Global port management system.

Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH) is the world's leading port developer, operator and industry leader in using technology to improve all aspects of port administration. HPH actively invests in the development of modern port infrastructure and is committed to playing a significant role in the development of the economies and the expansion of international trade opportunities for the countries in which it operates.Therefore, to coordinate many ports around the world, HPH had created nGen, a calable system that would facilitate port operations in many languages on several continents and across many different time zones.The nGen System Increasing use of information technology (IT) at the ports has streamlined the transportation supply chain and made local manufacturers and import-export businesses more internationally competitive. In order to remain competitive, HPH need to develop a new terminal management system to efficiently and effectively control all port operations around the globe.Th e nGen system would control perations including ship and yard planning, gate operations, vessel operations and interactions, yard confguration and performance, overall operations monitoring, equipment utilization, productivity and cost optimization This project is the first major system codevelopment project between two of HPH's subsidiary ports, the Hong Kong International Terminals (HIT), the flagship operation of HPH in Hong Kong, and Yantian International Container Terminals (YICT) that located in Shenzhen, China. . Challenges to develop the nGen System a. The project teams need to solve all the variances. Each of HPH's ports is different in size. So, it's required to comply with differing sets of regulations contingent upon local trade and customs policies. Besides, it's located on different continents, in different time zones, and with personnel who speak different languages. b.The project team needs to consider the interests of a diverse group of stakeholders The project team needs to consider the terminal operations, operations development and information services. The project also, would need to effectively manage input from these groups. c. The scope of the project The project team would have to ensure that it allocated adequate time to complete ach part of the project. The project team began work in February 2001 and the deadline was in August 2005.

Special Population and the Advocacy Role

Advocacy is the fighting a cause for an individual or group of invididuals. Many people today need and use an advocate. For example, a social worker advocates for a client so that the client can receive state assistance benefits. An advocate usually pleads or defends a position. The wealthy usually do not need an advocate as they have the means to solve the problem or issue themselves. Many programs from Catholic charities to the federal food stamp programs employee advocates. In the State of Nevada there are local charities that advocate for the protection of children and fight for the rights of prisoners and victims of crimes. Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errant’s and the Recovery Group Cure, (Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errant’s) and the Recovery Group Inc. are such charities that advocate for prisoners in the State of Nevada Legislature in hopes to create laws equal and just. Carson City Nevada is the state capital of Nevada. The state of Nevada has a population of more than two million. Nevada state prisons house over 12,000 inmates. The main purpose of CURE and the Recovery group is to ensure prisons are used for those individuals who belong in prison and to provide available resources to those in prison who want to turn their lives around. CURE currently has 20,000 members. â€Å"Current issues addressed are abolishment of the death penalty, adequate access to legal assistance, effective drug treatment and a constitutional amendment that changes the American justice system† (Nevada-Cure, 2011, p. 1). Members of the CURE group and the Recovery group are currently appearing in the state legislature to speak on such issues as WIC for pregnant women prisoners, an increase in educational programs in prisons, and requiring juvenile justice receiving state funds to file an annual report on the number of juvenile deaths and the circumstances relating to the death of the juvenile (Nevada-Cure, 2011). Adrienne’s Perspective. Adrienne’s husband has been asked to be a part of a committee in the state’s legislature that addresses the issues and concerns of the CURE and Recovery group. She believes that many prisoners have the desire to change their lives; however, many programs are no longer available to the prisoners housed in the state of Nevada’s prisons. A meeting was set up with the Director of Prisons in January to discuss the issues currently addressed in the state legislature. Adrienne realizes the state has limited resources and funding available. She would propose that these two organizations raise money through donations and federal grants. Individuals who do not have the time to advocate for the cause and believe in this cause can donate money to these organizations to fight for the cause. Adrienne and her husband along with other individuals advocate for this cause by being the voice inside the state legislature. Although Adrienne does believe many individuals will never change their lives, she does believe that those whom want to must have the opportunity and resources available to succeed. References Nevada-Cure.org. (2011) Nevada-Cure: Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants. Retrieved January 15, 2012 from http://www.nevadacure.org/

Critical thinking Essay

I value individual balance when I am seeking to satisfy my duties. This is known, as temperance; meaning moderation or self-restraint. As you continue to read, I will be discussing a little on critical thinking, responsibility and I will also point out a couple down falls. You will discover briefly, how I feel about responsibility and my work ethics. Critical thinking is something I do every day both at work and at home. When I take on a new job or project, I use critical thinking to analyze a problem and learn how to solve it. I find myself at my best when I am aware of my duties on a project, learning new information and becoming familiar with the rules and guidelines necessary to complete a project. Critical thinking helps me to understand my reasons for acting and believing that the motive justifies the method. This self-knowledge helps me to see all aspects of the project so I can see the big picture rather than focus on a small piece of the whole. If I find myself not paying attention, I can be tempted to excuse myself from following the rules. I often find myself revisiting how a project needs to be completed in a certain way so I do not overstep any boundaries. I try not to obsess over minute details because they can at times consume me and leave me feeling as though I do not have enough self-knowledge. I do not want to get exhausted, so I make a point to practice mindfulness and take time to reflect. Temperance, fulfilling duties, and self-knowledge are the main three points that I value as an individual. Completing all the duties that I am given to the fullest extent with the guidelines that protect the project, gives me the satisfaction I need for a â€Å"job well done.† An ethical person is one who fulfills his or her duties and does the right thing.

Continuum of care for maternal, newborn, and child health in Australia Essay

Continuum of care for maternal, newborn, and child health in Australia - Essay Example 181). Australia is one of the countries experiencing such problems, particularly in the rural areas. Consequently, the government invests a lot of money in the health care sector. The government had planned to develop and implement locally appropriate evidence based sustainable models of service delivery that included a strong health promotion and prevention focus. Many criticisms were noted during this period. Some people especially from the urban areas believed that the government had already done enough and the introduction of such programs would only waste public money. Consequently, health action by both the Australian government and the society can ensure a continuum of care for maternal, newborn, and child health. The Australian government needs to reconsider the provision of a complete harmonized family-centered service system to succeed in providing continuum care for maternal, newborn, and child health (Kuhlthau, Sheila, Jeanne, Alixandra & Diane et al 2011, p. 137). A synchronized structure of early childhood services that can respond to the upcoming and varying needs of mothers and infants in the rural areas is essential. It aids in achieving better results for children. Moreover, the systems are aimed at ensuring that people and the society become friendlier to children and mothers by providing comprehensive services (Kuhlthau, Sheila, Jeanne, Alixandra & Diane et al 2011, p. 137). The agenda can further improve the level of maternal and child health (MCH) services, especially in the rural areas by creating service systems that concentrate on the needs of family, infants and the society at the local level. Maternal and child health is a section of rural service network that comprises of local organizations, intercession services for early childhood, issues of family conflicts and parenting (Costello, Bernice, Adrian and Barbara 1998, p.169).

Religion and Abortion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Religion and Abortion - Essay Example Terminating the life of an innocent human being is a straight murder that has no legal or moral backing. Abortion as a process in itself is a cruel act both for the child and mother. From religious point of view abortion is a sin. This is just like a murder. Bible does not allow killing of a fetus. Fetus has also feelings, emotions and innocent human psychology after growth for a few weeks in the womb of a mother. In Christianity and particularly in orthodox Christianity, abortion is tantamount to the killing of a child who has yet not seen this world. This sinful act has many immoral bearings on the youths who do this act of sin. It is believed that abortion promotes immorality in the society and it must be avoided. Even where abortion is considered legal a lot of caution must be exercised (Podell 1990). There are numerous testimonies from the holy bible staunchly condemning the abortion as an inhuman act.

History - Week five Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

History - Week five - Essay Example He currently teaches journalism and United States foreign policy at Northwestern University. Kinzer has written several non-fiction books about Turkey, Central America, Iran, the US overthrow of foreign governments from the late 19th century to the present and, most recently, about Rwandas recovery from genocide. He has spoken out widely against a potential U.S. attack on Iran, warning that it would destroy the pro-US sentiment that has become widespread among the Iranian populace under the repressive Islamic regime.† (Wikipedia, August 11, 2008). The book is all about the quest of the United States to conquer more and more countries and to make a dominant name for itself in the world. The United States deployed many strong arms tactics to fulfill their aim of being the ultimate power in the world. This era saw a revolution in the tactics applied by the United States, they starting spreading democracy and at the same time started building up a strong army and an equally strong navy base, another significant change was the Americans brought foreign governments under there control during this era. The most dreadful villain in the book is John Foster Dulles; he was a lawyer and took care of the foreign capital of the countries which surrendered themselves to the policies of the United States. â€Å"Dulles was Eisenhowers secretary of state and his brother Allen Dulles, the head of the CIA -- a nefarious partnership that colluded together with unchecked unanimity.† (Swans, n, a). The book tells about the people who took ma tters in their own hands to topple foreign governments. The author talks about the three eras in the book namely, the imperial era. This saw countries Cuba, Puerto Rico and a few others come under the control of the United States. The second is the cold war era which saw United States employ strict rules on the countries like Iraq, Chile etc. The book explains why United

Marketing plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Marketing plan - Essay Example The mixture get shaken over ice, cocktail-style, then strained into a glass and served in a three-dimensional garnish: the chewy, tapioca pearls, marble-size Gummi Bear-like treats which are the bane of orthodontists across the world. Other ingredients like –milk, soy or lychee –can in the mixture of the frothy libation. A probable explosive growth of the bubble tea in the area you are living through the coverage on magazines, newspapers and television is not news that much (Richardson, Rubinstein & Joseph, 2009). This is because bubble tea has scaled a greater height in its competitive advantage in a number of aspects: This is the best-kept secret among the businesses selling this unique tea. The preparation of tapioca is simple as cooking spaghetti, rice, pasta or ramen noodles. One prepares the tapioca, as simple as boiling water. The drink or base portion of the drink is not hard as mixing instant cocoa or coffee. One gets amazed on how easy it was just after making the first bubble tea (Naughton, 2002). It all started out as a tea stand in Taiwan, the bubble tea has incredibly spread to North America, New Jersey, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and much more. To the surprise of many, that bubble tea could just be a fad which come and go, but it has been in existence for about two decades since it came into the market. It is remarkably known that, one either be a part of the Bubble Tea fad by constituting those who create the hoopla, or rather you can watch it go by and you will wish that you â€Å"shouldn’t have†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Bubble Tea Supply offers you with the knowledge and tools essential for your bubble Tea Business. A number of Bubble Tea Shops never share their secrets with anyone on how to make the drink or prepare the tapioca pearls (Guo & Moravska galerie v Brne, 2008). The mission of the Bubble Tea Supply is to have you dancing with the tapioca’s

Case Study Questions Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Questions - Case Study Example By so doing, the company has put into use the business warehouse, SAP net waiver, data warehousing solution, SAPs analytical and reporting. In the process, the regional enterprise resource planning system, feed the warehouse with their data. At their point, the data received is the manipulated by formatting and standardizing it for analysis and enterprise-wide reporting. By so doing, the differences in the data over the enterprise is eliminated. To add-on that to better the data loads and increase user adoption and perception, the specialists in the Colgate information systems implemented the SAP Net Weaver BW. Further, the specialists implemented SAP objects of the business web intelligence to develop customized reports. The SAP web intelligence puts in place a strong, instinctive interface. The interface gives opportunities to the involved professionals to enquire spontaneously on their data. Each time a sales report got developed and run, there was a discrepancy and differences in the shipment and the number of the orders made. Again colligate need data that was more usable and viable in decision making. To add on that there was a need for a different business units and managers of the company to work with the same type of data world over. The act will help in the development and making of more relevant decisions. Secondly, the form of the data output for the senior managers from the warehouse is an HTML table that is produced daily. In the table, there are comparison between the operational and financial metrics of the day in relation with that of the past month and quarter in general. The data was not however used well enough by the employees in the decision-making in the bid to make an impact on the business gains. With increased need of more user-friendly data, accessed and timely access of the data, the senior managers together with their casuals, demanded increased access to the warehouse. The main issue was to

Slumdog Millionaire. World and Independent Cinema Essay

Slumdog Millionaire. World and Independent Cinema - Essay Example The movie is a non-Hollywood production because it is casted in Indian origin. Slumdog Millionaire drama is in the category of Indo-British productions, not a strictly British drama. Discussion Slumdog Millionaire by Danny Boyle is a movie so upbeat and fascinating that, as one shares its infectious tone of optimism to colleagues, he could forget that the movie features orphans, slaughter, poverty, oppression, organized crime and policy hostility in its crowd moving repertoire of pain and renewal. In fact, the move culminates with and stand-up-and-dance mood. Produced purely in India and high on location, the film fabric is captivatingly rational. The story featured in the film is a pure fantasy motivated, in part, by Celador’s, co-producer, motive to enshrine its victorious innovation, the game show â€Å"Who wishes to become a millionaire?† in a film (Bloese and Shipton, 2010, p.42). Additionally, Boyle manages to leave these scary starts behind to produce a movie cha racterized by creativity and humanity and always looks on the attractive part of the tragedy. The play is a comprehensive conceit: Simon Beaufoy, the writer has split up the novel by Swarup Vikas and translated it into rags-to-riches yarn regarding Dev Patel or Jamal, a juvenile slum-born grown-up in Mumbai who presents such a fabulous presentation on ‘Millionaire’. ... , an 18-year-old teen orphan from Mumbai slum reflects back on his turbulent life while struggling to gain twenty million Indian rupees on Boyle stirring file of â€Å"who wishes to become a Millionaire.† Malik Jamal does not have a coin of his own, but he believes that this could change in a transform immediately. He is just a question away from winning the key prize on the most popular TV game show, in India, but as with all previous experiences in life of Jamal, this is not going to be possible (Bloese and Shipton, 2010, p.48). Detained by police under mistrust of deception, Jamal is questioned by authorities. In fact, the police cannot imagine that a mere â€Å"slumdog† could have the knowledge to attain such success in the game. Therefore, in a bid to convince the police of how he earned the knowledge, Jamal starts flashing back on his earlier life as a child. As a small boy, Jamal lived in shabbiness, and lost his mommy in a mass violence on Muslims. Consequently, Jamal and his brother Salim were force to depend on their wits to live, the desperate boys ended up in petty crime, ultimately befriending lovable yet gutsy teen Latika as they searched for shelter and food on the intolerant Mumbai streets. Although street live was never smooth, Jamal experiences eventually imparted the expertise required to answer the challenging questions asked to him on the show. Although Jamal makes a persuasive argument for himself, a substantial question remains, why would a teenage with no clear need for riches or recognition be so strong-minded to earn large sum on a national television game? Slumdog Millionaire film is core authored by Caledor Movies, directors of the original television show rights, and so it acts works as a character-length product placement for the project,

In Burmese Days George Orwell vividly describes life in a British Essay

In Burmese Days George Orwell vividly describes life in a British overseas colony in the waning days of imperialism - Essay Example Though the Europeans do little work, they complain about the prick heat and the possible acceptance of the locals into their exclusively European club. An overwhelming majority of British holds themselves superior to the Burmese and feel they should rule over the less intelligent niggers. In the story Elizabeth, the orphaned niece of Lackersteen’s, is surprised by Flory soft nature towards the locals. Elizabeth also learns from Mrs. Lackersteen’s that Flory keeps a native Mistress while she detests the locals and views them as ‘beastly’. The relationship between the Europeans and the natives can be further described as discriminative. European men have intimate relationships with the natives, but the natives are strictly prohibited from marrying Europeans. A child born of a native and a European is regarded as an outcast and denied a job by the government until they denounce their European blood (Orwell 98). Further cruelty between the native Burmese and th e Europeans is shown when Maxwell, the acting Divisional forests officer shots a local rebel. Maxwell is brought back to the town dead a few days after that. A tense situation occurs between the locals and the Europeans, and the situation deteriorates after Ellis launches a spiteful attack on the local native children. Ellis decision to punish the children instead of the culprits responsible for Maxwell’s death proves that the relationship between the natives and the Europeans is that of a slave to a master (Orwell 84). Though the British do not despise the Asians as much as they detest the local Burmese natives, the relationship between the two is not hospitable. The European community is highly against the acceptance of Dr. Veraswami an Asian into the exclusive European club. Based on Dr. Veraswami’s thinking, the British also views their position as superior to the Asians. Dr. Veraswami views his Asian kind as lesser humans compared to the Europeans (Orwell 59).This view can be presented as the same view possessed by the Europeans as majority of them are against acceptance of Dr. Veraswami into the all inclusive European club. Finally, Dr. Veraswami is demoted after the death of Flory, his only European supporter. U Po Kyin a corrupt magistrate plots the escape of a prisoner, causing a rebellion which is blamed on Dr. Veraswami. Magistrate U Po Kyin plans to deny the doctor a position in the European club and claim the membership instead as he feels a non European is not deserving of a position in the club. The Asians view the Europeans as superior, and the gulf between them is widely divided by race and classifications of the inhabitants of the small town. The race composition is divided into: Europeans, Chinese, Asians and at last Burmese natives. In the story we find that Dr. Veraswami wants to be part of the exclusive European Club although he doesn’t plan to attend any of the sessions (Orwell 101). Dr. Veraswami only wants to be pa rt of the club because of the social prestige and respect that is given to members of the European club, particularly because he would be the only Asian member of the club. Dr. Veraswami also views his kind as lesser human beings, stressing the fact that the Asians considered the Europeans superior. The British view their main mission as economic exploitation and colonization of the

Why Was Slavery Abolished Essay Example for Free

Why Was Slavery Abolished Essay Slavery was the trade that during the 18th and 19th centuries provided the West Indies and places like it with males and females to do work on the plantations. The slaves were wanted to make the plantation owners work a lot easier. They were split into three groups known as gangs according to their health and physique. The first gang consisted of the strongest and healthiest and they cleared, holed and planted the ground before crop time and cut the canes, fed the mills and attended to the manufacture of sugar during crop time. Gang two included the young boys and girls and pregnant females. They weeded the canes and did other light work. The third and final gang were the very young children who collected green food for the animals and tended the garden. They were looked after by an old woman. Slavery was abolished in 1833, this was due to a number of reasons Before it was a vital aspect in upholding the entire western economy, the slave trade was already heavily established within Africa itself. Even Though Britain and the Americans were the most prominent supporters of slavery, it was however the Portuguese who first took advantage of the African Slave Trade; by the end of the 15th century they had exported more than 10,000 slaves to sugar plantations. In 1562 Sir John Hawkins set sail for Africa; carrying valuables and riches that he hoped to trade for slaves. He is believed to be responsible for England’s involvement in the slave trade. Soon the entire British economy would revolve around the exploitation of slaves, making the abolition of slavery out of the question if they wanted to remain wealthy and prosperous. Nevertheless as the slave market continued to increase, people began to question the ethics of the trade itself. In 1689 John Locke, a well practiced British philosopher preached these memorable words â€Å"Slavery is so vile and miserable an estate of man and so directly opposite to the generous temper and the courage of our nation†¦Ã¢â‚¬  As long as slavery had existed there were always outspoken individuals who objected to the practice. As slavery continued to thrive, more and more individuals began to oppose the whole concept of trading in human life. The abolition resistance grew and many court cases regarding the law of ownership were held, this put the High Court into a tricky position. The Current Lord Chief Justice; Lord Mansfield did not want to be responsible for depriving England of more than  £700,000 worth of slave property, yet he knew that slavery could not continue as to much abolition support had been uncovered. On June 22, 1772, Mansfield announced to the high court that slavery should be abolished.

The arrival of the cousins in Act one Essay Example for Free

The arrival of the cousins in Act one Essay Compare the way Miller presents the relationships between Beatrice, Eddie and Catherine, before and after the arrival of the cousins in Act one.  In 1915 America was seen as the land of freedom for many Italians and they fled from the poor, grimy streets of Italy. America was there only hope and they came in there thousands to earn money for there starving families and find a new life. The Carbone family as presented by Miller is one such family. The Carbone household conceals a web of mixed feelings and from the start you can feel the tension brewing under the false smiles and unspoken conflict. We are introduced to Eddie Carbone, Beatrice Carbone and Catherine at the start of the play yet we are not told of there relationships with each other until later. At first it seems that Eddie and Catherine are together and we have no idea that they are uncle and niece.  Beatrice knows of Eddies feelings yet says nothing. This all adds to the tension and we know its all going to explode, the only question is when.  The cousins arrival aggravates this or and even adds more conflict and tension. The first impression we get of the relationships in the house is that Eddie and Catherine are lovers. There actions towards each other are sexual and flirtatious yet they are trying to hide it. This is shown when Eddie refers to Catherines skirt as beautiful he could have been talking about the skirt or maybe Catherine as a whole. The relationship between Eddie and Beatrice on the other hand is one of duty rather than love. Beatrice is silent to what is going on around her. This shows the power Eddie holds over her. This is displayed throughout the play, by the lack of respect given to her and by how he speaks to her. For example you lived in a house all your life, what do you know about it? this shows he doesnt respect her and thinks she has an easy life. Catherine and Beatrices relationship is quite innocent at first and there doesnt seem to be much between them, it later appears that Beatrice holds a deep jealousy of the relationship she has with Eddie. This is shown by miller when Beatrice confronts Catherine about her behaviour around Eddie. Like when he comes home you throw yourself at him like when you was twelve years old Although it is apparent to us that the relationship between Eddie and Catherine one of a sexual or desiring nature. Catherine appears to be oblivious to it, for example she strikes a match and holds it to his cigar this is a very up-close and personal act and then she blows out the match, this seems a very sexual act, with them being so close and her blowing out the match so close to his face, yet Catherine does not make anything of it and carries on. Catherine sees Eddie as a Father figure and is always seeking to impress him. Her actions are often mistaken to be flirtatious when they can also be seen as innocent behaviour of a young girl looking for her fathers approval. One such instance is when Catherine starts running her hands over her skirt this can be seen as flirting or it can also be seen as though she is nervous because she does not know if Eddie approves.  This is also apparent when Eddie says you aint all the girls this shows that he considers her to be special either because he is in love with her or because he sees her as his daughter Beatrice Knows of Eddies feelings towards Catherine however she cannot say anything because she fears Eddie and she holds it in, taking the anger out in her actions. For example when she is mad she gets up, clearing the dishes this shows that she doesnt want to confront Eddie therefore she occupies herself with other tasks. Beatrice is also jealous of Catherine; she wants the same relationship that Catherine has with Eddie. Eddie holds the power in the house, with him being the only man. Both women look up to him and never contradict him. Miller clearly shows this throughout the start of Act 1. An example of Eddies power is when it says Eddie is standing facing the two seated woman this shows the women look up to him and it also forms a triangle with him being the top point, showing his power over them. This can also be seen as though both women are competing for Eddie.

Strategic Management and Information Systems

Strategic Management and Information Systems Now this is the time of modern technology which is the based on Information System it should be use in strategically. Strategic management is a level of managerial activity under setting goals and over Tactics. Strategic management provides overall direction to the enterprise and is closely related to the field of Organization Studies. In the field of business administration it is useful to talk about strategic align men between the organization and its environment or strategic consistency. According to Arieu (2007), there is strategic consistency when the actions of an organization are consistent with the expectations of management, and these in turn are with the market and the context. Strategic management is an ongoing process that evaluates and controls the business and the industries in which the company is involved; assesses its competitors and sets goals and strategies to meet all existing and potential competitors; and then reassesses each strategy annually or quarterly [i.e. regularly] to determine how it has been implemented and whether it has succeeded or needs replacement by a new strategy to meet changed circumstances, new technology, new competitors, a new economic environment., or a new social, financial, or political environment. Marketing action plan Placement and execution of required resources are financial, manpower, operational support, time, technology support Operating with a change in methods or with alteration in structure Distributing the specific tasks with responsibility or moulding specific jobs to individuals or teams. The process should be managed by a responsible team. This is to keep direct watch on result, comparison for betterment and best practices, cultivating the effectiveness of processes, calibrating and reducing the variations and setting the process as required. Introducing certain programs involves acquiring the requisition of resources: a necessity for developing the process, training documentation, process testing, and immolation with (and/or conversion from) difficult processes. As and when the strategy implementation processes, there have been so many problems arising such as human relations, the employee-communication. Such a time, marketing strategy is the biggest implementation problem usually involves, with emphasis on the appropriate timing of new products. An organization, with an effective management, should try to implement its plans without signalling this fact to its competitors.[3] In general terms, there are two main approaches, which are opposite but complement each other in some ways, to strategic management: The Industrial Organizational Approach based on economic theory deals with issues like competitive rivalry, resource allocation, economies of scale assumptions rationality, self discipline behaviour, profit maximization The Sociological Approach deals primarily with human interactions Information- and technology-driven strategy Peter Drucker had theorized the rise of the knowledge worker back in the 1950s. He described how fewer workers would be doing physical labour, and more would be applying their minds. In 1984, John Nesbitt theorized that the future would be driven largely by information: companies that managed information well could obtain an advantage, however the profitability of what he calls the information float (information that the company had and others desired) would all but disappear as inexpensive computers made information more accessible. Daniel Bell (1985) examined the sociological consequences of information technology, while Gloria Schuck and Shoshana Zuboff looked at psychological factors. Zuboff, in her five year study of eight pioneering corporations made the important distinction between automating technologies and info mating technologies. She studied the effect that both had on individual workers, managers, and organizational structures. She largely confirmed Peter Druckers predictions three decades earlier, about the importance of flexible decentralized structure, work teams, knowledge sharing, and the central role of the knowledge worker. Zuboff also detected a new basis for managerial authority, based not on position or hierarchy, but on knowledge (also predicted by Drucker) which she called participative management. In 1990, Peter Senge, who had collaborated with Arie de Geus at Dutch Shell, borrowed de Geus notion of the learning organization, expanded it, and popularized it. The underlying theory is that a companys ability to gather, analyze, and use information is a necessary requirement for business success in the information age. (See organizational learning.) In order to do this, Senge claimed that an organization would need to be structured such that:[75] People can continuously expand their capacity to learn and be productive, New patterns of thinking are nurtured, Collective aspirations are encouraged, and People are encouraged to see the whole picture together. Senge identified five disciplines of a learning organization. They are: Personal responsibility, self reliance, and mastery We accept that we are the masters of our own destiny. We make decisions and live with the consequences of them. When a problem needs to be fixed, or an opportunity exploited, we take the initiative to learn the required skills to get it done. Mental models We need to explore our personal mental models to understand the subtle effect they have on our behaviour. Shared vision The vision of where we want to be in the future is discussed and communicated to all. It provides guidance and energy for the journey ahead. Team learning We learn together in teams. This involves a shift from a spirit of advocacy to a spirit of enquiry. Systems thinking We look at the whole rather than the parts. This is what Senge calls the Fifth discipline. It is the glue that integrates the other four into a coherent strategy. For an alternative approach to the learning organization, see Garratt, B. (1987). Thomas A. Stewart, for example, uses the term intellectual capital to describe the investment an organization makes in knowledge. It is composed of human capital (the knowledge inside the heads of employees), customer capital (the knowledge inside the heads of customers that decide to buy from you), and structural capital (the knowledge that resides in the company itself). Manuel Castells, describes a network society characterized by: globalization, organizations structured as a network, instability of employment, and a social divide between those with access to information technology and those without. Geoffrey Moore (1991) and R. Frank and P. Cook[85] also detected a shift in the nature of competition. In industries with high technology content, technical standards become established and this gives the dominant firm a near monopoly. The same is true of networked industries in which interoperability requires compatibility between users. An example is word processor documents. Once a product has gained market dominance, other products, even far superior products, cannot compete. Moore showed how firms could attain this enviable position by using E.M. Rogers five stage adoption process and focusing on one group of customers at a time, using each group as a base for marketing to the next group. The most difficult step is making the transition between visionaries and pragmatists (See Crossing the Chasm). If successful a firm can create a bandwagon effect in which the momentum builds and your product becomes a de facto standard. Evans and Wurster describe how industries with a high information component are being transformed.[86] They cite Encartas demolition of the Encyclopedia Britannica (whose sales have plummeted 80% since their peak of $650 million in 1990). Encartas reign was speculated to be short-lived, eclipsed by collaborative encyclopedias like Wikipedia that can operate at very low marginal costs. Encartas service was subsequently turned into an on-line service and dropped at the end of 2009. Evans also mentions the music industry which is desperately looking for a new business model. The upstart information savvy firms, unburdened by cumbersome physical assets, are changing the competitive landscape, redefining market segments, and disintermediating some channels. One manifestation of this is personalized marketing. Information technology allows marketers to treat each individual as its own market, a market of one. Traditional ideas of market segments will no longer be relevant if personalized marketing is successful. The technology sector has provided some strategies directly. For example, from the software development industry agile software development provides a model for shared development processes. Access to information systems have allowed senior managers to take a much more comprehensive view of strategic management than ever before. The most notable of the comprehensive systems is the balanced scorecard approach developed in the early 1990s by Drs. Robert S. Kaplan (Harvard Business School) and David Norton (Kaplan, R. and Norton, D. 1992). It measures several factors financial, marketing, production, organizational development, and new product development in order to achieve a balanced perspective. Knowledge-driven strategy Most current approaches to business strategy focus on the mechanics of management e.g., Druckers operational strategies and as such are not true business strategy. In a post-industrial world these operationally focused business strategies hinge on conventional sources of advantage have essentially been eliminated: Scale used to be very important. But now, with access to capital and a global marketplace, scale is achievable by multiple organizations simultaneously. In many cases, it can literally be rented. Process improvement or best practices were once a favored source of advantage, but they were at best temporary, as they could be copied and adapted by competitors. Owning the customer had always been thought of as an important form of competitive advantage. Now, however, customer loyalty is far less important and difficult to maintain as new brands and products emerge all the time. In such a world, differentiation, as elicudated by Michael Porter, Botten and McManus is the only way to maintain economic or market superiority (i.e., comparative advantage) over competitors. A company must OWN the thing that differentiates it from competitors. Without IP ownership and protection, any product, process or scale advantage can be compromised or entirely lost. Competitors can copy them without fear of economic or legal consequences, thereby eliminating the advantage. (For an explanation and elucidation of the post-industrial worldview, see George Ritzer and Daniel Bell.) The psychology of strategic management Several psychologists have conducted studies to determine the psychological patterns involved in strategic management. Typically senior managers have been asked how they go about making strategic decisions. A 1938 treatise by Chester Barnard, that was based on his own experience as a business executive, sees the process as informal, intuitive, non-routinized, and involving primarily oral, 2-way communications. Bernard says The process is the sensing of the organization as a whole and the total situation relevant to it. It transcends the capacity of merely intellectual methods, and the techniques of discriminating the factors of the situation. The terms pertinent to it are feeling, judgement, sense, proportion, balance, appropriateness. It is a matter of art rather than science. In 1973, Henry Mintzberg found that senior managers typically deal with unpredictable situations so they strategize in ad hoc, flexible, dynamic, and implicit ways. . He says, The job breeds adaptive information-manipulators who prefer the live concrete situation. The manager works in an environment of stimulous-response, and he develops in his work a clear preference for live action.[88] In 1982, John Kotter studied the daily activities of 15 executives and concluded that they spent most of their time developing and working a network of relationships from which they gained general insights and specific details to be used in making strategic decisions. They tended to use mental road maps rather than systematic planning techniques.[89] Daniel Isenbergs 1984 study of senior managers found that their decisions were highly intuitive. Executives often sensed what they were going to do before they could explain why.[90] He claimed in 1986 that one of the reasons for this is the complexity of strategic decisions and the resultant information uncertainty.[91] Shoshana Zuboff (1988) claims that information technology is widening the divide between senior managers (who typically make strategic decisions) and operational level managers (who typically make routine decisions). She claims that prior to the widespread use of computer systems, managers, even at the most senior level, engaged in both strategic decisions and routine administration, but as computers facilitated (She called it deskilled) routine processes, these activities were moved further down the hierarchy, leaving senior management free for strategic decions making. In 1977, Abraham Zaleznik identified a difference between leaders and managers. He describes leadershipleaders as visionaries who inspire. They care about substance. Whereas managers are claimed to care about process, plans, and form.[92] He also claimed in 1989 that the rise of the manager was the main factor that caused the decline of American business in the 1970s and 80s.The main difference between leader and manager is that, leader has followers and manager has subordinates. In capitalistic society leaders make decisions and manager usually follow or execute.[93] Lack of leadership is most damaging at the level of strategic management where it can paralyze an entire organization.[94] According to Corner, Kinichi, and Keats,[95] strategic decision making in organizations occurs at two levels: individual and aggregate. They have developed a model of parallel strategic decision making. The model identifies two parallel processes both of which involve getting attention, encoding information, storage and retrieval of information, strategic choice, strategic outcome, and feedback. The individual and organizational processes are not independent however. They interact at each stage of the process. References David, F Strategic Management, Columbus:Merrill Publishing Company, 1989 Lamb, Robert, Boyden Competitive strategic management, Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1984 Sweet, Franklyn H. Strategic Planning A Conceptual Study, Bureau of Business Research, The University of Texas, 1964 Chandler, Alfred Strategy and Structure: Chapters in the history of industrial enterprise, Doubleday, New York, 1962.

An Alliance in Distress Essay -- Foreign Policy

It is almost too hard to fathom that only 70 years ago the United States possessed such strong feelings of hatred and fear towards Japan in the wake of the devastating Pearl Harbor attacks. The federal government even went as far as to unjustly imprison 110,000 Japanese-Americans. Also, the Japanese felt much animosity and held an inhumane view of Americans following their surrender in WWII after two U.S. atomic bombs killed an estimated 240,000 people. However, from the midst of this painful and dark history has risen one of the most peaceful and powerful alliances of the twenty-first century. The United States rose to be a political superpower with the most technologically advanced military and largest economy in the world. Japan also rose to be a technological superpower with the second largest economy in the world, although it was recently surpassed by China in late 2010. The mutual growth of the two countries stemmed from the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security (TMCS) betw een the United States and Japan that was signed on January 19,1960. The TMCS helped foster the mutual and prosperous trade between the two countries, while also setting forth an agreement of security assistance to one another in times of conflict. As a result of the treaty, the U.S. was allowed by Japan to place bases on various islands, but primarily on the island of Okinawa for strategic purposes and to aid in the defense of Japan. Over fifty years have passed since this agreement was made by the two nations and now an international debate has risen over complications with this arrangement to a magnitude so large that Japanese citizens now even question the merits of the overall U.S.-Japan alliance. The main question that now stands between the Japan... ...ates. Congress. House. Committee on Armed Services. Japan†¯: Recent Security Developments†¯: Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, One Hundred Eleventh Congress, Second Session, Hearing Held July 27, 2010. Washington: U.S. G.P.O.†¯:, 2010. Print. United States. Congress. House. Committee on Foreign Affairs. Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment. U.S.-Japan Relations [microform]†¯: Enduring Ties, Recent Developments†¯: Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Eleventh Congress, Second Session, March 17, 2010. Washington: U.S. G.P.O., 2010. Print. Sato, Ikenberry, G. John, and Yoichiro Inoguchi, Takashi. U.S.-Japan Security Alliance: Regional Multilateralism. Gordonsville, VA, USA: Palgrave Macmillan, 2011. Print.

Effects of Absent Fathers on Adolescents Essay -- Social Issues, Divor

The role of the father, a male figure in a child’s life is a very crucial role that has been diminishing over the years. An absent father can be defined in two ways; the father is physically not present, or the father is physically present, but emotionally present. To an adolescent, a father is an idolized figure, someone they look up to (Feud, 1921), thus when such a figure is an absent one, it can and will negatively affect a child’s development. Many of the problems we face in society today, such as crime and delinquency, poor academic achievement, divorce, drug use, early pregnancy and sexual activity can be attributed to fathers being absent during adolescent development (Popenoe, 1996; Whitehead, 1993). The percentage of adolescents growing up fatherless has risen from 17% to 36% in just three decades between 1960 and 1990 (Popenoe, 1996). Dr. Popenoe estimates this number will increase to approximately 50% by the turn of the century (Popenoe, 1996). The US Census Bureau reported out of population of 24 million children, 1 out 3 live in a home without a father (US Census Bureau, 2009). The role of a father is more than just another parent at home (Popenoe, 1996). Having a father, the male biological parent in a child’s life is important because it brings a different type of parenting that cannot be replicated by anyone else (Stanton, 2010). Fathers who are present and active in a child’s life provide great benefits to a developing child (Popenoe, 1996). Having a father brings a different kind of love. The love of the father is more expectant and instrumental, different from the love of a mother (Stanton, as cited in Pruett, 1987). The effect of an absent father can be quite devastating to the developing ad... ...istics, 1999). McBride, Brent A., Sara K., Sullivan, and Ho-Ho (2005) reported about the achievement levels in a adolescent who grows up with a father, â€Å"A study of 1330 children from the PSID showed that fathers who are involved on a personal level with their child schooling increases the likelihood of their child's achievement. When fathers assume a positive role in their child's education, students feel a positive impact.† (p. 201-216). Children who do not grow up in a two parent homes, are more likely to fail and repeat a grade in school. It is also important to note that children who grow up in single parent families are less likely to have parents involved with the school, 62% of children with two parent homes have parents that are involved in school, while children from single parent homes have half of them involved in school (Nord, Winquist, West, 2001).

Macbeth: Macbeth A Victim of Circumstances :: Free Macbeth Essays

Macbeth: Macbeth A Victim of Circumstances Macbeth, a victim of circumstances or not? He was a victim of circumstances. The witches, Lady Macbeth, and Macbeth himself all contribute to the murdering of Duncan. The first of the three major circumstances Macbeth falls victim to is the witches' prediction. The third prediction that the witches make is that he will be king "All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!"1. The second of the circumstances is Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth, at first, skillfully pushes Macbeth to murder Duncan by mocking him "Was the hope drunk; Wherein you dressed yourself?"2, doubting his love for her "Such I account thy love,"3 accusing him of cowardice "And live a coward"4. She finally convinced him by pointing out how easy it would be " When Duncan is asleep-"5. Macbeth loved his wife very much and valued her opinion, perhaps too much. The last of the major circumstances is simply himself and what he is deep down. Macbeth has no control over the way he is. It is his vaulting ambition that makes him the way he is. This is why I consider it a circumstance where others may not. Macbeth is weak. He gave in to his evil side by even considering murdering Duncan. We can see him questioning himself in his aside in Act I scene 3 "Why do I yield to that suggestion whose horrid image ... Are less than horrible imaginings;"6. He cannot seem to be able to control his thoughts. He lets his ambition to become king run a wild. The murder of Duncan is the first and biggest step in Macbeth's moral degradation. From here evil deeds become easier because he feels he has gone too far to turn around. I am in blood; Stepped in so far that, should I wade no more, Returning were as tedious as go o'er.7 Later Macbeth is so hardened by his sins "The time has been my senses would have cooled To here a night-shriek"8 that a woman's shriek does nothing to him. Now, in order for this essay to show that Macbeth is a victim of circumstances I must prove the importance of each major circumstance. Without any one of these reasons I do not believe that Macbeth would have gone through with killing Duncan. If I take away the witches' prediction, Macbeth would never have thought about becoming king. Thus he would not have given even a thought to murdering Duncan. Now, if he never murdered Duncan, he would have had no reasons to have

Hamlet through his foils †Laertes, Fortinbras and Horatio Essay

It is without doubt that William Shakespeare has created many unique, thought – provoking characters. Hamlet is by far Shakespeare’s most compelling character. In Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, various character traits, exhibited by Hamlet, can be seen through his foils. Similarities with Hamlet and Horatio’s education, as well as their levels, can be drawn. However, Hamlet’s character is in constant change and even philosophical. Fortinbras, without question encompasses many of Hamlet’s qualities. They are both born with nobility, along with a similar lineage. However, Fortinbras is more aggressive and even sneaky. Laertes, Hamlet’s late antagonist, is both impulsive and righteous. However, they differ in terms of their nobility, as well as their father’s behaviour. The character traits exemplified by Hamlet also comprise his foils. In relation to Hamlet’s three foils, Horatio is the most dissimilar. When Horatio first enters the play, Hamlet says, â€Å"And what make you from Wittenberg, Horatio.† (I,ii,171) Hamlet is making reference to the city that their university, which they both study at, is located. With respect to education, these two characters are one; they are both deemed scholars. One characteristic also shared between the two is their courage. When the ghost first appears Horatio fiercely challenges him, â€Å"By heaven I charge thee speak.† (I,i,58) Ghosts are unique in the respect that they are the supernatural; they are able to walk through doors, be immune to fires and even ascend. Thus, upsetting a ghost is certainly a courageous act as Horatio is easily susceptible to consequence. Another similarity, these two characters demonstrate is their belief in God. When the ghost leaves Horatio says, â€Å"Before my God, I might not this believe.† (I,i,65) Hamlet also makes reference to an afterlife, â€Å"But that the dread of something after death, /The undiscovered country from whose bourn/No traveller returns.† (III,i, 85-87) In this portion of his soliloquy, Hamlet is making reference to afterlife, a belief held in conjunction with religious people. Although this was a religious time period, not all characters make references to God, thus this quality is worth addressing. Hamlet and Horatio have many personal characteristics that are similar. Like all other characters, Hamlet and Horatio have their differences. A major  idea exemplified throughout the play is that Horatio is a static character, one that does not develop. Hamlet however is bipolar, demonstrating moods that are at one moment excited and the other dreadful, to name a few. When Hamlet is first introduced in the play, his mother says, â€Å"Good Hamlet, cast they knighted colour off/And let thine eye look for a friend on Denmark.† (I,ii,69-70) From her comments, it is obvious that Hamlet is suffering. Upon the arrival of the players, Hamlet transforms into a more inquisitive mood and says, â€Å"I’ll have grounds/More relative than this. The play’s the thing/Wherein I’ll catch the conscious of the King.† (II,ii,615-617) Another difference between Hamlet and Horatio is Hamlet’s philosophical nature. This is one of Hamlet’s only constants throughout the play. Hamlet demonstrates this quality through many of his soliloquies. In the most famous speech in literature Hamlet says, To be, or not to be, that is the question. Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arm against a sea of troubles Any by opposing end them. (III,I,65-67) In this speech, Hamlet is intelligently contemplating living through pain and suffrage rather than committing suicide and ending the harsh life. Hamlet and Horatio differ in terms of consistency and a lack of trait. In relation to Hamlet’s three foils, Fortinbras is the most similar. Fortinbras and Hamlet are both born into nobility; their fathers were both rulers of their respective countries. However, this similarity runs deeper then readers first imagined. Fortinbras and Hamlet are in identical scenarios; they have dead fathers with uncles governing their country. Another similarity between these two are the purpose they are presently seeking. When the guards notice activity in the mills, Horatio says, Now, sir, young Fortinbras, Of unimproved mettle hot and full, Hath in the skirts of Norway here and there Sharked up a list of lawless resolutes, For food and diet, to some enterprise That hath a stomach in it, which is no other, †¦ But to recover of us, by strong hand And terms compulsatory, those foresaid lands So by his father lost. (I,i, 109- 115) In this speech, it is obvious that young Fortinbras is out for revenge. He is not content with what happened to his father. After a visit by the ghost, Hamlet says, â€Å"Prompted to my revenge by heaven and hell.† (II,ii,596). In this soliloquy, Hamlet mentions his existential purpose in life, which is to extract revenge for his father, as he too is unhappy with the current conditions. These two characters share similarities that they have been born into. As much similar they are, Hamlet and Fortinbras have several differences. A major distinction between Hamlet and Fortinbras is that Fortinbras is more aggressive with his intent. In Claudius’s opening speech, he says Of this his nephew’s purpose, – to suppress His further gait herein, in that the levies, The list and full proportions, are all made Out of his subject. And we here dispatch. (I,ii,30-33) In this speech, it is clear that Fortinbras is more driven in his purpose and has the ‘wheels in motion.’ In one of Hamlet’s soliloquy’s he says, But in fiction, in a dream of passion Could force his souls so to his own conceit That from her working all his visage waned, Tears in his eyes, distraction in his aspect (II,ii, 563-566) Hamlet’s philosophical nature is not helping his main objective. One can argue that he has had reasons not to act when he has been given chance. However, this is clearly an instance when he should stop portraying Socrates’ and focus more on his objective. A major difference between Hamlet and Fortinbras is that Fortinbras is a snake, ruthless with intent. After threatening to attack their country, he was granted permission to pass through for battle. â€Å"Tell him that by his license, Fortinbras/Craves the conveyance of a promised march/Over his kingdom. You know the rendezvous.† (IV,iv,1-3). However, at the conclusion of the play, Fortinbras arrives ready to overtake the kingdom. He doesn’t care for the gracious favour that Denmark had granted him. As well, he attacks without notice, a use practiced by terrorists in the present day; he is as evil as they come. Hamlet and Fortinbras differ in terms of their willingness as well as a lack of a trait. Laertes and Hamlet share many striking characteristics. It is obvious that Laertes is impulsive. Upon first hearing his father’s murder, he becomes angry with the king, even accusing him of the crime. To hell, allegiance! Vows, to the blackest devil! Conscience and grace, to the profoundest pit! I dare damnation. To this point I stand. That both the worlds I give to negligence, Let come what comes, only I’ll be revenged. (IV,vi,136-140) This speech is very powerful in conveying the vehemence that is surging through his veins. He is willing to take action immediately, not even knowing for certain who murdered his father. Hamlet displays his impulsiveness when he is speaking with his mother, after Polonius’s murder. When Hamlet pulls the curtains he says, â€Å"Thou wretched, rash, intruding fool.† (III,iv,37). Hamlet is astonished that Polonius is the one behind the curtains. Hamlet is filled with the intent on taking action but consequently does so impulsively and results in the wrong death. Another similarity between Hamlet and Laertes is there good nature, good intentions. Before his departure, Laertes has strict instructions for his sister. â€Å"And keep you in the rear of your affection/Our of the shot and danger of desire.† (I,iii,36-37) Unlike some of Shakespeare’s other characters, Goneril and Regan, Laertes genuinely cares for his sister. He warns her of the possible ramification s of continuing her relationship with hamlet, such as a broken heart. Hamlet is also obedient to his father’s wishes, â€Å"revenge his foul and most unnatural murder.† (I,vi,29). Hamlet’s father instructs him to avenge his death. Hamlet is upset that his father is suffering and seeks to fix the ‘rotten things in Denmark.† (I,iv,99) Another similarity between these two characters is that their fathers are both sneaky. Polonius exemplifies this when he grants his son permission to return to Paris. He instructs Reynaldo, â€Å"By indirections find directions out.† (II,ii,71) Polonius makes it clear that he does not want his son to be aware that he is secretly keeping watch on him. Although Claudius is not the biological father of Hamlet, through marriage he obtains ‘fatherly’ figure. Claudius is intent on learning why Hamlet is upset and does not mind being sneaky in the process. When Polonius suggests hiding and listening to Hamlet, he does not object to it, he says, ‘thanks my dear lord.† (III,iii,38). Hamlet and Horatio have many personal  characteristics in common. One of the differences between Hamlet and Laertes is irrational thinking. When Claudius and Laertes are speaking, Laertes suggests, â€Å"To cut his throat in the church.† (Iv,viii,139). This is obviously an irrational method of obtaining justice. Hamlet is arguably the most intelligent character in the play. This is demonstrated countless times throughout the play. One of the instances is when the king sends Rosencrantz and Guilderstern to speak to Hamlet. It does not take long for Hamlet to be certain of their true intentions. For he says, â€Å"You were sent for, and there is a kind of confession in your looks which your modesties have not craft enough to colour.† (II,ii,292-295) Another difference between Hamlet and Laertes is their nobility. Hamlet is the heir to the throne, a noble figure by birth. Laertes, on the other hand, is the son to a councillor. They are both recognizable, but not of nobility. Laertes differs from Hamlet by encompassing less gratifying tra its. Hamlet’s characteristics can be seen through his foils. Horatio and Hamlet hold the same position in education and studied at the same university. They are both religious and courageous figures. They differ in terms of their nobility and constant moods. Fortinbras and Hamlet share lineage and nobility but are different in terms of aggressiveness and philosophical nature, or lack there of. Laertes and Hamlet are both impulsive, good with sneaky male parentage. They differ in terms of their nobility and even irrational thinking. Hamlet is Shakespeare’s most loved character. However, he is a combination of other characters. Thus he is not as truly unique, as one initially perceived.

Company Law Legal Organisations Essay

Introduction Thor plc is a Public Limited registered company as per the provisions of Companies Act 1985, listed in London Stock Exchange.   A public limited company must have at least two directors to manage the business affairs of the company apart from a qualified company secretary.   Further public limited companies are also permitted to offer shares to the public to raise funds by way of public offer of shares to a minimum value of   Ã‚ £50,000. Thor plc is a commercial catering company   which has both shares and debentures to its credit.   A public limited company is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association which details the entire internal and external boundaries of a director beyond which a director cannot act in any manner.   Chapter 2 Section 171-177 of Companies Act 2006   provide about scope and nature of general duties of a director. Some of the important general duties are : Duty to act within powers and in accordance with the company’s constitution (M&A) and exercise powers dutifully.(Sec.171) Section 172 states that a director must promote and work to the success of a company in bona fide and in good conduct for any long term decisions, in the interests of company employees, fostering the business relationship with business suppliers, customers and others, consider the company’s operations, its impacts on environment     and community.   A director must have interest to maintain the reputation of the company. Section 173 states that a director has the power to exercise independent judgment which is in accordance with the provisions and compliance of legal provisions enabled by Companies Act 2006 and authorized by Company’s constitution and which is not restricted and in contradiction with the agreement entered into between the director and the company. Section 174 states that a director must exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence. Section 175   provides that a director is in a position to always avoid a conflict of interest. Section 176 provides that a director must not accept any benefits   from third parties. Third parties means a person other than the company, a person acting on behalf of a company, an associate body or a body corporate. Section 177 provides that a director can always declare interest in a proposed transaction or arrangement. The proposed interest must be disclosed or declared either in a meeting with other directors, by a notice to other directors in accordance with Section 184   (notice in writing) or Section 185 (general notice). A director need not disclose interest in case the director is of the opinion that (a) the proposed interest for a transaction may give rise to a conflict of interest. (b) To an extent, if other directors are aware of transaction. ( c) The proposal need to be considered in a meeting of directors or by a committee of directors appointed for this purpose under company’s constitution. Section 178 deals with civil consequences of breach of general duties by   a director. Companies Act 1985 imposes a statutory prohibition that it is a criminal offence if a director without the prior permission of the Board, considers an option to sell or buy shares or debentures.   Insider trading is a criminal offence under Financial Services Act 1986 as per sections 61-62A when a private investor or person suffers a loss from breach of statutory duty which is caused by a director. Under Criminal Justice Act 1993 Part V, if a person knowingly commits insider trading, it will be considered as offence if, buy or sell shares is performed in a regulated market, where there is intermediary professional. Encourages another person to deal with such proposals of insider trading. Disclosure of information to persons who are outside of office, employment or profession. All the above offences are penalized either with fine or imprisonment of up to seven years. Mary in the capacity of a director, is entitled to sell Thor Plc shares which are held by Mary in the position of a director only after the prior intimation to the Board and after a resolution has been passed to that extent that certain number of shares held by Mary, the director of Thor plc can be sold. Mary has committed a serious offence by neither intimating the Board about selling of shares, nor took the consent of the Board in which case,   Mary has invited penalties under Companies Act 2006. Further, Mary has also encouraged another shareholder Graham to sell shares by revealing the confidential business information about the company which is also another serious offence which was not supposed to be performed by a director who is in the Board of a company. Mary as director has violated all the legal rules of Companies Act 2006 and has violated the rules of Thor plc. In view of the above, Mary is either required to pay a penalty or seek assistance from a legal practitioner 2(a) In October 2008, certain of the codified directors’ duties come into force. Explain briefly the relevant fiduciary duties which will be applicable prior to that date Directors have the major decision making power in a company. No other position in a company is greater than the position of a director.   The duties of directors are designed in a way that companies’ interests are protected, shareholders interests are protected in order to make corporate business as transparent and efficient.   There are many rules, statutory duties and fiduciary duties for a director’s position which have to be fulfilled in accordance with Companies Act 1985 and as amended by Companies Act 1989.   The government is of the opinion that codification of directors’ duties which are included in the Companies Act 2006, which was granted permission from Royal Assent on 8th November, 2006, ensures the law to be consistent and also enables directors to not to breach any duty that is written in law. Prior to the codification of directors’ duties, the fiduciary duties were prevalent which are briefly explained as below. Further fiduciary duties are of two categories. (1) Duty to act in good faith in the interest of the company and not for any collateral purpose. (2) Duty to not to permit conflict of personal interest with that of duties to be discharged as director of a company.   Ã‚  Fiduciary duties can never be breached by a director wherein case, the director would be held responsible for any loss suffered thereof.   Any profit or loss that is made from the discharge of duties by   a director, must be disclosed to the company in all respects.   Directors owe duties to the company only and not to individual members.   A director must disclose any interest in a proposed contract or a contract in a meeting of the directors of the company.   Director’s service contract must be kept available for inspection by the members.   Service contracts for more than five years must be approved in a general meeting.   Further a director must notify the company about any personal interest in shares of the company.   Personal liability for a director is more when   a director is participating directly or indirectly in fraudulent trading in the event of a company being liquidated or wrongful trading when a company is being declared as an insolvent and the court holds director as liable. When a company is in insolvent liquidation, the directors of the company are not eligible to incorporate another company in the same name or similar to the existing name for a term of five years. In case if a director is floating another company with the similar name, director becomes personally liable for the debts of such new company. Further an officer or director who signs cheques or orders for goods on behalf of the company is also held personally liable for all the transactions of the company, when the name of company does not appear on cheques or order documents.  Ã‚   Company records have to be kept at the registered office for inspection of company law officials or such other authorized persons as per Companies Act 2006. Fiduciary duties of a director are of equal source of personal liability as that of general duties of a director.   All fiduciary duties are self-explanatory whereas all general duties are specific and task-oriented for each director.   Breach of director’s duties result in either as offence, personal liability or termination of directorship as per the provisions of Companies Act 2006. There are totally four directors in Edu-con Ltd who are managing the business affairs of the company.   The constitution of Edu-con Ltd is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company which details the powers and duties of directors of Edu-con Ltd and further statutory laws and provisions of Companies Act 2006 apply to Edu-con Ltd for both filing the required statutory documents and for detailing the duties of directors of Edu-con Ltd.,   All the four directors of Edu-con Ltd for responsible for execution of general duties as well fiduciary duties of the company. Part 10 Chapter 1 Section 154 – 169 of Companies Act 2006 details about appointment and removal of directors. Chapter 2 of Part 10 Section 170 – 177 of Companies Act 2006 details about general duties of   directors. Section 252 of the Companies Act 2006 details about persons connected with a director. Section 253 of the Companies Act 2006 details about members of director’s family.   Section 254 states about a body corporate with which the director is connected.   Vera Freet lives with her partner, Bertram Boss who owns a business by name â€Å"Bell Agentis†. Vera Freet did not disclose partner Bertram Boss in any Board meeting and neither while selling the land adjacent to â€Å"Bell Agentis† for value  £350,000 to Edu-con Ltd., whereas it is important for a director to disclose about family members and also about any interest in business proposal that is related to the business management of Edu-con Ltd., Wilson Rabbit who is another director of Edu-con Ltd., has earned a commission of  £900 for awarding a printing contract to Bees Books Ltd.,   In this aspect, Companies Act 1985 states that disclosure of transactions that are within a sum of    £1000 in a financial year need not be disclosed by a director as long as it is a secret commission in terms of monetary benefit earned by a director. It is also important that the acts of directors are within the purview of Articles of Edu-con Ltd., and considered not as an offence.   However it is important that the Board must be notified about the paying of commission by Bees Books Ltd., to the director even though it is a small amount,   for all good purposes and to keep the transparency of the transactions. According to the EU Directive when a company is taken over by another company, existing board or change in board effects the value of   the company. In the present case, Edu-con Ltd has been taken over by another company, and subsequently there is also a change in the board members which means the existing four directors of Edu-con Ltd no longer carry the position of director. Any transactions that are still in term period do not hold good when a director ceases as board member which is relevant in the case of   Wilson Rabbit who has been receiving commission from Bees Books Ltd for printing contract. Similarly the land that is acquired from Bell-Agentis can also be reconsidered whether it should be retained by the new board members.   The new board has every right and authorized to write-off all the transactions that were exercised by previous board basing on the interest of the new board and for making the business good. Conclusion Companies Act 2006 is yet to come into force effectively by the end of the year 2008 as there are many changes in Company Reform Bill to bring order to all the existing UK companies and for all the new companies that are being incorporated. However it is important to always refer Companies Act 1985 as well Companies Act 2006 for deriving the maximum benefits in the matters related to directorships and financial related matters. References Companies Act, 2006 Reviewed 14 April 2008 http://194.131.210.216/eappub/includeimages/2007041722C1FAUHD_Companies%20Act%202006.pdf Company Law guide http://www.youngandpearce.co.uk/corporat.htm Companies Act 2006 and duties of directors Reviewed 17 April 2008 http://www.bytestart.co.uk/content/legal/35_2/companies-act-directors-duties.shtml Companies Act, 2006 Reviewed 14 April 2008 http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2006/pdf/ukpga_20060046_en.pdf Explanatory Notes to Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2000 Chapter 12 Reviewed 14 April 2008 http://www.opsi.gov.uk/ACTS/acts2000/en/ukpgaen_20000012_en_1 Partnership Act, 1890 Reviewed 14 April 2008 http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/bimmanual/BIM72505.htm http://www.opsi.gov.uk/ACTS/acts2006/ukpga_20060046_en_1 http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2007/uksi_20072194_en_7 http://books.google.co.in/books?id=zb7VqRT4hOgC&pg=PA44&lpg=PA44&dq=selling+of+shares+by+director+of+a+company+is+a+criminal+offence&source=web&ots=9RfouwoVBz&sig=8REfcxgg1RLBiW-dxrG-4ioh6uw&hl=en#PPA52,M1 UK Government’s new Company Law Reform Bill Reviewed 14 April 2008 http://www.mallesons.com/publications/2005/Dec/8221850W.htm

How Children Learn to Read and Write, with use of Quality Texts to Support

An analysis of the way in which children learn to read and write, and the place of quality texts in supporting this. â€Å"Being able to read is the most important skill children will learn during their early schooling and has far-reaching implications for lifelong confidence and well-being. †(Adonis & Hughes, 2007) Throughout history, different strategies and methods have been developed to aid com/frederick-douglass-and-malcolm-x-compare-and-contrast-essay/">learning to read and write. Classic styles (although still highly regarded) of writing children’s books including, rhyming, rhythm and repetition have been used consistently to support evolving children’s literacy (Lerer, 2009).Newer methods such as synthetic phonics include developing the relationship between sounds and written word. This essay will highlight different strategies and methods that have been developed, and their effectiveness in developing a child’s literacy skills from a young age . McGee & Richgels talk about ‘each child’s journey through the wide and varied landscape of literacy development being unique’. They explain that ‘decoding, fluency, background knowledge, comprehension and motivation are essential in each child’s literary development (McGee & Richgels, 2003).From the moment a child becomes aware of his/her surroundings, they will be aware of environmental print; â€Å"Environmental print refers to print that occurs in real life contexts- the signs, billboards, logos and functional print that saturate a child’s world† (Prior & Gerard, 2004:5). This allows the child to engage with the shapes and form of the words, without actually having an understanding of the meaning. Yetta Goodman describes this period as; ‘the roots of literacy’ (Goodman, 1980). Children will assign their own meanings to the marks, this shows they have engaged with the print and have decided what it means.She a explains Dolores Durkin’s paper ‘paper and pencil kids’, with regard to setting a stong foundation in literacy. She explains children’s ‘ideographic message drawings’ come first, followed by ‘scribbling’, these scribbles then evolve into ‘random letters’, and then eventually more conventional word forms. During this process children learn to decode their own words and the words of others. ‘Stepping into reading’ is easy for them, as they have already engaged with the forms of the print in meaningful ways (Shea, 2011).Goodwin explains; Concept Books are special books designed to teach concepts such a colours, shapes, materials and animals to young children. Concept books have very few words (perhaps one per page), but very vivid and engaging pictures that allow the child to associate the words on the page with the illustration (Goodwin, 2008). Learning the alphabet is good example of where a well-made co ncept book could be used. Helen Oxenburys book; ABC of things is a perfect example of this, as each page has a different letter with a pleasing illustration, creating narrative interest within each picture.Picture books can be used as an excellent resource in helping develop young children’s literacy. Goodwin explains that illustration in picture books ‘may be simply decorative’ but often aims to ‘interpret’ or ‘supply narrative meaning’ that isn’t accessible from the text alone. (Goodwin, 2008) A good picture book can be enjoyed by people of any age. â€Å"Anyone who has read picture books with very young children knows that they promote personal, detailed and exploratory talk as well as social or even raucous merriment† (Watson & Styles, 1996:1).A good method of gauging children’s engagement with a picture book could be Aidan Chambers’ ‘Tell Me’ approach. Chambers explains that the tell me a pproach is about finding out about the readers experience with the books – ‘enjoyment, thoughts, feelings, memories’ and whatever the reader wisher to report. Thoughts are ‘honourably reported’ without risk of belittlement or rejection, which allows the teacher and reader to explore the book in explicit detail (Chambers, 1996).Meek, in her book; ‘How Texts Teach What Readers Learn’, explains that although ‘good decoding’ and ‘good teachers’ help, texts themselves play a very important role in teaching children to be readers, rather than people that can merely read (Meek, 1988). Goodwin talks about introducing children to ‘intertextual thinking’. She names books such as Pat Hutchin’s; ‘Rosie’s Walk’ and Janet Ahlbergs; ‘Each Peach Pear Plum’, to illustrate her point that a text can mean more than the words themselves (Goodwin, 2008). â€Å"Part of the joy of r eading literature is revelling In the language that authors use† (Goodwin, 2008:25).As well as pictures, literary language can be utilised to create narrative interest for a child learning to read. Studies have shown that; â€Å"Children’s early (preschool) sensitivity to rhyme and alliteration is an extremely powerful indicator of their eventual success in learning to read (Perfetti et al, 1997:226). Cook writes about rhyme in literacy in becoming literate; He says that in the ‘early stages’ rhymes ‘draw attention to linguistic structures’, and at a later stage provide a ‘pleasurable halfway house between language as sound and language as the vehicle of relatively precise meaning’ (Cook, 200:26).A good example of rhyme and rhythm in literature is ‘Tanka Tanka Tanka’ by Steve Webb. Goodwin (2008) explains the ‘strong rhythmic pattern’ leads the reader to ‘respond with dance’. He talks about t he rhythm of the language drawing the reader in, taking the literature ‘beyond the cognitive’ (Goodwin, 2008). As well as rhyme and rhythm, repeating texts have been used to engage children with literacy. â€Å"Repetition increases the strength of neural connections. Reading the same book to children repeatedly serves to reinforce familiar words† (Wolfe & Nevills, 2004:45).A perfect example of a repeating text is ‘We’re going on a bear hunt’ By Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury. Goodwin talks about ‘the great joy of the book’ for the young readers. She explains the way the language ‘mirrors the experiences of the story’, saying that the repetition makes children ‘compelled to join in’ (Goodwin, 2008:24). Not only is good literary language important when considering children coming to grips with literacy, but the type of book you choose. Considering what the child is interested in when choosing your boo k will help when you come to read it.Traditional books which follow themes such as; fairy stories, folk tales, legends and myths or dragons. Meek talks of fairy stories being ‘genuine children’s literature’. She explains there are ‘deep and abiding links between the childhood of mankind as preserved in these stories and the early life of each of us’ (Meek, 1982:36). Goodwin writes about traditional stories challenging ‘accepted notions of good and evil, of family structure and of relationships’. Stories such as ‘Cinderella’ and ‘Billy Goats Gruff’, are good examples of stories about overcoming evil.Goodwin also makes the point that ‘values, beliefs and practices are passed on’ through traditional stories, helping children ‘become part of history’ and understand ‘how and why things come to them’ (Goodwin, 2008). Familiarity with well-known literature may allow children to ex plore how stories work. Patterns start to emerge in traditional literature; usually following an introduction, events, problems, resolution style. This could be highly beneficial when children come to write (or tell) their own stories. Other types of books, which help children engage with literature, are factual books.â€Å"Factual books, linking in with other areas of their work, help to extend their (children’s) experiences and knowledge (Hobart & Frankel, 2005:88). For the other part of this module we were tasked with writing a children’s book, using strategies we had studied that help children become literate. I took a non-fiction/fiction approach to my own book, using facts about different animals and their respective habitats, combined with a fictional plot, involving space ships and giant animals. This may result in the child engaging with the ‘story’ and the colourful pictures as well as learning actual facts about the animals involved.â€Å" Probably no other aspect of reading instruction is more discussed, more hotly debated, and less understood than phonics† (Strickland, 1998:5). What is phonics? The American National Reading Panel describes synthetic phonics as; â€Å"Those that emphasise teaching students to ‘convert letters (graphemes) into sounds (phonemes)’ and then to ‘blend’ the sounds to form ‘recognisable words’. Analytic phonics, on the other hand is taken to refer to larger unit phonics programmes, that introduce children to whole words before teaching them to analyse these into their component parts, and emphasise the larger sub-parts of words (i. e., onsets, rimes, phonogrammes and spelling patterns) as well as phonemes† (Wyse & Styles, 2007:35).â€Å"A review of the teaching of early reading in England commissioned by the UK Government recommended that synthetic phonics should be the preferred approach for young English learners. In response, all E nglish schools have been told to put in place a discrete synthetic phonics programme as the key means for teaching high-quality phonic work† (Wyse & Goswami, 2008:691). In 2006, Jim Rose, the Secretary of State for Education for England, produced his report recommending that synthetic phonics must be included in early reading instruction.This decision caused uproar among academics and professionals, as evidence has shown that the Rose Report’s recommendation for synthetic phonics contradicts a large body of evidence over the last 30 years (Wyse & Styles, 2007). The Clackmannanshire studies are a perfect example of this contradiction. In 2004 research into synthetic phonics was carried out in Clackmannanshire, Scotland. It was promoted a great deal by the media, which resulted in a recommendation by England’s Education Select Committee that there should be an enquiry into the teaching of reading through synthetic phonics.  (Wyse & Styles, 2007).Howev er, a spokesperson from the Clackmannanshire study stress that the report was not intended to initiate synthetic phonics ‘taking over’ reading strategies, but to show the advantages of using it alongside other established literacy strategies (Johnson & Watson, 2005). One of Synthetic phonics’ critics, Margret Meek, suggested that phonics is ‘highly inefficient’, ‘full of traps’ and ‘does not account for the individual learner’.She also highlights the idea that without enjoyment, emotion and engagement, reading will seem ‘insignificant’ to a child, and separating this could lead to children seeing reading as a task, rather than a lifelong skill (Meek, 1982:75/76). â€Å"Reading is about reading comprehension and not ‘barking out words’ (Edessa, 2011:11)†. Evidence here highlights the need for a broader literacy strategy spectrum, not just one system designed for all, as a lone focus on a s ingle strategy could cause a child to lose focus in his/her studies.Waterland was critical of phonics, saying reading could only be learned by children working together with competent readers using what she coined the ‘apprenticeship approach’ (Waterland, 1985) The ‘immersion in literacy’ or ‘top down approach’ is a strategy that has been used in the past to teach reading and writing to children, and is a child centered approach which does not emphasize skill (Cohen & Cowen, 2007). The top down approach typically starts with children sitting with a parent, older sibling, carer or caretaker reading a book together.In this setting children will learn not only about reading, but also about print and language. They also learn reading is easy, enjoyable and fun. It allows the child to ‘read’ and understand the meaning without decoding every word in the story (Cohen & Cowen, 2007). Hinkel Writes â€Å"The top down processing inv olved contextual factors such as sociocultural knowledge and task assessment of producing or interpreting the discourse of the task† (Hinkel, 2005:733). This suggests that a learner engaging with a top down approach may draw on other areas of knowledge, not specifically limited to the topic.This may lead to a more holistic development of a literacy beginner. Vygotsky describes each school experience as a ‘complex cultural activity’ (Vygostsky, 1978:11), It has been discussed that the bringing together of synthetic phonics and top down approaches would be a superior method of introducing children to the complex cognitive process of successful reading. I believe that combining the top down and bottom up (phonics) approaches needs of all students would be met, and could also lead to a future with reading and enjoying text, rather than merely reciting meaningless words.It may also benefit teachers, as teachers that are given freedom to promote literature and reading i n the classroom could create interest in reading and literacy, instead of merely reading instructions from flashcards. This, in turn, may increase the quality of education in that respective classroom. Cohen & Cowen talk about ‘the balanced approach’; â€Å"The balanced approach allows teachers to literally take advantages from both the top-down and bottom-up approaches to meet the needs of all students† (Cohen & Cowan, 2007:60).In this essay I have highlighted the diverse, child-centered approaches designed to help children learn to read and write; Picture books, with their vivid illustrations creating meaning and exploration of early literacy. Rhyming and repeating texts, allowing children to draw meaning and reinforce words. Traditional books, with their classic story forms and characters, allow children to understand how stories are formed, which may help when they come to write their own.Evidence suggests that a take over of synthetic phonics may not be the best option, as I feel it gives children a one-dimensional view of literacy. I feel, combing the two approaches to create a curriculum that focuses on integrating the ‘sounding out’ phonic approach with the whole book, ‘real book’, comprehensive approach, will create a stronger bond with phonemic awareness and lingual fluency in children. This could promote literacy being part of a more cultural experience, and in turn may increase literacy levels across our nation.

History of Pangkor Island Essay

In past times; this area used to be the center for piracy. The pirates had their home ports in the Pulau Gedung Hills, Gua Lanun (Pirates’ Cave) and Batu Perompak (Pirates’ Rock) on the island of Pangkor. Many ships/boats were taken over and robbed of their goods and products. The Dutch were active here in the times of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). People were especially keeping themselves busy with the tin industry, until the British took over. In 1670 the Dutch built a fort (also for protection against the locals and the higher powers of that time) at Tiger Rock. During the British rule the name has temporarily been Monkey Island. Later the island was named Pulau Aman (Peaceful Island) before it regained the name Pangkor. Getting around on Pangkor Island The best way to explore Pangkor Island is by motorbike as rental is only around RM25-40 per day. Another option is by renting a car, though there are only a few places where this is possible. Sometimes you will get cheaper prices if you rent a motorbike or car from one of the employees at your resort; but do check up front how things like insurance and such are arranged. Better don’t take any unnecessary chances and just go for the trustworthy rental companies. You could of course also consider renting a bicycle, but do know that some parts of the island have some steep climbs which can be quite strenuous in this tropical climate. Last option is to get around by taxi; but this does limit the possibilities of exploring the island a bit. On the other hand taxi drivers are quite knowledgeable so they might be able to take you to places unknown by tourists. There are no metered taxis on Pangkor Island. Trips are based on fixed prices. For example; a trip from Pangkor Town Jetty to Nipah Bay costs RM15. The best places to rent a scooter is at Pangkor Town Jetty or at Nipah Bay. During weekends (or public holidays) it can be quite crowded on the island, and most of the motorbikes will be rented out. We have good experiences with Budget Resort and Flora Resort (both in Nipah Town). We paid RM32 per day, but normal price is RM40 per day (we rented one for multiple days during our stay). Always be careful when riding a scooter. Always wear a helmet. Make sure you bring your (international) driving license with you, otherwise you will not be able to rent the scooter. Never go too fast. Roads on Pangkor can be quite treacherous and sometimes slippery (especially after rain). There are numerous beaches on Pangkor Island; an easy way to explore them is by motorbike (or taxi/rental car). Only a few of these beaches are popular among locals and tourists; especially during the weekends. The rest are secluded and unspoilt; during the week there is a big chance you will be the only one visiting the beach. Pantai Pasir Bogak probably is the most popular beach on the island. Another great beach is Nipah beach at Teluk Nipah; where you can find clear waters. You can even snorkel in the area, as it is located directly opposite Pulau Giam which is the only island that is surrounded by corals (though snorkeling over here should not be compared with snorkeling at islands like Perhentian, Redang or Tioman). Snorkeling at Giam is inexpensive. Snorkeling gear including a return boat trip costs only RM15 per person. Other great beaches are Ketapang beach and Segadas beach (the secret beach). Though Segadas beach is not that easy to reach (you need to walk from the small town Teluk Gedung via a short jungle trip to the secluded beach, which takes around 20/25 minutes); it probably is the most beautiful beach on the island. Pangkor has some great resorts There are numerous great resorts on the island. One of the most popular is thePangkor Island Beach Resort . This resort is especially great for families with children; as they have an extensive children’s program. All the guests get a daily newspaper where the activities for the day are described. You can chose to join early in the morning to look for birds, or come to the Hornbill feeding platform where Hornbills are fed twice daily. Nearby the coastal town of Lumut you can stay at the amazing Swiss-Garden Resort Damai Laut . When we first visited the resort we didn’t know what to expect. We read stories up front that the resort is often very quiet and that it is especially renowned for its spa facilities and of course the fantastic golf course (18-hole, Par 72 championship golf course including a driving range). Golf sport enthusiasts will have the time of their lives; as the golf course is rated among the best throughout Malaysia (and Southeast Asia). From the resort you have great views on the island of Pangkor that lies opposite the resort. A resort of a whole different class is the famous Pangkor Laut Resort . This is by far the most luxurious resort on the island (actually on a secluded island nearby Pangkor). The resort is often mentioned in luxury & lifestyle magazines; it is rated as one of the best resorts in Malaysia. It is also one of the best places to visit during your honeymoon. Below a nice video of Pangkor Laut and the resort. Pangkor also has great guesthouses During one of our stays at Pangkor Island we spend a few nights at Nipah Guesthouse, winner of the Tripadvisor Travelers Choice 2012 award. This sure was a nice guesthouse and the owners are amazing people. In the same area, around Nipah Bay, there are many other guesthouses. Most of the guesthouses rent out motorbikes and most offer lunches for non-guests.

College Spotlight Series: Everything You Need to Know About Yale

Yale University stands as one of the most prestigious institutions of higher education in the United States, often mentioned in the same breath with luminaries like Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford. The popular US News and World Report rankings place it in a tie for #3 in the National Universities category, and its alums are well-represented in positions of leadership and excellence in the United States and throughout the world. Given this reputation, it’s unsurprising that Yale is a popular choice for motivated students applying to competitive colleges. However, Yale isn’t just a big name; it’s also a real place where real people live, work, and learn. The school has its own culture, traditions, and particular character that makes it an especially good fit for certain applicants. Likewise, getting accepted to Yale isn’t just about proving your academic aptitude. It’s a competitive and challenging admission process that addresses not only your grades and scores, but the potential and perspective you bring to campus and how well you fit with Yale’s approach to college education. Gathering knowledge is a necessity when you’re crafting a successful application for a college like Yale and deciding whether it’s the right fit for you. Read on for all the basics facts about Yale you’ll need to get started with your research. Current enrollment: 5,472 undergraduates, 12,458 students in total Average financial aid award: $48,294 (2015-16) Average SAT score: 1545 (roughly equivalent to 2265 on the old SAT) Yale is well-known for its culture of academic excellence and intellectual rigor. Its students are people who take their education seriously and intend to prepare themselves for leadership roles in the future, though this doesn’t prevent them from having other interests and goals. Undergraduates make up slightly less than half of Yale’s medium-large student body of over 12,000 students, meaning that graduate and professional students do take up some of the resources on campus. However, you don’t need to worry that undergraduates won’t get their share of attention. Yale takes its commitment to high-quality undergraduate education very seriously, and is ranked in US News and World Report’s top 10 schools for undergraduate teaching. As with most colleges on this tier, Yale is an expensive place to go to school. The most recent figure for tuition places that charge at $51,400 per year, and the total cost of attendance for most students is around $64,275 per year. Yale awards only need-based financial aid , meaning it does not provide athletic, academic, or other merit scholarships . However, this need-based financial aid is very generous for students who qualify, and many students end up paying significantly less than their full cost of attendance. Yale’s aid awards are also entirely composed of grant-based aid, meaning that no student is required to take out student loans. Yale’s main campus is located in the downtown area of New Haven, Connecticut. The university owns various properties, including athletic facilities, that are separate from this main campus, but if you attend Yale, the main campus is where you’ll most likely spend your time. New Haven is not far from the urban center of New York City, making the larger city a popular destination for students on weekends and breaks as well as a resource for academic and career development. The campus itself, however, has plenty of charms. It’s well-known for its architectural and historical significance, and was even named the most beautiful college campus in the United States in 2011 by Town & Country Magazine. The most popular academic majors at Yale fall within the fields of economics, political science and government, history, psychology, and biology. In recent decades, Yale has produced a large number of alums who have become significant figures in government and politics, giving the school a reputation as a place where future political leaders are formed. Of course, these aren’t the only areas of academic excellence you’ll find at Yale; the school’s resources and prestige draw well-known scholars and foster top-tier scholarship in many different areas. One area of special interest is Yale’s drama program, which has trained many of today’s leading actors and other media professionals. Yale students are committed to their studies, but they’re just as eager to pursue challenges and activities outside the classroom. The campus is home to over 380 student groups at present, and new groups and programs are always in the works. If you can’t find your preferred activity, you’ll always have the opportunity to create it for yourself. Competitive and informal athletic teams at Yale include the infamous sport of â€Å"bladderball,† a Yale tradition that has been banned by administrators and revived several times. The well-known a capella group the Whiffenpoofs is only one of many performing arts groups on campus, and other activities include a wide range of cultural groups, political organizations, and the Yale Record, the oldest college humor magazine in the country. Like Harvard, Princeton, and quite a few other top-tier schools, Yale’s student housing is arranged according to a residential college system. Most students live on campus within these smaller residential communities. Residential colleges provide students with a place to live, eat, socialize, and find support within the larger Yale community. Each college has associated faculty members and advisors who mingle with students, provide resources, and help organize community events. Our Early Advising Program helps students in 9th and 10th grade discover their passions and build strong academic and extracurricular profiles to succeed in high school. Yale receives over 30,000 applications every year for a matriculating class that usually ends up numbering around 1,300, so the admissions process is quite competitive. In the past few years, only about 6% of applicants have been accepted, and about 70% of those accepted have chosen to attend Yale. Given the large number of applicants, many of whom have very strong qualifications, Yale should always be considered a reach school when you’re making your college list. There simply isn’t enough room for all qualified applicants, so some impressive high school students will inevitably be turned down. Broadly speaking, successful Yale applicants are students who have demonstrated intellectual promise and an ongoing commitment to academic excellence. Their very high GPAs and standardized test scores reflect this level of achievement. However, especially given the strength of the applicant pool, top grades and scores aren’t enough to get you admitted to Yale. You’ll also have to show that you have the potential and the drive to take full advantage of the opportunities that your time at Yale will offer. Yale is looking for students who will not only excel in the classroom, but also use their talents to make a unique impact on the world. Yale offers applicants a choice between the Early Action timeline and the Regular Decision timeline. Early Action applicants submit applications by November 1st and receive their admissions decisions in mid-December. Regular Decision applicants submit applications by January 2nd and receive responses by late March. Both groups of applicants have until May 1st to decide whether to accept Yale’s offer. If you’re considering the Early Action timeline, you should keep in mind that Yale’s Early Action program is what’s known as a single-choice or restrictive Early Action program. This means that you’re not contractually obligated to attend if you’re accepted, but you won’t be permitted to apply to any other colleges in the Early Action or Early Decision round. For more information, take a look at the blog post 6 Things to Consider Before Early Application Deadlines. Applicants to Yale can choose to use either the Common Application or the Coalition Application . Neither form is preferred, so you can choose whichever suits you best. Along with the main Common or Coalition application form, you’ll need to submit Yale’s application supplement, which will ask you a number of additional questions. Your answers will range from a sentence or two to a full essay, and the number of questions you’ll answer depends upon which application form you choose and which academic subject you list as your prospective major. Yale requires applicants to submit scores from the SAT with essay or the ACT with writing; SAT II subject tests and AP tests are recommended, but not required. You’ll also need to submit two teacher recommendations , your transcript, a counselor recommendation and report from your school, and an $80 application fee or fee waiver. Applying to Yale—or to any similar top-tier school—can be a very challenging process. Expectations are high, competition is stiff, and there’s a lot to do before you submit your application. To give yourself the best chance of getting accepted, it’s necessary that you put in the time to get to know Yale and its expectations. We hope this information puts you on the right track toward making informed college choices! Interested in learning more about applying to Yale and other Ivy League schools? Don’t forget to visit the Yale undergraduate admissions office website . When you’re done, check out these posts from the blog for our best advice. Everybody can use a little help with the college application process, and ’s experienced mentors are here to provide that help. We can assist you in identifying your passions, setting appropriate goals, preparing for college application season, and making the most out of your time in high school. For more information about the services we offer, visit our Student Mentorship Program on our website.