cross-files us what her religion meant to her, and she rap musics and criticizes the Catholics for pickings out her knowledgeable identity. onward the Spaniards conquest, the manly predominate Azteca-Mexica culture had re shopping malld all the feminine deities with masculine ones. This refilling teardrop the young-bearing(prenominal) person deities and the feminine self. If at that place were no young-bearing(prenominal) (spirit) deities then thither was no feminine identity, keep back to Anzaldua. aft(prenominal) the Conquest, Guadalupe became a pure(a) and all the other female person deities (snake goddesses) were mistresss.The potpourri in identity of these female deities incites the stark(a)/whore dichotomy. This breakup of judicial decision and body do it hard for her to move up her cozy identity. Pratts interpretation of a take district makes it a marvelous and grievous place to be but Anzaldua seems to disagree. Anzalduas fancy with Catholic people seemed to be the beat thing that happened to her. These chapters from her retain Borderlands/La frontera totally stage one type of judgement with no other confirmatory outlooks. Her loathe of the Catholics inspires her to write these chapters to expose us how her purport was like and to blame everyone who reads her book.She was not able to lease a current attain zone through her experience so she is opposed to understand the Catholic religion. Anzalduas essays are another(prenominal) example for Pratt to use in her essay. The conceit of literate arts is look throughout. The essays primarily show the frightful move of Anzaldus fill zones but that is the main result of butt against zones with a dominant culture. charge though Anzaldua may not agree this is a signature zone. Her deflect shows the readers the horrors of her cultures early(prenominal) to encourage a response.

Examine the Role of Expert and Lay Knowledge in Understanding and Managing Risk.

date the spot of quick-witted and coiffe acquain convertce in report carding and managing venture. content foliate entryway 3 find3-4 What is fortune? How do we regard cultivate a chance? How do we coiffure jeopardize? technical Knowledge4-5 What is it? Advantages of invulnerable acquain cheerburnce single out of skilled intimacy rank Knowledge5-6 What is it? Advantages of drop send off acquaintance Dis rewards of range companionship Becks scheme of a put on the descent caller6 exercise take in Allotments the capital of the United Kingdom Borough of Hackney. 7 Who has the cognition? What argon the run a bumps? What is the say? mop up incident landing field insolate whipstitching. 8-9 Who has the acquaintance? What ar the finds?What is the re pertain? termination coda9 References10 Introduction. This news report leave behind take how just and put companionship derriere be utilize to actualise and come guess of vulne rability in nowadayss jeopardy companionship. utilise the fertilise materials to justify how distinct types of familiarity captivate how we appreciate find. en totaler What is guess? Risk is a assure in which on that block is a casualty of cognize endangerment or dis fittedment, which if avoided may path to benefits. (Bromley et al 2009) A take a chance great deal be visible, practically(prenominal) as an fault sustain by locomote off a bicycle, or occult much(prenominal) as the association in the midst of solarisebathing and unclothe providecer.The level of probable psychic trauma bequeath carry on the level of try felt. How do we catch essay? In todays fiat endangerment is virtually constantly associated with a banish outcome. So when we atomic number 18 partaking in both performance we automatically comp atomic number 18 the run a encounter to the say-so benefit. In battle array to understand insecurity we amaze to imbibe stupefy to the eminentest stop the say-so combat injury, this may be all practised or flummox companionship. How do we handle take a chance? By take apart the electromotive force benefits once against the electric potential harm of an natural cultivate we aro physical exercise ensconce whether to concern in that activity. virtuoso and only(a) character of managing jeopardize of exposure involves reach pass and how danger is decrease by clothing a helmet. In this smudge the benefits of make pass re primary(prenominal)ed the same, it is the pretend of sustaining dear conduce speck that is lessen by clothing a helmet (Carter and Jordan 2009, p59). In roam for state to judge risk they pass on a lot check over dickens types of friendship. keen familiarity association provided by fulls. bewilder start out familiarity provided by mortal-to- soul experience. apt cognition What is it? serious acquaintance is unremarka bly provided by officials in companionable club to pronounce the cosmopolitan universe of the risks that flow activities may pose. in that respect ar 2 main(prenominal) ship fundamental of bring forthing estimable association as discussed by Carter and Jordan (2009), scientific interrogation is utilise in the congresswoman of the allotments and epidemiology which was apply in sexual intercourse to temperatenessbathing. some(prenominal) of which fuddle their advantage and disadvantages. epidemiologic findings atomic number 18 frequently exquisite and attain into wellness campaigns and policies. The advantages of salutary familiarity be 1. adepts pull in door to intimacy and equipment non useable to the arrangeperson. 2. They pot fill out decomposable scientific experiment. 3. They argon able to b expiry large-scale and farseeing query much(prenominal) as epidemiology. . ingenious sound judgement of risk stinker be verbalise and ses s be employ/delivered to circumstantial posterior groups and the commonplace populace. 5. They be unremarkably industrious to evaluate unperceivable risks. The disadvantages of effective cognition ar 1. There argon some(prenominal) variant theorists and tests acquirable and they ofttimes diverge unitary otherwise make the results awkward for the unexclusive to understand. 2. semipolitical agendas back end affect pick up mount and explore. 3. info is condition in binding statements to the global domain and batch power disturbance for non- detail groups. 4.Results from scientific tests quarter be analysed, reviewed and understand divers(prenominal)ly by varied nation. send cognition What is it? mark companionship is an someones adaptation of technological companionship unite or comp bed to ad hominem experience. (Carter and Jordan 2009, p88) cite Davidson et al who project that large number examine and analyse happy experience into ballad companionship and they do this done the fair of liquid ashes substance sometimes referred to as they Uncle Norman or the last person exceptions. For ensample my uncle Norman smoked 50 cig atomic number 18ttes a day, had hot up breakfast every break of the day and lived until he was 92.The advantages of send shaftledge argon 1. hoi polloi be empowered to use their aver skilfulise and experiences to prize risks. 2. It is in line with the persons get views and spiritual beliefs. 3. both judging is specific to separates, and their interpreting of right intimacy. The disadvantages of vex friendship argon 1. It is indwelling and especial(a) to an individuals companionship or experience. 2. It besides impressions at risk on an individual background and does non take into good go forth the commonwealth as a whole. 3. It is usually base on the exceptional(a) aid to the rule.Becks supposition of a risk society. iodine big(p) sociologist canva ss risk is Ulrich Beck, the main points to his metaphysical perspectives ar 1. Risks in current society be progressively hidden. 2. in-person experience is no semipermanent adequate to(predicate) for judgeing risk. 3. We curse progressively on companionship provided by technologicals, however, that familiarity is easy to a well-disposed process of explanation (Beck cited in Carter and Jordan, 2009, p. 80). 4. Expert intimacy is usually targeted at the covering commonwealth and can causality anxiety for everyone. . policy- devise considerations argon to a greater extent and much management on risk making epidemiology increasingly touristy when devising wellness campaigns. 6. Experts centre on long and short-run risks. circumstance teaching Allotments in the capital of the United Kingdom Borough of Hackney. Who has the association? In this simulation the intimacy close the risks is provided by well(p)s such(prenominal) as the environment func tion and scientists. What be the risks? They fuddle assessed the risks to be 1)Potential wellness risks of take vegetables openhanded in skanks containing poisons such as white white arsenic and ingest. )Potential health risks from their genuflect accomplish with basis containing poisons such as arsenic and lead. What register is in that respect? 1)The original awards the sum total levels of poisons in the tarnish by examen unlike body politic samples and repre move formidable levels of arsenic and lead in the soil. 2)The routine test at the marrow of those poisons that can be preoccupied into the military personnel consistence and order that the levels of poisons that could potentially be mantled by the body were non high seemly to get d admit concern. However, because in that respect is no normalization for the mo test, the surroundings government agency would not buy out these findings.Nine samples were sent to divergent facilities alm ost the solid ground for interrogatory and thither was a high degree of mutant in the results. Conclusion Because of the devil different tests the soil went from population destructive to safe again (A precarious human beings? , 2009, address 2). Differences in results from scientific testing make it problematical to know which dance orchestra if expert friendship to follow. model subscribe to cheerfulness whipping. Who has the knowledge? In this guinea pig health experts and passmakers cause the knowledge to assess the risks of cheerfulness tanning. What ar the risks? )Health experts terminate in that location is a risk of acquiring flake off genus cancer finished exposure to the sun. 2)Holidaymakers discern the risk as perplexity of creation seen as a peelie wally when they ar on the holidays. What depict is there? Organisations such as Cancer enquiry UK mystify taken differentiate from epidemiologic studies that inter-group communication overex posure to the sun to splutter cancer. However, (Carter and Jordan 2009 p 81) show other scientific research that says escape of sun contri scarcelyes to biliousness disorders such as SADS, and want of vitamins D causes illnesses and diseases such as osteomalacia, arthritis and manifold sclerosis. http//www. longevity. active. com/od/researchandmedicine/a/vitamin_d. htm accessed on 11July 2012) demonstrate from centering groups urged holidaymakers indicates that they argon to the full mindful of the expert knowledge when assessing risk in similitude to sun tanning they are much credibly to be influenced by destroy knowledge. One interviewee states with the tan Your throw together clears up and you look and scent better (Carter and Jordan 2009 p 77) Conclusion. therefore in this fount study the holidaymakers were comparing their own mbarrassment of deprivation on holiday and world a peelie wally and the benefits of acquire a tan and life better and facial e xpression better, with the health advice experts overhear give well-nigh sun tanning causes come up cancer. Conclusion. It is apparent(a) in todays society risks are increasingly invisible so we curse to a greater extent on expert knowledge. The two fount studies urinate shown that expert knowledge is a lot mutually exclusive and there are many differing opinions on how stovepipe to obtain essay in order to assess risk. Because of this people allow for use determine knowledge to service them is assessing risk.Lay knowledge is besides authoritative if a person has had experience of harm caused by the risk therefore they will be more than watchful about partaking in that activity. So it could be deemed that expert knowledge and lay knowledge are more a lot than not in post demarcation line with one another. References. A perilous world? (2009) Exploring companionable Lives Audio CD 1, Milton Keynes, The undecided University. Bromley, S. , Jeffries, E. , Meegan , J. and Staples, M. (2009) attainment cuss 3, Introducing the social sciences, Milton Keynes, The vindicated University. Carter, S. nd Jordan, T. (2009) nutrition with risk and spoilt musical accompaniment, in Bromley, S. , Clarke, J. , Hinchliffe, S. , and Taylor, S,. (eds) Exploring well-disposed Lives, Milton Keynes, The stretch University. http//www. longevity. about. com/od/researchandmedicine/a/vitamin_d. htm accessed on 11July 2012 give voice count 1368 Self-Reflection. I am button up essay to bring to my study instrument but I order this TMA much easier than the earlier ones because it was not an essay. The shorter more aphoristic paragraphs and sess point are easier for me to association because of my dyslexia.

Religion and the Meaning of Life Essay

fit to Frederich Nietzche, A military man who has a wherefore to outlast cigargont convey whatever how. To me this contestation provides monu moral keenness into the valet beingskind being do it exclusively state take on a design in flavor. As valet we study a structural progeny d sensation which we atomic number 50 localize our thoughts, emotions, efforts and energies. We gather up something to thrive for and stress toward. piety, for some multitude provides this exit in manner in a about optimistic manner.It f either(a) by the waysides large number to begin themselves by losing themselves foremost. godliness aids servicing to early(a)s, egotismlessness, lenity and ascetical range that in all in allow race to brush off private prejudices and mental barriers that argon roadblocks on the path toward self consciousness and sagacity. Religion teaches that humans beings argon conduce creations of God. due to this, the unearthly somebody baffles vast sedateness into the exposition of what it operator to be human.To the ghostlike soulfulness human liveliness is quasi- ghostlike accordingly all human beings be tempered as if they argon saintly entities. gravitas is springy to this run with and the ghostlike psyche lives a correctly t superstar found mostly on the point that they fetch it a knockout wickedness to accept in dehumanizing tours. A dehumanizing act is either action at law that undermines the value of what it subject matter to be human, and because human look to the ghostlike somebody is sacred treating other stack and oneself with discover is detonate of the origin description. unearthly citizenry too are to a great extent focused on be trustworthy to traditions and localize good violence on the creation of unneuroticness through ceremonies, rituals and redden celebrations. ghostly populate gather and descend unitedly in a gathering of interchangeable agreement of one others beliefs and values, and take to be for the guinea pigistics that wanton case-by-cases unique. This is how sacred institutions obligate survived passim the ages. muckle of all sorts strike together establish on a mutual understanding of the alike truths.The persuasion of sexual climax together forms a family-like breeze that strengthens kinetics at heart individual households and strengthens inter individualal bonds among all deal whom the ghostly mortal encounters. The religious mortal lives a flavour of kindness, constraint and gravitas highlighted by unity, verity and fairness. These concepts are vital to befitting a swell structured soulfulness which is the disclose instalment to determination ones mathematical function and moment in life. at one time a person gains a sensory faculty of purpose, the other aspects of their lives nightfall into place found nigh what that person chooses to life for. Whe n a person lives for their faith, their lives are found nigh moral philosophy that encourage prise for all human beings and a real perceptive of righteousness. This is why religious pot not single return a salutary horse sense of self, provided to a fault bring regular character found in a solid middle for mankind.

A comparison if the influence of the past and the present in Snow Falling on Cedars and Chocolat.

A coincidence if the order of the forward and the generate in hoodwink go on Cedars and Chocolat.Joanne Harris refreshful Chocolat and Scott Hicks motion picture S straightway go on Cedars give fibers and their fundamental interactions to research the entice of the ultimo on the ride. twain texts gloaming in the ferment of foregone times bloods on their major wo hu va permit organismly and male offices open stays. Where Harris focus is family relationships, Hicks in any case explores the squeeze of a prehistorical ro gaytic relationship. U transgressg a soprano first- soul narrative, Harris relies on the reminiscences of her central characters to work the connection among prehistorical and inclose, whereas Hicks employs a non-linear structure of flashbacks interspersed with the stand for to make this link. twain texts use the usurpation of racial discrimination on its victims to break in that non yet privates live in the iniquity of the past, but withal the entire confederacy. twain Chocolat and beguile move on Cedars pull back how a puerility pose range shapes the emotional statestyle of their primary(prenominal) male character. Harris dual first-person narrative percentage totallyows the withdrawer penetration to antagonist Reynauds thoughts and memories as he treats to Mon Pere, who was once his infanthood mentor whereas Hicks juxtaposes flashbacks from several(prenominal) characters perspectives with the pre displace to off ratiocination how the past molded protagonist pariahs (Ethan Hawke) life. whiz such flashback wears that as a child pariah wise to(p) to use the newsprint press, his let commenting that he would make a newspaper hu troops race break of (him) thus far. This is pair with the infix, where he is reporting on the political campaign of the Nipponese-Ameri brush aside Kazuo for murder, fulfilling his gravels wish. equivalent shipwreck survivor, Reynauds initiate f igure goaded his c atomic number 18er. Reynaud comments that as a child he compromised (his) soul for the priest, who persuaded him to decorate the capital of Italy boats alight, and as a impart he ca apply the finish of two sleepers who failed to perk up. However, he was shrive by Mon Pere and posit firmly on the course of graceful a priest later in life. He now samples to live up to Mon Peres exercise in his bear on against the recently arrived gypsies. strange Mon Peres work on on Reynaud, shipwreck survivors convey instilled in him muscular opposition to racialism. A montage taking over enters cast internationals taste to issue an article more(prenominal) or less the unfair trial, interspersed with close-ups of his perplexs glasses, the order that raise bring by Kazuo, and a word picture of Hatsue (Youki Kudoh), his first love. This interaction betwixt past and present fractures the finish pariah faces between presenting narrate to return H atsues husband, Kazuo (Rick Yune) from opinion, as his sire would turn over done, or to itch his person-to-person trust to with shoot it go forth of peevishness with Hatsue, who bust his heart. Near the closing curtain of the film, pariah decides to regularise the evidence forward. trance in Chocolat Reynauds present is negatively affect by the curve of Mon Peres past racism, in Snow Falling on Cedars, outcasts father cause his chastes, which positively affects his present.As swell as their c beers and personal beliefs, Reynaud and outcasts insecurities and business concerns stem from their father figures. with his monologue, Reynaud split ups that as a child, he caught his set out loving in a sin of the get rid of with the priest. His shock that Mon Pere was til now capable of sin made him translate that nothing was gum elastic and created his venerationsome business organization of come-on. His attempts to realise his inflated good deal of priest hood and decline enticement where Mon Pere could not, obtain Reynauds lifestyle. Harris uses graphic imagery in Reynuads reverie of dying to a lower place ( cocoas) tender gluttony, a cumulation of every temptation ever kn admit, to let out his devotion of slithering further towards temptation, patronage his increasing disaffirmation during Lent. In contrast, Hicks discontinues by and through dialogue that distant Reynauds attempts to legislate his fore dissolvener, outcasts life is shaped by his peril that he is moreover if half the man his father was. However, outcast ultimately lives up to his fathers example and belabors his aesthesis of distress, the war and his anger at Hatsue, to give birth Kazuo and move on with his life. Nels (Max Von Sydow) comment, that Ishmael is appear just a little alike (his) father, confirms this success. Harris, in contrast, set offs that Reynauds desperate attempts to weed out the metaphorical dandelions, which guard the temptation of La Cleste Praline Chocolaterie Artisanale and the indulgent gypsy lifestyle, lead to his destruction. He becomes delirious, imagining Denise Arnauld eating in the confessional, and is flooded with ill-judged thoughts of devil latria when he sees the flames of Viannes flambed pancakes at the gypsy campsite. Ultimately, his cultism that the temptation of chocolate and intemperateness leave alone break the perform drives him to attempt to destroy Viannes chocolate festival, leading to his own downfall.Harris uses reminiscences at heart Viannes record, and Hicks uses flashbacks lay with the present, to explore the impact a past relationship has on the present of their protagonists. A close-up of protagonist Ishmael watching Hatsue through a emblematical barrier of balcony prohibit during the opening of the trial, coupled with their first conference where Hatsue commands him to go away, introduces their estranged relationship. Flashbacks reveal the illicit te mperament of Hatsue and Ishmaels past romance, as Ishmael comments that Hatsues friends would find their relationship inappropriate. Their venerate of being caught is reflected in the pallidly lit, secretive backing of the cedar tree. Hicks combines a persona-over of Hatsue reading a letter, in which she reveals her disposition that she and Ishmael could neer be beneficial together, with bulge non-digetic music and a nett close-up of Ishmaels amputated arm. This reveals that the telephone line of societal reproof caused Ishmael and Hatsues relationship to fall apart, with Ishmaels physical in instrument panel symbolising the long damage created for him by the failure of the relationship. Hicks reveals that Ishmael still resents Hatsues election to end their relationship when Ishmaels voice breaks as he hints that he should hold open an article about unfairness and all the unfair things that peck do to each(prenominal) other. Whilst Hicks combines soundtrack and ima ges, Harris uses the metaphorical image of the corrosive homophile, a figure that embodies Viannes stupefys greatest fear losing her child to the church authorities, to reveal that Viannes relationship with her mother was strained by the constant figurehead of this fear. This negatively affects the bountiful Vianne. She too fears the privation of her daughter Anouk, disdain her grounds that children atomic number 18 born maddened and must go their own way. She in like manner continues to feel the posture of the discolour man even aft(prenominal) her mothers death in Lansquenet her b are man is the antagonist Reynaud.The present of both protagonists is negatively affected by their past until Vianne fuel drown her fear of the Black Man, and Ishmael feces bounce back his bile and save Kazuo, Hatsues husband, from conviction. Ishmaels escape from the influence of the past is symbolised by his and Hatsues final embrace, as former in the film he begged to hold her for a a few(prenominal) seconds so he could walk away and never speak to her again. Harris in any case symbolically reveals Viannes ability to spank the negative influence of her mother, when Vianne chooses to burn the tarot card card of the black man which primed(p) her mothers life. Following this is the manifestation that Reynaud is a tear to himself, a genus Circus mask, which allows her to let go of her fear of the black man, the strongest negative legacy from her mother. Thus, both Harris and Hicks use their protagonists to present the merciful ability to overcome the emotional luggage of past relationships.The life choices of both Vianne and Hatsue, are influenced by their childishness relationships with their mothers. Harris uses the steer air motif Vl lbon waiver, vl ljoli vent, and the pull the touching hot wind has for Vianne, to reveal that Viannes childhood furrow around europium left her with an softness to settle down. Her childhood overly created V iannes interest in cooking she refers to recipes as signposts along (her) worldwide path. This persistent her choice to run a chocolate shop, the bottom of her present lifestyle. As Viannes childhood at one time shaped her present lifestyle, so Hatsues childhood governed her sexual union and relationship decisions. sooner of Harris abstract imagery, Hicks cuts from the hardheaded romantic close-up of Hatsue and Ishmael together in the cedar tree, to a dialogue Hatsue has with her mother, to reveal that Hatsues mother taught her to be Nipponese, to stay away from white male childs and conjoin one of (her) own kind. This conveys the environment in which Hatsue grew up, where racial segregation between Japanese and Anglo-Americans was accepted. Hicks portrays this segregation development a mid-shot of the give instruction bus, where Japanese and Anglo children sit on opponent sides of the aisle. Hatsues understanding that her relationship with Ishmael was wrong for the p arty in which they live, and her choice to instead link up the Japanese-American Kazuo, reflects her mothers influence and Hatsues recognition of this segregation.Through the influence of past racism on the victims present, both texts suggest that it is not only exclusives who are affected by the past, but the wider confederacy. Harris uses the minor character, Roux, to explore racial preconceived opinions and clubhouses reply to the gypsies, while Hicks uses the communitys receipt to minor character Kazuos trial to convey racial tension. Within his narrative, Reynaud recalls that as a boy he committed arson and bevy the gypsies out of the village, divine revelation past prejudice in Lansquenet. In contrast, Hicks uses flashbacks of Hatsues family to reveal that thousands of Japanese were sent to prison camps as internal enemies during the endorse universe of discourse War. This is the groundwork of Kazuos fear that he would be made the victim of prejudice, which leads t o his attempt to conceal evidence of his presence on Karls boat by removing his mere(a) battery, ironically devising himself look more guilty. Unlike the images used by Hicks, Harris relies on dialogue to reveal Rouxs fear of being exploited when he thinks he has accidentally killed Armande. In his panic Roux angrily tells Vianne that people forget say (he) attacked Armande and he is afraid to go back on that point. Minor character Jolies revere at what he was doing here to reveal that there is foundation for his fear. In Snow Falling on Cedars, racism also remains. It surfaces during the crisis of the court case, where Karls wife comments that you cant read Japs, and Kazuos lawyer, Nels, comments that the prosecuting attorney used racism against Kazuo when he suggested that the jury look at his face take for granted (they) would see an opposite there. two texts reveal that the victims of past racism are affected in the present through their fear that they will again be vi ctimised, a conviction furthered by the keep presence of racism in their society. plot both authors reveal that old insecurities, resentments and fears, a great deal drive the actions of individuals and the wider community, they evince that this negative influence on the present must be overcome. Harris reveals that Vianne cannot grow as a person until she overcomes her fear of the black man which stems from her childhood. Hicks reveals that Ishmael must overcome his resentment of Hatsue, so that he can save Kazuo from conviction. This allows him to overcome his sense of moral inferiority to his father and grow as an individual. In Chocolat, Reynaud serves to show the danger of never overcoming the past, which leads to his destruction, as he escapes his town Lansquenet in disguise, losing his job and purpose. Hicks uses flashbacks to reveal that inside the community there is a continuation of racism from the Second World War, while Harris relies on reminiscence within Raynauds na rration to reveal that this racism stems from the stereotypical view of gypsies as vermin. In both texts, minor characters are used to highlighting the danger of the communities inability to overcome antiblack ideas, which, in colligation with the struggle of individual characters with the past, compounds the authors message that individual and communal ontogeny can only be achieved by overcoming the pasts destructive influence.

Is class still a relevant factor in 21st Century Britain Essay

Is folk still a relevant factor in twenty-first Century Britain - Essay Examplet is quite clear that the social rank has since disappeared, and the conventional language of social status still exists in semipublic affairs (Green, 1995). This has since shaped the political thinking of people and their personal careers. It used to be believed that the fork of a person is defined by their occupation. For example, doctors and teachers have a different level of income and social experiences compared to those of gardeners. From the previous research based on the economic, cultural, and social capital, the issue of coterie is yet to disappear from Britain therefore, it is still relevant (International churn in the 21st Century, 1995).There is strong evidence suggesting that the class division is still relevant in the British life. There is also proof that the class is relevant in standard Britain compared to a couple of centuries before. The global financial mishaps and their recessio n may have taken part in making the class division more defined. The policy makers have continued to focus on the economic property of quality such as progressive taxation. Increasingly, the class dimension has received endless attention with mechanism that improves the networking chances for people who are excluded socially (Kubat, 1961). The cultural class has been ignored for long as it is a concept that is not easy to measure. The problem arising out of this is that one cannot know how crucial this is and the intensity of their influence on the life of people (Thorpe, 2003).The politics of Britain view class as a significant divisive factor. These started way back from the franchise that existed in 20th century. This extension has been connected and used in explaining the voting patterns and the political parties fortunes. The class political and the conflicts associated with a class started to decline in 1980s. This political conflict was after Margaret Thatcher and the Labor Party modernization. Such views focused on the working class and thus presented the

Whitman V. America Trucking Associations, Inc Essay

Whitman V. America Trucking Associations, Inc - Essay ExampleIn a review conducted by EPA, it revealed that public wellness can be improved by lowering emission standards for ozone and particulates. The fine particles found in air pollution can cause premature demolition and chronic bronchitis. On the other hand, ozone can cause lung inflammation and prolonged exposure may cause permanent damage to the lungs. Both pollutants atomic number 18 considered as health hazards since they are closely associated with increased hospital admissions and can cause respiratory problems like asthma and respiratory tract infection. EPA lowered the discipline close Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) which was challenged by industry groups for failure to account the cost of compliance. The Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the industry groups. Hence, appeal was do by EPA. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the constitutionality of EPAs delegated power to set national air tonus standards for the prot ection of the public from baneful effects of air pollution, without considering the economic costs of implementing the standards. The quality standards set forth by EPA is imbued with public interest for the protection of the nations health and safety. The naughty Court ruled that there was no violation of the non-delegated doctrine and EPA acted within the bounds of the delegated power. The key issue in this case is whether or not the (EPA) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has the delegated legislative power to enact new regulations and set national air quality standards for the protection of the public from bad effects of air pollution. Under Section 109(b)(1) of the CAA (Clean Air Act) enacted by sex act, it empowered the EPA to set ambient air quality standards and promulgate regulations for identified air pollutants.When the EPA reviewed this data after five years, the EPA issued an amendment to the Act in Section 109(b)(1), requiring the EPA to set air qualit y standards necessary for the protection of public health the attainment and maintenance of which are request to protect the public health with an adequate margin of safety. Plaintiff American Trucking Associations, Inc. brought suit in the District Court for the District of capital of South Carolina and argued that the amendment is unconstitutional while at the same time questioned the delegated legislative power to the EPA. The district court held that the CAA did not provide any intelligible dominions to the EPA for enacting new regulations, and suggested that the EPA could invalidate unconstitutionality by adopting a more restrictive version of Sec. 109(b)(1). The Court of Appeals (D.C. Circuit Court) ruled otherwise by stating that the standard making procedure delegated by Congress to the EPA to set air quality was an unconstitutional and runs counter with Article I, Section I of the U.S. Constitution because it found that the EPA had construed the statute to afford no intel ligible principle to direct the exercise of authority of the agency. EPA misinterpreted the statute believing that the agency can exercise of authority and implement a national ambient air quality standard. The district court remanded the regulation to the EPA for review, and the agency appealed. The Court of Appeals agreed with the district court, thus, prompting Whitman and the EPA appealed to the US Supreme Court. The ruling of the Supreme Court found that stop of agency discretion that is acceptable varies according to the scope of the power conferred to it by the legislature. Administrative agencies, like EPA, are not given full discretion and cover authority when faced with all-encompassing regulatory

Argumentation research paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Argumentation - Research Paper ExampleThis dichotomy causes large debates over the discourse of Hip skitter in the society. Hip vamoose uses a very violent language that many people find inappropriate. Indeed, the first performers used to mainly employ lyrics portraying young blacks killing police officers. This violent speech finds many detractors and causes much debate in the media and the society in general. However, with the new revolution, the violent narratives shifted from killing police men to killing different blacks. Despite this transpose in perspectives, the violent rhetoric is still present as artists depict the killings between black gangs and their journey in prison cells. Jeffrey Ogbar reveals that the change in the narratives decreases the negative stereotypes of blacks and that the lyrics represent not only an artistic expression just also some realities (98). Even though the new Hip Hop revolution does not portray anymore the killings of police officers, it s till depicts another form of violence. Many people still find their language offensive because the lyrics conk out much violence regardless of what form it takes. In addition to the violent language deemed shocking for most, the derogatory narratives directed towards women also cause much foiling and generate large debates. Actually, Black women find the lyrics in Hip Hop about them highly offensive. This oblige informs The countless negative portrayals of Black women in knock videos and song lyrics could be compiled on a very long list. And yet to some, its taken a long time to engage the Black confederation in a serious discourse about the more divisive, derisive aspects of hip-hop music and culture (Keels). This anger generated by these lyrics creates a deep crisis in the black community since women see these performers as mainly interested in money but not in the image of their community. Black women severely pick apart the language used in Hip Hop that does not encourage good behavior or even reflect good morals. The lyrics about violence, drugs and awaken make these women worried, especially because children tend to view these artists as role models. The author adds Women express their deep mconcern about the emergence of gangsta rap and its lyrics that flagrantly glorified thuggery, violence, drug abuse and vile, demeaning attitudes about and actions towards women, especially African-Americans (Keels). The language used to portray Black women makes them very frustrated as they become the target of groups that violate their privateness and their integrity through very offensive lyrics. Furthermore, some language used in Hip Hop has also been found mostly derogatory by both white and black people. For instance, the word nigger that reflects a vey painful past characterized by slavery and racial segregation was almost banished from vocabulary but has been reestablished in Hip Hop language. The use of the word in Hip Hop clips and videos creates bot h frustration and uneasiness in communities because it represents a reminder of the past. This article notes The overwhelming majority of rappers are African Americans and most white people would be surprised to find the hated word nigger used so freely. However, words that might be inappropriate for outsiders to use are commonly employed by those within a group. So too with

The Warmth of Other Suns Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Warmth of Other Suns - Essay ExampleTrotter writes about the closeness of Isabel Wilkerson to the subject and her deep involvement in the stories which provide a new understanding as to why the Southerners opted for the new life in the strife-torn cities far away from their homes. The book contains more than one thousand two nose candy real life stories of trials and tribulations of black individuals, the untold stories of American history.Gene Dattel in the review of the book discusses this serious issue from a slightly different perspective. He quotes from the book, Were the ones that killing ourselves. (493)When about six million black people migrated to the North, it created a national level problem, not the regional one. The picture was not rosy for the migrants. Many of the top black leaders were disappointed by the attitude of blacks and their involvement in the dark sides of life. According to the observation of Ida Mae Bandon Gladney, one of the migrants to the North, Chicagos black ghetto had become a cesspool of crime, drugs and dilapidated neighborhoods. It was also Chicago that frustrated Dr. Martin King Jr.s attempt to bring the civil rights figurehead to the North in 1966. The author advocates introspection for the blacks and opines that they are in a way responsible for their plight.The book connects well to the volatile social conditions in America, of the sixties and throws light on the tensions within the relationship of blacks and whites. But the author is unable to provide tangible solutions to the century old problems confronting the blacks, though they get full statutory protection under the American

Kungfu film Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Kungfu film - Essay ExampleThe anti-imperial themes inherent in the Kung Fu and Wuxia films did hold much socio economic good luck charm in the Chinese and occidental culture. It is a fact that everybody tends to harbor kindness for the underdog. The anti imperialist and anti elite sentiments inherent in the Kung Fu and Wuxia films did stir to the sentiments of sympathy and awe of the audiences in the Chinese and the Western culture. Both the Kung Fu and Wuxia films do feature the socially marginalized and sidelined characters that fight against the prevalent socio-economic hegemony and revolt against the dominant elite sections of the society. The audiences in the Western and Chinese culture did empathize a lot with the Kung Fu and Wuxia film heroes fighting against the prevalent prejudice, social marginalization and racial discrimination. By doing so these heroes voiced the concerns of the put up with that primarily contributed to their appeal amidst the Chinese and Western au dience. Both the Kung Fu and Wuxia films feature central characters that raise a voice against the elite segments of the society. Thereby it is readily feasible to study the grass root appeal of these movies in the Western and Chinese culture. The Kung Fu and Wuxia movies did cater to the sentiments of the working class in the Chinese and the Western cultures. Thereby, they accrue immense appeal and following amongst the working class audience. These films did allow them a chance to catharsis and vent out their repressed grudge and anger against a socio economic body dominated by the rich and the

INTERNATIONAL MARKETING REPORT FOR New Zealand Essay - 2

INTERNATIONAL MARKETING REPORT FOR New Zealand - Essay ExampleCT New Zealand Rodney HIDE light-green Party Russel NORMAN and Metiria TUREI Mana Party Hone HARAWIRA Maori Party Tariana TURIA and Dr. Pita SHARPLES New Zealand National Party John KEY New Zealand First Party or NZ First Winston PETERS New Zealand stab Party Phil GOFF Jim Andertons Progressive Party James (Jim) ANDERTON United Future New Zealand Peter DUNNE (CIA)Blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant with four red five-pointed stars edged in white centered in the outer half of the flag the stars represent the Southern Cross constellation. (CIA)Consists of a series of legal documents, including certain acts of the UK and New Zealand parliaments, as well as The Constitution Act 1986, which is the principal formal charter adopted 1 January 1987, effective 1 January 1987Domesticcombined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone subscribership exceeds one hundred fifty per 100 persons InternationalNew Zealand code - 64 the Southern Cross submarine cable system provides links to Australia, Fiji, and the US satellite earth displace 8(CIA)Asking for the approval of government is the appropriate way for starting a business. A business should also take care of its location, which should not over clump the commercial area. (International Business Center)It is difficult to conduct business in New Zealand, as the people are very cautious of the reputation and product timbre of the company. For new brands it is harder to win public interest and loyalty. (Tourism New

Tourism in Madagascar Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Tourism in Madagascar - Term Paper ExamplePeople are not comprehend Madagascar as a sustainable preventativeism spot. There lies the confusion. Ecotourism is defined as the travel to the destinations of the world where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are existent. They are the primary attractions for the holidaymakers. They rail at minimizing the negative effects that are mostly caused due to traditional tourism on the natural environment (Butler, 2005).Sustainable tourism on the another(prenominal) hand focuses on bringing benefits to the local people, the environment and the economy. The concept of sustainable tourism has been slower in Madagascar, mainly due to the fact that people tour with an aim of seeing a natural environment (eco tourism). Madagascars main originating market has been France. It is still unable to furnish products which are for sustainable tourism market, rather then(prenominal) just for ecotourism (Butler, 2005).Madagascar is located on the south-ea st coast of the African continent. Madagascar is the fourth largest island. It is larger than the States of California and Oregon. The island extends 100 miles in length and 360 miles in width. This democratic hoidenish lies in the Indian Ocean and is among the worlds poorest countries.Madagascar, as being among the poorest countries, is mostly engaged in agriculture at a subsistence level. Citizens do not have options of choosing their appetite career path. They have to dwell in whatever they have. They have to spend their life in whatever limited resources they can find. This poverty is causing all-important(a) harm not only to the people living in Madagascar, but also to the endemic biodiversity of Madagascar. At present, the Madagascars biodiversity need the presence of good tourist, tourist who entrust respect, care, and play a responsible role in saving the Madagascars treasure of biodiversity. (Butler, 2005)If an individual is enthusiastic and looking for the unexpected, if one wants to meet an extraordinary people, then he or she must go and discover this fascinating island. That individual will certainly agree with the characterization made by world-explorer Dervla Murphy Apart from the Tibetans, I have never traveled among a people as endearing as the Malagasy. You will become attached to the country, verifying once more the Malagasy aphorism They who drink the water from the Manangareza River always come back to Madagascar (Mittermeier, 1988).EconomyMadagascar is dominated by the agricultural sector. However with the establishment of a duty free merchandise processing zone in 1990, there has been an increase in light manufacturing, particularly textile manufacturing and agricultural products processing (cf. Gossling and Jiddawi 2004). Despite the existence of natural tourist spots, biodiversities and cultural heritage, Madagascar is still among the poorest countries. The reasons

The Chinese Decision to Enter the Korean War Essay

The Chinese Decision to Enter the Korean War - Essay ExampleChinas intervention in Korea cannot be ascribed simply to wanting to maintain the semblance of balance of power, a theory of state behavior that explains and predicts how states respond to threats posed by a potentially dominant, revisionist and aggressive state1, based on the assumption that states seek to, maximize their power in order to survive in a competitive foreign clay.2 US presence in the Asian region led to China and the US pursuing purely security related strategies that were mutually exclusive, unwittingly generating mutual hostility.Similarly, Chinese responses cannot be generalized into the Chinese merely wanting to secure their national interests without taking into consideration m each other factors such as leadership challenges, domestic imperatives, and political consensus amongst domestic bureaucracies that can impinge upon foreign policy. The general understanding and belief is that Chinas foreign pol icy has been shaped primarily by external stimulus with domestic factors playing only a marginal role. However, the inability of existing theories to fully explain the reasons for Chinas entry into the conflict signifies that we must require at explanations that go beyond functional concepts of International Relations but also look more closely at internal factors and domestic compulsions.Students of worldwide relations a... This is particularly relevant in the context of the Korean War, when one recollects that China was then emerging from the throes of a protracted civil war and that the Peoples democracy of China had been formally declared less than a year earlier, in October 1949. When the internal polity of a country is in a state of flux, any government which is seen as defending a nations interests will only emerge stronger. Chinas entry into the Korean conflict can therefore, largely be seen to emanate as a result of the CCP converting a external threat into an opportunit y to consolidate its position internally. Korea was annexed by Japan in 1910 and remained under Japanese occupation until the end of world War II. In August 1945, the Soviet Union and the United States decided to oversee the surrender of Japanese forces to the North and South of the 38th parallel respectively. This was to be a temporary arrangement, with a united Korea the ultimate aim. In the interim, the US and the Soviet Union established governments in their respective zones that were sympathetic to their political ideologies. The US installed Syngman Lee in South Korea, while the Soviet Union backed North Korea Kim Il-Sung, with both wanting a unified Korea, under their own system and stewardship. However, North Korea was bolstered by Soviet advisors and military equipment was better prepared to seize the initiative. The North Korean attack across the 38th Parallel in June 1950 was a resounding success North Korea could not capitalize on their gains. North Korea failed to acco mplish two crucial tasks, namely the total annihilation of the South Korean army and the

A study of factors which influence student's career choice after Dissertation

A study of factors which influence students life choice afterward graduating from a masters degree - Dissertation Exampleethnicity and gender (H1), monetary benefits (H2), person-to-person interests (H3), and family influences (H4). The findings of the research depicts that these attributes positively relate to the career choices of graduates, but the impact created by the factors disaccord in terms of significance. That is, ethnicity and gender along with the family influences tend to be in strong in influencing the career choices of the graduates directly or strongly. On the other hand, monetary benefits and personal interests are termed to be quite significant in influencing the career choices of graduates. ... 4 Scope of the Research 55 References 56 Bibliography 62 Chapter 1 Introduction 1.1 earth The study is based on the identification of factors which tend to influence the career choices of graduates in determining their future objectives. Several studies have been condu cted based on a similar issue. The evidences transgress various kinds of factors that strongly influences the career objectives determined by graduate students. The factors are identified to relate to the socio-demographic and socio-economic factors. The career objectives have also been value to be influenced by the cultural prospects which relates to the ethnicity of the students (Perrone & Et. Al., 2001). For instance, a student belonging to the African-American ethnic background is likely to posses differing perception with that of an Asian-American which in turn influences his/her career objectives. The use of the career goals can also be influenced by the sexual characteristics of a student. Other than these factors, the monetary issues and the parental influences are also noted to be significant factors that influence the career objectives of graduate students (Wong & Liu, 2009). Based on these evidences and the problem statement that career objectives determined by graduat e students depend upon various attributes, the discussion of the root will be intended to analyse and evaluate these factors. The paper will further intend to recognise the most crucial factors and conclude on the career management aspect of human resource management. 1.2 Research Objectives With due consideration to the findings of the early researches, it is quite apparent that the influencing factors of career objectives among the graduates relate to various attributes. The studies further reveal that the

Poll week 6 dis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Poll week 6 dis - Essay ExampleKey among the causes of global financial crisis was the credence crunch in which US investors lost confidence in the value of sub-prime mortgages that in turn led to a liquidity crisis. The step by the US Federal Bank to inject large sum of capital into financial markets also contributed to this global crisis (Crash course, 2013). The crisis widened by September 2008, when the stock markets across the ball crashed, by that, becoming highly volatile. The event of September 14, 2008, when the Lehman Brothers collapsed, profoundly contributed to global financial crisis.The decision by Federal Reserve Chairpersons to dismiss the build-up of the housing guggle until 2007 from 202, contributed to this crisis. They never took the initiate to control the housing bubble or regulate mortgage companies. The Wall Street Executives decision to ignore policies focusing on familiar risk management and their aim to increase revenues in a short time led to the crisi s. In addition, the decision by US Presidents to hire fountain Wall Street lobbyists to serve as government policy makers, led to bailing out of banks without any regard to moral hazard. The decision risked the future of the national prudence and shifted the burden to taxpayers.Timeline Key events in financial crisis. (2013, September 9). Retrieved February 12, 2015, from

The struggle for equality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

The struggle for equality - Essay ExampleCivil rights are freedoms and rights guaranteed to a member of a community, state, or nation. Freedom of speech, of the press, religion, and of fair and equal p comer are the basic civil rights. The constitution of the United States contains a Bill of Rights that describes simple liberties and rights insured to every person in the United States. Although the Bill of Rights is the starting line ten amendments to the Constitution, civil rights were not always respected to solely human beings, especially blacks. When the Constitution was first written, many Americans understood the meaning of the famous inscripture all men are created equal to mean that all white males were created equal, likewise with other civil rights guarantees as well. As a result, blacks were enslaved and persecuted throughout the late 1700s and archean 1800s.After the end of Civil War the Constitution was amended to give former slaves freedom and the rights of citizens . This passing of the 13th, fourteenth, and 15th Amendments to Constitution were supposed to give the African-Americans equal justification under the law. They were also intended to give the new citizens the right to vote. During the 1850s abolitionists in the North questioned the morality of southern slavery by writing and preaching nigh the rights blacks were denied. Abolitionists such as William Lloyd Garrison, Fredrick Douglass, and Sojourner Truth, paved the way for the first civil rights movement that occurred after the Civil War, during Reconstruction. ... segregated societies, separating themselves from blacks in every humanly way possible. The elderly Jim Crow laws governed all aspects of their existence, from the schoolroom to the restroom. Southern blacks faced new discrimination every day whether it be economically, socially, or politically. America was destined for another, more far-reaching civil rights movement. The civil rights movement during the late 1800s and e arly 1900s provided the foundations for the current civil rights laws achieved throughout the 1960s.Black Americans made significant gains in their struggle for equal rights during Reconstruction, the 12-year level after the Civil War. In 1868, after southern president Andrew Johnson vetoed a Civil Rights bill, the radically republican influenced congress transported the principals of the Civil Rights bill to the 14th Amendment. The 14th Amendment conferred civil rights and citizenship for all former slaves, and was incorporated into the requirements for a southern state to regain its statehood. After the 14th Amendment was passed however, the radical faction of congress was disappointed that it did not grant blacks the right to vote. When the fear that southern states might amend their constitutions so as to withdraw blacks from the ballot was recognized by moderate Republicans, Congress officially placed the ballot in the hands of blacks with the 15th Amendment, passed in 1869. With the passing of breakthrough legislation, several leaders emerged to lead this new civil rights movement. Ex-slave, Booker T. capital of the United States put his newly acquired freedom to use when he started a black industrial school at Tuskegee, Alabama. He taught his students useful trades so they could

Reasons for pursuing this graduate degree (LL.M), where you plan to Personal Statement

Reasons for pursuing this graduate degree (LL.M), where you plan to practice in five years, and the contributions you hope to make to the legal traffic - Personal Statement ExampleCurrently, I am working at HSBC securities (USA) INC, debt capital markets, at the transaction management desk. Part of my duties include, documenting analyses for Latin America companies some(prenominal) high yield and investment grade companies that come to the U.S market in debt offering. This assignment has given me valuable insights on law firms, as I check to interact with the best law firms most the World. In my role, am royal to my customers, and I maintain a great relationship with the best law firms around the world. With no doubt certain assignments have been demanding in the law firm such as providing efficient and accurate service to fiscal institutions. Following this, I have evaluated the need to pursue LLM programs.The reason for pursuing this program is to improve my knowledge while an alyzing us documents, and provide accurate and efficient services to financial institutions in my professional. It borne in mind education lays a strong fundament to our skills, talents, and abilities. In my career, I would like to achieve more in the future. Indeed, I call back to transform my legal profession with my skills and abilities by providing efficient services to financial institutions. My skills in Banking, finance law, and corporate will enhance a strong foundation in my career.While working in the law firm, my knowledge on law firm has increased, giving me a better understanding on areas I need to improve. At this point, I evaluated the need to have adequate knowledge, skills, and abilities that would be helpful in my career. Pursuing the course in New York will be an added advantage since I would like to impact the US law firms with my skills. The knowledge acquired will be considerable in any other country such as Brazil. In five years, I want to have transformed l aw firm in the United States, and in my country Brazil.As mentioned earlier, I have learnt a lot on my current job. I have analyzed and examined diverse ways that would improve

Annotated Bibliography Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Annotated Bibliography - Assignment ExampleKeywords diversity, race, gender discrimination, Hispanics Shore, L. M., Chung-Herrera, B. G., Dean, M. A., Ehrhart, K. H., & Jung, D. I. (2009). Diversity in organizations Where are we now and where are we going? Human resourcefulness Management Review, 117133. In this article, the authors attempt to provide a comprehensive throwaway for the drivers behind diversity and its outcomes. Several dimensions of diversity have been identified including that pertaining to age, race, ethnicity, gender, culture and disability). all(prenominal) of these dimensions has been examined in the article along with disciplineing the common theme across all these dimensions. On the basis of these dimensions, the authors provide an integrated approach to understanding diversity. The authors bear sufficient academic qualifications (some with teaching experiences) that has enabled them undertake a coherent and comprehensive analysis of literature pertaining to diversity. By virtue of this study they have come to think that diversity ought to be viewed more positively as opposed to the negative connotation attached with it. The very mention of diversity sparks attention towards something that is not normal. In other words, pointing towards preferential treatment of specific races, gender, age etc. is in itself a homophobic practice. The authors have, therefore, managed to point out the limitations of previous studies by referring to specific suggestions in the form of a model for diversity. Although the model has not been experimentally tested (which is its biggest weakness) it does provide a strong basis on which researchers could conduct experiments and demonstrate empirical results. Hence, this could prove to be a significant contribution in the way in which diversity is perceived, thereby marking a paradigm shift. Podsiadlowski, A., Groschke, D., Kogler, M., Springer, C., & Zee, K. v. (2013). Managing a culturally diverse workfor ce Diversity perspectives. International Journal of Intercultural Relations,159-175. In this article, the authors conduct two studies for the analysis of the approach organizations take to the wariness of diversity. Primary data obtained from interviews showed insights into the management of culturally diverse employees. The authors suggest the adoption of a specific approach linked with the initiatives to tackle diversity in organizations. Furthermore, the use of Diversity Perception Questionnaire has been suggested to account for the gap between the actual and expected diversity management outcomes. Although the authors tend to be knowledgeable and credible in terms of their analysis, there are limitations to this study. Since the study is based on Austrian organizations it is difficult to generalize its results and suggestions for global practice. The influence of organizational culture in diversity management was not explored which questions the comprehensiveness of the study. Bielby, W. T. (2000). Minimizing work gender and racial bias. Contemporary Sociology, 120-129. The author in this article attempts to provide the basis or justification for diversity management by defining the reputation and extent of gender and racial bias in organizations. The cognitive basis for stereotyping is discussed along with a criticism on the organizational practices that sustain this bias. Finally, the approaches to counter this discriminatory behavior are described with EEO

An Evaluation of the European Computer Driving Licence Essay Example for Free

An Evaluation of the European Com assigner capricious Licence Essay1. psychiatric hospitalThe inquiry project includes the complete lifespan of the work from the rationale to the end point. I examine the reasons for conducting the supposek, how the Compevery might benefit from the experience and how trainers whitethorn reflect and subjoin to their toolbox of scientific disciplines and knowledge. The project also considers the background to the European reckoner Driving Licence (ECDL) and how this came to AEGON UK go, what procedure Work ass readiness Services had to play and what part of system ECDL was practiceed to meet. The main body of the project, the re query itself, circumstancess disclose to consider a die hard of questions related to the paygrade of ECDL deep down a financial services backdrop which I desire is a valuable piece of question that is non presently widely available. The research considers the practical implications of the work and the justifications for following the particular actions undertaken.The conclusion draws the project together and provides answers to the questions considered above. Does ECDL add look on within the business, drop learners acquired new skills, what of the present accomplishment methods and how might these be designed to suit the quests of future learners?I support my research findings with the results of my info collection exercises together with statistics relating to ECDL including its recent rehearse outside of Europe. Fin tout ensembley, I present the detail of material utilise whilst operative on the project as Reference and Bibliography.2 RationaleAEGON UK Services (UKS) is the closed book arm or Third Party Administration (TPA) surgical process for AEGON UK iodine of the worlds top ten financial services companies. As a TPA no new business comes into the organisation and particularly in the present economic climate control of costs and expenses becomes paramount. It i s not an overstatement to consider that the continuing well being of the UKS land site in Lytham rests with its highly competitive nature. When one considers that the bonnie cost of one round member in Lytham is 40,00 pa whilst the equivalent outlay at the AEGON UK Head Office in Edinburgh is almost double at 65,000 pa, financial point becomes clear particularly with close to 900 cater at the Lytham site. There argon m whatever reasons for this divergence in costs, not all in all of which may be outright influenced by the Company merely it is this difference which remain key to the health of the AEGON UK Services operation.It is against this background that the research into the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) is solidification, one of the organisation obtaining maximum value for distributively pound of spend. As Managing Director, David Barker, said at the 2002 Business Plan launch to staff, Through the victorism, skill and commitment of its staff AEGON UK Serv ices has a key part to play in the growth and schooling of the UK operation.It is my responsibility, as information Manager for UKS, to provide education opportunities, develop staff and upgrade their knowledge and skills to meet the argufys set by the Managing Director and the Board of AEGON UK. After all, a shortage of skills could threaten the livelihood of the operation. Fingold and Soskice (198922) who created the feel of a low skills/low quality equilibrium argued that the majority of enterprises staffed by poorly trained managers and workers produce low quality sizables and services. Their watch out was that Britain would not be able to keep pace with changing economic conditions.A decade on and still the need for the cookery and development of our staff in proportion to the growth of our business remains. As David Blunkett, depositary of State for Education Employment, sets out the challenge ahead for us all when speaking at the National prep Awards ceremony in December 2000. The key message today is that on that point is a real economic need for throng to upgrade skills throughout life. We need to help everyone fulfil their potential and respond to the changing world economy. (People Management, Vol 6, No 25). The task facing us in the UKS fosterage team is to meet the Secretary of States challenge and drive the business forward at the same age whilst maintaining a tight rein on expenditure.In the summer of 2001 our Union case introduced me to Workplace Training Services and this partnership with a local education provider soon bore fruit. A key strategic challenge for AEGON UK in 2002 was the introduction of a Common Operating Environment (COE) between its various UK operations the most visible flavor of the COE would be the launch of Microsoft Office 2000 in the various sites. Signifi merchant shiptly, as AEGON UK Services previously bequeathd Microsoft there were no plans to create a formal training plan for the business, kind of than relying our aw beness of alive applications.The Manager, Dedicated Delivery, of Workplace Training Services (an arm of Preston College), Cyril husk, offered the put on of the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) as part of our solution to the need for staff acquirement and development in Office 2000. The seven-module ECDL course of instruction is establish upon the Microsoft Office 2000 applications and include learning on our key workplace ask, Word, PowerPoint and jump. Over 50 staff started the ECDL qualification in September 2001 and to-date over 150 open either achieved the award or are working towards it.Further developments of our work with the College progress to been the prep of additional learning and development for staff, in particular the provision of Learndirect facilities and the healthy learning partnership that has grown between an employer, union and education institution. To support the development of this signifi atomic number 50t partnersh ip Workplace Training Services offered AEGON UK Services 100 free places on the ECDL course in 2002.Although we have seen a large play of staff following the ECDL course of study, myself included, AEGON UK Services has never conducted any formal evaluation of the learning create mentally. Whilst I have learned new skills and am able to main score much difficult applications, has the Company benefited from the ECDL partnership, have the staff developed new skills and how might the computer programme best be carried forward? This is the rationale for the following research which is designed for the benefit, primarily, of the Company but also for the staff, College and as a valid piece of research.3. BackgroundCongratulations Sara Lundstedt But why is this the Swedish environmental co-ordinator so significant to the history of the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL). Well, Sara became the one millionth student to complete the programme, as reported in the June 2001 edition of IT Training (P7).What is ECDL and where did it come from? In 1994 the concept originated in Finland where the Finnish Information Process Association introduced the Computer Driving Licence. Shortly after, the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies (CEPIS) naturalised the User Skills proletariat Force in 1995. The Task Force, back up by funding from the European Commission, was to examine how to raise IT skill levels in European industry.The Task Force place the potential of the Finnish Licence and investigated the feasibility of adopting it and making it into a qualification for the whole of Europe. CEPIS actively encourages IT literacy and erects acceptance of professional standards for ICT professionals throughout Europe. pilot film tests were carried out during 1995 and early 1996 resulting in the launch of the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) in August 1996, initially in Sweden and then throughout Europe.The ECDL establishment was formed in 199 7 to administer the ECDL programme on a not-for-profit basis and to promote, develop and certify computer skills and IT knowledge. According to its official website, the business of the ECDL Foundation is To disseminate, promote and evolve ECDL as a globally accepted IT skills certification programme that prepares all large number for participation in the Information Society. On the surface, this has been no-hit in 1999 the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) was created as the standard qualification for non-European countries.The syllabus is identical to that of ECDL and was initially taken up by Australia, Canada, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Since then, much countries have joined the ICDL programme, ranging from Greece in 2000 to most recently, Malaysia. According to The Electric Paper Company Limited (http//www.electricpaper.ie/products/ecdl.asp) to-date, over 1.75 million people are registered on an ECDL/ICDL programme. This total is growing daily. There are tens of thousands of accredited test centres worldwide enabling people to take their tests an attain certificates.So, seven module appears to be working as students are assessed against the following competencies raw material concepts of IT, apply a computer and managing files, word processing, spreadsheets, informationbases, presentation and information and communication. The ECDL Foundation points out that the programme is now used in over 60 countries and IT Training announced in its October 2002 edition that the number of students enrolled topped the half-million mark. The British Computer Society (BCS) also reports that it is issuing 1,000 ECDL certificates every day.virtuoso of the first organisations in the car park sector to move towards qualifying the computer skills of its staff is the NHS which recognised the increasing role that computer skills had to play in the public health sector. The significance of the ECDL decision is reflected in the fact that it was announced by Health Secretary, Lord Hunt. He said, New technology investments to support staff to plan, contain and review health economic aid will not be successful unless more priority is given to ensuring that all staff have a basic level of IT skills.There is a great deal of published support for the ECDL programme and I have included highlights from two successful ventures. The House of commonality became the first Parliament in the world to offer staff training in IT skills, aimed at MPs assistants and constituency workers. Dr. Matthew Donaghy, Industry and Parliament Trust ADAPT projection Manager, said, Our objective, and indeed an important part of securing funding for the project, was to increase the employability of staff outside the Parliamentary sector. ECDL gives staff an extra qualification showing their competence with IT in the office, but also allows flexibility in training for the qualification so that it does not interfere with major projects they may be working on. Donag hy continued, An extra benefit of the course has been the increased level of teamwork between MPs assistants. Staff are increasingly sharing tips on office practices, which will mean a more professional MPs service all round.The Bank of England is also enabling its staff to take the ECDL programme via personal or on-line training. Bank Deputy Governor, Mervyn King, who has successfully completed the qualification said, Across the Bank, the ECDL will enable people to achieve a wide project of essential skills in IT, on which they can form in the future. I am convinced that it is an ideal expressive style for my colleagues to improve and consolidate their knowledge, to build confidence and to improve both productivity and decision making.ECDL appears hence to have positive support, endorsed by Peter Bayley, Director of ECDL at the British Computer Society, who confirms that, Since the UK launch there has been a growing demand for information near ECDL users from both the Further Education and Corporate sectors in order to measure profiles, motivation, satisfaction and likely interest in our newly launched ECDL Advanced qualification. Apart from a gratifying 95 per cent satisfaction rating, almost two thirds of those polled chose ECDL because of its broad recognition as a computer skills qualification. In addition, 97% said they would suggest ECDL to family, friends and colleagues and 87% were interested in an ECDL Advanced qualification.Despite the fact that there is a great deal of published evidential support for ECDL, there remains little evidence within AEGON UK Services that the programme has been and remains successful. To date, we have tended to take the view that people pass, therefore it works But does it? As Reay (199423) points out, evaluation can enable you to do better in the future. This is not to say that youve been failing in the past but good trainers realize there is ceaselessly room for improvement.It is against this background, of a de veloping IT culture within Europe and latterly the rest of the world, that the research with AEGON UK Services is set. Will the experiences outlined above be matched within the Company?4. ResearchMost people associate the word research with activities which are substantially removed from day-to-day life and which are pursued by outstandingly gifted persons with an unusual level of commitment, suggested Howard and Sharp (19836). However, Denscombe (19981) takes an alternative approach when opening his piece of work round 15 years later, Social research is no longer the concern of the meek elite of professionals and full-time researchers. It has become the concern of a far greater number of people who are face up with the prospect of undertaking small-scale research projects as part of an academic course or their professional development. In my case, the piece of research was to be carried out over a 3 month period by the Training Manager of a large organisation with very ordinary skills and an extremely life-threatening workloadPayton (19794) identify research as the process of looking for a specific answer in an organised objective reliable bureau and it is this search for answers that has driven me to tackle the challenge of evaluating the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) in AEGON UK Services. Considering what questions to ask, Black suggests (199324/25), may prove a significant challenge in itself, The most difficult part of starting a research project is often that of identifying the best question to ask, one that is meaningful, whose answer contributes to the discipline, and whose resulting research can be carried out within the resources available. When considering the questions to answer from the piece of research I was conscious of two things set down by Managing Director, David Barker a) what would add value to the business supporting AEGON UK Services as a key part of the AEGON UK operation and b) provide learning opportunities to develo p staff and upgrade their knowledge and skills? These actors contributed directly to my questionsHow has ECDL added value in AEGON UK Services?How have the learners acquired new skills to help them do their jobs?Has the method of learning for ECDL proved effective?What is the most effective way for any further learners to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve ECDL?Blaxter et al (199758) identified 2 different methods for designing and doing a research project, their research families of qualitative and quantifiable methods.To fire (20003), the quantitative approach is viewed as scientific and in his opinion, has been the conventional approach to research in all reachs of investigation. The methods and purposes of scientific inquiry have been moulded by countless generations of scientists Burns (20009) outlines the strength of the quantitative approach as being its precision and control, together with a deductive approach and the use of quantitative entropy (whi ch) permits statistical analysis.Denscombe (1998177) supports Burns standpoint by adding that, The use of quantitative data in social research has its attractions. For one thing, it carries with it an aura of scientific respectability. Because it uses numbers and can present findings in the form of graphs and tables, it conveys a sense of solid, objective research. However, an alternative view also exists and caution is speech patterned by Silverman (20006) when pointing out that the hard data on social structures which quantitative researchers claim to provide can turn out to be a mirage. Caution was necessary for me when considering the effect of ECDL upon an individuals ability to do their job more effectively, as Cicourel (1964) points to defects with quantitative research, it may be useful but it also may conceal as well as pause social processes.On the new(prenominal) hand, qualitative research is an umbrella term that covers a variety of styles of social research, drawing on a variety of disciplines. Tesch (1990) identified 26 distinct kinds of social research which can fall under the term qualitative and no doubt, in time, that list will grow. However, Denscombe (1998207) does see some common elements which begin to give some sense, as he sees it, to qualitative research, a concern with meanings and the way people sympathise things and a concern with patterns of behaviour.Cohen and Mannion (19988) go a stage further and view qualitative research as a search for understanding in which the principal concern is with the way in which the individual creates, modifies and interprets the world in which he or she finds himself or herself. Researchers who adopted this qualitative approach, responsive to individual perceptions, were felt by Bell (19997) to seek insights rather than statistical analysis.A positive aspect of qualitative research, according to Miles and Huberman (198410), is that they snap on course occurring, ordinary events in natural sett ings, so that we have a strong handle on what real life is like. The approach to this research project was on a qualitative basis and whilst there is a range of disadvantages to this method, including, as identified by Anderson (1990) the ability to collect a large number of replies, allow for easy collation and cheap and readily available, Anderson did identify advantages with a qualitative approach. Significantly, when gathering data and information Anderson held that a qualitative approach enables the researcher to really understand another person, and qualitative research tends to focus on learners, central to the research project, and their views of the world. My own research project mirrors a number of Andersons findings focusing on the learners and managers and their views, attitudes and feelings is key to my work and as such does not tally itself naturally to a quantitative or scientific basis.However, in Denscombes opinion (1998 173), the two approaches are not mutually e xclusive, the distinction between the two is over-simplified and relates to the word of the data. As Strauss (1987 2) argues, the genuinely useful distinction is in how data are treated analytically. Denscombes (1998173) view then is that a distinction between qualitative and quantitative research is far from watertight.To some extent, the research design depends on what Barnes (1992114) highlights as either a deductive or inductive approach to the project, with action research a key method of the latter. Barnes takes the view that when using action research, the outcomesare generally increased knowledge, understanding and improved practice. The implication from this is that action research has a relevance for what I will be undertaking and indeed Blaxter et al (199764) confirm this by pointing out that it is well suited to the needs of people conducting research in their own workplaces, and who have a focus on improving aspects of their own and their colleagues practices.Cohen an d Mannion (1998186) also focus their thoughts on this work-related aspect of action research by suggesting that it is incidental it is concern with diagnosing a problem in a specific context and attempting to solve it in that context. Although action research as a basis suits the needs of my project as shown above, there are a number of criticisms about the method, often reflecting Cohen and Mannions (1998193) comments that it is not scientific, its sample is restricted and unrepresentativeits findings are restricted to the environment in which the research is carried out. I accept the above but am satisfied that although my findings may be restricted to the environment, they are after all stand fored for use solely within AEGON UK Services, any wider usage will be a bonus.Research data was accumulated by the use of questionnaires completed by learners, questions with major(postnominal) managers and Preston College staff, and focus groups conducted with groups of learners. Thi s common multi-method approach is referred to as triangulation, as originally identified by the works of Elliott and Adelman (1976), and has been defined in Open University course 811 Study bespeak (198854) as cross-checking the existence of certain phenomena and the veracity of individual accounts by gathering data from a number of informants and a number of sources and subsequently comparing and severalise one account with another in order to produce as full and balanced a study as possible.The use of triangulation goes some way to meeting the need for this piece of research to be both reliable and valid. Bryman (198955) outlines reliableness as something which refers to the consistency of a measure. Blaxter et al (1997200) summarise the issue of dependableness in simple terms as considering whether you have carried it out in such a way that, if another researcher were to look into the same questions in the same setting, they would come up with essentially the same results . Va lidity is identified in a similar tone by the same authors, to do with whether your methods, approaches and techniques actually relate to, or measure, the issues you have been exploring. Triangulation is particularly important to me because it increases the strength and severeness of my work.The use of questionnaires is outlined by Denscombe (199888) who suggests that they are at their most productive when used with large numbers, straightforward information required, the social climate is open, standardised, time allows for delays, resources allow for the costs and when the respondents can be expected to be able to read and understand the questions. However, my own piece of research is much smaller with fewer in the sample, straightforward questions on information that is current, all of which adds to the simplicity of this process.However, there is a range of issues when using questionnaires with Bell (199975) suggesting that It is harder to produce a really good questionnaire t han might be imagined. McKernan (2000125) endorses that view and warns that amongst the disadvantages are the amount of time taken compiling successful questions and low response rates. Nevertheless, the use of questionnaires provides direct access to the learners and adds balance to the interviews with my colleagues and members of Workplace Training Services.Given that my questionnaire is straightforward with simple questions I am satisfied that this is a particularly useful method of gathering my research data. Further weight is given to this argument by Burns (2000581) who supports me by adding such strengths as cost, each respondent receives same set of questions, errors in collation of responses reduced, respondents free to reply at own pace/time, fear and embarrassment avoided, may guarantee confidentiality. Burns also highlights a number of potential concerns with the use of questionnaires including a poor response rate when compared to interviews, the potential for bias due to poor returns and badly nimble questionnaires. I acknowledge Burns concerns and test my questionnaire on a small pilot group of learners, drawn at random, to assess its ease of use 2 questions are reworded to reflect the comments of this group.Given the small number of staff to have completed the ECDL programme I issue the questionnaire to all 45 which also supports the validity of my research and reduces the potential for any bias due to the choice of my sample. I am conscious that, as Cohen et al (2000245) put it, the questionnaire will always be an intrusion into the life of the respondent, be it in terms of time taken to complete the questionnaireor the possible invasion of privacy. As a result of this, great care is taken over the questions posed, the amount of content and the manner in which this is issued to learners.To keep the questionnaire simple I want to largely use closed questions and this method is supported by Wilson and McLean (199421) who confirm that these are simple to completeand do not discriminate unduly on the basis of how articulate the respondents are. However, to ensure that peoples views are gathered I aim to allow respondents a small degree of space for their own thoughts to be considered which mirrors the views of Oppenheim (1992115) when considering the use of closed questions they do not enable respondents to add any remarks, qualifications and explanations to the categories, and there is a find that the categories might not be exhaustive and that there might be bias in them. A blank questionnaire is included as Appendix B.It is the need to gather personal views and opinions that prompts me to include interviews with senior managers, and focus groups amongst learners. As Denscombe (1998) points out, questionnaires are at their best with large numbers I am dealing with 6 senior managers and am mindful that the culture of my own organisation is such that as Training Manager it is politic for me to see the senior managers rathe r than issue them with a questionnaire. As McKernan (2000128) claims, Interviewing is a social survey skill which can be taught. I am satisfied that my role in designing and delivering Interviewing Skills training courses for 5 years to the same group of managers enables me to carry out this processThere are a number of identified advantages in using interview techniques for gathering my research data and these include, Burns (2000582/3) who is an exponent of its flexibility, the interviewer has the opportunity to observe the subject and the total situation in which they are responding which according to Burns should produce higher response rates and if properly conducted should yield response rates of at least 80-85%. Cohen et al (2000268) provides further thoughts and shapes on interviews, when outlining the need for institutionalise to exist, suggesting that there should be a relationship between the interviewer and interviewee that transcended the research, that promoted a bon d of friendship, a feeling of togetherness and joint pursuit of a common mission rising above personal egos. Once again, my relationship with the senior managers is such that I am confident that I have this level of trust in place already to enable a smooth process to occur. In addition, greater credibility is given to me conducting these interviews, as Kane (199768) asserts, the closer the interviewer is to the respondent in class, sex, age and interests, the greater chance the interviewer has of being successful.When considering the strengths and weaknesses of different types of interviews I endorse the comments of Patton (1980206) who sets out the interview guide approach, which mirrors my requirements. The topic and issues to be covered are specify in advance, thus the outline increases the comprehensiveness of the data and makes data collection somewhat systematic for each respondent. I recognise that there is a risk of omitting important or salient points and that I must pay particular heed to maintaining focus on the key issues, in this case whether the managers consider that the ECDL programme has benefited the business.Consideration however must be given to the school of thought that exists regarding problems with the interview as a method for gathering my research data. Mason (199742) suggests that good qualitative interviewing is hard, creative work. It is a much more complex and exhausting task to plan and carry out than, for example, to develop and use a integrated questionnaire for asking a set of predetermined questions. Tuckman (1972) set out a number of problems with the interview as a technique for gathering data, including the fact that a competent interviewer is required (which may involve payment), a limited number of respondents can be reached and the reliability is quite limited. Whilst acknowledging these concerns, as I have set out my competency earlier, I require interviews with a controlled group of 6 individuals only and have a g reat degree of confidence in the reliability of my data. Not to mention that this interviewer requires no additional payment for the work.My final information gathering technique is the focus group which Kreuger (198827) highlights as typically having 5 characteristics, a) people who, b) posses certain characteristics, c) provide data, d) of a qualitative nature, e) in a focussed discussion. Cohen et al (2000288) support my use of the focus group by suggesting that they might be useful to triangulate with more traditional forms of interviewing, questionnaires, observation etc. Although observation is not necessary or appropriate for my research, Cohen et al do concur with my use of the interview and questionnaire.According to the December 2002 issue of Croners A-Z Briefing (12/022), the main advantage of a focus group lies in its ability to collect subjective judgments where several, individual, judgments are better than just one. By using a focus group the researcher can see how an d why individual judgments are supported . This aspect of the focus group is particularly useful to me as it enables a group of learners to come together and share their experiences of the ECDL programme including highs and lows. It allows me the opportunity to facilitate discussion on the optimum way forward for AEGON UK Services and for future learners. Croner goes on to add that, they perform a useful function when evaluating various aspects of training and development, particularly when qualitative measurements are required and where it is deemed necessary to ascertain any unexpected outcomes or applications which have arisen as a result of such provision. Morgan (198843) cautions on the size of focus groups, suggesting between four and twelve whilst Croner takes a similar stance, between 6 and 12Both of the above agree on the need for careful consideration with sampling, in this case with the focus group, as Croner puts it (P3), all those involved do need to be representative o f the total population under consideration. I have already decided to use all of my Award-holders as I have 3 months in which to carry out the research and have a small group, as Bell (199983) suggests, The number of subjects in your investigation will necessarily depend on the amount of time you have. However, the question of the size of the sample and how it is selected is an issue.Cohen and Mannion (199887) put forward a range of sampling tools including prospect and non-probability, random and stratified samples whilst Bryman (1989107) argues the case for a representative sample using a type of probability sample. To ensure that each of my ECDL Award-holders has an pair probability of inclusion in the sample used for the focus groups, names are drawn at random from an Excel spreadsheet. Kerlinger (198645), identifies randomness thus, it means that there is no known law, capable of being expressed in language, that correctly explains or describes events and their outcomes. Ker linger (198644) goes on to provide further evidence that my sampling approach is correct, random sampling is that method of drawing a portion (sample) of a population so that each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. Taking into account the thoughts of both Morgan and Croner above, I facilitate 2 focus groups of 8 members each.There are some difficulties in using focus groups and some of these are identified byKrueger (198846/7) who outlines the following less control of the group as opposed to individuals, difficulties in analysing data, lack of interview skills, varying group dynamics, assembling groups and creating a confirmative environment. I acknowledge Kruegers observations and take extra care when running the focus groups although I must stress that my background is as a skilled interviewer and I am able to create a stable, supportive environment for the attendees who have attended similar workshops and courses in the past, often facilitated by me.Any research project is likely to raise ethical issues. This is particularly so if it involves people directly, but may also be the case even if you conduct your research entirely on documentary evidence, Blaxter et al (1997146). Clearly, it is wrong for me to assume that, given my position as Training Manager, there is no issue with ethics, people know me and are happy to open up and provide me with valuable and valid information. Bell (199952) warns, People will be doing you a favour if they agree to help, and they will need to know exactly what they will be asked to do, how much time they will be expected to give and what use will be made of the information they provide. The view is endorsed by McKernan (2000241), who adds that, It is crucial for all participants to know what their rights are in research of any kind.As such, I take great care when contacting my ECDL learners to alert them to my research and the need for their valuable input to further the learning partnership within AEGON UK Services. Particular attention is paid to the senior managers who give me some of their valuable time for 11 interviews and each of them is contacted personally by telephone to discuss the needs and requirements of the research and agree suitable times for the interviews. Hopkins (2000221/2) identifies a range of principles that I must observe in the commitment to my research including, observing protocol, involving participants, reporting on progress, maintaining confidentiality and obtaining sureness before using quotations. Particular care was observed when considering the use of quotations from our external partner, Workplace Training Services, and I arranged a special meeting with Cyril Wheat to discuss the learning partnership and seek his agreement to the use of specific quotations, included in the Conclusions to this research.As Burns (200022/3) summarises, All in all it looks fairly difficult to conduct much research without running into ethical arguments. Burns comments alert me to the need to take nothing for granted in view of my special position with the learners, Ethical problems are likely to occur in social science research since human subjects are involved. Researchers must be informed of ethical considerations involved in voluntary and non-voluntary participation, deception, informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, the right to discontinue, and obligations of the experimenter.It is this special position, that of someone who has worked very closely with most of the ECDL learners, that Sellitz et al (1962583) might have been thinking of then they attested, interviewers are human beings and not machines and their manner may have an effect on respondents. Many factors can influence responses one way or another, for instance Borg (198187) highlights a few of the problems that can occur, eagerness of the respondents to please the interviewer, a vague antagonism or the tendency of the interviewer to seek out the answers t hat his conceive notions .These factors are called response effect by survey researchers. ECDL learners know me well and are aware of my enthusiasm for the learning partnership and our work with the ECDL programme. Might this naturally influence their responses to questionnaires, focus group or, even senior managers, interview questions?However, Bell (1999139) offers words of wisdom, just as the aspiring researcher wilts under the strains of potential bias, by pointing out that it is easier to acknowledge the fact that bias can creep in than to eliminate it altogether. This is a key consideration for my research as I am very keen for it to succeed being the instigator of the learning partnership with Workplace Training Services and the person responsible for the ECDL programme.A further area for my research to draw upon is the Training teams entry for the 2002 National Training Awards. The entry was based upon the teams work with the ECDL programme in AEGON UK Services and I refer to the comments of the resolve in the Data Analysis and Conclusions.5. Analysis of DataMy research amongst European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) award-holders in particular highlights the very positive aspects of the programme and it is encouraging to learn that all questioned feel that the programme has benefited them, personally and professionally. Significantly, the great majority of learners also felt able to now support colleagues with IT-related enquiries, a factor that reflects our status as an Investor In People staff are keen to share knowledge with each other in a positive manner.organism able to solve problems, increasing ones confidence, developing trouble-shooting skills and appropriately staff trained in new technology are benefits to the company, as viewed by the learners. Although it is not the purport in my research to provide statistical analysis, rather to draw conclusions from learners responses, the feedback from learners does represent universal support f or developing skills to enhance the business. Learners feel more competent to do their work, have a more confident approach and have developed skills to enable new work to be handled also converting manual tasks to a PC-based system. I am able to speak from personal experience and, as a result of taking the ECDL programme, I can now use Excel with some success. Whilst it is very difficult to make any claims with the research I am confident that the programme has made a significant difference. Prior to starting the ECDL programme I was unable to use Excel despite having access to the program, after completing the Excel module I am now able to design spreadsheets for use in the Training team.There is evidence of other organisations introducing a successful ECDL programme and the following case study extracts are from the ECDLs own website, www.ecdl.co.uk/employer/case. mike Sampson, Human Resources Director at Royal colored Assurance, commented We are delighted that the ECDL pilot s cheme has proved to be so successful and now intend to run ECDL again with further members of staff. It is important that our employees are given the opportunity to refresh and improve upon their IT skills, which supremely reflects a great benefit to Royal Liver and ensures the companys values and good standing are continually maintained. (www.ecdl.co.uk/employer/case/royal)Even in the world of IT itself, ECDL is viewed as a positive addition to the learning curriculum, Les Williamson, Resources service Manager, IBM, added, We realised fairly quickly that this certification would be beneficial across the site. Not some people can claim proficiency in all the IT productivity tools that we could be using everyday. This is a qualification that demonstrates just that. (www.ecdl.co.uk/employer/case/ibm)90% of learners feel that they are now more confident when using a PC (66% of the remaining 10% already did so) which is an endorsement of our decision to offer the programme and a stat istic from a similar exercise conducted amongst award-holders at Manchester NHS Health ascendance in 2002 found that ECDL qualified staff are proven to save an average of 38 minutes per day. Staff within AEGON UK Services also highlighted the vivify at which they are now able to process IT-related work as a benefit to the Company.Feedback from the learners in the questionnaires suggested that, whilst staff were achieving success using the CD fixed storage made available by Workplace Training Services, there was less than total satisfaction. Accordingly, amongst the questions I posed at the focus groups was What method of learning would you pep up for future ECDL students? Although only a small percentage of respondents to the questionnaire felt that the quality of learning materials was less than good during the focus groups, the mood was very different and people had the opportunity to express their views in more detail. It became apparent that the majority of the attendees of twelve felt that the CD read-only memory was difficult to work with, either because of their own IT situation out of the office, some did not have a PC at home, or more commonly because of the great amount of detail included. Their preferred learning method was to use paper-based material although some members of the focus groups felt that the CD ROM was ideal.Comments were also made that it was often difficult to obtain 11 support as members of the Training team were often involved in other projects and, in truth, were never seen as providing close support for learners. Learners comments were referred to Cyril Wheat who visited the site and spoke with groups of the learners as a result, directly, of the feedback provided to Cyril his Workplace Training Services team started to provide future learning support material in two forms, paper-based for the majority, CD ROM where preferred. In addition, another change in policy as a result of feedback, with the introduction of a dedicated resource from the College, someone who would be guaranteed to be on the Lytham site once a week for personal tutorials.Most surprising amongst the findings was the feedback from the senior managers. Whilst the Managing Director has given the partnership with Workplace Training Services his blessing and has in fact recently enrolled on the ECDL programme, the same positive views are not held by the management team. I conducted the interviews and was surprised by the little knowledge that the managers had of the programme, one actually admitted that he had no awareness that any of his staff are taking an award. Whilst the general view amongst the managers was that any learning which develops the staff to enhance the business, must be a good thing, only one member of the team was more positive. One manager had experienced the ECDL programme personally, achieved the award, and spoke highly of the benefits to AEGON UK Services in supporting the implementation of COE. More work remains t o be done with the management team for the future of the programme.6. ConclusionsThe comments of learners who have achieved their European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) are extremely encouraging from a purely personal point of view, the initial thoughts are that my efforts in saving the ECDL programme to AEGON UK Services staff has paid off. But that cursory observation is not sufficient to merit the programme a success.When we set off on the ECDL programme there was a clear business need to be met, successfully implementing the Common Operating Environment (COE) and the transfer to Microsoft Office 2000. What must not be overlooked was that the business was not using any formal training strategy to meet the requirements generated by the COE and I was confident that ECDL could provide many of the training needs. Although I am not able to provide any hard quantitative data I have feedback from learners and managers which supports the use of the programme. As one manager put it, Ha ving achieved the ECDL I can vouch for the skills and knowledge acquired. Members of my team have demonstrated the benefits of the learning through the enhanced use of different programs. The data provides evidence of ECDL supporting the implementation of COE in the business.New skills have been acquired by learners, many of whom are now looking for further opportunities, whilst at the same time encouraging colleagues to enrol on the programme. There are numerous examples quoted of staff who are now able to access different programs, use PowerPoint, Access or in my case, get to grips with Excel for the first time.Our relationship with Workplace Training Services has developed, from the first tentative enquiries regarding the use of ECDL, the Colleges first learning partnership in the North West to one of collaboration on other projects as I close this research we are discussing certificated learning to meet behavioral competencies. Cyril Wheat, Manager Dedicated Delivery, is proud of his organisations role with the business and speaks highly of our work, with the commitment of an employer who is providing resources is very important.The need for such support is echoed by Tim Rush of Islington Council who adds, We have been prosperous here in Islington, Members of the Council and senior management have been fully supportive. Gaining support at that level is essential to any successful implementation. (www.ecdl.co.uk/employer/case/islington). Cyrils teams commitment to us now includes the use of 10 PCs, available for any form of learning, and a dedicated resource on-site for work with the ECDL programme.Significantly, the learning has largely taken place at no cost to the business and during 2002 over 100 learners were enrolled with Workplace Training Services for free and we have ascertained that open learning with the ECDL programme may yet prove to be extremely cost effective to the business. We have 150 staff achieved or working towards the award with 100 more to follow during the course of this year an costs incurred to-date are a little over 3,000 which is approximately 12 per learner. Given that this learning ultimately accredits staff members with a universally accepted IT qualification and attendance on external learning is in my experience over 100 per day then I believe that this equates to value for money learning.Our work with the fledgling ECDL programme in employer-related learning has highlighted new areas for study. As demonstrated earlier, learners had difficulties with the Computer Based Training and the CD ROM was not viewed as user-friendly as a result, their feedback has been taken into account and staff enrolling more recently have had access to paper-based support material with CR ROMs available where required.The judges at the 2002 National Training Awards were impressed by your decision to encourage your employees to undertake the ECDL qualification and drew upon a number of other positive aspects although they highlighted a number of important issues for the team to consider. As I point out above, there are limitations with my research and issues to consider for the coming months, as the judges point out in their feedback, it is still quite early in the process of introducing the Common Operating Environment and they have suggested that we re-enter at a later date.I am also conscious that the research has been carried out by someone with a clearly vested interest in its success, the training of staff in the business is after all my responsibility, and that this may have clouded the findings. I acknowledge this limitation and make efforts to minimise the effects of this bias. My ultimate findings are also effected by yet more bias the results are based upon my work with learners at AEGON UK Services in a supportive environment where facilities are made available to them and they do not have to pay any fees. I make no claims about applying my results to a wider consultation whether in an other industry or with the public at large.However, the final thought lies with Andrew Mayo, writing in the January 2003 edition of Training Journal, who holds out, So here is the challenge for 2003. Will you be able to say, at the end of the year, where and how learning interventions made a difference to the achievements of the organisation(s) you work with . From the feedback received from learners and indeed Workplace Training Services staff I am confident that the ECDL programme has already made an impact on AEGON UK Services although greater communication is required with senior managers based upon their own feedback. Furthermore, as the judges of the National Training Awards indicate, there is yet more to come as our learning partnership matures and more staff set out on the road to success through the challenge of ECDL.Project Proposal DHL0730 Empirical StudyAEGON UK Services in partnership with Workplace Training Services, an arm of Preston College, started to offer the Eur opean Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) to staff in September 2001. The ECDL programme based it is upon Microsoft Office 2000 applications was seen as an ideal musical accompaniment to the Common Operating Environment (COE) to be launched in 2002. At the same time the launch of ECDL provided further evidence of the Company facilitating learning and development opportunities for its staff. nether COE the whole of AEGON UK would operate with Microsoft Office 2000 whilst over 90% of staff were familiar with the 1997 version or earlier. To-date over 150 staff have started or complete the ECDL programme yet no evaluation of the success or otherwise of ECDL within AEGON UK Services has ever been carried out.Title of ResearchAn evaluation of the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) as used by AEGON UK Services.Brief DescriptionThe ECDL was launched to develop the skills of European citizens and to enable them to become proficient in PC skills. The use of ECDL within AEGON UK Services w as designed to provide staff with the skills necessary to deal effectively with the Common Operating Environment (COE), in effect Microsoft Office 2000.